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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
December 2009.

If proper credit is given permission is granted to quote any item.

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

...and a Merry Christmas!!!

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• ROCKHOUND 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS;
• UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS;
• BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• PROGRAM REVIEW & SCHEDULE;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• MEETING MINUTES;
• FUN STUFF-MINERAL SEARCH;
• CHIPS AND BOULDERS;
• HINTS AND TIPS;
• LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE;
• FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• FEDERATION NEWS;
• LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2010.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Thanks to All for a Terrific 2009!
I hope all club members enjoyed a good Thanksgiving. With thanks in mind, my thanks go to Andy, Lowell, and Krishna for assembling our slate of 2010 officers and to all who volunteered for office to guide us in the coming year. We're still seeking a 1st VP to oversee monthly programs for our meetings and we have some appointed committees that need volunteers, so we're still seeking more folks to thank... Speaking of new officers, that means a new year is soon upon us, so thanks to all who have paid their 2010 dues. Those who haven't (Yikes! That includes me!), please do so ASAP. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Oxnard club show, November 21-22. By my count, a baker's dozen VGMS members entered displays, and more than a half dozen helped with various aspects of the show, including set-up and tear-down, security, demonstrating, kids' activities, and the silent auction. We also had a display promoting VGMS, in general, and a dinosaur display publicizing our museum, in particular, and lots of club flyers were taken by visitors to the show. Thanks to all for extending these helping hands to our neighboring club and promoting the hobby to the public. Finally, thanks to everyone for a terrific 2009 in general. It's been fun, and here's to even more fun in 2010!

Speaking of club shows, it's never too early to be thinking of our own show in March. Everyone with a rock tumbler: start your engines! We could use a supply of tumble-polished stones for kids' booth prizes and grab bags. (I have three tumblers of my own going at the moment and just got another one to repair and start rolling to add to the electric bill...)

Andy is calling a Show Planning Meeting for 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 9, at our Ojai clubhouse. At that date, our show will be just 55 days away, so I encourage everyone to attend the meeting and volunteer your help.

Finally, as I write this month's President's Message, my taste buds are tingling for our Holiday potluck. I look forward with anticipation to that festive occasion with fellow club members and to the Holidays. May they be merry for one and all!

Jim Brace-Thompson,
VGMS President.

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ROCKHOUND 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me A quartz crystal special to me. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me Two turritella agates. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me Three fire opals. On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Four carved birds. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Five gold nuggets. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Six green tourmalines. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me Seven swans of soapstone. On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Eight minerals from Montana. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Nine amethyst cathedrals. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Ten pyrite cubes. On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me Eleven picks and chisels. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Twelve diamonds sparkling.

By Chris Whittier, MLMS Ghost Sheet, 12/08.

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UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS.

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

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BIRTHDAYS.

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

TURQUOISE.
NATURAL TURQUOISE is any turquoise that has not been altered in any form. The test for this is a touch of ammonia at the back of the piece to be tested. Natural turquoise will turn white.
ENHANCED TURQUOISE is a hard turquoise with a poor color. It is electrochemically treated by being placed in a bath much like a plating solution and then treated. The test for this material is a touch of oxalic acid which will turn the turquoise white.
STABILIZED TURQUOISE makes up ninety percent of the turquoise mined today. It is chalk turquoise that has been stabilized by drying and then placing it in a vacuum chamber and flooding the chamber with an epoxy material, generally clinoepoxide, then pouring the excess and flooding it with setting mordant and pressurizing the chamber to force the mordant into the turquoise to set up the clinoepoxide so the turquoise will not absorb oils or break easily.
RECONSTRUCTED TURQUOISE is a chalk turquoise which has been crushed, has resins and dyes added, and the mixture is compressed into a solid rock.
BAKED TURQUOISE is turquoise which has been set on Devcon or some other substance to make it thicker and stabilize it to keep it from breaking. Usually used on stabilized turquoise and on small pieces of natural turquoise to provide a flat back so it may be easily cut.

Other processes for changing the color of turquoise include:
The NAVAHO METHOD: Boil turquoise in mutton fat causing the turquoise to run green. The Navaho consider the blue turquoise as male and the green turquoise as female.

By Leon Gilmore from Garnet Gazette 8/97, via The Rollin' Rock 12/09.

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HOSPITALITY.

There were 28 people at our October meeting, including three guests - April and Gary Louis and Richard Grady. Welcome! We hope you join us again soon.
     Valli Davis.

September meeting refreshments were provided by our membership. Pumpkin goodies galore! Thank you to all of you who contributed. It was yummy indeed!

Please remember to bring a dish and set of utensils to our Holiday Feast, December 9. See you there!

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PROGRAM REVIEW & SCHEDULE.

November Program.
The 2010 VGMS Board nominees were voted into office. Lowell presented a slide show of minerals from displays at the Washington, D.C., Natural History Museum.

December Program.
There will be no formal program at the December meeting, as we will be feasting at our annual Holiday Potluck. Remember to bring your place settings and serving utensils! See you there.

January Program.
At the time of publication, it is undetermined. The Club needs someone to volunteer for the 1st Vice President, Programs, office.

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MEMBERSHIP.

Let's extend a warm welcome to our newest members:

The newest and youngest member is pebble pup Alexa Renee Quistad, born to VGMS members Michele & Chad Quistad on October 13. Congratulations to the proud parents!

James Cencer, Jr.,
200 Old Mill Road, #33,
Santa Barbara, CA 93110.

Please add the Cencer information and Alexa's name next to Chad & Michele's to your VGMS Directory. Welcome James and Alexa! We now have 107 members.

2010 Dues are Due! (Along with Updates to Club Directory/Yellow Pages.)
Membership dues are due by January 1, 2010: $30 for couples, $20 for an individual adult, $17 for full-time college students (age 18+), and free for youth under 18 who join with a paid adult or couple. Mail your check payable to VGMS to me (Valli Davis, VGMS Membership Secretary, 343 Ridgeway Place, Ventura, CA 93004) or bring it to the December meeting. Along with your dues, please alert me to any address, phone, or email changes needed for your entry in our Club Directory and any updates for our Club Yellow Pages.

The Club Yellow Pages were created to list members' areas of special expertise so fellow VGMS members - especially new members - can better connect with others who have similar interests. This also might help each of us explore areas of potential interest. If you've always been interested in silversmithing, but don't know what's involved and don't want to buy expensive materials until you're sure you really want to give it a try, the Club Yellow Pages might guide you to someone already experienced who'd be willing to give you a demo and provide advice. Here are the categories we're using:
     CMR - Crystal, mineral & rock collecting;
     CS - Carving & sculpture;
     E - Education (kids activities, school visits);
     F - Faceting;
     FM - Fluorescent minerals;
     FP - Fossils & paleontology;
     FT - Field trips;
     LJ - Lapidary arts & jewelry making;
     M - Meteorites, tektites & astronomy;
     MH - Mining history & mining artifacts;
     MT - Micromounts & thumbnail specimens;
     P - Photography;
     SS - Silversmithing;
     O - Other (please specify).

For each category, you should specify Exp for "Expert" or Nov for "Novice." To update entries in our Club Directory and Yellow Pages, write me at my mailing address noted above or email (gvdavis@roadrunner.com).

Thank you!

Valli Davis,
Membership Secretary.

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MEETING MINUTES.

The following Meeting Minutes were respectfully submitted by Greg Davis, VGMS Recording Secretary.

VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting;
Wednesday, October 28, 2009:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center.
     Jim introduced visitors and then asked for corrections, if any, to the previously printed Board and regular meeting minutes. It was m/s/c to accept the minutes. Members were led in the pledge to the flag.
     Jim announced that Rob Sankovich has been named as the recipient of the Education Through Sharing award from our club and presented by the CFMS. Congratulations Rob!
Abe & Esther Barshai along with Miriam Tetreault assisted Jim at the Wheeler Gorge open house.
Valli Davis assisted Jim with about 30 students who toured the museum earlier this month, marking the return of tours to our facility.
     Our next big push at the new workshop/museum will be flooring in the library and clearing the main entry room.
Valli Davis: Please welcome new members, pebble pup Alexa Quistad and James Cencer. Membership patches and name badges are available to be ordered. Contact Valli.
Lowell Foster announced the slate of nominated officers for 2010. Elections will be held during our November meeting with installation of officers during our holiday meeting in December.
Andy Anderson: Insurance forms have been submitted for our 2010 show and publicity will begin with magazine submissions.
Ron Wise: Future field trips include Wiley's Well and the Afton wedding in November. The Oxnard show is set for November 21-22. All clubs are encouraged to assist and participate. The Harris estate in Santa Paula is still selling material on the first weekend of each month. At $1.00 per pound, it's quite a good deal. Mark your calendars.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: The treasurer's report was read and noted that our club is solvent.
Jean Wise: The next CFMS meeting is coming up and those with questions or concerns should contact Jean to have the issues noted and brought up.
Lowell Foster introduced Jim Linde from the Channel Islands Wood Turners who presented a fantastic discussion on the art of carving various kinds of wood (and, at times, incorporating stone) into all sorts of objects. Jim brought lots of examples and so many were made by him from materials he found. Terrific program and what a beautiful art form. Thank you Jim and Lowell.
     Refreshments were provided by the Stephens family.
     The next board meeting will be held on November 5, 2009, at The Lexington. The next monthly membership meeting will be held November 11, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara.
     There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:05 PM.

VGMS Board Meeting;
Thursday, November 5, 2009:
Present: Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson, Ron & Jean Wise, Andy Anderson, Steve Mulqueen and Greg Davis.
     The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting for November 5, 2009, was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:00 PM, at The Lexington, 5440 Ralston in Ventura.
Old business: 1st VP position is still vacant and we'll be having our vote next week. December we'll have our installation of officers during our holiday event, 6:30-9:30 PM.
     The Oxnard show will take place November 21-22 and Jim will be preparing a Club case for display. Jim will also be entering our Club scrapbook in the CFMS "All American" competition. It's a good barometer of how our club is doing and what we've been doing. It also exposes potential members to what we do.
New business: Classroom trip went well. Insurance for show and Clubhouse is complete.
     We need to start looking at new fund raising efforts for the club partly due to the huge cost of renovating the clubhouse. Possible ideas are more silent auctions and garage sales. We'll also need to start charging a fee per cut on the large saws due to the maintenance cost.
     Florence Meisenheimer has some rock for sale. More info will follow and Miriam Tetrault also has a 10 inch saw for sale.
     Be thinking of possible names for the Ojai Clubhouse. We'll have a naming competition soon.
     Wheeler Gorge open house will be held on April 17 of next year rather than October. Also, speaking of date changes, the Conejo Show will be held on April 24-25 of next year due to conflicts with other shows in May.
     After some discussion, it was m/s/c to allow up to $200.00 for purchase of rock and mineral from the Harris estate to enhance the club show silent auction material.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: The treasurer's report was given. It was m/s/c to accept as written and to pay the ongoing bills.
Ron Wise: The Ridgecrest club is hosting a trip to Rainbow Ridge over the Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-28.
Andy Anderson: Kathryn Davis is contacting vendors for next year's show. The next show meeting is scheduled for January 9, 1:00 PM at the Ojai Clubhouse.
Jean Wise: Lots of grab bags will be needed for the show. Be thinking of material to fill them with.
Greg Davis: The clubhouse toilet is in need of help. I'll be renting a power snake one of these weekends and will try to improve the flow of things.
Jim Brace-Thompson: The Oxnard Club show will take place November 21-22. All are encouraged to help and participate. Jim will be spearheading the VGMS Club case to be entered.
     The next general meeting will be November 11, 2009, featuring pumpkin treats, at 420 E. Santa Clara, Ventura. The next Board meeting will be December 3, 2009, at The Lexington.
     There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM.

VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting;
Wednesday, November 11, 2009:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center.
     Jim introduced visitors and then asked for corrections, if any, to the previously printed board and regular meeting minutes. It was m/s/c to accept the minutes. Members were led in the pledge to the flag.
     Jim announced and introduced our newest member, Alexa Quistad, one month old daughter of Michele and Chad Quistad. Next month we will present the installation of officers for 2010 along with our annual holiday dinner, to be held December 9, at 6:30 PM. The Oxnard show is set for November 21-22. All are encouraged to participate and attend. Florence Meisenheimer is selling more items from her mineral collection. Call her to view.
Ron Wise: Future field trips include Ant Hill, December 12, along with a trip to the Cady Mountains December 12-13. The annual Thanksgiving trip to the Wiley's Well area is November 26-28. Details will follow in the bulletins.
Jean Wise: Preparations are under way for the 2010 CFMS/AFMS show, June 18-20, in Whittier, CA. All are encouraged to participate in this most prestigious event. There's a new owner of the Camp Paradise property and its future is "iffy" at this time. We'll keep everyone informed as we learn more.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: The treasurer's report was given.
Andy Anderson: Preparations are coming together for our 2010 show and security has been arranged. The next show meeting is now scheduled for January 9, 1:00 PM, at the Ojai Clubhouse. All are asked to make their best effort at attending as it'll only be a couple of months prior to the show. Shirley & Dee Holland along with Marion Robert will again be present to assist members by critiquing show cases on request.
Valli Davis announced and welcomed new member, James Cencer. Valli next presented raffle prizes to the lucky winners.
Lowell Foster: After asking for any further nominations, Lowell presented the new Board member roster for a vote. It was with great enthusiasm and fanfare that the following positions were elected by a majority vote of the membership: President - Jim Brace-Thompson; 2nd Vice President, Field Trips - Ron Wise & Rob Sankovich; 3rd Vice President, Show - Andy Anderson; Treasurer - Nancy Brace-Thompson and Diane Cook; Recording Secretary - Greg Davis; Membership Secretary - Krishna Juarez; Federation Director - Jean Wise; Bulletin Editor - Lowell Foster and Parliamentarian - Kathryn Davis. The position of 1st Vice President, Programs, is vacant at this time.
     Lowell next presented a slide show of minerals displayed at the Natural History Museum in Washington D.C.
     The next Board meeting will be held December 3, 2009, at The Lexington. The next monthly membership meeting will be December 9, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara.
     Refreshments included pumpkin treats and were provided by all members.
     There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:15 PM.

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FUN STUFF-MINERAL SEARCH.

Hint: Find the words, front, back, upside down, right to left, diagonal. Look in all directions.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS AND BOULDERS.

"Off" Date for December Meeting.
December is an "off" month from our normal monthly meeting schedule of the fourth Wednesday of the month. Because of the Holidays, we always meet the second Wednesday in December. In addition, we'll be starting a bit early in order to dig right into the potluck dinner. So please mark your calendars for 6:30 PM, Wednesday, December 9, at the Ventura Senior Center. Remember to pack a dish for the potluck (if you've forgotten what you put on the sign-up sheet, call Jim, 659-3577, and he'll remind you) and bring a place setting and come prepared for good times, good food, good company!

Introducing Our 2010 Officers!
Thank you Andy, Lowell, and Krishna for serving as our Nominating Committee and soliciting officer candidates for 2010. At our November meeting, they presented a slate that was elected via an up-and-down voice vote, and we now present your 2010 VGMS Board of Officers:

These folks will be installed at our annual Holiday Dinner in December. In addition to these Elected Officers, we also have several appointed Committee Chairs, some of which still need filling, such as the Ways & Means Raffle and Librarian. We'll be seeking willing hands in the air at the Holiday Potluck. No dessert until all positions are filled!

Quartz Cluster & Fossil Cast For Sale.
I have a couple of items for sale that I'd like to offer to VGMS club members. First is a large Arkansas quartz cluster specimen weighing ten pounds. Second is a large cast of star fish from Ventura County. Twenty-seven star fish are visible. The original fossil specimen from which this cast was made was found in a small hill between Ojai and Ventura many years ago. Please call me at any time at (805) 642-3155. I am a long-time member of VGMS.
     Florence Meisenheimer.

OGMS January Program.
     The new year is shaping up to be fun, informative, and exciting at the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society's general meetings. January 2, 2010, at 7:30 PM, will be our first meeting of the year. We will be meeting in the Thousand Oaks room of the Oxnard Performing Art Center at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.
     At this meeting we will have two wonderful guest speakers, Fred & Charlotte Ward. They will give us a slide show presentation and discussion of "Opals - Chameleon of a Thousand Colors". The photos will be from Fred's many years of reporting on gems and minerals from around the world for the National Geographic magazine. There will be Opals from Australia, Mexico, the USA, and other sites and a discussion of their mining, processing, sales, and care.
     The presentation will start at 7:40 PM, after some brief announcements and guest greetings. This will be an open discussion of Opals, so feel free to ask questions as the Ward's will best answer them. Afterward, they will be on hand to sign copies of their many books on gems and minerals, and there will be refreshments and an evening fellowship.
     Looking forward to seeing you again.
          Brett Johnson,
          OGMS 1st VP Programs.

Coast Geological Society (CGS) December Presentation by Dr. Gene Fritsche.
Abstract: This presentation for the holiday season is designed for a wide audience. There will be something for geologists, family, and friends as well. Africa is a fascinating continent, even more so for the geologist because identifications and interpretations can be made without additional educational background beyond what you had in college.
     The evening's virtual trip will take you to the Moroccan Sahara Desert and the source of those fabulous Moroccan fossils, some of which you might have in your own collection. Then we go south across the continent to South Africa for a glimpse of PreCambrian, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic rocks. From there we will move north to Zimbabwe and Zambia to learn about the geologic history of Victoria Falls. Finally, we travel to Kenya and Uganda in east Africa for a look at the geology of the African Rift area and some scenes along the Nile River.
     We will end the evening with music and scenes from wildlife safaris in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda. If your family and friends were less than enamored with the geology of Africa, they should come alive when they see African animals eyeball to eyeball, from elephants, antelope, zebras, and giraffes to cheetahs, leopards, and cuddly lion cubs. Come and join us for a pleasurable evening.
Location: Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura.
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 15; Social Happy Hour - 6:00 p.m.; Dinner - 7:00 p.m.; Speaker - 8:00 pm.
Cost: $18 - With Reservation, $25 - Without Reservation, $ 10 - For Students and K-12 Teachers.
Reservation Deadline: 4:00 PM WEDNESDAY 12/09/09.
E-mail Reservations To: secretary@coastgeologicalsociety.org or visit the CGS website www.coastgeologicalsociety.org. (Close the new window to return here.)
***Please specify your dinner choice: Chicken, Tri-Tip Beef, Vegetarian Option, or Pork Tenderloin. All dinners include salad and side dish (please note side dish varies).

Upcoming Meteor Shower.
Geminids night of December 13/14 - http://meteorshowersonline.com/geminids.html. (Close the new window to return here.) This is one of the best meteor showers of the year and never seems to disappoint observers.
     This meteor shower gets the name "Geminids" because it appears to radiate from the constellation Gemini. An observer in the Northern Hemisphere can start seeing Geminid meteors as early as December 6, when one meteor every hour or so could be visible. During the next week, rates increase until a peak of 50-80 meteors per hour is attained on the night of December 13/14. The last Geminids are seen on December 18, when an observer might see a rate of one every hour or so.
     For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the Geminid radiant never climbs far above the horizon, and this considerably reduces the number of Geminid meteors you are likely to see. Nevertheless, on the night of maximum, it is possible to see 20 meteors per hour coming up from the northern horizon.
     There are other, weaker meteor showers going on around the same time as the Geminids, but the best way to know if the meteor you see is a Geminid is to mentally trace the meteor backwards. If you end up at Gemini then you have probably seen a Geminid meteor!

Robert Sankovich.

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HINTS AND TIPS.

Thrumming tips.
     Thrumming is an ancient method for polishing delicate or intricate areas too small for hand or machine polishing. A small nylon cord is held in a vise. The other end is held in the hand, pulled tight, and rubbed with an abrasive. The cord is then pulled tight through the opening in the design. Polishing is done by moving the work back and forth with pressure.
     You can also use cotton cord, tying one end to something stable.
     Another method is to take a cord and clamp it in a jeweler's saw frame (in place of the saw blade). Then, if possible, place the object to be thrummed in a vice and begin thrumming.
     Use Tripoli to remove or smooth metal and rouge to polish it - the same as when you use buffs.
          Edited from separate submissions from The Nugget, 10/98 and 11/98, with contribution by Larry Kelly.

Sanding Tools.
Jeweler Saw Sander: Tear or cut off narrow strips of cloth-backed silicon carbide (broken expanding drum belts are ideal). Clamp the ends in your jeweler's saw and you have an excellent sander for hard-to-get-at places.
     From Geolap News, date unknown, via The Nugget, 11/98.
Razor Sander: Remove the blade from a safety razor and wrap sand paper around the curved blade holder. Tuck ends under the teeth and tighten the handle. This is ideal for sanding small curved surfaces.
     Original source unknown via The Nugget, 11/98.

Safe Method for Cleaning Pyrite.
To clean pyrite and make it look nice and brassy, first wash it carefully in water. Then put it in a bowl or shallow dish and pour vinegar over the specimens, making sure all pyrite is covered. Turn the specimens several times. When they look clean and shiny, rinse with water. Put on a paper towel to dry.
     From Yuba Sutter Gems, 05/07, via MOROKS, 07/08.

Grinding Caution.
When grinding, sanding or polishing abalone or other sea shells it is a good idea to wear a mask as the dust is very toxic. Tiger eye should also be prepared with caution, as it is quartz with asbestos fiber inclusions. The fibers give tiger eye its unique appearance but the airborne dust particles are carcinogenic and can cause serious health problems if not treated as a hazard. While we're on the subject of tiger eye, it's also a good practice to always grind, sand and/or polish tiger eye in the direction of the fibers to eliminate undercutting and/or damage to the fibers at the surface, which could prevent a perfect polish.
     From Mother Lode Mineralities date unknown via The Rock Slab News, 06/04.

Wire Wrap Grip Tip.
For wire-wrappers, use a square piece (12"x 12") of rubberized shelving material (Con-Tact Brand, Ultra Grip Liner, etc.) to set your project on while forming the wires. It provides a sort of secure grip with less finger fatigue while working and less scratching on the wires. Rubber finger tips used by file clerks will also work. This is especially helpful for these older weaker fingers.
     From Jewelry Journal date unknown via The Rock Slab News, 08/03.

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 your good ideas!

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LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE.

VGMS Workshop - Rock Saw Tips & Cautions.
With so many new members joining VGMS and with our new facilities, we soon hope to re-establish a schedule of formal classes on rock sawing and cabbing, in addition to our informal workshops that are open to one and all on the third Saturday morning of each month. In the meantime, we'd like to issue a set of pointers. This month, we're offering tips on using rock saws. (I wish I'd learned some of these before I ruined my first $200 blade!) Next month, watch for tips on cabbing. Abbreviated versions of these will be laminated and posted alongside our club rock saws and cabbing units.

• Before using any machine, familiarize yourself with manufacturer instructions.
• Be sure electrical equipment is properly grounded and any belts are shielded.
• Use eye protection (goggles or safety glasses).
• One of the biggest problems in working with a saw is heat generation, which can ruin the blade and fracture a rock. Make sure you have a lubricating coolant.
• Don't fill the coolant well too full. It is sufficient for coolant to come up 1/4 inch onto the blade rim. When the blade is running, it should bring up a fine spray of coolant, not a gush.
• When using a trim saw, don't force a slab or rock by pushing hard. This generates heat, may dish or warp the blade, can cause wear on the arbor and shaft, and could stall the motor. Apply steady, gentle pressure, allowing the saw blade to pull the rock through. The thinner the blade, the more delicate the touch needed. Don't be impatient; it takes awhile to cut rock!
• If a blade makes a pounding noise, it may mean the blade is fluttering (isn't mounted tight and vertical) or is dished. Do not continue with a blade that's fluttering or malfunctioning.
• If using a vise to hold a rock in the saw, make sure the vice is aligned with the blade to prevent jamming and damage to the blade and be sure the rock is clamped tightly in the vice. You may need to use small wooden blocks or wedges to achieve the tightest possible fit. Without a tight hold, the blade can deflect, producing an uneven cut and dishing the blade.
• If not using a vise, as when working with a trim saw, be careful to saw in straight lines only; never try to cut a curve with a flat diamond saw blade.
• Don't use a trim saw on a large or extremely hard rock; as the name implies, trim saws are for trimming slabs or for cutting small or soft specimens.
• Chips of stone and sludge will collect on the table surrounding a trim saw blade. Keep this debris cleaned away so your rock moves smoothly across the table as you push it into the saw blade.
• When using a large saw, monitor progress and turn off the machine as soon as a cut is done. When a cut is complete, there's always a little projection at the end of the rock, and that can jam or dish a blade. Pay attention to sound; if the hum of the saw changes, stop, back the saw vise away from the blade, and reposition the rock in the vise; sometimes a saw blade hits an invisible fracture or a rock shifts slightly, and the shift is enough to dish the blade.
• When done sawing with an oil-based coolant, the coolant should be cleaned from your slab, either by washing in a hot detergent solution followed by rinsing in clear water or by putting the slab in cat litter to absorb the coolant.
• Don't use oil-based coolant to trim matrix on fossils or with especially soft and porous rocks; the oil will penetrate and never come out, leaving a permanently stained and smelly rock. It's best to use water as a coolant in such instances, depending on the size of the rock.
• Eventually, a sludge of rock dust and coolant will collect in the tank or sump of a saw; scoop this out and drain the tank and keep the coolant clean; otherwise, the blade gets clogged by the sludge and cuts less quickly and efficiently. Reclaim coolant by filtering it through several thicknesses of cheesecloth or paper sacks.
• Diamond blades can become dull, especially if dense material has been cut. Heat can cause the encasing metal of a blade to melt slightly and cover or glaze over the diamond particles, thereby preventing direct contact with the stone. You can sometimes sharpen or "dress" the blade and remove this glaze by sawing through a brick, a chunk of mortar, or into an old carbide grinding wheel.
• Reversing the saw blade periodically can help ensure even wear.

Jim Brace-Thompson.

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FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN.

Wiley's Well, November 26-28, Thursday-Saturday.
This was a field trip led by Adam Dean, CFMS South field trip leader. He's a member of the OBMS. Deb and I arrived Tuesday night to avoid the Thanksgiving traffic. It took us about 5 hours to drive there. Wednesday I did a walkabout in the east side of Wiley's Well collecting agate and chalcedony. The field trips started Thursday. We went to the Pebble Terrace where I found some Stromatolite fossils about 3" in diameter. I also found a small rock with part of a Crinoids tail fossil. We then collected chalcedony near the opal mine. We looked for pieces that might have fire agate in the float material. We then had a great Thanksgiving dinner in late afternoon. Before it got dark, we dug black agate nodules.

On Friday's field trip, the group went to several different sites. I went with Adam Dean to find paisley agate. Jeff Miller from the Conejo club went on the daily field trips with me. We went in the area I had checked out on Wednesday, but we walked further than I had on Wednesday. I walked about seven miles round trip. Towards the end of the day we did find the paisley agate. I have a nice piece that should make a nice cabochon.

Saturday, Deb, Jeff and I headed out to the opal mine to dig for fire agate. Adam Dean talked to Nancy, the claim owner, and got a special $10 digging price for the CFMS field trip. It wasn't easy digging; the fire agate you can see is embedded in hard rhyolite with chalcedony in it. There were pockets of fire agate with white calcite next to it. It took chisels, sledges, and a lot of time to dig it out. Jeff and I dug, Deb searched the tailings. I was digging some fire agate out, with my chisel and I punched a pocket that had calcite crystals in it, with fire agate seams in the base and running though the rock. I was able to dig out 3 different specimens, the biggest about 4" across. They are very nice. It was tricky not breaking the delicate crystals while using a chisel to get to them.

Sunday we broke camp and spent some time collecting at Kim's nodules. We had a great time, found some nice specimens, good food, nightly campfires, made friends, got contacts for other future field trips. Adam Dean was a great field trip leader, knowledgeable about the science of rocks and minerals and he shared his interest in rockhounding and where to find the rocks. I'm going to bring what I found to the January meeting.

Attending from the tri clubs: Conejo - Jeff Miller; Conejo/Ventura - Deb and I; Ventura - Matt Boeck.

Robert Sankovich.

Tri-Club Field Trips 2009-2010. *
     The field trips listed below are tentative, they might change. All are Tri-Club field trips (exceptions noted) with either Conejo, Oxnard or Ventura leading.

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

Saturday, December 12: Ant Hill Area, Bakersfield, CA.
Field trip: Our December field trip will be to the Ant Hill area, near Bakersfield, California. Come out for a fun day of digging for shark teeth fossils, the weather should be nice, cool. The dig site is a walk of 500 yards over semi-flat ground, then up a hill 100 yards. Once there most of the time you'll be digging in small area. This time of the year there is always the chance of rain, bring the necessary clothing. If it is raining, we won't be digging.
When: Saturday, December 12, 2009, 10 am-3 pm.
Directions: 5 Freeway North, to the 99 Hwy North, off at 178 Hwy East, near Bakersfield, go 8.3 miles to the Harrell Hwy, turn Left/North 3.5 miles on the Harrell Hwy from the 178 Hwy. Site is on the Left/South side of Hwy, by the hills. My White Ford F-250 4x4 crew cab truck will be there, with a CGMC/VGMS sign in the window. We will be about 2.5 miles East of Hart Park. You should see an asphalt bike path going up the hill. Then you know you are at the right spot. Ant Hill is 136 miles from my house in Thousand Oaks, drive time 2 to 2.5 hours.
Tools: Rock pick/hammer, gad pry bar, hand sledge, sifter, large pry bar, shovel, pick, eye protection, newspaper to wrap your fossils in, collecting bags, wide brimmed hat, suntan lotion, lots of water, lunch, There is no shade morning, afternoon, and it can be hot, but it will probably be cool, so dress accordingly, layers. After 1 pm or so the dig site will be in the shade as the sun moves to the West, the holes are East facing. I would recommend a day pack, to put your tools in. It's a bit of a walk and it will be easier carrying your gear.
Material to Collect: Shark teeth fossils, many types, sizes, from the Miocene Epoch 10-15 million years ago. There are other fossils, bone fragments, teeth to be found. The fossils are found in a layer about 3', you will see the exposed holes from previous digs. They are in a semi-soft clay that you will dig out the biggest pieces you can, then carefully break apart to find the fossils. I usually use a gad pry bar to dig out bigger pieces of the clay, about golf ball to baseball size or so. If I see any sign of a shark tooth or fossil, I'll wrap it into newspaper and later I will use dental tools or Dremel motor tool to remove the clay to reveal the tooth. I keep some of the teeth still in the matrix, it makes a nice display. The main thing is patience when working with fossils.
Contact: CGMC/VGMS - Robert Sankovich, 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net; CGMC - Mike Miller, 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@aol.com; VGMS/OGMS - Ron Wise, 805-647-4393, clintwise@hotmail.com.
     Please let us know if you are going to go on the field trip, the weather can change, if we don't know you're going we won't be able to contact you if the field trip is cancelled.

Saturday-Sunday, December 12-13 - Cady Mountains, Afton Canyon Area.
CANCELLED - Weather.

Thursday-Saturday, January 21-23, 2010: Quartzsite AZ.
Quartzsite, Arizona, is a gathering of lots of rockhounds, dealers for a huge show of minerals, fossils, rocks, with some of the best prices I've seen for specimens. It lasts more than a month. Deb and I will be staying at the Best Western Desert Oasis I-10 Exit 1 S. Frontage Road, Ehrenberg, AZ (4 miles east of Blythe, CA; 18 miles west of Quartzsite). We will be there 6 days, checking out Quartzsite and also doing day trips to Wiley's Well (nodules, geodes) and the Colorado River (petrified wood). All within a 20-45 mile drive. If you are going to go, I suggest you book your hotel now, or you can camp in the surrounding areas. There are several hotels in Blythe, one in Quartzsite, and one in Ehrenberg. Deb and I are going to check out Quartzsite Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and have field trips Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Deb and I are going to check out the PowWow; it runs the 20th-24th. There is a link below about it. Lots of different material, you can buy or trade for some of it. There should be time each day after the field trips to explore Quartzsite as well. You will need to rendezvous with us each morning for the field trips. It will be too hard to find us out in the desert if you are going to arrive late. We will be at Denny's restaurant 7 am-8 am each morning Thursday through Saturday, in Blythe off exit S. Lovekin Blvd. 876 W. Donlon St.
Directions: Exit Interstate 10 at Blythe, CA, off exit S. Lovekin Blvd. Approximately 10 miles east of Wiley's Well Rd. (Quartzsite, AZ, is 20 miles east of Blythe.) Meet at the Denny's restaurant in Blythe each day Thursday-Saturday at 7 AM (876 W. Donlon St.). We'll leave by 8 AM for the field trip.
Field Trips: Thursday - Straw beds and Kim's Beds, Nodules and Geodes; Friday - Hauser beds Nodules/Geodes, Cinnamon Beds Geodes; Saturday - Petrified Iron Wood, near the Colorado River.
Vehicles: Roads to campgrounds and camping sites are typical desert roads and should be okay for most cars, trailers and motor homes. The collecting areas, 2 wheel drive is ok, but 4WD vehicles and pickups are recommended.
Tools: Collecting bags and boxes, bucket, day pack, digging tools, rock pick, gad bar, trowels, spray water bottle, buckets, eye protection, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, large brim hat, drinking water, food, camping gear.
Materials to Collect: Geodes, Nodules, Petrified Iron Wood.
Safety Concerns: Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen when needed, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful, team up with a buddy and don't get lost.
Weather: We are planning on nice weather, sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights. But remember it can rain this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead. Please let me know if you're going so I can give you updates on the field trip and weather conditions.
Quartzsite Links: (If you go to any of the following web sites close the new window to return here.)
     http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/az/quartzsite.html#anchor832166,
     http://www.desertgardensrvpark.net/Desert_Gardens_Rock_Gem_and_Mineral_Show.html,
     http://www.qiaaz.org/PowWow.htm,
     http://www.qiaaz.org/booths.htm,
     http://www.quartzsitegemandmineralclub.org/,
     http://www.quartzsitetourism.us/.

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Saguaro Cactus of California - Saguaro cactus, known by their scientific name Carnegiea gigantea (Cereus gigantea) are common to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. However, they also occur naturally in some isolated regions of California.

The Sonoran Desert is subdivided into regions within Arizona and California. A portion of the Sonoran Desert near the Colorado River is often referred to as the Colorado Desert. Within this region of California, Saguaro cactus occur in the Whipple Mountains, the Turtle Mountains and the Granite Mountains #2 *.

In the Whipple Mountains, the Saguaro occurs below an elevation of 4,130'. Within the Turtle Mountains the cactus occurs below 4,298' and in the Granite Mountains, below 4,331'.

One of the best places to see naturally occurring Saguaro cactus in California is in the Whipple Mountains. The Whipples are easily accessible on paved road on the California side of Lake Havasu. From Parker, Arizona, proceed west on Arizona Highway 95 over the Colorado River bridge. At this point the road turns into the east end of California Highway 62. Proceed north on Parker Dam Road to within one mile of Parker Dam. Turn left on the road that heads to Black Meadow Landing, a boat access area on Lake Havasu. Along this road you will see a few hundred examples of Saguaro cactus. Also, you might see some wild burros wandering throughout the remote canyons.

* There are numerous "Granite Mountains" in the Western states, and two "Granite Mountains" located within California. One is located in the Mojave Desert within Fort Irwin National Training Center. The Granite Mountains, referenced above as "Granite Mountains #2", are located in the Colorado Desert east of the intersection of California Highways 62 and 177, northeast of Desert Center.

Sources of Information: Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management websites.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, December 2009. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

Saguaro Cactus, Sonoran Desert, Arizona.

Illustration source (reproduction rights granted): http://www.garden-services.com/gallery/cacti/Saguaro%20Cactus.htm. (Close the new window to return here.)

  Table of Contents.

FEDERATION NEWS.

Survey for the All American Club Competition.
The California and American Federations of Mineralogical Societies sponsor an "All American Club" contest. Gem and mineral societies compile a scrapbook binder showing what they've been doing in the past year. As noted in an earlier communication, we're entering VGMS into this year's competition, which has several benefits:

1. it allows us to "take stock" of what we do as a club, thus giving us ideas of where we might improve;
2. it will provide us with a nice scrapbook of 2009 for our club history;
3. the scrapbook can also help promote the club if we keep it out on our Welcome Table at our annual show;
4. it raises our profile within the CFMS and AFMS.

We ask all VGMS members to help by taking part in the following survey. We asked earlier what sorts of volunteer activities you've done for the community, in general. This time around, we're seeking info on what you do specifically related to the hobby.

1. Did you do any hobby-related presentations, programs, demonstrations, etc., for other clubs in 2009? If so, please list the event and dates.
2. List any club shows you exhibited at in 2009 and the type of exhibit you displayed.
3. List any gem and mineral shows, swaps, etc., you attended in 2009 (including our own).
4. List any 2009 field trips you participated in.
5. Geology, lapidary, or fossil talks you did for community groups (e.g. Boy Scouts, school classes, senior centers, etc.) and/or donations of materials (rock specimens, etc.) you made to schools or other groups.
6. Letters or emails you wrote to legislators regarding any land-access issues.
7. Any government meetings you attended related to rockhounding and land access issues and/or any government agency committees on which you participated.
8. Any articles you wrote for our newsletter or other gem and mineral club newsletters.
9. Did you support the CFMS Endowment Fund with any contributions (for instance, by buying tickets for the Camp Paradise raffle or in any other way)?
10. Any other activities you pursued promoting our hobby (e.g. displaying and/or demonstrating at the County Fair, participating in craft shows, helping with school district science fairs, installing displays at the library or other public facilities, etc.).

Please write up and send responses to any of these questions to Jim Brace-Thompson, 7319 Eisenhower St., Ventura, CA 93003, or jbraceth@roadrunner.com. Or you can write up responses and bring them to the Holiday Potluck. We need all responses by December 15 in order to incorporate them into the scrapbook we're preparing to send to the CFMS.

Jim Brace-Thompson.

CFMS News - Camp Paradise.
The CFMS Camp Paradise raffle was held at the November 7 CFMS Directors' Meeting in Visalia, and the results are in:
     Merryan O'Neil of El Dorado was the happy winner of a spot at Camp Paradise. If you didn't win, please keep in mind that everyone is actually a winner in that proceeds from the raffle support the CFMS Endowment Fund, formed to provide a stable source of income for programs and services (like Camp Paradise) that the CFMS provides to member societies. Also, you can still attend! Applications are now being taken for the 2010 sessions. We will have them at our monthly membership meetings, or it can be downloaded from the CFMS website. If you do not have access to any of these sources, please call your editor and a copy will be provided to you.

A $350 fee covers one week of classes, meals, and room. The classes cover such areas as faceting, carving, lapidary, silversmithing, wire wrapping, bead making, etc. In 2010, there will be two week-long sessions: May 16-21 and May 23-28. For feedback on the value of such CFMS workshops, ask members who have attended them at Camp Comfort and Zzyzx, such as Greg and Valli Davis, Ron and Jean Wise, Nancy Bogart, or Abe and Esther Barshai, and others.

Jim Brace-Thompson,
CFMS 1st Vice President/President-Elect.

AFMS/CFMS News - Display & Compete for National Recognition.
As noted last month, VGMS is one of 135 societies making up the regional California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS), and six other regional federations are scattered across the U.S. All seven regional federations are united under the national banner of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) that encompasses nearly 750 local clubs and societies like ours. A combined AFMS/CFMS Show will take place June 18-20, 2010, in Whittier, very close to our own home base.

I encourage everyone to display. This is a rare opportunity. The national show revolves through all seven regional federations, so it only shows up in California once every seven years. This is an opportunity to enter competitive exhibiting and potentially come away with national recognition! I've competed both regionally and in the last AFMS show that was here in Ventura six years ago. It's a great experience, and I'm happy to provide pointers and assistance to anyone interested in participating this way in the 2010 AFMS/CFMS show. In addition, last year Dee Holland and Shirley Leeson (both past-presidents of the AFMS, with long experience in competitive exhibiting) came to our Ventura show to provide pointers on competitive exhibiting and to offer informal critiques of display cases to anyone interested. They have offered to come again to our 2010 VGMS Show in March and to provide a refresher and once again to offer informal critiques of cases and suggestions on how to make your case shine in competition. I've welcomed their offer, and I encourage VGMS members to take advantage of their expertise (Dee Holland oversees the "Uniform Rules Committee" that writes the rules for competitive exhibiting and oversees judging). With the national show coming around but once every seven years, let's all jump on the opportunity!

I'll have a full packet of info about the 2010 AFMS/CFMS show on our take-one table at upcoming meetings. The packet includes entry forms for competitive and noncompetitive exhibits, dates, directions to the show, and more. You can also obtain this info from the show web site (http://www.nocgms.com/show/ Close the new window to return here.) or by contacting Show Chair Mike Beaumont, diamond.crest@yahoo.com. See ya in La Habra!

Jm Brace-Thompson,
CFMS 1st Vice President/President-Elect.

AFMS/ALAA News - How To Contact Your Elected Officials, Part II.
Most rockhounding sites in the American West are on BLM-administered lands, where the doctrine of "multiple use" has allowed varied recreational opportunities, including the chance to collect rocks and fossils. But recent legislation, with still more pending, is removing public lands from open public access by converting more and more to national preserve, monument, or park status. When such bills come up, how do you contact your elected officials to make your thoughts known, either for or against? Last month, we reprinted an article written by John Martin, associated with land-use committees of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies and the American Lands Access Association. In it, he provided step-by-step guidance on tracking down your Senator and Congressman via the ALAA web site, http://www.amlands.org. (Close the new window to return here.)

Here's another way. Last year Rob Sankovich routed several web addresses to folks on his field trip email list. We'd like to share those with everyone. The site www.house.gov (Close the new window to return here.) has info on Congressmen. In a "representative finder" in the upper-left, enter a zip code to find your representative. A similar site for the U.S. Senate is www.senate.gov. (Close the new window to return here.) Finally, specific addresses for California's U.S. Senators Feinstein and Boxer are: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public and http://boxer.senate.gov/. (If you go to either of these links close the new window to return here.)

Jim Brace-Thompson,
CFMS 1st Vice President/President-Elect.

  Table of Contents.

LET'S GO TO A SHOW - 2010.

(If you go to a web site close the new window to return here.)

CFMS Club Shows 2010.
January 16-17, Exeter, CA - Tule Gem & Mineral Society, Exeter Memorial Bldg., 420 N. Kaweah (Hwy 65), Exter. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Pepper Okada, (559) 733-5842; Don Vieira, (559) 733-7739, Webpage: tulegem.org.
February 12-21, Indio, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society, Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, Gem & Mineral Building Bldg #1, 46-350 Arabia Street. Hours: 10 am-10 pm. Bert Grisham, (915) 849-1674, Email: bert67@verizon.net.
February 26-27, Northridge, CA - Del Air Rockhounds Club, United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. (at Superior St.). Hours: Fri. 3 pm-9:30 pm, Sat. 10 am-5 pm. Julie Marin, (818) 886-7190, Website: http://delairrockhounds.blogspot.com.
March 5-6-7, Newark, CA - Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley, Newark Pavilion, 6430 Thorton Avenue, Newark, CA 94560. Hours: Fri & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Lary Ham, (510) 887-9007, Email: showchair@mgscv.org, Website: www.mgscv.org.
March 6-7, Arcadia, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Inc., Los Angles Co. Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 301 Baldwin Ave. Hours: Sat. & Sun. 9-4:30. Jo Anna Ritchey, (626) 359-1624, Email: joannaritchey@gmail.com, Website: www.Moroks.com.
March 6-7, Ventura, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Seaside Park, Ventura Co. Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Andy Anderson, (805) 987-0043, Email: vgms_editor@roadrunner.com, Website: vgms.org.
March 13-14, Spreckels, CA - Salinas Valley Rock & Gem Club, Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5th & Liano Streets. Hours: 10-5 daily. Ernie DeFever, (831) 422-3422, Email: minimad64@comcast.net, Website: salinasrockandgem.com.
March 13-14, Turlock, CA - Mother Load Mineral Society, Stanislaus Co. Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Bud & Terry McMillin, (209) 524-3494, Email: terry.mcmillin@yahoo.com, Website: www.turlockgemshow.com.
March 20-21, Bakersfield, CA - San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society, Kern County Shrine Club, 700 South P. Street (P & Bell Terrace). Hours: 9-5 daily. Lewis Helfrich, Home (661) 323-2663, Cell (661) 378-4450, Email: lewsrocks@netzero.net.
March 20-21, Escondido, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Army National Guard Armory, 304 Park Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Van Lynch, (760) 749-4164, Email: michellandvan@hotmail.com, Website: www.palomargem.org.
March 20-21, Vallejo, CA - Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society, Vallejo Elks Lodge, 2850 Redwood Parkway. Hours: 10-5 daily. Phylis Malacki, (707) 745-3255, Email: Vgms01@yahoo.com, Website: www.iwired.org.
March 27-28, Lemoore, CA - Lemoore Gem & Mineral Club, Lemoore Trinity Hall, 470 Champion Street, Lemoore, CA. Hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Judy Pereira, (559) 924-4052, Email: lemooregemshow@yahoo.com, Website: www.lemooregems.org.
March 27-28, Roseville, CA - Roseville Rock Rollers, Roseville (Placer Co.) Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Glori Marie, (916) 216-1114, Email: gloriarosevillerockrollers@gmail.com, Website: www.rockrollers.com.
April 10-11, Paradise, CA - Paradise Gem & Mineral Society, Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Road. Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Manuel Garcia, (530) 877-7324, Email: mmpg@earthlink.net.
April 16, 17, 18, San Jose, CA - Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 334 Tully Road. Hours: Fri 9-5, Sat & Sun 10-5. Frank Mullaney, (408) 265-1422, Email: info@scvgms.org, Website: www.scvgms.org.
May 8-9, Reno, NV - Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Reno, NV. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Ann Johnson, (775) 544-4937, Email: ann.johnson@gmail.com, Website: renorockhounds.com.
May 14, 15, & 16, Anderson, CA - Superior-Cal Gem and Mineral Society, Shasta Fairgrounds, 1890 Briggs St. Hours: Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bob Davis, (530) 824-6214, Email: mcdavis@hughes.net.
May 15-16, Yucaipa, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. Bill Jochimsen, (909) 790-1475, Email: bjm2285@aol.com, Website: www.yvgms.org.
June 4-6, Woodland Hills, CA - Rockatomics Gem and Mineral Society, Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. Hours: 9-5. Gary Levitt, (818) 993-3802, Email: Show@Rockatomics.org, Website: Rockatomics.org.
June 5-6, Glendora, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 East Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell, (626) 963-4638, Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
June 18-20, Whittier, CA - AFMS/CFMS Show and Convention, Hosted by North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society, So. CA University of Health Sciences Campus, 16200 E. Amber Valley Rd., Whittier CA. Hours: 1-5 daily. Mike Beaumont, (714) 510-6037, Website: networkingWave.com - Click on AFMS2010, Website: www.nocgms.com, Website: www.amfed.org.
August 6, 7 & 8, Nipomo, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 9-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt, (805) 929-3788, Email: Rocks4u@prodigy.net, Website: www.omsinc.org.
October 9-10, Trona, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, Searles Gem & Mineral Show Building, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Jim & Bonnie Fairchild, (760) 372-5356, Email: slgms@iwvisp.com, Website: www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub.
November 6-7, Concord, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord (in Clayton Fair Shopping Center), 5298 Clayton Rd. (near Ygnacio Valley Rd.). Hours: 10-5 both days. Harry Nichandos, (925) 289-0454, Email: show9@ccmgs.org, Website: www.ccmgs.org.
November 6-7, Lancaster, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Society, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Ave. H & Hwy 14. Hours: 9-5 daily. Susan Chaisson-Walblom, (661) 943-1861, Email: sichaisson@yahoo.com, Website: palmdalegemandmineral.com.

Source: http://cfmsinc.org/.

AFMS REGIONAL SHOWS 2010.
California Federation (CFMS) /AFMS,
June 18, 19, & 20, Whittier, CA,
Combined AFMS/CFMS Show, Hidden Treasures.
Hosted by the North Orange Co. Gem & Mineral Society.
Hours: 10-5 Daily.
Show Chairman: Mike Beaumont, Phone: (714) 510-6037, Email: diamond.crest@yahoo.com, Website: networkingwave.com/afms2010/index.html.

Source: http://cfmsinc.org/.

  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.