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

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
February 2005.

Table of Contents.

• 2005 DUES ARE DUE;
• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• Here are the 2005 VGMS Officers;
• PROGRAM - FEBRUARY 23, 2005;
• REVIEW - JANUARY 26, 2005 PROGRAM;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• IN MEMORY OF Bill Kirk;
• About Bob;
• Mel Albright;
• What's In A Name;
• SHOW ITEMS;
• THE MUSEUM CORNER;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WOLVES;
• Web Sites;
• Surfing the Web, Part One: Fossils;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings, 2005;
• MARCH BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• HOW DOES BONE BECOME FOSSIL;
• Do You Have A Meteorite;
• Bucketite;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• ROCKHOUNDING;
• REPORT ON RECENT COURT DECISION;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• MEMBERSHIP;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• IS IT A STROKE;
• SAFETY FIRST - EYE SAFETY;
• Raw Materials Used in the Manufacture of Portland Cement;
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• The Flyer for the 2005 CFMS Show in Roseville, CA;
• CFMS SHOW A BLAST;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM;
• The Exhibitor's Application Form for our 2005 Show.

2005 DUES ARE DUE.

You can mail them to Shirley Bromser, P.O. Box 723, Oak View, CA 93022 - They were due 1-1-05 and the cut off for the 2005 Directories is 3-31-05. DON'T FORGET - We will miss you!

  Table of Contents.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Final preparations are underway for our annual Gem & Mineral show, "Artistry from Nature", to be held on March 5th & 6th, 2005 at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. The VGMS needs help from you, your family and friends for the numerous tasks and activities before, during and after the show. Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairman, is coordinating efforts for this event. Set-up will begin on Thursday, March 3rd. Our general meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd will focus on the mineral show. Please plan on attending.

We are in need of donations for the "Country Store" booth and plants for the "Plant" booth at the show. Shirley Layton will be managing items for the Country Store while Susan Mulqueen will be managing the Plant booth. I am the Exhibitor Chairperson and I invite all members to consider entering an exhibit. Please call me if you wish to enter an exhibit and have not yet completed an Exhibitors form.

A busy calendar this month and next, but always rewarding. The Committee is working hard to produce another outstanding show this year, but the most important factor is the willingness of all the members to work toward this goal.

Ed Clark,
President.

  Table of Contents.

WORDS TO LIVE BY.

May we look forward to the future with as much pleasure as you look back on the past.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.

Every time you smile, and much more when you laugh, it adds something to your life.

Count your age by friends, not years.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

  Table of Contents.

Here are the 2005 VGMS Officers.

Click on this picture for a larger one. Close the new window to return here.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM - FEBRUARY 23, 2005:
Rock Show Preparations and Quartzite Show-and-Tell.

The program for our February meeting will center around preparing for our 2005 Show in March. Jim Brace-Thompson will briefly summarize where help is needed and outline jobs to be done by taking a trip down memory lane with a slide presentation comparing recent shows with recently discovered photos from our very first show in 1963. You'll see that while styles in clothing, haircuts, and case designs may have changed over the years, the rocks, fossils, and cabochons have remained the same! We guarantee a laugh or two, along with fond memories for older members. Following this, we encourage anyone who has recently gone to the rock shows at Quartzite and/or Tucson to bring the treasures they discovered to share in a show-and-tell.

  Table of Contents.

REVIEW - JANUARY 26, 2005 PROGRAM:
Mono-Crystal Manufacturing,
By Mary Polacek.

One of our newest members, Mary Polacek, gave a slide presentation and discussion on Mono-Crystal Manufacturing. This is a product used in making Solar Cells. The process begins with one of nature's most abundant resources, one of which our beach community is all too familiar with; silicon. Beach sand is largely silicon. Silicon is second in mass only to oxygen and can be found in any quartz crystal. Silicon is not found in its pure raw form in nature, but mostly in combination with other elements. A type of sand called quartzite is purified to create silicon for use by the semiconductor industry. The photovoltaic industry uses a less pure form, intermediate grade, than that used to produce, for instance, computer chips. Making the crystals is a process using high temperatures and a lot of energy, so is not a cheap process. Mary's husband, Paul, was also on hand to contribute some of his personal experiences in the field. The samples of raw polysilicon, crystal tops and tails (some with the seed still attached!) were most interesting. They were both very knowledgeable on the subject and seemed to enjoy their work. Many thanks to both of you.

EDITOR'S CORRECTION: My reference to the Christmas Party in last month's Bulletin should have been 2004 and not 2005. Getting ahead of ourselves. Sorry about that!

  Table of Contents.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

2-20-05 - Field Trip to Tijugas Beach - Contact Ron Wise (805) 647-4393. (NOTE: This is a change in date from last month.)
2-23-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Jim Brace-Thompson - Last Minute Show Planning - Pictures of the First VGMS Show! Also Quartzsite Treasures acquired by Members.
3-3-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 6:00 pm - At the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Note the change in Place and Time. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
3-3-05 - VGMS Show Set-Up - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm - At Ventura County Fairgrounds to set up and skirt tables, move in supplies, etc.
3-4-05 - VGMS Show Move-In & Dinner - 9:00 am - 10:00 pm - At Ventura County Fairgrounds to move in exhibits, dealers, etc. Dinner for exhibitors and club members starting approximately 6:00 pm.
3-5 & 3-6-05 - VGMS "ARTISTRY FROM NATURE" Annual Show - Helping hands needed starting 4:00 pm Sunday for dismantling.
3-10-05 - DEADLINE FOR MARCH Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
3-19-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9-noon.
3-23-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.
4-3 to 4-10-05 - Zzyzx CFMS Earth Science Studies.
4-7-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
4-9-05 - Zzyzx 20th Anniversary Open House - See "applications/Zzyzx-open-house-2005.htm". It is due by March 15, 2005.
4-22 to 4-26-05 - Desert Symposium - Also at Zzyzx - Theme: Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert. (See Chips & Boulders.)

  Table of Contents.

IN MEMORY OF
Bill Kirk.

Long time member Bill Kirk passed away November 18, 2004 while visiting in Pacific Grove. He was 91 years old. Bill served in the U.S. Army for four years during WWII. After his discharge in 1945 he worked for Standard Oil of California for many years. Bill and Myrle joined VGMS in 1956. Besides being an avid rockhound, Bill volunteered time at the Ventura County Museum of History and Art for 18 years. He also volunteered considerable time to the Ojai Valley Museum. Bill enjoyed field trips and was field trip chairman in 1966. Unfortunately Bill suffered from Alzheimer's for the last few years of his life. We send our love and sympathy to his wife, Myrle.
     Florence Meisenheimer.

Editor's Note: Bill and Myrle worked with me for many years in the Country Store at our show. They are two very special people. I enjoyed their company and their spirit.

  Table of Contents.

About Bob.

Rockhounds and outdoor enthusiasts lost a dedicated friend and advocate for the protection of public lands. Bob Cranston passed away on Sunday, January 2nd, from pneumonia.

His total dedication to ALAA was unsurpassed by any one of us who worked toward keeping public lands open to rockhounds. His contacts kept us all informed on all the many areas of concern. He watched for any closures of public land and pending litigation from all sources that would infringe on our rights to collect on public land. His interpretation of the government's term "multiple use of public land" was his cornerstone of concern. At earlier meetings of ALAA, everyone waited impatiently for Bob to speak to the concerns of the day. His knowledge of what was happening concerning public lands was invaluable. He spent many hours each day searching websites for coming and pending legislation and possible law suites by environmentalists. Bob served AFMS and ALAA with distinction; there will never be another person as dedicated as Bob to our cause. We have lost our heart and soul today.
     From Dee Holland,
     CFMS Newsletter 2/05.

Editor's Note: We had one of Bob's informative articles in our January Bulletin - "Keeping Public Lands Public". He definitely will be missed.

  Table of Contents.

Mel Albright.

Mel Albright, former AFMS Safety Chair and Editor, has passed away. He was 75.

A native of Oklahoma, Mel was a chemical engineer for a major petroleum company. He was active in his local rock and mineral club, the Bartlesville Gem & Mineral Society, serving as President.

Mel was also active in both the Rocky Mountain and American Federations. Mel was the first Webmaster for Rocky Mountain and later served on the AFMS Committee which set up guidelines for the AFMS Website. He also served as AFMS Editor.

It was as AFMS Safety Chairperson that Mel was perhaps best known. His monthly columns were probably the most reprinted items from the AFMS Newsletter each month. He was always on the ball and his columns reflected new warnings, practical advice and well researched information.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie, two daughters, four step-children, three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Contributions in Mel's memory should be directed to the AFMS Scholarship Foundation, c/o of your Regional Scholarship Coordinator.
     Carolyn Weinberger,
     AFMS Newsletter 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

What's In A Name?

Cerussite: From the latin "white lead" - it is a lead mineral having a white color.
Chrysocolla: From the Greek "gold" and "glue" - it was used to solder gold.
From Gems Minerals Crystals and Ores by Richard M. Pearl.
     Contributed by Ed Clark.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW ITEMS.

COUNT-DOWN TO SHOW TIME,
Lining Our Ducks in a Row.

     We're counting the days - not months or weeks - to our Annual Show, and every hour now counts in getting our ducks in a row. Here's what's left in our time-line:

Getting the Word Out: Today through March 5.
     Tell friends, family, co-workers, and (especially!) people you don't even know about the Show. Pick up Show flyers at our February meeting or call me to get some now (659-3577), and begin posting them on public bulletin boards, giving them to acquaintances, and otherwise doing all you can to get folks onto the Fairgrounds. In addition to our quarter-page flyers, we have larger flyers that can be taped to a car window to create movable billboards.

Set-up: Thursday, March 3 (9 AM - 6 PM).
     Please, everyone who is able, take a day or half-day off work on Thursday to assist in set-up. It's important we have as many people possible help share the workload so it doesn't fall on just a few shoulders. Some jobs are physically demanding, but many are not, and we need all the hands we can get. We need help moving supplies from the museum, laying out tables and chairs at the Fairgrounds, skirting tables and assembling display cases, arranging the Country Store and plant sale area, etc. We'll circulate a sign-up sheet at the February meeting. Or call me to volunteer, 659-3577. We'll have lunch fixings for everyone helping.

Move-in: Friday, March 4 (all day & evening, until 10 PM).
     We'll officially open the doors to dealers, demonstrators, and exhibitors to begin set-up at noon. We need folks who can show up in the morning to help welcome and direct our dealers and guest exhibitors to their booths and campsites. This is also the day for us to set up our own displays. If you haven't yet signed up to enter a display, please fill out the exhibitor form at the end of this newsletter and mail it right away or better still, call Ed Clark, 983-0028, and/or give him a completed form at the February meeting. It's essential we get an accurate count of exhibitors, and we need this info in advance to include in the Show program. You don't need a huge collection to make an attractive display, so if you've never displayed before, don't be shy! We can help with ideas, and we'll talk about displays at the February meeting. (Some pointers on what to bring for setting up your case: liners or cloth, risers, masking tape, duct tape, your specimens, labels for identifying your specimens, a name label so that people will know whose display it is, and a lot of enthusiasm - it's contagious!)
     Lunch fixings will be available in the afternoon. Then we'll have our annual Show dinner at the end of the day, between 6 PM and 7 PM, and if you would like to assist in preparing and serving, call Ray and Florence Meisenheimer (642-3155). The club will provide the main course, bread, salad, and drinks, and we ask that club members donate desserts, so bring an appetite along with something sweet to share!

Show Time! Mar. 5 - 6 (10 AM - 5 PM Sat.; 10 AM - 4 PM Sun.).
     We'll circulate sign-up sheets for the different Show jobs at the February meeting, and we're also depending on volunteers to help upon arrival during the Show. See what hours are open at each station, and help fill in where needed. Or pick an activity that most interests you, then call the appropriate committee chair today to offer your help. We need help with:

• Hospitality. Welcome people to the show, give them the Show Program and tell a bit about our club, invite them to purchase raffle tickets for our Donation Awards drawing, and tell them about our Country Store as well as other aspects of the show; call Nancy Brace-Thompson, 659-3577.
• Game Booth. Help Jean Wise, 647-4393, organize and run activities for kids; we need donations of small rock, mineral, fossil, and lapidary specimens as prizes, and we especially need help in the booth itself managing the spinning wheel, grab bag sales, sand sifting for prizes, coloring books, fossil making, and other activities. This booth can become especially hectic, so we need at least 2 (and preferably 3) people running it at all times.
• Silent Auction. Greg Davis (647-9214) and Ron Wise (647-4393) both welcome help running our hourly silent auction. We'll need people to announce the auction each hour, hand out prizes, and set out new prizes.
• Country Store. Help with our big rummage sale to raise funds for the club. This is a major source of revenue for us, so call Shirley Layton, 717-9226, to help ensure a successful store this year.
• Plant Sale. Call Susan Mulqueen to help sell plants and cuttings. This is also a popular source of revenue for us.
• Security. Throughout the show, we ask members to circulate among the crowd in orange security vests to present a visible security presence. To help, contact Wayne Ehlers, 482-6830. We also need volunteers to spend a night or two providing overnight security. It's the cheapest hotel room in town!

We need everyone to bring donations. In particular, we'll need your help with:

• Desserts for the Show dinner from 6 to 7 PM on Friday evening; bring them to the dinner.
• Cookies to provide near the coffee area throughout the Show; give to Ray and Florence during the Show.
• Raffle prizes: mineral and fossil specimens, lapidary work, and other "showy" stuff you would see in a store window. We want to entice people to enter our raffle, so please help by donating a truly nice prize. Contact Nancy Brace-Thompson, 659-3577 with material to donate.
• Silent auction: rough material for lapidary work, large pieces of petrified wood, large mineral specimens, etc. The showier the material, the higher the bids will be. We'll get much of this from our club rock pile, but if you have donations, contact Greg Davis (647-9214) or Ron Wise (647-4393).
• Kids prizes: small pieces of jewelry, tumbled stones, polished slabs, fossils, mineral specimens, etc., are needed as prizes, along with plastic and paper grocery bags; contact Jean Wise, 647-4393.
• Country store: garage sale sorts of items, as well as magazines and books related to rockhounding, and grocery bags for people to carry away their purchases; contact Shirley Layton, 717-9226.
• Plant sales: plants, cuttings, and related materials, as well as cardboard flats and plastic and paper grocery bags for people to pack their purchases in; contact Susan Mulqueen.

Dismantling: Sunday, March 6, 5 PM.
     It ain't over till it's over. Please don't pack up your own goodies and run at the end of the Show. We'll need a lot of strong arms and backs to help reverse what we did on Thursday in order to pack everything and return it to its place. To thank everyone, we'll have our annual pizza delivery once all is packed away and the final floor is swept clean.

Receipts.
     If you've incurred expenses for jobs you've done on behalf of the show, all receipts are due to Richard Bromser within 10 days of the Show so that he can balance the Show books.

THANK YOU!!
     Finally, I offer my heart-felt thank-you to each and every Show committee member for what has proven to be a very smooth count-down to Show 2005, as well as to each club member, our dealers, demonstrators, and our guest exhibitors. It's shaping up to be a great show, and I'll see you at the Fairgrounds!
          Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

VGMS Displayed in Ventura Libraries.

During the month of January, the E.P. Foster Library on Main Street in downtown Ventura graciously allowed us to maintain an exhibit on cabbing and lapidary arts to help promote our 2005 Show. If you missed that display, catch the new one at the H.P. Wright Library on Day Road next to Ventura College. The H.P. Wright Library has graciously loaned us use of their large lobby display case, where Greg Davis, Stuart Bloom, and Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson installed a wall-to-wall exhibit for the month of February. The theme is "The Many Facets of Rockhounding," and the display demonstrates a little of everything that has attracted each of us as individuals to become members of VGMS. One part of the display is devoted to field trips, another to fossils and field trips, another to minerals, and yet another to lapidary arts. Finally, the center of the display focuses on photos and flyers of our Annual Show to tempt folks out of the library and down to the Fairgrounds come March 5th and 6th! My sincere thanks to Greg, Stuart, and Nancy for their creative efforts as we shaped this display.

Jim Brace-Thompson,
Show Chair.

  Table of Contents.

THE MUSEUM CORNER,
By Debbie Bunn, Chair, Museum Committee.

If you like fossils, then one museum you have to see is the Sierra College Natural History Museum Located in Rocklin (northeast of Sacramento), it has a fine exhibit of local and US fossils; many of them collected by the students & instructors while on class field trips. There is a case tracing the story of life in fossils from algal balls to primates. Local fossils from the Ice Age were discovered when the Arco Arena was constructed to house the Sacramento Kings. Parts of bison, camels, horses, and other animals excavated are on display. So is a large log of the famous Eocene Roseville petrified wood. There is a surprisingly large dinosaur exhibit, including a rare pachycephalosaurus skull that I got to help excavate. There are parts of other dinosaurs that have been found in northern California including a hypsoliphodont leg and a piece of a meat-eating dinosaur found in Granite Bay/Sacramento. You can see parts of a pterosaur found in northern California and a giant turtle. There are sea mammal fossils, a titantothere skull, and a gompothere. In addition to all the fossils, there is an extensive skull display from bats to elephants. And stuffed animal heads from around the world. There is a fine mineral display. Outside there is a labeled nature trail and desert rock garden. Admission to the Sierra College Natural History Museum is free when the college is in session. Special tours can be arranged for groups. For those of you planning to attend the CFMS show in Roseville in June; plan to visit this great little museum. Located in Sewell Hall at 5000 Rocklin Road in Rocklin, CA. Website: www.sierramuseum.org/.

  Table of Contents.

CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Bulletin e-mail - When sending emails with Bulletin information, please 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!

THANK YOU - Thank you all; Ed Clark, Jim Brace-Thompson, Steve and Susan Mulqueen, Greg Davis, Dave Mautz, Kathy Davis, Richard and Shirley Bromser and Lowell Foster who all worked so hard Saturday morning to clean the museum after the flood. I have had to postpone several requests for museum tours. Now it is ready. All your hard work is greatly appreciated.

If I missed anyone, I am truly sorry.

Ray Meisenheimer.

Editor's Note: For those of you who weren't aware, the museum was flooded in our January storm with about 10 inches of water in parts of the museum leaving 1/2 to 1 inch of mud to be cleaned up. All of them are to be highly commended for their hard work and perseverance in getting it back in shape. Fortunately, there was very little ruined.

EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES - In celebration of 20 years of the Earth Science Studies at Zzyzx there will be open house on Saturday afternoon April 9. Special activities include a guided tour of the facility, displays of lapidary work done that week, and about 3 pm a chicken and beef barbecue. Donation for the meal is 12.50 per person and a request for this must be sent in by March 15. See the January Bulletin for the registration form.
     Florence Meisenheimer.

Books for Sale - Ray & Florence Meisenheimer are donating some books (reference books mostly on fossils, some on minerals) to be sold at our February meeting with the proceeds to go to VGMS. The members will have the opportunity to have first choice with the remainder going into the Country Store to be sold at the show or perhaps the Silent Auction. Thanks Ray and Florence.

Don't Forget - Plants & Country Store Items - Get a good variety of cuttings started and keep the country store in mind when you are looking for room to put all your "new" Christmas presents! You can bring them to the Fairgrounds on the show set up days.

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. Registration closes on 4-5-05. Contact Steve Or Shirley Layton (805) 717-9226 for a registration form.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2005 Meetings - Sharon Cunningham has kindly agreed to coordinate the Hosting schedule again for 2005 and will be looking for volunteers. Think about which month would be best for you and let Sharon know. Many volunteers make it easier for all! Following is the schedule as it is so far. Sharon will have a sign up list at the February meeting to hopefully fill out the year.
     February: Sharon Cunningham.
     March: Greg & Valli Davis.

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.

CFMS & AFMS Newsletters - Anyone interested in their own subscriptions to these, please contact Shirley Layton (805 717-9226). The cost for one year is $5.50 for the CFMS and $4.50 for the AFMS. I do share some information from these with you, but there is much more in each issue that you may be interested in.

  Table of Contents.

WOLVES.

An elder of the Cherokee tribe was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside of me; it is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves.

"One wolf is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

"The other is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

"This same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.

  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.

Surfing the Web, Part One: Fossils
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Juniors Activities Chair.

Kids have always been hard-wired, metaphorically, for learning but with the advent of the Internet, today's kids are literally wired-to-learn. If, given a research assignment in school when I was a kid, my first stop was the library, but as my kids have been growing up, they run immediately to the Internet and Google. They play video games, they chat with friends via instant messaging, they write their papers on the computer, and they surf the Web for both school topics and personal interest. To help youth leaders capitalize on this now-natural proclivity of today's kids and teens, I'll be devoting my next couple columns to providing annotated listings of Web sites organized around various aspects of the rock-hounding hobby. Given my own interest in paleontology, I'll start with fossils. Future columns will cover minerals and earth resources, lapidary arts, and museums. Because kids especially like dinosaurs, I'll start with a couple sites specifically devoted to these "Terrible Lizards":

www.isgs.uiuc.edu/dinos/:
     This web site is maintained by Russell "Dino Russ" Jacobson, an associate geologist at the Illinois State Geological Survey and a certified dinomaniac. It's a collection of information on dinosaur digs, exhibits, societies, publications, dinosaur artwork, and more. A truly wonderful site and easy to navigate!

www.search4dinosaurs.com/:
     This site collects links leading viewers to paintings and drawings of more than 70 species of dinosaurs and dino relatives. Some permit downloading for educational purposes, thus allowing kids to cut-and-paste images into papers they may be writing.

www.fossilnews.com/:
     This is the official web site of Fossil News: Journal of Avocational Paleontology, a monthly magazine published with the amateur foremost in mind. The site includes articles and illustrations from past issues on topics ranging from specific geological time periods to fossil preparation to cladistics.

www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~macrae/Burgess_Shale/:
     One of the world's most famous fossil sites, the Burgess Shale of British Columbia holds spectacularly preserved soft-bodied fossils from the "Cambrian explosion" when complex life suddenly burst onto the scene in the Earth's oceans. This site shows photos of the Burgess Shale quarry, the fossils found there, references for further reading, and links to related sites.

www.paleoportal.org/:
     The Paleontological Portal (produced by the University of California Museum of Paleontology, the PaleoSociety, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontologists, and the USGS) is a central entry point to paleontology resources for audiences of all levels. Topics for exploration include Exploring Time & Space, the Fossil Gallery, Famous Flora & Fauna, Careers, Resources, Collections, and Calendar.

www.paleodb.org/:
     While the previous site I described is for audiences of all levels, the Paleobiology Database, composed by John Airoy of the University of California, Santa Barbara, is definitely on the more sophisticated level. It lets you scan more than 43,000 fossil collections. You can enter a specific species, and see all sorts of information about it, and can even map the finds to see where that species has been collected. Again, though, definitely for a more sophisticated user and for older kids.

These sites scratch just the surface of what's out there. You can make this into a fun activity for your juniors by encouraging them to surf the Web themselves for interesting fossil sites and having them share and report on what they find with their fellow members at your next meeting. Let's capitalize on the tools today's kids use for learning while-as always-having fun!

CFMS Newsletter 02/05.

  Table of Contents.

Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2005.

A New Schedule will be set up for 2005. Think about what you would like and volunteer for that month! It's a good way to get a program of your interest! The quicker we fill up the schedule, the more advance notice everyone will have of the program.

In the absence of a Program Chairman for the year 2005, 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.

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 Florence Meisenheimer - CFMS website would also be of help.

  Table of Contents.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in March. 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!

March - Happy Birthday!!
     Marian Tetreault - 6th,
     Lyndon Cogswell - 7th,
     Emma Mayer - 8th,
     Greg Davis - 18th,
     Heidi Mauer - 25th,
     Cindy Treutelaar - 27th.

The March birthstone is the Aquamarine and the flower is the Jonquil.

AQUAMARINE, the blue variety of beryl.

VARIETY INFORMATION:

• Variety of: Beryl Be₃ Al₂ Si₆ O₁₈;
• Uses: Gemstone;
• Birthstone for: March;
• Color: Various shades of blue to blue-green;
• Index of refraction: 1.57 - 1.60;
• Birefringence: 0.004 - 0.008;
• Hardness: 7.5 - 8;
• Cleavage: One direction, poor;
• Crystal system: Hexagonal;
• Pleochroic: Weak.

     Aquamarine is the blue, or perhaps more correctly, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include emerald, morganite, and heliodor. Other colors of beryl are simply refered to by their color, such as red beryl.
     Aquamarine is colored by trace amounts of iron that find their way into the crystal structure. Most gem aquamarines have been heat treated to produce the popular blue-green colors from less desirable yellow or pale stones. The leading producer of aquamarines is the country of Brazil, which has many mines. Pakistan, as well as many U.S. localities, produce wonderful specimens as well.

Unless otherwise noted, all mineral descriptions and images, plus the related descriptions on this server are the property of Amethyst Galleries, Inc., (http://mineral.galleries.com/), 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 January meeting had 17 members, three guests and two pebble pups. The guests were Paul Polacek, the husband of our speaker, Szilvia Beylik and Mark Kaufmann. The two pebble pups were Sara Beylik and Mishell Beylik. We thank them for joining us and hope to see all of them again. Many members were off cruising the Quartzsite scene; hopefully we will see the fruits of their efforts at our February meeting! The usual fun door prizes were awarded (one to me-thank you!). Sharlyne Holloway and Shirley Layton furnished the refreshments with Sharlyne bringing her much loved "Dump Cake" which was enjoyed by all. Hope to see you all at the February meeting on the 23rd.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

PUBLIC OUTREACH.

Friday, January 14, Jim Brace-Thompson gave a slideshow presentation and fossil exhibit on "Fossils of So-Cal: Collecting in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties" to the Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. He then quickly drove south from Monterey to give the same presentation to the Woodland Hills Rock Chippers in Canoga Park the following day, Saturday, January 15.

  Table of Contents.

HOW DOES BONE BECOME FOSSIL?

For every bone that becomes a fossil, millions do not. It takes many thousands of years and very special conditions for a fossil to form. Fossils are the remains of ancient life. Fossils can be found poking out of the earth in the Badlands of South Dakota. To become fossils, bones are first buried. Usually, this happens when an animal dies by a river, stream, or ocean. In such a place, water often washes sand, mud and other fine-grained materials over the body. The soft tissue decays. The bones begin the slow process of fossilization. Over thousands of years, minerals seep into the bones, minerals fill tiny pores. As these minerals build up, the bones become heavier and stronger, but they keep their original shapes. Fossilization gradually continues until the bones have been completely replaced by minerals. Then the bones have become petrified - turned into stone.

Via Santa Ana Rock & Mineral Club via The Rock Bag 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

Do You Have A Meteorite?

If you think you have a rock that might be a meteorite, answer these simple questions:
     1) Is the object solid, not porous?
     2) Is the object of irregular shape?
     3) Is the object heavy for its size?
     4) Is the object black or brown on the outside?
     5) Does the object show metallic iron on ground surface?
     6) Is the object different from the county rocks?
If you answered "yes" to all these questions, the object is most surely a meteorite, in a few cases, some of the answers can be "no" and the object may still be a meteorite. If most of the answers are "no", the object is probably not a meteorite. Things mistaken for meteorites:
     Earthy nodules of iron compound, especially hematite.
     Artificial slag or cinders sometimes containing iron. Slag or cinders will generally be very porous or spongy, meteorites never are.
     Pieces of old rusted iron tools are sometimes mistaken for meteorites.
     Rocks showing well-shaped crystals are not likely to be meteorites.
     Volcanic rocks are often mistaken for meteorites.

          Quarry Quips, 7/99 condensed from an old pamphlet "Meteorites", put out by the Smithsonian Institute Meteorite Recovery Project via Gneiss Times 7/05.

  Table of Contents.

Bucketite,
Author unknown.

This is a type of rock that forms in buckets, milk crates, boxes and other containers in the backyards and garages of long-time rock hounds. Its properties vary widely; any color, texture or hardness may be found in these deposits. Often the best material is found in small pieces at the bottom of the container; great patience is needed to sift through a typical deposit. These deposits are typically pretty filthy, though the stones are easily removed and cleaned. Beware of spiders and other vermin, especially in larger deposits and in hotter climates. On the other hand, the material is quite often preslabbed, and the slabs will occasionally already have cabochon outlines marked on them. How can you tell if a piece of rock is bucketite? If you can't tell what it is and someone asks you, just tell them it's bucketite. If you got it out of a bucket even if you can't identify it, it's still pure bucketite. For more information or to see some bucketite, contact a long time rockhound. (Also known as "backyardite".)

Quarry Quips 5/03 via Gneiss Time 1/05.

  Table of Contents.

"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

February Field Trips.

     February 20th Ron Wise will lead a trip to Tijugas Beach. With all the big surf lately there should be some good material. You will need to call Ron for details just before the trip. Ron Wise (805) 647-4393. This was changed from the 12th.
     February 26th, 2005 - Cerro Gordo, A BLM Field Trip - The ecology, geology, mining activity and mining history of the Southern Inyo Mountains is investigated. Stops are made at Little Lake, Lone Pine, Olancha, and Keeler. The mining camp of Darwin is also visited on the way to Darwin Canyon and the Crystal Springs mining district. The man-made ecosystem changes at Owens Lake are discussed. Registration fees are $10 per person per day, or $25 per vehicle per day, whichever is less. Make your check payable to "Buena Vista Museum of Natural History" and mail to BVMNH, 2018 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301. Charge card payments may be made by calling (661) 324-6350. If you have any questions about these field trip programs call Dr. Gregg Wilkerson at (661) 391-6081 or contact the Museum directly at (661) 324-6350. You will be asked to sign a "Hold Harmless" agreement before the field trip begins. Visit the BLM web site at http://www.ca.blm.gov/bakersfield/geologytrips.html.

Via Rock Writings 2/05.

QUIRKY QUARTZSITE:
January 2005.

     Quartzsite has a huge selection of dealers in rocks, minerals, gems and jewelry. That's why so many of us make the trek to this small town in the desert in January. Small it is, ordinary it is not!
     Quartzsite claims over 2,000 permanent residents. I doubt if you will find more than 100 actual houses in town. Most of the dwellings are trailers or mobile homes. In the winter, though, the town is surrounded with thousands of RVs. Maybe some of you were out there.
     There's a frontier feel to the town, especially at the saloon/restaurant on the southeast corner of Main St. and Hwy. 95. The saloon opens at 7 a.m. One morning at 7:30 we went in to use their bathroom (among the few easily accessible flush toilets). The bar was already full of drinkers. Get your quick calories at the restaurant. They have great hamburgers, chicken fried steak sandwiches and onion rings!
     The Quartzite Bakery was a pleasant surprise. It's at least 30 miles to the nearest fresh baked goods. The bakery doesn't look like much, but it's a jewel. We ate their wonderful muffins and French bread. The employees who waited on us were all friendly senior citizens, as are many of the workers in other permanent businesses in town.
     Have you been to the bookstore? If so, you probably encountered the (almost) nude proprietor. He has a great tan, too. We recommend his illustrated map of the town! You'll need it to find the shows and to avoid the big city style traffic jam that is common on Main Street. Drive an extra half a mile to save half an hour. During the show season it's best to drive, park and walk around.
     The shows that bring all of the visitors are overwhelming. Thousands of people are looking at hundreds of booths. You could spend weeks looking and still not see everything. We concentrated on three shows: Desert Gardens, Rice Ranch and the Powwow.
     Desert Gardens opened with a rain storm this year. On our first visit most of the dealers were not set up for business. When we returned the weather had cleared. There was an incredible variety of rocks and wood, both rough and polished. You could find almost any rock you were looking for. The Australian dealers' displays were a highlight. They sold more varieties and higher quality rocks and minerals than last year.
     Tyson Wells has the most venders and the most parking of the sites. The first day we barely found a parking place way out under the Freeway Bridge. There were so many booths that, after three hours of shopping, we still had three rows to go. We looked at a lot of jewelry and some good rough rocks, wood, fossils, slabs and cabs. There's a lot more other stuff. The guys headed for the gadgets and tools. The women headed for the kitchen gadgets and clothing. My big buys were California strawberries and asparagus. Good fresh produce is a rarity in this country so far from a supermarket. One of the best selling items was a tripod seat that folded up into a walking cane. You could sure use one at Tyson Wells!
     The Powwow (put on by the Quartzsite Roadrunners) was a bit of a disappointment this year. Because of the rain and mud the crowd was small. Many of the venders packed up and left Sunday morning; the one really sunny day of the show. It was disappointing that many venders left early and that there was not much rock equipment to look at this year. There was, however, some fine jewelry being offered. The display cases in the QIA building were excellent!
     Because we spent over a month in the area, Ron and I joined the Quartzsite Roadrunners Gem & Mineral Club. The shop is excellent; they even have warm water on the grinding wheels. We trimmed, cabbed and polished some purple agate from our Burro Creek fieldtrip. Bring or buy your slabs, though. They charge 20 cents an inch to slab rocks. Ron used the slab saw at the Hope RV park where we stayed.
     Let's hope for better weather next year!
          Jean Wise - See Photos on Photo Page.

BURRO CREEK FIELDTRIP:
January 14-17, 2005.

     Welcome to the Wild West! There's nothing around Burro Creek except for the BLM campground and Nothing, a dilapidated gas station and rock shop straight from the 1930's. The Burro Creek campground is a delight. Located on the side of a canyon cut by the creek, it provides gorgeous sunsets and striking views of the creek and the huge bridge that allows Hwy. 93 to cross it. Once in a while you might even spot one of the wild burros for whom the creek was named.
     Nothing isn't much, but the road just south of the gas station is the turn-off to go to the rockhounding sites. There are roads every which way, so directions and a watchful eye are essential to getting in to (and back from) the sites. Some of the roads are rough, rocky, steep and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. This year the rain that pummeled Ventura County also hit Arizona. Although it didn't rain while we were there, we hit a number of muddy spots where we all slipped and slid a bit. We had sweaty palms!
     During the four times we have hunted rocks at Burro Creek, Ron and I have visited five different sites in the area. Materials we have collected include: the famous Burro Creek purple agate, braciated pumpkin jasper, pastelite, blue agate, and multi-colored agate (blue, white, reds, oranges, and tans). Needless to say, you won't have time to do justice to all of these sites on a 3-day trip.
     This year we joined the Ye Old Timers Mineral Club trip, led by Dick and Betty Pankey. We met the Old Timers at the rock show at the Avi Casino near Laughlin. No sooner had we unhooked our travel trailer from the truck, the wind changed from a breeze to a gale. The trailer was rocking and sand was seeping in all the cracks, but we didn't blow over. A number of the dealers were not so fortunate. At least three of them had their tents blown over and the poles bent out of shape. Fortunately, the second day at the Avi brought calmer weather and most of the venders had their booths open. That night we had one of the Old Timers' famous potluck dinners. We all ate very well!
     The next morning we all hooked up the trailers and headed for Burro Creek campground. Fortunately, the way things have been going this winter, we had great weather.
     Friday was exploration day. We all drove out to the "purple" and "pumpkin" sites to see how the roads were and how things looked. We were supposed to get back to camp early, but one of the men started exploring and got lost. He finally turned up a few miles down the creek. While we were out looking for him, Dick Pankey, the leader of the Ye Old Timers, found a 50-pound boulder of the purple agate! This was a good omen. The rains had uncovered some nice smaller specimens. Last year the rocks were buried deep in the tailing piles from the area's mining days. When we returned to camp Ron took off again to explore the north route to the Burro Creek pastelite and multi-colored agate sites. He collected a few pieces of beautiful multi-colored agate.
     Saturday was devoted to the purple agate site. About a half-mile of the road to the site had been washed out by the recent rains, so we hiked in. Most of us scoured the creek for pieces of the purple. This year Ron decided to do some hard-rock mining. He started with about a 3-inch triangle visible and ended up (after two days of hard work) with a 30-pound solid purple boulder. When we got back, we got ready for our second potluck dinner. This one was even better than the first one!
     Sunday most of the group went to the pumpkin jasper site. Greg and Valerie Davis from VGMS joined us at the purple agate site, where Ron was still beating out his 30-pounder. They joined me in hunting through the recently uncovered tailing piles. All three of us found lots of small pieces and some pretty decent sized hunks as well. We also got a good workout carrying our booty up the hill to the cars.
     Monday the Old Timers headed for their camping site north of Quartzsite. Ron and I headed back to our home-away-from-home at Ramblin' Roads RV Park in Hope, AZ. We trimmed and made cabs from some of our small pieces. Two of the three cabs polished up beautifully!
     We plan to go back to Burro Creek again next year. I hope some of you with a little time to spend will join us!
          Jean Wise.
Editors Note: There will be pictures of "Nothing" and other Burro Creek Field Trip experiences in the March Bulletin Photo Page.

TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS 2005:
Schedule Is Under Construction!

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

Great Website for rockhounding in the Barstow area-http://www.ca.blm.gov/barstow/rock.html.

This is from the AFMS Newsletter - December 2004-January 2005 and was contributed by Bob Cranston. It is an excellent summary of collecting rules and some descriptions of local collecting sites. It's from the Barstow BLM office.

  Table of Contents.

ROCKHOUNDING.

The following "Rockhounding" has been taken from a BLM Internet article. This is from the above website.

Rockhounding.
     California's geological forces have created one of the widest varieties of rocks and minerals found in any state. This rock and mineral wealth has long been recognized by rockhounds even before the gold rush days. Early rockhounds were prospectors looking for valuable minerals and gemstones for commercial purposes. Eventually, however, more people were drawn to rockhounding for recreational purposes, mainly for the beauty that rocks and minerals provide.
     By the 1930s, interest in rockhounding increased significantly and it was during this period that rockhounding groups were formed and collecting areas in the desert were publicized. With increased popularity of rockhounding, some rockhounds regarded certain areas as their own and feared that other collectors would deplete their rocks and minerals. This led to substantial amounts of material being removed and an increase in mining claims. By the 1960s the government saw a need to regulate the collection of rocks and minerals on public lands. Visitors to the Mojave Desert often ask where they can rockhound. Perhaps the best source of information is rock, gem, and mineral groups found in communities throughout southern California. Libraries, bookstores, and "gem and mineral shows" are also very good sources of published information. Although any hill, mountain, or wash can provide some wonderful rock and mineral discoveries, the following listed areas are some of the well-known sites visited by rockhounds in which good samples can still be found.
     Many rockhounding sites require hiking or driving to remote areas on sandy or rocky roads where there is a possibility of getting stuck. It is always a good idea to travel in a group and to bring plenty of drinking water with you when traveling in the desert. If you must travel alone, be sure to let someone know of your plans. Remember to stay on designated open roads. Cross country travel is illegal, as is driving in designated Wilderness Areas.

Rules and Regulations:
     Part 8365 of Title 43 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) provides for the collecting of "reasonable quantities" of rocks, minerals, semiprecious gemstones, and invertebrate and plant fossils of non-scientific importance, for personal use. With respect to rockhound material, the Field Office considers a "reasonable quantity" to be not more than can be carried in a daypack.
     Regulations do not allow collecting on "developed recreation sites and areas", or where otherwise prohibited or posted. Care should be exercised not to collect minerals on mining claims. Most claimants will allow rockhounding if the individual interested in rock collecting first asks permission. Remember, it is your responsibility to determine if an area is open to collection or if you are on private land.
     More specific rules affecting rockhounding can be found on the Internet, at http://www.ca.blm.gov/barstow/rock.html.

Maps:
     Desert Access Guide Maps showing the distribution of public and private lands are available for sale at BLM offices.

Rockhounding Locations:
     1. Opal Mountain Black Mountain - 5 miles north of Fossil Bed Road via dirt road; Jasper, Nodules, Opal.
     2. Mule Canyon - 3 miles north of Yermo; Agate, Borax, Celestite, Jasper, Olivine, Petrified Wood, Satin Spar, Silver, Travertine, Olivine.
     3. Alvord Mine - 7 miles north of Manix via dirt road; Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Jasper, Pyrite.
     4. Pisgah Crater - 1 mile south of Interstate 40 off of Historic Route 66; Lava, Volcanic Bombs.
     5. Cady Mountains - 6 miles north of Pisgah via dirt road; Agate, Chalcedony, Geodes, Jasper.
     6. Afton Canyon -1 mile southeast of Afton off ramp via dirt road; Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Jasper, Nodules.
     7. Broadwell Dry Lake - 6 miles north of Ludlow via Crucero Road and west to hilly area; Banded Agate, Moss Agate, Geodes, Jasper, Onyx.
     8. Halloran Springs - Turquoise Mountain North of Halloran Springs; Azurite, Turquoise.

Via BRECCIA 12/04 via The Rock Bag 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

REPORT ON RECENT COURT DECISION
By Jim Strain, former PLAC Chairman.

     On December 30, 2004 Susan Itlston, a US District Court Judge, signed an order restricting OHV use in desert washes which had been open as a result of careful planning. Based on litigation filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, et al, the judge ruled that the Biological Opinion issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service was inadequate. She determined that off-road vehicle travel down some desert washes might harm desert tortoise habitat or disturb a tortoise.
     Having served on the various planning commissions, committees and groups for more than 30 years, there is no question that all safeguards possible have been put in place to assure protection for the tortoise while recognizing the needs of the public. This order ignores the needs of the public. What does this decision mean to CFMS and its members? Primarily, it may deny access to some of our favorite collecting areas.
     One area in particular is the Mauser Geode Bed Area. Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management is still in place. We can access the geode beds down the existing designated routes of travel. If the designated route travels down a desert wash for a short distance, the route will remain open. If you are traveling down a designated route and turn off the route to travel down a wash, you may be in violation. The maximum fine could be $1000 and a maximum jail time of 12 months.
     Please remember that our agreement requires that one side of any hole we dig must be tapered to a 30 degree angle to allow any desert tortoise that might fall into a hole to walk out of the hole. This was to keep from having to refill the hole every time we dug one.
     Another issue in the litigation was a request to limit off-road vehicle travel and/or camping to 15 feet from the center of the route of travel. Fortunately the judge recognized that request as an attempt to misuse the courts to manage federal land. She denied the request. However she did uphold a decision made, based on previous litigation, which will reduce the current limit on camping from 300 feet from the center of the route of travel to 100 feet. Apparently some BLM personnel are quoting the 100 foot limitation as being in place now. By camping within the 100 foot limit no request to move a campsite should occur.
     This decision by the judge will remain in effect until after the new Biological Opinion is by US Fish & Wildlife Service. My guess is that when the new opinion is issued additional litigation will be initiated by someone or some group.

CFMS Newsletter 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

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

Here is a suggestion to make the wet grinding procedure more comfortable. Place water pipe foam insulation over the edge of the water trough for an easy wrist rest while working the stone. Just cut to the length needed and slip it over the edge of the water pan.

Beautiful picture frames can be made from hollow geodes. Just cut and polish a slab, mount a picture and place on a stand.

Author unknown: From Breccia 6/03 via Gneiss Times 2/05.

Henry's Helpful Hints by Henry Wilson:
1. Don't try to cut and polish cabs while watching TV.
2. Most good gemstones can be dug up only during a rain or snowstorm.
3. If you can't identify a mineral, call it jasper. No one else will know either.
4. Don't store tumbled stones in the candy dish.
5. There are approximately 135 ways to polish jade, most of which won't work.

From Rocky Mountain News 1/84 via Gneiss Times 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

MEMBERSHIP.

2005 DUES WERE DUE ON 1-1-2005!!!!! You aren't too late yet; you can mail them in or give them to Shirley Bromser at the meeting on the 23rd. Don't Forget! The last date to get in to the 2005 Directory (and we want you all there) is 3-31-05.

Following is a change for your 2004 Directory. 2005 directories will be out for the April meeting.

Email Change:
     Colin Taylor,
     432 S. San Marcos Rd.,
     Santa Barbara, CA 93111,
     (805) 967-8140,
Email: DancingMagpie@verizon.net.

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, January 26th, 2005:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ed Clark at 730 pm on Wednesday, January 26th, 2005 at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
     The December regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Ed Clark welcomed everyone, introduced guests and began with our salute to the flag.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report for the month of December.
Shirley Layton: The 10th of January will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin.
Shirley Bromser: Club dues are due by the end of March.
Ray Meisenheimer: Ray awarded raffle prizes to a few lucky people and also mentioned that cleanup of the museum is continuing this weekend.
Jim Brace-Thompson: We only have one more club bulletin before our show. Get the word out by use of our flyers or word of mouth. The last show meeting will be on Sunday, February 13th, at Jim's house and will include grab bag arrangement and anything else that we can get accomplished. The presentation for February will be a slide show of shows, with comparisons between then and now of our annual show.
Wayne Ehlers: A sign up sheet for a spring cab class will be available at our show and may help to draw new members.
Mary Polacek next presented a slide show and discussion on the manufacturing of silicon and its use in the making of photo voltaic panels, also known as solar energy panels. Mary and her husband, Paul, work for the local company which utilizes high energy and high temperature to produce the exacting forms. It was all very interesting and our thanks to Mary and Paul for their time and effort educating us on this subject that so closely relates to our hobby.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, February 3rd, at the new location, the IBEW hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura. All are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held February 23rd at the Lexington.
     There being no further business, President Ed Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.


Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, February 3rd, 2005:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 3rd, 2005, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Jim Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Ron & Jean Wise and Greg Davis.
Steve Mulqueen: For the third weekend in a row, club members worked on the museum and workshop, cleaning up from water damage left by the heavy rains. Schools are waiting to resume tours and we're just about to that point. It was m/s/c to purchase a new vacuum ($85.00 limit) for the museum and suggestions were sought to prevent future damage/vandalism. The canopy was located for use with our ultraviolet light display at our show.
Richard Bromser: It was m/s/c to accept the treasurer's report for the month of January. Milk crates are still not available from Chase Bros. Dairy but Richard will continue with the effort. It was m/s/c to again support the California Mining & Mineral Museum with our donation of $1.00 per VGMS member. The next board meeting will be held at the fair grounds at 6:00 pm.
Shirley Layton: Articles for the bulletin need to be received by the 10th of the month. It's also time for club members to volunteer to provide refreshments and programs for our monthly meetings, so plan on it and contact any board member with your preferred month. Shirley also mentioned that our annual show is listed with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce as an attraction in our city. It doesn't mention "gem & mineral", but Shirley will look into getting that changed.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The next meeting for the 2005 show is scheduled for Sunday, February 13th, 2:00 at Jim's house. All are welcomed. A grab bag stuffing event will be included in this meeting, so bring any inventory you might have for the grab bags. A display has been set up at Wright Library in Ventura and flyers are available to anyone who can help distribute and post them. Jim suggested we develop a club flyer for the purpose of displaying at locations like the libraries.
Ray Meisenheimer will be presenting at 2 schools in Simi and 4 schools are waiting on the re-opening of our museum.
Florence Meisenheimer: We have lots of rock! It's been moved to the front yard in preparation for transporting to our show.
Shirley Bromser: We have 33 paid members so far and dues are due by the end of March.
Ron Wise: The Tijugas Beach field trip has been changed to February 20th.
Jean Wise: Several people have offered to help with the kids' booth at our show and this will help considerably as Jean was pretty well taxed last year by the end of the weekend.
     The next meeting will be our monthly general meeting on February 23rd, 2005, at the Lexington in Ventura.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
          Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

IS IT A STROKE?
By Paula Rutledge via Houston Gem Club's
The Backbender's Gazette.

     Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking the following three simple questions:
1. Ask the individual to smile.
2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.
3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. (Webmaster's Note: Call your local medical emergency number whatever it is.)
     After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.
     A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved. Tell as many people as possible about this. It could save their lives!

  Table of Contents.

SAFETY FIRST - EYE SAFETY.

     Eyes require protection at all times of the year, whether it is protection from the sun on the way to a collecting site, protection from flying particles at a collecting site, or protection from chemicals, dust, or particles while processing our finds back home in the shop.
     Eye hazards include particles, dusts, mists, vapors, fumes, gases, and ultraviolet light. Many of these hazards are encountered by rock hounds in pursuit of their passion.
     Safety glasses or spectacles are designed to provide impact protection from flying particles and have heavier frames than normal spectacles with impact resistant lenses, usually of poly carbonate. These lenses can be tinted to protect the eyes from laser or ultraviolet light and the sun's rays. As most particles enter the eyes at an angle, it is recommended that the frames accommodate and are worn with side shields or have them "built in". Safety glasses are available with corrective lenses, even bifocal and multifocal lenses. Do not use spectacles intended for protection from radiation and glare from the sun indoors where your vision may be impaired by the tinted lenses. Spectacles should be fitted to your eye and bridge size and temple length and should fit comfortably over the eyes. The frame should be close to the face and supported by the bridge of the nose. Keep spectacles clean and clear of scratches. Store spectacles in a dry clean place where they will not fall or be stepped on. Scratched or damaged spectacles interfere with vision and do not provide protection for the eyes from fumes, vapors, liquids, and large particles and should be discarded.
     Safety goggles provide a secure shield around the entire eye area to protect against hazards coming from many different directions and spread the force of impact over a larger area around the eyes than spectacles. Goggles are most effective when worn with safety spectacles and are also provided with impact resistant lenses that can be tinted if required. Goggles that are unvented or indirectly vented will provide protection from splash hazards. Goggles may be provided with fog free coatings.
     Face shields are required when poring hot liquids, using acids to clean rocks or fossils, breaking rocks with hand or mechanical equipment, and while dressing grinding wheels. Face shields should never be used without goggles and safety spectacles and are available with protective head gear and chemical hoods.
     Select the proper level of eye protection prior to starting any activity and remember that the risk of bypassing a level because "it will only take a second and I will be careful" could cost you one of your most precious possessions, your sight.
     Another word of caution:
          Incidents of house fires are cropping up again because of the use of those electric plug-in air fresheners. In some instances the plastic housing of the unit is being melted from the electrical current flowing through it and causing fires. Use caution if you use these products - or better yet, switch to one of the non-electric types.

Bill Klose, AFMS Safety Chairperson,
AFMS Newsletter 2/05.

  Table of Contents.

Raw Materials Used in the Manufacture
of Portland Cement.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW DATES.

Reno Gem & Mineral Society presents "Jackpot of Gems 2005" on May 7 & 8, 2005 at the Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Reno, NV. Hours: Sat. 10-5. Sun. 10-4. Hourly prizes (Grand Prize - 250 Sacagawea Dollars), Dealers, Demonstrators, Exhibits, Field Trip and Youth activities.

2005 CFMS SHOWS.

FEBRUARY 18-27; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society Date Festival, Gem & Mineral Bldg #1, Riverside County Fair & Date Festival, 46-350 Arabia Street. Hours: 10 am - 10 pm. Bert Grisham (951) 849-1674.
FEBRUARY 19-20; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club "54th Annual Earth's Treasures", San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Building #'s 4&5. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Laurie Haines (209) 838-0108. E-mail: Ihaines99@aol.com.
MARCH 4, 5, 6; HAYWARD, CA - The Min. & Gem Society of Castro Valley, Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ron Miller (510) 538-2397. Email: mgsev@yahoo.com.
MARCH 4, 5, 6; MESA, AZ - Phoenix Gem & Mineral "Rocks & Gems Alive in 2005", Mesa Centennial Center, Centennial Hall, 201 N. Center Street. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4.
MARCH 4-13; IMPERIAL, CA - Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society, 200 East 2nd Street. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 4-10 pm. Ms. Trey Handy & Trey Handy (760) 352-2273.
MARCH 5-6; ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds Inc., The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue. Hours: 9-5 both days. Jo Anna Ritchey (626) 359-1624. Email: J.RITCHEY@VERIZON.NET.
MARCH 5-6; VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Seaside Park (Ventura Co. Fairgrounds), 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Jim Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577. Email: jbraceth@adelphia.net.
MARCH 12-13; SAN MARINO, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society "Magic From The Earth", San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Drive. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Marcia Goetz (626) 914-5030. Email: JOENMAR1@GTE.NET.
MARCH 12-13; TURLOCK, CA - Mother Lode Mineral Society, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bud McMillin (209) 527-8000 (Wk) or 524-3494 (H). E-mail: Bud.McMillin.b7yj@StateFarm.com.
MARCH 19-20; ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society, Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Earl Klein (510) 632-9373.
April 2-3; SAN JOSE, CA -Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds., 344 Tully Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Frank Mullaney (408) 255-1791. Email: info@svgms.org.
APRIL 2-3; TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society "Nature's Treasures", Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Omer Goeden (818) 383-9279. Email: sageit@aol.com.
APRIL 9-10; HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Steinmetz Co. Park Recreation Bldg., 1545 S. Stimson Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Paula Hess (562) 696-2270. Email: rphess@adelphia.net.
APRIL 9-10; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearney Mesa Rd. Hours: Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4. Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.
APRIL 23-24; LANCASTER, CA - Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue Valley Fairgrounds. Hours: 9-5 both days. Armin Nimmer (661) 945-5769.
APRIL 23-24; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, on corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Contact: Hubert Drake (831) 688-8086. E-mail: hmdrake@pacbell.net.
MAY 7-8; ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Brookhurst Community Center. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4:30. W. Mroch; PMB 373, 4141 Ball Road, Cypress, CA 90630. Email: hwmroch@gemandmineral.com.
MAY 7-8; BISHOP, CA - Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society, Tri County Fairgrounds, Sierra Street & Fair Drive. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4. Jeff Lines (760) 872-6597.
MAY 7-8; RENO, NV -Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Jennifer Rhodes (775) 356-8820.
MAY 14-15; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club "California Gems & Minerals", Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Bob Stultz (805) 498-4220.
MAY 14-15; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 349 Oak Glen Road. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Lee Peterson (909) 794-0731. Email: res09ayd@verizon.net.
JUNE 4-5; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell (626) 963-4638. Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
JUNE 4-5; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Don Warthon (626) 330-8974. Email: warthen@earthlink.net.
AUGUST 5,6,7; NIPOMA, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Avenue. Hours: 9-5 Daily. Lucky Virgin (805) 929-4525. Email: lvirgin@impulse.net.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2005.

EASTERN FEDERATION,
March 18-20, Sayre, PA.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
June 10-12, Roseville, CA.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
June 17-19, Colorado Springs, CO.

NORTHWEST,
August 5-7, Albany, OR.

MIDWEST / AFMS,
August 16-21, St. Louis, MO.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
December 2-4, Austin, TX.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We all enjoy articles from you members. Why not make a New Year's resolution to write up your thoughts about the show, vacation experiences, rock-collecting trips, Great Finds or anything of interest to share. Contributions from you members keep the Bulletin interesting and I thank you for them.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

  Table of Contents.

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

  Table of Contents.

CFMS SHOW A BLAST.

The 2005 CFMS Show will be held in Roseville June 10, 11, & 12. Roseville is located north of Sacramento. Camping areas are adequate, but hook-ups are limited. Besides the usual dealers with everything you could possibly want, and hundreds of beautiful exhibits, a number of excellent programs are planned. One program on gold reports: GOLD - We all want it, we try to find it, but where is it and how did it get there? The speaker is John Clinkenbeard, supervising Senior Geologist with the California Geological Survey. Sounds interesting.

Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Portland Cement:

Cement - A finely powdered substance manufactured in a cement plant that possesses strong adhesive qualities when combined with water. A calcined (baked) mixture of substances prepared in a rotary kiln (calciner) that is formed into a powder and mixed with water, aggregate (sand, gravel and/or pebbles) and other additives to form concrete. The oldest archaeological evidence of the use of cement is found in what is now known as Syria and dates back to 6500 B.C. Other evidence of the use of cement is found in Europe along the Danube River (5600 B.C.), China (3000 B.C.), Egypt (2500 B.C.), Greece (600 B.C.), and in the Roman Empire (300 B.C.). The Romans used large amounts of cement in forming solid concrete walls. The Coliseum, completed in 82 A.D. in Rome, Italy, was built with large amounts of cast concrete shaped by wooden forms.

Concrete - A complex mixture of apportioned amounts of cement, aggregate, water and other compounds that is used in the construction industry. Concrete will cure to form a hard, permanent substance.

Clinker - Synthetic cement compounds manufactured in a rotary kiln at a cement plant. These compounds may include some or all of the following: tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium-aluminoferrite. Water is added to a powdered form of the clinker with other cement additives. These compounds will react and bind with itself and with sand and gravel in a concrete mix.

Portland Cement - A term first used in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin, an Englishman who was the first to patent a mixture of high-strength cement. He claimed that his cement mortar resembled the natural limestone that was quarried from the Isle of Portland on England's south coast. This term is still used today, in reference to varieties of the common high-quality cement used in concrete.

So, when you purchase a sack of cement at the hardware store, you will know what you are getting for your money!

It has been said that, "Concrete is the 'glue' that holds a city together".

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, February 2005.

Illustration of the Month.

Section of a limestone quarry near Kilkenny, Ireland,
an illustration by A. Wyley, 1886.
a. Unaltered limestone,     b. Dolomitized limestone.

Source: Prestwich, Joseph, "Geology, Chemical, Physical and Stratigraphical", Volume I, Oxford Press (at Clarendon), 1886, page 113.

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, VGMS, February 2005.

See the article "Raw Materials Used in the Manufacture of Portland Cement" for more information.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:
All photos by Jean and Ron Wise.

Tyson Wells.













Hope RV Park slab saw -
Ron Wise appreciating.














Vendor - Wire Wrapper.















Quartzsite Shop.

  Table of Contents.

The Exhibitor's Application Form for our 2005 Show.

You will find the Form at "applications/2005-exhibitor-app.htm". Print it using your browser's FILE | PRINT ability

  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.