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

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• APRIL PROGRAM;
• Review - March Program;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• VGMS GEM SHOW 2005;
• WEB SITES;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• MAY BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• What Is Sagenite;
• If the shoe fits;
• SAFETY ARTICLE;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• Interesting Tidbit;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS-(Use at your own risk);
• List of Web Site Addresses;
• SHOW DATES;
• 2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2004;
• Once over the hill, etc.;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• U.S. Highway 50 Geological Trip 2000;
• CFMS SHOW UPDATE MARIPOSA, MAY 28-30, 2004;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• COLORBOOK;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

All of the early indications regarding last month's VGMS annual mineral show point towards a financially successful event. Richard Bromser will be reporting on the results of our show at our next regular meeting. A word of thanks (again) goes to all members who contributed their time and effort for the show.

Emma Mayer has arranged for the guest speaker for our regular meeting in April. Lynn Varone, managing editor for Rock & Gem Magazine will be presenting the program. Rock & Gem Magazine is published in Ventura.

One of the many ways we learn about our hobby is by sharing ideas amongst the members of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society. Most of us have a collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, etc. that are in our house or stashed away in the garage. Please plan on bringing a few specimens from your collections to our regular meetings.

Steve Mulqueen.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.

YUKKY-half of a child's vocabulary. YUMMY-the other half.

Natural food is food eaten with unwashed hands.

Never let your yearnings exceed your earnings.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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APRIL PROGRAM:
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
About Rock and Gem Magazine.

Lynn Varone, Editor of Rock and Gem magazine, will be our speaker for the April meeting. Her topic is "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Rock and Gem Magazine". It is published right here in Ventura and I know it is regular reading for many of our members. So think of all those questions you have thought of while partaking, write them down and bring them to the meeting just in case she doesn't cover them in her program!

Emma Mayer, April Program Coordinator.

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Review - March Program:
"Death Valley Memories".

     Ray Meisenheimer presented a video titled "Death Valley Memories", a video produced by Ted Faye and Gold Creek Films. It has been around for a while, but never loses its humor or fascination with the hardships of the lives of the people settling that area. They loved their life there and as long as the Tidewater and Tonopah ran they were happy! If you have never been to Death Valley it is a must see (but not in the summer!). There are geological phenomena that you won't see anywhere else and you will ask - How?

In addition to the film Dave Mautz had a beautiful and interesting display of his latest additions to his fossil collection. Richard Bromser gave a financial report of the show that turned out exceptionally well and gave thanks to all the hard working members. Almost all the officers were away on business or vacation trips, we missed them, but things went smoothly and all had a good time!

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

4-23/25-04 - CFMS Field Trip to Cady Mountains (Afton Canyon) - See March Bulletin "Field Trips Are Fun" for details.
4-24-04 - Tri-Club Field Trip - CANCELLED (Vandenberg, same weekend as CFMS field trip).
4-28-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington - Lynn Varone, Rock & Gem Magazine.
5-6-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
5-10-04 - DEADLINE FOR MAY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
5-15-04 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
5-26-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Ray & Florence Meisenheimer - Silent Auction (Start Collecting your donations).

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Richard Bromser, Treasurer (and extremely hard worker) gave me the following message for all of you. "I want to thank everyone who volunteered to help make our show a Great Success! We had 19 members help with the set up phase and a total of 32 helping during the show. We had 25 helping with the tear down. What a difference a lot of help makes!
     "Also thanks to everyone for their donations: salads, desserts, plants, country store and all the good material for the silent auction."

Editors Note: Please note that my phone number has changed. It is 805-717-9226 which will be in the New Directory. My number in the current directory is our fax number.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2004 Meetings - Sharon Cunningham has kindly agreed to coordinate the Hosting schedule again for 2004. The schedule is as follows:
     April: Ray & Florence Meisenheimer,
     May: Steve & Susan Mulqueen,
     June: Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
     July: Shirley Layton & Sharlyne Holloway,
     August: Emma Mayer,
     September: Open,
     October: Open,
     November: Pumpkin Pies - by all great volunteers!

September & October still need a volunteer, let Sharon know if you can fill a spot. Many thanks to all the volunteers.

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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VGMS GEM SHOW 2005:
A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
(& ENCOURAGEMENT TO DISPLAY
AT CONEJO IN MAY).

     To ensure a successful show, it's never too early! In fact, for anyone who wants some, I've already stockpiled a supply of flyers for our 2005 Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, & Fossil Show. I'll be distributing them at the Conejo show, the County Fair, the Oxnard show, and elsewhere. For those who like to mark their calendars long in advance, that's March 5-6, 2005. But before we start distributing those flyers, we need to make sure we have the framework in place to ensure yet another good Show. With that in mind, I'm issuing a call for Show Chairs. Here are committees in search of a few good men and women:
     Dealers/Demo-Dealers,
     Exhibitors,
     Exhibitor Trophies,
     Physical Facilities/Transport of Equipment,
     Table Layout & Set-up,
     Publicity,
     Hospitality,
     Security,
     Programs,
     Food,
     Country Store,
     Plant Sale,
     Raffle,
     Kids Activities,
     Silent Auction,
     Video Presentations.
     What did you most enjoy doing at Show 2004? Consider taking charge and making that activity even better in 2005! I have printed job descriptions and lists of duties for each committee chair, so you won't be starting from scratch, plus you'll find plenty of experienced club members to help along the way. The main consideration: choose something that's fun to you and that you'll enjoy digging into with a can-do attitude and a big smile. It's a lot of hard work, but if you choose the right job, you'll also reap a tremendous amount of satisfaction.
     Also, several members of the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club helped our 2004 Show by entering displays and by loaning exhibit cases, so I'd like to encourage everyone to reciprocate by entering a display in their show on May 15 and 16. Even if you don't enter a display, definitely plan to attend and support our neighboring club - and while there, take note of exhibitors and dealers we may wish to invite to our 2005 Show.
     Finally, I'm considering making this my last year as Show Chair because there are other ways I'd like to contribute to the club going forward, so I'm seeking someone who would serve as a "Show Chair Apprentice" alongside me to start learning the ropes toward Gem Show 2006. It's never too early!
          Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

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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/.

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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.

Please Note: A good source for programs if you have signed up for a month and need material is the CFMS Slide and Video Library. Florence Meisenheimer should have the full list available or the CFMS website would also be of help.

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MAY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in May. 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 805-717-9226 and leave a message if I'm not there or an email will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!

May - Happy Birthday!!
     Donald Berman - 18th,
     David Mautz - 20th,
     Robert La Prad - 21st,
     Savvy Pletcher - 22nd,
     Colin Taylor - 26th.

The May birthstone is the Emerald and the flower is the Lily of the Valley.

EMERALD, the green variety of beryl.

VARIETY INFORMATION:
Variety of: Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈;
Uses: Gemstone;
Birthstone for: May;
Color: Various shades of green;
Index of refraction: 1.57 - 1.60;
Birefringence: 0.004 - 0.008;
Hardness: 7.5 - 8;
Cleavage: One direction, poor;
Crystal system: Hexagonal;
Pleochroic: Weak.

     Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor. Other colors of beryl are simply refered to by their color, such as red beryl.
     The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone.

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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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

HOSPITALITY.

The March meeting had 14 members and one guest, Roy Boulch. We want to welcome Roy and hope he will come again. Many of our members were away on trips (business and pleasure!) including our President and other officers. We missed them and hope all went well. Sharon and Gary Markley brought some delicious refreshments to enjoy before and after our movie! We also had time for some good door prize drawings, with the winners being Sharlyne Holloway, Gary Markley, Richard Bromser and Roy Boulch. Speaking of Sharlyne, we were most happy to see her smiling face again. We missed her!

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PUBLIC OUTREACH.

March 10 Ray Meisenheimer gave an hour-long program to 35 sixth graders at Christa McAuliffe school in Oxnard. He had a number of fossil specimens for students to examine. After the program Ray gave the students 15 minutes to ask questions. He said later that the students are really sharp.

March 12 Ray gave a tour of the museum to two mothers and their children. They had visited our show over the week-end and picked up a flyer on the museum Ray had prepared.

March 18 a young mother and her four-year-old son visited the museum. She lives in Thousand Oaks, and had a Ventura doctor appointment so wanted to complete her day at the museum. Her son was interested in all dinosaurs.

March 23 Ray conducted a tour of the museum to a bus load of forty second graders from Mira Monte school in Ojai. There were six adults with the children. Ray was assisted by Shawne Lardin. (Thank you, Shawne.)

March 24 Ray gave a tour to 40 more second graders from Mira Monte school in Ojai. There were 5 adults. Ray was assisted by Sharon Cunningham. (Thanks Sharon.)

These 80 youngsters had heard of the rock pile they got to collect from, and although they enjoyed the museum, they were very excited about picking out a special rock to take home.


CHRISTA McCAULIFFE SCHOOL THANK YOU LETTERS.

These are a few of the more than 30 thank you letters Ray received after the visit to Christa McCauliffe School.

Dear Ray, I am writing this to thank you for coming to our school. I liked all your stuff. I like that T-Rex looking head thing. I liked the ball thing the most. (Crystal Geode.) Thank you for your time. David.

Thank you Mr. Meisenheimer. I liked your presentation. It was cool when we asked questions and you answered them. I bet it took a long time to learn and name all that. Also I think I will do your job when I grow up. Sean.

Thank you Mr. Meisenheimer, for showing us fossils and rocks. I thought some of them were cool. I learned that each ring on a tree represents a year. I also learned that a liquid can not be a mineral. Adrian.

Thanks Mr. Meisenheimer. I really liked your presentation. I thought it was very interesting. I really liked the weird bug and fossils. I really liked the rock where the inside was sparkly. (Geode.) Keri.

Dear Ray Meisenheimer Thank you for coming. I like the things you brought. I want to do the things you do when I'm retired. Christian.

Dear Ray Meisenheimer Thank you for coming to our classroom. You were really cool and I really liked the big dinosaur head. Ray, you have been doing this for a long time and it looks like you know many things about fossils and rocks. The rock I liked the best was the one from Mexico. (Crystal geode.) Gabriella.

Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

April 23-25, 2004 - CFMS Field Trip to Cady Mountains/Afton Canyon area - See March Bulletin "Field Trips Are Fun" for details.

Note: Because the April trips to Vandenberg and Basin Road/Afton Canyon are on the same weekend, the Vandenberg trip has been canceled.


FIELD TRIP - March:
Up the coast to Jade Cove, March 19-21, 2004;
     As we headed up Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo the weather was sunny, warm, the spring flowers were starting to bloom and it looked like it would be a great weekend for this fieldtrip. As everyone knows the weatherman can play tricks on you and this weekend was no exception. By Thursday morning the fog had rolled in and it was almost a rain. I put on my shorts because I knew it would clear off and be sunny and warm. By noon my spirits were dampened as it was getting cooler. Yes I changed into long pants and returned to the beach in search of the elusive Jade, which was hiding down there in all that serpentine.
     We thought that the campground would be empty at this time of year. Again we were wrong and by Friday night it was full. We were fortunate to be able to save enough campsites so everyone had a place to park and pitch a tent. The turn out for the trip was excellent, with Conejo having the biggest contingent of nine participants. We had a total of eighteen rockhounds, including three guests.
     Everyone found lots of serpentine and a few small pieces of jade. The evenings were pleasant enough to sit around the campfire and have a good time telling fish stories. (Rocks that got away.)
     Saturday night bonfire chat turned out to be an interesting one. No, politics are left to talk show radio and religion was not mentioned. The topic was what fieldtrip would you like to take but did not have the time or opportunity to go on. Here are a few of the ones mentioned.
Basin Road was one of the first areas suggested. Mel Hixson noted at the VGMS show that there are so many clubs hitting the area lately that it will be cleaned out soon. Note that the CFMS is leading a fieldtrip to the area April 23-25. If you are interested go now.
Sperry Wash area, which is about 35 miles north of Baker, was suggested and thought to have a variety of materials. A leader that knows the area and materials would be a prerequisite for that trip.
Clay Mine Road area was highlighted with prospect of some very good ham bone material found in that location. Other pluses for that area are a variety of material and closeness to Ventura County.
Gold Rock Ranch Road area near Yuma which offers dumortierite, petrified palm and a variety of other material. There is a fieldtrip to that area scheduled for December 12-18.
Cadiz or Lavic Siding to hunt for chapenite, no one was sure of exactly where to look for this material.
Cerro Gordo Mine is a historical site with an interesting and spectacular view and numerous minerals in the tailings. Someone said there wasn't anything there to find and terrible drive. This fieldtrip is available on June 6 with the Lone Pine club.
Last Chance Canyon much of this area is closed to rockhounding but there is a chance to hike through this area and see it in a historical setting with a local. He has told me that a section of this area is still open to rockhounding.
Early Man Site near Barstow someone said that they always find petrified palm every time they go there. Seems like I have heard this story before.
     Now that you have heard some of the campfire wishes what would you like to do on your next field trip? Let your fieldtrip chairman know your wishes.
          Ron Wise.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2004:
Tentative Schedule,
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.

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What Is Sagenite?
By Robert Burson.

Rockhounds have their own language. Many things are general descriptive terms, examples: "Flower Agate", "Plume Agate", "Picture Jasper", "Chinese Writing Stone", "Lace Agate", and many others. There are many of us with many interests and talents. For instance, many who collect fossils, "petrified wood", marine, and other terrestrial fossils. Mineral collectors who prefer dark tunnels, deep pits, and remote crevices to the lapidaries, who prefer open terrain to search, hunt, and gather the abundant agates, jaspers, and jades. "Sagenite" represents bridge between the mineral collector and the "Lapidhound". To get a clue to sagenite, it is probably easiest to check the gem shows. For example, if you have spent the time admiring some of the minerals from Poona India, these minerals are deposited in basalt cavities "volcanic". Water at high temperatures carries minerals that precipitate "deposits" crystalline minerals. These minerals are called "zeolites". Examples of zeolites are calcite, barite, aragonite, mesolite, gyrolite, heulandite, and apophyllite. In "Sagenite" the next step is the introduction of replacement minerals, usually micro crystalline quartz "chalcedony". The chalcedony can envelop or replace totally the structure of the crystal of the zeolite. The lapidariest can cross section the crystal ideally framing the silhouette of original mineral preserved in nature's window. Of course, luck, skill, and experience help guide the perfect scenario, the orientation of the crystal.
     From The Rock Slab News 03-03, via Del Air Bulletin 03/04.

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* * * * * * * * * * * * *

If the shoe fits......buy it in every color.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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SAFETY ARTICLE.

HEY! DON'T GET LOST!!!!
     You drive out into the desert, into the mountains, into the forest. All alone. Maybe someone else is with you but only one car. BAD IDEA. We've all done that. But listen carefully. That IS a bad idea.
     You are 150 miles from nowhere. Your car stops. The motor won't start. You kick the tires. Fiddle with the battery connection. Tinker with this, that and everything else. No luck.
     You decide to walk out. 150 MILES??? Don't you remember your safety rules?
     STAY WITH YOUR CAR!!
     Your water supply is good. You did bring water, right? NO? I can't believe you forgot water. There is plenty of water in your radiator. DON'T DRINK IT. With antifreeze, it is poisonous. DON'T DRINK THE WATER FROM YOUR RADIATOR!!
     But somebody will come looking for you shortly because you told everybody where you were going. Your friends, the forest service officers - - -ah- - - - Noooooo???
     Forget it. You are history. Years from now when someone stumbles on your remains; bleached bones scattered by hungry animals and a few shreds of cloth, they will erect a small wooden cross to mark your spot. But let the rest of us go on. We'll get out of our car and put our noses down into the dusty trail with our eyes glued on the ground so we can see that fabulous find we are looking for. We'll stagger this way and that for half an hour, an hour, or 2 or 3. Finally looking up we turn expectantly to look at our car. Our Car! Where is it? It should be right over there! It is really amazing how far we can go when we are just looking here and there.
     Now what?
     If you are a good Indian tracker, just follow your footprints. I'm more Indian than most of you and even I probably can't do that.
     SO?
     SO! So far we haven't done very well in our safety planning. Score about a fat round zero. But there is something you could have done. Something YOU can do!
     Besides bringing water (and other safety equipment), telling others where and when you are going, getting others to drive with you, you can get a GPS (Global Positioning System). Realistically I know that very few of you will buy one. I have one, Dick Pankey and Joe Hafeli (also past Field Trip Chairmen have and use them). It is a small hand held device similar to a cell phone.
     The military has installed a world wide coverage of satellites so that their airplanes and ships (and now individual people also) can determine exactly where they are anywhere in the world. To within about 15 feet and that includes elevation also. It is a system that uses 3 or more satellites which transmit signals down to the GPS device which mathematically triangulates the data to determine your location.
     Some expensive cars now have built in a GPS which also have transmitters to send a signal up to the satellite so its location can be tracked. The hand held GPS's only have receivers.
     Most GPS's track your route and display it on a map and they have a program by which you can backtrack yourself.
     BUT THIS IS THE REAL TRICK. Don't get lost. Here is how. At some point in your trip, stop and take a reading. Write it down on paper. Yes, the information is on your GPS and you can enter it as a "Way Point". WRITE IT DOWN!
     The batteries in the GPS don't last very long. If you have to replace your batteries (YES YES YES take extra batteries) the information is lost. If you have the coordinates written down, after replacing your batteries you can reenter them in your GPS.
     The route will not be there but your destination (where you came from) will be and you can guide yourself safely back.
     My GPS is about 15 years old and not the best. Maybe the newer ones have better programs.
     My duty to you is to try to keep you safe. I've done my best to keep you alive. Try it and I'll see you down the road.
          Chuck McKie, CFMS Safety Chairman 2004.

CFMS Newsletter - April 04.

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MEMBERSHIP.

We are happy to welcome some new members: Joe Bennett & Annie Higson, G. Allen Hodges, Helen Spaeth and Julie Cogswell with Pebble Pups - Noah, Lyndon, Anna, Walker and Caleb Cogswell. We are also happy to welcome back Sunny Cross. Their addresses and phone numbers will be included in the new directories.

2004 Membership Directories will be available at the April 28th meeting. We will mail to those not able to attend the meeting.

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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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, March 24, 2004:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ray Meisenheimer (in Steve's absence) at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The January regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin. Guest Roy Boulch was welcomed.
     Ray asked for but received no old business.
New business:
Ray Meisenheimer instructed 80 students in two days at the museum with the help of Shawne Lardin and Sharon Cunningham. Ray can always use the help of anyone interested in lending a hand.
Sharon Markley: We have 46 members at this time and the new rosters are due to be printed by April 19th.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Reported for she and Jim that they wish to thank everyone for volunteering and making the whole job of putting on the show that much easier. A show recap meeting will be held on Sunday, April 4th, at the Brace-Thompson's house at 2:00 and all are welcomed to attend.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report and reported that we had a very successful show mainly because we had 32 people lending their assistance.
Wayne Ehlers: A listing of those interested in attending the next cab class was gathered at our show and the first class is scheduled for April 5th at 7:00 pm.
Shirley Layton: April will see the new 2004 rosters printed and available to members and Shirley reminded everyone that the 24th of March will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin.
     Ray next presented a video entitled "Death Valley Memories".
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, April 1st, all are welcomed to attend and next regular meeting will be held April 28th.
     Refreshments were provided by Gary & Sharon Markley and door prizes were awarded to Sharlyne Holloway, Gary Markley, Richard Bromser and Roy Boulch.
     There being no further business, Ray adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
April 14, 2004:
Due to the early printing of this bulletin, these minutes will be in the May issue.

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Interesting Tidbit.

Obsidian is overlooked by many collectors as something common and dull. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. For a start, obsidian's chemistry is identical to granite. But, unlike granite, because the volcanically erupted material has cooled quickly crystals have not formed. Obsidian thus exists as a super cooled solution of silica with a total absence of internal structure, just like glass. For this reason, and in common with other glass-like materials, obsidian breaks with a typical conchoidal fracture. This curved, smooth type of cleavage occurs as a fracture follows the shortest path. Interestingly almost all obsidian contains a small amount of water. Steam from the eruption becomes trapped in cavities forming tiny bubbles. These give rise to spectacular varieties, especially the rare gold and silver sheen obsidians. Other inclusions are also common. Thus mahogany obsidian results from the presence of hematite, feldspars give rise to blues and greens, and quartz gives rise to the snowflake. Obsidian boring - no way!
     Author unknown, source Golden Spike News, Golden Spike G&M Society, Ogden Utah, July 2003.

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

Finding a lost diamond. Occasionally a diamond falls on the floor and you cannot find it. In that case, turn off the lights and use a flashlight to spot it. - Breccia 2-03 via Quarry Quips 3-04.

Musty, stinky books? Try this, use any container that can be closed fairly tightly (box, garbage can, etc.) with a pie pan full of charcoal briquettes or kitty litter in the bottom. Stand the books, fanned open if possible, in the container with the charcoal and close the container tightly. Leave for a few days. Librarians recommend this. - Breccia 7-03 via Quarry Quips 3-04.

Need a dopstick? Use a split wooden clothespin. It has a large handle to grip, a flat area for your stone, and the slot can be slipped over the edge of a box to support the stone upright. - Rock Chips 6-03 via Quarry Quips 3-04.

Treat wood dopsticks with a light coat of shellac. This prevents wood from absorbing water, which causes wood to swell and eventually crack the dop wax, thus loosening the stone. - Rock Chips 6-03 via Quarry Quips 3-04.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

List of Web Site Addresses
for Important Mineral Shows.

Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society 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.

AFMS 2004 Convention http://www.amfed.org/efmls/ - Click on "2004 Convention" You can find downloadable forms, motel information, applications etc.

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SHOW DATES.

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).

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2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

APRIL 24-25; HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Steinmetz County Park, 1545 S. Stimson Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Paula Hess (562) 696-2270. Email: rphess@adelphia.net.
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.
APRIL 24-25; LANCASTER, CA - Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Avenue H. Hours: 9-5 both days. Olan Flick (661) 943-3882.
MAY 1-2; ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, 48th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show, Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Ave. Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun. 10-4:30. Karen Fox, Show Chairman, the_rox_fox@yahoo.com - (714) 832-3580 (leave a message).
MAY 1-2; BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, "People are nuggets too", Kern County Fairgrounds, Ming Ave. & P Street. Hours: 10-5 both days. 589-3834.
MAY 1-2; BISHOP, CA - Eastern Sierra Gem & Mineral Club, Tri County Fairgrounds, Sierra Street & Fair Drive. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. Jeff Lines (760) 935-4576.
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 14-16; ANDERSON, CA - Superior Calif. Gem & Min. Association, Shasta Fairgrounds - Hi-way 273. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun 10-4. Steve Puderbough (530) 244-2240. Email: steve@applyaline.com.
MAY 15-16; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Don Pomerenke (805) 492-4276.
MAY 15-16; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Rd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Lee Peterson (909) 794-0731.
MAY 28-30; MARIPOSA, CA - CFMS/Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club, Mariposa County Fairgrounds, One hour from Yosemite National Park. Hours: ---------, California State Mining and Mineral Museum, P.O. Box 1192, Mariposa, CA 95338. (209 742-7625. Email: mineralmuseum@sti.net. Fax (209) 966-3597.
JUNE 5-6; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 19-20; CAYUCOS, CA - San Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral Club, Cayucos Veteran's Hall, 10 Cayucos Drive. Hours: 9-5 both days. Robert G. Hurless (805) 772-7160.
JUNE 19-20; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society, Jubilee of Gems Show, La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun. 10-4. (626) 330-8974. Email: warthen@earthlink.net.
AUGUST 7-8; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park at 9th Ave. Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott. Email: ellen_nott@yahoo.com.

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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,
September 24-26, Houston, TX.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To be announced.

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* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

From SCRIBE Vol. 28 #1.

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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 Finds 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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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

U.S. Highway 50 Geological Trip 2000:
Geology along America's Loneliest Highway,
A Field Trip for Families and Rockhounds.

We will make five geological stops and a couple of rest stops along U.S. Highway 50 between Carson City and Sand Mountain. We will be examining evidence for evaporating seas, ancient lakes, and volcanoes in western Nevada.

Much of this road log is excerpted from a recent NBMG publication, "Traveling America's Loneliest Road, a Geologic and Natural History Tour through Nevada along U.S. Highway 50," by Joseph V. Tingley and Kris Ann Pizarro. It includes comprehensive descriptions of geology, history, landforms, vegetation, and animals along the length of U.S. Highway 50 across Nevada. The complete book is available for sale at NBMG Publication Sales Office by telephone (784-6691 x2), by the Web (www.nbmg.unr.edu/sales.htm,) or on the UNR campus, room 310, SEM, between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Mileages are cumulative, resetting to zero after stops where irregular terrain may result in variations in mileage. Vehicle odometers may differ, so keep track of landmarks and lead vehicles.

0.0:	Leave from the east (main) parking lot at Western Nevada Community College at the end of West College Parkway in Carson City at 9:00 a.m.
1.0:	Turn right (south) on Carson Street (U.S. Highway 395).
2.3:	Note descent down small hill, which is an expression of a fault scarp that crosses the road at approximately the location of the Best Western Motel. Geologists believe there has been movement on this fault within the past 500 years, underscoring the need for earthquake preparedness in Carson City and nearby areas.
2.4:	Turn left (east) onto Williams Street, U.S. Highway 50. (At this point, we join the road log in the book "Traveling America's Loneliest Road" at mile 11).
2.9:	Opposite Mills Park on the right, the crest of the Virginia Range on the skyline to the north (left) is capped by red and black basaltic cinder deposits, which are mined to supply "lava rock" landscaping material for the surrounding area.
5.8:	Pass Akron Road on the right and a historical marker describing the Carson mills, water-powered mills that were built along the Carson River in the 1860s and 1870s to process the rich silver ore mined from the Comstock Lode at Virginia City.
6.8:	Near the crest of the hill, U.S. Highway 50 cuts through outcrops of black basaltic volcanic rock (relatively silica-poor rocks that tend not to erupt as violently as rhyolites). These rocks are closely related to the active extension (pulling-apart) of the earth's crust in the Great Basin.
7.8:	Lyon County Line. Watch for "Carson Highlands Self-Storage" sign on left, followed by a chain link fence with "Tahoe Pool" sign. Get in the left turn lane.
8.0:	Turn left on Linehan Road toward Mound House.
8.1:	The operation on the right is a concrete batch plant operated by American Readymix.
8.9:	Turn left at "Art Wilson" sign and proceed northwest to the mine.
9.2:	STOP 1. ART WILSON COMPANY'S ADAMS GYPSUM MINE.
Stop at the scale house and park on the left where we will meet Mr. Ken Schmick, who will take us on a tour of the gypsum mine and crushing facility.
Please be very careful in the mine area and keep your children with you at all times. Mr. Schmick will tell us where we are allowed to collect samples of gypsum, anhydrite, limestone, and volcanic rock.
Gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O) is a versatile mineral commonly mined for use as plaster for sheetrock or wallboard, as a drying retardant in cement, and as a soil amendment in agriculture. Nevada is one of the top gypsum-producing states in the country, steadily increasing its production over the past fifteen years. The Adams Gypsum Mine first operated from about 1914 to 1920 with an aerial tram from the mine to a plaster plant on the V&T Railroad. The Art Wilson Company has operated the Adams Mine continuously since the 1960s, and produced 145,447 tons of gypsum in 1999, mainly for use in agricultural applications and cement in California and Oregon.
The deposit is a bedded gypsum-anhydrite probably formed in a shallow offshore evaporative marine basin deposit about 150 million years ago (Jurassic age). Anhydrite (CaSO4) is somewhat denser and darker in color than the gypsum and occurs in the lower portions of the pit. The deposit is overlain by light buff-colored limestone (CaCO3).
Click on this map to see a larger one. Close it's window to come back here.
Retrace the route back to U.S. 50, reset your odometer to zero and turn left (east).
Note: There are no rest stops scheduled for the next 35 miles. If you need to make a quick rest stop at a gas station, market, etc., please rejoin us at the next stop at the Lahontan State Recreation Area, North Shore Marina, 35 miles beyond Mound House.
0.5:	Mound House historical marker on left. Mound House was originally constructed in 1871 as a supply station and siding on the Virginia and Truckee (V&T) Railroad. It thrived after the construction of the Carson & Colorado narrow gauge railroad that ran from here to other mining camps.
1.8:	Pass State Route 341 to Virginia City on left.
5.3:	Traffic light in downtown Dayton, site of the first gold discovery in Nevada in 1849 and possibly the oldest settlement in Nevada. Nevada now leads the nation in gold and silver production and accounts for about 10% of current world production of gold. Nevada mines produce well over $2.5 billion in gold annually.
6.0:	On the left are the remains of the old Rock Point Mill, built in 1861 to treat gold ore from Gold Hill.
7.5:	Due north of here, behind the trees at the base of the hills, is the mouth of the Sutro Tunnel, which was driven through the rock under the mountains to Virginia City to drain hot water from the mines in the 1870s. The 4-mile-long tunnel was successful in its purpose, but took so long to complete that the rich silver ore had played out by the time it was finished. The long low bench of buff and gray material visible to the north just above the roofs of the subdivision is composed of the rock removed during construction of the tunnel.
9.0:	A lightweight rhyolite aggregate quarry, visible to the north at 11 o'clock, supplies one of the components needed to make concrete building blocks in Carson City. In recent years, construction materials such as crushed rock, sand, and gravel compete annually with silver for second place in total value of mined materials in Nevada.
14.3:	Road cut exposes granitic rock cutting older Triassic metamorphic rocks. These are similar to the metamorphic rocks which host the Dayton iron deposit, visible as some red-stained rocks on a small hill north of the highway at about 10 o'clock. First discovered in 1903, it was drilled in the 1950s and found to contain about 45 million tons of iron ore, but at a time when demand for iron was waning.
15.6:	Iron Mountain Ranch subdivision (on left) is aptly named for the Dayton iron deposit.
20.0:	Stagecoach.
28.6:	Silver Springs - Junction with U.S. Alt. 95. Continue straight on U.S. 50.
29.5:	Small gravel operation on the left. Shorelines of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan are etched into the black hillsides straight ahead.
33.6:	When you crest the hill, Lahontan Reservoir is visible ahead. For the next mile or so, there are reddish volcanic outcrops to the north (left) across the railroad tracks.
34.5:	Churchill County Line.
36.0:	Turn right into parking lot of Lahontan State Recreation Area - North Shore Marina Area.
STOP 2. LAHONTAN RESERVOIR. Brief rest stop.
Even before the construction of Lahontan Dam, Lahontan Reservoir was one of only a few remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan, a huge glacial lake that occupied much of the lower parts of northwestern Nevada and neighboring states during the Pleistocene Epoch until as recently as about 10,000 years ago. Other remnants include Pyramid Lake, Humboldt Sink, and Carson Sink.
Proceed northeast (right) toward Fallon.
37.3:	Lahontan Dam visible to right.
45.5:	Leeteville Junction. Junction with U.S. Alt. 50. Turn right.
50.7:	Soda Lake Road. Turn left on Soda Lake Road.
52.7:	Turn left on Cox Road.
54.3:	Turn right on an unmarked gravel road, drive up a small hill past junk pits to edge of Soda Lake. Park carefully so as not to block others.
STOP 3. SODA LAKES.
Soda Lake and Little Soda Lake are two young volcanoes, younger than the sediments that were deposited in Lake Lahontan. Geologists call these types of volcanoes maars (pronounced "Mars"), so after this stop you can say that you "have been to maars." The maars are broad, low-relief, nearly circular volcanic craters. They probably formed when magma rose close to the surface, boiled the groundwater, and caused an explosive eruption of basaltic magma through the wet sediments of the lake basin. You can find telltale "basaltic bombs" around the margins of the craters. Look for small crystals of plagioclase feldspar (clear to white), olivine or peridot (green) or pyroxene (brownish black) in these dark vesicular volcanic rocks.
Retrace route back to U.S. 50 (reset odometer to zero) and proceed east (left).
4.5:	Cross Maine Street, downtown Fallon. Continue east.
14.0:	Turn left to Grimes Point Archaeological Site - brief rest stop. Prehistoric natives scratched petroglyphs in boulders of andesite lava flows along the shores of the Pleistocene Lake Lahontan. The boulders are coated with rock varnish, a thin layer of dark brown to black iron and manganese oxides. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has constructed a path along which you can view the petroglyphs on another visit following today's field trip. Do not disturb the petroglyphs or collect rocks at this site. Continue north on the dirt road beyond Grimes Point. Drive about 2 miles (passing Indian Cave on the right), bear right at a fork in the road, and follow trip leaders into gravel pit area. Park vehicles.
STOP 4. GRIMES POINT WONDERSTONE LOCALITY.
Lake Lahontan reached its highest water levels at least four times between 75,000 and 10,000 years ago. We can see here abundant evidence for this lake, such as shorelines carved by wave action and sediments deposited in the lake. Look carefully in the gravels of the pit area for pebbles of Nevada wonderstone that were tumbled and polished by streams and by wave action along the shore of the lake about 13,000 years ago. This volcanic rock is a rhyolitic air-fall tuff, material ejected from a volcano about 12 million years ago. The rock was altered by hot waters that deposited pyrite (FeS2) and quartz (SiO2). Rainwater penetrated the rock and oxidized the pyrite to form liesegang bands of red hematite (Fe2O3) and orange and brown goethite (FeO(OH)). Erosion broke pieces of the rock from its outcrop, and streams carried pebbles to the shore of Lake Lahontan. The hydrothermal fluids that initially altered the volcanic rock were much like waters in modern hot springs, which are common in Nevada. Such hot waters are used by geothermal power plants to produce electricity. Nevada annually produces about $110 million worth of electricity from geothermal power plants. This type of hydrothermal alteration is also commonly associated with the gold and silver deposits that have been so important to Nevada throughout its history.
Retrace route back to U.S. 50, reset odometer to zero and turn left (east).
16.6:	Turn left at sign for Sand Mountain Recreation Area. Turn left again at sign to Sand Springs Pony Express Station.
STOP 5. SAND SPRINGS PONY EXPRESS STATION.
Clearly visible to the north, Sand Mountain is composed of clean fine sand winnowed by wind action over thousands of years from the lakebed sediments of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan. Note the position of the dune hugging the northeast side of the huge lake basin, where the prevailing winds from the southwest lost velocity as they rose over the mountains behind the dune, lost energy, and dropped some of their load of sand at the foot of the mountains. Continued winds constantly reshape the dune, healing the temporary scars left by the off-road vehicles that frequent the huge dune.
Sand Springs Pony Express Station, buried by the shifting sands for more than 100 years, was excavated by archaeologists beginning in 1976. Note the building materials used in the construction of the station; using knowledge you have gained on the field trip, can you identify the materials?
The formal field trip ends here at Sand Mountain. Return to U.S. 50 and find your way home, or continue on your own! We hope you enjoyed the trip and that we have whetted your curiosity enough to continue exploring with further geological expeditions along U.S. 50 and other parts of Nevada.

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CFMS SHOW UPDATE MARIPOSA,
MAY 28-30, 2004.

In the CFMS March 2004 Newsletter it has been announced that more exhibit space has been made available for any one wishing to exhibit in the CFMS show "Gold Bug Gala" May 28-30. The deadline has been extended to May 1st for guest exhibitor entry forms. I have exhibit forms, competitive exhibit forms, as well as registration, which includes Awards Banquet and Editor's Breakfast. There is no admission charge if you put in an exhibit.

Florence Meisenheimer, CFMS Director (805) 642-3155.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Working face:
     A mining term that refers to the place at which the work is being done in an adit, drift, crosscut, pit wall, etc., at a mining operation. Often times the working face refers to the area where an excavation is advancing in the course of drilling, blasting and actively removing rock that contains metallic ores, industrial minerals or solid forms of energy (coal, etc.).

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

Illustration of the Month.

Ore Car.

From the book, "A Manual of Mining" written by M. C. Ihlseng, published in New York City by John Wiley & Sons, 1892, page 243. The ore car is a mining tool that runs on mine rails. It is used to transfer ore and waste rock from the working face to the exterior of a mine. Ore cars are still used today in small mines throughout the world in both underground and surface operations. The ore car is conveyed by one of the following forms of mobility: a locomotive (powered by electricity, compressed air, internal combustion engine, etc.), by a draft animal or by human motive power. Ore cars are made of a combination of cast iron, steel and/or wood.

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

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COLORBOOK.

Y. . .

Why not try drawing your own minerals?!
Copy your favorite pictures from this
coloring book, or draw specimens from your
own collection. When you are done . . . color
them!

OK guys - start drawing!!!!

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM,
Photos by Wayne Ehlers,
A Sampling of Exhibits From 2004 VGMS Show.

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