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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
May 2003.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• MAY PROGRAM - A Bruno Benson Slide Show;
• PROGRAM REVIEW - APRIL;
• 2003 Meeting Programs;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• COMMUNITY & PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• JUNE BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• IN MEMORIUM - Marjorie Sacher;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• ARE YOU A CONSCIENTIOUS ROCKHOUND;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• "CAMPING CAUTION";
• VGMS MINUTES;
• TECHNOLOGY IS NOT INFALLIBLE;
• AS A ROCKHOUND SEES IT;
• The Theory of Tumbling [rotary];
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• SEASIDE GEMBOREE 2003 SCHEDULE As of 5/03/03;
• How do you catch;
• 2003 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• Seaside Gemboree Flyer;
• POLISHING JADE By Art Logue;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• COLORBOOK;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

There are several important developments coming up - Jim Brace-Thompson is putting together a special "Bruno Benson" display in one of the show cases. Jim has done a marvelous job of cleaning and organizing the stacks of fossils stored in Bruno's work room.

Other arrangements are being made so that the large fossils are less crowded and more visible.

I cleaned and repaired one of the battered small showcases and want to display a large selenite specimen at the museum. I think it is something the children can relate to, it is so large.

The cut-off date for displaying your specimens at the AFMS-CFMS show is May 15. I hope you have all sent in your application, also your promise to volunteer in some area.

Don't forget -- I have all of my collection of rocks, minerals and fossils out for sale, priced to sell. The sale will be on until Sunday afternoon May 25.

Ray Meisenheimer.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

When it comes to wisdom, those who say don't know and those who know don't say.

A beautiful lady is an accident of nature; a beautiful old lady is a work of art.

One has to be patient to learn patience.

Letting the cat out of the bag is a lot easier than putting it back in.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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MAY PROGRAM:
A Bruno Benson Slide Show
By Steve Mulqueen.

Steve Mulqueen has been going through some of the many boxes of slides the club has received from the estate of Bruno Benson. He has found such a fascinating array of slides that he has put together a slide presentation to show us how Bruno and Opal spent their time. Come to our next meeting and walk down memory lane with Bruno and Steve.
     Submitted by Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chair.

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PROGRAM REVIEW - APRIL:
Ed Clark and His Photo of
Minerals through Microscope.

Ed Clark gave a great presentation on photographing thin sections of rocks and minerals from the Smithsonian Institute through a microscope with a polarized light source. It was amazing to see the mosaic of multi-colored hues within such a tiny section of rock and how different the same section can by capturing it from a different angle or using a different type of light.
     Submitted by Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chair.

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2003 Meeting Programs.

Here's an updated outline of programs planned for our monthly meetings through the remainder of 2003.

     Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who have helped fill our slate of programs so early in the year! (I'm now soliciting volunteers for next year...)
     Nancy Brace-Thompson, Program Chairperson.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

5-17-03 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-12 am.
5-28-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a Pebble Pup Meeting.) - "The Adventures of Bruno & Opal Benson", A slide lecture by Steve Mulqueen.
6-5-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
6-5 to 8-03 - Seaside Gemboree - AFMS/CFMS Show - Ventura, CA Fairgrounds - See daily schedules in this bulletin.
6-10-03 - DEADLINE FOR MAY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
6-14 & 15-03 - Jade Cove Field Trip - Tri Club Field Trip.
6-21-03 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-12 am.
6-22-03 - Cerro Gordo Field Trip - Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society.
6-25-03 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm (There isn't a separate Pebble Pup Meeting.) - Opal Artistry - Kay Hara.
7-3-03 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
7-19 & 20-03 - Greenhorn Mountain Field Trip - Tri Club Field Trip.
7-20-03 - VGMS Breakfast - 9:00 am - Home of Emma Mayer (this is tentative, but probable!).

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

News from the Garden - Clay Brashears reports that his dahlia stocks are growing quite tall. He now has seven large blooms and numerous buds that will decorate the corner of his yard. Keep up the good work Clay! - Submitted by Steve Mulqueen.

Many Thanks to Steve and Susan Mulqueen for organizing a club case for the June AFMS/CFMS show. They may be asking for help!

Note the Date of our Annual Breakfast - The date of our annual breakfast is July 20, 2003. Emma Mayer has kindly invited us to her home again for this event. We had a great time last year and hope more can join us this year, so mark your calendars. We are holding it a bit later in the year so the schedules aren't quite so crowded and we can have a great turnout.

SELLING OUT - starting May 1. See Ray Meisenheimer - (805) 642-3155. Call before you come over as we are not always home.

Wood - limbs, slabs, polished & unpolished;
Geodes - polished & unpolished;
Minerals;
Fossils;
Spheres, polished & unpolished;
Pry Bar;
Screens for screening out shark teeth;
Rock bags;
22 foot Winnebago Motor Home.

And more---priced to sell.

Milk Crates are available for members at $5.00 each. See Richard Bromser. They are great for storing our treasures!

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2003 Meetings:
     May 28, 2003 - Sharlyne Holloway & Shirley Layton;
     June 25, 2003 - Jean & Ron Wise;
     July 23, 2003 - Sharon & Gary Markley;
     Aug. 27, 2003 - Greg & Valli Davis;
     Sept. 24, 2003 - Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson;
     Oct. 22, 2003 - Emma Mayer;
     Nov. 12, 2003 - Shirley & Richard Bromser.
Many thanks from Sharon Cunningham for the volunteers. If any questions or changes please give Sharon a call at 805 649-3579.

VGMS Business Cards Available - You can get them printed with your name and address or whatever you wish on them. They are $2.00 for 50 or $3.75 for 100. See Shirley Layton with the number you want and how you want them printed.

VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 until noon unless otherwise notified. The Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393 & Greg Davis (805) 647-9214. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use, take advantage of it.

Bulletin e-mail - It would be helpful when you e-mail information or articles for the bulletin if you could start the subject with "VGMS (space)". This will help Jim to sort them and hopefully not miss any! E-mails work great as we can just roll the information over and don't have to re-type it, so keep them coming!! jns@west.net Thanks!

Advertising - Any One want to put an Ad in Rockhound Rambling?? - Call Shirley Layton 805 642-2683 - Sell some to a friend! The Bulletin goes to several other Gem & Mineral clubs, so it is good spread for little money!!

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

WEB SITES.

AFMS Web Site - http://www.Amfed.org/,
CFMS Web Site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
California BLM Web Site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/,
American Lands Access Association Web Site - http://www.amerlands.org/.

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COMMUNITY & PUBLIC OUTREACH.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Tuesday, April 29, Ray Meisenheimer presented, programs to the entire second grade student body at Mountain Meadows Elementary School in Moorpark. The subjects were rocks, minerals and fossils. Ray had specimens of fossils on display, and polished and unfinished rocks, also minerals. He presented 3 separate programs, one after the other. There were 80 students along with their instructors attending each program. Total he spoke to 240 children, ages 8 and 9.

When Ray discussed a lump of obsidian, then showed a polished obsidian sphere, some one asked what it was used for. Ray said "A dust collector for my wife" which the teachers enjoyed very much.

A number of teachers asked him to visit again very soon to their individual class rooms.

Ray said he had a very rewarding day.

     Florence Meisenheimer.

PUBLIC OUTREACH - On April 23 & 24, Steve Mulqueen led a tour of the borate mining areas in Death Valley National Park and the Amargosa Valley with John McCulloch, webmaster of the "Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad" website. John took several hundred digital photos of historic areas, some which will be used on his website. You can review the website at www.ttrr.org.

On April 29, Steve Mulqueen attended the "Shallow Hydrocarbon Migration Workshop" at the Engineering Research Center, UC Santa Barbara. Steve gave input on his knowledge and understanding of the nature of petroleum seeps. UCSB is conducting several independent investigations on the subjects of offshore and onshore oil and gas seeps.

Tuesday, May 6th, Ray Meisenheimer presented a program on minerals and fossils at Monica Ros School in Ojai. There were fifteen students age 7 and 8 and four adults. This is a private school including grades - Pre-school, 1, 2, and 3. This is the last outside program for them as school is nearing end.

     Steve Mulqueen.

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JUNE BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in June. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! Please let me know if I have missed your birthday. Please call Shirley Layton at 642-2683 and leave a message if I'm not there or an e-mail will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!

June - Happy Birthday!!
     Steve Mulqueen - 1st,
     Wayne Ehlers - 3rd,
     Linda Clement - 10th,
     Matthew Beinar - 23rd,
     Shirley Layton - 23rd,
     Kathryn Davis - 27th.

The June birthstone is the Pearl and the flower is the Rose.


THE PEARL.

University of Wisconsin:
     The following care advice pertains to all types of pearls, coral and mother-of-pearl (shell) material.

Pearl Care.
     Because they are an organic gem comprised of calcium carbonate, pearls require more specialized care than most other gem materials. They are particularly subject to deterioration from contact with chemicals, including components in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and hair care products of all kinds.
     The surface of a pearl is soft and is easily damaged. Pearls set in rings and bracelets are more subject to scuffing and scratching than pearls set in brooches, earrings, necklaces or strands. A pearl ring or bracelet should be considered a special-occasion piece, not for daily wear and DEFINITELY not to be worn while working with the hands.
     A good rule of thumb is that pearls are THE LAST THING YOU PUT ON when dressing and THE FIRST THING YOU TAKE OFF when you get home. NEVER apply perfume or hairspray when you are wearing pearl jewelry, especially a strand of pearls.

Storage.
     Pearl strands should be stored separately from other jewelry because the surface of a pearl is soft and easily scratched by other gems. A silk bag, velvet-lined box or pearl folder--a satin-lined leatherette envelope with snaps to hold a strand in place--are all good places to store pearls. Your local jeweler is a good source for these items.
     NEVER store pearls in a plastic bag. Some types of plastic emit a chemical that will cause the surface of your pearls to deteriorate.
     Don't store pearls in a safe or safety deposit box for long periods. The same ultra-dry atmospheric conditions that extend the life of paper documents may dry out your pearls and cause them to craze--to develop small fractures in the surface.
     Pearl strands should be stored flat rather than hanging so the thread won't stretch out prematurely.

Stringing.
     Pearl strands should be restrung every one to two years or more often if the thread begins to bag or fray. Silk and nylon beading threads are the most commonly used materials for stringing pearls.
     Knotting between beads offers the most security for your pearls; no matter where the strand breaks, you only stand to lose a single bead. The look of the knotted strand is not to everyone's taste, however. Whether you string your pearls with or without knots, the first three or four beads on either side nearest the clasp should be knotted because this area takes the most wear and is the commonest place for a strand to break.

Cleaning Strands.
     Lay the strand flat on a clean soft cloth or towel. Make a mild solution of soap flakes (the author uses Ivory soap flakes) and warm water, and apply with a new pure natural bristle complexion or manicure brush, scrubbing gently. Being careful to support the strand so as not to stretch the thread, turn the necklace over and repeat. To rinse, submerge the strand in cool water, flush with cool tap water for a minimum of five minutes. Carefully remove the strand from the water and lay it on a fresh towel to air dry. Don't move it until it is completely dry.

Other pearl jewelry.
     The principle is the same: use only a mild soap and a natural bristle brush, then rinse with cool water for at least five minutes.
     NEVER USE DETERGENTS, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, COMMERCIAL JEWELRY CLEANERS OR TARNISH REMOVERS ON PEARL JEWELRY.
     Never use your pearl cleaning brush for anything else, and store it where it will not become dusty or soiled.
     Pearls will naturally darken slightly with age and wear. The golden or creamy tones that come with age cannot be removed.

Pearl = a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of nacre as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem.

Breecia,
September 2002.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

HOSPITALITY.

We had 17 members and two pebble pups, Anthony and Matthew Beinar, in attendance to enjoy our own Ed Clark's fascinating program on Petrographic photography. Unfortunately I wasn't one of the attendees, but heard it was a great program. We had just returned from Baja at about 1:30 Tues. night and was up at 6:00 to go to work! Couldn't keep my eyes open long enough on Weds. except to unpack a few necessities from the car and hit the hay! Ray and Florence Meisenheimer provided refreshments and I understand there were several door prizes enjoyed by the winners! Hope to see everyone in May at Steve Mulqueen's presentation on Bruno & Opal Benson's experiences. They are a greatly loved pair and I really look forward to this peak into their fun (and hard work)!

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IN MEMORIUM:
Marjorie Sacher.

Former member Marjorie Sacher died April 23. She was 88 years old. She was a member of VGMS for many years, and enjoyed reading the bulletin to keep up with activities of members. Marjorie was not active in the club, but was active in the hobby. She was a school cafeteria supervisor for 27 years, so her summers were free. She spent that time selling her delicately fashioned gems and jewelry in a small booth at the Black Hills in South Dakota. We send our condolences to her daughter Pat and her family.

     Florence Meisenheimer.

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MEMBERSHIP.

2003 Membership Directories were distributed at the April meeting. Those who weren't in attendance should have received yours via the mail by now. If you haven't give Sharon Markley 805 649-4502 or Shirley Layton 805 642-2683 a call and we will get one to you. If you see any corrections that are needed let Shirley Layton know and we will publish them in the bulletin so members can correct their copies. We are happy to have Stan Schmidt and his Grandson, Josh Glenn join us again. They didn't make it quite in time for the directory so please add this information to your 2003 directory:

Stan Schmidt, Grandson Josh Glenn,
9165 Santa Margarita Road,
Ventura, CA 93004,
(805) 647-1020 - sschm9165@aol.com.

Attention New Members (or anyone needing a badge)
Need a Club Badge?
Blue Engravers is giving us a $.50 reduction per badge
for advertising space in the club bulletin!
Ventura County Shape badge $11.28 (includes. tax & ship).
ACCOUNT: Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Name (print clearly. It will be on your name badge):

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

_______________________________Zip:____________

Make check payable to and mail to (takes 5-7 business days):
Blue Engravers,
1375 Caspian Ave.,
Long Beach, CA 90813.
If ordering more than 2 badges call them for exact shipping
costs at (562) 983-5140, FAX (562) 983-5146,
E-mail BLUEGRAVR@aol.com.

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ARE YOU A CONSCIENTIOUS ROCKHOUND?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
By Bill Smith, AFMS 5th Vice President,
Representing the Northwest Federation.

The petrified wood area in the Saddle Mountains is considered one of the prime collecting areas here in the Northwest. On a club collecting trip, an area of excellent logs was located several hundred feet from the main road. By Sunday evening several deep holes had been dug and, as several of the logs were very heavy, a new road was made to the collecting site, even though signs say stay on authorized roads only. Monday morning the DNR field personnel check out the deep holes and the unauthorized road. They then make a report of the same to their office manager. If you were an office manager, what would you do?

The diatomaceous earth pits, also located in the Saddle Mountains, are an excellent source for the multicolored opalite. On Saturday permission was obtained to collect in one of the pits, provided no one collected in the vertical walls which were very unstable. Even though the word was put out just prior to collecting, within an hour after the club started on Sunday, a person was digging out a large piece of opalite from the base of a thirty-foot vertical wall. After observing the digging in the wall, and if you were the person that had granted permission to collect, what would you say to the next person who asked to collect in the pit?

A rancher in Montana owns a ranch located in the middle of Montana Agate country and his family collects the agate and sells it to a local rock shop to help supplement the family income. Even though he has 'No Trespassing' signs, he finds people collecting agate on his ranch. What would you do if you were the rancher?

We, as rockhounds, must be sensitive toward the landowner and diligent in abiding by the regulations if we are to retain our collecting areas.

Bill from Northwest Newsletter, 11/02.

CAUSE TO PAUSE FOR THOUGHT.

At times I find myself pausing and thinking 'How can we get the message across to our rock collectors that some rules are needed?' With the increase in population and the lack of respect for our lands, it is necessary to protect them.

Recently I received a letter from a BLM Office stating that one of the major issues associated with desert protection was illegal vehicle use. The signing of roads that are open and closed is relatively inexpensive, but the signs are ignored and destroyed.

Some of us spend many hours working with government agencies to keep an area open, but to go back later to see the destruction that some people have done to the area is very discouraging. Then the next trip you see that the BLM has taken steps to prevent this destruction by putting up barriers, gates and fences. As there is no accounting of the people or the number of people who use an area, we are all blamed for the few who do not fill their holes, or drive into every area to pick up their rocks, or think private property is not for the owners' use only.

If we get some other collecting areas open, will the rules be followed? If there is a chance that we might get more roads open in some of the wilderness areas, should I go to that meeting or write a letter to help us have another open road?

Izzie Burns,
Via CFMS Newsletter 5/03.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2003,
Schedule 3-5-2003.

***Please call to confirm that there is a fieldtrip scheduled in the event of changes.

Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.

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"CAMPING CAUTION."

I'm quite sure I have published this before, but with it being the beginning of summer vacations and camping trips being planned and executed I just had to do it again, because I love it!

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars." "What does that tell you?"

Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"

Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. "Elementary my dear Watson. Someone has stolen our tent."

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, May 1, 2003:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2003, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, Ca.
Present: Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Gary Markley, Dave Mautz, Shirley Layton, Steve Mulqueen, Ron Wise, Nancy Brace-Thompson and Greg Davis.
Florence Meisenheimer: The Big Show (AFMS/CFMS show in June) is almost here. Hope everyone intends to assist and attend.
Richard Bromser: Checks 1023-1027 were m/s/c to be used for club utilities and expenses. Rock & Gem magazine was ordered for the County Library and Lapidary Journal is pending a correct address for subscriptions.
Gary Markley: We have 59 paid members at this time and the remainder of new club directories were mailed out.
Steve Mulqueen: A future date will be set for roof repair. The board declined, at this time, an offer to manage, house and display an amethyst collection owned by the CFMS. Next month's presentation will be Bruno and Opal Benson's mineral and fossil slide collection - part one.
Shirley Layton: Personalized club business cards are ready to be ordered by club members. VGMS is in the top two for the running of this year's CFMS large bulletin recognition awards and two members for their articles. Red Jioras - top five - Adult article category for a part of his Blue Forest Wood trip series and Steve Mulqueen - top three - Adult article advanced category - Shirley forgets which of Steve's articles was submitted. Way to go everyone! 10th of the month is deadline for articles to the bulletin.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Exhibitor chair is still open for our 2004 show. We need one more person to step forward and join this award winning team! The date for the next show meet is yet to be determined and a silent auction is tentatively set for our August general meeting.
Ron Wise: The May AFMS field trip is still set for Texas Springs (Jackpot - Nevada) and the June AFMS trip is slated for good old Jade Cove (Plasket Campground) where when you do find something it's valuable. There's also a trip planned for June 22nd to Cerro Gordo, sponsored by the Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society, Greenhorn Mountains, July 19 & 20 is in question. Details ASAP.
Ray Meisenheimer: Ray and Florence still have a lot of material for sale from their personal collection. Call to arrange a time to view.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, April 23, 2003:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, Ca. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The February regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin. Guests were introduced and welcomed.
     Ray asked for but received no old business. New business: Steve Mulqueen is scheduled to present a slide show on Bruno Benson's life of collecting during our next general meeting - May 28 (and during the AFMS/CFMS show in June).
     The treasurer's report was not available.
     Nancy Brace-Thompson - Thanked everyone for attending the post-show meet, exhibitor chair is still open for the 2004 VGMS show and a reminder that the Conejo show is coming up on May 17 & 18.
     Emma Mayer has again offered to host this year's summer breakfast at her house-July 20.
     Next was Ed Clark's presentation on petrographic photography (slides taken of cut and highly magnified rock forming minerals using polarized and non-polarized light). The variations really were amazing, with "scenes" visible in some. Our thanks to Ed for taking the time to give us a glimpse of this seldom seen world.
     Door prizes were awarded, refreshments were provided by Ray and Florence Meisenheimer and Ray reminded the group that he and Florence are selling their collections of mineral specimens, beginning this weekend. Hurry in for material, much of which is no longer available in the field.
     There being no further business, Ray adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

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TECHNOLOGY IS NOT INFALLIBLE!

We were digging through some old "stuff" looking for photos of Bruno to go along with this month's program and ran across the following which I think is just tooo cute to not share with everyone! I talked with Florence Meisenheimer and, she being the good sport she is, agreed to let me share it.

Several years back, probably about 7 or 8, we started to use a scanner for items you all sent to us to include in the bulletin as it cut out a lot of typing and sped things up. Well, as you know, Florence has always been most helpful and generous with articles for the bulletin, which we greatly appreciate. She used to type these on her typewriter (BC-before computer). The ribbon was a bit worn and the letters weren't always uniform in color. One of the articles she sent I put in the scanner, Jim did his thing with it and burst out laughing! I asked him what was so funny and he showed me the title that had come up on the computer of the article he just scanned. It read - "FART!! SCiENCE STUDIES AT CAMP PARADISE". The E and H of the first word were kind of light in places! We thank Florence for making our "publishing week end" a joy and letting us share it with you! I still have to laugh every time I think about it!

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AS A ROCKHOUND SEES IT.

Sheer Luck - someone else's good find.
Hard work and brains - your own good find.
Greed - someone else's large quantity of one specimen.
Foresight - your own large quantity of one specimen.
Stinginess - someone else's refusal to share good rock locations.
Shrewdness - your own refusal to share good rock locations.
Bunch of junk - someone else's collection.
Museum pieces - your own collection.
Botched up job - someone else's first lapidary attempt.
Promising beginning - your own first lapidary attempt.

Cross Timbers Talks 8-89 via The Petrified Log 5/03.

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The Theory of Tumbling [rotary].
Reference: Orcutt Mineral Society web page http://oms.home.netcom.com/.
Author Unknown, From "Gems & Minerals", January 1955.

     An understanding of the theory behind a process is always an aid to its practical application. This article will tell you how and why a rotary tumbler works.
     Because of the interest in lapidary tumbling, some notes on the mechanics of the process may be of help to the lapidary. The method has been used in industry for many years in cleaning, deburring, and polishing metal, plastic, ceramic, and other materials. The following information has been gleaned, for the most part, from trade journals, catalogs, and technical literature. Some of it is from the author's personal experience.
     The speed of rotation of the drum is all important in the rapid working of the material in the drum. Surprisingly enough, there is just one speed at which the drum and its charge will work most efficiently. Faster or slower than this speed will increase the time necessary to finish the charge. The reason for this is easy to understand when we know the processes at work in either grinding or polishing in a tumbling drum. The mechanism is not one of tumbling, in spite of the name. All, or at least 90%, of the work is done by a sliding motion of the contents of the drum.

How Speed Effects Tumbling.
     The rotary speed of the drum for maximum effect is that which causes a maximum sliding effect. Let us assume that we are using a hexagonal drum. The diagram shows the effect of different speeds of rotation.

LEGEND:    A - Nearly stationary material.    B - Sliding layer where grinding and polishing    take place.    C - Point of start of sliding at 15 r.p.m.    D - Start of sliding at 25 r.p.m.    E - Start of sliding at 35 r.p.m.

     The material at "A" is doing little or nothing except climb the side of the barrel. At point "C" it begins to slide on its return to the bottom of the barrel and 90% of the grinding and polishing takes place in this area, "B". As the speed is increased from 15 r.p.m. to 25 r.p.m., the start of the slide point moves to "D" but the total amount of the material contained in the sliding mass is less. If one has an open-end drum and can watch the work as it moves in the barrel, these effects are readily apparent.
     As the speed is further increased to 35 r.p.m., the sliding mass almost disappears and the material rolls or tumbles to the bottom of the barrel. When this happens, grinding and polishing ceases for all practical purposes. All of these effects are easily proven experimentally and anyone with a tumbling barrel can verify them.

Establish the Best Speed.
     The speeds given are for illustration only and will vary with each individual case. Experiment with your drum until you find the right speed to give the maximum thickness of the sliding layers and consequently the maximum cutting effect. One manufacturer states that with a 30" diameter barrel operating at 20 r.p.m., the sliding layer is three inches thick.
     I think that from the above and by reference to the drawing, it is plain to see that the maximum cutting rate will be obtained with a drum that is approximately half full. More or less material, or charge, will decrease not only the number of pieces finished, but also will cut down on the cutting speed by decreasing the thickness of the sliding layer.
     Many users of barrel polishing use only abrasive and water in addition to the pieces being ground or polished. However, some have found that the addition of such materials as sawdust, ashes, paper packing material, confetti, fiberboard, walnut shell meal, etc., are a great help, especially in the final or fine grinding and polishing.

Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society,
San Jose, California.

Via Rockonteur 5/03.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).

Heat nodule and thunder egg halves under a heat lamp for a few minutes before Polishing with tin oxide or cerium oxide and felt to make the polish come up almost instantly. - via MOROKS 5/03.

To keep the slab saw oil clean, cut a piece of old carpet to fit in the bottom of the saw. When saw needs cleaning, lift carpet up slowly, so rocks and shavings stay on carpet. Roll up carpet in a plastic bag and throw it away. - Fresno Chips via MOROKS 5/03.

When shaping and polishing your stones, do not press hard. Let the machine do the work. By pressing hard all you do is wear out the wheels, yourself, and cut deep scratches in the stone. You have better control over your work with a lighter touch. Grind your stone on high speed, sand on medium speed, and polish on a low speed, all with a light touch. - The Tumble Rumble via MOROKS 5/03.

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SEASIDE GEMBOREE 2003 SCHEDULE
As of 5/03/03.

Activities Daily During the Show:

"Dinosaur Discovery Pit": dig for dinosaur bone, paint a cast dinosaur claw, sift for micro-fossils.
Miniature Mars rover vehicles from The Planetary Society's Red Rover Goes To Mars Project.
Diamond Pacific presents: Try your hand at grinding and polishing a stone.

Via Del Air Bulletin 5/03.

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Q: How do you catch a unique rabbit?
A: Unique up on it.

Q: How do you catch a tame rabbit?
A: Tame way, unique up on it.

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2003 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

As part of our publicity campaign for our show, Jim Brace-Thompson had a great idea to share more complete show information with other clubs as an insert into their bulletins. The response we had to that was great. The Editors were happy to publish our information as an exchange for their show information. We are happy to reciprocate.

MAY 31 - JUNE 1; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun 10-4. Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 5-8; VENTURA, CA - Del Air Rockhounds, Inc., Seaside Park (Ventura Fairgrounds), 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Hours: Thurs-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Brad Tanas (818) 368-5624. AFMS/CFMS Show.
JUNE 7-8; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 540 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. David Kostruba.
JUNE 21-22; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Min. Soc., La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bill Burns (626) 288-2896.
JULY 19-20; ESCONDIDO, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Escondido Army National Guard Armory @ 304 East Park Avenue. Hours: Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-6. Don Parsley (760) 745-6181.
AUGUST 2-3; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, S.F. County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott E-mail: ellen_mptt@yahoo.com.
AUGUST 8-9; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Wayne Mills (805) 481-3495. E-mail: Rocks4u@prodigy.net.
SEPTEMBER 20-21; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, 12th Annual "Rockhound Roundup". Pioneer Park & Museum, 2010 Riverside Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. John McCabe (805) 464-0528. E-mail: mccabewest@aol.com.
SEPTEMBER 27-28; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Women's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Earl Liston (562) 865-1348.
OCTOBER 1-13; FRESNO, CA - Fresno Gem & Mineral Society "The Tradition is Back Celebrating 120 years of the Big Fresno Fair". Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S. Chance Avenue. Hours: 11 am-10 pm. Violet Wells (559) 673-3908. E-mail: fgms1@excite.com.
OCTOBER 11-12; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, Searles Lake Show Building, 13337 Main St. Hours: Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356.
OCTOBER 18-19; EL CAJON, CA - El Cajon Gem & Mineral Society "Treasures of the Earth", El Cajon Valley Masonic Hall, 695 Ballantyne. Hours: 10-5 both days. Mikki Santens (619) 440-3201.
OCTOBER 12-19; SANTA ROSA, CA - Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Rosa Veteran's Memorial Bldg., 1351 Maple Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Pete Peterson (707) 833-2683. E-mail: Robert-Peterson@webtv.net.

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AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2003.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To Be Announced.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
Combined AFMS/CFMS SHOW,
June 5-8; Ventura, CA.
Del Air Rockhounds presents:
"Seaside Gemboree 2003",
Seaside Park (Formerly Ventura Fairgrounds),
10 W. Harbor Blvd.,
Bob Backus (818) 347-2056, E-mail: GemboreeBiz@aol.com,
(818) 883-7851, www.afms-cfmsgemshow.org.

EASTERN FEDERATION,
October 17-19; Poughkeepsie, NY.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEDERATION,
July 11-13; Casper, WY.

NORTHWEST FEDERATION,
August 1-3; Kennewick, WA.

MIDWEST FEDERATION,
August 15-17; Cottage Grove, MN.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We are deep into Show Preparations and it looks good. Any one wanting to write up their thoughts about the show, vacations, rock collecting trips, Great Find or anything of interest, please do so as we are all interested. Contributions from you members keep the Bulletin interesting and I thank you for them.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

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Seaside Gemboree Flyer.

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POLISHING JADE,
By Art Logue,
Whittier Gem and Mineral Society.

     Each time I think I'm getting expert I run into some material that defies all my efforts. If anyone were to ask what step is the most important in cutting jade, I would answer without question that the selection of the jade is by far the most important. No cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing will make inferior material into anything but an inferior stone. Whether the jade be nephrite or jadeite, quality material free from detracting inclusions works into beautiful gemstones.
     You will experience no difficulty in cutting or grinding jade. A hardness of approximately 6.5 is complemented by a toughness that resists chipping and fracturing. It is in the sanding that most jade cabochons go amiss. The fault which most lapidaries credit to polishing usually can be traced to sanding errors. No degree of polishing will correct a stone which undercut during sanding. The fibrous texture of jade and variation of hardness are the reasons for its reputation as a problem child. I have found that some material can be sanded dry and works up beautifully. Other material in its final sanding begins to undercut. When this happens, I stop immediately and try a new approach; first, a final sanding on a new piece of 600 cloth. Many times this will correct the difficulty and after a few moments the cabochon will be smooth, free of under-cut or peel, and appear almost polished.
     In dry-sanding jade, I try not to push the cab into the sanding drum, but rather let it ride lightly on the surface of the cloth. I also try to keep the stone cool. From time to time I touch it to my cheek and if it is too hot for comfort, I let it cool. If dry sanding fails, I go to wet sanding. If this fails, I go to my faceting machine and finish sanding on a 1200 grit diamond lap. A wooden lap works very well.
     I polish on hard leather without a soft backing and use Linde A. I have also found that a wooden lap works very well for polishing. I apply maximum pressure in polishing and let the stone build up heat. If a cab is ready to polish, a few moments does the job.
     I turn the dry sanding drums about 2200 rpm. Wet drums or disks turn about 1400 rpm, and I polish at 550 or less.
     Above all, work with good jade, and use patience. - from the Rockhounder.

Jade Advice.
     Bolton Lee, San Diego, California, is an authority on jade. In the Bulletin of the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society, May 1964, he cautions the less experienced.
     "It is, indeed, very difficult, especially for amateurs, to distinguish the difference between genuine and imitation jade. Unless one has been studying jade for some time and has had the opportunity of handling it daily, it is practically impossible to tell the difference," he warns.
     "Jasper jade" has many black spots imbedded in the stone; Peking glass contains air bubbles; genuine jade is absolutely free from such defects. Cunning dealers have learned to replace good jade with inferior stone by boiling the jade in certain chemicals that produce a beautiful green, making the stone appear to be the best. The color will remain for five or six months, but if the jade is left in sunlight or a strong light for a long period, its original color will return partially, although a light shade of green will remain. Careful scrutiny will reveal that this green differs from the natural green.
     Buying jade in China at 50 per cent of the quoted price is not sound because curio shops tempt clients by quoting ridiculously high prices and accepting much less. The purchaser may be surprised that even at that he has been cheated.
     A reputable dealer will furnish a certificate, if requested, guaranteeing the stones a purchaser buys, avers Mr. Lee. Articles of great value are seldom, if ever, offered in small, curio shops. There is no harm in shopping for novelties, but don't expect outstanding bargains in jade. When buying fine jade, a purchaser who is not an expert is advised to make a deposit and obtain the stone on approval. If it is unsuitable after being appraised elsewhere, the deposit will be refunded by a reputable dealer when the stone is returned. Dealers usually are unwilling to sell jade on approval if it is imitation material.
     Never ask the price of jade "per carat," admonishes Mr. Lee. Jade is not valued according to its size. Finally, there is no simple test for jade. If there were, there would be no need of experts.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Crucible:
     A melting pot or vessel composed of temperature-resistant metal or refractory material used by assayers, prospectors, miners and metallurgists. It is used for the purpose of heating ore, rock and/or refined metal to a high temperature in order to test the material in an assay process.

The crucible is also used to melt metals so that it can be formed into a desirable shape. Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) and base metals (iron, lead, zinc, etc.) are refined from ore, melted in a crucible and the hot liquid metal is then poured into an ingot mold. When cooled, the metal ingots are removed from the mold, weighed and prepared for shipment.

A crucible is also a term which refers to the lower part of a shaft furnace.

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. - Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, May 2003.

Illustration of the Month.


"THE ELEPHANT - As They Saw It".

An illustration from the book "THE ELEPHANT As They Saw It", edited by Elisabeth L. Egenhoff, A collection of contemporary pictures and statements on gold mining in California, Division of Mines & Geology, California Office of State Printing, 1949, page 6.

"The Elephant" became synonymous with the lure of California's gold during the Gold Rush which began in 1849. Phrases such as "The Elephant as they saw it" and "I have seen The Elephant" represented the excitement of finding gold and the hardships and disappointments that usually followed the Forty-Niners on their great adventure.

"It was a concise description of the great American experience of the mid-19th Century, an experience that no spirited, venturesome man could resist." (Quoted from the Time-Life Book volume on The Old West, "The Forty-Niners", printed in 1974, Page 80).

I strongly believe that most rockhounds, prospectors, miners, geologists and gold panners still possess these traits; the excitement of exploring, the acceptance of the discomforts on the trail, the joy of finding rewards in the form of fantastic mineral discoveries and the experience of nature's wonders along the way.

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print rediscovered in books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. - Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, May 2003.

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COLORBOOK.

P is for . . .


. . . Pyrite.
Pyrite is also known as "fool's gold" because many prospectors thought they had discovered gold when they had only found pyrite. Actually, gold is softer and more yellow than pyrite. Pyrite is named after the Greek word for fire, because if you hit pyrite with steel, you will make a spark. Pyrite is dark yellow and has a shiny, metallic luster.


















. . . Pyrope.
Pyrope is a dark red variety of
garnet. Its crystals are often very
well-formed. It is sometimes used
as a gemstone.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

These Photos are of Bruno Benson and some of his works and finds in the fossil field. We thought they would be good to share along with Steve's program this month. The captions are from my notes in talking with Bruno. If I have them wrong, please correct me!

Bruno and his "two heads" - Archaeotherium skull - White River, SD.


Bruno and "friend" - pig like artiodactyls.


Giant Rhino found by Bruno in Tonopah, NV. This is the actual skull.


Bruno with a Tyrannosaurus Rex Lower Jaw from Hell Creek Formation, MT.

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