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The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 1
O x n a r d G e m & M i n e r a l S o c i e t y
December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12.
Award Winning CFMS
In this Issue
December’s Cover Photo:
Malachite KnifepointMalachite Knifepoint Made By
Brett Bednorz at Durley Park shop.Photo taken by Brian Miller
-Annual Christmas Potluck Starts at 6:30PM-Show Thanks You’s!
-Ventura Gem Show Application
-Camp Zzyxz Application
-Cover Photo’s Short Story
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 2
The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a nonprofit organization formed to increase our knowledge in geology, mineralogy and other such related fields in the earth sciences. We classify, cut, grind and polish rocks and minerals for our personal collections and to display at club shows. We learn from each other through club speakers, programs and monthly field trips. We cooperate with other clubs to encourage others to participate in our activity. The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is an affiliate of the California Federation of Mineralogical Society and the American Federation of Mineralogical Society.
Our Mission...
Meeting Location:Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Thousand Oaks Room800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, California 93030
We welcome Guests Always! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, (except for holidays) at 7:30 PM. Our arrangement includes a short business talk, followed by refreshments, and then an Educational Presentation.
Membership:Adults - $15.00 per year (Jan - Dec)
Children 12 -18 years of age - $ 2.00 per year (Jan - Dec)
Children under 12 years of age FREE
Bonus - Join October through December, the following year's membership is included.
Badges: How much is a Badge, Do I need a Badge?
Badges are $10.00. We consider Badges more practical than handwritten name tags. We regularly have a badge drawing during our meetings. The Rule is the winner needs to be wearing their Badge to receive their prize.
Calling All Pebble Pups!
Do you have children that are into Rocks & Minerals? Well, this is the right place to learn all about Earth-Science. Meetings are Free, Fun, and best of all Educational. Children from 12-18 are welcome to attend. The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Future Rockhounds of America program will be our main focus, accompanied by other activities, workshops and Field Trips. Meetings start at 6:00 to 6:45.
Classes:The Durley Park Arts Center
950 Hill StreetOxnard, CA 93033
OGMS is a non-profit organization, under 501 (c)(3), founded in 1961. The goals of the club are to enrich the lives of the community and the surrounding areas by promoting popular interest and knowledge in geology, mineralogy, lapidary and related fields. We teach Silversmithing, Lapidary, Opal Cutting, Wire Wrap, and Jr. Lapidary. Signup NOW! Fall Classes are Available.
The OGMS Officers for 2014President Adrian Ruiz 512-3383 [email protected]
1st Vice President (Programs)
Kay Hara 525-7634 [email protected]
Co-2nd Vice President (Show)
Miriam Tetreault Cynthia Baumgarnter
642-5779 [email protected] [email protected]
Co-3rd Vice President (Field Trips)
Bob DriskellJohn CookCarolyn HoweLarry Knapton
485-2983 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Recording Secretary Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Treasurer O P E N -----------------------------------------------
Appointed Standing Committee ChairsCorresponding Secretary
Laura Driskell (Temp) 485-2983 [email protected]
Displays & Exhibits Brett Allen Johnson 822-3836 [email protected]
Editor The Rock Bag Brian Miller 509-0815 [email protected]
Education Director Donna Knapton 407-3968 [email protected]
Federation Director Louisa Carey (503) 309-6147 [email protected]
Historian Adrian Ruiz 512-3383 [email protected]
Hospitality Jo Martinez 701-1826 [email protected]
Librarian Lee Leighton 647-4594 [email protected]
Member-at-Large Jean pSmith 382-4592 [email protected]
Membership Carolyn Howe 486-1185 [email protected]
Parliamentarian Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Pebble Pups Louisa Carey (503) 309-6147 [email protected]
Public Relationship Norb Tackman 647-2538 [email protected]
Refreshments Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Scholarship Chair Kay Hara 525-7634 [email protected]
Sergeant-at-Arms Larry Knapton 407-3968 [email protected]
Ways & Means Jo Martinez 701-1826 [email protected]
Webmaster Stephanie Hagiwara 986-2006 [email protected]
Find us on the Web! oxnardgem.comClub Email: [email protected]: Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society (Field Trips)Mail: P.O. Box 246 Oxnard CA 93032
Minerals of the MonthThe spectrum of beautiful colors, its rarity and affordability are why it is becoming more popular today. Some gem collectors seek out Zircon from different locations capturing gems in every color of the rainbow to colorless, green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, dark red, and all the colors in between.
One of today’s most popular blue gemstones, Tanzanite comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and striking assortments of blue tones. Rarely pure blue, Tanzanite almost always displays its signature overtones of purple. In smaller sizes, Tanzanite usually contains lighter tones and the lavender color is more common. While in larger sizes, Tanzanite typically displays a deeper, richer and beautiful blue.
Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones and its popularity has spanned the globe for centuries. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans. This beautiful robin’s egg blue gemstone has been attributed with healing powers, promoting the wearer’s status and wealth, protecting from evil and bringing good luck.
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 3
Hello OGMS, Members are encouraged to submit
any articles or advertisements of your
interest.Remember it is your
newsletter too! Articles and Ads can be
submitted by email. The Deadline to submit will be the 20th of each
month.Brian Miller
-OGMS Editor
In This Months Issue.
Just wanted to say a large thank you to John Cook on the outstanding program presentation of the LaBrea Tar pits last meeting - so much revealing and bounteous information! Our next meeting of course is our annual Christmas potluck. We will recognize the outgoing officers and chairpersons and celebrate the incoming ones. Our host and person who will swear in the incoming officers and chairpersons will be Tim Knapton. He did it once before and it was a blast! Also we will recognize our CSUCI and Oxnard Community College Scholarship winner - Magdalena Domingo from CSUCI and Aerial Atkinson from Oxnard Community College. Our president Adrian Ruiz, will recognize his choice for the outstanding Rockhound of the year - maybe several!
Of course there will be plenty of Christmas food and decorations at the party - starts at 6:30pm you know, so bring your own dishes and silverware so you can stuff yourself! Our entertainment for the evening will be a musical group that I am a part of, called the Half Notes. We promise to bring good old fashion Christmas songs and cheer!
See you at the Christmas party and show.
Kay Hara1st VP Programs
T h e P r e z S e z
D e c e m b e r 3 r d P r o g r a m
Making a Stone KnifepointOver the years I have seen great things that people have made, from Lapidary to wire-wraping, I've seen it all. I can’t help but mention something that my cousin has done with leftover slabs that people tend to recycle. Working meticulously he has turned an average slab piece into a working art.
“The process is not so easy,” Brett said, while working steadily on the Genie at Durley Park. “You need to keep a good eye, and watch so you don’t chip the edge or tip.” Brett has been working on all sorts of blades from many types of material. His recent Malachite piece stunned me which made me want to write this up for all to know. Thank You Brett Bednorz for showing!
Brian MillerOGMS Editor
Page 2: Officers List & General Info
Page 3: The Prez Sez & December Program & Photo
Cover Story
Page 4: The Minutes of October and November Board
Meeting
Page 5: The Minutes of November 5th General
Meeting
Page 6: Pebble Pups & Education Corner
Pages 7-8: Show Thank You’s
Page 9: OGMS Book Corner
Pages 10-11: CFMS, AFMS, ALAA News
Page 12: Bench Tips with Brad Smith
Page 13: Upcoming Field Trips & Shows
Page 14: Ventura Show Exhibit Application
Page 15: Camp Zzyzx Application
Page 16: ALAA Rockhounds Ghosts of the Desert Survey
Season’s Greetings, I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving!With 2014 coming to a close, I want to thank all who have done so much for this club all year around. We had a great haul this year and I hope that 2015 will be even better. Lets celebrate with cheer at our annual Christmas Potluck, I hope to see you there!
Adrian Ruiz, President
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 4
Meeting called to order at 7:55 pm, President Adrian Ruiz, presiding.
Motion to approve September Minutes as printed in the Rock Bag, by Lee Leighton, motion seconded, approved.
Treasurer, Miriam Tetreault: Discussion of bills and deposits. Motion to approve the treasurer's report and pay bills, by Louisa Carey. Motion seconded, approved.
Programs, 1st VP Kay Hara: Program for November, John Cook, on La Brea Tar Pits. December, potluck. Kay asked for a host/hostess to work at the show. The Knaptons will check with DJ Tim Knapton for availability, if not available, Louisa Carey will be our hostess.
Show, 2nd VP Miriam Tetreault: Show meeting just held.
Field trips, 3rd VP Bob Driskell: Nothing happening this month.
Membership, Carolyn Howe: Applications for Walter Cahill, and two Pebble Pups. Motion by Kay Hara, seconded, approved.
Federation: Rockhound of the Year submission due, before the Federation show.
Classes: Electrical hookups waiting for John Cook’s schedule to clear. Live Scan appointments must be made for remainder of instructors.
Scholarships: Recipients have been invited to show and potluck. Motion by Brett Johnson, to offer a T-shirt gift and one year complimentary membership to each scholarship recipient. Seconded, and approved.
Education: Working on stuff for show.
Ways & Means: Jo has plenty of prizes.
Editor, Brian Miller: Articles need to be submitted by the 20th of the month.
Library: Two overdue books. Lee will call members.
Old Business: Stickers. Discussion of design for gem stickers, and badge. Bob Driskell moves that Brett prints 4 sheets at a cost of $200, with 2 sheets of badge stickers, and 2 sheets of mineral shape stickers. Motion was seconded and approved.
New Business: Facetron machine at shop has a bad circuit board, according to Jack Lewis. Adrian will get a dimmer switch and see if that works.
Next business meeting November 12, 2014. Adjournment, 8:56 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary
T h e M i n u t e s o f O c t o b e r 8 , B o a r d M e e t i n g
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm, President Adrian Ruiz, presiding.
Motion to approve only October Show Minutes as printed in the Rock Bag, by Bob Driskell; motion seconded, passed. October Board Meeting Minutes will be printed in the December Rock Bag.
Programs, 1st VP Kay Hara: December, potluck. Entertainment will be directed by DJ Tim Knapton, and the Half-Notes, a chorus that Kay sings with. Discussion of “payment” for the DJ, a family membership in OGMS. We need to have some members come
early to help set up tables and decorations. Discussion regarding certificates, thank-you gifts, etc. A potluck sign-up sheet was distributed to the Board members present, and will be distributed among members. As always, OGMS will purchase the turkey and ham, drinks and rolls.
Show, 2nd VP Miriam Tetreault: Show dates have been booked for the first weekend of November 2015. Show reports were discussed at a follow up meeting last week.
Field trips, 3rd VP Bob Driskell: Wiley’s Well trip on November 19th through 23rd, with CFMS/Conejo group. Bob has room for a passenger to carpool. Several scouting trips and field trips being set up for 2015; keep an eye on the OGMS Field Trips Facebook page, the Rock Bag, and the OGMS website.
Treasurer, Miriam Tetreault: Discussion of bills and deposits. Motion by Diane Cook, Show Treasurer, to transfer funds from the show treasury to pay for Tee Shirts and expenses. Motion seconded and passed. Motion to approve the treasurer's report, by Stephanie Hagiwara. Motion seconded, passed.
Diane Cook will handle extra paperwork with insurance and raffle for show this year and from now on if the board approves. Bob Driskell
moves to approve Diane Cook as Insurance contact for OGMS. Motion seconded and approved.
Recording/Corresponding Secretary, Laura Driskell: Checks mailed for Rock & Gem subscriptions were returned, as address has changed. All will be sent out tomorrow, to corrected address. The club received correspondence from Douglas Shore, Founder of the Central Coast Prehistory Project, requesting assistance in collecting and cataloging prehistoric specimens of the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties). Anyone interested in participation in this project, please contact the Secretary. A book has been issued by the University of Kentucky Press, on the subject of Kentucky Agates. The information will be passed on to the Librarian, as the Board is interested in purchasing a copy for our library.
Federation: Meeting Packet was delivered to club for distribution. Louisa was not able to attend the CFMS meeting; however, she will distribute materials and make a report at the next Board Meeting if possible.
Scholarships: The Board voted last month to give the scholarship recipients T-shirts and membership for a year. Kay needs to collect the t-shirts and send them with the certificates, as at least one recipient is moving from the college within weeks.
Old business:1. Gull Wings Museum wishes to have displays in children’s area, and would like to get advice on the items they have. Ventura club has some items and posters there. The Board agreed that they want to talk with the director about the museum, and the items that may be needed.2. Facetron machine at shop is still being looked at for repair.3. Motors on some machines at shop have to be rewired. The Fire Marshall should be called for inspection. The front door of the shop is bent, and the locks are not very secure.
New Business:1. Cabrillo Theater sent letter regarding tickets for the season. The publicity committee will use the information to request tickets for the 2015 Show raffle.
Announcements: Next Board meeting at 7pm, Thursday, December 11, 2014. All Board meetings will begin at 7pm in 2015. Meeting Adjourned, 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted byLaura Driskell, Recording Secretary
T h e M i n u t e s o f N o v e m b e r 1 3 , B o a r d M e e t i n g
"Images From "Mini Miners Monthly," © 2014 Darryl Powell, Used With Permission."
Muscovite
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 5
The Minutes of November 5 , General Meet ingCall to order: 7:35 pm. Adrian Ruiz, presiding. Larry Knapton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes: Motion by Anne Pierce to accept October General Meeting minutes as published in Rock Bag. Motion seconded and passed.
Treasurer’s Report: We are solvent.
Pebble Pups Announcement: Louisa reported that a vote was taken among Pebble Pups, and Emily Ruiz was voted as Co-Leader. Congratulations, Emily!
1st VP, Program: Tonight: John Cook’s presentation on LaBrea Tar Pits, and Elections. December: Officer Installations and Holiday Potluck, 6:30 pm, Ventura Room.
2nd VP, Show: Attendance was down somewhat, but the show results were good. 2015 Show dates, November 7-8.
3rd VP, Field Trips: Lavic Siding trip cancelled due to road closure. November 19-23 (weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving) Wiley’s Well, co-op with Conejo/CFMS.
New Business: Special guest, Amanda Hofmann-Handy, Executive Director of Gull Wings Children’s Museum (Oxnard). Would like to build up Mineral Room in the back, looking for donations of material and help identifying existing items. Has ties to CSUCI and Oxnard College, and is building relationships with Home School programs. The OGMS Board will discuss at next week’s meeting.
Hospitality: Twenty-two members signed in, 11 guests.
Ways and Means: Door prizes out for guests. Badge drawing only, won by Donna Knapton
Pebble Pups: Eleven or twelve showed up tonight. Two who entered a case in show, were pictured in the VC Star.
Correspondence: Show and field trip info on table, mail distributed to officers as needed.
Membership: We have over 45 members this year. Dues ($15 each) are coming up for 2015. Badges are $10.
Federation News: CFMS meeting next weekend, check for minutes online. Scholarship recipient nominations open.
Classes: Hooking up equipment; need to get LiveScans, lockouts, and Fire Marshall inspection done.
Education: Educated all weekend at show.
Library: Books out for perusal, watch Rock Bag for next review.
Scholarships: Committee invited winners to attend December Holiday potluck.
Editor: Rock Bags on table. Camp Zzyzx applications are attached. Please get articles in by the 20th of the month for December issue. Watch for a new look to the newsletter coming soon!
Displays & Exhibits: Thanks to Nancy Bogart for the donation of succulents for the plant booth. There were many nice displays and exhibits, many of them Quartz themed. Next year’s theme is Pyrite.
Old Business: Elections. As for nominations and volunteers discussed in October, the following slate of officers is presented for approval. Ron Wise moved to accept the slate of officers as presented. Motion was seconded and passed.
Elected Officers:President: Adrian Ruiz1st VP, Programs: Adrian Ruiz2nd VP, Show: Brett A. Johnson3rd VP, Field Trips: (Co-Chairs) Bob Driskell, Carolyn Howe, Larry KnaptonTreasurer: Miriam TetreaultRecording Secretary: Laura Driskell
Appointed Officers and Standing Committee Chairs:Ways and Means: Larry KnaptonCorresponding Secretary: Laura Driskell Scholarships: Kay HaraHistorian: Adrian RuizNewsletter Editor: Brian MillerWebmaster: Stephanie HagiwaraHospitality: (Co-Chairs) Laura Driskell, Candy MarshallParliamentarian: (Co-Chairs) Laura Driskell, Anne PierceDisplays & Exhibits: Brett JohnsonLibrarian: Lee LeightonPebble Pup Leaders: Louisa Carey, Emily RuizFederation Chair: Louisa CareyMember-At-Large: Anne Pierce
Announcements: Board meeting next Thursday, 7:30 pm.
Refreshments By: Brian Miller, Laura Driskell. Brian did a LaBrea Tar Pits themed dessert, in honor of our presenter!Next month’s refreshments: Holiday Potluck! Bring a dish to share for 8 to 10, and your own place setting.
Program: John Cook, on La Brea Tar Pits. John worked in the Pits for a year, and still loves to visit and talk about them and the George C. Page Museum. Excavation has been ongoing for over 100 years, and there are still a tremendous number of bones and mummified remains being brought out. The LaBrea Tar Pits boasts the largest collection of carnivores in its collection, as the herbivores that wandered into the pits for water or food ended up being eaten in feeding frenzies. The specimens collected are mummified, not fossilized, as the tar has preserved them.
Adjournment: Nothing further to report, Adrian Ruiz adjourned meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Driskell, Recording SecretaryNovember 22, 2014
Scheelite & Pyrite
"Images From "Mini Miners Monthly," © 2014 Darryl Powell, Used With Permission."
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 6
December Pebble Pups ProgramCome eat and be merry!
December 3rd 2014 @ 6:30Our Annual Holiday Feast & Changing of Officers!
The holiday pot luck will be held in the Ventura room of the Oxnard Performing Arts Convention Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard) at 6:30pm. We will enjoy a
beautiful meal, followed by installment of our new Officers and Committee members. Entertainment throughout including a choir, music, photo booth, and of course awards and prizes!
The turkey, ham, dinner rolls, butter, coffee, and punch will be provided by the club. We ask that you bring your own place setting and a dish that feeds 4-5 people. Hope to see you all there! For more information see December Program for general membership.
Happy Holidays,Louisa
C a l l i n g A l l P e b b l e P u p s
E d u c a t i o n C o r n e r
Cats Eye GemsBy: AJS Gems
In gemology, the term phenomenon (or phenomenal gem) refers to an unusual optical effect that is displayed by a gemstone. Examples include asterism (the star effect), chatoyancy (the cat's eye effect), play-of-color, labradorescence, adularescence, iridescence and color change.
The phenomenon of chatoyancy is related to asterism, because both the cat's eye and star effects are caused by light reflecting from inclusions in the gem. The inclusions are typically needles, channels or parallel fibers. When the gem is cut as a cabochon with the base in parallel with the fibers, a pattern resembling the slit eye of a cat may be displayed. When the gem is rotated, the cat's eye appears to glide over the surface of the stone.The chatoyant effect is similar to asterism, except there is one straight ray instead of four or six. Occasionally one will find a cat's eye with two parallel rays.
In the gem trade the term cat's eye is used to refer specifically to cat's eye chrysoberyl, which is regarded as the quintessential cat's eye gem. Cat's eye chrysoberyl is a very hard (8.5 on the Mohs scale) and durable gem that displays a very sharp and well defined cat's eye. It can be found in several colors, including gold and green. But there are in fact many gem varieties which can exhibit the cat's eye effect. They include cat's eye alexandrite (a type of chrysoberyl that exhibits a color change), opalite cat's eye, cat's eye apatite, tourmaline cat's eye and aquamarine cat's eye.
There are also a number of quartz varieties that can display chatoyancy. These include cat's eye citrine, quartz cat's eye and the distinctive tiger's eye. Tiger's eye is a golden and brown material that was first formed as the fibrous blue mineral called crocidolite, which is made up of iron and sodium. The crocidolite was gradually transformed into quartz while maintaining its unique fibrous patterns.
Cat's eye gems are valued according to the distinctness of the cat's eye, the body color, transparency, hardness and rarity. Some cat's eye gems are inexpensive, such as the quartz and apatite varieties. Cat's eye chrysoberyl is traditionally the most valuable and expensive. Gems, AJS. "Cat's Eye Gems." Articlesbase.com.
Articlesbase.com, 30 Jan. 2012. Web. 26 Nov. 2014.
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 7
Dear Exhibiting Members, Thank you everyone that exhibited this year. I am very happy you had taken the time to join me in making this one of Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society’s best “Galaxy of Gems” Expo ever. Without the support of folks like you, we would not have events, like our Expo, to share with the general public and community. You were instrumental in helping us put together 50 displays this year. Your exhibits help to educate, entertain, and delight the general public and fellow members. Everyone that attended the Expo surely enjoyed seeing your wonderful treasures, masterful creations and beautiful collections.
I understand the effort you had put into making your displays, and I greatly appreciate your time and generosity. If there is anything I can do to make next year’s exhibit entry and setup process better, please contact me directly with your comments, suggestions and concerns. Once again, I am glad to have had you as an exhibitor and was excited to see your exhibit. Thank you for your contributions and support. Happy Holidays and good Rock Hunting,
Brett Allen Johnson – Exhibit Chair
Cheri George - PGMC - Beaded Creations
CJ Quitoriano - AVGMC - Lamp Work Beads & Stone Spheres
Diane Cook - VGMS - Shades of Pink
Dick Weber - CGMC - Australian Thunder Bay Amethyst & Copper/Gold Ore
Jeffery Miller - VGMS - Rose Quartz
Jim Brace-Thompson - VGMS - Echinoids - Fossil Sea Urchins
Kathryn Davis - VGMS - Quartz Collection
Lowell Foster - VGMS - Agate Collection
Maria Florez - VGMS - Wire Spiral Jewelry
Mary Pat Weber - CGMC - Colorful Quartz
Nancy Brace-Thompson - VGMS - Quartz A Variety of Crystals
Raul Barraza - VGMS - What is Psammophile - A Sand Collection
Robert Sankovich - CGMC - Field Trip Collections
Thalia Goldsworthy - WHRC - Wire Wrap Creations
Adrian Ruiz - OGMS - Self Collected Quartz & Tourmaline
Anne Lewis - OGMS - Quartz Collection
Bob Driskell - OGMS - Quartz - Multiple Iterations
Brett Johnson - OGMS - California State Symbols & Crystal Skulls
Brian Miller - OGMS - The Rock Bag CFMS & AFMS Trophies
Carolyn Howe - OGMS - Quartz Crystals
Cynthia Baumgartner - OGMS - Beads and Fused Glass
Frank Boulch - OGMS - Jasper Cabs & Agate Geodes
Jean Wise - OGMS - Future Artifacts
Kay Hara - OGMS - Wire Wrap and Bolo Tie Agates
Larry Knapton - OGMS - Quartz, Quartz, and More Quartz
Louisa Carey - OGMS - Quartz Collection
Mary Haake - OGMS - Marine Fossils & Wiley Wells Geodes & Jewelry
Miriam Tetreault - OGMS - Hand Carved Stone Sculptures
Nancy Bogart - OGMS - Agatized Petrified Wood & Silversmith
Ron Wise - OGMS - Richardson Ranch's Thunder Eggs
Roy Boulch - OGMS - Agate & Jasper Bolo Ties and Belt Buckles
Stephanie Hagiwara - OGMS - OGMS & Color Rainbow of Rocks
Libby & Bodie Anderson - OGMS - Smooth and Bumpy Rocks
A H u g e T h a n k Y o u !
Our Honored Exhibitors
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 8
This is a big, big thank you to all who donated prizes to our raffle at our OGMS annual show!
Cynthia Baumgartner (Winner of Silver bullion by the way!) donated handmade earrings, glasses hanger, wire-wrapped beaded Christmas tree, fused dichroic glass pendant. Ron and Jean Wise Beautifully knapped flint knives and arrowheads, slabs and section of black petrified wood, slab of fern fossil, geode pendant, pottery bowl, miniature mounted crystal globe of the earth and a conundrum crystal. Lee Leighton donated several small opal cabochons. Louisa Carey donated a beautiful set of opal earrings by Fox Jewelers. Adrian Ruiz donated a beautiful, framed fish fossil, dendrites in agate pendant, agate bola tie and a plethora of pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces from Sandy Greenberg. Laura Driskell gave us beautiful blue-dyed agate geode bookends. Nancy Bogart contributed a pair of wire-wrapped earrings. Stephanie Hagiwara donated a pair of turquoise earrings. Miriam Tetreault gave a wood-carved Komodo dragon, sterling silver necklace chain, a beaded necklace, a sphere, and three agate night lights. Joan Minster donated quartz crystal and apophylite crystal formations, a black/white necklace, rose quartz, earrings. Brett Johnson contributed a holder case for an electronic tablet and a number of theme quartz crystal pendants. Gary and Janice Robertson of Gary's Jewelry and Lapidary Supplies donated an amethyst beaded necklace. Don & Jill of DOE Malibu two collectible miniature bear dolls and bear brooch. OGMS donated a 5oz pure silver bar, $100 and two $50 bills. I want to thank Jo Martinez, Stephanie Hagiwara, Will Smith, and others who helped in the raffle booth. Also, of course, 10 year old Mark Pokorny for picking out the winning raffle tickets - thanks Mark!
Kay HaraRaffles for OGMS
P.S: if I forgot anyone, Sorry!
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 9
O G M S B o o k C o r n e r
Hello OGMS,Please remember the following rules when checking out a book or a DVD:
1. You must be a current member with your dues paid, hopefully an active member.2. Up to three books or DVD’s that can be checked out at one time.3. Books & DVD’s can be checked out for one month at a time you check them out at a
meeting and bring them back the next following meeting. If you wish an extension, please arrange with the librarian.
4. Books or DVD’s must be brought back in good shape; any damage must be reported. If a book or DVD is lost, please make every effort to replace it or pay for it. Some books and DVD are very valuable.
5. If books or DVD’s are overdue a week, you will be called and reminded to return them.6. If Any books or DVD’s you have that are relevant to our hobby and are fairly current, in
good condition that you wish to donate to the library, it would be greatly appreciated.
For the growing number of amateur mineralogists and collectors, the authors have described the large variety of quartz minerals – where they may be found, how to identify them, and how to cut and prepare them for display.
Perhaps no group of minerals is so popular among collectors, because of the variety and the beauty of the specimens, and the profusion in which they occur. The book describes many localities accessible to the collector, including not only well known ones but many which have scarcely been explored.
Any amateur collector will find that this book not only gives him/her all the information that is needed for the pursuit of a fascinating hobby, it provides much valuable data that is not to be found elsewhere.
Check out a book at the next meeting……..There is something for everyone.
Lee Leighton, Librarian
Quartz Family Minerals
By H. C. Dake Frank L. FleenerBen Hur Wilson
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 10
CFMS ROCK HOUND OF THE YEARBy Nancy Bird, Chair
Dick and Mary Pat Weber of the Conejo Gem & Mineral Club are both Geologists. They have been members of our club for more than 17 years and
both have served as board members. Dick was President of CGMC for 4 years and Mary Pat was Programs Chair for quite a few years. Mary Pat consistently found very interesting programs. Additionally, they have provided outstanding programs for our club and other clubs. They have done a great service for our club.
They always help at our Gem show; Mary Pat had been doing Dealers Chair, and Dick doing Exhibit Chair and Silent Auction Chair and also putting in their cases with excellent exhibits. They also put in award winning exhibits cases at the Ventura County Fair Gem & Mineral Hall as well as assisting as volunteers at the Fair. They have traveled to many places in the United State and other countries; one they really enjoyed was collecting opals in Australia. Dick and Mary Pat go above and beyond helping our club and they deserve to be our Club Rock Hounds of the Year.
Submitted by Mike HavstadFrom CFMS Newsletter
C F M S N e w s
A F M S N e w sHaving Fun, Junior ActivitiesBy Jim Brace-ThompsonFrom AFMS Newsletter
Looking to Our Next 10 Years with the FRA Badge Program: Seeking Your Help & Suggestions
In September, I noted that this Fall represents the 10th
anniversary since the start of our AFMS FRA Badge Program. In fact, it was right about now, ten years ago, that I mailed out the very first activity badge to award to a junior member. I’ve since passed out more than 3,000 membership patches, awarded nearly 9,000 activity badges, and have even seen some of our earliest participants grow up and head off to college as geology and earth science majors.When I unveiled the Badge Manual, my plan was to expand and/or update it every four years. We started in 2004 with a membership patch, 9 badges and a Rockhound badge. In 2008, I added 6 more badges and a Rock Star pin. Starting 2012, we arrived at our current set of membership patch, 20 activity badges, Rockhound badge, and Rock Star pin. 2016 is just 15 months away, so—if I’m to stay true to plan—it’s time to start thinking about revisions for our next update.
With 20 badges, we’ve pretty much covered the waterfront. Current badges include: Rocks & Minerals, Earth Resources, Fossils, Lapidary Arts, Collecting, Showmanship, Communication, Field Trips, Leadership,
Earth Processes, Earth in Space (meteorites), Gold Panning & Prospecting, Gemstone Lore & Legend, Stone Age Tools & Art, Rocking on the Computer, The World in Miniature (thumbnails & micro mounts), Special Effects, Fluorescent Minerals, Reaching Across Generations, and Maps. As I gear up for a Fourth Edition of the Badge Manual, I welcome your ideas, experience, and creativity. Is there a broad area of our hobby and avocation I’ve missed that is ripe for an entirely new badge? Are there new activities we might add to existing badges? (For instance, the initial set of activities for our Fossils badge lacked anything on dinosaurs—an omission that was fixed thanks to suggestions from local club leaders who were using the program with their kids.) Have you tried any of the web addresses included in the Manual intended to lead to additional sources of information and activities and, if so, do you have suggestions for new websites to incorporate? Have any of the web addresses expired? Are there additional books, videos, and other resources we might recommend to go along with any of our badge units? Are there ways we might use our AFMS website to support aspects of the Badge Program? I welcome ideas large and small—any and all! Please send your thoughts to me via snail-mail, e-mail, or phone: 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, CA 93003, jbraceth@roadrunner. com, (805) 659-3577.
Here’s to crafting the next update to our Badge Manual—and to at least another ten years of having fun!
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 11
All,I have someone who is willing to take all the data we can collect to the BLM office. I need your help in filling out the attached survey. We must establish how many rockhounds actually go to the desert to camp and collect. If you haven't been collecting in the desert in the last five years, please have a club member or someone else fill it out.
RETURN TO: Shirley Leeson, [email protected] I need this information immediately. If this is successful, another 'alert' will go out for more information from all the clubs in California. This is our last best chance to save our desert collecting places.
Lastly, we are 'ghosts' we do not make our presence known to the BLM when we're in the desert. We must let them know we are in our desert. This does not have anything to do with the DRECP comments…. But, with this information we will be able to accurately tell the BLM where we collect. This information will go into our DRECP comments in February, 2015.If I have left any important information out of the survey, please include your suggestions.
But first, we must lay the groundwork, please help.
Shirley Leeson
Survey is attached in the last page of The Rock Bag.
A L A A N e w s
The Third Annual Quartzsite ALAA-BLM Cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2015 it will begin at 8:00 am MST and last for about 2 hours. The location is west of Quartzsite, AZ., at the Tom Wells Road Off-ramp from I-10 on the south side of the road. See Ya' There!
ROCKHOUND SOAPBOX JOHN MARTIN - CFMS PLAC
It is over half way through the year and to date there has not been any significant legislation enacted affecting amateur rockhound collecting
on California’s and Nevada’s public lands. There are local land management regulations being enacted to limit the access and collecting of rocks, minerals and fossils on public lands managed by the US Forest Service and the BLM. These regulations and restrictions are being enacted through Travel Management Plans and land Manager Directives. Fortunately for the active rockhound some of these decisions have allowed for Public Comments through public meetings and forums. Those attending these meetings have the opportunities to express their ideas, views, feelings and comments on the proposed regulations for public land usage and recreational activities, including lawful Rockhounding. These meetings are regularly attended by Recreational Users including OHV activists, Ranchers, miners, Energy Producers, Equestrians, Hunters, Hikers, an occasional Rockhound and environmentalists. With environmentalists present at nearly every public meeting their agendas are receiving the attention of the land managers. They are making their voices heard and in some cases they have the most voices heard of all the land users.The habitat of the California-Nevada Rockhound is decreasing at an alarming rate. In less than 50 years the habitat range of the Rockhound has been reduced from 47,458,744 acres to 32,058,744 acres by the closure of 15,400,000 acres of wilderness (Habitat reduction of 32.4%). Then add urban development, military installations, renewable energy projects, endangered species habitat closures, bureaucratic edicts, Land Management Decisions and Regulations the amount of Rockhound Habitat just keeps on shrinking. Can a rockhound help to save its habitat? Yes they can! How one asks! First cast off the cloak of the Rockostrich, pull your
head out of the sand and observe the world around you. Decide to become proactive in decision making, both the Land Management Process and the political process.Worried about you IRS 501(c) Tax Exempt status? Well do not be. Voicing an opinion at a public meeting, contacting an elected official with an opinion on an issue in proposed legislation, or joining another organization fighting similar battles as an individual or a group (Club or Society) will not have a negative impact on your IRS 501(c) tax exempt status. That is true as long as some simple IRS rules are adhered to: (1) Do not contribute, in the name of the organization, directly to a campaign fund of a candidate running for election. (2) Do not contribute, in the name of the organization, directly to a legislative cause or to a person having direct influence on that legislative cause. (3) Do not expend an amount of funds in excess of 10% of the organization’s total annual income to the Lobbying Process. Donating or contributing to an organization which may in turn support or donate to a specific group or cause or individual having influence on an election or legislative action should not have any negative impact on your 501(c) tax exempt status. Joining an organization which donates funds in support of a third party legislative actions or litigation support will not have a negative impact on the 501(c) tax exempt status. Start protecting you Rockhounding Habitat, and show that you care for the future of rockhounds and lawful rockhounding by becoming proactive.There is strength in number and the greater the number of Rockhounds that choose to participate in the processes the better chances there are to preserve your rockhound habitat. All you have to do is show up at a meeting, make a simple phone call or send a simple email. It is really not difficult. The choice is yours! See you at the next land management meeting! If you need help or more information contact your Federation Representative, go to the CFMS Website www.cfmsinc.com or contact the CFMS PLAC Committee [email protected].
Happy Rockhounding and enjoy your Public Lands.-ALAA Newsletter 2014
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 12
Bench Tips for Jewelry Making By: Brad SmithTAKE BETTER PHOTOS
Most digital cameras these days have the ability to take a good picture of your small jewelry items, but set-up is important. There are four major items to control - background, lighting, camera motion and focus control.
Lightly colored papers from an art store make reasonable starter backgrounds. Try experimenting with other products later like glass or colored plastics. Avoid fabrics because the weave can often be distracting at high magnification.
Outside lighting is the easiest. In fact for close-ups, flash never works well. Turn off your camera's flash. Choose a bright but overcast day or a lightly shaded area when the sun is full. For inside use, two gooseneck desk lamps can be used with 75 watt bulbs. Whatever you use, be sure to set the camera to match the type of lighting you use or else the color will be off.
You'll be shooting up close, so turn on the Macro mode. Now at this range, if the camera moves even a little bit during the shot, the picture will be blurry, so it's essential to use a tripod. Used ones are available inexpensively from eBay, or look into yard sales or some camera shops. And even with a tripod, I put the camera on the self-timer mode so that any vibration from when you click the button settles down before the camera takes a picture.
In order to get the largest part of your jewelry in focus, you have to close the lens down to the minimum aperture (highest F-Stop number). This is done by taking the camera off of "Auto" mode and selecting Aperture Priority, usually denoted by "Av" and then setting the aperture to the largest number, which is F-8 on my camera. You'll probably have to get out the book or go back to the store to ask about this, but it's really worth it.
That's it. In recap, here are the camera settings I use:
Set the lens to Macro for a close-up shot.
Move the camera in close enough for the itemto cover at least ¾ of the frame.
Look for adverse reflections from the jewelry surface.
Try to minimize reflections with changes of light position,camera angle or white background paper.
Carefully check for any fingerprints or dust that might be on the piece.
Make any final tweaks with light and arrangement.
Turn the camera’s flash off.
Select "Av" for aperture priority mode.
Set the lens opening to the highest number formax depth of field.
Set the lighting to match what you're using(daylight, overcast, lightbulb, fluorescent, etc).
Set the timer to delayed shooting, either 2 seconds or 10 seconds, to avoid camera movement. The delay also gives you time to hold up a piece of white paper to reduce any final reflections.
Take the shot.
GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
It's often difficult to find a nice gift for a friend who makes jewelry. The Bench Tips book has earned over 25 Five Star reviews, was ranked Number One in Amazon's Top 100 list for Jewelry, and named by Amazon as one of the Best Books in 2014. Get a copy at Amazon!
http://amazon.com/dp/0988285800/
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 13
Because OGMS is affiliated with the AFMS, our members observe the following AFMS principles:
"Code of Ethics"
1. I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
2. I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
3. I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
4. I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
5. I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
6. I will leave all gates as found.
7. I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
8. I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
9. I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
10. I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
11. I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
12. I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the
pleasure and benefit of others.
13. I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of
how found.
14. I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
15. I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment
of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
16. I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
17. I will observe the "Golden Rule,” will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the
stature and Public Image of Rockhounds everywhere.
Field Trip CoordinatorsBob Driskell
Phone: 485-2983 Email: [email protected]
John CookPhone: 647-8517
Email: [email protected] Howe
Phone: 486-1185Email: [email protected]
Larry KnaptonPhone: 407-3968
Email: [email protected]
No Field Trips due to the holidays. Our next trip will probably be Area 54, Clearwater Creek. February 21-22 @ Little Panoche Rd. This is not a set (final) trip or date, please understand we need to research the areas in question and gauge interest as this is not one of our regular trips.
-Field Trip Coordinators
Upcoming F ield Tr ips Upcoming ShowsDecember 6 - 7: BARSTOW, CA
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral SocietyCora Harper Community Center
841 Barstow Road (North of I-15)Hours: 10 - 5 daily
Contact: Vivian WattsEmail: [email protected]
December 12 - 14: RIALTO, CAOrange Belt Mineralogical SocietyAcross Street from Rialto City Hall
105 South Palm AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 3
Contact: Ken Gard or Jessica, (909) 887-5507 Shop (909) 381-0089Email: [email protected]: OBMSrocks.yolasite.com
January 17 - 18: EXETER, CATule Gem & Mineral Society, VisaliaExeter Veterans Memorial Building
324 N Kaweah Avenue, Hwy 65Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
Contact: Bill Bingaman, (559) 741-6381Email: [email protected]: www.tulegem.com
Quartzsite Show ScheduleDesert Gardens Rock, Gem & Mineral Show
Desert Gardens Show Grounds
January 1 - February 28, 2015
Prospectors' Panorama
January 2-15, 2015
QIA Powwow Gem & Mineral Show
Quartzsite Improvement Association
January 21-25, 2015
Quartzsite Market Place Street Fair
October 31, 2014 - March 1, 2015
Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show
January 17-25, 2015
Rice Ranch Y'all Come Show
November 1, 2014 - April 1, 2015
Tyson Wells Arts & Crafts Fair
Tyson Wells Show Grounds
January 30 - February 8, 2015
Tyson Wells Market Centre Swapmeet
Tyson Wells Show Grounds
October 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015
Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
Tyson Wells Show Grounds
January 2-11, 2015
Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
Tyson Wells Show Grounds
January 16-25, 2015
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 14
The Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.Presents
THE VENTURA GEM SHOW53rd Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary & Fossil Show!
Ventura County FairgroundsMarch 7-8, 2015
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society would be honored to have you display your case(s) at our 53rd annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show to be held March 7 and 8 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA). We hope you will be able to join us at our show and encourage you to invite friends and neighbors to attend. Admission is FREE.Show times: Set-up: March 6 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM Show: March 7 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM March 8 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
All exhibits must remain on display until show closing at 4:00 PM, Sunday. As an exhibitor, you will receive a free parking pass. Camping is on a first-come/first-served basis, and the Fairgrounds charges a nightly camping fee ($25 no hook-ups; $35 with hook-ups—limited number available). Many hotels are also situated close to the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will provide security within the Fairgrounds building, but VGMS cannot be responsible for any loss or damage. On Friday evening, March 6, VGMS will host a dinner for exhibitors and dealers. For persons without cases, a limited number of cases are available for loan on a first-come/first-served basis. Please fill out the form below and mail to:
Shana Juarez VGMS Show Exhibits Chair
697 Topeka Avenue DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 21, 2015 Ventura, CA 93004 No exhibits accepted after this date so as to allow time 805-323-6725, 24hrs. for exhibit hall layout & printing of show program. [email protected]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * Please keep the above portion for your records * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Exhibitor name _____________________________________ Phone ______________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________ State______ Zip________________
Email address __________________________________________________________________
Title/s of your display/s __________________________________________________________
Note: VGMS has a limited number of club cases, so if you have a case, we ask that you kindly bring your own so that we can provide those without a case with one from the club supply. Thank you for this consideration!
No. of cases ______ Front width of case(s) in inches ___________________________________
If bringing your own, is your case(s): Upright __ Flat__ (note: 150 watt lighting, max, per case)
Will you need to borrow a case? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, how many? ______________
Do you intend to camp or need camping information and pricing? Yes ____ No ____
Will you join us for our Friday dinner? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, number of people _______
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 15
The Rock Bag December 2014 Volume 52. Issue 12. Page 16
ROCKHOUNDSGHOSTS OF THE DESERT
Refer to ALAA News Section on Page 11 in the Rock Bag.
1. My name is:___________________________________
2. I live in:______________________________________ (city and town)
3. I am a member of:______________________________ (if more than one g/m society, list all)
4. I have been to the Southern California Desert:_________ in the last five years. (approximate visits)
5. I have been with a small group – approximate number:_______ (is this an annual event?) Yes____ No_____
6. I have been with the club, on a published field trip_______ (which issue of your newsletter)
7. The location (s) are: (attach a map, or GPS coordinates. Give landmarks: Hiway, Mountain, power lines, etc) You collected: name material – example: jasper_________________
8. This site is published in a: magazine_____ gem trail booklet_____ Other_______
Which one:________________________________,
If more than one, name them______________________________________
9. I stopped in:____________________________ Name city: for gas ___, groceries___, restaurant___, motel___, other___________