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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
January 2004.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• DON'T FORGET - DUES ARE PAST DUE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• JANUARY PROGRAM;
• DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DINNER;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings - 2004;
• GEM SHOW 2004: Last Two Show Planning Meetings & a Thank-You;
• GEM SHOW 2004: Help Fill & Install Library Displays;
• REMINISCING;
• FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• EARTH SCIENCES;
• CFMS Fall Business Meeting;
• AN INSURANCE UP-DATE;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• MEMBERSHIP;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• LEARN SOMETHING NEW, Rust - The Super Hero;
• Suicide / Murder With a Twist;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• List of website addresses for important mineral shows;
• SHOW DATES;
• 2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2004;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• CFMS Mariposa Show;
• CFMS Big Pine Earth Science Studies Application;
• The VGMS 42nd Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show Exhibitor Application;
• TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2004 Tentative Schedule;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• COLORBOOK;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Once again, I look forward to a productive New Year as your President. Thank you for your support.

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society is prosperous as a direct result of the work from all our members. Our greatest challenge each year is the annual gem and mineral show "Artistry from Nature", scheduled for March 6 and 7, 2004 at Seaside Park in Ventura. Jim Brace-Thompson, our Show Chairman, will need your continued support in order to achieve another great show. We will be having 2 show-meetings before the event. Please plan on attending both of them. We have many details to work out in the next several weeks. If you haven't yet volunteered for duties to be performed before, during and after the show, please talk with Jim. He has many vacant positions that need to be filled.

Shirley Layton is in charge of the "Country Store" during the show and will need donations and plenty of help. Susan Mulqueen will be managing the "Plant Booth" and will need plant donations and lots of assistance.

There are many ways in which you benefit from the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society. Being an active member is the greatest priority. We learn as a group from all our activities including meetings, lectures, field trips, workshops and mineral shows to name a few. Most of all, we share ideas with members and learn many things in return. Please play an active role in sharing your talents with our members. You can do this by bringing rocks, minerals and fossils to our regular meetings, by giving a lecture on a subject related to our hobby or by leading a field trip to a collecting area, historic site or scenic area. The possibilities are endless!

Make 2004 the best year ever as a member of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society. I'm looking forward to a great year as your president.

Steve Mulqueen.

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DON'T FORGET - DUES ARE PAST DUE.

Dues were due on January 1, 2004, but It's Not Too Late! Check the inside cover of the Bulletin for the amount due and stop now and send a check made out to VGMS to Sharon Markley, 1686 Kenewa, Ojai, CA 93023. We want you in the Directory and we want to keep sending the bulletin.

Webmaster's Note: Dues amounts are available on our VGMS Information Page.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Pity the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

Time is the most valuable thing you can spend.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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JANUARY PROGRAM:
Sharing of Quartzsite Finds & Experiences.

This is the old fashioned "Show and Tell" time. All who were lucky enough to go to Quartzsite, Laughlin or Tucson please bring your finds to display for all to see. Please be prepared to also share your experiences (good, bad & funny!) even if you don't have anything to display. We look forward to seeing all your treasures and to sharing your fun in getting them. You can also update us on anything new that is going on in our wonderful hobby. See you all there!

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DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DINNER:
What Fun We Had!

     Our annual Christmas Dinner was held on Wednesday, December 10th. The food was very good and Sharon Cunningham provided some very cute and very edible table decorations, even though she could not be with us. Thank You Sharon, we missed you!
     Along with the good food, fellowship and holiday festivity Ed Clark was kind enough to install the 2004 officers. The outgoing officers were duly thanked and the incoming wished the best of luck (actually the two groups looked an awful lot alike!).
     It was a fun time and we missed those who weren't able to attend. Hope everyone had a good holiday and have a good start on a good New Year.
     Congratulations to the new Officers and many thanks to Steve Mulqueen for stepping up to the plate (so to speak)! Let's all get behind Steve and this great group and make 2004 a memorable and fun one!

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

1-28-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. All member participation with your Quartzsite finds and experiences.
2-1-04 - Install Gem Show Promotional Displays at Libraries - Contact Jim Brace-Thompson (659-3577) for details, times, etc.
2-5-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
2-6-04 - Field Trip - Wiley Wells - Dick Pankey, Contra Costa M&G Society - See "Field Trips Are Fun" for details.
2-10-04 - DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY Bulletin Articles to the Editor! Happy New Year - Here we go again!
2-12-04 - Country Store Pricing Session - 7:00 pm - At the Museum.
2-15-04 - 2004 VGMS Show Meeting - 2:00 PM - Home of Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson (7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura).
2-21-04 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-12 am.
2-25-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Show Meeting with Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.
2-28-04 - TriClub Field Trip - Tajiguas Beach - "Field Trips Are Fun" for more details.
3-4-04 - VGMS Show Set-Up - Board meeting at Fairgrounds.
3-5-04 - VGMS Show Set-Up & Dealer/Exhibitor Dinner - Fairgrounds.
3-6 & 7-04 - VGMS "ARTISTRY FROM NATURE" Annual Show - Are we Ready?
3-8-04 - Whew! We did it!!

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

2004 VGMS Show is nearing - Remember to "Stock Pile" and "Publicize"!!!

Plants - Plants & More Plants - Show time is getting close and the Plant booth is one of our best fund raisers. I know this has been a cold winter, but hopefully all you with green thumbs are harboring a lot of good material for the show. We get a lot of comments about the variety and quality of plants we offer and many look forward to it every year. Give Susan Mulqueen a call with any questions.

Country Store - Besides plants we hope you are saving your good items for the Country Store. We take most everything, but the better the quality the better price we can get. If you have any unwanted Christmas presents or items that were replaced by new Christmas presents, the Country Store is a great place to donate them. We are going to have our last pricing session on the 12th of February at 7:00 pm at the Museum. If you can get your donations to us by then or on that night that would be wonderful. The more we can get priced before the show the less hectic it is setting up. But please bring them to the Fairgrounds on Thursday or Friday if you can't get them in beforehand. If you need help transporting, give Shirley Layton a call 805 642-2683 and we will get it taken care of. Thanks everyone for making the Country Store a success in the past and hopefully this year will be an even better one!

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2004 Meetings - Sharon Cunningham has kindly agreed to coordinate the Hosting schedule again for 2004. She is going to start out the year right by bringing the refreshments for the January meeting! Let's all make it easy on her and rush up and volunteer for one of the other 10 (none in Dec.) months. Many thanks Sharon for spearheading this important part of our meetings.

CFMS Newsletters Available to all - A subscription to this newsletter costs $5.00 for 11 issues a year. If you are interested, send your request and check to California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc., P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377. It is well worth the money and I would encourage all to do it.

VGMS Business Cards Available - You can get them printed with your name and address or whatever you wish on them. They are $4.00 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!

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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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Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2004.

In the absence of a Program Chairman for the year 2004, the President is asking for volunteers to take responsibility for planning a program for at least one of the monthly meetings. Any vacancies remaining after this request will be filled by appointment.

*The designated "Speaker" is responsible for one of the following options during the assigned meeting:
     Present a lecture;
     Invite a guest speaker, introduce him/ her at the meeting;
     Present a video related to our hobby.
          Steve Mulqueen, President.

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GEM SHOW 2004:
Last Two Show Planning Meetings & a Thank-You.

How did 2004 creep up on us so fast??? Our annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary & Fossil Show is now just a couple short months away, and we need full attendance at the last two show planning meetings before show-time to ensure that all of our ducks are in a row. Thus, please mark your calendars for 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 21, and for 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 15. Both meetings will take place at the Brace-Thompson home (7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, 659-3577). Come with any final questions you may have, any ideas for activities, and all the enthusiasm that makes our club so great. We'll see you then!

I also wish to thank Ed Clark for volunteering to be our Exhibitor Chair. Let's make his job easy by each of us volunteering to enter a display (or two or three or four). It's time to start thinking about what you wish to display at this year's Show and contacting Ed to reserve a space. We're including a form in this month's bulletin to make it easy!

Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

GEM SHOW 2004:
Help Fill & Install Library Displays.

To help promote our 2004 Gem, Mineral, Lapidary & Fossil Show, we've reserved display spaces at the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura and the Wright Library on Day Road for the month of February, and we also have a display case in public view in the Ventura County Government Center. Three display cases will take a lot of material to fill, and we ask your help in filling them. Like last year, our theme for these display cases will be "The Many Facets of Rockhounding." We want to cover the hobby by including impressive specimens ranging from rocks, minerals, and fossils purchased and collected on field trips, lapidary projects crafted by club members, faceted stones and shiny cabs next to the rough material they came from, etc. Please bring specimens to loan for these displays to the January meeting or call me (659-3577) to arrange to meet between now and February. Also, Nancy and I installed the displays ourselves last year, and to make it go faster and easier this year, we invite volunteers to help install on Sunday, February 1. Please call me to arrange a time and place to meet for installation. Thank you, one and all!
     Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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REMINISCING.

Ray and I had not known Opal and Bruno long when he had a stroke. It was an El Nino year with much rain. Bruno had his own heavy equipment business and was working nearly 20 hours a day repairing roads and bridges. The stroke paralyzed one side for a time and affected his speech. Up until that time he was an excellent and knowledgeable speaker giving lectures, programs, and taught one year at Santa Barbara City college with Dr. Gray. Bruno knew what he wanted to say, but could not get the right words out.

One morning as Opal prepared breakfast he came into the kitchen trying to button his shirt. Opal said, "Here, Bruno, I will help you." To the surprise of both, he said, "You bug me!" Opal hugged him and burst into tears. "Bruno, you are talking," she said. Bruno cried, too.

One of the hardest challenges was the CFMS show in 1971 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Bruno was show chairman, and was recovering from the stroke. A golf cart was obtained to help him get around.

Every one in the club had a job, and every one worked hard. On Saturday, while Bruno was attending the convention meeting Opal baked pies to sell. We could serve food at the Fairgrounds at that time. She baked all day, one oven-full after another. Her little trailer was parked next to where food was prepared to sell. Mysteriously one of her fresh lemon pies disappeared. She learned later that Dorr Thayer and Ray Meisenheimer filched it and ate it. They had missed lunch.

Laura Turner, treasurer, walked around the Fairgrounds with hundreds of dollars worth of greenbacks rolled tightly in her little fist. She didn't want to be seen carrying a purse or money bag. She would amble to her little trailer most unconcerned, then hide the money inside so well that even her husband Ed could not find it.

To this day no other show has had as many competitive exhibits and at that time it was the most successful show pennywise. Attendance was more than ten thousand paid attendees. The committee people were terrific, and working for Bruno and Opal inspired them all.

The banquet on Saturday evening was attended by upwards of 300. Ray, Dorr and Frank King were the main cooks. The meal consisted of pit barbecued beef, chili beans, corn on the cob, tomatoes, rolls with butter, pie or cake, coffee or cola. All for $5.00. I was stashed away in the First Aid booth, doing cross word puzzles, because no one needed any attention. I came over after the banquet ended, and never in all my life have I seen such a tired, dead on their feet bunch as the kitchen and serving crew. They still had to clean up for the Editor's breakfast in the morning.

Bruno and Opal traveled a lot, their small trailer hooked to Bruno's green truck (later a motor home). Opal got to see sights and country she never dreamed of seeing and she loved it. For a time Bruno owned a cab-over camper and they made a trip to New York. Dorothy Schiernbeck, recently widowed, was asked to accompany them in her camper. She enjoyed the trip until Bruno drove down town, through the crowded, honking streets of the city.

Dorothy said she was absolutely petrified and pulled up to within a few feet of Bruno's bumper and STAYED there. She didn't care what color the traffic lights showed, red, yellow or green, if Bruno went through, so did she, no matter how much she was yelled at. She said, "Never again!"

Bruno and Opal had special names for areas they parked to scour the hills and mountains for specimens. One was "The Dump" and we were literally parked behind the city dump. That included the Bensons, Meisenheimers, and David Mautz. Bruno might be out all day, with a water bottle, back pack, pick and hammer, walking and inspecting the area. He learned to check ant hills--they throw out a lot of things they do not want like small gold nuggets if you are in gold country, or tiny minerals or fossils, or even small arrowheads. Bruno knew that by studying the terrain what he might find.

Opal was guest exhibitor chairperson for seventeen years. They attended as many as 12 to 14 shows a year, entering the club case and their own cases. They met half the gem and mineral people in the State of California. When I took over the position in 1978, (and held the job for 19 years) I would call her if I had a question, saying Opal, this is your problem child. So she called my daughter, and Ray was her problem son, because he liked to tease. (Since Bruno never tasted coffee or beer in all his life, Ray always offered him some.) And Dorr Thayer was Teddy Bear.

Ray knew Roger and Fran before they were married. The Bensons, Bretons and Meisenheimers visited their very lovely home in Bluebell, Utah one hot summer week-end. During the night a terrific thunder storm blew in. The first indication was a crash of thunder that scared Maureen. She sat upright and got a bad bump on her head. They were in the upper bunk of the Benson's motor home. Roger and Fran's daughter just arrived home from a date when a bolt of lightning struck the house. She had a hold of the door knob, and could not let go. She finally got inside, and was frightened, so put a blanket on the floor next to her dad's side of the bed and spent the night there. Somehow she felt safer. Next morning Roger found pieces of his brand new TV set strewn all over the den.

The most important thing to Bruno was the museum. He knew so much and wanted to impart that knowledge to others. After he passed away Opal gave us a box of small fossils he collected as a child. Even he spoke of having a museum. He was about seven years old then.

Shortly before he passed away he asked Ray and I to meet him at the museum and we spent a week wrapping and packing his most precious items to take home, then re-arranged things for him and added new material. We think he knew he had little time left but would not say anything. He was very weak, and it took him a long time to do a small job. Our hearts really went out to him.

We will carry their memory for a long time.

Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

Thank you for sharing this with us Florence. Bruno and Opal were very special people who brought much knowledge and laughter to all who knew them.

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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in February. 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 email will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!

February- Happy Birthday!!
     Jim Brace-Thompson -3rd,
     Jean Wise - 4th,
     Clay Brashears - 5th.

The February birthstone is the Amethyst and the flower is the Violet.

AMETHYST, the purple variety of quartz.

VARIETY INFORMATION:

• Variety of: Quartz, SiO₂;
• Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones;
• Birthstone for: February;
• Color: Various shades of purple;
• Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553;
• Birefringence: 0.009;
• Hardness: 7;
• Cleavage: None;
• Crystal system: Trigonal;
• Pleochroic: No.

     Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken". This was maybe due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades.
     Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.
     However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.
     The following is a list of many of the more noteworthy localities and some of the attributes that characterize the amethyst found there.

• Vera Cruz, Mexico -- very pale, clear, prismatic crystals that are sometimes double terminated and have grown on a light colored host rock. Crystals are typically phantomed, having a clear quartz interior and an amethyst exterior. Some are sceptered and phantomed.
• Guerrero, Mexico -- dark, deep purple, prismatic crystals that radiate outward from a common attachment point. Often the crystals are phantomed opposite of Vera Cruz amethyst having a purple interior with a clear or white quartz exterior. These are some of the most valuable amethysts in the world.
• Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Bahaia, Brazil -- crystals form in druzy crusts that line the inside of sometimes large volcanic rock pockets or "vugs". Some of the vugs form from trees that were engulfed in a lava flow millions of years ago and have since withered away. Other vugs are just gas bubbles in the lava. Some vugs can be quite large. The crystals that form are usually light to medium in color and only colored at the tops of the crystals. Most clusters form with gray, white and blue agate and have a green exterior on the vugs. Calcite sometimes is associated and inclusions of cacoxenite are common.
• Maraba, Brazil -- large crystals with unattractive surfaces that are of a pale to medium color and often carved or cut into slices.
• Thunder Bay, Canada -- a distinct red hematite inclusion just below the surface of the crystals is unique to this locality. Clusters are druzy crusts that line the fissures formed in ancient metamorphic rocks.
• Uruguay -- crystals are dark to medium and form in druzy crusts that line the inside of volcanic vugs that have a gray or brown exterior. The crystals are usually colored throughout, unlike the Brazilian crystals, and form with a multicolored agate that often contains reds, yellows and oranges. Often amethyst-coated stalactites and other unusual formations occur inside these vugs.
• Africa -- crystals are usually large but not attractive. However, the interior color and clarity are excellent and polished slices and carvings as well as many gemstones are prized and admired.
• Maine, USA -- Dark druzy clusters that are not widely distributed today.
• North Carolina, USA -- Druzy clusters that have a bluish-violet tint.
• Pennsylvania, USA -- druzy clusters that filled fractures in metamorphic rocks. They are generally a brownish purple and patchy in color.
• Colorado, USA -- druzy clusters form crusts inside of fissures in sandstone, often on top of a crust of green fluorite. Crystals are dark but rather small.
• Italy -- both Vera Cruz like crystals, although not as well defined, and large parallel growth clusters with good evenly distributed color.
• Germany -- associated with colorful agates that form a druzy light-colored crust.
• Ural Mountains, Russia -- a very clear and dark variety that is cut for fine expensive gemstones, natural uncut clusters are rarely on the market.

     Often cut gems of amethyst are graded using the terms: Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain; to represent high, medium and low grade respectively, regardless of the actual source. Because of the patchyness of the color distribution in the crystals, Amethyst is often cut as brilliant round cuts to maximize the color. Other cuts can be used when the color is better distributed.
     The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. Today, amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.
     Amethyst is only one of several quartz varieties. Other varieties that form macroscopic (large enough to see) crystals are as follows:

• Citrine is a yellow to orange gemstone variety that is rare in nature but is often created by heating Amethyst.
• Milky Quartz is the cloudy white variety.
• Rock crystal is the clear variety that is also used as a gemstone.
• Rose quartz is a pink to reddish pink variety.
• Smoky quartz is the brown to gray variety.

Unless otherwise noted, all mineral descriptions and images, plus the related descriptions on this server are the property of Amethyst Galleries, Inc., and may not be copied for commercial purposes. Permission to copy descriptions and images is granted for personal and educational use only.

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HOSPITALITY.

Our Christmas Dinner was fun and festive, thanks to Sharon Cunningham's table decorations and all the good people who attended. We had 23 members enjoying a Christmas feast along with two guests, Sharon Hixson (Mel's wife) and Joan Minster (Don's wife), who we were very happy to have with us. Besides the members and guests we have three pebble pups, Chloe Baer, Matthew and Anthony Beinar, which is always a pleasure! We hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and that the New Year is one of the best.

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PUBLIC OUTREACH.

     November 12 Ray Meisenheimer gave an Earth Science program to 28 students and two teachers at Poinsettia School in Ventura. They were at fourth grade level. He had a number of large skulls, polished wood and other material as well as minerals for the young people to examine. In return Ray received a large packet of letters from the students telling him what they liked best about the program and thanking him for coming to their school.
     December 2 Ray Meisenheimer presented an Earth Science program at San Antonio School in Ojai. He gave programs to two classes. The first class of third and fourth graders included about seventy students and two teachers. The following class of fourth graders was about 20 students and one teacher. Ray had a number of large fossils as well as rocks and minerals for the students to examine and handle.
     Sharon Cunningham brought specimens of rocks and minerals which she described and shared with the young people. (Thank you, Sharon.)
          Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

     On December 5, Steve Mulqueen received the final print of a U.S. Geological Survey article titled "Earthquakes - Rattling the Earth's Plumbing System". Steve provided verbal input and a photo for the article regarding the occurrence of a new petroleum seep that surfaced in the Upper Ojai Valley shortly after the Northridge Earthquake of 1994. The article was written by Michelle Sneed, et al for the USGS.
          Submitted by Steve Mulqueen.

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EARTH SCIENCES,
Cal Clason, Chair.

     We are continuing our efforts to keep the wheels turning and make a few improvements where possible, but those things don't happen overnight and do encompass some forethought and planning. Then a consensus of opinion from the committee to institute, so they do take some time. Any changes made will be published in time for appropriate action or reaction before being fully instituted. Having heard numerous comments about how quickly Zzyzx was filled with applications and that many who were making an initial application were placed on a waiting list, I will propose to the committee a change in how registrations, for both the spring and fall sessions, will be handled. I am presently designing new application forms to reflect the changes I believe will be beneficial to the program.
     Elsewhere in this Newsletter you will find the initial application for the proposed seminar to be held in Big Pine on August 1 - 7, 2004. Again, I would like to emphasize that this is primarily directed to benefit the younger members of our societies ages 8-18, and the activities we will offer will be scheduled with this in mind. As now planned, such things as basic lapidary, wire artistry, soft stone carving, baroque jewelry creation and evening programs of various sorts; but not necessarily limited to those areas. A couple of field trips will be scheduled to local collecting areas will be a part of the offering. I would appreciate those club officers who have access to the CFMS Newsletter sharing the information and applications with their members to help promote this event, and contribute to it's success.
          CFMS Newsletter, January 2004.

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CFMS Fall Business Meeting.

     The CFMS Fall Business meeting was held in Fresno November 8, 2003. There was a quorum by only two extra delegates. After introductions the clubs dropping out were announced, including Islanders Gem and Mineral Society, San Pablo Bay Gem & Mineral Society and Davis/Woodland Gem & Mineral Society, which has disbanded. One club was re-instated for insurance purposes--Valley Gems from Lancaster.
     The revenue turned over to CFMS from the show in Ventura was $10,703.93--a very successful show in every way. The show chairman rose and publicly thanked all the clubs who helped with the show, especially Ventura, Oxnard and Conejo. The show in 2004 is in Mariposa May 28 to 30 at the Fairgrounds. Needed is a club or clubs to host the show in 2005 and 2006 and on. Several clubs are thinking about it.
     The Earth Science Studies has become so popular the committee is thinking of a two-week session as at Camp Paradise. Some negotiating will have to be done first. The Big Pine Studies is mainly for young people and their parents. The dates are August 1-8 and the fee is $200.00 per person.
     Fred Ott discussed insurance at length. He stated that insurance forms for different occasions are on the internet, and that it is very important to request coverage well before the event. He stated that it is very important to have insurance covering the workshop. Also -- what is an honorary member. Honorary members have different meaning in different clubs. If you have paid dues on that person, they are covered. If they do not pay dues, and attend even one event during the year, they must be covered by insurance. Guests for any special event are not covered. He also suggested that all persons going on a field trip sign a waver. If they refuse, there is not much the trip leader can do about it but make a note of it. He recommended using the standard CFMS waver form. It can be found on the internet. Insurance coverage includes field trips, meetings, seminars, picnics, dinners, festivals, concerts, bike races and treks, foot races and treks. The insurance form for other events can be found on the internet, and must be requested at least 3 weeks before the event. Failure to obtain special event liability may result in cancellation of the event.
     Club dues and insurance will now be $6.00 per person.
     Slide and video programs for clubs to rent can now be found on the internet.
     Lois Allmen from Oxnard Gem & Mineral Club was installed as CFMS president after the banquet Saturday evening. Her husband Bill was a little surprised when called "First Man of CFMS". At least 10 club members attended, as well as 4 of her 6 children, and other family members.
          Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.

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AN INSURANCE UP-DATE:
"Are Guests covered?"

One of the most frequently-asked questions about the Federation's insurance policy is whether guests at club functions (dinners, shows, field trips, etc.) are "covered". The answer to this question is both "NO" and "YES" depending upon what you mean by the word "covered". Here is a quick explanation:
     If, by "covered", you mean to ask: "Are guests at these functions protected against claims or lawsuits under the Federation policy if they accidentally injure someone or damage someone's property? The answer is "no" they're not.
It's just as if a friend of yours came to visit you at your home with their pet dog and their dog attacked a neighbor: "They" wouldn't be covered ("protected") under "Your" homeowners insurance policy; only "you" would be protected against claims and lawsuits in this example; "they" would have to file a claim under "their" own homeowners policy to provide protection for themselves.
     If, however, by "covered" you mean to ask: "Are guests who get injured while participating in club activities covered for the payment of their medical bills", the answer is "yes", but only to the extent of your or your club's legal liability.
As an example, if you failed to clean up a spill on the floor of the dining room and a guest tripped and fell, their medical bills would undoubtedly be "covered" under the Federation policy. If, however, a guest is injured through no fault or negligence of your club or its members, no medical payment should be expected. As an example, consider a guest who gets stung by a bee; it's unlikely that you or your club would be held liable for their "injury" so no payment would be made. If you "were" liable, payment would be made up to $1 million.

     - Hope this helps.             Fred Ott, Insurance Chairperson.

CFMS Newsletter, January 2004.

  Table of Contents.

"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

WILEY'S WELL AREA FIELDTRIP,
FEBRUARY 2-6, 2004.

This is a fieldtrip for rockhounds who have the time and would like to explore the Wiley's Well area. The Contra Costa M&GS is sponsoring a fieldtrip to the Wiley's Well area right after Quartzsite. You can contact Dick Pankey by telephone at 925-439-7509 or email at dickpankey@juno.com.
     Ron Wise.

TRICLUB FIELDTRIP,
FEBRUARY 28 AT TAJIGUAS BEACH.

     Enjoy a winter day at the beach! On February 28, our fieldtrip will be to Tajiguas Beach North of Santa Barbara, about two miles beyond Refugio State Beach. We will be looking for petrified whalebone and concretions with petrified wood or whalebone enclosed in rock.
     We will meet at Tajiguas beach at 9:30 in the morning, note low tide is at 11:42 am. Directions to Tajiguas Beach, take 101 north (west) 2.5 miles past Refugio Beach U turn south for 0.3 miles, stop at the first turn out space along the highway and look for Tri-Club signs in parking spot along the highway. Note the distance from California Street in Ventura is 54.1 miles.
     Bring a picnic lunch, sunscreen and plenty of drinks. Pray for a nice sunny day. We should have good conditions for rockhounding until about 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Wear old tennis shoes and clothing that you do not mind getting oil and tar on. Bring a bucket and you might want gloves.
          Ron Wise.

TRICLUB FIELDTRIP,
MARCH 19-21,
JADE COVE AT PLASKETT POINT CAMPGROUNDS.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, our March fieldtrip is scheduled for the 19th to the 21st of March. We'll comb the beaches for Jade, Serpentine and shells. The meeting place will be the Plaskett Point Campgrounds on Highway 1; the last town before the campgrounds is Gorda. Maps will be available at your next club meeting. Plan for all types of weather; think positive for sunshine and plan for rain.
     Ron Wise.

Be sure to see the tentative "Tri-Club Field Trip 2004 Schedule" attached to this bulletin.

BASIN ROAD AND BURRO CREEK FIELD TRIPS,
A THANKSGIVING ADVENTURE 2003.

     There's more to a field trip than finding beautiful rocks, although that goal is certainly not to be discounted. Our adventures on the November Tri Club Field Trip included a whole lot more.
     It all began when we met the COOP (a field trip group composed of rockhounds from central California). Night was upon us when we escaped the gamblers heading for Vegas on Highway 15 and rolled onto Basin Road, a dirt road out into the desert. Our previously arranged campsite, just a mile and a half from Hwy. 15, was empty. Instead we found COOP signs leading us another three miles into the desert. Snailing along, we finally arrived at our destination-nice hard ground near the railroad tracks. Friendly faces emerged from around the campfire to welcome us.
     The next morning we awakened to a beautiful sunny desert day. After settling in and getting acquainted with our COOP companions, we combed the area for interesting rocks. Not too many were to be found right there, but there were plenty of old rusty railroad spikes. Since they sold well at our last show, we piled some in a bucket.
     That night we went to bed looking forward to a big Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner. It was not to be. At one in the morning we were jolted from our sleep when an alarm went off in the trailer. Was there a fire? Gas? We opened the door and windows, but nothing would stop it. Then we turned on a light. We were losing our power. So much for Thanksgiving Dinner, we were off at first light to Barstow. After much phoning we found a mechanic who would work on the trailer on Friday morning. Thanksgiving Dinner was still good, even though it was carryout in our Motel 6 room. On the bright side, even though we were without electricity for a day and a half the food in our refrigerator was still good! And we found a great little Mexican restaurant for breakfast; it's near the local Von's store. Friday afternoon we were fortunately able to return to camp with two new batteries and a fully functioning trailer!
     On Saturday we were joined by Bob Wheeler of Ridgecrest, who led the group to a new spot to hunt for aragonite and jasper. In addition, Greg and Valli Davis from the Ventura Club and a group of Bakersfield rockhounds joined the group. It was a long caravan of trucks and SUVs that journeyed over miles of rough and hilly terrain to our destination. When we got out of our vehicles, we still weren't there yet. We walked another half a mile over steep hills before we were rewarded with an area rich in rocks and minerals. Look along the washes and you will still find plenty of specimens; the rough climb limited the amount of material we were able to carry out.
     Sunday was Ron's birthday. The really big one! We celebrated Official Senior Citizenship in Laughin, Nevada. After stuffing ourselves with pizza we headed on to Burro Creek Campgrounds, near Nothing, and a long way from everything else. When we arrived we were pleased to find Miriam Tetreault from the Oxnard Club, as well as most of the COOP, already there. After dinner, we met for tall tales at the campfire.
     Monday morning, Marion Roberts treated us all to a great pancake breakfast before we headed out to find Burro Creek purple agate. To find the site, we turned left at Nothing, followed the road past a large ranch, and finally ended up at an old mine dump not too far from the Baghdad mine. Someone had actually mined the purple agate. The more energetic amongst us headed up on the side of the mountain to chisel off large pieces. The rest of us started digging through the piles in search of smaller remains from the mining days. Miriam Tetreault found a real prize! The color in the stones is stunning. We'll know when we cut them how good our finds really are.
     Monday was potluck night at Burro Creek. People really knocked themselves out to come up with some great food. You haven't eaten until you've tried Moose Pie, a Marion Roberts specialty. The "Moose" is chocolate and butterscotch, and it's great! You'd never guess that it's also sugar free.
     Tuesday our trip was east of Nothing again. This time we were looking for Pumpkin agate. It appeared to be an agate and jasper combination. The guys pounded and chiseled the morning away trying to pry loose some resistant rocks. Success again! Almost everyone carried out some good specimens.
     On Wednesday, our final day, we set out west of Burro Creek for the Anderson mine. We followed some county roads through Signal. Shortly after crossing Alamo Lake Road we reached our destination. The mine has numerous holes in the side of the mountain, as well as piles of tailings and small pieces strewn about. Getting larger pieces required some digging and chiseling. Among the findings were some fine amethyst, jasper, and fluorite specimens.
     When we arrived back in camp, we said good bye to our new COOP friends. We hope some of you in our local clubs will be able to join the fun with the COOP and other groups sometime soon!
     Contributed by Jean Wise.

  Table of Contents.

MEMBERSHIP.

REMEMBER DUES ARE PAST DUE! Send your renewals to Sharon Markley, 1686 Kenewa Street, Ojai, CA 93023 if you haven't already. You don't want to miss being in the new directories or not get a bulletin. Besides, we would miss you. Please do it today while you are thinking of it!

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.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
December 4th, 2003:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 4, 2003, at the VGMS Museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Ray Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Steve Mulqueen, Sharon & Gary Markley, Ed Clark, Sharon Cunningham, Jim Brace-Thompson and Greg Davis.
Richard Bromser: Checks 1058-1063 were m/s/c to be used for club utilities and expenses for the month of November. Richard also mentioned that the AFMS is requiring liability insurance be purchased for our annual show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds starting in 2004.
Ed Clark: Suggested submitting Bruno Benson's name for consideration in the National Rock and Lapidary Hall of Fame.
Steve Mulqueen reminded everyone that Jewel Tunnel is offering our club a day of discount shopping at their facility on December 13th.
Sharon Markley: 11 dealers have paid for the 2004 show and don't forget Dues are due!
Greg Davis: Cady Mt. field trip (Thanksgiving weekend) produced 20 off road vehicles, from several southern Calif. clubs, a wide variety of colorful material and a great time for everyone who went. The 10th of the December will be the deadline for articles to the bulletin.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The Fair contract arrived but will need some minor revisions. A lot of publicity is already out there in magazines for our upcoming show in March. The Library show case set up will begin and help is always appreciated. Raffle tickets and flyers are available and Wednesday's meeting program will be the Christmas dinner.
Ray Meisenheimer presented programs to two schools in Ojai and one in Port Hueneme and Florence Meisenheimer has agreed to oversee the door prizes at our regular meetings again in the coming year.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, December 10, 2003:
     The regular monthly meeting and Christmas celebration dinner of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Ray Meisenheimer at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at Carrows Restaurant in Ventura, CA.
     The November regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin. Guests were welcomed.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
Ed Clark next presented and installed the slate of officers for 2004. They were: Steve Mulqueen - President, Ron Wise - 2nd Vice President, Jim Brace-Thompson - 3rd Vice President, Richard Bromser - Treasurer, Greg Davis - Recording Secretary, Sharon Markley - Membership Secretary, Florence Meisenheimer - Federation Director, Shirley Layton - Bulletin Editor and Ray Meisenheimer - Parliamentarian. Pins were awarded to outgoing officers along with a show of appreciation.
     An excellent meal was then offered with table decorations being provided by Sharon Cunningham.
     The next Board meeting will be January 8, 2004 and the next regular meeting will be on January 28. All are welcomed to attend.
     There being no further business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 7:55 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
January 8, 2004:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2004, at the VGMS Museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Gary Markley, Shirley Layton, Ron Wise and Greg Davis.
Richard Bromser: Dues are due! Checks 1064-1069 were m/s/c to be used for club utilities and expenses for the month of December. December 8, 2004 has been reserved for our next Christmas dinner at Carrows. The two saws offered to our club have been picked up and are being stored at the museum. A Country Store pricing event has been scheduled for February 12, 7:00 pm.
Gary Markley: Several dealers for our upcoming show have reserved their spaces and we may want to change the due date from February 15th.
Florence Meisenheimer: The Federation change of officers has taken place and Federation dues are due.
Ray Meisenheimer: Roseville will be the site of the 2005 Federation show and a poll will be taken for Ventura to possibly host the 2006 show.
Shirley Layton: 10th of the month is the deadline for contributions to the bulletin.
Ron Wise: New Tri Club flyers are in the works, Wiley Well field trip is scheduled for Feb. 2-6 and Feb. 28th there's a trip scheduled for Tajiguas beach.
Steve Mulqueen: The next exhibit at the Santa Paula Oil Museum will be Arizona wood. Any contributions will be considered.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

  Table of Contents.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW,
Rust - The Super Hero.

Pollutants such as dioxin, PCBs, and pesticides are causing environmental and biological damage world wide, but there may be something that renders them powerless - RUST.

That's right! The December 2003 issue of Discover magazine featured a story on an environmental engineer who has allegedly "cleaned up" a plot of contaminated land with "20 pounds of iron nanoparticles", otherwise known as superfine iron dust.

As iron rusts it releases electrons that in turn break down nasty pollutants. Superfine rust dust creates greater surface area and therefore larger amounts of released electrons. By mixing the superfine particles with water, the iron can be pumped into the contaminated ground. Within a few days all that is left is residue of nontoxic hydrocarbons and the iron, which supposedly dissolves harmlessly into the ground.

Next year the process will be applied to a 100-acre "cleanup" site in North Carolina. If all goes well, RUST may help save the planet from toxic waste. - Keri Dearborn.

From Del Air Bulletin, 1/04.

  Table of Contents.

Suicide / Murder With a Twist,
A true story contributed by Alicia Catalano.

At the 1994 annual awards dinner given for Forensic Science, AAFS president Dr. Don Harper Mills astounded his audience with the legal implications of a bizarre death. Here is the story:

On March 23, 1994, the medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound to the head. Mr. Opus had jumped from the top of a ten-story building intending to commit suicide. He left a note to that effect indicating his despondency. As he fell past the ninth floor, his life was interrupted by a shotgun blast passing through a window, which killed him instantly. Neither the shooter nor the decedent was aware that a safety net had been installed just below at the eighth floor level to protect some building workers and that Ronald Opus would not have been able to complete his suicide the way he had planned.

"Ordinarily," Dr. Mills continued, "A person who sets out to commit suicide and ultimately succeeds, even though the mechanism might not be what he intended, it is still defined as committing suicide. That Mr. Opus was shot on the way to certain death, but probably would not have been successful because of a safety net, caused the medical examiner to feel that he had a homicide on his hands.

"The room on the ninth floor where the shotgun blast emanated was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing vigorously and he was threatening her with a shotgun. The man was so upset that when he pulled the trigger, he completely missed his wife and the pellets went through the window, striking Mr. Opus. When one intends to kill Subject "A" but kills Subject "B" in the attempt, one is guilty of the murder of Subject "B". When confronted with the murder charge the old man and his wife were both adamant. They both said they thought the shotgun was unloaded. The old man said it was his long-standing habit to threaten his wife with an unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her. Therefore, the killing of Mr. Opus appeared to be an accident - that is, the gun had been accidentally loaded.

"The continuing investigation turned up a witness who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun about six weeks prior to the fatal accident. It transpired that the old lady had cut off her son's financial support, and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother. Since the loader of the gun was aware of this, he was guilty of the murder, even though he didn't actually pull the trigger. The case now becomes one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus.

"Now comes the exquisite twist. Further investigation revealed that the son was, in fact, Ronald Opus. He had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led him to jump off the ten-story building on March 23rd, only to be killed by shotgun blast passing through the ninth story building. The son had actually murdered himself, so the medical examiner closed the case as a suicide."

AFMS Newsletter, Dec. 2003/Jan. 2004.

  Table of Contents.

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

SEPARATING EPOXY JOINTS - If it is necessary to separate an epoxy joint, simply heat it, as epoxy disintegrates at a temperature of 250 degrees F. This should serve as a warning to those who are thinking of using heat to set epoxy. - From Gems of the Rogue 11/03 via Rock Writings 1/04.

Anything with Epoxy Glue on them: Soak overnight in dark household vinegar to dissolve the glue. From Gems of the Rogue, 11/03 via Rock Writings 1/04.

When using chrome oxide for polishing jade, mix it with a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. - From the Rocket City Rocks & Gems June/July 1999 via Moroks 1/04.

For a glossy finish on tiger-eye, polish once, dry the stone, and then put a drop of vinegar on it. Let it stand for a few minutes, and then give it a second polish. From The Rocket City Rocks & Gems June/July 1999 via Moroks 1/04.

  Table of Contents.

List of website addresses
for important mineral shows.

Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Soc., mineral show in Trona, October 2004:
http://www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/flyer.htm.

Quartzsite Mineral shows, 2004:
http://www.quartzsitechamber.com/show.schedule.shtml.

Tucson Mineral showcase, 2004:
http://www.visittucson.org/Features/index.cfm?action=Display&featureID=13.

Steve Mulqueen.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW DATES.

SEE DECEMBER BULLETIN FOR THE QUARTZSITE / TUCSON / LAUGHLIN SHOW DATES THAT ARE REMAINING IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE AS YET.

The Searchers Gem & Mineral Society will be holding their 45th Annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show in Anaheim, California on May 1-2, 2004. The show is located at the Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801. Hours are Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm. In addition to vendors dealing in gemstones, jewelry, books, minerals and hobby supplies, demonstrators will highlight facets (pun-intended) of the lapidary arts and there will be door prizes, silent auctions, and special programs for the kids. - Karen Fox, Show Chairman, the_rox_fox@yahoo.com - (714) 832-3580 (leave a message).

  Table of Contents.

2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

JANUARY 30, 31 - FEBRUARY 1; REDLANDS, CA - 38th Annual Pacific Micromount Conf., Southern California Micro-Mineralogists. San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane. Hours: Fri. 3-10, Sat. 8-10, Sun. 9-12. Beverly Moreau (714) 577-8038. E-mail: bcmoreau@adelphia.net.
FEBRUARY 13-22; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society "Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival", Gem & Mineral Bldg. Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St. Hours: 10-10. Bert Grisham (909) 849-1674. E-mail: grish1@msn.com.
FEBRUARY 21-22; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club, San Joaquin Co. Fairgrounds, Bldg. 4, 1658 South Airport Way. Hours: Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-4. Jim Dunlap (209) 488-0747. E-mail: jmsopals@comcast.net.
MARCH 5, 6, 7; HAYWARD, CA - Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley, Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd. Hours: Fri. - Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ron Miller (510) 538-2397.
MARCH 6-7: ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Los Angeles County Botanical Gardens, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue. Hours: 9-4:30 both days. JoAnna Ritchey (626) 359-1624.
MARCH 6-7; VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society "Artistry from Nature", Seaside Park, Ventura Co. Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Jim Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577. E-mail: jbraceth@juno.com.
MARCH 13-14; SAN MARINO, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society, San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Dr. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Marlene Kyte (626) 794-0519.
MARCH 13-14; SPRECKELS, CA - Salinas Valley Rock & Gem Club "Parade of Gems", Veterans Memorial Bldg., 5th & Llano Streets. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. William McFalda (831) 442-9964.
MARCH 13-14; TURLOCK, CA - Mother Lode Mineral Society, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bud McMillin (209) 527-8000, Home 524-3494.
MARCH 13-14; VALLEJO, CA - Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society, I-80 & Hwy. 37 (across from Six Flags Marine World). Hours: 10-5 both days. Phyllis Malicki (707) 745-3255.
MARCH 20-21; ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Earl Klein (510) 632-9373.
MARCH 27-28; ROSEVILLE, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers, Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Betty Soper - Contact Gloria Tomcxyk (530) 367-2262.
APRIL 3-4; SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. John Eichhorn (408) 749-0523. E-mail: johneichhorn@earthlink.net.
APRIL 3-4; TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lap & Mineral Society "Nature's Treasures", Torrance Recreational Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Omer Goeden (818) 353-9279.
APRIL 10-11; PARADISE, CA - Paradise Gem & Mineral Club, Veteran's Memorial Hall, Skyway & Elliot. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Anita Carter (530) 872-1983.
APRIL 24-25; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Corner of Center & Church St. Hours: 10-5 both days. Sallee Brumbaugh (831) 336-5662.
MAY 8-9; RENO, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center, Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Jennifer Rhodes (775) 356-8820.
MAY 15-16; CONEJO, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Don Pomerenke (805) 492-4276.

  Table of Contents.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2004.

MIDWESTERN FEDERATION,
April 23-25, Cedar Rapids, IA.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEDERATION,
April 23-25, Wichita, KS.

CFMS/Mariposa Mineral & Gem Show,
May 28-30, Mariposa, CA.

EASTERN FEDERATION/AFMS,
July 7-11, Syracuse, NY.

NORTHWESTERN FEDERATION,
July 23-25, Boise, ID.

SOUTHERN CENTRAL FEDERATION,
To be announced.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To be announced.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Anyone 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.

  Table of Contents.

CFMS Mariposa Show.

Call 209-742-7625 or e-mail mineralmuseum@sti.net for more information.

  Table of Contents.

CFMS Big Pine Earth Science Studies Application.

This application has been removed since it's obsolete.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

The Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
42nd Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show
Exhibitor Application.

This application has been removed since it's obsolete.

  Table of Contents.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2004:
Tentative Schedule,
1/4/2004.

Contact fieldtrip leader to confirm that there is a fieldtrip scheduled.

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

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Hydraulic Mining is
     a method of mining in which a river terrace or bank of gold-bearing earth, sand and/or gravel is excavated by means of a powerful jet of water. In the early days of hydraulic mining, water was diverted from many miles away through a series of flumes, pipes and large diameter hoses to a monitor, a type of water cannon. As the water flowed through the monitor, trapped air would be released as a result of the sudden reduction in pressure. The combined forces of the water and the exploding air bubbles (known as cavitation) would cause the sediment to rapidly disintegrate into unconsolidated particles.
     The water was also an efficient medium for transporting the loosened material. The sediment was conveyed through a series of sluice boxes by the swift moving water. The gold would find its way deep into the riffles of the sluice box as a result of the metal's high specific gravity. A miner would remove the heavier sediment that accumulated in the riffles. Gold would then be separated from the sediment with the use of a gold pan and/or an amalgamation table (mercury-coated copper plate).
     Hydraulic mining was an efficient method of excavating placer deposits if geologic conditions were favorable. However, hydraulic mining operations involved the discharge of huge amounts of tailings into stream channels. Rivers and lands downstream from these mines usually were adversely affected by excessive sediment influx. In the 1880s, the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company operated one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in California. Legal action was brought against the company for destroying thousands of acres of land and many miles of the Yuba River. On January 23, 1884, during the famous court case "The United States vs. North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company", Judge Lorenzo Sawyer ruled against the mine operator. This ruling stopped all operations at the Malakoff Diggings and brought an end to hydraulic mining in California. The site of this mine is currently known as the Malakoff Diggings State Historic Park located near Nevada City in Nevada County, California. It is designated as State Registered Landmark #852.

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, January 2004.

Illustration of the Month.


"Hydraulic Mining, at French Corral",
Nevada County, California.

     From the book "CALIFORNIA for Health, Pleasure, and Residence, a Book for Travelers and Settlers", written by Charles Nordhoff, 1872, chapter XXIV, page 223.
     The city of Ojai was originally named "Nordhoff" after the journalist, Charles Nordhoff. (The name of the city was changed to "Ojai" in 1916. The name "Ojai" is derived from the Chumash word for "moon".)

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print rediscovered in books, maps, manuscripts and other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, January 2004.

  Table of Contents.

COLORBOOK.

W is for . . .




. . . Wavellite.
Wavellite often forms balls of
crystals. When the balls are
broken open, you can see how the
crystals grow from the center out
to the edge of the ball. This is
called "radial" crystal growth.
Wavellite can be white, yellow, or
green.






. . . Wulfenite.
Wulfenite is a very popular, and
very expensive mineral. Some crystals
are thick and look like boxes. Others
are so thin you can see through them.
It can be found in bright, glassy red,
yellow and orange crystals.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

1. 2004 VGMS Officers Taking the Oath! - Photo contributed by Emma Mayer.















2. Valli Davis at Glass Beach, Ft. Bragg, CA. After seeing it on Huell Howser Greg & Valli had to see it for themselves!

















3. Glass Beach - Ft. Bragg, CA. To see the true colors of these, look them up on our website under Ramblings. Those of you who have the bulletin emailed will be able to see the real colors also! SEE, there are advantages to email besides the speed (you usually get it 2 to 3 days before snail mail).

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.