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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
June 2006.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• Rockhound Dads;
• PROGRAM;
• REVIEW;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• WEB SITES;
• Will Rogers;
• PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS;
• A mother was preparing pancakes;
• JULY BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• BUILD A SAFE ROCK GARDEN;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• SNYDER'S POW WOW;
• A REAL GHOST TOWN;
• HOW GEOLOGIC TIME PERIODS GOT THOSE CRAZY NAMES;
• "HOW TO READ" ROCK AND MINERAL LITERATURE;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk!);
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• A wife invited;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Summer finally arrived. For those who are planning a vacation, don't forget to include a side trip for collecting rocks, minerals or fossils. This always adds excitement to your travels. And while you're out there keep an eye out for the following rock types which we still need for the school rock boxes.

Now it is time to look forward to the Fair. The dates are August 2 to August 13. Set-up time will start about two weeks earlier. Help is needed with that. I hope you will participate with entries of your finest material or workmanship.

Ed Clark,
President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.

Smile-it increases your face value.

There is nothing like a little experience to upset a theory.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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ROCKHOUND DADS,
By Jane Webb.

Some Dads prefer a day of rest, a hammock in the shade,
A BBQ, a book to read, a glass of lemonade.
Some Dads enjoy a game of ball, some watch, while others play.
Some take a fishing pole in hand to while away the day.
But rockhound Dads are different, to them a day of fun,
Is climbing up a dusty hill, ignore the beating sun,
With pick and shovel dig a hole; break rocks with zeal and zest,
With bulging pack they've had their day as the sun sets in the west.
From the Pegmatite via the Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 6/06.

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PROGRAM:
Live Hawks & Owls
from the Ojai Raptor Center.

Mel and Sharon Hixson have been volunteers at the Ojai Raptor Center for two years. The Center rescues and rehabilitates birds of prey as well as other birds and animals. It also utilizes non-releasable "ambassador birds" in Wildlife Educational presentations at local schools and participates in other outreach programs to educate the public about wildlife conservation and to provide species-specific information about raptors. Kim Stroud, the Director, has over 13 years experience in the rehabilitation/education field. She established the Ojai Raptor Center in January 2000. The all-volunteer organization took in over 840 birds and animals in 2005. More than 430 of these were raptors, of which 62% were released back into the wild. Get a close-up look at some of the birds of prey you're likely to see or hear when you are out hunting for rocks. These educational programs are always popular with adults and children alike. The bird presentation will start at 7:30, so bring the whole family and come early to get a front row seat!

Mel and Sharon Hixson.

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REVIEW:
The Not So Silent Auction!
May 24, 2006.

     May's program was a lively Silent Auction with some wonderful material donated by Ray and Florence Meisenheimer and other members as well. I for one got some wonderful geodes from the Hauser beds brought by Lowell Foster. Lowell also brought our youngest pebble pup, he and Karen's daughter Rebecca, wow what a cutie! She was a true rockhound, just sat there and smiled at everyone and was happy as a clam in her rock surroundings! There were some lovely slabs for those into lapidary, fossils, some different minerals and even some storage containers. Some lively bidding competition went on between members and hopefully all went home with the items they wanted, well almost anyway! The Stephens family brought refreshments that were enjoyed by all. It was a fun evening.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

6-28-06 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. "Live Hawks & Owls from the Ojai Raptor Center" - Sharon & Mel Hixson.
7-6-06 - 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.
7-10-06 - DEADLINE FOR JULY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
7-15-06 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders") (Close the new window to return here.)
7-21 to 23-06 - Hobby Entries Ventura County Fair.
7-26-06 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.
7-28 to 30-06 - Gem & Mineral Entries Ventura County Fair. (Are you ready?)
8-2-06 - First Day of Ventura County Fair!
8-3-06 - 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.
8-19-06 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders") (Close the new window to return here.)
8-23-06 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington.
9-3 to 9-06 - Camp Paradise - Week 1 - See May 2006 Bulletin (Close the new window to return here.) for registration form and schedule of classes.
9-10 to 16-06 - Camp Paradise - Week 2 - See May 2006 Bulletin (Close the new window to return here.) for registration form and schedule of classes.

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Congratulations to Shirley Layton, who received the CFMS Member of the Year Education Through Sharing Award for Ventura Gem & Mineral Society. This is for her work as editor of Rockhound Rambling and information shared through it along with other club items prepared and printed for the show and members.
Editor's Note: Thank you Florence for submitting my name. I am honored to receive this award.

A New California Oil Museum Exhibit was put in place by Steve Mulqueen around the middle of June. It is titled "Stromatolite Fossils" - Stromatolites - From the Greek words stratum (bed) and litho (rock). They represent colonial mats of cyanobacteria living within a complex structural mass consisting of limestone or dolostone. They exist today in marine tidal flats, marine lagoons and hypersaline lakes.
"The Oldest Fossils" - Stromatolites have lived on the Earth for over 3.5 billion years. We know this from their fossil record found on most continents. For this reason, paleontologists often refer to stromatolites as "The Oldest Fossils".
Stromatolites were more abundant on the Earth's surface during the Precambrian Period of geologic time, when the atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide and lacking in oxygen. Some biologists consider the emergence of early forms of stromatolites as a key factor in changing the mixture of gases in the Earth's atmosphere, providing more oxygen to enable other, more complex life forms to evolve.
Steve prepares a case from Ventura Gem & Mineral for the museum about every 3 months or so using his own and other members' material. They are very popular at the museum and good publicity for our club. - Thanks Steve for all your efforts.

Tri-Club Educational Committee Needs - There was a list of the rocks that the Tri-Club Educational Committee will need for the completion of the project of a box of specimens for each school in the county in our March & April bulletins. If you have any of these and are willing to donate them contact Donna Knapton (805) 647-8762 as many are still needed. Many thanks!

BIG SALE - The Meisenheimers are selling their "good stuff" - Polished geodes, Brazil agate, wood, minerals. Give us a call before coming over at (805) 642-3155. - Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2006 Meetings - Help! We are in need of some volunteers for the open months below to fill the 2006 meetings. Give Sharon Cunningham a call at (805) 649-3579 to schedule your month. We thank everyone who participates. You can see how much they are enjoyed at the meetings!

     June: Greg & Valli Davis.
     July: Richard & Shirley Bromser.
     August: Sharon & Mel Hixson.
     September: Open.
     October: Open.
     November: Pumpkin Goodies by All!
     December: VGMS 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.

Tumbling Grit of various sizes will soon be available in bulk. VGMS has purchased a quantity which will be available to VGMS members at a savings. We will let you know as soon as it is bagged up and ready for sale. You can contact Greg Davis or Ron Wise with any questions if you are interested.

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. If you have access to the internet you can download both from their respective websites shown below for free!

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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/.

If you go, close the new window to return here.

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Will Rogers.

Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known. Enjoy the following:

1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading; The few who learn by observation; The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
10. If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
11. Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.
12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

Author Unknown from MLMS Ghost Sheet June 2006.

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PROGRAM SCHEDEULE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2006.

If you have an idea for a program or would like a particular topic please contact our program chair person, Lowell Foster at (805) 648-1942.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. The mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here He would say, "Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait."
Kevin turned to his brother and said, "Ryan, you can be Jesus."
Gringo Gazette June 2006.

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JULY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in JULY. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! Have I 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 and have a Great Day!

July - Happy Birthday!!
     Sharon Cunningham - 7th,
     Helen Spaeth - 8th,
     Janet Morse - 14th,
     Vern Markley - 26th,
     Nancy Brace-Thompson - 27th,
     Ronald Chegwidden - 29th.

The July birthstone is the Ruby and the flower is the Larkspur.

July's Birthstone is Ruby.

July's birthstone is the most valued gemstone in the world. Known as the king of precious stones, gem quality rubies are extremely rare. Rubies are more valuable than top quality colorless diamonds.

Ruby comes from the corundum family. It is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Corundum colors range from white, gray, brown to black, blue, and deep red. Of course, the deep red corundum is ruby. All the others are considered to be sapphire. The red color of ruby ranges from orange-red to purplish red. Ruby has a hardness of 9. It has no cleavage, and the crystal form is hexagonal. They can be found in a tapering prismatic form, pyramidal and tabular.

Rubies are primarily found in Thailand, Ceylon, and Burma. They also come from Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and a few other countries. Recently a ruby mine was discovered in Vietnam. In the United States, they have been found in North Carolina, but have also been found in other areas in small quantities.

Ruby is usually faceted into an oval shape, but is also attractive in other shapes including heart. Some rubies have six-point stars in them, and are usually then cut into a smooth domed cabochon. Rubies are frequently heat treated to enhance their color. This eliminates purple and brown overtones, leaving a beautiful red. It is an accepted practice.

So, those of you that have your birthday in July, enjoy your elegant gemstone, the ruby!

From Rock Writings 07/04.

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HOSPITALITY.

     The May meeting had 22 members, 1 guest and 3 pebble pups to bid on the silent auction! The guest was Carl Stephens and the pebble pups were Rebecca Foster, Callie and Dallas Stephens. The Stephens family minus Mom, Donna, who had a flat tire from hitting a piece of iron on the freeway and had to be rescued, also brought the refreshments. We had some home made chocolate marshmallow crispies that I didn't even know existed! They were very good along with some cold refreshing watermelon. Thanks guys! There weren't any door prizes since we were having the silent auction.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

May 11 Ray visited Los Sanderos grade school in Camarillo. He presented an hour-long program to three classes of second grade students, one class after another. In all there were sixty students with six adults. This was a very active group, with lively interest. They were thrilled to see and pat the big skulls and other fossils Ray took for their enjoyment.

Shawne Lardin was present, to see how much is involved in the visits to schools.

After Ray gives a program to a school, he receives bundles of letters from the children.

Dear Mr. Meisenheimer, - Thank: you for showing us your rock collection I liked the pyrite. It was very shiny. The shark teeth were HUGE. I liked the dinosaur claws they were so big. Maybe I will be a geologist when I grow up.

Dear Mr. Meisenheimer - Thank you for coming to our school to show us your rocks. I really liked the green rock (chrysocolla). You are good finding rocks.

Dear Mr. Meisenheimer - Thank you for coming to our school to show us your rocks. I really liked the crystal.

Dear Mr. Meisenheimer - I liked your pretty rocks. I liked the crystal because it was shiny and white.

Dear Mr. Meisenheimer - Thank you for coming to our school. The shark teeth were so cool because I've only seen the big ones. I thought the pumice was so heavy, but it wasn't. My favorite rock was the jade, because you could see through it.

Editors's Note: Thanks Ray for all you do with the programs and thanks to you as well Shawne for accompanying him.

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, May 24, 2006:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ed Clark at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
     The April meeting and May board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Ed Clark welcomed everyone and directed members in the pledge to the flag. Educational cases are being put together by the tri-clubs and Ed reminded everyone to support the effort by collecting and/or donating specimens. We still have no show chairperson for the upcoming year.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c to accept it as stated. Richard also stated that help will be needed for the County Fair set up. July 21-23 will be for hobbies and July 28-30 for gem & mineral entries.
Ron Wise - The Palo Verde trip has been postponed with a date to be announced at a later time. The Madras Pow Wow in Oregon is coming up next.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of the month is the deadline for submissions and articles to the bulletin.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray has also received a quantity of rock and mineral material from an estate whose owner donated it to the CFMS endowment fund. The material will be made available to clubs and at shows with proceeds going to the endowment fund. Ray presented a lecture and demonstration with the assistance of Shawne Lardin to 60 students and 6 adults at a year round school in Oxnard. Ray next presented raffle prizes to those who had the drawn ticket numbers.
Florence Meisenheimer - The Federation show is coming up on June 9-11 at Calaveras. Florence also announced that Shirley Layton was nominated and voted in as the CFMS Rockhound of the Year. Congratulations Shirley!
     Ed next directed everyone to the tables at the front of the room and proceeded with the silent auction of materials donated by club members.
     Refreshments were provided by Donna, Dallas & Callie Stephens.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, June 1st, 2006, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St. in Ventura, all are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held June 28, 2006.
     There being no further business, Ed adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, June 1st, 2006:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Ron Wise at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 1, 2006, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura.
Present: Ron Wise, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Dave Mautz, Shirley Layton, Lowell Foster and Greg Davis.
Old business:
Ray Meisenheimer - A rock sale, of his collection, is still on going at Ray's house. Contact him for more info. Angel's Camp is scheduled for June 9-11.
Ron Wise - Tumbling grit has been received from Cal Clason for resale to our club members. A notice will be made when it's packaged and ready to be distributed.
Richard Bromser - It was m/s/c to have Michael Kokinos proceed with State tax exemption status. Deposits from the silent auction will be deposited in July. To change by-laws, it must be read at one general meeting and voted on at the next general meeting.
New business:
Richard Bromser - Printed copies of the financial statement for the month of May were issued, reviewed and it was m/s/c to accept the financial statement as printed. Richard also suggested we plan a show meeting, possibly at the IBEW Hall. A date will be considered and announced.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of the month is the deadline for submissions and articles to the bulletin.
Florence Meisenheimer - Material, including rough and slabs, has been acquired by the CFMS from an estate in Maryland, the proceeds from which will benefit the CFMS endowment fund.
Lowell Foster - Possible presentations for monthly meetings include "Rockhounds the Movie" video tape, the Desert Tortoise Preservation Crew, another silent auction and perhaps a show case preparation program. A suggestion was made to allot expenses for (non-member) presenters to travel to our monthly membership meetings. Although not new, the practice will be examined and possibly updated with further discussion required.
Ron Wise - July will offer the Madras, Oregon show on June 29-July 2nd.
     The next general meeting will be on June 28, 2006 at the Lexington 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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Build a Safe Rock Garden.

Do not use any of the following rocks or mineral in your rock garden:

• Antimony - a bright white mineral, contains arsenic.
• Cinnabar - a vivid red mineral, contains mercury.
• Galena - a silvery shiny mineral, contains lead.
• Fluorite - a violet or yellow mineral, contains fluorine.
• Realgar - a vivid red mineral, contains mercury.
• Malachite - a green banded mineral, contains copper.
• Kaolin - smooth and white, absorbs water and then expands.
• Obsidian - a dark and glassy material, spalls off in sharp needles.
• Alabaster - a white or gray material, is water soluble.
• Gypsum - a clear and shiny material, is water soluble.

From the Rockfinder 9/99 via Breccia June 2006.

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MEMBERSHIP.

We have no new members to report, but would encourage everyone to seek out our newer members at the meetings to make them feel at home and glad they came. If you are in need of membership applications or another 2006 directory please contact our membership chair person, Shirley Bromser.

(Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the following so you can place an order move the mouse cursor to the left of the word 'Attention', push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the ad with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the ad. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part with the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know.)

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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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

Prineville G&MS Annual Show,
Madras Pow Wow,
June & July 2006.

     The Prineville G&MS has their annual show June 22 thru the 25. They stated that they are going to have three field trips, an auction and a pot luck dinner. I have been guaranteed that they will not duplicate the same field trips as the Madras Pow Wow. I know it is a long drive all the way to central Oregon but when you add the Madras Pow Wow it sounded like a great trip.
     The Madras Pow Wow runs from June 28 to the 2nd of July. I was told that they plan to run two field trips a day during the show. I was unable to get printed information about the show.
     Jean and I will be leaving for Oregon on the 16th of June so if you want additional information call before the 15th.
     Pray for good weather and trip over good rocks.
     Ron Wise.

Rockhounds - Cerro Gordo Mine,
A "Cool" Field Trip for June,
June 25, 2006.

Cerro Gordo is an old silver, lead, and tin mine located a cool 9000 feet above sea level in the Inyo Mountains out of Lone Pine. The site is brimming with minerals. Views of the Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mount Whitney are spectacular! The historical museum and buildings add to the interest having the feel of the frontier.

The yearly Lone Pine G&MS field trip offers the only opportunity for collecting at Cerro Gordo. There are about 150 minerals that have been found at the site, some of them fluorescent. The trip is well worth the $5.00 admission fee!

     Date: June 25, 2006.
     Time: 8:00 a.m.
     Place: Lee's Chevron at the south end of Lone Pine on Highway 395.
     Leader: Frances Pedneau. Contact him at: 760-876-4319 or franceem@qnet.com.

I will be unavailable after June 14.

Ron Wise.

Greenhorn Mountains,
TriClub Field Trip,
August 18-20, 2006.

For those of you who like to go someplace cool in August, our next field trip is scheduled for the Greenhorn Mountains on the 18th to the 20th of August. We'll hunt rose quartz in the Greenhorn Mountains near Lake Isabella. The meeting place will be the Panorama Campground (maps will be available at July VGMS club meeting). We'll caravan to the dig site at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Bring a sack lunch and stay the day. If you think it will be too hot, not likely and if the wind is blowing it can be very cool. Bring an extra windbreaker just in case. We'll be cooling off in the campground at 7,200 feet altitude!

The road is narrow and windy, especially from Glennville on. It is a good 4 hours by car, take Rancheria Road. Rancheria Road is dirt and gravel road but scenic and much quicker than Jack Ranch Road the alternative for trailers and motor homes.

Brett Johnson of the Oxnard Club is leading this trip. Call him at 984-8872 if you are planning to attend this field trip.

Ron Wise.

CO-OP MEMBER & OTHER FIELD TRIPS FOR 2006,
Information correct as of 5/11/06.

Who may attend: Members of a CFMS Society that is in good standing. All non-CFMS members must become a member to attend.

• Contact the field trip leader beforehand to sign up and for further information.
• Remember to wear your name badge and sign in with the field trip leader.
• A Consent and Assumption of Risk Waiver of Liability form must be signed upon arrival at meeting site.
• CO-OP website has information: www.coop.5u.com. (Close the new window to return here.)

Aug. 12, 13 Lakeview, OR - Tallman Show & Field Trips.
Aug. 21-23 Virgin Valley, NV - For Opal - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club.
Sept. 2-4 Cedarville, CA - For petrified wood, fossil leaves, agate, obsidian. - Fossils for Fun Club.
Oct. 2-6 Petrified Forest National Park, AZ - Fossils for Fun.
Oct. 7 Soapstone Ridge, CA - For soapstone. - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Club.
Oct. 14, 15 Searles Lake, Trona, CA -For halite, hanksite, other minerals.
Nov. Barstow, CA Area - Mother Lode Gem and Mineral Club.

MLMS Ghost Sheet June 2006.

TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIPS 2006:
Tentative Schedule 5/14/2006.
Contact field trip leader to confirm
that there is a field trip scheduled.

Virtual Field Trips IV:
The Agate Page.

http://csd.unl.edu/agates/agatepage.asp: (Close the new window to return here.)
     When I first entered into this hobby, I knew very little about gems and minerals. (Some might say I still don't.) Fortunately, I met many great people in our club who took time to identify stuff I lugged back from my first trips into the desert. (Spell check says leaverite isn't a real word.) They explained geological processes and shared their lapidary skills in our shop. They also talked. (Boy, can some talk!) Through it all, I slowly found that one material more than any other caught my fancy: agate. Though I had seen geodes and possessed a couple small pieces of fortification agate inherited from my grandparents, I never knew that this cryptocrystalline stuff could be found in so many patterns, colors, or (most importantly) locations. I bought a pile of the Gem Trail books and browsed through old Gem and Mineral magazines for two reasons. First, obviously I wanted to find agates myself so I needed to know where to look. Second, I just wanted to see pictures of as many specimens as I could. I wanted to see examples of what could be found here as well as elsewhere, and besides, these stones are just darn pretty.
     Soon, my search moved over to the internet, and I came across many sites displaying agates. One stood out - the Agate Page - a database put together by the University of Nebraska. This site is immense. It includes an alphabetical listing of hundreds of worldwide agate localities titled, "Agate Lexicon and Glossary of Agate, Jasper, Opal and other Amorphous, Cryptocrystalline, or Spherulitic Forms of Gem Silicon Dioxide" at http://csd.unl.edu/agates/agatelexiconletter.asp?Agate=A. (Close the new window to return here.) Though this specific site does not fall within the scope of my column (no images), it is fascinating browsing and easy to use. An alphabet is listed on top of the page. Click a letter and all agates types and locations where it is found are given. Most entries provide the agate's name, location found, name varieties, description, historical notes, and bibliographical references. Letter 'A' alone has over 220 descriptions. The database itself has over 3000.
     The part of the website that caught my attention is called "The Agate Page" and is a visual depository of agate images from around the world. (See link at beginning of article.) It is a wonderful way of quickly seeing a wide variety of agates in a short period of time. It includes old world types such as the agates of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, and newer sources, as from Agate Creek, Australia. (Sure makes me wish I traveled more.) Even though the variety is great, the site is not exhaustive. If you wander the site long enough, you will note gaps in the collection.
     User interface is simple. The agate images can be called up by clicking on one of seven drop-down menus. These are labeled "Country", "Continent", "Contributor", "United States", "Canada", "Mexico", and "Australia". When you click on one heading you can choose from any location provided from that region. Once the destination is chosen, a series of records is brought up at the bottom of the screen, and you can scroll down to see the different agates. Some places only have a few images. Alaska has two. Some have several pages worth. The information is spare: location, image size, image provider, etc. But for me, that's okay. I came to this place to see what could be found the world over, and this collection fulfills that need. It is a nice virtual museum that has been provided by the University of Nebraska. Spend some time there and save some gas money!
     Next month - The Agate Page and Arizona Locations.

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Snyder's Pow Wow.

Thanks to the invitation and hospitality of Mel and Sharon Hixson, Greg and I attended the Snyder's Pow Wow in early May. We didn't complete the first row of vendors before finding exactly what we'd come looking for--the biggest cache of ocean jasper we'd ever seen! We must've spent nearly two hours going through the buckets and salivating at the large, beautiful chunks of rock trying to decide just what to buy--like kids in a candy store! We finally made up our mind (emptying our wallets:) and brought home some great specimens but left some favorites behind for others to buy and enjoy. We walked through the rest of the show feeling very satisfied even though we'd spent all our money at one stop.

On the way to and from Snyder's Mel and Sharon shared a wealth of information about the gold country--it was like having our own personal tour guides! One of the things I learned is that all the mounds and piles of river rock are tailings from gold mining in the 1800's. We didn't realize how mining had affected the environment and scarred the landscape, even changing the path of some rivers. The old, rusting remnants of mining equipment and ancient buildings along the route are also part of the interesting history. Some locals have taken to collecting and separating the river rock by size and to sell for landscaping.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. It was a source of pride to know that we, as members of VGMS, support the museum with our dues. While we were there the docents were hosting a large group of students, educating them about rocks, minerals and the history of the gold rush.

Before leaving for home we took some time to collect chiastolite, an aluminum silicate crystal found in the area. The cross crystals are fascinating and made some fun jewelry.

It was truly a fun and memorable trip and our thanks go out to Mel and Sharon. We now know why they love their place in Mariposa! They had us talking about what parcels in the area were for sale.

Valli and Greg Davis.

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A Real Ghost Town?

     There is a Ghost Town called Cerro Gordo (near Lone Pine, CA), an historic silver mining town which was established around 1869, elevation 8,500 feet. Only a few buildings remain, one being an old bunkhouse, built very early in the 1900's.
     A few years ago a few rockhounds went there for a "mine dump dig" held at Cerro Gordo; an annual hunt in search of blue Smithsonite. The blue variety of Smithsonite is found near zinc deposits. Besides the call of the Ghost Town, you can have a nice view of the valley and there is a museum to visit
     The rockhounds were up and at it early Saturday morning and worked on the dump hill until late afternoon. According to the story it is possible to find some blue Smithsonite; a nice size specimen was found, but mostly small or quite small.
     It was possible to rent a room in the old bunkhouse, or even an old house for the night from the caretaker. This young lady was by herself and felt too tired to go home Saturday evening. After she had paid for the room the old caretaker told her the history of the old bunkhouse.
     "After you enter the front door there is a living/dining room on the left, a kitchen on the right, and a hallway down the center. There are 3 bedrooms on the right of the hallway and bedrooms on the left. I chose the first bedroom on the right, which was a good choice I learned. Apparently the last bedroom on the left is known as the 'ghost room'".
     When female visitors stay in that room, a female spirit likes to play with their makeup and lingerie. And sometimes someone taps on their shoulder in the middle of the night. Saturday evening a gentleman was staying in that particular room but he wasn't concerned. Then I was told that Thursday evening a gentleman had stayed in the room across the hall from mine. During the night someone had tugged on his shirt collar. So I felt relieved that I had chosen a "safe" room. That is, until I learned that the bunkhouse is powered by a generator. There are no light switches inside the bedrooms. Once the generator's turned off at bedtime, you can't turn on a nightlight or keep your bedroom light on all night.
     Being practical, I had decided that I would just stay underneath my sleeping bag all night and never peek out, no matter what I heard. I would rationalize all noises as explainable. That didn't last very long. After the usual creaks in the ceiling and floors, I hear someone walking down the hallway. I stayed very still and didn't move. When I heard it for the second time, my heart started pounding and I started breathing rapidly. I was frozen. No door had opened to let anyone into the hallway. Then I heard a noise above my head on the wall by the bed. I still didn't move or peek. After what seemed like an eternity, I fell asleep from exhaustion.
The next morning, I told the other occupant about the footsteps in the hallway. He swore to me that he never left his room during the night. I then told the owners about the noise in the wall. I told them that I assumed there was a rat or mouse in the wall. You can imagine my surprise when I was told that was impossible. The wall behind my head was 3/4 inch thick wood. No hollow spaces or insulation.
     Who or what made the noises she heard in the night?
     Does that give you an idea for some rockhounding as well as fun? Sounds like a place to have an interesting adventure.

Ref: Real Ghosts in a Ghost Town, by Jean Buetow, from Rock Chippings July 1999 via The Petrified Log December 2005.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

How Geologic Time Periods
Got Those Crazy Names.

     The three geologic periods are the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, from the Greek for ancient, middle, and recent life. They are divided into 11 periods most of them names for places where rocks from that period were first discovered.
     The Cambrian Period (570 to 500 millions years ago) is named for Cambria (or Wales). The next two periods also have Welsh names: Ordovidan and Silurian for the two Welsh tribes, the Ordovicies and the Siluries.
     The Devonian is named for the Devonshire, and Cretaceous comes from Creta, Latin for chalk. Creta refers to the white cliffs of Dover.
     The Jurassic is named for the Jura Mountains in Germany and the Permanian for Perm in Russia's Ural Mountains.
     The Triassic got its name because it was really divisible into three parts. And the Carboniferous is named for carbon, because most coal deposits date to that period.
     The most recent periods are the Tertiary and Quaternary named for types of rocks dated to those times. They are divided into epochs, whose names all end in "cene", a Greek root meaning recent.
     Pleistocene is from the Greek for the most recent. Preceding it are the Pliocene, Miocene, Oligocene, Eocene, and Paleocene, for the most recent, less recent, little recent, early recent, and oldest recent.

From Flint Flashes 9/93 via Napa Gems 6/06.

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Botryoidal, Oolitic, Pisolitic, and Reniform;
"How to Read" Rock and Mineral Literature,
By Zebu William Rike III,
Pine Country Gem and Mineral Society.

We read the Report by Masters and Johnson, and our son (high school age) asked us how we could read it. Our answer was "with one finger in the glossary, another in the dictionary." Perhaps we can rest our fingers if we review some of the terms used with rocks and minerals. The subject of the article was suggested when I read about the Catahoula formation (source of East Texas petrified palm wood), and the title was mandated by the March club meeting.

In reference to the Catahoula formation (1), the deposit is described as being 'pyroclastics interbedded with fluviatile deposits,, 'tuffaceous' varying from 'unindurated' to highly 'indurated' 'silicified porcelainite' rock, in some places cemented by opaline silica to the extent that the rock would be classified as quartzite, breaking with a conchoidal fracture. [Not bad--in one sentence, eleven valid rock-related terms not included in the Microsoft spelling check dictionary.]

The following list is, of course, not exhaustive, but I hope it will be helpful:

• Acicular - needle like crystals, as rutile in quartz, or "rutilated quartz".
• Aeolian - referring to deposits by the winds.
• Amorphous - "without form", glassy, no crystalline form.
• Botryoidal - aggregates of globules resembling "cluster of grapes".
• Concretionary - formed by deposition of a mineral around some initial nucleus.
• Cleavage - refers to tendency of most minerals to break along definite planes.
• Conchoidal - break looking like the shape of a shell, characteristic of quartz and obsidian.
• Cryptocrystalline - 'hidden crystals', very finely crystalline, appearing amorphous.
• Drusy - surface covered by very fine crystals, usually quartz.
• Fluviatile - refers to river deposits.
• Foliated - minerals that are easily cleaved into flakes or scales, the extreme being micaceous cleavage of mica.
• Fracture - refers to breakage of a mineral that does not have cleavage.
• Gneiss - a laminated or foliated metamorphic rock corresponding in composition to granite.
• Hacky - fracture to give a broken surface resembling broken wood.
• Igneous - derived from molten rock, magma. Lava is magma minus dissolved gases.
• Indurated - hardened to give a rock.
• Lacustrine - referring to deposits in lakes.
• Loess - fine grained aeolian deposits of clay, very fine sand and mica flakes, calcareous material, etc. (pronounced 'luss').
• Luster - refers to the surface appearance of a mineral under reflected light; includes:
       Metallic - luster of metals and many metal ores, opaque on thin edges (pyrite);
       Sub-metallic - glassy-metallic look, hard to describe (as columbite or wolframite);
       Non-metallic - luster of a mineral transparent on thin edges and light colored;
       Vitreous - looks like glass (quartz);
       Resinous - appearance of resin;
       Greasy - oily appearance (nepheline);
       Pearly - appearance of mother-of-pearl (talc);
       Silky - like silk due to fibrous structure (asbestos, satin spar);
       Adamantine - brilliant (like diamond) (but note that a diamond crystal has a greasy luster).
• Mammaform, mammillary - shape reminiscent of the mammary gland (look it up in the dictionary, kids).
• Metamorphic - rock changed in form by heat, pressure, and perhaps superheated water.
• Microcrystalline - crystals too small to be seen with the unaided eye.
• Oolitic - resembling small eggs; limestone made of globular concretions the size of fish eggs.
• Pisolitic - referring to limestone made up of globular concretions about the size of a pea.
• Pumice - upper layers of obsidian (volcanic glass) containing numerous, very fine bubbles; usually light enough to float on water.
• Pyroclastic - refers to rock fragments ejected by an explosive volcanic eruption.
• Reniform - kidney shaped.
• Scoria - the upper layers of lava with larger, more isolated cavities from gas bubbles.
• Sedimentary - deposits laid down by transport by water, wind, ice, or landslide.
• Schistose - having the character or structure of a schist.
• Stalactitic - in form of a stalactite.
• Streak - color of powdered mineral as observed by scratching a specimen across a "streak plate" of unglazed porcelain; it is more characteristic than the color of metallic minerals.
• Till - completely unsorted debris shoved downhill and dumped by a glacier; it contains everything from fine clay and ground rock dust to boulders, some with flat, polished faces from being in base of glacier and ground along bedrock.
• Tillite - the most heterogeneous of all rocks as it is consolidated till.
• Tuffaceous - related to or resembling tuff.
• Tuff - volcanic ash, a fine grained pyroclastic ejecta consisting of pumice, broken volcanic rock, and volcanic glass. Volcanic ash is misleading as 'ash' refers to a residue from burning.
• Unindurated - loose, not consolidated to rock.

References:
(1) Bulletin 3232. 'Stratiographic Geology of Texas'. The University of Texas.

Rest of the terms found by browsing in:
(2) Field Book of Common Rock and Minerals, F.B. Loomis, G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York and London, 1948.
(3) Mineralogy, John Sinkankas, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1964.
(4) Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged: Philip Babcock Gove, G. C. Merriam Company, Springfield, Mass., 1976 (a fascinating book with lots of characters but no discernable plot; a teacher once told us that '-ology' on the end of a word meant 'knowledge of' or 'study of', and I read from the beginning, until I found 100 examples of this).

Via The Pineywood Rooter 4/2006 via Breccia June 2006.

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

When working with a soft stone such as onyx or marble, soak it in water for a couple of days before cutting. This will keep oil from soaking in to discolor the stone and will result in a higher polish. - Author unknown via Gneiss Times May-June 2006.

Selecting a Chain - With our many years of repairing chains, we would like to pass along to you some important tips for choosing a chain.
   1. Decide if you will be wearing a pendant on your chain. This alone will help determine the type of chain that will give you the best service. Many flat link Italian chains cannot support even the lightest weight pendant.
   2. A chain should be smooth. If it has sharp bites when you run it through your fingers, it will be uncomfortable to wear. In time it will wear out whatever you hang on it.
   3. A chain should be flexible, especially if you wear pendants. If a chain will not bend, it will kink and often break. You can tell if a chain is flexible by letting it coil in the palm of your hand.
   4. A chain should have soldered links for strength. Most flat link chains and Italian style chains are soldered and then run through a rolling mill, which may break or weaken the solder joints.
   5. Avoid hollow chains. Gold is an expensive metal. Consumers should be aware that to cut cost, many imported chains are made with hollow links. If you could see a cross section of one of these, it would look like gold foil. How do these chains hold up? They don't, worst of all they are impossible to repair. In our shop, we will not repair hollow chains. They are a nightmare.

The Olson Company of Seattle, Washington via Quarry Quips Wichita Gem and Mineral Society April 2006.

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SHOW DATES.

2006 CFMS SHOWS.

JULY 1-2; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veteran's Memorial Complex, Culver City Veteran's Mem. Auditorium, 4117 Overland Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Website: CulverCityRocks.org. (Close the new window to return here.) Richard Shaffer (310) 391-8429. Email: maryellenandrick@aol.com.
AUGUST 4-6; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, "Earth's Treasures", St. Joseph's Church, 298 South Thompson Avenue. Hours: 10-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt (805) 929-3788.
AUGUST 5-6; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Avenue & Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott (415) 564-4230.
SEPTEMBER 16-17; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park and Museum, 2010 Riverside Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Joyce Baird (805) 462-9544. Email: liljoysee@charter.net.
SEPTEMBER 23-24; CARMEL, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 755-7741. Email: sky@familystones.net. Website: www.cvgms.org. (Close the new window to return here.)
SEPTEMBER 23-24; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Teresa Widdison (562) 867-1521. Email: twiddison72@aol.com.
SEPTEMBER 23-24; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Vernao Norte, Rancho Bernardo, CA. Hours: 10-4 both days. Kim Hutsell (619) 294-3914. Email: info@sandiegolapidarysociety.org.
OCTOBER 14-15; GRASS VALLEY, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral "Earth's Treasures". Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road. Hours: 10-4 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
OCTOBER 14-15; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society "Gem-O-Rama", Searles Lake Gem & Mineral, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Email: jbfairchild@verizon.net.
OCTOBER 21-22; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Alex Stoltz (530) 474-4400.
OCTOBER 21-22; WHITTIER, CA - Whittier Gem & Mineral Society, Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jay Valle (626) 934-9764. Email: res19pnb@verizon.net.
OCTOBER 28-29; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club, San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 Airport Way. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Jim Dunlap (209) 478-0747. Web Site: www.stocktonlapidary.com. (Close the new window to return here.)
OCTOBER 28-29; VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Mary Anne Mital (760) 758-4599.
NOVEMBER 4-5; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Hours: 10-5 each day. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287. Email: williamrmckay@hotmail.com.
NOVEMBER 4-5; LANCASTER, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, "Rock n Gem Roundup", Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2552 West Avenue H. Hours: 9-5 both days. Susan Walblom (661) 943-1861. E-mail: pgmc@antelecom.net.
NOVEMBER 4-5; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center (behind Hampton Inn), 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4. Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.
NOVEMBER 10, 11, 12; SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, 64th Annual "Harvest of Gems", Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street. Hours: Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Sheldon Shuper (916) 383-9153. Email: jfosback@aol.com.
NOVEMBER 11-12; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral "Festival Of Gems & Minerals", Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds (Franklin Hall), 442 Franklin Avenue. Hours: 9-4 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
NOVEMBER 18-19; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophites, The Barn, 3131 Pacific Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Joyce & Dick Friesen (925) 447-8223. Email: friesenjoyce@lxinetcom.net.
NOVEMBER 18-19; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Norb Kinsler (805) 644-6450. Show Website: www.ogms.net. (Close the new window to return here.)
NOVEMBER 25-26; VICTORVILLE, CA - Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Joe Kosik (760) 241-0894.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2006.

NORTHWESTERN FEDERATION,
July 14-16, Kelso, WA.

EASTERN FEDERATION,
November 17-19, West Palm Beach, FL.

SOUTHEASTERN FEDERATION/AFMS,
August 14-20, Nashville, TN.
Middle Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society Convention: 8/15-20; Show: 8/18-20. Hotel Preston @ 733 Briley Parkway. Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Creative Arts Bldg., Wedgewood Avenue. Show hours: Fri./Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5. Website: www.mtgms.org/show.htm. (Close the new window to return here.) (There's also a link from the AFMS website). Lewis Elrod (615 893-8270. email: mlfelrod@yahoo.com.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
August 18-20, Bossier City, LA.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

I want to thank all those who have contributed to the bulletin and get it to me on a timely basis. It definitely makes our job easier and your input makes it more interesting. We are still in need of photos from your experiences. I think the photo page is fun, but need your input. Sharing is fun for all! Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

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A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"
"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.
"Just say what Mommy would say," the wife answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

From the Gringo Gazette June 2006.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Prospector - A person engaged in the exploration, discovery and testing of minerals from a naturally occurring deposit. After a discovery of a deposit thought to be of economic interest, the prospector will stake claims on the property in order to reserve his or her rights to the deposit for eventual mining, mineral property sale or exchange. The process of staking claims applies to discoveries on Federal Lands within the United States, administered under the "1872 Mining Law", established on May 10, 1872.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, June 2006. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

Monitor - Also called a "Giant", a type of water cannon used in hydraulic mining for the extraction of gold and other precious metals from high-standing sedimentary rock units (placer deposits). The monitor, made of iron, directs the flow of water under high pressure from a pipe to the working face of the hydraulic mine. This figure shows a double-jointed monitor connected to a pipeline by a flanged joint. It can swing horizontally through a full circle with use of the king-bolt (K) at joint (J) and vertically at joint (M). The weight of the nozzle (N) is counterbalanced with use of the lever (S) and weighted box (P). The weighted box is filled with cobbles or scrap iron to the appropriate weight to counter the nozzle weight (while, at the same time, considering opposing forces from the jetting action of the water spout). The lug (L) is bolted to a large, heavy timber which is securely anchored to the ground.

As high-pressure water is expelled from the nozzle, air bubbles will form in the water spout. The combined forces of the accelerated water and exploding air bubbles (cavitation) causes the sedimentary unit to disintegrate. High banks of the rock units at the working face of the mine are broken by undercutting and caving. Larger boulders are removed by human labor when possible. Water and loose sediment is diverted into sluice boxes in order to separate the gold from the sediment. Most of the expense and hard labor involved in hydraulic mining had to do with the construction of canals and pipelines for the diversion of water from a continuous, reliable source to the monitor(s). Water diversion systems were often damaged by storm related flooding. Ironically, the natural hydraulic forces that deposited gold in stream channels were also harnessed by man to extract the gold...and, with time, these same natural forces eventually destroyed most water diversion systems. (See also the VGMS "Educational Corner" for January 2004. Close the new window to return here.)

Text written by Steve Mulqueen.

Illustration source: This illustration is from "Mining Engineering Handbook", Volume I, written by Robert Peele, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 4th edition, 1948, chapter 10, page 553.

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, Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, June 2006.

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VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

All Photos Contributed by Steve Mulqueen;
All Photos taken by Howard Boardman, May 2006.

1. Mining Museum at Jerome, AZ - "Pottie" used by Underground Miners.

2. Mining Museum at Jerome, AZ - "Pottie Cart" used by Underground Miners showing the wheels for moving it.

3. Grand Canyon and the Colorado River from the South Rim.

4. Grand Canyon and the Colorado River from the South Rim showing a Raft.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.