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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
October / November 2005.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
The "Gem-O-Rama '05", sponsored by the Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, was held on the weekend of October 8th & 9th. I hope any members that attended will bring their specimens to the October meeting and share them with the rest of us.
This is the time of year when we look to who will lead our club next year. We have had a lot of enthusiastic support from the membership this year. And, I'm sure some of you would like the opportunity to participate even more. We will be announcing candidates as well as taking nominations from the floor at the October meeting. If you are interested in any way please contact Wayne Ehlers and he will be glad to discuss any position with you.
Don't forget the Oxnard show coming up the first weekend in November. We can't expect other clubs to participate by displaying their cases in our show if we don't do the same for them. So think about entering if possible and stop by and see me at the cabochon demonstration.
Ed Clark, President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
Hard work spotlights the character of people; some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
Truth is what stands the test of experience.
You can't do much about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.
To obtain a man's opinion of you, make him mad.
Collected by Wayne Ehlers.
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PROGRAM - OCTOBER 26, 2005:
Silent Auction - Great Material,
By Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.
The program for October will be a silent auction. Ray and Florence Meisenheimer will have minerals, fossils and some wood. Included in the wood is a specimen of "Brilliant Wood" from Alabama. It is wood covered with quartz crystals. It is rather rare and expensive to buy from a dealer.
We also hope to have a few specimens of material from Myrle Kirk's large collection. She has some choice pieces.
Florence Meisenheimer.
P.S. I just discovered that I have several pieces of Franklinite from New Jersey. They GLOW! They will be included in the bidding.
Editor's Note: All those that went to Trona be sure to bring your prize finds to share with everyone along with your stories!
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PROGRAM - NOVEMBER 9, 2005:
"A First Year Rockhound's Retrospective",
By Lowell Foster.
My program is going to be a discussion (audience input always welcomed) about what I have learned during my first year of rockhounding, what places I visited, and what was found. The core of the presentation will be a slide show covering two trips I took last May - one four day trip through the Colorado and Mojave deserts and a ten day trip throughout the Four Corner's region. The latter trip focuses more on cultural and geological sites but hunting stones is not neglected. Time permitting, there may be one or two interviews with long-time rockhounds regarding what their first year was like.
Lowell Foster.
Editor's Note: This is Pumpkin pie or dessert night to be furnished by the members at large.
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REVIEW - AUGUST 24, 2005:
Texas & New Mexico Rockhounding,
Presented by Sharon and Mel Hixson.
We took this trip in early May 1983. The wildflowers were awesome, and the weather variable. These are the areas we visited:
- Colossal Cave Mountain Park in southeast Arizona - good campground, lots of cactus, birds, and butterflies.
- Baker Egg Mine 35 miles southwest of Deming, New Mexico - thunder eggs. We've heard that it's now closed to the public.
- Pancho Villa State Park, New Mexico - good bird watching, comfortable camping with drive through spaces.
- Woodward Ranch, Alpine, Texas - pay to hunt plume and moss agate, camping available on site.
- Bishop Ranch, Marfa, Texas - no longer open to the public, bouquet plume agate.
- Big Bend National Park, Texas - expansive views, blooming cactus, outside the park rock hounding and rock shops.
- Barnhart and San Saba, Texas - spectacular wildflower displays.
- Lambert Ranch, San Saba - crinoidal limestone diggings, a private dig, now open to field trips only.
- Lake Valley, New Mexico - fossils, dendritic limestone and manganese minerals.
- Cherry Creek campground, Silver City, New Mexico - scenic with huge basalt columns.
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico - nice side trip, tour guides or self guided tours.
- Ghost town of Mogollon, New Mexico (on Hwy 180) - silver and gold ores in mine tailings.
- Cave Creek Canyon, Portal, Arizona - nice campground, popular birding location, not much in the way of gemstones.
- Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona - Cochise's stronghold, fantastic rock formations, good hiking trails, no rock hounding inside the monument.
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LAPIDARY CLASS,
October 17, 2005.
We were delighted that so many at our September meeting indicated a desire to have a class this fall. Since some who may be interested may not have been at the meeting we want them to know that they are welcome. Just give one of us a call or be at the first meeting. The classes will be held on Monday evenings starting Oct. 17 from 6 to 8 pm for about 5 weeks. The 3rd meeting would be Oct. 31 and since this is Halloween we will not have a class that night. Our workshop is located at 5019 Crooked Palm Road in Ventura. This is just off of Highway 33 going towards Ojai. Going North from Ventura on Hwy 33 take the Shell Road exit over to Ventura Ave., go left about half a mile then left on Crooked Palm Road under the freeway and parallel to it for about half a mile and 5019 will be a little brown building on the left at the corner of the old Petrochem complex. Since our workshop is small we can offer the class free to members only. If you are not a member we will gladly take your membership application. Bring your own rocks if you like, but we will have plenty of rocks already cut into slabs for you to work on. If you want more information please call me at 805 482-6830, Ron Wise at 805 647-4393 or Greg Davis at 805 647-9214. This is a hands-on class so wear working clothes as you will get your hands in rock dust or oil.
See you there, Wayne Ehlers.
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VGMS CHRISTMAS DINNER,
December 14, 2005.
Our Christmas Dinner will be held December 14th (Second Wednesday) at 6:30 pm. It will again be at Carrows Restaurant on Harbor Blvd./Seaward Ave. in Ventura.
It will be a complete turkey dinner with salad, beverage and pumpkin pie. The price is $13.00 per person, tax and tip included (same price as the last 5 years).
Please make your checks out to VGMS and give or mail to Richard Bromser, P.O. Box 723, Oak View, CA 93022 prior to the dinner. We want Richard and his family to enjoy the dinner and not have to take payments at the dinner. The food and service are great and always "rockhounds" are the best company! Hope to see you all there.
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DUES ARE DUE.
You pay your dues and what do you get?
A year filled with friends and fun? - You bet!
You learn about rocks and minerals too.
There's oodles and oodles of great things to do!
There's field trips and shows and programs galore!
Now what do you mean ... Can't we offer you MORE?
Sure ... There's scads of books for you to read
to keep your old noggin from going to seed.
Did I hear you say WORK? Yeah, there's always that too,
But it can be fun if you work with the crew.
You can visit with friends to your heart's content -
So DO pay your DUES ... It's money well spent!
There's auctions and door prizes certain to suit;
If you're lucky enough you can win lots of loot.
You needn't remember ... we tell you when to meet
In the Rockhound Rambling, which we hope is a treat.
So plunk down your money and smile when you do,
'Cause there's lots of pleasure in store for you.
Can't think of a way you get more for your dough
Than by joining a rock club with "get up and go".
Author and original source unknown. Taken from Quarry Quips September 2005. (Adapted for VGMS.)
VGMS dues are due by January 1, 2006. You can send your dues to Membership Secretary, Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, P.O. Box 1573, Ventura, CA 93002. You can also give them to Shirley Bromser at the meetings. Can't believe it is that time of year again!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
10-24-05 - Lapidary Class - VGMS Museum 6 to 8 pm. It's not too late if you missed the first one. More information in Bulletin.
10-26-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. Silent Auction with Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.
11-3-05 - 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.
11-5 & 6-05 - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Show - Get your exhibits ready! Call Miriam Tetreault 805 642-5779 for more information.
11-7-05 - Lapidary Class - VGMS Museum 6 to 8 pm.
11-9-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE 2ND WEDNESDAY! Program to be presented by Lowell Foster. Bring your favorite pumpkin dessert.
11-10-05 - DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
11-14-05 - Lapidary Class - VGMS Museum 6 to 8 pm.
11-19-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders".
11-21-05 - Lapidary Class - VGMS Museum 6 to 8 pm.
12-1-05 - 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.
12-14-05 - VGMS Christmas Party - 6:30 pm, Carrows on Harbor. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE 2ND WEDNESDAY!
12-17-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders".
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What's In A Name?
Amethyst - From the Greek "not drunken" - it was thought to prevent intoxication when worn.
Crocoite - From the Greek "saffron" because of its orange-yellow color.
Psilomelane - From the Greek "smooth" and "black" because of its surface appearance.
From Gems, Minerals, Crystals, and Ores,
By Richard M. Pearl.
Submitted by Ed Clark.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Election of Officers: The nominating committee consisting of Wayne Ehlers, Donna Stephens, Greg Davis and Jim Brace-Thompson are working on a slate of officers to be presented at our October meeting. If you are interested in a position contact any one of the committee. It takes every one of us to keep the club active and interesting. Elections will be in November and the Installation in December.
A much deserved THANK YOU to Marie Ehlers who has made over 200 grab bags for the kids' booth at our 2006 show and is going to have 200 more ready to start filling shortly. These aren't just the ordinary run of the mill bags either they are designer! Thanks Marie, not only for this year, but all the years in the past that you have done them (it is many!).
Show Notes: There was a show planning meeting today as I type! In talking with Jim Brace-Thompson, it appears things are going well. He will have a report for the next bulletin. He asked that everyone pull together any donations you have for the grab bags and kids' booth prizes by early December when a date will be set for a "bag stuffing" party. We will also be having a Country Store pricing and inventory meeting, a date to be determined later. It will probably coincide with a workshop day.
Steve and Susan Mulqueen picked up 24 plants and numerous bulbs that were donated for our show by Betty Doutt of Santa Barbara. Susan is going to keep and tend them until the show. Thank you to Betty for her generosity and to Steve and Susan for picking them up and caring for them.
Change of Venue for CFMS Directors Meeting: The meeting will be held in Visalia at the Holiday Inn in lieu of Fresno, CA. You can contact Florence Meisenheimer for details on Room Reservations, etc. if you are interested in attending.
New Home for the VGMS Museum - The current issue of Rock and Gem has an article about our need of a new home. We need to keep this in the upper most part of our minds. Any thought is worth following up on.
Rockhound Rambling awarded 6th place in AFMS 2005 Large Bulletin contest. You should all be proud as it is your contributions that make it interesting. Also Steve Mulqueen received an honorable mention in the "Adult Articles - Advanced" category for his article "Burnt Oil Shale Deposits of Ventura County, CA". Congratulations to Steve and also thank you for all of your contributions including the Education Corner.
California Oil Museum will have a new main exhibit "Destination Mars" opening November 6, 2005 with a reception from 1-3-pm and a guest speaker program at 1:30 pm. The exhibit runs through February 19, 2006. This is the first appearance of this exhibition in California.
"Destination Mars" highlights the extraordinary explorations of Mars that have taken place over the last decade in the Mars Pathfinder and Rover Missions. Exhibit stations invite visitors into hands-on learning experiences of Mars gravity, weather, landforms, volcanoes, and rocks. A piece of actual Martian rock is on display with an explanation of the remarkable process that brought it to Earth. New imagery and stunning animations portray the recent travels of the Exploration Rovers on Mars. The Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, developed this exhibit with funding from NASA and NSF. Additional exhibit material is being provided by Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena. Museum Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admissions: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors and $1 Children.
Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2005 Meetings - Thank you to all who have volunteered, many hands make tasks much more enjoyable! Also thanks to Sharon Cunningham for coordinating the schedule.
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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THE MUSEUM CORNER,
By Richard Knox, Museum Committee.
SAN DIEGO MINERAL AND GEM SOCIETY,
1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, San Diego.
Another Society that maintains its own museum is the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society in its own building in Spanish Village. This is located one block away from the San Diego Museum of Natural History. The Society maintains an extensive lapidary shop in the building where classes are given in faceting, cabbing, silver fabrication, casting, rock carving and other lapidary arts six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Visiting on these days, I have found it possible to arrange a tour of the shops between 11 AM and 3 PM.
There are displays of large mineral specimens, geodes and nodules, faceting, carvings, a range of fossils including a fossil whale skull, a case from the Kingston Lapidary in Hull, England and many other displays.
There is also a shop in the building where books, minerals, rough and finished products can be purchased.
From the CFMS Newsletter September 2005.
THE SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is a disappointment to me. In the past there was a hall of minerals that consisted, for the most part, of the Josie Scripps collection and displays of mineral characteristics and the many gemstones found in San Diego County and how they are mined. There was also a fine hall of paleontology. Two to three years ago they added a new wing to the building where all of the displays are and all of the old halls became offices and classrooms for school children. Today the minerals of San Diego County are displayed in one four-foot square case. The paleontology displays are scattered around with no continuity.
Oh! The CFMS Nephrite Jade Boulder is still on display, but the credit label for the CFMS has been removed.
From the CFMS Newsletter October 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.
| Date: | Speaker,* | Subject. |
| October 26, 2005: | Ray & Florence M., | Silent Auction. |
| November 9, 2005: | Lowell Foster, | "A First Year Rockhound's Retrospective". |
| December 14, 2005: | Christmas Dinner. |
*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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DON'T MESS WITH GRANDMA.
This is a true story.
An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her voice, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"
The four men didn't wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat. She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why.
A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing.
He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a carjacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.
No charges were filed. If you're going to have a Senior Moment, make it a memorable one.
From the Petrified Log October 2005.
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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in NOVEMBER & DECEMBER. 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!
November - Happy Birthday!!
Bob Clement - 9th,
Dorr Thayer - 23rd,
Ron Wise - 30th.
The November birthstone is the Topaz and the flower is the Chrysanthemum.
Loyalty - a quality you need to get along with people - is ascribed to the topaz, November's stone. Sometimes called the "golden gem of cheerfulness", it was once believed that those who wear it are devoted to their mates for life. Great healing powers have been claimed for this gem, and, like the emerald, were thought to have soothing powers for the eyes.
Topaz was named for the island Topazus in the Red sea, where they were first found. The name means "to seek" because the island was often hidden by fog so heavy that the seamen had a difficult time finding it.
The color ranges from pale honey to the deep tones of strong tea, or it can be colorless, blue, green, or pink. It takes a beautiful polish. Genuine topaz, when rubbed, will pick up paper. - Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
December - Happy Birthday!!
Alex Brace-Thompson - 20th,
Sharlyne Holloway - 27th.
The December birthstone is the Turquoise and the flower is the Narcissus.
Lucky you, if you were born in December. Its sky-blue turquoise is the symbol of success in both love and money, and ranks highest of all opaque stones. The earliest group of jewelry forms in the world was found among the treasures of the Pharaohs in Egypt. Bracelets of a queen of the first Egyptian dynasty were set with alternate plaques of carved turquoise and cast gold.
One ancient tradition has it that Isaac, son of Abraham, was the first to open one of the Persian mines. The deposits there have been a source for many centuries.
Because turquoise fractures easily, it should be worn with care. It should not come into contact with soap or grease; that might discolor it. - Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Contributed by Marie Ehlers.
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HOSPITALITY.
24 members, 2 guests and 2 pebble pups enjoyed the September meeting. The guests were Hilda Mauer (Heidi's Mom) and Laudine Borges who has since become a new member. Hope both enjoyed the meeting as much as we enjoyed meeting them. Our two Pebble Pups were Callie and Dallas Stephens who we are always happy to see! Door prizes were won by the lucky ones (I wasn't one of them unfortunately), but we will all try again next month. Mel and Sharon Hixson not only gave a wonderful program, but they brought some wonderful refreshments as well that were enjoyed by all. It was good to see Ron Chegwidden again. 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 October.
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BREWS FROM THE CAULDRON,
By Jennifer Haley.
Tamale Pie.
Here's a great recipe to make ahead of time & to come home to after rockhounding. Also makes really good leftovers and freezes well to pop into the microwave for another day. I've added my own favorite ingredients to this well-known casserole.
Sauté 1 small onion in your favorite choice of oil or butter until golden, then add 1 lb ground beef and stir until nicely browned. Add 1 clove garlic, 1 can of "creamed corn", 1 can of diced tomatoes made with basil, garlic & oregano with all its juice. Add 1 small can of whole or sliced black olives without pits, 1 can tomato sauce & 1 tsp chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat until nice & hot while you make the corn bread topping.
Mix together: 1 cup corn meal, 1 cup flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt & 1 tsp sugar. Stir in 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 Tbsp melted butter or oil and 1/4 cup of "Piggly Wiggly" brand peppered apricot jam. (Shackford's kitchen shop carries this jam & sometimes you can find it at the farmers market). Pour the meat filling into a greased baking dish & spoon the cornbread mixture over the top. Pop into the oven at 350 for about 45 mins.
From NAPA GEMS October 2005.
Editor's Note: It just looked good to us!
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VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, September 28th, 2005:
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 28th, 2005 at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
The August meeting and September board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Ray Meisenheimer welcomed everyone. Ray reported that the gold dry washer has been sold. Ray also reminded members that our October meeting will include a silent auction and members are encouraged to bring items to donate for the auction.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report. Richard also reported that the latest raffle permit has been received and our Christmas dinner has been confirmed again for Carrows Restaurant, December 14th.
Shirley Layton - The October & November bulletins will be combined and the deadline for articles is October 10th.
Ron Wise - The Trona show in October will be in lieu of a field trip, November is Basin Rd., the 24th-27th and December will have the Gold Rock Ranch trip the 17th & 18th.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray and Florence presented raffle prizes to those who had the lucky numbers. Ray also still provides programs for schools, the latest being in Ojai & Oxnard. Ray next asked for volunteers to head the nomination committee and Wayne Ehlers, Lowell Foster, Donna Stevens, Greg Davis and Jim Brace-Thompson offered.
Wayne Ehlers announced the next cab class will begin on October 17th and will run for 5 consecutive Monday evenings, with the exception of Monday the 31st (due to Halloween), from 6 to 8 PM at the museum.
Jim Brace-Thompson - The next meeting for our 2006 show is scheduled for October 16th, 2:00, at Jim's house and everyone is welcomed. Tumbled stones, crystals and colorful rock and slabs are still needed for the upcoming grab bag stuffing event. Jim also reiterated the need for an organized push and effort to locate another site for our museum. The Oxnard show is coming up and everyone is encouraged to display or assist as they do for ours.
Lowell Foster suggests a map be designed for display at our show depicting our fieldtrip locations.
Next, Mel Hixon presented a slide show of he and Sharon collecting at sites in New Mexico and Texas. What a well presented program and lecture with specimens displayed. In spite of the rattlers, they sought out, collected and preserved in pictures, the many famous collecting sites in these two states. Thanks so much to both Sharon and Mel for their time and effort.
Refreshments were provided by Sharon and Mel Hixon.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, October 6th, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. All are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held October 26th at the Lexington.
There being no further business, Ray Meisenheimer adjourned the meeting at 8:47 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis,
Recording Secretary.
Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, October 6th, 2005:
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 6th, 2005, at the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA.
Present: Steve Mulqueen, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Shirley Layton and Greg Davis.
Old business:
Richard Bromser reported that Carrows Restaurant has agreed to provide Christmas dinners for $13.00 per person again this year. Richard has also offered to look into the cost of tarp material for the museum roof and he'll report back.
Greg Davis: The monthly workshops have been well attended with 7 or 8 members at each.
Ray Meisenheimer reported that cases being built by Cal Clason will be delivered the weekend of November 4th.
New business:
Florence Meisenheimer: The CFMS is selling gemological and mineralogical books by well known authors to clubs. They must be purchased by the case but are being offered at a significant cost reduction to clubs. The next federation meeting has been changed from Fresno to Visalia (second week in November).
Shirley Layton: The October and November bulletins will be combined and the deadline for articles will be the 10th of October.
Richard Bromser presented copies of the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c to accept as written. The request for a refund on our annual show property tax has been denied by the State.
Shirley Bromser reported that Laudine Borges has requested being a VGMS member. It was m/s/c to accept her application.
Steve Mulqueen: Betty Doutt of Santa Barbara has donated 24 plants and numerous bulbs to our annual show plant sale. Steve suggested a letter of appreciation be drafted and sent to her.
The next general meeting will be on October 26th, 2005 at the Lexington in Ventura and the next board meeting is November 3rd at the I.B.E.W. Hall in Ventura.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis,
Recording Secretary.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
September 22nd Ray Meisenheimer spoke on Earth Sciences, rocks and minerals to 21 fourth grade students at San Antonio School in Ojai. He also explained Plate Tectonics. The students were particularly interested in the use of various minerals included in their every day life. This is the fifth year Ray has been invited to this school.
September 29th Ray presented an Earth Science program to 25 fourth grade students at McAuliffe School in Oxnard. His program included a discussion of rocks, minerals and fossils. The students seemed very interested and most of them brought to class a specimen for Ray to identify.
Florence Meisenheimer.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
MEMBERSHIP.
We are happy to welcome our newest member, Laudine Borges. She was into lapidary and rockhounding in college and is now getting the urge again! Please make her welcome and introduce yourselves. You will need to update your 2005 directories with the following:
New Member:
Laudine Borges,
1103 Buena Vista, #2,
Ventura, CA 93001,
805 648-1973,
email: laudine@earthlink.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.
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Fulgurites:
The Essence of Lightning.
We know lightning to be the electrical charge occurring in stormy weather. Most of us have seen it, and it can be very intimidating, especially when associated with crackling thunder and pounding rain. Aside from the storm at hand, when conditions are right, something extraordinary may also occur as a result of lightning. In the twinkling of an eye, fulgurites can be created by the effect of lightning striking silica sand (Si02), and fusing it into a tube-like shape.
The name Fulgurite, pronounced ful'-gu-rite, is from the Latin: Fulgur (Lightning). Wikipedia's definition is as follows: "Fulgurites are natural, hollow, carrot shaped glass tubes formed in sandy soil by lightning strikes. They are up to a couple centimeters in diameter, and can be meters long if they are carefully excavated so as not to break the fragile structure. The interior is normally very smooth or lined with fine bubbles; the exterior is generally coated with rough sand particles. They are root like in appearance and often show branching or small holes." I think you would agree that these are most definitely a product of very strange phenomena.
About 100 lightning discharges occur every second on the Earth, on average. Only about one third of them involve ground strikes which have the potential to make fulgurites. The earliest discovery of a fulgurite was reportedly made in 1706 by Pastor David Hermann in Germany. All fulgurites can be divided into two classes: Sand fulgurites and rock fulgurites. Sand fulgurites are usually hollow, glass like tubes with sand adhering to the outside. Rock fulgurites are formed when lightning strikes the bare surface of rocks and gives the appearance of a thin, glassy substance encrusted on the rock. Glass of this type displays a wide range of colors, depending on the composition of the host rock.
The peak temperature of a lightning channel is approximately 50,000 degrees F, five times higher than the surface temperature of the sun, and considerably higher than silica's melting point of 2,950 degrees F. When lightning strikes sandy soil, the air and moisture present in the soil are rapidly heated, and the resultant explosion-like expansion forms the central tubular void of the fulgurite. Relatively rapid cooling then causes the glass to solidify. A general condition for a sand fulgurite formation is the presence of a relatively dry dielectric such as quartz sand overlaying a more conducting soil layer. The result is a natural glass sculpture whose shape mimics the path taken underground by the lightning bolt as it dissipates in the earth.
The diameter of most fulgurites ranges from a quarter of an inch to 3 inches, and anything larger is very unusual. However, one find near Gainesville, Florida, in 1996 led to many days of careful digging and resulted in the unearthing of a fulgurite having two mostly vertical branches, one about 16 feet and the other about 17 feet long. It was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest excavated fulgurite. Mr. Martin Uman, a member of the research team, states, "If a normal citizen tries to dig one of these out of the ground, they would destroy it because fulgurites are so fragile. It takes experts who are skilled in working with special tools and are used to digging up fossil bones. It's definitely an art."
Fulgurite's glassy color ranges from pale gray to smoky gray, to shiny black, depending upon the type of sand from which they are formed. Since fulgurites are real glass, weathering has little effect on them, and they can be well preserved for a long period of time, and they are used as paleo-environmental indicators. For example, many fulgurites are found in the Sahara, where currently there is little lightning activity, so we can assume that very different conditions existed there in prehistoric times. It was in this place that a fossil fulgurite thought to be 250 million years old has been reported.
Fulgurites could be described as nature's own works of art. This amazing art form occurs all over the world, most often on the sandy beaches of Florida, where, after thunderstorms, beachcombers hunt for the fulgurites in the sand. Not to be left out of the picture, California has its own record fulgurite, thanks to the Lone Pine Gem and Mineral Society. Seems one of their club members discovered what later turned out to be an enormous five-foot long fulgurite right here in California! After careful excavation and later analysis, it was determined that this fulgurite composition is 80% silica, the coloring agent is epidote, and it weighs in at a recorded 140 pounds. Certainly a spectacular specimen and a must see! (This sizeable fulgurite was on display during the "Roseville Gem and Mineral Blast" on June 10-12, 2005 in Roseville.)
References:
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fulgurite.
VladirmirA. Rakov. "Lightning Makes Glass" 29th Annual Conference of the Glass Art Society, Tampa, Florida, 1999.
Mineralogical Research Company. "Fulgurites - Products of Lightning", http://www.minresco.com/fulgurites/fulgurites.htm.
Hidden Universe. "Fulgurite", http://blueorgone.com/fulgurite.html. (VGMS Editor's Note: The web site exists but the page doesn't. You can remove the 'fulgurite.html' from the address line of your browser and get the site. Interesting site!! Good luck.)
CFMS Newsletter-Feb 2003, http://www.cfmsinc.org/newsletter/news2003/002feb03/newsfeb03.htm. (VGMS Editor's Note: The article is about half way down the page in a section called "MORE ON GEMBOREE".)
Glossary of Geology, Third Edition, American Geological Institute, 1987.
Reprinted via The Rollin' Rock 4/05 via Breccia October 2005.
Editor's Note: Thought with our recent thunder and lightening display this would be timely! As close as some of the lightening was, we should be looking for them on the beach! I would also like to thank June Harris, the editor of the Breccia, Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, for quickly emailing this to us. We would also like to congratulate June for her 9th place in the AFMS Bulletin Editor's contest - "New Editors" category".
Table of Contents.
Having Fun - Juniors Activities:
Bringing in Junior Members Where None Exist,
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Juniors Activities Chair.
At this year's annual CFMS show and convention, I had good conversations with members of various societies on the topic of involving kids. The most common lament was that many clubs are composed primarily of older members and that kids are few-and-far-between. Thus, while they wish they could get a juniors' program up-and-running, there are no kids within the current ranks of the club membership.
We talked about possible ways to play the Pied Piper and draw kids in. One way is through the annual show. If your club has an annual show, be sure to have a visible kids' activities area and stock it with flyers describing your club and welcoming families with kids to join. And have a sign-up sheet to collect phone numbers for follow-up.
During my conversations, we also talked about engaging in outreach and checking on possibilities of forging connections with local kids' programs already in the community, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, 4H, YMCA, etc. Many kids in such programs enjoy earning the pins and badges and other awards such programs offer. You can introduce the new AFMS Future Rockhounds of America Badge program to show how you can help kids earn "neat stuff" while enjoying the outdoors, building collections, and learning the craft of jewelry-making, either within the context of monthly meetings and planned group events or on their own.
But the single most important thing, by far, is having a single dedicated individual within your club appointed as the Juniors Activities Coordinator. My own club in Ventura is one of those where kids are presently few-and-far-between, and our success drawing in and maintaining a kids' program has waxed and waned. The boom times are when we have an appointed coordinator who takes the job seriously and maps out the entire year in advance with planned activities for each month. Thus, the activities can be publicized well in advance so that kids and their parents can look ahead and enter activities into their schedule. One member, Emma Mayer, was spectacular at this, but we were unable to enlist a replacement for her at the conclusion of her term, and the program has waned.
Thus, in my experience, it comes down to a single individual. The kids are out there. Who's the Pied Piper in your club to draw them in and keep them in with activities they find meaningful and enjoyable? Cultivate that individual, encourage that individual, and - as a whole club - support that individual and make long-term plans for successors to continue the program once it's begun. Yes, it takes a single individual, but it takes a whole club to bring the necessary commitment to ensure a program's long-term success. Here's to committing to having fun!
From the CFMS Newsletter October 2005.
Editor's Note: Jim is right; it does take one pied piper to light the fire. Do we have one in our club? The Pebble Pup program is a great asset to our society.
Table of Contents.
PRICELESS.
Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worthwhile. Touching words from the mouth of babes. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds - "WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca - age 8.
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4.
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6.
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8.
"My mommy loves me more than anybody .You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6.
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine - age 5.
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7.
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4.
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4.
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (What an image.) Karen - age 7.
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6.
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8.
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6.
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4.
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7.
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss." Emily - age 8.
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7. (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." Nikka - age 6. (We need a few million more Nikka's on this planet.)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7.
From Petrified Log July/August 2005.
Table of Contents.
"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."
CFMS Field Trip South Report,
By Bob Fitzpatrick, Field Trip Chair - South.
Here is a nice field trip report sent to me from Pamela Birge, a member of the Friends of Mineralogy Club of Southern California:
I had an interesting and fun trip to the Blue Lady Mine yesterday. It's located in the Chihuahua Valley pegmatite district that straddles Riverside and San Diego Counties. We hiked in about a half mile from the vehicles, hauling all tools & lunch, water, etc. uphill to the mine. I am definitely out of shape. Hiking out, even though it was all down hill, loaded with rocks made the journey an adventure unto itself. One nice thing about the localities of these tourmaline mines is the beautiful view they afford.
By way of background - To end a dispute over mining rights, ownership of the mine was turned over to the state by the BLM about 15 years ago. The mine is located within the Sky Oaks Reservation and managed for research projects by San Diego State University. Access to property is controlled by the University's Geology Department.
The mine is known for well-formed crystals of indigo-blue elbaite tourmaline, and a fair amount of aciculal or asbestiform blue tourmaline can be found on the dumps today. The other minerals that can be found at the locality are garnet, usually associated with biotite and schorl, "ball" muscovite, well-formed quartz crystals, orthoclase and plagioclase feldspars, and more exotic metallic accessory minerals. A few of these minerals occur in several separate bands making up the impressive "line rock" of the pegmatite.
Since I hadn't done my homework, I expected blue tourmaline to be like the green & red I'd found at the Himalaya Mine, but these specimens were more like the black (schorl) and hard to see any difference when sitting in the sun pawing through the dirt & rocks. I found a little bit, nothing well formed. I did find one ball mica in a quartz matrix that I thought was pretty kool. We amateurs are easily amused!
If you have been on a great field trip and would like to share it with others, write up a report about it and send it to me at RUROCKY2@aol.com and I will send it on in to the CFMS to be put in an upcoming news letter. C-Ya-Rock-N, Bob.
From the CFMS Newsletter October 2005.
TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIPS 2005:
Before going on a field trip PLEASE
contact field trip leader to confirm.
| MONTH: | ||||
| Date(s), | Event/Location, | Sponsor/Leader, | Other Information. | |
| NOVEMBER: | ||||
| 5-6, | Oxnard G & M Show. | |||
| 24-27, | Basin Rd & Afton Canyon, |
Ron Wise. | ||
| DECEMBER: | ||||
| 7, | OGMS pot luck dinner. | |||
| 14, | VGMS Holiday dinner. | |||
| 17-18, | Gold Rock Ranch, Yuma, AZ, |
Ron Wise. | ||
| JANUARY: | ||||
| 8-11, | AVI Casino, | YOTMC. | ||
| 13-16, | Burro Creek, AZ, | YOTMC, Ron Wise. |
||
| 25-29, | PowWow, Quartzsite, AZ, |
QIA. | ||
| 22-30, | Plomosa Rd, | YOTMC. | ||
| 29-4, | Wiley's Well, | YOTMC, Ron Wise. |
||
| LEADERS: | ||||
| Don Asher, | 482-2510, | Conejo G&M. | ||
| Bret Johnson, | 984-8872, bj9709@yahoo.com, |
Oxnard G&M. | ||
| Ron Wise, | 647-4393, | Ventura G&M. | ||
Table of Contents.
Ocean Jasper.
There is a gorgeous new find from Madagascar called Ocean Jasper. (Some are calling it "Orbicular Jasper" in reference to its colorful orbs, and some "Moon Jewel Jasper".) But "Ocean Jasper" seems most fitting, as it was found right along the shore, actually being covered by water at high tide, and only accessible at low tide! Plus, there are no towns nearby, and no roads so the rough must be brought out by boat. The collector who found it described his experience this way. "In 1997, the Mineralogical Encyclopedia (GRUND Publisher) reproduced a picture of this mythical Orbicular Jasper, but with an unknown caption. From this time on, collectors of rare species of minerals have been dreaming of this fabulous Jasper from Madagascar.
"After many fruitless, expeditions, the site has been found again. Following, a mission of 45 days, including 20 days of navigation, methodically following the coast, stopping in each fishing village, the site was finally rediscovered. Along the seashore, a group of rocks spread over 50 X 30 yards, is only visible at low tide. This new rock has been found along the northwest coast of Madagascar." The deposit formed similar to a rhyolite flow but has been totally resilicated. The rhyolitic spheres or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The background can be white, pink, green, red or yellow. Botryoidal formations as well as a white and deep green druzy are also common. The deposit, being located at the edge of the ocean, can only be collected at low tide. Ocean Jasper is produced from only one mine near Marovato, which is owned by Paul Obenich of Madagascar Minerals. This wonderful new lapidary material is distributed in rough form exclusively in the U.S. through The Gem Shop, Inc. from Madagascar Minerals. The following is an excerpt of an article from Lapidary Journal's June 2000 issue under "Top Ten Trends from Tucson" by Si & Ann Frazier. "It's hard to believe that the large deposit of beautifully patterned Jasper on the east coast of Madagascar first written about in 1922 could have been lost for the better part of a century, but it was. Dominated by pinks and greens and circular patterns or orbs, from which the terra orbicular derives, this jasper made a comeback in 2000 and was the buzz of the [Tucson] show among those interested in cabochon, bead, or carving materials. Edged with small quartz crystals, some large polished pieces made particularly attractive displays."
"Orbicular jasper's distinctive patterns are made up of round or spherical inclusions of contrasting colors floating in solid jasper. The orbs can range in diameter from a millimeter to a centimeter, and frequently show a particularly dramatic concentric banding. How orbicular jasper forms is still a scientific mystery, although a graduate geology student at the University of California at Berkeley is now putting advanced technology to work on this problem."
From website http://www.mineralofthemonthclub.org/ocean.jasper.htm VIA t-Town Rockhound 6-05 via Breccia - June 2005.
Table of Contents.
Winter Holiday Safety,
By Chuck McKie, Safety Chairman.
Beware of holiday lighting. Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits. Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
If using electrical lights, don't overload a circuit.
Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.
Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving. Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts. Enroll in a first aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact your local Red Cross.
From the CFMS Newsletter October 2005.
Table of Contents.
California Federation of
Mineralogical Societies (CFMS):
Why Your Club's Membership Is Important,
By Anna Christiansen.
The CFMS was organized in 1936. It is devoted to the study of Earth Sciences. It is comprised of societies in the western United States. Many gem and mineral societies, prospecting and treasure hunting clubs in California, Nevada and one in Arizona are under the umbrella of the CFMS.
The CFMS is one of seven regional Federations that make up the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). The AFMS created a Code of Ethics that is a guideline for field trip groups and individuals that help us leave our hunting areas as we found them, and hopefully a little bit better. Respect for others' property will possibly let us be welcomed back at another date in the future.
There are several ways in which the CFMS can help individual clubs. Some of them are:
1. They publish a newsletter to keep members aware of what is happening with articles, a list of club show dates, Earth Science seminars, safety tips and field trips. This newsletter is available to all members. You can obtain a subscription by sending your name and address to: CFMS, PO Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1657 ($5.50 for 11 issues per year).
2. The CFMS has manuals and publications on various subjects. Some of them your club might have an interest in are: a publication listing slide shows available to help you present a program at a club meeting and a manual (Podium People) that lists speakers who are willing to come to your club and present a program. For those interested in exhibiting, there are rules manuals.
3. The CFMS website is another valuable tool that offers clubs information on many subjects (www.cfmsinc.org/). You can send in your club show information and it will be posted to the website.
4. The CFMS and many clubs give scholarships to students that otherwise would not be able to continue their education in the field of Earth Science. Hopefully they will also encourage others to learn about the many areas that involve earth science.
5. The Federation hosts Camp Paradise in the north part of the state and Zzyzx in the desert near Baker, California. For the very reasonable price of $250 per person per week you receive all your meals and lodging. Instructors can help you with hobby related activities. Just to name a few: faceting, wire art, carving, casting, silversmithing, PMC and glass bead making.
6. Junior members can now participate in a Merit Badge program earning badges in the many areas of lapidary arts and earth science.
7. The Federation maintains a committee to keep us informed on land use policies and to inform the government policy makers of our views regarding public land. We have to speak up or lose our rock hunting areas. This also effects future generations.
8. The Federation and a host club present an annual show and convention to promote interest in rocks, gems, and minerals and to educate the public and newer club members as to what is available to them as future rockhounds. A few things they can learn about at the show is information on gem and mineral clubs in their area with an invitation to join local clubs, see demonstrations on silversmithing, wire art, lapidary, glass bead making, stone carving, faceting and other areas. The Federation provides a show coordinator to see that the show runs smoothly. At the Directors' meeting your club has an opportunity to be represented by a club member who brings back information for the club's use.
9. Club Insurance - Without the CFMS, many of the clubs would not be able to get insurance and would not be able to operate. Under the umbrella of the CFMS, insurance is available to us at a reasonable rate.
These are some of the benefits of a club belonging to the CFMS. Excerpts taken from the CFMS Brochure on the CFMS website. Article by Fred Schaefermeyer, "What Does the Eastern Federation Do For You?"
From the CFMS Newsletter October 2005.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS,
(Use at your own risk).
Use sanding cloth until it falls apart. The more worn it is, the more smoothly it sands. If faster sanding is desired, use a cloth freshly broken in. But for super smooth finish, use patience and a well worn sanding cloth. - From Golden Spike News via The Petrified Log 10/05.
To Clean Fluorite, do not wash in hot, nor even warm water. The luster will vanish and be gone forever. It can be placed into muriatic acid to remove calcite, then washed in cold water. - The Rockwood GMS 3/03 via Rockonteur 10/05.
If your diamond charge lap is dirty and slow in cutting, clean it with Twinkle, available at most supermarkets. It will not only be cleaner, but it will look and probably cut like new. - The Rockwood GMS 3/03 via Rockonteur 10/05.
The "star" in synthetic sapphire moves with the light, but does not do so in a natural sapphire. - From The Ammonite via Rockonteur 10/05.
Cutting Oil - When replacing the cutting oil in your slab saw, pour the used oil and sludge into a brown bag made from three bags, one inside the other. Hang it out of the way where it can drip into a container large enough to hold that amount of oil. If you keep repeating the process, you will always have a supply of clean, usable oil whenever changes are necessary.
Table of Contents.
What A Week - 2005 AFMS Show!
By Jim Robinson, AFMS President-Elect.
We hope that all who attended the AFMS/Midwest Federation Show and Convention had a safe and pleasant trip back home. Those of you who were not able to attend missed a fantastic show! There were some of the most beautiful cases in this show that you could ever imagine. I was particularly impressed with the ranch house, barn, wagons, tool and equipment exhibit. Every item in the five cases was made of petrified wood. The workmanship of this exhibit is indescribable, every item cut and polished to the finest detail. I was told that it had taken more than 25 years to complete all the items in the 5 case displays; it was truly a work of art. The craftsman who made all these things is now in his 90's and still creating more items! I've always said that being involved in rockhounding keeps you young and this fellow sure is proof of that.
I have been in the hobby for more then 25 years, many years exhibiting faceted stones and cabochons. I don't recall ever seeing an exhibit in any category receive a perfect score of 100 until the St. Louis show. That's how good this show was. I didn't look at all the score sheets, but most of the rest that I did look at were in the high nineties. I did not have the pleasure of judging in this show, but will say they were some of the best in the Federation and they were thorough. When we left the show around 3:30 PM on Friday, they were still judging!
The Midwest Federation and the Host Clubs deserve a hearty round of applause and our heartfelt thanks for a, "JOB WELL DONE."
Of course now our hearts go out to all the people in New Orleans, southern Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. We know that many of our rockhound friends were in the path of the storm. Let's do what we as rockhounds can do to help.
AFMS Newsletter - October 2005.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
SHOW DATES.
The Del Air Rockhounds Club is hosting The San Fernando Valley Gemboree - 2005 on Friday, November 18th - Noon to 9:30 PM and Saturday, November 19th - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at The United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. (at Superior), Northridge, CA. Take the Reseda off ramp north from the US 101 freeway or south from the CA 118 freeway. E-mail Del_Air_Rockhounds@Yahoo.com or phone Maxine Dearborn 818 883 7851.
There will be exhibits, displays, Dealers and Demonstrators, silent auction (with materials collected over 15 years ago), Food and Unique Holiday Gifts. Admission and parking is FREE. This is a show for the whole family.
2005 CFMS SHOWS.
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, OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Galaxy of Gems, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-4. www.ogms.net.
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 18-19; NORTHRIDGE, CA - Del Air Rockhounds, Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. Hours: Fri. 12-9 pm, Sat. 10-5. Julie Marin (818) 886-7190. Email Del_Air_Rockhounds @Yahoo.com.
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 - 2005/2006.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION - 2005,
November 12-13, Melbourne, FL.
SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION - 2005,
December 2-4, Austin, TX.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION - 2006,
June 9-11, Angel's Camp, CA.
EASTERN FEDERATION - 2006,
November 17-19, West Palm Beach, FL.
MIDWEST - 2006,
To Be Announced.
NORTHWEST - 2006,
July 14-16, Kelso, WA.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN - 2006,
June 9-11, Stillwater, OK.
Table of Contents.
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. |
Table of Contents.
ROCK AND MINERAL QUIZ,
By Harold Reynolds.
Are you a rockhound or a rockhead? Test your knowledge of mineral and rock names by putting one of the names listed below into each blank. (Hey, how hard a quiz can this be if I'm giving you the answers in advance?)
| (a) Albite. | (f) Diamond. | (k) Gneiss. | (p) Quartz. |
| (b) Apatite. | (g) Fluorite. | (1) Gypsum. | (q) Rubies. |
| (c) Chert. | (h) Gabbro. | (m) Mica. | (r) Scheelite. |
| (d) Cinnabar. | (i) Garnet. | (n) Onyx. | (s) Spinel. |
| (e) Coal. | (j) Granite. | (o) Pyrite. | (t) Zircon. |
1. The geologist played poker, but wound up losing his _______________.
2. The bar where mineralogists break the Ten Commandments is called the _______________.
3. If we _______________ rocks, we'll all lose our teeth.
4. There are four _______________ to the gallon.
5. "What shall we give Mike?" "Let's give _______________ new mineral for his collection!"
6. Fracture of the _______________ column usually results in paralysis.
7. All of the talkative geology students were put in one row, soon christened the "_______________".
8. When Fred Zir was swindled of his jewels, it was called the Great _______________.
9. You sent her flowers? What a _______________ thing to do.
10. If I don't get this _______________, when someone walks in he'll fall through to the basement.
11. The mineral that is the very symbol of hunger: _______________.
12. The con man tried to _____________ mineralogists with a fake ruby, but he got caught.
13. At the circus, a clown threw a fake rock at another and got a _______________ in his face.
14. Put Nick's book _______________ shelf where it belongs.
15. A baseball player's favorite gem: _______________.
16. If a rube is a type of hick, does it follow that hickies are _______________?
17. Says one hip geologist to another, "Hey, that's really _______________, man."
18. How to insult a geologist: look into his ear and say, "I _______________!"
19 If you drop a rock on your foot while in polite company, you should say, "_______________ all!"
20. Of all things, we must never take rocks for _______________.
From Harold Reynolds' Humour Collection, via The Pegmatite via MOROKS July 2005.
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
The Yule Marble Quarry - A source of dimension stone from a natural deposit located near the town of Marble in west-central Colorado. The deposit is composed of a dense, fine-grained pure white marble consisting of a minor amount of fractures. This quarry became famous in the 1930s as a major source of marble for many monuments and structures in our Nation's Capital. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia are made exclusively of marble from the Yule Quarry. Yule marble has been used for monuments and structures in 13 states in the United States and can be found in some prominent California buildings in Pasadena, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland.
The deposit of marble along Yule Creek in Colorado was first considered as a source of quarry rock in 1882. A block of marble was quarried and polished for an exhibit at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This generated interest in the Yule Marble, resulting in a commercial venture to supply marble for the interior of the capital building in Denver, Colorado. From 1894 to 1896, quarry blocks were shipped to finishing mills on the East Coast. By 1905, three quarries were in almost continuous operations at this deposit and the nearby town of Marble had grown to a population of 150.
In 1906, the Colorado Yule Marble Company leased the Crystal River Railroad from Carbondale to Placita and constructed 7 miles of railroad to the town of Marble. This railroad spur was known as the Crystal River & San Juan Railroad. By 1915, a 3.5-mile tramway was constructed to transport blocks from the quarry to a newly completed finishing mill at Marble.
The quarry closed during World War I and reopened in 1922. Contracts were made with the Federal Government to supply marble for the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This volume of marble resulted in the extraction and transfer of over 500 rail cars loaded with marble, destined to the Washington, DC area. These two structures were completed in the early 1930s.
In 1941, during World War II, the quarry again closed. By 1943, seven miles of railroad trackage and all of the machinery left at the quarry were sold as scrap metal for the War effort. The quarry remained closed for a long period of time until 1990, when it reopened on a limited-production basis. In February 2003, the U.S. Army contracted with Sierra Minerals Corporation, the current operator at the Yule Quarry, to supply a block of marble to replace the large marble headstone at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The original marble headstone developed a crack several years previous. Replacing the headstone with marble from the original source was the most logical solution.
In July 2003, a 191-ton block of marble was quarried from the Treasure Mountain Site of the Yule Quarry. The block measured 18' X 18' X 7', having a density of 168.4 pounds per cubic foot. Several smaller slices of marble have been cut for other projects from this block. The finished headstone measured approximately 13' X 8' X 6'. The block was sculpted into a finished headstone with separate cap and base by the Vetter Stone Co. of Minnesota before shipment to Virginia. The headstone was transported to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in May and set in place before Memorial Day of this year (2005).
The Yule Quarry has played an important role in the history of the United States by providing marble to many memorials, monuments, headstones and buildings throughout our nation. When visiting our Nation's Capital, try to imagine the work that was required to quarry and finish all the polished rock you see. Washington DC is admired by people around the World as a result of the beautiful structures made with stone, and the symbols and ideals that these structures represent.
The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, October 2005.
Illustration of the Month.
 Miner's Candlestick. |
Candles provided illumination for underground mines before electric lighting was introduced. The candlestick was equipped with a spike, hook, and loop. This enabled the miner to attach it to just about anything underground. The spike could be jammed into a wooden timber or into a crack in the rock of the underground workings. The hook was used to hang the candlestick on mining equipment or on a ledge of rock. The loop acted as a handle to hold the candlestick so that the miner would not get |
| burned from the hot wax. The loop also enabled the miner to remove the candlestick in order to place it at a more desirable location where the light was needed. A story (from an unknown source) is told of the chairman of the board of an East Coast corporation, remote from the realities of mining life of the 1800s, who observed large expenditure for candles at a certain mine in the West. So he wrote the mine superintendent instructing him to get more of his work done during daylight hours. Early miners considered the light from a candle, carbide lamp or oil lamp to be an indicator of the quality of air in the mine. If the illuminating flame became dim and bluish in color, it was a warning that bad air was in the mine. If the flame flared suddenly, it was an indication of combustible gases such as methane. The next time you see a candle burning in relatively total darkness, imagine shoveling ore underground with that limited light source. The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, October 2005. |
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Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:
Photos Contributed by Sharon and Mel Hixson
From their 1983 trip to Arizona, Texas and New Mexico.
1) Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona.
2) Horn Lizard, Bishop Ranch, Marfa, Texas.
3) Crinoidal limestone, Lambert Ranch, San Saba, Texas.
4) Mel on the hunt in Woodward Ranch, Alpine, Texas.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
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