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

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• VENTURA COUNTY FAIR NEEDS YOU;
• PROGRAM: JULY 28, 2004, "Fluorescent Minerals";
• Review - June Program: "Deep Sea Vents";
• 2004 VGMS ANNUAL PICNIC, August 22, 2004;
• CONGRATULATIONS TO SHIRLEY BROMSER;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• AUGUST BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• EARTH SCIENCES - CFMS;
• How Geodes are Created;
• Weights Used in Precious Metals and Jewelry;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• HELP - PLAC NEEDS YOU;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk!);
• List of Web Site Addresses for Important Mineral Shows;
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• Geology Word Find;
• Camp Paradise 2004 Application;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

With summer vacation planning in full swing for some of our members, don't forget to take a few extra photos for our VGMS PHOTO ALBUM. Shirley, our editor, welcomes photos from vacations, field trips or any adventures to be submitted for the bulletin. Make a few notes of your summer excursion so that you can easily present a lecture to our members during a future meeting.

Our next regular meeting is on Wednesday, July 28. Ed Clark will be presenting a program on "Fluorescent Minerals". Ed has developed a keen interest in many aspects of mineralogy. His lecture should prove to be another informative talk.

At each meeting, we encourage members and guests to bring in samples of rocks, minerals and fossils for identification or for discussion. For the next meeting, if you have an ultraviolet light and a few fluorescent minerals, be sure to bring them in. Learning about our hobby involves the sharing of ideas. Specimens of this type are great learning tools.

We will also have a discussion about the most recent Tri-Club field trip to Coal Oil Point that was held on July 10.

Please put our meeting date, July 28, on your calendar. I look forward to seeing you there!

Steve Mulqueen,
President, VGMS.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Laughter is good medicine---Prescriptions have unlimited refills.

It's not whether you win or lose, but where you place the blame.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

You can't get ahead if you spend your time trying to get even.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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VENTURA COUNTY FAIR NEEDS YOU!

It has come to our attention that it is important that our members put in as many entries as possible. It seems the hobby section is taking over the Gem & Mineral portion and we CAN'T let that happen! It would be helpful if you could let Bob Stultz know how many cases or single entries for the Bull Pen you are planning on, so he can reserve space. Many of our members demonstrate and help with the set up and maintenance during the Fair. Ray and Florence Meisenheimer are putting in a VGMS Club case as well as their own entries. Go for the blue, as they say, and get your cases ready. Gem and Mineral entries are to be taken at 10:00 am to 6 pm on Friday - July 30th, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday - July 31st/August 1st. Our own Richard and Shirley Bromser are the Assistant Superintendents for the Gem & Mineral Department. Good Luck!

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PROGRAM - JULY 28, 2004:
"Fluorescent Minerals".

Ed Clark will be presenting the Program on July 28th on "Fluorescent Minerals". There are whole realms of minerals that fluoresce under an ultra violet light (black light). Ed will have some examples of these. He has done a great job presenting his extensive knowledge in many facets of our Hobby in the past. I'm sure this one will be just as interesting and well presented as the others. Be sure to come and see what Ed and the Black Light has to show!

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REVIEW - JUNE PROGRAM:
"Deep Sea Vents".

At our June 23rd meeting, Steve Mulqueen presented the video "Deep Sea Vents" which was fascinating. It was pretty amazing what growth they found deep in the ocean where they previously thought there was no life. These large cones were created by the minerals in the super heated plumes of sulfide rich water that is vented up from the ocean floor. With the heat from the water, a whole lot of sea worms would attach themselves to these cones. The video was taken offshore in the Pacific Northwest area. They were able to detach and retrieve three different vents in relatively good shape, worms and all! Obviously with the temperature of the water and the rough seas it was a rather hazardous undertaking. They had a robotic capsule they could do some of the work out of.

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2004 VGMS ANNUAL PICNIC,
August 22, 2004.

Save the August 22nd date for the Annual Picnic. It will be held at Arroyo Verde Park (at the end of Day Road on Telegraph). The time is 11:00. The club will furnish the hotdogs, hamburgers and buns. You will need to bring a side dish (enough for your family plus 4) along with your table settings, drinks etc. Last year we had to cancel due to the fires, so we are going to try again! I heard a rumor about a white elephant auction! More details will be revealed at the July meeting. Hope to see you there!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO
SHIRLEY BROMSER!

At the 2004 Ventura County Fair Volunteers Day, the Ventura County Fair Board awarded Shirley Bromser a trophy for the Most Dedicated Volunteer for the Gem & Mineral Department. It was her lucky day, as she also won the centerpiece from her table. Shirley is one of the hardest working and most helpful members of VGMS and I can't think of anyone more deserving. Way to go Shirley! - Thank you Florence for sharing this information.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

7-28-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Ed Clark presents "Fluorescent Minerals".
7-30 - 8-1-04 - Ventura County Fair Gem & Mineral Entries.
8-4 - 15-04 - Ventura County Fair - Enjoy!
8-5-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
8-10-04 - DEADLINE FOR AUGUST Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
8-21-04 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
8-22-04 - VGMS Annual Picnic - 11:00 am - Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura. More details further in bulletin.
8-25-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

California Oil Museum VGMS display case exhibit has been changed to "Selenite Gypsum". This mineral exhibit features a variety of selenite crystals from Oklahoma and Mexico, including the intricate "rose cluster" variety. VGMS has been presenting rock and fossil exhibits at the Museum since 1997. Thanks to Steve Mulqueen for his diligence in setting these displays up. The case can be seen in the Main Hall of the Museum. Go by and take a look and enjoy the entire museum while you are there. Also thank Steve for his good work in this area the next time you see him!

"Butterflies Alive" - Susan Mulqueen shared her experience visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the exhibit of Butterflies. They have a lush natural habitat with over 1000 species flying about that you walk through. They can land on you or you can watch them eat from some of the flora. The museum is open 7 days a week, 10-5. Admission is $7 for adults ($6 - Seniors). It will be there until September 12th. If you like butterflies this is a must see! Check it out on their website www.sbnature.org for more information.

Grit price list for club members:

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:
     July: Shirley Layton & Sharlyne Holloway,
     August: Emma Mayer,
     September: Valli Davis,
     October: Sharon Cunningham,
     November: Pumpkin Pies - by all great volunteers!
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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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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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AUGUST BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in August. 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!

August - Happy Birthday!!
     Floy Myers - 2nd,
     Marie Haake - 14th,
     Julie Cogswell - 22nd,
     Shirley Bromser - 25th,
     Mel Hixson - 26th,
     Chloe Baer - 27th.

The August birthstone is the Peridot and the flower is the Gladiolus.

PERIDOT, the gemstone variety of olivine.

Variety of: Olivine, (MgFe)₂SiO₄.
Uses: Gemstone.
Birthstone for: August.
Color: Various shades of green.
Index of refraction: 1.630 - 1.695.
Birefringence: 0.037.
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.
Cleavage: None.
Crystal system: Orthorhombic.

     Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, a mineral series between two end minerals: forsterite, Mg₂SiO₄, and fayalite, Fe₂SiO₄.

Peridot, although a mixture of magnesium and iron, is usually closer to forsterite than fayalite in composition. The green of peridot is of a different shade than emerald and is unfortunately considered a "poor man's emerald". The pronunciation of Peridot is actually pronounced pear-a-doe instead of pear-a-dot, which seems to be a source of confusion. Gem quality peridot comes from islands in the Red Sea, Burma, Norway, Arizona, Hawaii, and in some meteorites. It has been mined as a gemstone for thousands of years, and is mentioned in the Bible under the name of Chrysolite. Historical legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra.

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

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HOSPITALITY.

The June meeting was blessed with 18 members and three guests. Pickings are sort of slim this time of year, due to vacations, etc. We were happy to have guests Hannah Brace-Thompson, Linda Liker and Ed Pannell with us. We hope to see them again soon. Hannah will be off to college this fall so was good to see her. There weren't any door prize drawings as our door prize chairs weren't able to attend (more for next time). Hannah and her Dad, Jim Brace-Thompson brought some wonderful refreshments (Nancy was back East visiting family). Chocolate dipped strawberries and brownies were enjoyed by all. Hope all who are traveling do it safely and have lots of fun and good finds!

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

     June 10 Ray Meisenheimer gave a tour of the museum to Cub Scout Pack 3179. There were 6 boys and 3 adults. They were very impressed and asked many questions.
     As the Pack was leaving, two people stopped in, just to see what was in the building. They are from Brooks Institute of Photography, Santa Barbara, and are looking for some happening to make a documentary film. One, Karen Mydland Jenkins, was very much impressed and when Ray explained that we may lose our museum to progress she said this museum must be saved. There must be a way to keep it intact. She added that they would consider making a documentary of the museum. She gave Ray her business card.
          Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

     On July 17th, Greg and Valli Davis represented VGMS at "Project Understanding" Festival of Hobbies at the Anacapa Middle School in Ventura. Valli demonstrated beading and Greg did lapidary and silver work. They handed out tumbled rocks to the kids and in General had a Great Time. This was the first annual "Festival of Hobbies" which they hope to have each year. According to Greg and Valli everyone was enjoying it so much they sure should have it every year!

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR IS THE FIELD TRIP FOR
AUGUST! Enjoy and don't work too hard!

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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EARTH SCIENCES - CFMS.

We have completed another successful outing at Zzyzx, our 19th. We are discussing some special events to celebrate the twentieth anniversary next year. At the present time only the time has been confirmed. The dates to remember are April 2 through April 9, 2005. More information will be available in November of this year and will be published in the CFMS Newsletter. When you receive the information PLEASE pass it along.

Camp Paradise is fast approaching, and preparations are under way for that endeavor. Although I had anticipated making some changes, discussions with committee members, instructors, and those who support it convinced me to leave it much as it has been in the past. Registration Forms are available on the internet at www.cfmsinc.org and should be available from your Federation Director, Editor (Ed. Note: Registration Form is included in this Newsletter) and/or President. As always I urge anyone who is interested in attending to resister early, if the past is any indication it will fill up rather quickly, and we are limited to the number of people we can accommodate. REGISTER EARLY.

Cal Classon, CFMS Newsletter 7/04.

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How Geodes are Created.

Geodes begin as bubbles in volcanic rock or as animal burrows, tree roots or mud balls in sedimentary rock. Over time the outer shell of the spherical shape hardens and water containing silica precipitation forms on the inside walls of the hollow cavity within the geode. The silica precipitation can contain any variety of dissolved minerals; the most common being quartz, but amethyst and calcite are also found. Over a period of thousands of years, layers of silica cool, forming crystals of different minerals within the cavity. Different types of silica cool at varying temperatures thus creating layers of different types of mineral crystals. Each geode is unique in composition and can truly be discovered when cracked open or cut with a rock saw. The size and formation of crystals and different shades of color within the crystal make each geode special. The rough exterior of the geode gives no indication of the secrets held within its core. The anticipation never fades for those who curiously collect buckets full of round geodes and eagerly expose these secrets of each individual sphere-shaped rock. The most prized contain rare amethyst crystals or black calcite crystals.

From: Rockwood Rockhound News, 9/99 et al, via Rockonteur 7/04.

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Weights Used in Precious Metals
and Jewelry.

CARAT: The carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and other gemstones. Since April 1, 1914, a carat has been standardized as 1/5 of a gram. It is sometimes called a metric carat. There are, or were, 4 grains per carat. Because diamonds and other gemstones are expensive, it is necessary to use subdivisions of the carat. It is usually subdivided and recorded to 2 decimal places, a hundredth of a carat is known in rather unmathematical trade jargon as a "point". Half a carat is therefore written .50 carats or 0.50 carats, and would be referred to as 50 points. In ancient times, there were various values for the carat, which ranged from 0.1885 - 0.2135 grams.

GRAM: A gram or gramme is a standard metric unit of weight. There are obviously 1000 grams per kilogram. In 1960, the ISO confirmed the 'IS unit system' which was based upon the existing MKS (Metres, Kilograms, and Seconds) system.
     The kilogram was defined as the weight of the International Prototype made of platinum and indium which is held at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Sevres, France.

GRAIN: An ancient unit, which was originally based on the weight of a grain of wheat. The grain is the smallest unit of weight in the avoirdupois, troy, and apothecaries systems. Surprisingly, it is identical in all three systems.
  4 grains = 1 carat.                  24 grains = 1 pennyweight.
  480 grains = 1 troy ounce.     5760 grains = 1 troy pound.
  437.5 grains = 1 ounce avoirdupois.
  7000 grains =1 pound avoirdupois.     1 grain =0.0648 grams.
  15,432 grains =1 gram.
(I hope this isn't too weighty an article.)

MOROKS Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter AUGUST 2003 - Via Opal Express, 2002.

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MEMBERSHIP.

No changes in the Membership area! Hope you are all having a Great Summer.

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, June 23, 2004:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The May regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c 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. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Steve's house, at 7:30. Any and all input is appreciated, as time is getting short. Photos of club events have been gathered to help demonstrate our impact on and in our community.
Ron Wise: The next field trip will be to Coal Point on July 10th. See Ron or this bulletin for details. August will be reserved for County Fair activities and the soap stone location trip has been cancelled for now.
Jim Brace-Thompson: An exhibitor chairperson is still needed for our 2005 show. Please consider doing your part by volunteering. Displays of rock and minerals are needed for our County Fair, so please consider entering one or more, as the more the better for our hobby's publicity.
Shirley Layton: The 10th of May will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin.
     Steve next presented a very informative video on deep sea vents and the hydrothermal fluids from them. Some of our club members were fortunate enough to have accompanied the late Helmut Ehrenspeck on a field trip to a "black smoker" site in Santa Barbara County a few years ago.
     Wayne Ehlers next gave a report on his and Marie's trip across the United States, culminating with a viewing of the WWII Monument in Washington, D.C.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, July 1st, all are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held July 28.
     Refreshments were provided by Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson.
     There being no further business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, July 1, 2004:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, July 1st, 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, Ron Wise, Dave Mautz and Greg Davis.
Steve Mulqueen: The museum relocation committee has been formed and is meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Club photos have been gathered and are being assembled for presentations. Ed Clark is scheduled for a presentation at the next regular meeting. A date and time has been agreed upon for a club picnic - Sunday, August 22, 11:00 at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura. Volunteers of course are needed. More details to follow.
Richard Bromser: It was m/s/c to accept the treasurer's report for the month of June. The Land Bank Corp. will close escrow on land which includes our museum premises on July 9th, 2004 per Lyle, their attorney. Our Rock & Gem magazine subscription has been renewed. The County Fair is almost here - August 4th - 15th, with set-up beginning July 6th. As many display cases (and preferably competitive) as possible are needed along with individual specimen items. Bob Stoltz needs to be contacted with your intentions in order to reserve space.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The exhibitor position is still open for our 2005 show. Ray and Florence have agreed to do the food, Steve Mulqueen has agreed to provide exhibitor awards and the first show meeting will be scheduled for sometime in September.
Shirley Layton: 10th of June is the deadline for articles to the bulletin. Club flyers and membership forms are being printed and will be available soon.
Ron Wise: Coal Oil Point is still on for July 10th, meeting at 10:00 a.m. August will be reserved for fair activities. Zzyzx is scheduled for April 3rd - 9th.
Greg Davis: Another silent auction is being planned for the monthly meeting in September with Greg organizing the event.
Steve Mulqueen: 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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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

HELP - PLAC (Public Lands Advisory
Committee) NEEDS YOU!
--
PUBLIC LANDS ADVISORY (PLAC).

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,
Chair, PLAC - North,
New email address: frankm2@sbcglobal.net.

CFMS Newsletter 7/04.

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

Fluorescent rocks have to be viewed in the dark. To make labels, mix quinine and water to use for ink. It glows a bright bluish white under the black light. - From Del Air bulletin 6/00 via Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 4/04.

Mineral oil is an excellent cleaner for selenite crystals. It seems to loosen the little tiny particles left after washing in water and brightens them. It is fine for preserving borax crystals from hydration changes, it makes variscite a deeper green and it improves the appearance of fluorite and calcite - Author unknown via Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 4/04.

You can test turquoise by putting a drop of ammonia on the BACK of the stone in question. Real turquoise will turn white. - From The Polished Slab 6/00 via Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 4/04.

Are You Sure It's Jade?
1. If a chip is knocked off, the freshly broken surface should not sparkle in the sun. If it does, it's not jade.
2. If you can scratch it with a knife point, it isn't jade.
3. It will be much heavier than a common rock of similar size.
4. Tap the specimen with a hammer. If a moon shaped fracture appears, it is agate or jasper, but not jade.
5. If it is jade, it will have a smooth, waxy, almost greasy look.
6. The only positive test for jade is x-ray analysis and specific gravity tests.
From Rockhound Rumblings 11/00 via Rock Writings 07/04.

Another One on Jade - The more milky the water is when cutting jade, the better the grade of jade. If the water isn't milky, then you don't have true jade. You have something else.
From Golden Spike News 3/01 via Rock Writings 07/04.

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. - SEE BELOW.

We have Clarification - from Sandy Riekeman, Quarry Quips Editor for the Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas. In regard to the March tip "How do you Measure an Ounce of Grit?" Sandy pointed out that the 8 teaspoons referred to POLISHING POWDER not the grit! - Well DUH! Thanks Sandy for helping us out!

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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:
     http://www.quartzsitechamber.com/show.schedule.shtml.
Tucson Mineral showcase:
     http://www.visittucson.org/Features/index.cfm?action=Display&featureID=13.

          Steve Mulqueen.

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SHOW DATES.

2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

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 3-6; FORT BRAGG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall, Main at Laurel. Hours: Fri. 12-9, Sat. & Sun. 10-6, Mon. 10-4. Don McDonell (707) 964-3116.
SEPTEMBER 17-19; DEVORE, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society 3rd Annual Gem & Mineral Tailgate. Western Regional Little League Park, 6707 Little League Drive. Bob Woodcox (909) 874-3697.
SEPTEMBER 18-19; JACKSON, CA - Fossils For Fun Society, Kennedy Mine in Jackson. 4th Annual Tailgate Gamboree. Hours: 9-5 both days. Dan Brown (209) 296-6466. danbrown@volcano.net.
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 25; LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Foothill Expressway & So. Springer Rd. Hours: Sat. 9:30-4:45. Dave Schmidt (408) 263-5870.
SEPTEMBER 25-26; 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.
SEPTEMBER 25-26; MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 755-7741. sky@familystones.net.
SEPTEMBER 25-26; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Downey Women's Club, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Earl Liston (562) 865-1348. ejliston5@juno.com.
OCTOBER 6-17; FRESNO, CA - Fresno Gem & Mineral Society, Big Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance. Hours: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. Newman Gill (559) 841-7765. fgms1@excite.com.
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 9-10; LAKESIDE, CA - El Cajon Valley Gem & Minerals, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, 12584 Mapleview Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Peggy Bowery (619) 561-7684. Docsgirl9@aol.com.
OCTOBER 9-10; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, Searles Lake Gem & Min. Show Building, 13337 Main Street. Hours; Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5256.
OCTOBER 16; CANOGA PARK, CA - Woodland Hills Rock Chippers, Canoga Park Community Center, 7248 Owensmouth Ave. Hours: 10-5. Show@rockchippers.org.
OCTOBER 16-17; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds, 5 miles south of Redding. Hours: 10-5 both days. Robert G. Hurless (805) 772-7160.
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 16-17; LONG BEACH, CA - The Mineralogical Society of Southern California, Long Beach Convention & Expo Ctr., 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Hours: 10-6 both days. Justin Butt (626) 683-1770. Show@rockchippers.org.
OCTOBER 16-17; PLACERVILLE, CA - El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Soc., El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jackie Derrato (530) 677-2975.
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.

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

SOUTHERN CENTRAL FEDERATION,
September 24-26, Houston, TX.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
To be announced.

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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 there 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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Geology Word Find.

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Camp Paradise 2004 Application.

Webmaster: Since the form is obsolete the link to it has been removed.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

The Uranium Rush - Also called the "The Uranium Boom" and "The Uranium Frenzy". The Uranium Rush started in the early-1950s and ended during the early-1960s. These terms refer to a period of time during the Cold War when the United States government was in desperate need of domestic sources of uranium ore. Stockpiles of uranium were needed for defense purposes, for research and for electric power generation. In 1952, the U.S. government offered a bonus of $10,000 to anyone who discovered a large high-grade uranium deposit. This was $10,000 in the 1950s, a sizable reward. News of the discovery of large high-grade deposits by a geologist named Charlie Steen at the Mi Vida Mine near Moab, Utah, drew thousands of prospectors to the Colorado Plateau. Of special interest were sedimentary rock units of the Mesozoic Era (Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods), deposited during the Age of the Dinosaur, 250 - 65 million years ago. Some of the highest-grade ore was in the form of petrified wood and petrified dinosaur bone replaced by uranium minerals.

One petrified log found during the rush measured 100 feet long and 4 feet in diameter, yielding more than 100 tons of uranium ore valued at $230,000. Some of the more common uranium ores contain radioactive minerals including pitchblende, uraninite, carnotite, tyuyamunite and autunite. With time, most of the states within the southwestern U.S. were invaded by geologists and prospectors equipped with Geiger counters, some arriving from other countries. A "rush" of this type had not been seen in the United States since the California Gold Rush of 1849. Some observers called it "The biggest rush-for-riches since the Klondike Stampede" (a gold rush of the 1890s, Yukon Territory, Canada). The Atomic Energy Commission established an ore buying station at Thompson, Utah to purchase uranium ore from local mine operators. By the late 1950s, the U.S. government was well supplied with uranium stockpiles and with proven mineral reserves from newly discovered high-grade deposits. Only a small percentage of the prospectors, mine operators and stockholders were fortunate enough to make significant profits during The Uranium Rush.

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

Illustration of the Month.

"The Uranium Prospector." With Geiger counter in hand, ore sack full of a black uranium ore (probably the mineral pitchblende) and miner's pick.

This illustration is by John Robb of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Denver, Colorado. From the book "Prospecting with a Counter", written by Robert J. Wright, USGS Grand Junction Operations Office, Colorado. Published by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., July 1954.

This book was prepared as a field guide for prospectors searching for uranium ore during the rush of the 1950s. The word "counter" in the title refers to instruments known as the Geiger counter (Geiger-Muller counter) and scintillation counter (scintillometer), used by the prospector to detect gamma ray emissions from radioactive mineral deposits.

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, July 2004.

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VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

New World War II Monument in Washington D.C. with the Washington Monument in the background.

The Freedom Wall. Each of the 4000 stars represents 100 Americans killed in WWII.

View of the North Side of the Monument (Atlantic). The other side shows the Pacific.

There is a column for each state and territory, California column shown. (Marie peaking over the wall!)

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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