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

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
May 2008.

Rockhound Rambling Photo of the Month.
This month's photo is by Mary Polacek.

Description: Unpolished slab, Owyhee Picture Jasper, which is found in the region known as "The Owyhees", which encompasses part of southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho. In the Northwest it is referred to as the "King of Picture Jasper".

Rambling Picture of the Month is photographed by a VGMS Member. Subject may be a specimen in their own collection or a rock, mineral, gem or lapidary creation of others, accompanied with documentation of subject origin. Selection is at the discretion of the editor. Submit candidate photos to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.

Permission is granted to quote any item, if proper credit is given. Exchange Editors: email to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com or mail to 3063 Bayshore Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001-4125.

For the record, any unsigned articles are by the Editor.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS;
• BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PROGRAM REVIEW;
• PROGRAM SCHEDULE;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH;
• MEETING MINUTES;
• CHIPS AND BOULDERS;
• FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN;
• HINTS AND TIPS;
• LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE;
• GEMS FROM THE PAST;
• FEDERATION NEWS;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• A PEBBLE PUP'S FIRST SAFARI;
• LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2008.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

We are now halfway through the Spring season and the warmer weather has finally arrived. Many people are busy planning their vacations for the summer months. Don't forget to include a mineral show or a field trip in your travels. These are great ways to see new things and to meet new faces.

The California Federation of Mineralogical Societies' Annual Show will be held June 27-29th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Many of our members will be attending and participating. Please plan on volunteering to support the Kids' Booth and Silent Auction. Also plan to put in competitive and/or regular exhibits. Don't let the thought of competition scare you off. It's a great way to get feedback on your cases and improve your display.

See you there!

Ed Clark,
President.

  Table of Contents.

WORDS TO LIVE BY.

Eat fewer suppers, and you will need fewer medicines.

If you have something to do tomorrow, do it today.

Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa.

Everything is always okay in the end; if it's not, then it's not the end.

Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

  Table of Contents.

UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS.

Workshop Work Day - Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am-Noon, Museum.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, May 28, 7:30 pm, The Lexington, Ventura.
Magazine Sort - Sunday, June 1, Noon-3:00 pm, 2767 Main St., Ventura.
Board Meeting - Thursday, June 5, 7:30 pm, The Lexington, Ventura.
Bulletin Article Deadline - Sunday, June 8, vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.
Workshop - Saturday, June 21, 9:00 am-Noon, Museum, CALL TO CONFIRM.

If omitted, the time, location or address can be found on the VGMS Info Page. (Close the new window to return here.)

  Table of Contents.

BIRTHDAYS.

Lowell Foster - May 5,
Leilani Polacek - May 14,
Nancy Bogart - May 17,
David Mautz - May 20,
Terri Bryant - May 25,
Carolina Wharmby - May 28.

Steve Mulqueen - June 1,
Wayne Ehlers - June 3,
Elizabeth Nightlinger - June 8,
Shirley Layton - June 23,
Kathryn Davis - June 27,
Esther Barshai - June 28.

We wish all of you good health and hope you have a very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Emerald Occurrence And Diagnostic Features.
Emerald (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) occurs most often in mica schists of metamorphic-hydrothermal origin wherein the schists and other associated host rocks formed by chemical interaction between granitic rocks or pegmatites and the enclosing basic (silica-deficient) rocks. The chemical ingredients necessary for the formation of beryl frequently migrate from the granitic material into the adjoining basic rocks where the beryl crystallizes, changing the original basic rock composition through the process known as exometamorphism. If the basic rocks contain the elements chromium or vanadium, small amounts of these elements may be incorporated into the beryl structure thereby giving the intense green color characteristic of the gem beryl variety emerald.

Some of the world's most famous emerald deposits in Columbia are of hydrothermal origin where heated mineral bearing waters or gases from deep igneous sources later cooled and crystallized along fractures in carbonate rocks. Associated minerals in these deposits are dolomite, pyrite, calcite, quartz and albite.

Because of emerald's relatively high hardness and specific gravity, it is sometimes found in eluvial and aluvial deposits. Emerald is usually recognized by its color, form, hardness and specific gravity.

Emerald Historical Information and Uses.
The name emerald is thought to be of the Ancient Greek word smaragdos meaning green stone which was originally applied to a variety of green colored minerals.

Emerald is used as a gemstone. The most desired color is an intense grass green which is considered very valuable, even when visible inclusions are present in the faceted gem. Emerald gems are commonly enhanced with oils & resins, and they are generally considered to have undergone such treatments unless they are specifically stated as being untreated or unenhanced. There is some controversy as to the definition of a 'true' emerald. Some say that a true emerald must have the impurity chromium, although some intense grass green colored 'emeralds' colored only by vanadium impurities look exactly the same as the 'real emeralds' with chromium color causing impurities.

Emerald is one of the earliest known gem minerals to man. It has been assigned a very large number of occult properties over the last 6000 years. Some of these Traditional beliefs are that emerald is a symbol of immortality, it is good for the eyes and eyesight, it cures snakebites, encourages and preserves chastity, cures dysentery, prevents epilepsy, promotes cleverness, courage, eloquence, honesty, prosperity and a great number of other beneficial qualities. In general it can be said that emerald is believed to protect against illnesses, physical danger and evil and that it can improve your mind and character.

Source: http://www.mineralminers.com/html/ememinfo.htm.

  Table of Contents.

HOSPITALITY.

At the April 23, 2008 meeting, we had 26 members and 5 pebble pups attend.
     Valli Davis.

Thank you Esther Barshai for providing April's refreshments.

Hostess schedule for upcoming months:
     May - Shawne Lardin,
     June - Wendy Holder,
     July - OPEN,
     August - Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
     September - OPEN,
     October - OPEN,
     November - Pumpkin Potluck,
     December - Holiday Potluck.

Please contact Sharon Cunningham if you would like to volunteer for one of the open hostess months.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM REVIEW
By Lowell Foster.

April 2008 Program - Silent Auction.
Talk about a filled rock bag! I want to thank everyone who attended, purchased, and donated to last month's program. We had a filled room with filled chairs and tables filled with piles of rocks. It was great to see everyone there (though it was a little hot in that space! I hear rumors, though, that we may have a solution soon.). The bidding was fair and busy, with that Blue Forest Limb provoking some of the greatest interest. I believe Rob pulled up his chair right next to it just to make sure he didn't miss outbidding anyone!

Rob deserves a thank you for bringing in the field trip material to display. Others, too, are owed a thank you for bringing items to show others. Hopefully soon there will be more space where we can make this aspect of the meeting more functional. I hope everyone enjoyed the program.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
By Lowell Foster.

May 2008 Program - The Ups and Downs of Displaying.
I am hoping to bring together several people in our club to discuss briefly how displaying at the upcoming two shows (Fair and CFMS) can be done. Primarily, I am planning to have samples of labeling set up so members who have not displayed before know the basics of setting up their tags. This could be for competitive and non-competitive displays. I also want newer members to get excited about displaying. It's a part of our hobby, and I know it would be nice to have a bit of help knowing what is required on those little slips of paper that accompany the rocks, minerals, fossils, and jewelry pieces on display. Finally, if I can find a person willing, some advice on how to coordinate colors in a display might be discussed. (Some people said about my display at our show that the backing material should not be more colorful than the specimens being presented. They had a point.)

  Table of Contents.

MEMBERSHIP.

Welcome New Members.
I encourage everyone to extend a hearty welcome to our newest members, who joined our fair group at our April meeting.

	Chris, Lisa, Destiny, & Jonathan Lopez, 1831 Elsinore Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93035, (805) 985-9898.
	Their interests include minerals, fluorescent minerals, fossils, field trips, and the lapidary arts and jewelry making.
	Angela Ulin & Luther Brown, 1255 East Meta Street, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 653-5677, Ravenwolf2@att.net.
	Their interests include mineral collecting (including geodes), fossils, lapidary arts and jewelry making, field trips for rock hunting, and gem and mineral shows. They're especially interested in learning how to finish cabs and gaining polishing techniques, so anyone with those skills is encouraged to share experiences and tips!

2008 Membership and Directory.
Please add Chris, Lisa, Destiny, Jonathan, Angela, and Luther to your 2008 Club Directory & Yellow Pages. Speaking of which, yes! The 2008 Directory is done! We distributed copies to everyone who attended the April meeting and mailed the rest. If you haven't received yours, or if you would like a second, back-up copy, please call me (805-659-3577). Also, if you spot any necessary corrections or updates, contact me as well, and we'll alert everyone to updates via the newsletter.

We already have one update to report: David Mautz has a new street address. Rather than 3169 Channel Drive, it is now 3163 Channel Drive. And, of course, you should enter in our newest members. You'll find a blank page at the end of the Directory for this very purpose.

Finally, here's an update on membership. We've been fortunate to see many new members join in recent months, and we now stand at 67 adult members and 10 pebble pups and junior members (pebble pups are under age 13; juniors, 13-17). This makes 77 of us altogether.
     Jim Brace-Thompson, Membership Chair.

(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.

  Table of Contents.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

Classroom Presentation.
For many years now I've been reading in several classrooms at Ventura Unified elementary schools on Read Across America Day. As a follow up to class involvement with the rock boxes and the knowledge by the teachers that I'm a member of VGMS, I was asked back by a couple of the teachers to give a presentation on rocks. Although a little hesitant since I'd never done it before, I figured I was pretty safe from strong critique by elementary students. I believe part of my nervousness was the fact that Ray Meisenheimer did such a wonderful job with classrooms as a result of his experience and knowledge. His shoes are impossible to fill and I'd be the last one to make an attempt. Encouraged by Greg's reminder that Ray used to say that the attention span of elementary students was about five minutes, I decided to give it a try, as my way of honoring Ray. Prepared with a brief outline, I wore my vest and VGMS nametag. I took Greg's rock book, several samples of rocks, a magnifying glass and my loupe. As expected, kids were particularly interested in looking at the crystal samples. The presentation went well and I was pleased that feedback from the teacher was positive. Be assured I just did this presentation as a favor to a teacher friend. I wouldn't want anyone to assume that I've filled some role without authorization, certification, etc. But there's a part of me that feels our friend Ray would be pleased that I ventured out of my "safe" zone and had a good time sharing our hobby with kids...perhaps some future rockhounds.
     Valli Davis.

Way to go Valli! We are proud of you.

  Table of Contents.

MEETING MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting;
Wednesday, April 23, 2008:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Nancy Brace-Thompson at 7:30 pm, on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at The Lexington, 5440 Ralston, in Ventura.
     Nancy welcomed visitors and then asked for corrections, if any, to the previously printed board and regular meeting minutes. It was brought to her attention, that Bob Oliver's name was misspelled and that it was Jean Wise who was asking directions to the Federation meeting. With these changes noted, it was m/s/c to accept the minutes.
Rob Sankovich mentioned that the field trip to Jalama Beach will take place this weekend and that the trip to Jade Cove is still scheduled for May 3rd and he will be staying at Plaskett campground.
Jim Brace-Thompson noted that the 2008 directories have been printed and passed out copies to those present. Membership applications have been received for Angela Ulin and Luther Brown. Currently our membership stands at 63 adults and 8 pebble pups. Officer pins had been received and were passed out to those board members who requested them.
     The Federation show, June 27-29, will be of major importance now. Sign up sheets were passed around for the kids' booth and the silent auction volunteer time slots. Fossil and mineral items are also still being sought for both. Sign up sheets for Camp Paradise are now available, and everyone is encouraged to attend and participate in the Conejo show, May 17 & 18.
Valli Davis reiterated the need for a larger meeting room to properly accommodate our members and presentations.
Nancy Brace-Thompson reminded everyone that articles to the bulletin are due to Mary by May 4th. Nancy next read the treasurer's report and the club is solvent.
Shirley Layton reminded members that our web site "chat room" is up and available for all members. The log in sequence was distributed.
Lowell next began the silent auction. A lot of very nice material was brought in and everyone seemed to have a nice time. Lowell is tentatively planning a film for our monthly meeting in May. Sharing with each other at meetings is of importance.
     The next board meeting will be held on June 1st, 2008, at The Lexington and the next monthly membership meeting will be held on May 28, 2008.
     There being no further business, Lowell adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm.
          Respectively Submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting;
Thursday, May 1, 2008:
Present: Lowell Foster, Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson, Ron & Jean Wise, Steve Mulqueen, Andy Anderson, Mary Polacek and Greg Davis.
     The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting for May 1, 2008, was called to order by Ron Wise at 7:30 pm at The Lexington, 5440 Ralston in Ventura.
Old business:
Greg Davis: New locks with matching keys were installed on the two storage units in Santa Paula.
Lowell Foster will coordinate with Mary to continue the task of organizing and cataloging library materials from both storage facilities and museum. An August club picnic is still in the planning stage, with Steve Mulqueen's home or a park as options. Details will follow as soon as possible.
New business:
Ron Wise: Upcoming field trips include Somis for fossils on June 14, Kanan Road in July and Basin Road in November. As the weekend of May 17 is that of the Conejo Show, the next work day at the museum is scheduled for May 24, with more material being relocated to the new storage facility. All willing and able hands will be welcomed starting around 9:00 am.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Exhibit forms for the upcoming Federation show are available on line or from Nancy and all are encouraged to enter and participate. Nancy provided the treasurer's report and statement. It was m/s/c to accept as written.
Jim Brace-Thompson: Jean Wise, our newly appointed Federation Director, will receive a packet from the CFMS including all information concerning show and other meeting times and obligations. Our latest club membership count for 2008 is at 67 adult members and 10 pebble pup/juniors. The new rosters are available and have been distributed.
     Material is still being requested for the Federation Show in June and Debbie Bunn has been contacted regarding the CFMS receiving our club's State mineral collection. Also, Buena Vista Museum will be contacted as they already are displaying some CFMS materials. We may opt to contact Shirley Leeson of the AFMS and see if they would be interested in taking ownership of the display. Camp Paradise flyers are available. The directors for the CFMS show in June have decided to have a door prize raffle and are asking clubs if they can donate something nice for the function. Items will be needed within the next month. It was suggested that our club display case be that of in Ray Meisenheimer's memory. Ron Wise offered to report back on this. Next, Jim asked that new membership applications for Rob & Deb Sankovich, Tom Lagier, the Lopez family (Chris, Lisa, Destiny & Jonathon), Angela Ulin and Luther Brown be accepted. It was m/s/c to do so. Donna Knapton has suggested we hold a seminar on increasing club memberships. It was suggested that it be held at Seaside Park during the federation show. Jim will keep us posted.
     Jim has also been in contact with The Lexington concerning our using the Bijou room again for regular meetings and will report back. He's also contacted the Ventura Senior's Center and found that a larger room is available there at a minimal cost.
Steve Mulqueen: Exhibitor favors have been designed for our 2009 Show (March 7-8). The Santa Paula Oil Museum has agreed to take ownership of the oil derrick display that our club has in storage. Arrangements will be made to transport it during our work day, May 24, at the museum. Steve will coordinate with Greg, this weekend, to pick up club fossils for a new display also at the Santa Paula Oil Museum. Steve is in hopes Ed Clark can digitize more memorable club photos for display in our bulletin. Steve reiterated the need for a club sign and contact number visible from inside the workshop should someone other than club members enter the facility. Greg offered to address the issue and report back.
Mary Polacek: Articles and submissions to the bulletin are requested no later than May 4th. Mary also suggests we reword membership forms to clarify the terms "pebble pup". It was noted and further study will be done. Mary was given a key to the workshop to help facilitate her efforts with organizing library materials.
Lowell Foster: A visit and tour of the Hauser home is being planned for this summer. Lowell will keep us posted. Lowell is tentatively planning on a program for May, demonstrating proper practices for display cases.
     The next general meeting will be on May 28, 2008, at The Lexington and the next board meeting will be on June 5th.
     There being no further business, Ron adjourned the meeting at 9:20 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS AND BOULDERS.

Seeking a New Meeting Room!
As noted in my Membership report, we've been fortunate to see considerable growth in our membership in recent months. With that growth, though, we're now literally spilling out of our current meeting room at the Lexington, and it's clear that we need to find new digs for holding our monthly membership meetings, especially since the current room just isn't set up for programs and presentations. If you know of any large community rooms that may be available, please call me (805-659-3577) with as much info as you can provide about the location of the room and who to contact.
     Jim Brace-Thompson.

Club Magazine Sort.
The Club collection of Rock & Gems and Lapidary Journal magazines was moved to storage at Paul's workplace. I need a few volunteers to meet me at California Office Equipment, 2767 Main St., Ventura, on Sunday, June 1, NOON. The purpose will be to sort the collection by year/month. Each year will be bound and catalogued. The collection will then be moved to Club storage and will be available for loan by advance request. More information will be provided at the regular meeting. If you are interested in volunteering a couple of hours, please call Mary Polacek. Thank you in advance.

Rockbox Workday.
Nancy and Jim Brace-Thompson and Mary Polacek from the VGMS were on-hand at the last Rockbox workday at the Knapton residence on May 10. Members of the OGMS and the CGMS were present as well. Larry and Donna were pleased with the turnout and appreciative of all the help they receive. This is an important project for our local gem and mineral societies and members are encouraged to pitch in at these workdays. The work is not hard and Donna spoils us with her homemade goodies. The next workday is TENTATIVELY scheduled for June 7, anytime after 9:00 am. Please call Donna at 647-8762 to confirm and for address and/or directions.

Where Oh Where Has the Benitoite Gone.
The Rockhound internet groups are on fire this month regarding the BLM closure of the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA), due to seemingly trumped up EPA concerns regarding asbestos levels. The fine for unauthorized access in the CCMA is $1000.00. Following are excerpts from several of the later postings:
     "Access to the Benitoite Gem Mine is now totally closed. The County closed off all the county roads into the Clear Creek Management Area on Tuesday [May 8]. The mine owner cannot get to his mine. That is 70,000 acres effectively closed to rockhounding."
     "The access is closed from all sides including New Idria. Dave Schreiner does not have any way in. It looks like it will be a long time before anyone can go to the Benitoite Gem Mine again, if ever. The KCAC road is paved most of the way but the owner wants way too much money for Dave to rent it for access, this is all assuming the powers that be allowed the KCAC road to be used."
     "You can comment on the future of Clear Creek by writing or emailing the BLM at the addresses below. There is a wealth of information and maps on the Hollister field office's web site at www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister.html. To email your comments on Clear Creek write to cahormp@ca.blm.gov. To write a letter (often letters are paid more attention to): Sky Murphy, Bureau of Land Management, Hollister Field Office, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, California 95023."

  Table of Contents.

FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN.

Field Trip Reviews By Robert Sankovich.

Bishop, California - April 4th to 7th, (Friday - Monday).
This was an Oxnard field trip, eight people were there; Deb and I were the only ones from our club. We had good weather. Saturday we dug for garnets just outside of Bishop. It was warm out, with the Sierra mountains in the background with snow still on them. We dug looking for calcite, which would have the garnets in them. We all found some nice specimens. We then went to another site looking for epidote crystals, of which I found a fair specimen. I also found some green opalite, and some black tourmaline. Sunday I went back to the garnet site and found some nicer crystals. I tried my luck fishing Saturday night, but didn't catch any fish. It got cold out when it got dark. It was a good field trip, Deb and I had fun.

Orange Butte/Joy Valley Arizona.
We drove almost 1600 miles round trip. Our first site was Date Creek, northwest of Phoenix, AZ. We camped Saturday and Sunday nights. Saturday, I went on a walk about looking for the dig sites, but I didn't find the area. Saturday night in camp, just at dusk, Deb and I saw four deer near camp, then a little later a grey fox visited our camp. It came within eight feet of our camp and hung around for a little while. I also saw several jackrabbits while we were here. Sunday I saw a snake, but it wasn't a rattlesnake. Sunday I went on another walk about and found the dig site. After some searching, I found some rocks that had crystal pockets and, using a chisel and hand sledge, I broke out some small quartz clusters.

Monday morning we drove to Bowie, AZ. When we arrived at Bowie, off in the distance we could see Orange Butte. We drove 20 miles to the area and set up camp on the backside of Orange Butte. Tuesday morning I searched the area in front of the Butte, finding some nice chalcedony pieces. I then headed away from the Butte and the chalcedony increased in amount and size. Almost all of it was just chalcedony, which I like, but hardly any of it had fire in it.

It was really windy. I returned to camp to find our shade canopy partially damaged, but I was able to fix it. Wednesday morning I met Ron and Jean Wise from the Ventura club and we searched a lot of area working away from the Butte. We did find a lot of chalcedony, with some showing possible fire, but nothing really spectacular. I did find several pieces of chalcedony bigger then my fist, some even bigger. Returning to camp I found our shade canopy totally destroyed by the wind. The poles were broken, and the wind was blowing. Luckily for us it was late in the day and we were leaving the next morning. The temperature at Orange Butte during the day was around 100 degrees. Date Creek had been in the 90's.

Thursday morning we headed to Payson, northeast of Phoenix. Diamond Point and Payson nodules are located here. We decided to stay at a motel for the two nights we'd be there. We were dirty, tired and the nights were 34 degrees. Payson is around 7000 feet in elevation. It's amazing how good a hot shower can feel after nights of camping. Friday morning we headed out to Diamond Point looking for crystals. There was a sign that stated digging is allowed October to February, the winter months. Here we were in April and nights were 34 degrees; I don't think I'd be digging in the winter! I found the site quickly and searched the area, finding many dig sites. There were boulders that had crystal pockets, but I couldn't use my tools. There is a $5000 fine for digging when you're not allowed. I did find some small quartz clusters as surface rocks. We then headed over to Payson nodules about 13 miles away. The information we had was accurate and we quickly found the site, getting out of the truck we could already see several golf ball sized nodules. I walked up the hill and there were nodules everywhere, some areas looked like a cobble stone road covering the ground. The down side is almost all of them are filled with real tiny white quartz crystals packed tight so the inside just looks white and shiny. There were many broken ones from past collectors strewn all over. I picked up nodules golf ball to bigger than softball sized. I did find one that was already broken; the good news was it was a geode with some small quartz crystals in it. The area around Payson is mountains, woods and rivers. So even though we didn't find the best specimens there, the surrounding area was very nice. Saturday morning we headed home, stopping off at Quartzsite, buying a 5 pound piece of labradorite for $40. On our drive throughout Arizona we did see many different kinds of cactus, which were blooming, and many smaller ones had flowers. All in all, it was a good trip. Some nights were amazing, clear skies, lots of stars.

Each year I'm going to have an out of state field trip. Next year two ideas are AZ to the meteor creator, then to the Petrified forest, then to a site to collect petrified wood. The other trip might be to the Green River formation in Utah/Wyoming, for fish fossils, then to Blue Forest for petrified wood and then on to Montana to look for sapphires. I hope some of you might join us.


Field Trip Previews.

Friday-Saturday, May 30-31; Santa Monica Mountains BioBlitz.
Grab your backpack and join National Geographic and the National Park Service on May 30-31, 2008, from noon to noon.

The Santa Monica Mountains BioBlitz, presented and sponsored by National Geographic and the National Park Service in collaboration with Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and California State Parks, is a 24-hour inventory of the species in the Santa Monica Mountains. Teams of scientists and naturalists, along with volunteers, will comb the mountains' more than 150,000 acres, observing and recording as many species as possible.

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US! Bring your family and friends to the Santa Monica Mountains, and help the experts count species of bugs, birds, bats, and other organisms that reside there.

The goals of the BioBlitz are to add to species lists for as many taxonomic groups as possible and to increase public awareness about bio-diversity in an urban environment.

Group and individual registration available. Classes, clubs, Scout troops encouraged. One adult required for every four children. Children ages 8 and up are best suited for expedition teams, but age-appropriate opportunities will also be available for younger children.

Friday, May 30. Check-in begins at 10 am. Free; Advance registration required. Opening ceremony 11:30 am. BioBlitz begins promptly at noon.
Saturday, May 31. BioBlitz count concludes at noon with closing ceremony and announcement of species count. Celebrate BioDiversity Festival: 1-6 pm. Free; No advance registration required.

For more information and to register, visit nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz.


Upcoming Field Trips 2008 by Robert Sankovich.

Saturday, June 14, Somis.
Hunt for clam and sand dollar fossils. This is a Ventura Club field trip with Ron Wise leading.

Field Trip Schedule 2008.*

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

The Field Trip e-mail list is working, members have current, new information as I finish it. Those going to Jade Cove I was able to send information earlier. You will probably get this information just before the field trip. I get field trip information from other clubs at different times during the month, some with too short of notice for me to put in the bulletin. I will send direct monthly information, maps on club field trips, and updates on weather, other last minute factors that can effect field trips. I'd appreciate it if you signed up, no e-mail addresses will be printed or posted anywhere. Send your e-mail address to mine below. I also updated the field trip information on the Conejo Gem & Mineral Society's website - www.cgamc.org. The information is current and I'll keep updating as I add field trips.

There are lots of field trips to choose from, some close to home and other requiring camping or motels. They're always fun and you will find some nice specimens and make new friends. I find most people on field trips are friendly, nice and willing to share their knowledge and experiences.
     See you there, Robert Sankovich, rmsorca@adelphia.net, 805-494-7734.

  Table of Contents.

HINTS AND TIPS.

Another good rock oil (LA area especially).
Quite a number of people in the LA area have been mentioning a kind of 'amber neutral oil' as what they are using as a cutting oil. Reports have it that the stuff works great and has barely any smell (very light smell). It took me a while, but 2 sources finally came through with the CAS# which is #64742-53-6. I was able to use that to look up the MSDS and the specs all look good as long as you get the low viscosity version of the oil (cst from 6 to 12 or around there for 104F). Also a lot of people have used this oil and like it. It is a Shell product and there is at least one vendor in LA (forgot the name now). I found that if you call Shell oil parent company on the phone, they are very good about looking up local distributors for you in a jiffy. Then just spend a few minutes calling the distributors and tell them the CAS#.
     Eva via LA-ROCKS May 2, 2008 posting.

Tumbling Tips.
     To tumble soft material that is hard to polish, start with the second coarsest grit. Fill tumbler 3/4 or 7/8 full, so the stones will roll and not fall. About 1/4 the normal amount of cerium oxide polishes better than the usual polishers.
          From Owyhee Gem via T-Town Rockhound 07/98.
     When tumbling rocks to polish, you can add desert sand to the first grit in the tumbler. Place plain white rice in with the stones for the last polishing. This will do a wonderful job and the rice will keep the stones from chipping.
          From Southwest Gem 12/96 via Blue Agate News 03/08.
     One of the cardinal rules in using the tumbler is "do not overload." The ideal tumbling load is slightly less than 3/4 full. Use only enough water to fill the voids between the stones, with no more than 1/8 of an inch over the top of the stones. Another item that causes difficulty is the amount of abrasive. Use only enough to cover the surface area of the stones. This usually takes about one pound of #100 grit for each 8 pounds of rock. This may be further reduced as the #400 and #600 grit is used, as the finer particles possess more surface area, and 3/4 pound of grit with eight pounds of rock is usually sufficient.
          From Southwest Gem 07/00 via Blue Agate News 03/08.

Removing Lacquer.
Ever want to remove a lacquer coating from an otherwise nice piece of lapidary material? Want to avoid using harsh chemicals? Here is a tip for you. Obtain some apple cider vinegar, the brown colored kind. Submerge the lacquered object in it, leave for a week, then remove and scrape off the lacquer with your thumbnail or other appropriate blunt tool. Repeat if necessary.
     By Mary Jane Dunn via The Pegmatite 03/07 via Breccia 04/08.

Beading Threads.
Use strong non-abrasive resistant silk on non-abrasive beads, such as pearls, turquoise, mother-of-pearl and lapis. Use abrasive resistant nylon on beads such as onyx, metals and quartzes. Before using nylon, pre-stretch overnight with a weight.
     From New & Views via T-Town Rockhound 07/98.

Tool Tips.
Wipe a piece of chalk over your jeweler's files. The chalk keeps the file from clogging and you can blow the chalk out. Silversmiths draw your jeweler's saw through a hunk of old candle wax or beeswax. It will coat the blade and you can saw faster.
     From Golden Spike News 05/04 via Strata Gems 02/08.

The club presents these hints and tips for informational purposes only and does not specifically endorse or profess first-hand use or experience with any or all. As always, be aware of your situation, knowledge level and comfort zone before attempting anything new. When in doubt, stop! Get help before you need it.

Keep a log in your shop. Document your techniques and inspirations. You will come up with a journal full of useful tips, and maybe even an educational article or two!! Email hints and tips to vgms_editor@roadrunner.com.

Let us hear about your good ideas!

  Table of Contents.

LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE.

I did not know this so maybe you didn't either... Last night I asked a state cop who is a friend of ours and it is true. He said it's mainly for interstates but there are cops who will give you a ticket for it when you're not on the interstate.

This is just a warning about something what can happen...
     A lady was driving on I-88 in the right lane. She was not speeding. There was an Illinois Police car sitting on the right shoulder with the lights on. The cop was sitting in the car. There was no one pulled over. She continued in the right lane and passed him. She was immediately pulled over by the cop and cited for violating Scott's law which I found is a law that requires you to move over (if possible) to the left lane if an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road. She pleaded ignorance of the law but was given a ticket and was assigned a mandatory court date for which she appeared. She spoke to the judge and he asked her if she wanted a trial. She said that she could not testify that she did not commit the violation but that she was unaware of the law. She pleaded guilty and was fined $100.
     She thought that was it. Two weeks later she received a notice from the Secretary of State that her license has been suspended for 3 months because of this violation. She spoke to the Secretary of State office as no one ever mentioned that she would lose her license. As expected, they did not care and if she wanted a hearing on the matter or a hearing to ask for a license to drive to work, she could expect a hearing date in about 3 months.
     Just wanted to warn everyone about this. I was not aware of this law although I usually move over anyway. Apparently, in 2007, the state police issued a record number of tickets for this offense. Here is the link outlining this law: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2007/may/070522d2.html.

  Table of Contents.

GEMS FROM THE PAST.

A VGMS field trip to Jalama Beach, Santa Barbara County, July 1959. An area frequented by gem & mineral groups for collecting fossil whale bone, shell fossils, travertine and many fantastic rock, mineral and fossil specimens.

Another Photo from the Benson Collection. All photos in the collection were taken by Bruno and Opal Benson, former longtime VGMS members now deceased. Bruno and Opal spent much of their free time exploring the back roads of the western states in search of adventures while in the pursuit of rocks, minerals and fossils.

The Photos have been digitally scanned from the original 35mm color slides by Ed Clark. Text written by Steve Mulqueen, May 2008. Photos Copyright 2008 Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

  Table of Contents.

FEDERATION NEWS.

Federation Show News: Volunteers Needed to Run Silent Auction & Kids Booth!
As noted in previous issues of the newsletter, VGMS members will help run a Silent Auction and the Kids' Booth at the statewide California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) show taking place at the Ventura Fairgrounds June 27-29. We need volunteers to help with both. We'll circulate sign-up sheets at our May and June meetings, but please don't wait until then! If you can help in the Kids' Booth, please call Jim Brace-Thompson (805-659-3577) and if you can help in the Silent Auction booth, please call Ron Wise (805-647-4393). We also can still use donations of fossils, rocks, minerals, petrified wood, geodes, tumbled stones, etc., for both booths. Again, please call Jim and Ron today! Folks who volunteer to work in the booths gain free admittance to the show.

Dick Pankey of the CFMS also is still inviting folks to enter exhibits into this show. You can either contact Dick directly (925-439-7509; dickpankey@juno.com) and/or download exhibit entry forms to mail to him from the CFMS web site (www.cfmsinc.org - click on the "Show" link located to the left on the home page). (Close the new window to return here.) Anyone entering displays also gains free admittance to the show. In addition to individual displays, Dick is also seeking club displays, so we need someone to take charge of pulling one together to represent VGMS and the varied interests our club members bring.
     Jim Brace-Thompson.

My Thoughts This Month
By Shirley Leeson, AFMS President via AFMS Newsletter, May 2008.
First, I'd like to invite you to the Tri-Federation Field Trip to Texas Springs, Nevada. It is just south of Jackpot, NV and you can check earlier AFMS Newsletters or go to www.amfed.org and click on "What's New". It's about half way down the column. Now if you're like Dee and me, and don't have a tent, camper or motor home, you can still participate in the field trips. You just have to be a little creative. We will be staying in a Three Star Hotel/Motel and CASINO, the Horseshu - 800-432-0051 in Jackpot, Nevada. You might also choose Cactus Pete - same number as above, but way more expensive; remember it's Memorial weekend. There are other motel/casinos, but since we haven't stayed at any of the others we can't recommend them. Barton's Club 93 has a number of rooms and also RV parking. You can reach them at 1-800-258-2937. We've already got our reservations, so don't delay. Don't forget the field trips start each day at 8:30 am sharp (Rocky Mountain time, not Pacific time), and we suggest you get there early, at least by 8:00 am. That means an early breakfast at the motel and about a 2.5 mile drive south down Hiway 93 to the turn-off - California National Historic trail. From there you just follow the orange plates to the camp. See you all there.

Did you know that this is the "YEAR OF THE WEBMASTER"? Unknown to many of you 'till now, I have been honoring the regional webmasters at the conventions this year. Starting in November, 2007, with the Southeast Federation's convention in Biloxi, MS, Jim Flora, Webmaster for Southeast was honored with a plaque from me for his dedicated work for the Southeast. Fortunately Jim was there to receive the honor personally. In February we attended the Eastern Federation's convention in Jackson, MS where Dan Imel, Webmaster for Eastern Federation was honored. Unfortunately Dan wasn't there to accept, but Eastern's 2nd VP accepted the plaque and promised to see Dan received it (Did you know Dan does double duty as webmaster for SCRIBE, the bulletin editors organization?). I will be honoring Jack Eads, Northwest Federation Webmaster at Ontario, Oregon, in June, and Don Ogden, California Federation's Webmaster at the convention in Ventura, CA, also in June. I would have liked to visit with Midwest Federation's Webmaster Cindy Root, who, as far as we know, is the only lady webmaster at the regional level. I'll forward her plaque to be given to her by Joy Bourne, AFMS President-Elect who will be standing in for me. There will be two plaques in September when South Central Webmaster, Al Pennington is honored along with a special presentation to the AFMS webmaster Marty Hart. In November we will honor the Rocky Mt. Webmaster, Jim McGarvey, at their show in Tulsa, OK. If you haven't taken the time to check out all the regional as well as the AFMS websites, please do. These dedicated people are doing all of us a huge service we need to acknowledge. I have asked two people to work on a contest for club webmasters, more on this as we get nearer to the AFMS meeting in Houston.

Next, Ron Carman and his Ad Hoc Committee who are looking into our various contests has been at work. Members Bob & Kathy Miller of Midwest have put together a survey that was in the Midwest Newsletter asking what clubs and individuals think about the various AFMS contests, and if there is something preventing clubs or individuals from participating in them. Eastern's rep, Mary Bateman is doing the same for her federation members. If you have any thoughts on this, please contact a member of the committee or send me an email or letter with your thoughts. All these programs are great, the problem is could we make them better and get more participation or is there something that is holding back participation??? Our AFMS Junior Programs chair, Jim Brace-Thompson, has done a fantastic job in getting the AFMS Junior badge program off and running. BUT, is your club participating? Right now we have 4,363 members in the Northwest; 7438 members in the Southeast; 9774 members in Eastern; 9415 in California; 6711 in Rocky Mountain; 7646 in Midwest; and 3330 in South Central for a total of 48,677 members. Unfortunately this doesn't tell us how many clubs in each federation, but the ratio of juniors participating in the program is definitely LOW. Consider this, there are scout clubs and other clubs who have requested information on this program. Jim has to refer them to a club in their area because they cannot participate unless they belong to a regional club. This is a perfect way to bring new members in to your clubs, reach out to schools who have science programs, scouts, home school programs, be creative and let's see if we can bring these students into our hobby. In the mean time, there are clubs out there with juniors, please see that they are able to participate, it's such a worthwhile program.

Our new AFMS Rockhound of the Year chair, Loretta Ogden mentioned in her article in the April 2008 AFMS Newsletter, that she had only heard from two of the SEVEN regional federations regarding Rockhound of the Year honorees. Don't let her down, get your letters in the mail. I could personally list a group of people in each federation who deserve this honor so please show Loretta that you support this program and want to honor your club's Rockhound of the Year.

And finally, HAVE YOU EACH WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE, STAMP DEVELOPMENT, US POSTAL SERVICE, 1735 North Lynn St., Room 5013, Arlington, VA 22209-6432? Include in your letter your birthstone and where in the US it's found. (A list of the stones and the states can be found in the 2008 AFMS February issue, page 2 - and also on the amfed.org website.) Also send a copy of the letter to your Congressman and Senator. Individual letters, no petitions as these only count as one letter no matter how many signatures.

Have you counted the number of times throughout this article that I used the word PARTICIPATE? The AFMS and the regional federations can only offer you programs, it's up to you to participate..... there, there's one more....

More thoughts next month. Your AFMS president, Shirley Leeson.
Note new email for our Idaho ranch: beauholland@centurytel.net.

Words of Caution
by John Wright, AFMS Conservation & Legislation Chair via AFMS Newsletter, May 2008.
There are two major bills, which at present are working their way through Congress that you need to be aware of as they could severely restrict access to public owned lands: The first one is HR 2016, National Landscape Conservation System. If passed, this bill will essentially place 26 million acres of public lands controlled by BLM under a "National Park" type system which will eliminate or severely limit any type of recreational mining. This bill could also open the door for BLM under the influence of special interest groups to add millions of additional acres in years to come. More information on this bill can be found online at: "Lands Rights Network" (alert@landrights.org). Subject: House Mark-Up, Wednesday 3-12, On National Landscape Conservation System. [For more information go to American Land Rights Assoc. Website - www.landrights.org.]

The second bill that we should be concerned about is HR 5610, Designation of Wilderness Areas, which according to a BlueRibbon Coalition Action Alert, dated Wednesday, March 19, 2008, Subject: Shades of things to come? (bralerts@sharetrails.org), "the bill would designate just about 500,000 acres of Wilderness in West Virginia; Arizona's Tumacacori Highlands; the Redwood Mountain Grove in California's Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park; the Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico; Oregon's Copper Salmon area and the South Fork of the San Jacinto River Canyon in Riverside County, California." With these lands being designated as "Wilderness Areas" public access will be almost completely eliminated. (For more information, go to the BlueRibbon Coalition website (www.sharetrails.org.)

Once the 26 million acres of public lands controlled by BLM are placed under a "National Park" type system by HR 2016, it is very reasonable to assume that at some date in the not to distant future these sites will also be designated "Wilderness Areas" by a bill similar to HR 5610. The public may be allowed to visit certain parts of these areas to look but not touch. The really disturbing part about all of this is that the millions of acres covered by these two bills are only a small portion of a grandiose plan by special interest groups to eventually join numerous areas like these into plots far larger than your wildest dreams.

While we rest on our laurels, our adversaries are very diligently working to have public lands placed "Off Limits". They know that this is an election year and "Green" is definitely a popular theme with politicians lately. Who knows, perhaps they think there could be another Oscar or Nobel Prize waiting out there. Remember, we also have a vote and should certainly let our desires be known.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Malpais (mal'-pa-is) - A term used in the southwestern U.S. in reference to a lava flow exposed at the surface of the Earth exhibiting a rough, irregular terrain. Malpais are common in arid regions and are often composed of black basalt rock. They represent the cooled remains of ancient lava flows that may extend several miles from the volcano or some other type of volcanic vent.

El Malpais National Monument located near Grants in New Mexico is a fantastic place to see these volcanic features. Malpais derives its name from the Spanish words "mal pais" which means "bad land".

Source of Information: Bates, R. L. and Jackson, J. A., "Dictionary of Geological Terms", prepared by the American Geological Institute, third edition, published by Anchor Books/Doubleday, New York, 1984.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, May 2008. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

Concretions in Sandstone, Iowa, 1852.

This illustration represents some large concretions of argillaceous sandstone (clay rich sandstone) occurring with carboniferous limestone exposed during excavation work at a quarry near Muscatine, Iowa. The illustration was described in a geologic report dated 1852.

Illustration source: From the book "Elementary Geology" written by Edward Hitchcock, Amherst College, published by Ivison & Phinney, New York City, 1855, figure 11, page 27.

Text written by Steve Mulqueen, May 2008. The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in old books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by the author.

  Table of Contents.

A PEBBLE PUP'S FIRST SAFARI
by Lowell Foster.

It's not often you are able to go on a person's first rock hunt, especially somebody who has become fascinated with gemstones and minerals and hasn't taken it upon themselves to head out to the desert and just hunt. Most people who get this bug for collecting bits of stone and crystal are older and are able to dictate when and where their first hunt will be. Children, though, are different. They can't drive, or stay up late, or even see R-rated movies. In short, they are at the mercy of their parents' will, and if their parents don't see a good enough reason to pursue this hobby into the deserts and hillsides, then their burgeoning interest in this hobby can weaken and die.

Recently I had the opportunity to take a 5th-grader out into the desert and provide him with his initial exposure to rock hunting. The events leading up to this adventure began last year when I gave my boss's son a rock box. The box was like the ones I had organized for last year's Gem and Mineral Show. It contained examples of crystals, fossils, and agatized material from all over the Southwest. Nathan, my boss's son, loved it. For some time after receiving this gift, he continually brought up his appreciation for it. Near the end of 2006, I offered to take him to Acton to hunt agate nodules, but schedules conflicted and months passed. I continued to give small items to Nathan like geodes and polished stones and his interest never waned.

This past Christmas I mentioned to his mother that I could take him out during one of the school breaks. Nathan evidently had been watching the Cash and Treasures show on the Travel Channel and was very excited thinking about the opportunity. Through discussions with Nathan's parents, a date was finally set, the last Monday in March.

Nathan's father, Steve, took the day off and would accompany us. Though he had been watching Cash and Treasures also and had some interest in this hobby, it was Nathan who forged the driving force behind this excursion. Our destination, originally set for Acton, changed to Kramer Junction some 60 miles beyond our original goal.

I picked them up at 5:00 am. As I pulled up before their house, I saw their front door already open and Nathan was standing there, tense and alert. Buckets and tools leaned against the wall. As we loaded their items (each brand new, untouched by rock or dirt or packed ash, still sporting bright stickers and tags), Nathan watched wide-eyed. I know that I still get goose-bumps when I head out on a rock hunt, especially to the Hauser Beds, but I can't imagine the intensity of feeling that Nathan was experiencing. To be 11 and going on one's treasure hunt - I was envious.

Still dark, we headed for the freeway and got to know each other. I reintroduced myself to Steve and his son, and they thanked me for being their guide. As we rolled down the onramp, I asked Steve a very important question: "How fast do you mind me going?" This question, polite for people riding in your car for the first time, is imperative if the passenger is a police officer, which Steve was. We haggled on a limit (he was very accommodating to my desire to make good time), and off we went.

I had been forewarned by Cathy (Nathan's mother, my boss, Steve's wife) that Nathan was very inquisitive and would ask many questions. After I had given him a brief geology lesson on the three rock types (which he should have known as they are a 4th grade standard), the questions began, and they lasted for quite a while. For those who don't have experience with children in their tween years, every question dealt with superlatives: "What is the best petrified wood?" "What is the most valuable crystal?" "Where can you find the prettiest agate?"

You get the picture.

This continued off and on for quite a while. Most of the questions dealt with petrified wood and fossils and he asked if we would be finding any. I said there was a place where we might find some wood chips (one of the Boron Dry Lakes where I had found some in the past). As we drove by Fillmore, Santa Clarita, Acton, Palmdale, the questions kept on popping up like bubbles in mineral water. I did the best I could to answer them. By Rosamond, an hour and forty-five minutes into the drive, Nathan's questions had turned. The quintessential car trip questions "How much longer?" and "Are we there yet?" began to emerge. I fended them off and alleviated his boredom with an explanation of the difference between 'float' and 'matrix.'

Forty-five minutes later we were pulling off the highway and following a set of wooden power-poles leading off into the desert away from the highway. Nathan hoped to find a horny-toad on the dirt road so he could catch it. I thought any sort of reptile would make him happy. Another ten minutes (and a lecture on desert safety) put us right smack in the middle of the agate hunting grounds. As we approached the old Kramer Hills Kee-Kay site, agate started appearing on either side of the car. We piled out of the truck, stretched our legs, and collected our gear - backpack, water, sunblock, spray bottle, hammer, etc. My nicked, battered and stained equipment looked ancient sitting next to Nathan's pile of brand new tools.

When done encumbering ourselves, I showed Nathan and Steve a map of the area and gave Nathan a quick talk on how to read landmarks on maps. His glazed eyes stared off longingly towards the nearby hill, and I knew my words were falling on deaf ears.

"Come on," I finally said. "Let's hunt agate."

For those who have not hunted Kramer Hills, here is a basic description. It's a sandy, fairly flat location dotted with creosote bushes and the occasional Joshua tree. Agate litters the ground in places, but most of the choice pieces were picked up long ago. Hunting, though, will produce decent material.

There are three main locations to hunt. One is the hill we were approaching, on and under which agate of all sorts could be found - dendritic, moss, sagenite, etc. The colors are mostly in the reds with some yellows, oranges, and browns. There is also reputed to be palm wood and petrified wood. Up on the hill, there are diggings where the colors of moss include green and brown and as well as some opalite with more colorful hues. The previous year, Ron and I had pried a 150 pound chunk of red material out of the ground and lugged it back to his place, so digging pays off.

About five minutes after giving this same basic info to Nathan (approximately 10 minutes from the car), Nathan approached me with a dull looking rock in his hand. I figured it was some leaverite that he had picked up, him being a novice rock hunter and all, and I prepared to tell him that he should drop it. My skepticism heightened when he asked if it was petrified wood. Petrified wood? I thought. The rock was four or five inches long and slightly concave, gray and brown - unlike anything of worth out here, and too large to be wood. Besides I had never found wood here and we're looking for red agate.

I took the piece in my hand and suddenly the phrase "Out of the mouth of babes" took on new meaning. Darn piece of rock was petrified wood, a half-round in fact. Some minor fracturing, but it looked pretty solid.

I told him and without missing a beat he asked, "How much is it worth?"

He's learned a lot from that Kirsten Gum on Cash and Treasures.

Truthfully, though I was green with envy and slightly perturbed (wouldn't you be?). I was very happy he found the wood. It helped make the dry spots of the day when hunting was not so good easier to take, but more importantly it would solidify this trip in his memory and the specimen would always be treasured.

We hunted along the base of the hill for an hour or two longer. Primarily we hunted in a ragged line, separated by fifteen feet or more, as we swept across the agate field. As we worked farther and father from the road, two patterns emerged. 1) Every few minutes Nathan would rush over to me and ask if another stone he found was petrified wood and I would say no, but for some reason he wouldn't believe me and stuff the rock in his pack. 2) Every time I said "Wow!" and picked up a nice agate, Nathan would hurry over and examine it carefully, as if trying to memorize its characteristics so he knew what to find, and then restart his hunt directly in front of where I had just been searching. I didn't say anything, just shifted my hunt another direction.

Our hunt produced petrified reed, bog agate, and moss agate, etc., but nothing equaled that first chunk Nathan had found. Wanting variety, we moved on to our second site, a place where Ron and I had uncovered purple agate. We dug a little there and Nathan added a nice piece of purple to his burgeoning collection. The following stop added what might be palm fiber to my bucket. Nathan didn't get any. (Ha! - Oops, sorry, did I write that?)

Finally we left the Kramer area and rolled on towards Castle Butte. I wanted to hunt the agate field off Gephart Road. (Is it pronounced Gep-hart or Gep-fart? Nathan preferred the latter.) We ate up an hour or more of sunlight before finding the location, and Nathan added some small nodules to his pile.

Our day ended with a bang near the old diggings at Boron Dry Lake. Actually, it was more of a hiss. A screw had punctured my tire and it needed to be changed. Nathan watched fascinated as his father changed the tire. (Hey, he's a police officer. To protect and to serve, right?) By the time we had finished this last task, the time had come to return home. We packed away everything, strapped ourselves down and headed on out. Though we didn't hit every place on our list, I believe we did quite well for where we went. Soon, Nathan was snoring softly in the back seat and Steve and I talked quietly to fill the time.

It was a privilege to be a part of Nathan's first rock hunt. His excitement is infectious and he taught me a lesson about hunting - if you only look for one thing, then that's most likely what you are going to find. He has the petrified wood to prove it.

  Table of Contents.

LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2008.

May 31-June 1; Glendora, CA - Glendora Gem & Mineral Club. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell (626) 963-4638, Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
May 31-June 1; Woodland Hills, CA - Rockatomics Gem & Mineral Society, Pierce College, Victory and Mason. Hours: 10-5 both days. Louise Gerik (818) 347-1234, rockatomics.com.
June 7-8; La Habra, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society, La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: 9-5 both days. Don Warthen (626) 330-8974, Email: warthen@earthlink.net, nocgms.com.
June 27, 28, 29; Ventura, CA - California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Bural LaRue (909) 874-5664, Email: bplarue@earthlink.net.
July 12-13; Culver City, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, 4117 Overland Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Website: CulverCityRocks.org, Phone: (310) 391-8429, Email: maryellenandrick@aol.com.
August 1, 2 & 3; Nipomo, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 10-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt (805) 710-1983, E-mail Rocks4u@prodigy.net, Webpage: http://www.omsinc.org.
August 2-3; San Francisco, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, San Francisco County Fair Bldg., Ninth Ave. & Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun 10-5. Ellen Nott (415) 564-4230.
August 29-Sept. 1;Fort Bragg, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall, Main & Laural. Hours: Sat. & Sun 10-6; Mon. 10-4. Don McDonell (707) 964-3116, E-mail ejwebb@mcn.org.
September 13-14; Downey, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-4, Guynell Miller (562) 633-0614 ,Email: guynellallen@sbcglobal.net.
September 25-28; San Bernardino, CA - Orange Belt Mineral Society, Inc., Western Region Little League Ball Park, 6707 Little League Dr. Hours: 9 am-Dusk each day. Emma Rose Couveau (951) 288-6182.
September 27-28; Monterey, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 417-7477, Email: sky@familystones.net, Website: www.cvgms.org.
September 27-28; Stockton, CA - Stockton Lapidary and Mineral Club, Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 33 West Alpine Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Nettie Meissner (209) 858-2263, E-mail: footsey1@yahoo.com.
October 5;Fallbrook, CA - Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society "Fall Festival of Gems", FGMS Museum, 123 W. Alvarado.Hours: 10-4. Mary Fong-Walker (760) 728-1130, Diane Tjepkes (780) 468-8028.
October 11-12; Grass Valley, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society "Earth's Treasures", Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Kim Moore (530) 470-0388, Email: Kmoore160@comcast.net.
October 11-12; Trona, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society "66th Annual Gem-O-Rama", Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5; Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356, Email: glgms@wvisp.com, www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/tronagemclub.html.
October 11-12; Lakeside, CA - Cajon Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, 12584 Mapleview. Hours: 10-5 both days. David Newton (619) 390-5054, Email: jontom@nethere.com, Webpage: ecvgms.com.
October 11-12; Vista, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 North Santa Fe Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Cherie Wilson (760) 941-7073, Lois M. Hair (760) 724-0395.
October 18-19; Anderson, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 9-5: Sun. 10-4. Bill Seward (530) 365-8641,E-mail: glseward@sbcglobal.net.
October 18-19; Placerville, CA - El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jackie Cerrato (530) 677-2975, Email: info@rockandgemshow.org, http://www.rockandgemshow.org, eldoradomineralandgem.org.
October 18-19; Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society, Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Tom Dering (707) 564-4537, Email: farmarch@sonic.net, Website: www.gem-n-i.org.
October 18-19; 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 25-26; Los Altos, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Los Altos Youth Center, One San Antonio Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5 pm; Sun. 9-4 pm. Stan Bogosian: (408)569-2489, Email: sbogosian@aol.com.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE - 2008.

Canadian Federation Convention.

Midwest Federation (MWF),
June 20-22,
Lincoln, NE.

Northwest Federation (NFMS),
June 20-26,
Ontario, OR.

California Federation (CFMS),
June 27-29 2008,
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies,
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA.
Hours: 10-5 Daily.
Adults $5.00, seniors (60+) $4.00, students $3.00,
Kids under 12 free with paid adult.
Fairgrounds parking.

Rocky Mountain Federation (RMFMS),
October 31 - November 2,
Tulsa, OK.

South Central Federation (SCMS) / AFMS,
September 25-28,
Humble, TX.

Southeast Federation (SFMS).

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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