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

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• SEE IF YOU CAN FIND ANYTHING MISSING;
• PROGRAM - AUGUST 24, 2005: "Israel's King Solomon Mine";
• REVIEW - JULY 27, 2005: "Rocks & Minerals of the Upper Midwest";
• SEEKING NEW DIGS;
• VGMS Winners - Ventura County Fair 2005;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• VGMS SHOW 2006;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• THE MUSEUM CORNER;
• Museum offers Junior Ranger Program;
• ADVICE FOR ROCKHOUND WATCHERS;
• Web Sites;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• Library's New Additions;
• How to Write an Article for Your Club's Bulletin;
• "What is Directors and Officers Liability Insurance?";
• THE CALIFORNIA POPPY;
• SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• WARNING - Watch your children;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• Never underestimate the power;
• SAFETY AT HOME AND AWAY FROM HOME;
• Feeling Minerals;
• Azurite;
• Agates;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• Fascinating Facts about Silver;
• We could learn a lot from Crayons;
• HISTORY OF WIRE WRAPPING;
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• THE TRONA SHOW FLYER.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Congratulations to all members who exhibited at the Ventura County Fair 2005. VGMS Club members were awarded many ribbons and we should have a final count at this month's meeting. As members of the VGMS, this effort is one of our best forms of Public Outreach. A word of thanks goes out to all who entered exhibits, helped with set-up and tear-down in the Gem & Mineral Building, those who volunteered their time during the Fair and thanks to the demonstrators who made it all so interesting.

Our next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 24th. As part of the meeting we will have a discussion of the Ventura County Fair. Please plan on bringing a few of the prized specimens that were exhibited and don't forget to show your ribbons and trophies.

Ed Clark,
VGMS President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of.

The heaviest load you can carry is a chip on your shoulder.

Happiness depends on what we are, not what we have.

Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is even better.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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SEE IF YOU CAN FIND ANYTHING MISSING ON THE PHOTO PAGE?--
--"NEED PICTURES - WILL PUBLISH"!

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PROGRAM - AUGUST 24, 2005:
"Israel's King Solomon Mine",
Presented by Avraham Barshai.

Abe and his wife Esther have just returned from a trip to Israel where they visited family, including their daughter and three grandchildren, and the King Solomon Mine. Abe will be sharing their experiences and the beauty of the countryside including the city of Jerusalem. He will have many specimens to share including a piece of Lapis. As we all know, the political situation in Israel is very tense at present, which precluded some of their activities, but they had a good and safe trip. Come and share Abe and Esther's experiences. Also bring your Fair trophies and ribbons to share.

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REVIEW - JULY 27, 2005:
"Rocks & Minerals of the Upper Midwest",
Presented by Wayne Ehlers.

Our own Wayne Ehlers gave an excellent program on his and Marie's travels through the Midwest. One stop was to the National Rockhound & Lapidary Hall of Fame in Murdo, SD just off I-90 at exit 192. Two of our dealers/demo-dealers are inductees into the Hall of Fame, Jerry Harr in 1996 and Wes Lingerfelt in 2002. Wayne and Marie's trip through the Black Hills was nostalgic for me as that was my Honeymoon Route some 47 years ago! The Mitchell Corn Palace, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Wall Drug, etc. were all familiar sites. Lemmon Petrified Park takes up 1 city block. The walls and floors are all built out of petrified wood and fossils found within 25 miles of town in ND & SD. They saw many Buffalo. There are 270,000 in National Parks & Indian Reservations and 230,000 on private ranches today. In Flint Hills, KS they saw a fence with the posts made of limestone with fossils, Fossil Beds National Monument in NE, Diamond Park in AR, Indian Ruins in Canyon De Chelly and much more. He had some good specimens of the petrified wood and prairie agate. It sounds like a wonderful informative trip and Wayne and Marie recommend it highly. Thanks Wayne for the tour!

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SEEKING NEW DIGS:
Exploring Options with the Ventura County Museum.

     In the July issue of Rockhound Rambling and again at our July meeting, I noted the importance of continuing our efforts to find a new home/s for our club museum, workshop, library, and storage space. At the July meeting, it was pointed out that the Ventura County Museum of History and Art is in the midst of planning an expansion that will add 18,000 square feet to their existing facilities in downtown Ventura for new galleries, an expanded library, classrooms, and a meeting hall.
     I've emailed Executive Director Tim Schiffer, Director of Marketing & Community Relations Susan Gerrard, and Librarian/Associate Director Charles Johnson. The Ventura County Museum already hosts a small display of fossils from Ventura County and some related panels on California geology and earthquake faultlines. If they can provide the space, this would be a wonderful opportunity for establishing a permanent home for our mineral and fossil collection with a sturdy roof in an area safe from flooding and vandals. It also might be a good opportunity for archiving our currently unorganized library of geology and lapidary books and journals and the Bruno Benson slide collection in a permanent library that would make these materials accessible to the community at large. Finally, their new meeting hall might be a possibility for holding our monthly meetings if we can forge a partnership with the Museum.
     All this is "California dreamin'," as they say, and a big "if" at the moment. As of this writing, I've received no word back from the County Museum to my initial effort to initiate a dialogue. Also, even if we are able to convince the County Museum officials to help with our own museum collection and library, it's doubtful we also would be able to get their support for our lapidary workshop and our storage space needs. Are any of our club members also members of the Oxnard club? If so, do you know what possibilities might exist for combining our workshop facilities with theirs?
     As I noted in last month's bulletin, we need to keep the effort to find a new home or homes for our various needs and facilities front-and-center. This can't be a spectator sport - everyone's contribution is essential! Please come to our August meeting with ideas to contribute and a willingness to help in following through on those ideas.

Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson.

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VGMS Winners - Ventura County Fair 2005.

Congratulations to the following winners who participated with entries in the Fair:

• Chloe Baer - 1 First, 2 Seconds, 2 Thirds, 3 Fourths and a Plaque for "Best Single Item-Youth". Way to go Chloe!
• Matthew Beinar - 1 First.
• Alex Brace-Thompson - 3 Firsts and 1 Second.
• Hannah Brace-Thompson - 1 Third and 1 Fourth.
• Jim Brace-Thompson - 10 Firsts, 3 Seconds and 1 Fourth.
• Nancy Brace-Thompson - 1 First, 2 Seconds and 4 Fourths.
• Ed Clark - 1 First and 1 Third.
• Marie Ehlers - 1 First.
• Wayne Ehlers - 4 Firsts, 1 Second and 1 Fourth.
• Marie Hakke - 1 First and 1 Fourth.
• David Mautz - 3 Firsts, 6 Seconds, 5 Thirds and 2 Fourths.
• Jean Wise - 1 First.
• Ron Wise - 1 Second.

Today is the last day of the Fair as we go to print. We will miss it! I know many are about to give a big sigh of relief as they have put in a lot of time and effort to make the Gem & Mineral and Hobbies portion of the Fair a success. I think they succeeded! Many of you were demonstrators, helped with the Floor and set up and take down as well as putting in entries. We commend all of you and especially Richard and Shirley Bromser who are the assistants to the Superintendent for Gem & Mineral, Hobbies and Collections and the person in charge of Entries. MANY THANKS TO ALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

8-24-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. "Israel's King Solomon Mine" presented by Avraham Barshai.
9-1-05 - 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.
9-10-05 - DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
9-11-05 - 2006 Show Planning Meeting - 2:00 pm - At Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson's home, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura (call 805-659-3577 for directions). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. We'll map out a planning calendar during the meeting.
9-17-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.
9-28-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. "Texas & New Mexico Rockhounding" presented by Sharon and Mel Hixson.
10-6-05 - 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.
10-7, 8, 9-05 - Trona Show and Field Trip - See "Gem-O-Rama" Flyer attached and Field Trips Are Fun Section for more details.
10-15-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.

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VGMS SHOW 2006:
Show Planning Meeting in September.

     I've contacted national and local magazines with our 2006 show dates, so soon we should be showing up in the CFMS Newsletter, Rock & Gem, Lapidary Journal, Rocks & Minerals, etc. Thus, it's official: our 2006 show is up-and-running! Nancy and I will host a show-planning meeting on Sunday, Sept. 11, starting at 2:00 PM in our home at 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura. The big agenda item will be mapping out a planning calendar for what needs to be done when in the months leading up to the show.
     While we hope all committee chairs will attend, we welcome any and all club members to come and provide feedback. I believe all our committee chairs are in place at this point, but each chair can use assistance from others in the club. So please come to offer advice and help in working on your favorite aspect of our annual show.
     Here's the list I currently have for Show Committee Chairs. I'm a little unorganized this year and have some conflicting notes in my folder (the result of early-onset CRS Disease?), so if I'm mistaken on any point, my apologies. Please give me a call (805-659-3577) with any necessary corrections to the following:

• VGMS President: Ed Clark;
• Show Chair: Jim Brace-Thompson;
• Dealer/Demo-Dealers: Kathryn Davis;
• Exhibitors: Ed Clark;
• Exhibitor Trophies: Steve Mulqueen;
• Fairground Contract: Jim Brace-Thompson, Richard Bromser;
• Truck/Physical Facilities: Richard Bromser;
• Table Layout: Jim Brace-Thompson, Kathryn Davis, Ed Clark;
• Set-up/Case Assembly: David Mautz;
• Publicity: Jim Brace-Thompson;
• Hospitality: Nancy Brace-Thompson (requests a co-chair);
• Security: Wayne Ehlers;
• Treasurer: Richard Bromser;
• Printed Programs: Shirley Layton;
• Food: OPEN;
• Country Store: Shirley Layton;
• Plant Sale: Susan Mulqueen;
• Donation Awards Raffle: Nancy Brace-Thompson;
• Kids' Booth: Lowell Foster, Jean Wise;
• Silent Auction: Greg Davis, Ron Wise, Mel Hixson;
• Video Presentations: Steve Mulqueen.

     Please note that Nancy requests a co-chair for Hospitality, especially given that she'll also be busy soliciting, receiving, and organizing donations for our Raffle. Hospitality is an important spot because those folks in the hospitality booth are the first club members our visitors see, and we want to put a happy face on the club. It can be hard for just one or two individuals to hold a smile for two full days - so please help by volunteering to co-chair the Hospitality booth and/or to take a shift or two during the show. To help in welcoming the public, this year we're planning to purchase a professionally produced "Welcome" banner in bright red letters with our club logo to hang in front of the Hospitality booth.
     Also, a note on the open Food chair: Richard has proposed a new approach to our annual opening dinner on Friday evening. Namely, he's checking with a couple area restaurants to see how much it might cost to have dinner catered, leaving it to the club to provide just drinks and desserts. He's received some good quotes, and it would free up the time we've had to devote in the past to cooking up lasagna, stews, and other treats in the kitchen during set-up on Friday. Thus, the Food chair primarily would be: making sure the kitchen is stocked with sandwich makings for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; keeping the coffee pot filled; enlisting volunteers among the club to bring in donuts, cookies, and other goodies during the show; and, in general, keeping the kitchen and food area neat, clean, and in order.
     We'll discuss this and more at the Show Planning Meeting on September 11. See you there!
          Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, 2006 Show Chair.

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Equipment for Sale: Two pieces of lapidary equipment have been donated to VGMS by a couple that are moving out of state. One, a six-inch trim saw, has already been sold to one of our club members. The other is a 20-inch flat lap in good condition, manufactured by Star Diamond. It is for sale to club members. If interested call me (Ray) at (805) 642-3155.

Plant Booth Note: Does any one need pots to start cuttings for our club show? We have extra and would be happy to give them to any one who needs more. Give me a call before you come over. - Ray Meisenheimer.

Plant Booth - Country Store - 2006 - Show time is moving closer! Remember to save or start your plant cuttings, see Ray's offer of pots above. Also remember your items for the country store when doing fall cleaning, back to school, etc.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2005 Meetings - Thank you to all who have volunteered, many hands make tasks much more enjoyable!
     August: Florence & Ray Meisenheimer,
     September: Mel & Sharon Hixson,
     October: Emma Mayer,
     November: Pumpkin Pies - Everyone,
     December: Christmas Party.

VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 am 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. With vacations and business trips it is a good idea to call to make sure the museum will be open.

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.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

THE MUSEUM CORNER,
By Richard Knox, Museum Committee.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM,
2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374.
Hours: Tuesday Through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

The San Bernardino County Museum has many interesting displays of fossils and minerals with an emphasis on San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and other parts of Southern California. The fossil displays include dinosaur tracks from eastern San Bernardino County, mammal bones in ash, petrified wood, mammoth tusks, a buffalo skeleton and a sloth skeleton. It was a crew from the Museum that salvaged the large mammal fossils during the construction of the reservoir at Hemet in Riverside County. Some of these bones make a magnificent display at the museum and at a small museum at the reservoir.

The minerals include displays of the Quartz family, crystal forms, pegmatite minerals, rock forming minerals and mineral chemistry. There are plans to build a new three-story building for paleontology and geological displays. Ground breaking is expected in 2006. Contributions to create this hall are welcome. They can be sent to Janis Brown at the museum. Admission to the museum is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children.

CFMS Newsletter September 2005.

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Museum offers Junior Ranger Program,
By Peggy Ronning, CA State Mining
And Mineral Museum.

     The staff at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum is excited about their newly upgraded Junior Ranger Program activities. If you bring your kids, grandkids, or junior club members between the ages of 7 and 12 to the museum, make sure you ask the Ranger at the admissions desk for information about the program. Kids must be at least 7 years old to be Junior Rangers, but the museum offers an activity with a mineral prize for younger kids, so they won't feel left out.
     Junior Ranger activities are fun for the family and increase your enjoyment of the museum. The Junior Ranger Program consists of completing a scavenger hunt that will guide you around the museum. Or, if you visit on a day when our Museum Guide is available, you can get a guided Junior Ranger Tour. You must also complete two activities in the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide. We have customized these activities especially for the museum.
     After completing the required activities, the Ranger on duty will swear in all new Junior Rangers and issue them a Junior Ranger Badge and Logbook. If kids complete Junior Ranger activities at other California State Parks, they can earn additional awards. If your kids are already Junior Rangers, make sure they remember to bring their Logbooks when they visit the museum!
     The goal of the Junior Ranger Program is to help families connect with the natural, historic, and cultural resources that make each park special. We hope that this will inspire them to appreciate and care for their parks and for resources in general. We want our Junior Rangers and their families to become active partners in preserving and managing lands both within and outside State Parks.
     If a visit to our museum is not in your immediate plans, you can participate in the Junior Ranger Program at a California State Park closer to home. Even if the park does not have an active Junior Ranger Program, you can print out a Junior Ranger Adventure Guide from the State Parks website and take it to the park. Go to www.parks.ca.gov and click on Adventures in Learning (on the left), and then on For Kids (on the left or in the center). Then click on Junior Rangers (on the left or more in the middle under Junior Rangers). After filling out the Adventure Guide, ask a Park employee to sign the last page of the book. Then, the next time you visit a park with an active Junior Ranger Program, such as the Mining and Mineral Museum, show them the signed book, and you will get any Logbook stamps and awards you have earned.

CFMS Newsletter September 2005. (Hints in parentheses by Editor.)

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ADVICE FOR ROCKHOUND WATCHERS.

Can you spot a rockhound? The species isn't rare.
You can tell him by his honest face, and his willingness to share.
You can tell him as he saunters by, his eyes glued to the ground.
No matter where he goes, he's sure there's gemstones to be found.
You can tell him by his friendly smile, he's an all-around pleasant guy;
But the sure-fire way to spot him, is the flashy bola tie!!

Taken from S.C.R.I.B.E. 2004 CD via Quarry Quips February 2005.

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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/.

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

*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 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.

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Library's New Additions,
By Bill Gissler, Slide and Video Librarian.

In June the CFMS Video and Slide Program Library received four new video and slide show programs. Please add the following to the May listings given to your Federation Director at the June 11 meeting in Roseville.

V-113. ROCK OF AGES. 20 minutes, 2000. View of Barre, Vermont granite quarries; explains the process from channeling, to drilling, blasting and manufacturing.
V-114. RHODOCHROSITE, RED TREASURE OF THE ROCKIES. 80 minutes (show in two parts), 2004. Story of Sweet Home Mine and Rhodochrosite, Colorado's State Mineral.
V-115. TREE STORIES. 25 minutes, 2004. Description of petrified wood, replacement minerals, patterns and how they were formed.
V-116. ADVENTURES IN DISCOVERY. 24 and 27 minutes (two volumes), 2004. Royal Tyrrell Museum Research Associate John Acom explores the ancient past.
F-152. EXPLORING METEORITE AND TEKTITE MYSTERIES. 80 slides, 2004. Many views of meteorite impacts, describes composition and different types based on recent research.

The CFMS Slide & Video Program Library has 116 video and 152 slide programs to loan to CFMS clubs for meetings and study groups. To borrow programs, forms can be found on the CFMS web site (www.cfmsinc.org) or you can request a program by contacting the CFMS Librarians (Bill Gissler - 408-241-0477, Colleen McGann - 831-212-1951, Richard Shields - 805-937-0357).

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How to Write an Article for Your
Club's Bulletin In Twelve Steps,
By Terry Yoschak,
Roseville Rock Rollers Bulletin Editor.

     Based on "Getting Your Club to Write," by Dennis Westman, Minnesota Mineral Club, in S.C.R.I.B.E. Newsletter, Oct-Dec 2004 and On Writing, by Stephen King, Simon & Schuster, 2000.
     Step 1: Pick a subject that interests you. It could be a story about something you've done (collecting agates, panning for gold), or it could be research about something you've never done (digging up dinosaur fossils in Antarctica).
     Step 2: Map it out. Planning is everything. You have to figure out how to get from A to Z in your story. Outline with pencil & paper the bare bones of your story. Jot down important things you "must have" in the article (where the collecting took place, how many gold nuggets you found). Keep in mind the five W's of journalism: Who, What, Where, When, Why. Your outline should include all of them.
     Step 3: Start writing. Don't worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. That's what editors are for. Refer back to your outline, use your own voice, and let the story flow naturally, as you would tell it to a friend. With your outline, you won't forget all those exciting tidbits you might have left out if you were just spouting off to your friends.
     Step 4: Plot, characters, scenery, and dialogue. If you were submitting a movie script, you'd be kicked out of the producer's office for leaving any of these items out. A story can't be a story without them; it won't "sell" to the audience. Let's cover those four items in the next few steps.
     Step 5: Plot. Writing is not rambling. The ideas of Beginning, Middle and End are universal to all stories. Usually a normal timeline is followed, where "what happened next" is the rule. The most common exception to this rule is a flashback ("The saber-toothed cat plunged into the sticky tar pit, unaware that his fossilized bones would be left for us to find 20,000 years later.").
     Step 6: Characters. The people who are in the story: it's your job to describe them, from height, age, hair color and clothing, to habits and attitude. Simply writing that "Jake drove us as far as Mesquite," is not the same as writing, "With Jake's spiky green hair and his crazy attitude towards other drivers on the road, we feared we'd never make it to Mesquite." Strictly, only people can be characters, but no one will complain if animals, plants and rocks have personalities in your story as well.
     Step 7: Scenery. The setting of the story includes the natural landscape and the man-made objects in it (roads, tools, vehicles, buildings, etc.). This is where you can really get imaginative with descriptions, since no two people see the same object in the same way. If you want to describe a yellow crystal as "lemony" or an empty desert as "filled with the promise of geological secrets," it's up to you.
     Step 8: Dialogue. What do the characters say in the story? Though many stories are written without dialogue, it's usually more interesting if you include some. Writing that "Julie was excited about her fossil find," is less interesting than writing, "We all heard Julie yell, 'I think I found a complete tooth!'" Internal dialogue - describing your thoughts and emotions - also adds to a story, making it more compelling than a "just the facts, ma'am" report.
     Step 9: Go back and revise. You've written your story by now, following Steps 1 through 8. But it's pretty rough; it could be better. Go back over it, maybe read it out loud to a friend, add a few things you forgot, or cut out some unnecessary sentences. Substitute a better word or phrase for the ones you wrote originally. Polish it. Rockhounds all know that most everything looks better with a good polish on it.
     Step 10: Give your story a title. A catchy title is always a plus, and will draw readers to your story. "Titanic" is a better title than "An Interrupted Ocean Voyage." But don't go overboard! A simple, appropriate title is still better than a contrived, overly cute one.
     Step 11: Space is a consideration. Everyone who writes for publication in print (bulletins, newspapers, magazines) must deal with space limitations. Cutting your work is often necessary. Writer Stephen King says that you should always cut out or condense at least one-third of everything you've written. It's like over packing for a trip: when you return home, you realize that you didn't need to cart around all that extra baggage. In the real world, an editor will have to cut your story if you don't do it yourself.
     Step 12: Prepare for next time. If you weren't entirely happy with your first story, think about future possibilities. Carry a small notebook with you and jot down observations about people, scenery, conversations, etc. You'll be surprised how easily this will guide you in completing Steps 1 through 8.
          CFMS Newsletter September 2005.

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"What is Directors and Officers
Liability Insurance?"
By Fred Ott, Insurance Chairperson.

     It's common knowledge that we live in an ever-more-litigious society. People are now suing (and winning!) because they spilled coffee in their own lap! For those of us who volunteer to serve as officers or directors of our societies, we can be held personally liable as the result of a lawsuit brought by other members of our club or the general public for various claims, which would not be covered, under the Federation's general liability insurance policy (provided by Chubb insurance). Such claims could include: denied opportunities, denied non-monetary compensation, hostile work environment, discrimination, harassment, displeasure with a policy decision, disagreement with a decision regarding an expenditure of club funds or an individual or organization that feels has been harmed financially because of a decision of the board, just to name a few. Without the proper insurance protection, you would have to spend your own money just to defend yourself. So, even if you "win" the lawsuit, you "lose" all of the money you spent defending yourself.
     The insurance policy designed to protect directors and officers of non-profit organizations is called Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (or, "D&O" insurance for short). The Federation has been working diligently to obtain such coverage for quite some time and was recently offered a policy, which the directors of each society who were in attendance at the recent CFMS Directors' meeting in Roseville voted to pursue. This new program would have allowed individual clubs within the Federation to purchase coverage for their own directors and officers at a cost of $250.00 per year - a VERY good insurance value. However, complications arose following the Directors' meeting which now forces the Federation to pursue coverage through another insurance carrier.
     As soon as an alternate program becomes available, I'll provide a preview in the CFMS newsletter.
          CFMS Newsletter August 2005.

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THE CALIFORNIA POPPY.

Plants have been used by prospectors searching for minerals since the Middle Ages. Some plants favor soils that contain or have an abundance of a particular element. Many prospectors use the desert trumpet as a gold indicator, even though it has not proven to be a true gold indicator. Plants of the mustard family excel in absolving uranium and may be of use to the geobotanical prospector who is searching for uranium minerals.

The California poppy is a known indicator of copper as it requires copper to exist.

Some copper compounds are soluble in water, so the presence of poppies does not necessarily indicate that there are copper minerals in the immediate area. Roadside occurrences of poppies should be ignored because of the presence of various contaminants from the passing cars and trucks.

The presence of poppies in the open desert is much more meaningful. Near San Manuel Mine, north of Tucson, poppies grow in profusion on the ground known to be mineralized ground. Against non-mineralized ground, the poppies terminate abruptly, and the fault line can be traced by the poppies. Often, dumps at copper mines are completely covered by poppies.

Since gold, silver and other metals are frequently associated with copper, the presence of the California poppy can be a clue to the possible presence of valuable metal deposits. For the rockhound, many of the primary and secondary copper minerals are of interest. They include chalcopyrite, turquoise, malachite and many more. Via Rockonteur July 2004 from The Petrified Log April 2005.

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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in September. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! With our new members (and some of the old ones), I have some gaps in my list. Help me out - please let me know if I have missed your birthday. 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!

September - Happy Birthday!!
     Ray Meisenheimer - 1st,
     Liz Brashears - 13th,
     Myrle Kirk - 27th,
     Susan Mulqueen - 27th,
     Stuart Bloom - 28th,
     Allie Buck - 30th.

The September birthstone is the Sapphire and the flower is the Aster.

SAPPHIRE, the non-red variety of corundum.

VARIETY INFORMATION:
Variety of: Corundum Al₂O₃;
Uses: Gemstone;
Birthstone for: September;
Color: Various colors, except for red;
Index or refraction: 1.76 - 1.78;
Birefringence: 0.009;
Hardness: 9;
Cleavage: None, although there is a rhombic parting;
Crystal system: Trigonal;
Pleochroic: Strongly.

     Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The red variety of corundum is Ruby. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but it can be nearly any color. The blue color is by far the most popular color for sapphire but orange-pink, golden, white, and even black have generated much interest in the gem trade. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-pointed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Sapphire.

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.

GEMS OF SEPTEMBER.

     These were traditionally sapphire or chrysolite (olivine/peridot). The modern assignation is still sapphire, although mystical assignments have been made to agate and aventurine. If you check the astrological stones, Virgo (August 23-September 22) has jasper, carnelian, jade and sapphire for birthstones and citrine as a planetary stone. Libra (September 23-October 22) has opal and lapis lazuli for birthstones and sapphire as a planetary stone.
     Sapphire has more mystery and legend surrounding it than most stones. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. You needed a sapphire to consult oracles or spiritual guides. It is supposed to provide calm, strengthen positive beliefs and bring good luck. Sapphires were worn by kings as a powerful defense against harm.
     The six-sided crystals of corundum form in pegmatitic and metamorphic rocks and can be any color as well as the cornflower blue we love, all vivid or gentle shades of pink, gold, violet, orange, dark green, lemon yellow, and the brilliant pink-orange called Padparadshah.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind,
'Twill cure diseases of the mind.

     Lapis Lazuli/Lazurite, the only gem rock, is considered by some to be formed of at least a half a dozen feldspathoids that form in alkaline rocks with low silica instead of feldspars. This deep blue variety of lazurite (which is translucent with dull luster) has a hardness of 5-5 1/2, is a sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine and some sulphur (Na,Ca)₈[(S0₄,S,Cl)₂(AlSi0₄)₆]. It is similar to Sodalite, another sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine, no sulphur, Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄C_l2. They are distinguished by the presence of pyrite inclusions in lapis lazuli. Lapis may be any shade of blue from sky-blue, greenish blue, to even royal or dark blue. It has a blue streak. Sodalite may have yellow, green and red veins and has a colorless streak.
     Lapis was found in the crystallized limestones of Afghanistan, according to legend, 5,000 years ago. The earliest material was not uniformly gem quality, but it has always been considered an excellent ornamental jewel. It was the official stone of the dynasties of the Nile 2,000 years ago, highly valued by the ancient Pharaohs and used for royal seals, rings, and jewelry. It was also powdered for medicines, makeup and paint. The older traditions attributed good luck, love, power and wealth to those who wore it next to their skin. It is the face mask of the young King Tut. Lapis is found on Greek figures dating to 1,200 BC on Chilean ornaments of 2,000 years ago.
          Chips, 9/99 via Petrified Log, 9/03.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

HOSPITALITY.

The July meeting was host to 20 members (many were enjoying vacations elsewhere). Several door prizes were given to the happy winners. Richard and Shirley Bromser took time from the busy Fair schedule to bring some wonderful home made carrot cake (we are waiting for the recipe) for the refreshments which all enjoyed. Our hostess, Sharlyne Holloway, was there to greet people and get them signed in. It's always good to see everyone and get caught up on the happenings. Hope to see you all in August and that everyone had fun, productive and safe vacations.

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, July 27th, 2005:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 27th, 2005 at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
     The June meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Steve Mulqueen welcomed everyone and led the pledge to our flag. Steve also made a request for mineral and fossil specimens for the next display at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of August will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin. Shirley also offered club bulletins from other clubs to those interested.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report. Richard also mentioned that the Ventura County Fair entries for gem and mineral would take place this weekend.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray and Florence presented raffle prizes to those who had the lucky numbers.
Jim Brace-Thompson - The first meeting for our 2006 show should be sometime in September and hopefully everyone is preparing for the upcoming County Fair which starts August 3rd. Jim reiterated the need for an organized push and effort to locate another site for our museum. Jim also mentioned the possibility of contacting our local University in Camarillo and it's geology department.
     Steve next gave the floor to our own Wayne Ehlers who presented a colorful program, with slide show, showing collecting sites in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. Wayne also brought sample specimens, such as the varied agate from South Dakota. Thank you Wayne for your time and effort. It must have been a terrific trip and one that we all hope to enjoy some day.
     Refreshments were provided by Shirley & Richard Bromser.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, August 4th, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. All are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held August 24th at the Lexington.
     There being no further business, Steve Mulqueen adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
     Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis,
     Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, August 4th, 2005:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Ed Clark at 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 4th, 2005, at the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA.
Present: Ed Clark, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Shirley Layton, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Jim Brace-Thompson, Ron Wise and Greg Davis.
Old business:
Richard Bromser reported that we have permission to negotiate with the city and have water turned on at the museum if we're willing to take responsibility for the bill. It was m/s/c to proceed.
Greg Davis - Additional keys to the museum will remain pending until Steve Mulqueen's return.
Shirley Layton provided VGMS return address labels to Greg for use in club correspondence.
New business:
Jim Brace-Thompson - The first meeting for our 2006 show will be September 11th. Lowell Foster and Jean Wise have offered to oversee the kids' booth at our next show. It was m/s/c to purchase an additional VGMS banner for our upcoming show and magazines have been notified of the scheduled dates for it. Jim mentioned that the Ag building at the fair grounds would not be available to us in 2006, but that we tentatively would have the building to use for our show in 2007. Concerning the need for a new museum site, Jim has emailed the Ventura County Museum regarding our needs for space and/or a partnership with them. Jim offered to contact the Oxnard club (Kay Hara) just to touch bases concerning any possibilities of combining work shops.
Richard Bromser presented copies of the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c to accept as written. Richard suggested having Yolandas cater food requirements for our next show. Cost would exceed last year by $170.00. There'll be further study.
Shirley Layton - Articles for the bulletin need to be received by the 10th of the month.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray is still in need of help with the museum programs and hopes someone will offer to train with him as a backup docent. Ray also indicated that he and Florence could provide hamburgers at our annual show for a cost of about $175.00 if the committee is interested. Ray also mentioned that the federation will go ahead with liability insurance for their directors but only after another insurance company is found.
Ron Wise - An August 13th trip is planned for Santa Barbara and the bead fair and then on to Lake Cachuma for jasper. Details will be published in the club bulletins. September should see a trip to the Green Horn Mts. and October, of course, is the annual Trona show.
     The next general meeting will be on August 24th, 2005 at the Lexington in Ventura and the next board meeting is September 1st at the I.B.E.W. Hall in Ventura.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
     Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis,
     Recording Secretary.

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PUBLIC OUTREACH.

On July 14, Jim Brace-Thompson gave an invited presentation to the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club. The talk was entitled "The Monterey Formation of Carmel Valley: A Tour of a Miocene Seashore". It was built upon a talk he gave three years ago to the Ventura club. He illustrated the talk with slides showing the geologic history and economic importance of the Monterey Formation, fossils that can be found in a half dozen localities between Carmel and Greenfield, and scenic views of a California valley that remains largely undeveloped, with fields of wildflowers, open ranchland, and live oak savanna. To conclude the talk, the audience was invited to see representative samples from Jim's fossil crabs, clams, scallops, leaves, fish remains and other 10- to 12-million-year-old creatures collected over the course of a decade living in the Monterey area.
     Jim Brace-Thompson.

On August 6, Steve and Susan Mulqueen prepared a new exhibit at the California Oil Museum titled "Trace Fossils". Specimens in the display include animal footprints, crab claw marks, insect burrows, tail drag marks all in sedimentary rocks and a woodpecker hole in a sample of petrified wood. The exhibit will be at the museum for 3 months.
     Steve Mulqueen.

Editor's Note: The California Oil Museum is a great place to visit. Stop by and see Steve and Susan's new exhibit. Many thanks to the two of you for doing this one and all the ones in the past. They are great publicity for the Club.

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MEMBERSHIP.

No new member activity to report. See Shirley Bromser for a new membership application if you have any prospects or inquiries.

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.

WARNING - Watch your children carefully around hammocks. Between the years 1984 and 1995 twelve children died after a hammock twisted around their necks making it impossible for them to cry out for help as they were trying to climb in or out. - Gringo Gazette July 1999.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

Tri Club Fieldtrip:
Trona, CA, October 7-9, 2005.

On Saturday and Sunday we will take advantage of the activities offered at the Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society's annual Gem-O-Rama. In addition to the usual exhibits and dealers, there are three unique and spectacular field trips offered; and the Trona Community has a great pancake breakfast. In addition we will head North of Trona on our own on Friday. (Note: There is a $8.00 to $10.00 fee for each trip.) Before you go check out their web site: http://www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/.

Directions: From Mojave follow Hwy 14 North. Just before Red Rock State Park turn right on Redrock-Randsburg Road. Take the Garlock Turnoff (after about 12.1 mi.). When you reach Hwy 395 (about 8.2 miles), turn left (north). Follow Hwy 395 about 3.1 miles, then turn right on Searles Station Cut-off Road. Continue for 6.4 miles to Trona Road. Turn left (North) on Trona Road. Continue 8.5 miles, then turn right on SR 178. Follow this road into Trona. The show site (Gem and Mineral Building) will be on your left. To find the campground proceed north for 5.3 miles. It is on the right side of the road.

Camping: We will camp at the Valley Wells Recreation Area, located 5.3 miles north of the show. There are toilets and water available, but no hook-ups for RV's. There is a $5.00 fee per vehicle. Hotels are available in Ridgecrest, about 20 miles from Trona. We will arrive at the Valley Wells Campsite by 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning.

Fieldtrips:
     Friday. We will meet for our Friday fieldtrip at the Valley Wells campsite (mentioned above). Departure is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. We plan to visit the Queen Lace Travertine site. I hope to have a local resident guide us to some other sites as well. If you plan to attend on Friday PLEASE LET ME KNOW (phone: 805-647-4393 or e-mail: clintwise@hotmail.com).
     Saturday Morning. For this, and the other Searles Lake Gem-O-Rama trips, you'll need to line up your car in the areas provided by the show and register for the fieldtrip. Registration is from 7:30 to 9:00. You may want to line up earlier so you'll have some time to enjoy the Pancake Breakfast over at the church. The Saturday morning trip is the Mud Tour. You'll find large borax and hanksite crystals in the gooey black mud.
     Saturday Afternoon. Registration for the afternoon fieldtrip is from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Saturday afternoon trip takes you to the Blowhole. You will watch a real spectacle as the mud and minerals are blown high in the air. When it all settles, you will find pretty large crystals of hanksite, borax, sulfohalite and cubic halite.
     Sunday. Registration is from 7:30 to 9:00. Sunday's trip takes you to the Brine Pools, containing the beautiful and famous, naturally pink Searles Lake halite. You'll find the halite in the briny water under the edges of the brine pools.

Tools:
     Old clothing, rubber boots or disposable shoes;
     Heavy bar, preferably long;
     Pad to kneel on;
     Plastic bags or lined boxes for your loot;
     Shovel;
     Sledge hammer;
     Garden tools;
     Gad and/or chisels (long handles work easier);
     Bucket, rags for clean up;
     Rock hammer, goggles, mask, hat, sunscreen;
     Water and lunch.
     Be warned: THERE IS NO SHADE AT THE SITES.

Ron Wise, Field Trip Chair.

TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIPS 2005:
Before going on a field trip PLEASE
contact field trip leader to confirm
that there is a field trip scheduled.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. - Gringo Gazette May 2001.

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SAFETY AT HOME AND AWAY FROM HOME,
By Chuck McKie, CFMS Safety Chairman.

     At home or on the road, you should be aware of carbon monoxide. If you are driving your RV or an auto and you begin to feel sleepy, think - "carbon monoxide." It can kill you and those you love quickly. The same thing applies at home or in a motel. First, get some fresh air, and then investigate to see if you have an exhaust leak from your engine or some appliance. If you are driving, you can safely continue if you have PLENTY of FRESH AIR until you can get somewhere to have it repaired. At home, or in a motel, open all the windows, and turn on any available fan. But, whatever you do, don't drive while you are not fully awake. And now a word from the City of Phoenix Safety bulletin, 6/20/00.

CARBON MONOXIDE.
     Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It can kill you before you know it because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. At lower levels of exposure, it can cause health problems. Some people may be more vulnerable to CO poisoning such as fetuses, infants, children, senior citizens and those with heart or lung problems. When an individual breathes in CO, it accumulates in the blood and forms a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen that the body organs need.
     Carboxyhemoglobin can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. Later stages of CO poisoning can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventually brain damage or death.
     Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion of fossil fuels. Fumes from automobiles contain high levels of CO. Appliances such as furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, charcoal grills, fireplaces and wood burning stoves produce CO. Carbon monoxide usually is vented to the outside if appliances function correctly and the home is vented properly. Problems occur when furnace heat exchanger cracks or vents and chimneys become blocked. Insulation sometimes can trap CO in the home.
     The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm near the bedrooms. If a home has more than one story, a detector should be placed on each story. Be sure the detector has a testing laboratory label.

The following is a checklist for where to look for problem sources of CO in the home:
     A forced air furnace is frequently the source of leaks and should be carefully inspected.
     Measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the flue gases.
     Check furnace connections to flue pipes and venting systems to the outside of the home for signs of corrosion, rust gaps, holes.
     Check furnace filters and filtering systems for dirt and blockage.
     Check forced air fans for proper installation and to assure correct air flow of flue gases. Improper furnace blower installation can result in carbon monoxide build-up because toxic gas is blown into rather than out of the house.
     Check the combustion chamber and internal heat exchanger for cracks, holes, metal fatigue or corrosion. Be sure they are clean and free of debris.
     Check burners and ignition system. A flame that is mostly yellow in color in natural gas fired furnaces is often a sign that the fuel is not burning completely and higher levels of carbon monoxide are being released. Oil furnaces with similar problems can give off an oily odor. Remember you can't smell carbon monoxide.
     Check all venting systems to the outside including flues and chimneys for cracks, corrosion, holes, debris, blockages. Animals and birds can build nests in chimneys preventing gases from escaping.
     Check all other appliances in the home that use flammable fuels such as natural gas, oil, propane, wood or kerosene. Appliances include water heaters, clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, ovens or cook tops, wood burning stoves, gas refrigerators.
     Pilot lights can be a source of carbon monoxide because the by-products of combustion are released inside the home rather than vented outside.
     Be sure space heaters are vented properly. Unvented space heaters that use a flammable fuel such as kerosene can release carbon monoxide into the home.
     Barbecue grills should never be operated indoors under any circumstances nor should stove tops or ovens that operate on flammable fuels be used to heat a residence.
     Check fireplaces for closed, blocked or bent flues, soot and debris.
     Check the clothes dryer vent opening outside the house for lint.
     The above applies equally to our motor homes also.

CFMS Newsletter September 2005.

  Table of Contents.

Feeling Minerals;
Dr. Bill Cordua, U. Wisconsin - River Falls;
2002.

     Most of us are sight oriented when we study rocks and minerals. Once, though, I was asked to give a program on minerals for the Minnesota Society for the Blind. As I was preparing this, I was impressed by the number of properties minerals have that can be sensed with the hands. It's worthwhile reviewing some of these as they are good identification tools for any one.

Density.
     Density (or specific gravity) is one of the more familiar ones. This is the mass per unit volume. As an example, think of suitcases. They have a certain volume. When they are empty, they have little mass, thus a low density. Put clothes in them and they get heavier for their volume. If you're a typical rock collector, you have probably put rocks in your suitcases and increased their density immensely, much to the annoyance of airport luggage handlers.
     Mineral densities can be evaluated the same way - by "hefting" them. If they have a medium density, they will feel about normal in mass for their size. If they are low density, like pumice or muscovite, they will feel light. If they are higher density, like garnet, galena, copper, barite or magnetite, they will feel heavy for their size. There are, of course, many ways to measure this density precisely, but "the heft test" still is a useful field test requiring no expensive instruments. You can fine-tune your approach by practicing hefting known minerals.
Tenacity.
     Another property that can be appreciated with the hand is tenacity - the resistance of a mineral to mechanical crushing or bending. Brittle materials will break when stressed. Most minerals are brittle.
     Malleable minerals, such as copper or gold can be flattened into sheets. Those who collect on the old copper mines in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula are aware of the resistance of copper-bearing rocks, and the spiny feel of the broken copper edges.
     These minerals are also ductile meaning that they can be drawn out in the form of a wire.
     Some minerals like chalcocite or gypsum are sectile, meaning they can be cut with a knife. Gypsum is soft enough to be cut by a fingernail. Some minerals, like the micas, are elastic and can return to their original shape after being bent. Some minerals like talc are flexible. Once bent, these minerals stay bent after the pressure is released.
Smoothness.
     The smoothness or slipperiness of a mineral's surface can also be used as a tool. Talc feels slippery. Serpentine feels greasy. The fibrous character of splintery or asbestiform minerals can also be sensed.
Wettability.
     Other minerals have distinct surface properties related to their wettability. This has to do with the way particular atoms on the surface of a mineral interact with water or other materials. Chrysocolla becomes sticky when moist, as do many clay minerals. Some clay minerals, such as those in the smectite group, actually swell when they absorb water and lose their strength. This is one reason why so many Western roads (where smectites are common in the soil) are good when dry, but become slippery mud holes after a rain.
     Diamonds do not wet with water. If a pile of crushed minerals is saturated with water to become a slurry, then run over a grease (such as Vaseline) the uncoated diamonds will stick to the grease while the well-wetted minerals will slide right by. Beryl, corundum, rutile, spinel, topaz and zircon are other minerals gangue* that wet with difficulty.
     The capacity of dirt to slide off of mineral surfaces also affects their cleaning. People who remark to me that datolites can be recognized on the mine dumps of the Keweenaw by the way the dirt seems to slide off of them are observing this property.
     Minerals are great to look at, but the enjoyment of their properties spans all the senses.

References:
     Frye, Keith, 1993, Mineral Science, An Introductory Survey, MacMillan Pub., 360 p.
     Hurlbut, C. S. and W. E. Sharp, 1998, Dana's Minerals and How to Study Them, 4th Ed., John Wiley and Sons Pub., 328 p.
*[Gang or gangue= worthless rock or other matter occurring in a vein or deposit within or alongside a valuable material. Say gang.]
     NAPA GEMS December 2004.

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Azurite Cu₃ (CO₃)₂ (OH)₂,
By Tom Prachar, PESA.

     Azurite is a prized and beautiful mineral which has always been a favorite of both dealers and collectors. Its brilliant azure blue color accounts for its name.
     Azurite is always azure blue and, being a carbonate, will react readily with dilute hydrochloric acid making it a very easy mineral to identify. Its variable crystal forms, in combination with green malachite, create some of the world's most attractive mineral specimens. Azurite is less common than malachite but has the same origin and associations.
     Numerous worldwide locations have produced prime specimens and include Lyons, France; Tsumeb, Nambia; Touissit, Morocco; and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. The best known localities in the United States are the Bisbee and Morenci Areas of Southern Arizona.
     Azurite is found widely distributed with numerous copper deposits in a number of other states. In Pennsylvania, azurite occurs sporadically in the copper deposits of Rossville and in the Columbia and Sullivan counties copper and uranium deposits. At Easton, PA, it has been found on rare occasions associated with malachite.
     Azurite is most valuable for quality mineral specimens but is also a minor ore of copper.

Diagnostic Features:
     Crystal Habit: Monoclinic, habit varies (frequently complex).
     Specific Gravity: 3.77.
     Hardness: 3.5 to 4.0 (Mohs Scale).
     Cleavage: Perfect.
     Luster: Vitreous.
     Color: Light Blue to very dark blue, usually azure blue.
     Streak: Blue, Lighter in color.
     Acid Test: Positive reaction with dilute HCl.

From the PESA Rock News 6-2004, via Breccia August 2005.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

Agates.

     A process which took nature hundreds, thousands, or perhaps millions of years to complete cannot be covered in a few words, but let's take a simplified look at their creation.
     First came the raw materials - silica (silicon dioxide (Si0₂). This compound is a combination of silicon and oxygen and is a major rock builder in the earth's crust, being second only to the compound water in abundance. With silica so common, gems should be everywhere, but their formation depended upon conditions and this is where our story begins.
     About 400 million years ago the Pacific Northwest began to rise from the sea. In a succession of volcanic upheavals a landmass rich in silica was created. Occasionally these lavas cooled so rapidly they formed a volcanic glass - obsidian. Generally, however, volcanic masses cooled slowly, tended to crystallize and were porous, eventually breaking down to release minute particles of silica. This free silica, in turn, was dissolved by acids in percolating ground water, then transported and finally deposited as concentrated liquids in subsurface cavities. Experts differ on how the liquids eventually became solids, however, the following basic silica forms were the result.
     Crystalline - Silica deposited in obvious crystal forms and known as quartz or rock crystal.
     Opaline - Silica form similar to chalcedony, but totally non-crystalline, more porous and containing small added amounts of free water (3 to 14 percent) held within its structure rather than its chemistry. Gem opals are of this form.
     Cryptocrystalline - Silica deposits of microscopically fine-grained, almost non-crystalline masses known as chalcedony. Chalcedony characterizes agate and jasper.
     Each of the silica forms occurred within cavities of previously formed rock and are termed secondary deposits. How each formed, however, depended largely on where it formed.
     Individual gemstones, when found in gravel bars or loose soil, are usually a long way from their birthplace, having rolled and tumbled with the eroding forces. Generally the surface landmass of their origin has long since crumbled and vanished. Some gems, however, are still embedded where they developed and show that each basic type resulted from its own characteristic surroundings.
     Agate: The result of chalcedony which filled empty gas pockets or cracks in otherwise solid rock, forming as nodules or seams. Since only limited amounts of foreign materials were included, the stone is fairly pure and ranges from clear to translucent when held to the light. Not all agates formed this way, with the two exceptions being thunder eggs and fossils.
     Recognizing and Testing Agate: The mineral world has many look-alikes, but not all have gemstone quality. To avoid filling your pockets with excess rock, three simple tests can be made.
     Luster: Look for even textured, non-granular material ranging from clear (glasslike) through translucent (semi-clear) to opaque (blocking out light). Rough specimens may have a glassy, waxy, pearly, or even dull appearance and can be better judged when wet. Agate: Waxy, clear to near opaque. Jasper: Waxy to dull and opaque. Opal: Pear-like, clear to opaque.
     Fracture: Broken edges are usually conchoidal (cupped, shell-like fractures as on a chunk of glass). Water-worn pebbles often show curved crescent-like surface markings. An exception to this is opal, which tends to be brittle and more angular in fracture.
     Hardness: Part of the reason these are termed gemstones is in their ability to polish well and withstand abrasion. They rank between 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.
     Probably no gemstone is known in a greater variety of colors and patterns than agates. And, like fingerprints, no two of these are ever exactly the same. Recurring agate characteristics, however, have been given appropriate names such as: White or Milk, Turtle-back, Coated, Snakeskin, Blue, Amethystine, Carnelian, Sard, Polka Dot, Sunset, Enhydro or Water Agate, Fortifaction, Iris or Rainbow Agate, Banded, Sardonyx, Grape, Eye or Orbicular Agate, Tube or Pipe, Angel Wing, Dendritic, Moss, Plume, Flower, Sagenite, and Ellensberg Blue.

Author unknown, Via Quarry Quips 4/2000 via Breccia August 2005.

  Table of Contents.

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

Polishing Oregon Picture Rock - After cutting, sand on the 22-grit sander, then move to the 6-grit sander. Polish with cerium oxide. Use no water to wet the sheet at first polish. Spray the wheel with a diluted solution of cerium oxide, and polish lightly without pressure until you have worked it dry. Then wet the wheel again and work until the stone becomes dry again. Final polish is brought out by spraying the wheel with cerium oxide and working, keeping wet about two minutes. Wash and dry off your cab or picture. This will produce a beautiful finish. - By Greg McGill, The Glacier Drifter 03/00 via Breccia 8/05.

Double the life of your diamond blade by keeping the oil clear and the feed low. Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid detergent to the oil acts as a coagulant and holds the grit to the bottom of the reservoir. - From Breccia 11-99 via MOROKS Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 6/05.

Drilling Plexi-Glass - A regular drill bit can be used to drill plexi-glass, by grinding the shoulder on the tip of the bit to remove the sharp angle. This prevents the chipping that would normally occur from a regular drill bit. - Strata Gem, Tooele G&M Society, June 2005 via Quarry Quips, Wichita G&M Society, June 2005.

Using Diamond Wheels? - Never use too much pressure. Let the wheel do the work. If you bear down too hard, you may remove all the diamond from the wheel and ruin it. - T-Town Rockhound, Tulsa R&M Society, June 2005 via Quarry Quips, Wichita G&M Society, June 2005.

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Fascinating Facts about Silver.

     Although silver was discovered later than gold and copper, it has been known and used by humankind since prehistoric times. Heredotus, the Greek historian, knew of silver used to make coins and beads, exploited from the river sands of the Pactolus in Lydia. The Chinese wrote of silver metals in 2500 B.C. In the earliest prehistoric strata at the site of Troy, considerable deposits of silver and gold treasure have been excavated. Among the artifacts, silver bracelets and gold earrings, ornaments placed in a silver cup and more than 8000 beads were buried in the ancient city 2000 years before Christ.
     The most ancient silver mines of importance were in Asia Minor and on islands in the Aegean Sea. The Romans obtained most of their silver from Spain until supplies became scarce during the Middle Ages. After the discovery of the Americas in 1492, Mexico became the largest silver producing country in the world. Canada and the United States also produce significant amounts of silver.
     Silver is a lustrous white metal widely distributed in nature. In ores, it is commonly associated with gold, lead, and copper. Much of the world's silver is obtained as a by-product of smelting these other metals. Horn-silver (AgCl) is found in the oxidized portions of ore-bearing material near the surface. Small amounts of silver in the oxidation zone form as the more complex compounds erode and weather. At deeper levels silver occurs as sulfides, arsenides andrnonides (compounds of silver with sulfur, arsenic and antimony). In these deposits, formation is the result of deposition from primary hydrothermal solutions. Argentite occurs in low temperature hydrothermal veins in association with other silver minerals or sometimes in the cementation of lead and zinc deposits.
     When found in a metallic state, it is called "native silver". Native silver usually occurs in dentritic and wire-like forms which are aggregates of minute crystals. Silver may also occur in thin sheets or in large masses. In Kongsberg, Norway, magnificent crystalline wire specimens occur in association with sulfides, calcite, barite, fluorite and quartz.
     The world's largest specimen of massive silver was mined in Aspen, Colorado, and weighs in at 844 pounds. On the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, small amounts of primary native silver can be found in association with native copper. In Mexico, the Guanajuato Mine has been in operation since the year 1500 A.D. During that time, more than 500 billion kilos of silver have been mined.
     About 3/4 of the world's silver production is used for monetary purposes, either as coins or as bullion that governments hold to redeem paper currency. The leading industrial use of silver is for the manufacture of tableware and jewelry. The second largest consumer is the photographic industry. Compounded with bromine or chlorine, silver forms salts which register light and shade on photographs. Mm silver had the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of any substance, making it ideal for use in electronic equipment. Silver is second only to gold in malleability. One ounce of silver can be drawn into wire 30 miles long. A silver leaf can be beaten to a thickness of 1/100,000 of an inch.

Via Cedar Valley Gems, via Rockonteur 01/04.

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We could learn a lot from Crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but, they all live in the same Box! - Gringo Gazette April 2002.

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HISTORY OF WIRE WRAPPING,
By M. H. CASE, Sr.

     Wire wrap jewelry has recently gained popularity among all groups of peoples. For a small investment, any person can have a unique piece of wearable artwork. Bold, angular designs or smooth flowing curves can change a common gemstone into an heirloom. Ancient Phoenicians are credited with the creation of wire wrap jewelry, but the art goes back nearly 1,000 years earlier.
     In the Biblical record, detailed instructions are given to Moses to construct the tabernacle and the priestly garments and attire, including Aaron's breastplate. In Exodus gems are listed; sardius (ruby), topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx and jasper. All were to be set in gold filigree.
     Filigree was gold or silver hammered into thin sheets, then cut into thin strips and the edges filed smooth, thus making wire. The wire was woven into a basket or filigree and set into the breastplate. Later in Exodus, more detailed instructions were given about setting other gemstones into the rest of the priestly garments. Biblical scholars have placed this event near 1446 BC, nearly 1,000 years ahead of the Phoenicians.
     There was a change in the Egyptian sarcophagus around 1900 BC, about the time that Joseph traveled to Egypt and brought his family there to avoid the famine in Israel. A sarcophagus was layered with fine sheets of gold prior to that time, but about 1900 to 1800 BC the sarcophagus changed to include woven strands of gold and silver, suggesting that the Hebrew artists brought this art form to their new homeland.
     Wire was produced this way through the rise of the Phoenician empire. Phoenician culture thrived on arts and performance. As a semi-nomadic group of people, they took their art forms across the known world.
     At the height of the Phoenician Empire, from 1250-500 BC, their jewelry was prized throughout the world. When the Greek navy came to power, the Phoenician trade started to dwindle and finally was engulfed totally by the rise of the Roman Empire. Although Roman culture was to absorb other art and cultural ideas into their own, the wire wrap art was abandoned for more traditional silversmith techniques. The earliest reference to drawn wire was in the 8th century in France. During the Medieval period, knights brought wire back to England to make chains and mail for their armor. Gold and silver wire were drawn in France and transported back to England. The earliest mention of wire production in England was 1465. Wire wrapping was limited to fastening crucifixes and other religious symbols to lanyards and chains.
     During the late 1800's the Bohemian culture used wire to string chips of polished glass and stone beads to make necklaces and bracelets. This was popular among the European aristocracy for nearly 50 years. These hand-forged chains were so popular that if you were found not to have an authentic Bohemian piece of jewelry, you were shunned and scorned.
     From 1837 to 1901 in the Victorian Age, the most popular pieces of jewelry were the cameo. Wire art combined the two most popular forms of jewelry of the time: sculpture and cameo. The truest form of wire art sculpture has only recently been seen as artists introduce this art form into almost every culture of America. Hundreds of artists now create rings, pendants, pins, hair barrettes, brooches, bracelets and stick pins. Modern wire artists combine gemstones, beads, antiques and even mineral specimens with gold, silver and gold-filled wire. Some artists even combine different types of metal for even more unique work.

Source Rock Scoop 12/04 via Gneiss Times February 2005.

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SHOW DATES.

Virgin Valley Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show - An invitation is extended to your club to attend the 1st annual Virgin Valley gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show over the Labor Day week end to be held at the Opal Negra Mine mill site.
     There is no fee to buyers or sellers.
     There is plenty of space to set up a booth or to tailgate.
     Free camping is available at the nearby CCC campground. Or, if needed, there are full hookups at the Royal Peacock's RV Park at http://www.royalpeacock.com/mining01.htm. Reservations are recommended.
     If you have ever wanted to dig at one of the world famous opal fee digs here's another reason to go!
     More information is available on the Opal Negra Mine website, including maps, driving directions and links; at this address:
     http://thegemdealer.com/gemshow/virginvalleygemshow.htm.
     For questions not answered at the web site contact Scott Ryals at gemshow@thegemdealer.com or call 1-800-803-7601.
     Hope to see you there!
          Scott Ryals,
          Opal Negra Mining.

2005 CFMS SHOWS.

SEPTEMBER 2-5; FORT BRAGG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society @ Town Hall; Main & Laurel. Hours: Fri. - Sun. 10-6, Mon. 10-4. Don McDonell (707) 964-3116. 643 N. McPherson; Fort Brag, CA 95437.
SEPTEMBER 17-18; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park and Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Joyce Baird (805) 462-9544. Email: liljoysee@webtv.net.
SEPTEMBER 17-18; REDWOOD CITY, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activity Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Carol Corden (650) 776-5990. Email: ccorden@earthlink.net. Preston Bingham (650) 368-6351.
SEPTEMBER 23-24; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, Western Regional Little League Park, 6707 Little League Drive. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-4. Mike Woolery (909) 882-6806. Email: ROCKPIK98@aol.com.
SEPTEMBER 24; LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Rancho Shopping Center, Corner of Foothill Expressway & Springer Road. Hours: 9:30-4:45. Dave Smith (650) 967-7392. Email: rdsmeks@sbcglobal.net.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Downey Women's Club. 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Earl Liston (562) 865-1348. Email: ejliston5@juno.com.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Soc., Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 755-7741. Email: sky@familystones.net, Web site www.cvgms.org/.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Hours: 10-4 both days. Kim Hutsell (619) 294-3914. Email: sdlapidary@yahoo.com.
OCTOBER 2; FALLBROOK, CA - Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society, Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum, 123 W. Alvarado Street. Hours: 10-4. FGMS Board; Email: FGMS@tfb.com, (760) 728-1130.
OCTOBER 8-9; GRASS VALLEY, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Soc., The Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road, Main Exhibit Hall. Hours: 10-5 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
OCTOBER 8-9; LAKESIDE, CA - El Cajon Valley Gem & Mineral, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Hwy. 67 & Mapleview Street. Hours: 10-5 both days. Peggy Bowery (619) 561-1823. Email: Docsgirl9@aol.com.
OCTOBER 8-9; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Email: jbfairchild@verizon.net.
OCTOBER 15; WEST HILLS, CA - Woodland Hills Rock Chippers, 22700 Sherman Way, (101 Fwy. Off at Fallbrook north and right on Sherman Way). Hours: 10-6. Virginia Rotramel Email: show@rockchippers.org.
OCTOBER 15-16; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds, Five Miles South of Redding. Hours: 10-5 both days. Alex Stoltz (530) 474-4400.
OCTOBER 15-16; LONG BEACH, CA - Mineralogical Society of Southern CA, Long Beach Convention & Expo Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jason Butts Email: msscshow@hotmail.com.
OCTOBER 22-23; SANTA ROSA, CA - Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1351 Maple Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Shirley Mottson (707) 795-1730.
OCTOBER 22-23; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club 54th "Earth's Treasures Show". San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, Bldg. 2, 1658 South Airport Way (corner of Charter Way & Airport Way). Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Laure Haines (209) 838-0108 or Jim Dunlap. Email: jimsopals@Comcast.net.
OCTOBER 22-23; WHITTIER, CA - Whittier Gem & Mineral Society, Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Jay Valle (626) 934-9764.
NOVEMBER 5-6; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Soc. Centre Concord @ 5298 Clayton Rd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bill McKay (925) 439-8195. Email: williammckay@hotmail.com.
NOVEMBER 5-6; RIDGECREST, CA - Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society, Desert Empire Fairgrounds, Mesquite Hall, 520 S. Richmond Rd. Hours: 9-5 both days. John DeRosa (760) 375-7905.
NOVEMBER 4, 5, 6; EUREKA, CA - Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society, Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris Street. Hours: Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6 & Sun. 10-5. Pat Bunselmeier (707) 677-0131.
NOVEMBER 12-13; LANCASTER, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, Fairgrounds @ 2551 West Ave. H. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. John Martin (661) 916-9479. Email: pgmc@antelecom.net.
NOVEMBER 12-13; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Soc., 442 Franklin Avenue. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Barbara & Charlie Brown (916) 652-4240.
NOVEMBER 11-13; SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Scottish Rite Temple, 615 H Street. Hours: Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. George Sterpka (916) 984-9730. Email: sterpka@comcast.net.
NOVEMBER 19-20; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophiles, "The Barn", 3131 Pacific Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Dick & Joyce Friesen (925) 447-8223. Email: friesenr@ix.netcom.net.
NOVEMBER 19-20; VICTORVILLE, CA - Victorville Valley Gem & Mineral Club, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Mavis Mushaney (760) 241-8282.
NOVEMBER 26-27; BARSTOW, CA -Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Soc., Barstow Community Center, 841 South Barstow Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2005.

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

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
November 12-13, Melbourne, FL.

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

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We all enjoy articles from you members. How about writing 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.

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VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:

THE LITTLE FELLA LOOKS KIND OF LONESOME! GOT PICTURES?

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Trace Fossils.

Trace Fossils are features found in sedimentary rock layers and paleosols (buried soil horizons of the geologic past) consisting of indirect evidence of life by the movement, behavior and biological functions of organisms. Trace fossils may include scratch marks, tracks, trackways, trails, claw marks, burrows, tubes, borings, tunnels or tail drags resulting from activities and general movement of creatures that once lived in the environment where the sediment was deposited.

Trace fossils refer to any secondary evidence of life. This term does not include fossil remains nor does it include the impression of the original living organism. Trace fossils may be made from living things as small as microorganisms and as large as dinosaurs, by vertebrate or invertebrate animals in both marine and non-marine environments.

Trace fossils may also include the fossilized remains of excrements (coprolites), fecal pellets, regurgitation pellets, excavation pellets, nests, mud mounds, algal mounds, resting traces, locomotion traces (microorganism pathways, etc.), dwellings, feeding traces, traps, predation traces (small holes in shell fossils), teeth marks, root penetration structures and any markings on fossil bone caused by the trampling movement of vertebrate animals. Paleontologists analyze trace fossils in order to determine conditions of the environment in which the organisms lived and to study the life cycle and behavior of extinct species.

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

Illustration of the Month.

Relief casts made from fossil footprints of Cheirotherium with rain drop impressions. Triassic period, Storeton Hill, Cheshire, England. The actual specimen consists of a block of sedimentary rock approximately 3' by 5' in size on exhibit at the Oxford Museum. From the book "Geology: Chemical, Physical and Stratigraphical", Volume II, by Joseph Prestwich, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1888, page 163.

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form or 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, August 2005.

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THE TRONA SHOW FLYER.

Old - Removed.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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