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

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• JUNE PROGRAM: "Deep Sea Vents";
• The best and most beautiful things;
• Review - May Program: It Was Silent Auction Time;
• Worry is like a rocking chair;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• JULY BIRTHDAYS;
• Some cause happiness;
• HOSPITALITY;
• SO YOU THINK GASOLINE IS EXPENSIVE;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• CFMS SHOW AND MEETING AT MARIPOSA;
• CFMS INSURANCE REPORT;
• PUBLIC LANDS ADVISORY (PLAC) Report;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• AMMONITES: SPIRALS INTO THE PAST;
• VOLCANIC GEOLOGY OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• If at first you don't;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS-(Use at your own risk);
• List of Web Site Addresses for Important Mineral Shows;
• SHOW DATES;
• Give others a piece of your heart;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

A word of thanks goes to all of our members who attended the CFMS & Mariposa Mineral & Gem Show "Goldbug Gala" held at the fairgrounds in Mariposa. Some of our members prepared exhibits and also assisted the Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club with show set-up. This kind of support helps make the CFMS show a success every year. Again, many thanks to all who attended, especially those who actively participated in the show.

Summer is upon us. Those of you who venture out on trips this summer, please be aware of some of the hazards in your travels. Beware of pesky critters such as mosquitoes, killer bees, ticks, venomous snakes and large predatory animals. Yes, it's that time of the year again. Don't be afraid to go on hikes, but be aware of your surroundings...and bring plenty of water.

I hope that gasoline prices don't totally eliminate your travel plans this summer. Make sure your vehicle's tires are fully inflated to the recommended pressures and don't forget to slow down on the highways. You can easily extend your gas mileage by reducing your speed...and it just might be a safer way to travel.

Steve Mulqueen,
President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Cherish all your happy moments--they make a fine cushion for old age.

A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

Let your eating be guided more by health than by appetite.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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JUNE PROGRAM:
"Deep Sea Vents".

The program during our next general meeting on June 23 is titled "Deep Sea Vents". This is a fascinating subject on hydrothermal vents that exist in the deep oceans of the World. Some of these vents emit a black colored, super-heated plume of sulfide-rich water. Some of the largest sulfide ore deposits on Earth that contain abundant metallic resources are thought to have originated as deep sea vents. This program will be presented by Steve Mulqueen.

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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be
Seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

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Review - May Program:
It Was Silent Auction Time!

Ray and Florence Meisenheimer put on a Great Silent Auction. There was a lot of good material and a lot of good competition! Those little Pebble Pups keep a good eye on things! Good refreshments by Steve & Susan Mulqueen to go along with the bidding and socializing! The treasury became a little richer and the winners increased their collections!

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Worry is like a rocking chair -
It gives you something to do,
but it doesn't get you closer to the problem.
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

6-23-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Steve Mulqueen - "Deep Sea Vents".
7-1-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
7-9/11-04 - AFMS Show - "A Show for All America", Syracuse, New York.
7-10-04 - DEADLINE FOR JULY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
7-10-04 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Coal Oil Point. - See "Field Trips Are Fun".
7-17-04 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
7-28-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.
8-4/15-04 - Ventura County Fair - Get your exhibits ready!

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Interesting Website - "Gateway to Gemstone Designs". Here is a website that might be of interest to some. It's out of Tucson, Arizona and Bob's Rock Shop. There are loads of faceting designs and instructions: http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/gem_designs/design_index.shtml. (Referred by Patsy Goodman of the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Inc.) - The Pegmatite 5/04.

AMGEN Summer Science Institute - 2004. Ocean Science - July 12-16, Earth Science - July 19-23, Life Science - July 26-30, Environmental Science - August 2-6. Check our their website http://www.clunet.edu/amgenssi.

VGMS is offering the following equipment to club members:
     14-inch rock saw - unknown condition - free!!
     14-inch rock saw - no motor - $20.00.
     Sphere machine - unknown condition - $20.00.
     3-inch vertical belt sander - $10.00.
These and other items can be viewed at the museum by contacting any board member and arranging a time or visiting the museum during regular workshop hours on the third Saturday of the month.

For Sale - HP 4L Laser Printer - $25. Offered by the Country Store - Call Shirley Layton 805 717-9226 for details.

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:
     June: Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
     July: Shirley Layton & Sharlyne Holloway,
     August: Emma Mayer,
     September: Open,
     October: Open,
     November: Pumpkin Pies - by all great volunteers!
NOTE: 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 the VGMS logo, 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 website - http://www.amfed.org/,
CFMS website - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
CA BLM website - 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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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

JULY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in July. 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! Like June, this is also a popular month for birthdays!

July - Happy Birthday!!
     Sharon Cunningham - 7th,
     Helen Spaeth - 8th,
     Walker Cogswell - 17th,
     Vern Markley - 26th,
     Nancy Brace-Thompson - 27th,
     Bill Kirk - 27th,
     Ron Chegwidden - 29th.

The July birthstone is the Ruby and the flower is the Larkspur.

RUBY, the red variety of corundum.

VARIETY INFORMATION.

• Variety of: Corundum, Al₂O₃.
• Uses: Gemstone.
• Birthstone for: July.
• Color: Various shades of red.
• Index of refraction: 1.76 - 1.78.
• Birefringence: 0.009.
• Hardness: 9.
• Cleavage: None, although there is a rhombic parting.
• Crystal system: Trigonal.
• Pleochric: Strongly.

     Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can be nearly any color. The red color in ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red up to almost pink. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Ruby. Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones are found at Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in the U.S., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Kampuchea, and perhaps most notably, Burma.

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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Some cause happiness wherever they go,
Others whenever they go!
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

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HOSPITALITY.

A Silent Auction (sometimes it isn't so silent!) saw 26 members, 3 of which were Pebble Pups, vying for the great material that Ray and Florence Meisenheimer furnished. They did a great job and it is always a fun time. Our pebble pups, Anthony and Matthew Beinar and Kevin Berman had a great time keeping tabs on things. Susan and Steve Mulqueen brought some great home made chocolate chip cookies and juice to give us the strength to bid! It was fun and we missed those who weren't able to join in.

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SO YOU THINK GASOLINE IS EXPENSIVE??!!

Gems of the Rogue, 3/01, via Petrified Log 6/04.

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PUBLIC OUTREACH.

On May 18, Steve Mulqueen arranged a loan of a VGMS exhibit case to Dr. Robert Gray of Santa Barbara City College. Dr. Gray prepared a display on "Rock Forming Algae" for the CFMS Show in Mariposa during the weekend of May 28 - 30, 2004. (Rock forming algae includes diatomite, stromatolites, calcareous tufa and certain varieties of limestone.)

Many of our VGMS members attended the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies' annual mineral show in Mariposa. Some of our members prepared exhibits and also assisted the Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club with the show.

On June 5, Steve and Susan Mulqueen donated several specimens of petrified wood to Cindy Williams. Cindy is a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Ventura. The wood will be used in her classroom.

On June 10, a new display titled "Selenite" was prepared by Steve and Susan Mulqueen for the "Rock of the Month" Exhibit at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula. The previous exhibit featured petrified wood of Arizona. A special thanks to Ray and Florence Meisenheimer for the loan of both the petrified wood and selenite specimens.
     Steve Mulqueen.

May 19, Ray Meisenheimer spoke to two classes of Junior High School students at Ocean View School in Oxnard. There were about 60 students and several adults. He had a number of fossils, rocks and minerals for the students to examine.
     Florence Meisenheimer.

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CFMS SHOW AND MEETING AT MARIPOSA.

The show was held at the Fairgrounds in Mariposa. It was a small show, but a good show, well attended and well organized. There were dealers and venders in the building and outside in the grassy area. There were only 9 competitive exhibits and a smaller number of general exhibits, but outstanding in quality. The museum was open and very busy, especially parents and children.

Seventy-seven delegates, all officers and most committee persons attended the meeting.

Unfortunately seven clubs have not paid their dues to CFMS this year, along with one club which disbanded. Too few workers to do the duties of running a club.

It was approved by the delegates that "Honorary Members" be excepted from dues payment to their club.

Both North and South field trip chairmen are working on more trips for the remainder of the year.

Shirley Leeson, CFMS Historian, is in the process of putting together a showcase of material donated by past CFMS presidents -- noted as "The Presidents' case". She has had good response with beautiful material.

Bill Gissler, slide librarian chairperson, announced the slide programs are updated and on the internet. There was discussion regarding putting all programs on CDs. The plus side is that they would never wear out, and would be 3 times cheaper to mail out. The negative side is that not all clubs have the equipment to use CDs at this time. No action was taken. A new catalogue on programs will be distributed in November, with five new programs added.

Insurance for next year will be increased by 15%. A copy of Fred Ott's insurance report is in this newsletter.

Earth Sciences - The enrollment form for Camp Paradise will be in the July CFMS Newsletter, and on the internet about the same time. In the spring, it will be the 20th year for Zzyzx. Cal is thinking of festive events. Nothing planned yet.

Upcoming CFMS Shows:
     2005 - Roseville, at the Fairgrounds June 10, 11 & 12.
     2006 - Calaveras, no date set yet.
     2007 - Fairgrounds at Lancaster, by Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club.
          It is their 50th year.

Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.

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CFMS INSURANCE REPORT,
Fred Ott, Insurance Chairperson,
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

May 29, 2004.

To: All Member Societies.

California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

Insurance coverage for the Federation and its member Societies remains challenging but manageable.

Numerous attempts to obtain competitive bids from other insurance companies have not produced a single proposal in over 5 years. If any member of your club knows of a professional insurance agency or brokerage that would be willing to provide the Federation with a proposal, please have them contact me soonest.

Insurance premiums for the 2004 - 2005 policy year are expected to be about 15% higher than the 2003 - 2004 policy year, particularly without a competitive bid.

Please continue to have your club do the following:

Remember: Club events (such as shows, field trips, etc.) at which 300 persons or more are expected to be in attendance are not automatically covered under the Federation policy. If you want liability insurance coverage for such events, please submit a Special Event Questionnaire for a quote well in advance.

In all likelihood, there will be some changes occurring with the policy renewal on October 16, 2004.

The most important change will probably be that all requests for insurance coverage and certificates of insurance/additional insured endorsements will be submitted directly to the insurance agency/brokerage for processing rather than being submitted to me for review. The current procedure is very time-consuming and labor-intensive and will need to be changed. If so, it will be extremely important that all requests that clubs submit directly to the insurance agent/broker be submitted accurately and in a timely basis. Additional premium charges or fees may be required by the insurance agent/broker for incomplete requests.

I anticipate mailing a letter and packet of information to each club by August outlining any new procedures. Until then, please continue using the current procedures.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Fred Ott, Insurance Chairperson.

     via Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.

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PUBLIC LANDS ADVISORY (PLAC)
Report for the May 29, 2004, CFMS Meeting.

We need your help on the Public Lands Advisory Committee (PLAC). The immediate need is for CFMS PLAC representatives to review various government (Federal, State, and local) actions affecting public lands. Government offices often publish a variety of documents, along with interpretations of current rules and laws that apply to environmental impact statements, related scoping documents, access to wilderness areas, access to areas that may become wilderness, and other plans and programs relating to roads and public lands. Ideally, each of these published documents should be reviewed, by one or more members of CFMS, and results of the review reported to the membership. The Government agencies often have local meetings to review the plans and documents with the public, and receive comments and suggestions from the users that have an interest in the areas under discussion.

Participation in these local meetings is an area we would appreciate help. Ideally, PLAC - North and South - can have members on the PLAC Committee living near key BLM, Forest Service, or other government offices and facilities where these meetings will be held.

The PLAC Committee members can attend some of these Government sponsored meetings held in their local area as a member of CFMS, and can identify their membership in other clubs and societies with an interest in the meeting's agenda. They will be urged to actively participate in discussions of the documents, take notes, provide comments (if appropriate). After each meeting, the PLAC member will keep the respective PLAC Chair informed as to status, potential affects on our hobby, and possible action that can be taken by CFMS members. The PLAC Chairs will consolidate the individual reports for inclusion in an upcoming CFMS Newsletter.

Appointment to the PLAC is based on a recommendation by the president of the member's society. The recommendations are to be sent to the CFMS President for review and approval. The CFMS President will then make the appointments to the PLAC Committee. (It is desirable the recommended members have access to the internet for rapid communications.)

CFMS Federation Directors, in conjunction with their Newsletter/Bulletin Editors, are encouraged to disseminate PLAC information to their members, along with the need for writing letters to the appropriate officials. An example of this type of information can be found on pages 10, 11, and 12 of the March 2004 CFMS Newsletter. For those society members that do not receive CFMS newsletters, copies can be found on the CFMS Web site, www.cfmsinc.org. Please review PLAC type articles in the newsletters, when received, and disseminate to your members via your newsletters. Additional PLAC information is often available in the AFMS Newsletters. Copies can be viewed on the AFMS Web site, www.amfed.org.

Frank Monez,
PLAC North.
     via Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIP,
Coal Oil Point,
Santa Barbara, CA,
July 10, 2004.

The October 23 fieldtrip to Porterville should be removed from the schedule.

Ron Wise, Field Trip Chair.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIP,
Cerro Gordo,
June 6, 2004.

     Summer came unseasonably early in Lone Pine. Just ask the Tri-Club members who camped at Portagee Joe Campground before heading up the mountains to the Cerro Gordo Mine for our June field trip.
     It was hot! Miriam Tetreault of the Oxnard Club recorded over 100 degrees in her camper. To cool off we waded in the small stream running through the campground. Wonder of wonders, there were hundreds of fresh-water clams in the stream. For an appetizer we dined on steamed clams in garlic butter Friday. Had it been 20 degrees cooler the evening would have been perfect!
     Fortunately, the Cerro Gordo Mine is above 9000 feet. Hot as it was in Lone Pine, it was perfect for rock hounding at the mine. Saturday morning Frances Pedneau of the Lone Pine club led about 15 trucks and SUVs full of rock hounds up the 5,000 feet above the Owens Valley. Since the mine covers a lot of territory, there's plenty of room to dig and wander around looking for minerals on the ground. Or you can just sit on the porch and enjoy the million-dollar view.
     We had a challenge and a mission! Ed Clark of the Ventura and Oxnard clubs phoned a few days before we left to say that, because of a change in his work schedule, he couldn't make it. But would we see if we could bring back some hydrozincite. Sure, we said, we'll give it a try! Late in the day at Cerro Gordo, after having seen nothing that looked like the pictures of hydrozincite in the rock books, an avid mineral collector mentioned that very mineral and thought he had found a specimen. He showed us were he had found it, and together we looked for more. Having gathered a number of possible specimens, we headed back down the hill. A few days after we returned Ed came over to check them out with his black light. None of the specimens were hydrozincite. Wonder of wonders, though, when Ron brought out the rocks he had collected at Cerro Gordo last year, there it was. A piece of hydrozincite!
     Those of you who missed the trip to Cerro Gordo this year will be heartened to know that Frances and the Lone Pine Club will host another trip next year. The only collecting allowed at Cerro Gordo is on these yearly field trips. Look for it on next year's schedule!

In attendance were:
Miriam Tetreault - OGMS,
Lee Leighton - OGMS,
Don Minster - OGMS/VGMS,
David Panaro - CGMS,
Ryan Panaro - CGMS,
Jean Wise - VGMS/OGMS,
Ron Wise - VGMS/OGMS.

Jean 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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AMMONITES: SPIRALS INTO THE PAST,
By Molly Zigler.

Ammonites are one of the most widespread, common fossils to be found across the world. They can be found almost anywhere from Russia to the United States, but one of the most common places is in what was formerly the Pierre Seaway, now the Pierre Shale in North America.

"Ammonites" is a name made for the members of the order Ammonoidea, which is an extinct order of Cephalopods. Cephalopods are often thought to be the most intelligent and advanced group of mollusks in existence. Keeping with the pattern, ammonites are often thought to have been one of the most efficient cephalopods in existence; that is, while they existed.

Ammonites were first found over 400 million years ago, in the form of a small, straight-shelled cephalopod called a bactrite. These diversified into hundreds of different species until the great Permian Extinction which killed off most of the ammonites.

However, the ones that were left evolved and flourished again, until another extinction which happened near the end of the Triassic. This killed off all but one family of ammonites. This family of ammonites evolved and flourished yet again, until finally the extinction of the Cretaceous killed them off along with the dinosaurs and countless other species.

Ammonites were so diverse and successful that they developed many shapes. The shells ranged from the common coiled type, to partially uncoiled, to even coils going in different directions. Also, a long, straight-shelled variety has been found, similar to the bactrites, which is called a baculite.

They ate almost anything they could catch. Ammonites had incredibly strong beaks which were very large in comparison to their bodies. They could bite through hard shell, and this enabled ammonites to eat other ammonites.

Ammonites were quite small when they hatched; in fact, they were less than one millimeter long. It is believed they grew rapidly, mated and died, some in a period of one or two years. However, some of the larger size must have lived much longer to have been able to grow to such a large size.

The most common size depends on the species, but most were five to six inches (referring to the coiled type). However, some were merely an inch long, while the biggest was six feet long!

There was also usually a considerable size difference between the females and males. Females were 25% to 400% percent bigger than males, depending upon the species. Males also had proportionally larger spines in the shell than the female. It is thought that they may have needed protection from predators, or even from potential other males. In addition, the shape of the area of the shell where the head protruded is different in males, than is in females.

The shell is the part of the ammonites we know most about. It was also a very complex creation, filled with different chambers. However they were two basic parts:

The first is the Phragmocone. This part of the shell was composed of gradually larger chambers filled with gas to create balance and buoyancy. The second is the Body Chamber. This part of the shell housed and protected the body of the ammonite.

Ammonite shells also developed a variety of adornments. Ribs in the shell streamlined and strengthened the shell while tubercles and spines probably protected them from predators or perhaps made them more attractive to prospective mates.

The shells were made from alternating layers of aragonite and conchiolin. The layers were deposited from the ammonite's mantle in very much the same way modern-day mollusks create their shells. It is believed that some ammonites may have possessed color banding for camouflage and/or stalking prey.

A pattern called a "suture pattern" is found beneath the initial wall of the phragmocone. The suture pattern formed where the chamber walls contact the outer shell. Suture patterns are quite interesting, as each ammonite species has a unique suture pattern, and each ammonite family has its own style. Ammonites from the Devonian period have a simple design, white ammonites from late Cretaceous have a complex intricate pattern.

Lots of people like to collect ammonite shells. Many ammonite shells have gained the color of the rock they are imprisoned in, making the color quite beautiful. Ammonite shells have been found in almost every color in the spectrum. Fossil enthusiasts often collect ammonites to show at rock shows, while paleontologists use them for study.

In conclusion, ammonites were complex creatures, one of the most successful creatures of their time.

As it is, ammonites remain one of the most popular and common fossils and would be an essential part of anyone's collection, professional and amateur alike.

References:
Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. www.bhigr.com.
Larson, Neal L.; Jorgenson, Steven D.; Farrar, Robert A.; Larson, Peter L.; Ammonites and the Other Cephalopods of the Pierre Seaway: An Identification Guide; Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc.; 1997.
Taylor, Paul D.; Eyewitness Books; Fossil, Dorling-Kindersley; London, 1990.

From: The Strata Data 10/01 (First Place AFMS 2002 Junior Article, 12-17),

Via Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter November 2003.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS,
Presenters: Eugene Fritsche, Roberta Harma, and Karen Savage.

Abstract: The Conejo Volcanics and similar volcanic rocks occur over a wide area from Griffith Park to the Oxnard Plain and from the Pacific Ocean to Big Mountain and the Santa Susana Mountains. Rocks within the Conejo Volcanics consist of basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, and dacite lava flows and flow breccias that commonly are massive, but in places are vesicular or amygdaloidal. Diabase, andesite, and dacite intrusive dikes and sills and volcanic necks are also present, as are abundant lahar deposits interbedded with the flow rocks. Flows of basaltic andesite composition occur throughout the volcanic sequence, implying that primitive magma was repeatedly supplied throughout the eruptive history, which occurred about 17 Ma and lasted for about 1,000,000 years. Eruptions were submarine at the beginning of the eruptive event and became subaerial at the end. The volcanic rocks belong to the calc-alkaline magma series and are characterized by low K₂O content. Geochemically they are very similar to the Zuma Volcanics, which were named for volcanic rocks that crop out south of the Malibu Coast fault, and the two units are considered synonymous. Rocks of similar geochemical composition are commonly considered to be of subduction origin, but sea floor magnetic anomalies clearly indicate that subduction had ceased. An alternative hypothesis for their origin begins with rotation of the Transverse Ranges block, which caused crustal rifting and attenuation and uplift of the underlying oceanic lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle of the Monterey microplate. Decompression melting of this depleted mantle source would produce magmas with a slightly more primitive isotopic character than seen in the Conejo lavas. These primitive basaltic magmas repeatedly intruded the overlying crust where they underwent fractional crystallization and assimilated portions of the crust. These more evolved magmas then ascended through the upper crust and erupted on the surface as the Conejo Volcanics.

Most of the volcanic material is in what is now the western Santa Monica Mountains. In the vicinity of Conejo Mountain the volcanics are around 9,000 feet thick and they thin rapidly away from this point in all directions. Extrusive activity was centered around two major volcanic necks, and maybe several others, so that during the late early Miocene the volcanic field consisted of perhaps two, and maybe more, side-by-side volcanic cones that rose as an island out of the ocean and grew to an elevation of at least 5,000 feet. Since the Miocene, these volcanic cones have been tilted northward and all of the south slope and the top of the southernmost cone have been eroded down to the point where the volcanic neck emerges from the underlying lower Miocene sedimentary rocks. In essence, the surface exposures of the volcanics are a cross section of the interior of the early Miocene "Volcan Conejo". Study of the interior of the volcano reveals how feeder dikes and sills so expanded and disrupted the underlying lower Miocene sedimentary rocks that subvolcano faulting occurred simultaneously with intrusion.

Brief Biographical:
     Eugene Fritsche - AB, Geology, UCLA, 1958,
     PhD, Geology, UCLA, 1969,
     Professor Emeritus of Geology, CSUN.

     Roberta Harma - BS, Geology, CSUN, 1978;
     MS, Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii, 1982;
     Instructor of Geology, Moorpark College.

     Karen Savage - BS, Geology, CSUN, 1990;
     MS, Geology, CSUN, 1996;
     Instructor of Geology, CSUN and Moorpark College.

Taken from the Coast Geological 5-18-04 Newsletter regarding their program for the evening.

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MEMBERSHIP.

2004 Membership Directories were delivered at the April 28th meeting. Those that were not picked up at the meeting were mailed the following week. If you have not received one by now, give Shirley Layton a call at 805 717-9226 and she will put one in the mail to you. There were several corrections and an addition printed in the May Bulletin. We will have a printed list available at the June meeting to help you keep up with the changes.

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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If at first you don't succeed,
You are running about average.
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, May 26, 2004:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The March regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin.
     Steve asked for but received no old business.
New business:
Steve Mulqueen - Immediate business is finding a new location for our museum. A committee has been formed and this will prove to be an historic chapter in our club's history. If you would like to be a part of it, meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Steve's house, at 7:30. All input is appreciated. Steve is requesting any photos of club events that might help demonstrate our impact on and service in our community. Steve also mentioned that the Amgen Corp. is offering a summer science program. More details will follow.
Ron Wise - The next field trip will be to Cerro Gordo Mine on June 6th. See Ron or this bulletin for details.
Jim Brace-Thompson - Dealer and exhibitor chair persons are still needed for the 2005 show. Please do your part and volunteer. McCollough's has opened a rock shop in Thousand Oaks (1348 N. Moorpark Rd.) called "A World Apart". This is a big deal for Ventura County, as there isn't much in the way of rock shops for us. Stop by when you get a chance and show support.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
Emma Mayer - Suggested the media (paper) be contacted for publicity (article or paid advertisement) of our plight concerning a museum. The possibility of a leased warehouse was also mentioned. Cable TV also offers free ad space.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of June will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin.
     Steve next gave the floor to Ray and Florence Meisenheimer who set into action a frenzy of bidding by opening a silent auction to club members. Most material was provided by the Meisenheimers along with set up and preparations. Everyone saw to it that the pebble pups were not out bid and still everyone had a good time as always at an auction.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, June 3rd, all are welcomed to attend and next regular meeting will be held June 23rd.
     Refreshments were provided by Steve & Susan Mulqueen.
     There being no further business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, June 3, 2004:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 3rd, 2004, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Shirley Layton, Jim Brace-Thompson, Sharon Markley and Greg Davis.
Steve Mulqueen - The museum relocation committee has been formed and is meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Photos will be gathered at the next work shop on June 19th.
Richard Bromser - It was m/s/c to accept the treasurer's reports for the month of May. The Land Bank Corp. will close escrow on land which includes our museum premises on July 9th, 2004 per Lyle, their attorney. Richard is also investigating another potential site in Ventura and will report back with details as appropriate. Changes have been made to the Ventura County Fair Guide for 2004 (set up dates and times). Richard will get the details for us as soon as possible.
Jim Brace-Thompson - The exhibitor position is still open for our 2005 show and the good news is Kathryn Davis has agreed to handle dealer responsibilities so long as she's still in town at the time.
Shirley Layton - 10th of June is the deadline for articles to the bulletin. Shirley provided photos of club events to Steve (and hopes we find time to have another club picnic this summer) and mentioned that the cost of printing the bulletin is going up like everything else but that she's still working the system to keep it as low as possible.
Florence Meisenheimer - Our club liability insurance is on the rise. Details will follow upon finalization. A copy of the Federation Society roster & by-laws was submitted and Florence reported that the Federation Show was a huge success due to good help, participation and good competitive cases entered. Florence also retrieved outreach event materials for Steve to include in the museum portfolio.
Greg Davis - Another silent auction is being planned for the monthly meeting in September with Greg organizing the event.
Steve Mulqueen - The next display at the California Oil Museum will be a selenite collection. A date for our annual picnic will be discussed at the next board meeting. More rock material is being offered to our club. Ray and others will evaluate and report back.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

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

When Gluing a small job, dip a toothpick into the resin bottle and another toothpick into the catalyst bottle. Twist the toothpicks together and you will have enough epoxy for the repair job. - The Agatizer 3/04 via The Rock Slab News 5/04.

After a tube of epoxy has been opened, dab a bit of Vaseline on the threads. The cap will not stick and mess up your tube. Also put Vaseline around the rim of your tumbler before bolting on the lid. It makes for a tighter seal and it will be easier to remove the lid. - Author unknown - The Rockcollector 1/03 via The Rock Slab News 5/04.

For ease of solder identification, write the type of solder with a large marker on a wooden dowel one half inch diameter and about 1.5" long, and drill with a #62 drill bit. Feed the solder through the dowel and snip off the solder as needed. For stick-soldering on a small job, use the dowel as an insulated handle. - The Palomar Gem 3/03 via The Rock Slab News 5/04.

Hard Stones should be polished on a fast wheel, while soft ones should be polished on a slower wheel, because of the heat. If the speed of the wheel cannot be varied, polish the softer stones close to the center, or hub, of the wheel and the harder stones on the outside where the speed of inches per second is greater. - The Rockatier Archives via The Rock Slab News 5/04.

Banish Tarnish on Silver. Tarnish is caused by sulfur gases in the air. Chalk is a natural absorber of sulfur. Place sticks of blackboard chalk in your tool cases, jewelry boxes, jewelry drawer, or just around your silver jewelry. (Ed. Note: This may be a repeat, but worth it!) - Mineral Memos via Del Air Bulletin 5/04.

Help!! We need correct Answer! In our March Bulletin, I printed a tip titled "How do you Measure an Ounce of Grit?" In re-reading it, there is an error in that it says to fill a teaspoon and level for 1/4 ounce of grit - later it says "in general it takes 8 teaspoons to make an ounce". Which is correct as they contradict one another?! Let me know and we will print the correction in the next bulletin. - Editor.

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List of Web Site 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.

AFMS 2004 Convention:
     http://www.amfed.org/efmls/ - Click on "2004 Convention". You can find downloadable forms, motel information, applications, etc. NOTE: I didn't find a 2004 Convention link but the button to the left labeled EFMLS Convention works.

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SHOW DATES.

2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

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 6-8; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, Rainbow of Gems Show, St. Joseph's Church, 2985 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 10-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt (805) 929-3788.
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.
SEPTEMBER 18-19; REDWOOD CITY, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Carol Corden (650) 776-5990. Email: ccorden@earthlink.net.
SEPTEMBER 18-19; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park & Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Mike Doherty - mdoherty@tcsn.net or Paul Savage - egavasp@starband.net.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Community Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace. Hours: 10-5 both days. Mary Anne Mital (760) 724-0395.
OCTOBER 9-10; ANTIOCH, CA - Antioch Lapidary Club, Contra Costa Fairgrounds, 10th and L Streets - in the Flower Bldg. Hours: 10-5 both days.
OCTOBER 9-10; GRASS VALLEY, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Main Exhibit Hall, 11228 McCourtney Rd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
OCTOBER 16-17; CAYUCOS, CA - San Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral Club, Cayucos Veteran's Hall, 10 Cayucos Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Robert G. Hurless (805) 772-7160.
OCTOBER 22-24; RIVERSIDE, CA - Valley Prospectors of San Bernardino, Rancho Jurupa Park, 4800 Crestmore. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Alice Corey (909) 864-8320. Email - alpennymae@aol.com.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2004.

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.

  Table of Contents.

Give others a piece of your heart,
Not a piece of your mind.
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

     I am putting the questions out to all members - What do you want to see in your bulletin? Are their things you would like to see added? Deleted? What is your favorite part? Least favorite? I would appreciate everyone's input. You can send me a note, signed or unsigned or let me know at the meetings or board meetings. Thanks for your help.
     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.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

MISSING: Photos from members about your Rockhounding Adventures!!
Check your Photo Albums or Cameras and send or bring them to Shirley Layton.
Share with Everyone!

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Trinitite - A synthetic, inorganic solid substance formed by the melting of sand, soil and rock from the intense temperatures and pressures achieved during the first nuclear detonation test on July 16, 1945. The Trinity Test was the code name for the experiment to demonstrate the forces released from the implosion, chain-reaction and resultant explosion of a critical mass of plutonium. This was an aboveground experiment that was conducted at the Trinity Site within the White Sands Proving Grounds near Alamogordo, New Mexico. It involved an explosion equivalent in intensity to 19-kilotons of TNT. Trinitite was formed, discovered and named during / after that test. A crater 2,400 feet in diameter was formed from the combined forces of the explosion. This crater was completely lined with trinitite.
     Most trinitite is a light-green, glassy material, usually occurring with abundant bubbles and having very weak radioactivity. Trinitite is fused silica glass with traces of olivine, feldspar and other minerals common to the sandy soils of the desert regions of New Mexico. Some of the high-temperature minerals occurring in the soil below the surface did not completely melt during the test. Trinitite does not occur naturally. Therefore, it is not a true mineral or rock even though the name appears to conform to a scientific standard of nomenclature.
     During World War II, the United States Army conducted nuclear research and developed 2 distinct types of atomic bombs. One was a plutonium device while the other was a uranium device. This was the combined effort of several hundred scientists and engineers working together on an experiment code named "The Manhattan Project". Most of the research for the project occurred at laboratories in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Uranium 235 was separated and processed from uranium ores at Oak Ridge, Tennessee while plutonium was synthesized from the uranium 235 isotope at a plant in Hanford, Washington.
     The Trinity Site is located on restricted land (closed to public entry) on the White Sands Missile Range in the Tularosa Basin southeast of Socorro, New Mexico.

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

The Castle Crags.

Illustration of the Month.

The Castle Crags consist of a group of granitic domes and spires that are part of the Klamath Mountains of Northern California. They are located west of Interstate 5 between Castella and Dunsmuir in Shasta County.

This illustration is from the article "Trip to Castle Crags" by Quintin A. Aune, printed in Mineral Information Service, a publication of the California Division of Mines and Geology (now called the California Geological Survey), Volume 23, number 7, July, 1970, page 139.

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, June 2004.

Educational Corner beginning its 5th year.

June marks the beginning of the fifth year of the Educational Corner in the VGMS bulletin. Steve Mulqueen has been preparing this section since June of 2001. The first "Illustration of the Month" was a drawing of a trilobite fossil from an old book on geology dated 1902. The trilobite illustration was later adopted as "Trili", the editor's pet trilobite. Anyone wanting to see these past issues of our bulletins can review them in our website.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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