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

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
October / November 2004.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• PROGRAM - OCTOBER 27, 2004;
• PROGRAM - NOVEMBER 10, 2004;
• REVIEW - SEPTEMBER PROGRAM;
• MUSEUM RELOCATION;
• When you feel;
• DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD: ROBERT GRAY;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• 2005 SLATE OF OFFICERS Presented by the Nominating Committee;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• 2005 VGMS SHOW;
• CFMS INSURANCE REPORT;
• WEB SITES;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• NOVEMBER & DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• EARTH SCIENCE SEMINAR UPDATE;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• List of Web Site Addresses for Important Mineral Shows;
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• The trouble with;
• Zzyzx Application;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM: Mount St. Helens Update;
• The Flyer for the 2005 CFMS Show in Roseville, CA;
• AFMS LAND USE POLICY.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

This bulletin is a combined October - November, 2004 issue. Our next regular meeting will be on October 27. The November meeting is just two weeks later on the 10th. We do this so that it does not interfere with Thanksgiving weekend. Please remember to put these important dates on your calendar.

Our guest speaker for October will be Dr. Robert Gray, geology instructor at Santa Barbara City College. His lecture is titled "Volcanic Activity in the Hawaiian Hotspots". For November, Wayne Ehlers will present a lecture titled "Ohio River Adventures".

During our October meeting we will also be nominating a new slate of officers for 2005. In November we will have our election of officers and during our Christmas Party on December 8, the installation of officers.

Greg Davis was kind enough to volunteer as the chairman of the nominating committee. Jim Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton and Kathryn Davis are members of the nominating committee. Please call Greg if you have suggestions for the nomination of any VGMS member to a position on the board for 2005.

Fall is definitely here! Don't forget to plan a trip to the desert while the weather is mild.

Steve Mulqueen,
President.

  Table of Contents.

WORDS TO LIVE BY.

A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman thinks of the next generation.

He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else. - Ben Franklin.

Like steel, you lose your strength when you lose your temper.

Never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM - OCTOBER 27, 2004:
Volcanic Activity in the Hawaiian Hotspots
By Dr. Robert Gray.

Dr. Robert Gray of Santa Barbara City College will present a lecture titled "Volcanic Activity in the Hawaiian Hotspots". He will speak on the relationship between the islands' volcanism and the hotspots within the Pacific Plate. The Island of Oahu represents the eroded remnant of a giant island thought to have been larger than the present Island of Hawaii. The erosion of Oahu's sea cliffs continues to reduce its size. Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain on the Big Island at 13,796 feet above sea level is considered the tallest mountain in the world rising approximately 34,000 feet from the ocean floor. An explanation of the types of eruptions and the variations in the chemistry of the volcanic rocks will be discussed.
     Kathryn Davis.

Editor's Note: See "Distinguished Educator Award" article regarding Dr. Gray later in this bulletin.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM - NOVEMBER 10, 2004 (Remember
this is 2nd Wednesday!):
Ohio River Adventures - by Wayne Ehlers.

The November program at our meeting will be about the Ohio River and some of our adventures while boating on the river and its tributaries in our own 24 ft. cabin cruiser. We visited the Allegany, Monongahela, Muskingham, Kanawha, Kentucky, Cumberland, Tennessee and, of course, the Mississippi Rivers. Also included will be a towboat trip on the Mississippi from Memphis to St. Louis and return. Marie and I lived in Cincinnati for 10 years and this was during our stay there.
     Wayne Ehlers.

Editor's Note: Since this is a group that enjoys a good pie - remember this is "pumpkin pie" night so bring your pie or pumpkin dessert! Mmm  mmm  Good!

  Table of Contents.

REVIEW - SEPTEMBER PROGRAM:
Silent Auction "Extraordinaire".

On September 22nd we had a silent auction "Extraordinaire" okay! Greg Davis managed the sale with some great material from the VGMS rock pile, member donations and the Meisenheimers brought a large polished Septarian Nodule from Utah and many other good items. As always the bidding is the most fun and the old saying, "you snooze, you lose" definitely applies here! Greg Davis did the organizing work for the auction and Valli Davis brought refreshments to keep our strength up during the "hot" bidding! It was great fun and helped the treasury as well.

  Table of Contents.

MUSEUM RELOCATION.

As you are aware, we need to find a new home for our Museum and Workshop. Steve Mulqueen is having meetings at his home the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm to work on this. Everyone's efforts and input are needed and appreciated. They have come up with a very nice packet that you can present to anyone who you think may be a viable source for a new home. It speaks of the purpose of VGMS and the contribution it makes to the community along with some good pictures of the Museum. Please keep your eyes and ears open and if you have any ideas please contact Steve Mulqueen. He will be happy to get a packet to you for your use.

  Table of Contents.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
When you feel dog tired at night,
It may be because you growled all day.

When a person is tested, he either becomes
A bitter person or a better person.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sacred Heart Cookbook.

  Table of Contents.

DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD:
ROBERT GRAY,
By G. C. "Butch" Brown.

Bob is a native Californian, born in Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena. When he entered college, his goals were to major in physical education with a minor in chemistry and become a coach. While attending Valley College, his track coach suggested that he take some geology courses. The coach, Jim Slosson, just happened to teach these courses. This move changed his direction of study. Bob continued his education at the University of Idaho. After receiving his BS in 1955, Bob did a tour of duty in the navy aboard a destroyer, which gave him a chance to see the geology in many places throughout the world. Bob returned to school and received his Masters from the University of Arizona in 1959 and then went to work field mapping in Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico for the U.S.G.S. and then New Jersey Zinc Company. When Jersey Zinc closed its Tucson office, Bob returned to the University of Arizona to pursue study for his Doctorate.

Upon receiving his Ph.D. in 1965, Dr. Gray went to work for Pan American Petroleum, a major producer in the Four Corners area, mapping Pennsylvanian Carbonates. Working with the likes of Lloyd Pray and Phil Choquette, Bob field mapped an area that extended from Sedona, Arizona on the south to the San Rafael Swell, in Central Utah, on the north.

In the fall of 1967, Bob took a teaching position at Santa Barbara City College. At the time he looked at it as an interim step to obtaining a position at a four-year university. As fate would have it, and to the benefit of all those students who were exposed to and inspired by the teaching of Dr. Gray, Bob has spent the last thirty plus years developing an outstanding geologic curriculum at Santa Barbara City College. May he continue to do so for many years to come.

This is the background of a man inspired by a community college teacher, who then, himself, became an inspiring community college teacher. Bob's goal for the department at S.B.C.C. has been twofold: first to develop a curriculum that fulfilled the prime reason for the existence of the community college system - to build a program that had the courses equivalent to the lower division requirements of the four year institutions in the area. Second was to create a two-year program in the geological and ancillary sciences that would equip a student with the skills necessary to obtain employment upon graduation. To this end Bob helped develop a program that offers twenty-two courses in geology and oceanography. Over the last thirty years between 650 and 700 students have majored in Geology at S.B.C.C. Of this number, approximately 60% have continued their education at a four-year institution and received their Bachelors Degree. This is quite a tribute to Bob Gray and the enthusiasm that he has instilled in students and faculty.

The high percentage of students from Santa Barbara City College who continue on in geology, are often involved in the activities of local geologic associations, including the Coast Geological Society. This dedication to our profession is due in great part to the enthusiasm and teaching skills of this year's recipient. It is my pleasure to be involved in the presentation of The Pacific Section A.A.P.G. Award for Distinguished Educator for 1998.

Editor's Note: This was an award given Dr. Gray in 1998. With all he has contributed to our area in the Earth Sciences field and to VGMS programs I felt it would be nice to make his achievements known to members.

  Table of Contents.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

10-27-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Volcanic Activity in the Hawaiian Hotspots, by Dr. Robert Gray.
11-4-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
11-10-04 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Ohio River Adventures by Wayne Ehlers.
11-10-04 - DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
11-18-04 - Museum Relocation Meeting - 7:30 pm - Home of Steve and Susan Mulqueen. Your help is needed!
11-20-04 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
12-2-04 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
12-3-04 - VGMS Show Planning Meeting - 2:00 pm - At Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson's home, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura (call 659-3577 for directions).
12-8-04 - VGMS Christmas Party - 6:30 pm - Carrow's Restaurant at Seaward/Harbor Blvd., Ventura.
4-3 to 4-10-05 - Zzyzx CFMS Earth Science Studies.
4-22 to 4-26-05 - Desert Symposium - Also at Zzyzx -Theme: Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert.

  Table of Contents.

2005 SLATE OF OFFICERS
Presented by the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee led by Greg Davis and assisted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Kathryn Davis and Shirley Layton would like to present the following slate of officers to be voted on at the November meeting and installed at the December Christmas Dinner. If you would like to be a candidate for any of the offices or would like to present an additional nominee (with their permission) it would be most welcomed. Contact Greg Davis at 805 647-9214 if interested. Keep in mind that the more active and involved you are, the more enjoyment and education you get. The proposed slate is as follows:

Many thanks to Greg and his committee for their hard work and even more thanks to all the members who have agreed to take part in the 2005 leadership of VGMS.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Plants, Plants and More Plants - That's the cry! Susan Mulqueen is looking for a "variety is the spice of life" selection. She is requesting no more than 1/2 dozen of one kind of plant. Start your cuttings now, as the rooted ones do the best. Our plant booth has a quality reputation and we have repeat customers every year that can hardly wait for the doors to open. Let's keep up the good work.

Don't forget the Country Store - We also have a reputation for the best stuff! Like the plant booth, we have repeat customers every year that can hardly wait for the doors to open as well. They want to know how we get such good things and we say "we have wonderful members" who share their wealth! Remember the country store when you are trying to find room for your new Christmas presents or if you up-grade something, we'll take the leftovers! If you need help transporting or a pick up, call Shirley Layton at 805 717-9226 and we'll get it taken care of.

Desert Symposium - The theme is "Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert". The location is the Desert Studies Center, Zzyzx, California. The dates are April 22-23, 2005 with a Field Trip on April 24-26, 2005. For additional information contact Steve Mulqueen.

Grit price list for club members available during monthly workshops or by arranging a meet time with any board member. Just for your information, Wayne Ehlers has some good instructions for tumbling. Give him a call at 805 482-6830 and I'm sure he will get a copy to you.

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:
     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!

  Table of Contents.

2005 VGMS SHOW.

2005 Show Planning Meeting:
Mark Your Calendar for Sunday, December 3.

On October 3, we held a show-planning meeting for our 2005 Show. My thanks to all who attended for your great ideas and support! We accomplished a lot, and the groundwork is now in place to ensure another great show. We will hold our next show-planning meeting on Sunday, December 3, at 2:00 PM at my home (7310 Eisenhower Street, Ventura; call 659-3577 for directions).

Hard to believe, but our show will be less than 5 months away by the time you read this. To see ways you can best help with our 2005 Show, please see the two related show articles that follow. The more we can plan and accomplish in advance, the more time to work on the individual displays you'll be entering into the exhibits....I look forward to seeing you December 3rd!

Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairman.

Thank You, 2005 VGMS Show Committee Chairs!
However - Volunteers Still Needed...
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

My thanks to all who have volunteered to serve as committee chairs for the various positions that will help make our 2005 Show a success! Below is a table listing the various show chairs and their contact information. I encourage everyone to pick an area that interests you (be it kids' activities, the country store, the silent auction, exhibits, etc.) and to contact the committee chair to find out how you can best help.

In addition, please note that a couple key positions remain open: Exhibits Chair (in charge of inviting VGMS members and members of neighboring clubs to exhibit) and Hospitality Chair (in charge running of our hospitality table to welcome the public to our show). Also, Jean Wise has volunteered as Kids' Activities Chair on the condition we have at least one and preferably two co-chairs to better ensure that we have sufficient help during the show in 2005. Please call me today to volunteer! I'm easy to reach: call 659-3577 or email jbraceth@adelphia.net.

There's an old saying: "He who helps early helps twice." Let's all pitch in right away to make our 2005 show twice as good as our last!

Gem Show 2005:
Time to Stockpile!

Like squirrels getting ready for winter, it's time to stockpile for our 2005 Show! Not only is our annual show our best opportunity to share our hobby with our community, it's also our biggest fund-raising event to sustain our activities throughout the year. We raise money through our donation awards raffle, silent auction, country store, and more. The amount of interest we generate, and the amount of income we subsequently raise, depends on the quality of material we offer our show visitors. Don't wait until the day before the show—start thinking about what you might be able to donate to our group effort and start setting aside items today, or start creating "neat things" to donate as raffle awards, spinning wheel prizes, etc. Here's a list of categories in need of your goodies:

• Donation Awards Raffle. One of the first things a show visitor sees is our hospitality table, where our Donation Awards Raffle is front-and-center. First prize is $100 in cash, but the lapidary prizes are often worth even more. Our dealers often each donate a prize, but we also need donations of especially fine items created or found by our own members, from wire-wrapped jewelry to hand-crafted cabs in settings, hand-made beads and necklaces, "museum quality" fossil or mineral specimens, etc. If each member donated just one item, we'd have a case of wonders to dazzle and tempt our guests as they're greeted at the hospitality table!
• Silent Auction. Although we're able to glean a lot from our club rock pile, it helps to have at least one special item each hour during the silent auction to keep interest high by creating a "buzz" around the auction table. For instance, Mel Hixson has traditionally donated a number of cut and polished geodes and agates that look fantastic and generate a lot of bidding. Polished petrified wood is also popular. You might also consider putting together a small fossil or mineral collection from a particular locality, labeled and organized to make a nice impression. Get creative and think about what you yourself would spend your own money on in bidding at the silent auction tables!
• Spinning Wheel Prizes & Other Kids' Activities. At the Kids' Activities area, we'll want smaller items that kids (and adults, too!) can bid on to win a prize at a reasonable price. These can be fossils, quartz or other crystals, petrified wood, tumble-polished agate or jasper, small geodes or thunder eggs, etc. In addition to Spinning Wheel prizes, we need even smaller items for the sand-sifting activity (fossil shark teeth, small quartz or garnet crystals, small tumble-polished gem stones, chips of petrified wood, etc.), and small rocks, tumble-polished stones, and fossils to help fill grab bags.
• Plant Sale. Susan Mulqueen has once again volunteered to help oversee this activity, and she urges everyone to start potting cuttings today. Our plant sale has created its own cadre of customers, who come for great plants at great prices each and every year, but they often tug at the cuttings to make sure they've already established roots. So if you have plants that will generate good cuttings, set aside some time this weekend to get them potted and started!
• Country Store. Shirley Layton will once again oversee our Country Store, and she'll be holding evening sessions at different times leading up to the show to help sort and price our merchandise. The Country Store needs "white elephant" garage-sale sorts of items, so if you've been considering cleaning out that garage or attic but couldn't think of how to dispose of that old candle stick, the crutches you bought when you broke an ankle ten years ago, unused camping items, wedding presents you put in the closet and haven't used in 30 years, think no more! One person's junk is another person's treasure, and Shirley is seeking all the treasure we can deliver!

Now that you know what we need, please set aside a spot on a shelf, in a closet, or in a garage, and start stockpiling today. Then, as the show draws closer, you'll be all set with your donations, leaving you more time to work on the great exhibit you'll be putting together as a show exhibitor. Thank you, one and all!

Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairman.

  Table of Contents.

CFMS INSURANCE REPORT.

Dear Federation Members,

As you know, Fred Ott has been working hard to keep the insurance program running smoothly for over four years. It is a tremendous amount of work for a volunteer and the Federation has asked McDaniel Insurance Services to take over servicing and allow Fred a well deserved break. Thank you, Fred, we have enjoyed working with you!

We appreciate the Federation for honoring us to carry on the servicing of your insurance account and working directly with the member clubs. It is quite a large task to set up the forms, systems and procedures needed to track and process all of the various needs of your organization. We are providing new forms and instructions that will be posted on the Federation's web site.

We are eager to work with you to get the procedures off to a good start. Some things have changed, so please review the information on the web site well in advance of any anticipated need.

We know that in order to present you with a cost effective program, we need to establish efficient procedures in our office. Experience has shown us that last minute rush requests and corrections and reissues are the biggest interruptions of our efficient workflow procedures. Because of this, we are initiating fees for late applications and incorrect information that requires the revision of work already completed. We would be very happy if the whole year goes by without charging a single fee. So please, check the web site three months before you think you will need anything. We hope to make the program better every year!

Your special assistant in our office for this program is Heidi, a very gracious, hard worker (and a bit of a rock enthusiast, herself). For insurance coverage questions, I will be glad to address your questions. We welcome your participation in the program and encourage you to join with us to make this an efficiently run program so that we can keep your costs at a minimum.

Effective immediately, all requests for the 10-16-2004 to 10-16-2005 policy period (Certificates of Insurance/Additional Insured Endorsements, Special Event Liability coverage and Premises Liability and/or Property Coverages) should be directed to our office, Attn: Heidi, using the current forms (10-04 revision date or later in the lower left corner).

Thank you! We look forward to working with you.

Patt McDaniel,
McDaniel Insurance Services,
805-646-9948, Fax 805-646-9976, mcins@west.net.

CFMS NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2004.

  Table of Contents.

WEB SITES.

AFMS web site - http://www.amfed.org/,
CFMS web site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
CA BLM web site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/.

  Table of Contents.

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 AKA "Podium People". For this and slide programs or CFMS Club rosters, please contact Valli Davis our Club Librarian. - Thank you Valli for doing this special job. - Florence Meisenheimer - CFMS website would also be of help.

  Table of Contents.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in November and December. 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!

November - Happy Birthday!!
     Bob Clement - 9th,
     Sharon Markley - 20th,
     Susan Cowlishaw - 22nd,
     Dorr Thayer - 23rd,
     Don Minster - 25th,
     Gary Markley - 26th,
     Ron Wise - 30th.

The November birthstone is the Topaz and the flower is the Chrysanthemum.

THE MINERAL TOPAZ.

• Chemistry: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₃, Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide;
• Class: Silicates;
• Subclass: Nesosilicates;
• Uses: Gemstones and optical properties are useful in industry.

     Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelry. Its golden brown to yellow color is classic but is confused with the less valuable citrine, which is sold under the name topaz. The blue topaz that is often confused with aquamarine is rarely natural and is produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals.
     The structure of Topaz is controlled by a chain like structure of connected irregular octahedrons. These octahedrons have an aluminum in the middle surrounded by four oxygens. Above and below the aluminum are the hydroxide or fluoride ions. The chains of octahedrons are held together by individual silicate tetrahedrons but it is the octahedron chains that give topaz its crystalline shape. Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral and one of the hardest minerals in nature. However it has a perfect cleavage which is perpendicular to the chains and is caused by planes that break the weaker Al-O, Al-OH and Al-F bonds. None of the stronger Si-O bonds cross these planes. Topaz crystals can reach incredible size of several hundred pounds. Topaz can make very attractive mineral specimens due to their high luster, nice colors and well-formed and multifaceted crystals.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is clear, yellow, orange, red, blue and green.
• Luster is adamantine to vitreous.
• Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
• Crystal System is orthorhombic; 2/m 2/m 2/m.
• Crystal Habits include a prismatic crystal with usually two different prisms that produce a rounded or sharp diamond-shaped cross-section. The termination is typically capped by a dome forming a roof like top. Another dome can modify the termination producing a point at the juncture of the two domes. A basal pinacoid can flatten the prisms termination or truncate the top of the domes. The pinacoid, multiple domes and occasionally orthorhombic pyramid faces can produce a complex, multifaceted and well formed termination. Topaz can be granular and massive.
• Cleavage is perfect in one direction, basal.
• Fracture is conchoidal.
• Hardness is 8.
• Specific Gravity is approximately 3.4 - 3.5+ (above average).
• Streak is white.
• Associated Minerals include quartz, tourmalines, micas, brookite, cassiterite and fluorite.
• Other Characteristics: Index of refraction is 1.61 - 1.64. Prism faces maybe striated lengthwise.
• Notable Occurrences include Minas Gerias, Brazil; Pakistan; San Diego Co, California; Ural Mountains, Russia; Mexico and the Thomas Range, Utah.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, density and hardness.

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.

December - Happy Birthday!!
     Anna Cogswell - 14th,
     Alex Brace-Thompson - 20th,
     Sharlyne Holloway - 27th.

The December birthstone is the Turquoise or Zircon and the flower is Narcissus or Holly.

THE MINERAL TURQUOISE.

Chemistry: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈*⁵(H₂O), Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate;
Class: Phosphates;
Uses: As an ornamental stone for carving and jewelry.

     Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. Its popularity is still quite strong today. Although crystals of any size are rare, some small crystals have been found in Virginia and elsewhere. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals could only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Turquoise is often imitated by "fakes", such as the mineral chrysocolla, and poorer turquoise specimens are often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades.
• Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals.
• Transparency specimens are opaque.
• Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1.
• Crystal Habits include crystals rarely large enough to see, usually massive, cryptocrystalline forms as nodules and veinlets.
• Cleavage is perfect in two directions, but is not often seen.
• Fracture is conchoidal and smooth.
• Hardness is 5 - 6.
• Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8 (average).
• Streak is white with a greenish tint.
• Associated Minerals are pyrite, limonite, quartz and clays.
• Other Characteristics: Color can change with exposure to skin oils.
• Notable Occurances include Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Australia; Iran; Afghanistan and other localities in the Middle East.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster, color and associations.

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.

THE MINERAL ZIRCON.

• Chemistry: ZrSiO₄, Zirconium Silicate;
• Class: Silicates;
• Subclass: Nesosilicates;
• Uses: Gemstone and mineral specimens.

     Zircons reputation has suffered of late due to the introduction of a diamond simulant. So for the record, zircon is NOT the same material as the artificial gem material Cubic Zirconia (or CZ). However with that in mind, zircon has been used as a diamond simulant both for innocent and nefarious reasons. Zircon resembles diamond in luster and fire and colorless zircons have been mistaken for diamonds by experienced jewelers. Zircon can make a very attractive and affordable gemstone. It is found in browns and greens but can be heat-treated to beautiful blue and golden colors. Colorless material is produced in this way as well.
     As a mineral specimen, zircon is uncommon in most rock shops because attractive specimens are rare. However, fine specimens of well-shaped zircons are available and are in demand. The typical simple crystal of zircon is a tetragonal prism terminated with four sided pyramids at each end. The prism may be lacking and the crystal can look octahedral. More complex crystals have faces of a less steeply inclined prism that taper the terminations. Also a secondary prism may truncate the primary prism by cutting off its edges and producing an octagonal cross-section through the crystal. There is even an eight-sided pyramid (actually a ditetragonal dipyramid) that may modify the four sided pyramids. As you can see, zircon crystals can go from a very simple crystal to a rather complexly faceted form.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is brown, red, yellow, green, blue, black, and colorless.
Luster is adamantine.
Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System tetragonal; 4/m 2/m 2/m.
Crystal Habits: Dipyramidal and prismatic as discussed above.
Cleavage indistinct in two directions, prismatic.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is 7.5.
Specific Gravity is 4.6-4.7.
Streak white.
Associated Minerals albite, biotite, garnets, xenotime and monazite.
Other Characteristics: Is sometimes fluorescent and darker crystals may be radioactive due to impurities of rare earth elements. Also index of refraction is 1.92 - 2.01.
Notable Occurances: Seiland, Norway; Pakistan; Russia; Bancroft and Sudbury, Ontario, Canada and New Jersey and Colorado, USA.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster and density.

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.

  Table of Contents.

HOSPITALITY.

The Silent Auction had 23 members and three guests bidding at our September meeting! We weren't able to read all the guests' names (going to have them start printing!) so we will just welcome them all and hope to see them again. They will know who they are! With the silent auction we didn't have any door prize drawings - everyone got to try for whatever they wanted! We did have some very good refreshments by Valli and Greg Davis, however, which were enjoyed by all. Thank you Greg and Valli, for the goodies.

  Table of Contents.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

September 28th Ray Meisenheimer gave an hour Earth Science program to 33 6th grade students at McCauliffe School in Oxnard. He had a number of fossil and mineral specimens for "petting" and viewing.

On October 8th, Ray gave an hour-long tour of the VGMS museum to a group of home school children, accompanied by several adults. This group came from Santa Paula. There were 27 in all.

Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

  Table of Contents.

"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society's
GEM-O-RAMA Report.

This year's GEM-O-RAMA on October 9 & 10 in Trona, CA was another great event! The field trips to the mud and blow-holes were very good. I personally saw many happy faces and lots of great crystals at the field trips on Saturday. Minerals included hanksite, halite, borax, thenardite, trona, sulfohalite, and many more. I did not attend the field trip on Sunday, October 10 that went to the salt flats to collect halite. I'm sure everyone that attended that field trip also had a wonderful time and got lots of great salt crystals. If you have never attended GEM-O-RAMA, you must go next year!

Submitted by S. Mulqueen.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2004:
Tentative Schedule.
Contact fieldtrip leader to confirm that there is a fieldtrip scheduled.

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

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES'
Annual Thanksgiving Rockhounding Field Trip to Wiley Well Area.

TRIP LOCATION -10 miles southwest of Blythe, California.
WHEN - Thanksgiving Weekend, November 24th - 28th, 2004.
SPONSOR - CFMS Field Trip, South.
ORGANIZATION - CFMS.
MATERIAL TO COLLECT - All types and colors of Agate & Jasper, Crystal filled Geodes, Botryoidal Psilomelane, Fire Agate, Chalcedony Roses, Zeolite Crystal filled Amygdules, Calcite Rhombs, Petrified Wood and much more (fresh air & blue sky).
LEADER - Bob Fitzpatrick, RUROCKY2@aol.com or call me at (951) 845-3051.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE - Each day we will break up into smaller groups where each group will be going to a different collecting area. This way everyone can collect at all collecting sites. Thanksgiving Day we will have a potluck dinner early in afternoon.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMPSITE - Exit Interstate 10 at Wiley Well Road approximately 10 miles west of Blythe and 31 miles east of Desert Center. Follow Wiley Well Road south for 12.5 miles to the campsite on the West side of road at the Riverside and & Imperial County lines. Watch for Club and CFMS signs to camp site.
VEHICLE - The Road from the Interstate 10 is dirt to the camping site, should be okay for 2 wheel drive cars, trailers & motor homes, from the campsite to collecting areas, 4 wheel drive and pickups only.
CAMP & FACILITIES - This is a dry camping area, no water, no services, no hookups, no toilets.
TOOLS - Collecting bags and boxes, digging tools, rock hammer, eye gear, spray water bottle, etc. Be sure to bring your camp chair to sit in at night around the fire at night.
SAFETY CONCERNS - Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, stay away from rattle snakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful and don't get lost.
CLIMATE & WEATHER - It can be hot during the day and cold at night, it could rain.
CLOTHING - Appropriate for this time of year.
OTHER REMARKS - All AFMS & CFMS club members and their guests are welcome to join us. Come for the day or camp out with us. Bring food, lots of water, cell phone, walkie talkie, GPS, first aid kit, camera, flashlight, etc., and lots of firewood for the campfire at night. If you need a motel or supplies they are available in Blythe. Don't forget we will have a potluck on Thanksgiving Day, so bring a dish to share and your own place setting. The OBMS Club will furnish the turkey. Each night after dark we will have a campfire where we can all join together and have a good time roasting marshmallows, telling jokes or just talking about the good OLE times. I should be arriving at the campsite around 11 a.m. on Wednesday the 24th. Each day we will be leaving camp approximately 8 a.m. and drive to the collecting areas.

You must observe the AFMS code of ethics and sign a consent and assumption of risk waiver of liability form. Hope to see you there.

For additional information Email me at RUROCKY2@aol.com or call me at (951) 845-3051.

Bob Fitzpatrick,
CFMS Field Trip Leader South.

Via Rock Writings, NCGMS - October 2004.

  Table of Contents.

EARTH SCIENCE SEMINAR UPDATE.

Cal Clason - ESS Chair.

It seems to be the lull between the storms, what with Camp Paradise in progress, or completed, we are heavy into planning for Zzyzx, April 3-10, 2005. In that it is our 20th anniversary we would like to make it a memorable one. Hopes were high that we could announce a two-week program, but unfortunately, that is not to be. Thanks to Isabel Burns for her assistance in contacting the Director at Fullerton on our behalf, but it was to no avail. It seems that Spring is the most used Season for studies in that area, and most time slots are booked well in advance. It is a Desert Studies Center so the extended Session seems very unlikely under present conditions. We could have the Center in September or January, but the weather is not always cooperative during those periods, and would not benefit the program. So we will continue as we have in the past.

Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find an application form (somewhat changed), please share it with your club members, and urge them to register early to ensure their enrollment is accepted.

Next month we will release the Registration Forms for Camp Paradise 9/11-16 & 9/18-24, 2005. Again there will be changes. But feel that Early Announcements and Registration will enable the Committee to better adjust the programs to meet the wishes of the Participants who support them. Also for those people who do not feel they can attend a full session, we will arrange a prorated schedule to make accommodations for them.

Not much else I can think of at the moment that needs to be addressed, so I will say on behalf of the committee, thank you for your past support, and we will try to adjust the programs to meet more of the needs and desires of the members of CFMS.

Editor's Note: There is a Zzyzx Registration form at the back of this bulletin.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

MEMBERSHIP.

No changes in the Membership area, however, we will be coming up on renewal time soon! Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving.

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

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

_______________________________Zip: __________

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

  Table of Contents.

VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2004:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order on this first day of fall by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2004 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag and guests were welcomed.
     The August regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Steve Mulqueen: It was reported that again there's been vandalism found at the museum. It doesn't appear anything was taken, but a survey will be taken and report made at the next board meeting. Steve next asked for volunteers to form a nominations committee and Greg Davis, Jim Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton and Kathryn Davis offered. They will be contacting club members and report back at the next board meeting (nominations are held in Oct. & elections are held in Nov.). Steve offered the newly printed journals with our club information and its need for a new location. The meetings regarding this need are still being held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Steve's house, with the next meeting being on Oct. 21st, at 7:30. Any and all input is appreciated as time is getting short. The next field trip will be to Trona in October and November will see a trip to Wiley Wells.
Wayne Ehlers offered copies of tumbling instructions and hints to those interested.
Shirley Layton: The 10th of the month will again be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin and it will combine the months of October & November. Shirley will also be scheduling a pricing event at the museum for Country Store items. Start collecting items and we'll arrange pick up.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The first meeting of the 2005 annual show has been scheduled for October 3rd, 2:00 at Jim's house and all are welcomed. Don't forget that the Oxnard Club show is coming up on November 6th & 7th and all are encouraged to not only enter display cases but to assist with prep work as our clubs do for each other. Jim's efforts at creating a merit badge program for kids has paid off. It's been approved by the CFMS and funded, effective September 2004. What a terrific accomplishment by Jim. Details and guidelines can be found on the websites for AFMS and CFMS.
     Greg Davis next opened bidding at our silent auction event. A lot of very nice material was furnished by many of the club members. Nearly everything was bid on and purchased which really helps the club as we only have a few fund raisers each year. Thank you to all those who participated.
     Steve reminded everyone that Saturday the 16th of October a work day is scheduled for the museum. We hope to cover the roof again and get some yard work done. Any and all assistance would be appreciated.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, October 7th, all are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held October 27th.
     Refreshments were provided by Valli Davis.
     There being no further business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, October 7th, 2004:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 7th, 2004, at the VGMS Museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Jim Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton and Greg Davis.
Steve Mulqueen: The museum relocation committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30 at Steve's house. The next meeting is Oct. 21st. October 16th we plan to cover the roof and clean the yard around the museum during that work shop Saturday. Help with the chores is always appreciated.
Shirley Layton: Club bulletins for the months of October & November will be combined as is the case each year. Country Store items will be inventoried and a pricing event will be scheduled soon.
Jim Brace -Thompson: The first meeting for the 2005 show was well attended with many crucial decisions made and a promising start at a successful show. We still need someone to coordinate exhibitor show cases and their arrangement on the tables. Please offer to assist.
Greg Davis: The nomination committee hopes to have the nominations printed in this bulletin. A concerted effort will also be made to frequent the museum to ward off vandalism.
Florence Meisenheimer: McDaniel Insurance Services are now handling our liability insurance. Sign up forms for Paradise will be out in November and there are just a few openings left for Zzyzx.
Ray Meisenheimer: Class tours are continuing at the museum with another class scheduled at an Oxnard school.
     Dr. Gray will be the guest speaker at our October meeting, discussing the volcanic hot spots of Hawaii.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

  Table of Contents.

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

AN ALTERNATIVE TO OIL
By Wayne Moorhead, School Director.

I've received many comments on my previous article about converting a slab saw to use a recirculating pump, so I have another shop tip for all you do-it-yourself lapidaries.

Lately I've become quite inconvenienced by trim saws with their oily spray and their oily sludge, so I decided to try a water-fed tile saw for cutting rock. In the mail last month was a sale flyer from Harbor Freight advertising a 2.5 hp 10" tile saw for only $199.95, so I bit. The 10" continuous rim diamond blade for it was an extra $29, which seemed like a bargain if it would work for rock. This type of tile saw has the motor and blade mounted above a sliding table. The table has a groove down the middle which the blade travels through when cutting. A plastic tray below the table is filled with about 2" of water, and a small fountain pump douses the blade with water, which then runs back into the tray.

It was a bit tricky to hold an odd-shaped rock on the table while pushing it under the blade, since there is no vise. The tile saw cut very well on a 5" thick obsidian sphere block. Cutting a 2" thick piece of agate was much slower; I guess the message on the blade about being used for "tile, brick, and soft rock" was correct. The blade is also fairly wide (~1/10") and very coarse, so it takes big bites which slows it down in thick rock. Maybe using a thin lapidary blade would solve that problem. However, for cutting sphere blocks and trimming normal thickness slabs it worked faster than a 10" lapidary trim saw, probably because the blade is running at 3300 rpm. And the best part: No Oily Mess!

Now, there is some water spray and misting from the blade which leaves a rock dust film on things nearby, so plan your location accordingly (outdoors is best). There are also smaller tile saws available for around $100 that have a 4" blade mounted below the table, just like a trim saw, and reportedly work well on small rocks and to trim slabs.

Rock carvers probably already know the trick of using a tile saw; it would be a very fast way to rough out a carving. Just remember to wear eye protection, as many tiny chips flew up into my face during cutting. Have a good summer, collect, cut and polish those rocks!

The Pegmatite, San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Inc. - June/July/August 2004.

GUIDE TO PICKING GOOD JASPER.

Jasper is much more troublesome to polish than agate because many varieties are "earthy" and porous, and others contain hematite, which is itself difficult to polish. If you are on a field trip, a good way to test jasper is to wet it. If it absorbs the water and dries rapidly, throw it away. It will not polish. If it stays wet and does not dry right away, it contains a high amount of chalcedony and will take a good polish. Most jaspers polish well on leather with Linde-A, but good results can be obtained with tin oxide on either leather or felt. Always remember that a fine sanding job is the secret of good polishing.

From T-Town Rockhound, no date given, via The Pegmatite, June/July/August 2004.

A CRYSTAL GARDEN YOU CAN GROW.

Creeping Crystal Ingredients:
     1 T Epsom salt;
     1 T water;
     1/4 t food color (not yellow);
     Two 2-inch jar lids, saucepan, pot holder, spoon.

Measure Epsom salt and water into a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the salt dissolves. Take the pan off the heat and set on a heat-proof surface. Stir in the food color.

Pour the mixture into a jar lid. The lid should be almost full. Pour any extra into a second lid. Crystals grow as the liquid evaporates. Some form long rods; some look fine and feathery. Others look like cactus.

During the first week they will creep up and over the lip of the lid. Creeping crystals grow slowly for days and last for months.

You can use liquid creeping crystals as a paint. Brush it on paper, cardboard or glass. As the liquid dries, frost-like crystals form. - Some Fun for the Kids (includes adult kids!).

Via Gems of the Rogue, Breccia, Tumble Rumble (dates unknown). Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

  Table of Contents.

List of Web Site Addresses
for Important Mineral Shows.

Quartzsite Mineral shows:
     http://www.quartzsitechamber.com/show_schedule.html.
Tucson Mineral showcase:
     http://www.visittucson.org/Features/index.cfm?action=Display&featureID=13.
          Steve Mulqueen.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW DATES.

OCTOBER 30-31; TULSA, OK - Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society (TRMS).
     Our club would like to let everyone in your club know about our large upcoming gem & mineral show. Please include it in your show calendar - we'd love to have some visitors from California! (I was born & grew up in LA and the Valley.)
     If you have any questions, please e-mail me. Thanks very much.
          Peggy Stewart,
          Publicity Chairman,
          peggy22@cox.net.

WHO: Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society (TRMS).
WHAT: Gem & Mineral Show.
WHEN: October 30 and 31, 2004.
WHERE: Tulsa Event Center,
2625 South Memorial Drive,
Tulsa, Oklahoma.

* Select national dealers.
* Continuous silent auction.
* Hourly door prizes.
* Adult & children's programs.
* Competitive and exceptional special exhibits.
* Children's games and scientific experiments.

2004 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

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.
NOVEMBER 6-7; ANAHEIM, CA - American Opal Society, Anaheim Clarion Hotel, 616 W. Convention Way. Hours: 10-5 both days. Fran Todd (310) 721-5614. Email - toddle@aol.com.
NOVEMBER 6-7; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287. Email - sdwools@earthlink.net.
NOVEMBER 6-7; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Norb Kinsler (805) 644-6450.
NOVEMBER 6-7; RIDGECREST, CA - Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society, Desert Empire Fairgrounds, Mesquite Hall, 520 S. Richmond Road. Hours: 9-5 both days. John De Rosa (760) 375-7905.
NOVEMBER 12-14; SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street. Hours: Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 10-4. Boyd Lasater (916) 455-7075. Email - jfosback@aol.com.
NOVEMBER 13-14; MARYSVILLE, CA - The Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Soc., Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, Franklin Hall, 442 Franklin Road. Hours: 9-5 both days. Charlie & Barbara Brown (916) 652-4240. Email - cbbrown@wizwire.com.
NOVEMBER 13-14; PALMDALE, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, Palmdale Elks Lodge, 2705 East Ave. Q. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Gail Becker (661) 285-3958.
NOVEMBER 20-21; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophiles, THE BARN (next to Civic Center), Pacific Ave. at So. Livermore Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Joyce Friesen (925) 447-8223.
NOVEMBER 20-21; VICTORVILLE, CA - Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 148 Seventh Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Mavis Mushaney (760) 241-8282.
NOVEMBER 27-28; BARSTOW, CA - Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center, 841 South Barstow Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.
DECEMBER 4-5; ORANGEVALE, CA - American River Gem & Mineral Society, Orangevale Grange, 5807 Walnut Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Gerry Hanson (916) 489-2570.
DECEMBER 4-5; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, "Rocks Galore in 2004", San Bernardino Woman's Club, 503 W. 31st Street, 31st. & E Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Pat Wind (909) 381-0089 or (909) 792-0668.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2004.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
December 10-12, Norcross, GA.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Anyone wanting to write up their thoughts about the show, vacations, rock-collecting trips, Great 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.

  Table of Contents.

The trouble with.

The trouble with being a housewife is that when
You don't feel well enough to go to work,
Staying home doesn't do any good.

The only time it's not bad manners for a man to talk with
His mouth full is when he's praising his wife's cooking.

Sacred Heart Cookbook.

  Table of Contents.

Zzyzx Application.

Since the Application for Zzyzx in 2005 is obsolete it has been removed.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

The Great Seal of the State of California - An official insignia symbolizing the State of California. Designed by Major Robert S. Garnett of the United States Army. Adopted by the State of California as its official seal at the Constitutional Convention on October 2, 1849. The explanation accompanying the seal was read by Caleb Lyon, one of the clerks of the convention, and states the following:
     "Around the bevel of the ring are represented thirty-one stars being the number of states of which the Union will consist upon the admission of California. The foreground figure represents the Goddess Minerva having sprung full growth from the brain of (the God) Jupiter. She is introduced as a type of the political birth of the State of California without having gone through the probation of a Territory. At her feet crouches a grizzly bear feeding upon clusters from a grape vine emblematic of the peculiar characteristics of the country. A miner is engaged with a rocker and bowl at his side, illustrating the golden wealth of the Sacramento (River) upon whose waters are seen shipping typical of commercial greatness and the snow-clad peaks of the Sierra Nevada make up the background while above is the Greek motto 'Eureka' (I have found it) applying either to the principle involved in the admission of the State, or the success of the miner at work."

An amendment adding the words, "The Great Seal of the State of California" to the design was adopted on October 11, 1849.

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

Illustration of the Month.


"The Great Seal of the State of California."

The Great Seal is located in the office of the Secretary of State in Sacramento, where its impressions are affixed to official state documents.

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in 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, October 2004.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:
Mount St. Helens Update, October 15, 2004;
Written by John Anderson, Vader, Washington.

Photo October 10, 2004 by John Anderson, Vader, Washington.

As of yesterday, there is small amount of hot magma/lava on the crater surface and it will make a dull red reflection glow against the cloud cover. There is now an official second dome forming, it is around 300 ~ 400 feet tall at this point and still rising about 50 to 100 feet per day. You can't quite see the new dome from the Coldwater Ridge visitor's center (as close as you can get, about 8.5 miles from crater) but they are monitoring with UAV's (fancy remote controlled airplanes w/ IR and visible cameras). There are now a couple of microphones dropped into the crater area as well, so you can hear the unrest of mother earth (Lots of crackling, hissing, rockfalls, etc.) at the visitors center.

Crater floor temps range from 100 to over 1000°F around the fresh lava. This is one very hot mountain now.

USGS is planning a few more helicopter flights into the crater, for gas tests and such, but for the most part they are keeping their distance. Nobody knows exactly when or how this thing is going to blow (if ever). They did manage to get a radio-controlled GPS unit on top of the new dome, so for as long as that lasts they have a way to keep track of the uplift. We are talking about millions of yards of material per day...

Through binoculars there is an almost continuous rockfall into the crater, with boulders the size of cars rolling down in. Obviously a "no-man's" land. There is a continuous thin dust cloud rising from the crater, which some people mistake for ash or smoke. It's just the rocks around the edge falling in.

Earthquakes are still 1 to 2 per minute, about 1 to 3 magnitude. At this point they are calling this a normal background level for this volcano. Earthquake depth is only 1 to 5 km below the volcano. The earthquakes are telling them that less rock-cracking is going on and more magma flow is happening. They do know that the mountain is still pressurizing.

The trails up to the top on the south side of the mountain are pretty much gone, due to rockfalls and landslides. The Ape caves and everything south of the mountain are closed as well. I guess they detected some gas in the Ape Caves, and so that system of caves is still connected to the active system under the volcano.

At this point, nobody knows what the mountain will do next. It could continue to ooze slowly, or it could plug up and explode violently. Right now most of the glacier inside the crater is melting rapidly, and they think with that plus a heavy rainfall will cause enough water to be present to trigger a big steam explosion.

There are many, many scientists here, all scratching there heads. USGS as well as Univ. of Washington are involved, and so far, this volcano has its own personality. They really can't predict anything at all at this point. They *don't think* this will erupt like in 1980, but then again they just aren't sure of anything.

So, we are stocked up on supplies, and keep extra air filters on hand for the cars. The kid's school is in an evac zone, but our house isn't, but we're fascinated by all of this commotion in our back yard.

If I get any new pix or if there's anything new to report, we'll pass it along!

-John.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

The Flyer for the 2005 CFMS Show in Roseville, CA.

  Table of Contents.

AFMS LAND USE POLICY.

1. Adherence to the AFMS Code of Ethics assures compliance with most statutes and regulations governing collecting on public lands and encourages respect for private property rights and the environment. Clubs are urged to read the AFMS Code of Ethics in at least one meeting every year, to publish the Code frequently in the club newsletter, and to compel compliance on club field trips.

2. Individuals and clubs are urged to write their elected representatives and land use management agency supervisors regarding issues of rule making, legislation and enforcement affecting field collecting of minerals and fossils.

3. Individuals and clubs are urged to join and support activities of the American Lands Access Association (ALAA), a sister organization with responsibility for advancing the interests of earth science amateurs with legislatures and land use management agencies.

4. The AFMS will receive a report from ALAA at its annual meeting.

5. The AFMS endorses the principle of multiple use of public lands as a guarantee of continuing recreational opportunities.

6. Wilderness and monument designations are inconsistent with the principle of multiple use. In view of the vast amount of public land already designated as wilderness and monuments, future such designations should be minimal, taking into account the increased demand for recreational opportunities, including rockhounding, created by a growing population.

7. In furtherance of the principle of multiple use, the AFMS believes that laws, regulations and rules established by relevant governmental authorities should be designed to allow freest possible access to all public lands, coupled with minimal restrictions on the recreational collection of minerals, fossils, gemstone materials and other naturally occurring materials.

8. A right to collect minerals and fossils on public lands should be protected by statute.

9. The AFMS urges its members to work with any or all government authorities to achieve a good working relationship in order to improve the "Public Image" of recreational collectors.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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