SANTA ANA ROCK & MINERAL CLUB
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
James DeMarco
Vice President
Trish Voss
Rec'd Secretary
Carol Williams
Treasurer
Charlotte Spalding
Corres. Secretary
empyt
Parliamentarian
Carol Williams
714-963-3708
949-631-2314
714-963-8448
714 531-4058
714-963-8448
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Jim DeMarco
714-963-3708
Mike Anglin
949-348-0808
Federation
Field Trip
Hospitality
Membership
Program
Property/shop
Editor
MARCH, 2015
Santa Ana Rock & Mineral
P.O. Box 51
Santa Ana, CA 92702
CLUB PURPOSE
The purpose of the Club is to offer an opportunity for those who
are interested in rocks, minerals and fossils, to gather at regular
meetings, display and examine items of interest in the hobby, to
promote and also encourage the art and practice of lapidary, to
exchange experiences and ideas, to organize field trips for
members and guests, and to promote the general interest in
and knowledge of the hobby.
Pam Greene
949 548-0752
Trish Voss
949-631-2314
Don Greene
949 548-0752
Pam Greene
949 548-0752
Email: [email protected]
MEETING:
SARM EMAIL:
WEB SITE:
WEB MASTER”
[email protected]
http://www.sarmclub.org
[email protected]
SARM is a member of CFMS
(California Federation of Mineralogical Societies)
For more information on shows and events check
out their web site at :http://www.cfmsinc.org
WORK SHOP:
At the Greene's (members only)
first full weekend of the month
9 am to noon
call Pam Greene at 949 548-0752
to request flexible times
CLUB CALENDAR – MARCH, 2015
MAR. 7 & 8
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
MAR 13-15
STODDARD WELLS TAILGATE
DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!
MAR.
18
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
METAPHYSICAL ASPECTS OF of
MINERALS AND CHRYSTALS
MAR.
25
FIELD TRIP TO SALTON SEA
CALL MIKE ANGLIN AT 949-348-0808
FOR MORE INTORMATION
APRIL 4 & 5
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
APRIL
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
15
FLEXIBLE WORKSHOP
If you want to use the workshop at times other than
the scheduled days, call Pam or Don at (949) 5480752 to see if we’re going to be home. We’re pretty
flexible. Short notice is fine. If we’ll be home you can
use it.
WHERE:
Visitors are welcome!
7:00 PM, 3rd Wednesday of the month
except July & December.
10739 Los Jardines West
Fountain Valley, Ca 92708
CLUB PUBLICATIONS: All items may be quoted unless
otherwise noted, we only ask that credit be given and we'll do
the same.
BARTER ADS: Free lines to members for trading items - as
space permits.
DRILLING A STONE
Bench Tips by Brad
Smith
One of the things my students often ask to do is drill
a hole through a piece of
gemstone. The usual
thought is to get a diamond
drill, but I've found these
often break or burn up. The
reason I think is that the drill
pivots on the piece of diamond on the drill tip. By
pivoting the diamond does not cut. When it doesn't cut, you
tend to add more force, and the drill is damaged by excess
heat. A much better approach is to use a core drill. This is a
small hollow tube with a coating of diamond grit at the business end. The diamonds easily carve out a circular arc without undue pressure or heat buildup. Core drills are readily
available from lapidary and jewelry supply companies. They
come in sizes as small as 1mm and are reasonable in price,
for instance $6 for 2mm diameter. Chuck up the core drill in a
drill press or a Foredom and be sure to keep the drilling zone
wet to cool the tool and to flush out debris. Also, if you're
drilling a through hole, go very easy on the pressure as the
drill is about to break through. Otherwise you will usually chip
off some of the stone surface around the hole.
More BenchTips by Brad Smith are at FaceBook
facbook.com/BenchTips or at
groups.yahoo.com/group/
Get all of Brad's bench tips in "Bench Tips for Jewelry Making" on
Amazon .com
Page 2
MARCH, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
President’s message for March, 2015
We had a very successful silent auction at our February meeting. I would like to thank all those who brought items to sell and
those who helped set-up and take-down. With everyone’s help these auctions can not only bring in income for our club, but are
pleasant for all our members. A big thank-you also goes to Trish Voss for doing a great job as refreshment chairperson. Every
meeting we see a new variety of goodies and other wonderful things to eat!
Mike Anglin, our field trip chairman, has scheduled another trip to the “Wonder-Stone Wash” area of the Salton Sea. We did this
trip awhile back and were able to collect some great material. It is very colorful and polishes beautifully. The trip will take place
on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. If you would like to go on this field trip please contact Mike (949-348-0808) or
myself at (714-963-3708) for details. Details will also be available at our March Meeting which is a week before the
field trip.
Jim De Marco, President
MARCH BIRTHSTONES
AQUAMARINE
Legend says that aquamarine is the treasure of mermaids,
with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Whether you
believe the legend or not, there's an undeniable allure associated with aquamarine jewelry. As the birthstone of March,
aquamarine is often given to celebrate a new baby or a
March birthday. Aquamarine was also said to have a
soothing influence on land, especially on married couples.
Its power to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage makes it a
good anniversary gift.. A dream of aquamarine means that
you will meet new friends.
Aquamarine from the Latin: aqua marina, meaning "water
of the sea", is a blue variety of beryl. It
occurs at most localities which yield
ordinary beryl. In the United States,
aquamarines can be found at the summit of Mt. Antero in the Sawatch Range
in central Colorado. In Wyoming, aquamarine has been discovered in the Big
Horn Mountains, near Powder River Pass. In Brazil, there
are mines in the states of Minas Gerais,Espírito Santo, and
Bahia. The mines of Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya also produce aquamarine.
The largest aquamarine of gemstone quality ever mined
was found in Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It
weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm (19
in) long and 42 cm (17 in) in diameter. The largest cut aquamarine gem is the Dom Pedro aquamarine, now housed
in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural
History
BLOODSTONE
The very name seems to harken back to Medieval times. The
name is a sure sign and a reminder that things were named
descriptively, usually by color. Bloodstone is red and dark
green. The spots of red can look spattered as though blood has fallen on a
rock. There is a legend that says the
bloodstone was formed from the blood of
Christ dripping on the green earth and
solidifying. It was also called heliotrope by
the Greeks and was thought to bring change. The bloodstone
has been used as an amulet to protect against the evil eye.
Bloodstone is the symbol of justice.
A chalcedony and therefore part of the quartz family it is often described as a jasper but, since the best quality features
well distributed red spots in a translucent deep green, can
properly be called an agate, and can be polished using the
same methods as with other chalcedony or agate.
A good quality bloodstone comes with solid dark green color
with visible veins of red. It comes in many shapes and cuts
with the common forms of cabochon, cushion cut, emerald
cut, octagonal, oval and round.
Bloodstones used in jewelries are coated with polish that
magnifies the gemstone’s beauty. This also means to never
apply harsh chemicals like detergents when cleaning bloodstone jewelry as it ruins the surface.
The red of bloodstone always figured prominently in its ancient medicinal usage. It was applied to anyone suffering a
hemorrhage or a nosebleed. Heliotrope (an alternate name)
also indicates the red aspect as the word means drawn to the
sun.
The reason that bloodstone is the
gem for March, is a reference to the
stone's astrological association with
the sign Aries (more days of which
fall in April than March). Aries is associated with the planet Mars which,
as we all knew before the probes, is
red. Hence a stone featuring red gets
associated with March.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine obelisk
by gem sculptor Bernd Munsteiner is the largest cut aquamarine:
Bloodstone occurs as nodules or in veins in the U.S. (MT,
TX, CA, OR, WY, CO), India, Brazil, and Australia.
Page 3
MARCH, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
GENERAL MEETING
Inside an Agate
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 PM
Agates with solid inclusions are some of the most beautiful
agates in the world. Solid inclusions may be shaped as
sagenite, plume, dendrite, or moss. Inclusions occur where
iron oxide, manganese oxide, or other oxides are present
when the agate is formed. The oxide materials grow in the
agate when it is in a liquid or gelatinous state. The inclusions
grow and are supported by this liquid medium
For our March meeting Christy Joe Day of Majesta,
will talk about the " Metaphysical Aspects of Minerals
and Crystals". He will also bring some interesting
crystal formations that will be for sale.
In addition, Victoria Dendinger, a
clinical psychologist who also
has an interest in the metaphysical aspects of crystals
will be an opening act for
Joe's presentation. This
should be an interesting and
enlightening program.
SARM Club Minutes
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The meeting was called to order by President Jim De
Marco at 7:05 PM. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and did personal introductions. The minutes of
the January meeting were approved as printed in the
February newsletter. The Treasurer’s report was then
read and approved. Members got refreshments to
enjoy during the silent auction.
OLD BUSINESS:
No raffle as it is a silent auction meeting.
Carol Williams agreed to write up this months minutes.
Carol handed out the new SARM business cards.
NEW BUSINESS
CFMS dues was paid by Charlotte. This includes our
insurance.
Corporate Status We are active.
Change of Officer form was sent to CFMS
Programs Trish Voss, She will be contacting a Gemology speaker.
Newsletter - Pam Greene asked for articles and photos from the members
Field Trips- Mike Anglin is planning a trip to west of the
Salton Sea to look for Wonderstone. This will be in 4
to 6 weeks. In April he is planning a trip to Jalama .
We can no longer collect whale bone but there is travertine, root bear agate and other stone to collect.
Stoddard Wells tail gate will be coming up in March.
Mike may plan two trips to Willey's Well this year.
Federation- Jim De Marco
Workshop- Don Greene
Hospitality- Trish Voss brought the club refreshments.
Program Silent Auction started at 7:15 and was over at
8:00. Members paid for their purchases.
Submitted by Acting recording secretary,
SAGENITIC AGATE
Sagenitic Agate is
any agate having
acicular or needlelike mineral growths.
These hair-like filaments are often arranged in fans or
sunbursts. The inclusions come in a wide
array of colors,
Sagenite has been found in over 250 different agate deposits
worldwide, a little in most agate fields, probably less that five
percent of the agate in most fields.
PLUME AGATE
Plume agate has fluffy inclusions which often appear to be
soft and have depth. Sometimes plume agate inclusions resemble feathers,
plants, or flowers.
Colors may vary
as in Sagenite .
Plume is surprisingly more common that most of
us might believe.
Many collectors know of Priday Plume, Graveyard Point, Del
Norte (Colorado), West Texas, and Mexican Plume.
DENDRITIC AGATE
Dendritic agage has thin, two-dimensional tree-like growths,
usually black or dark
brown as is the case with
Montana Agate. Often
dendrites form between
flat, waterline bands of
agate. Dendrites may also
occur in limestone, talc,
and sandstone, and in
beryl, corundum, and
other minerals.
MOSS AGATE
Moss agate has inclusions in the
agate that are random in pattern,
often creating the appearance of
seaweed or moss. Moss agate
comes in many colors and is often
green. Moss is the most common
type of inclusion in agate. ‘
From Golden Spike 9/10, via the Tumbler 3/11
Carol Williams
Page 4
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
MARCH 2015
March 6 - 8: NEWARK, CA
Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley
Newark Pavilion
6430 Thornton Avenue
Hours: Fri & Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 5
March 7 - 8: ARCADIA, CA
Monrovia Rockhounds
Los Angeles Arboretum
301 Baldwin Avenue
Hours: 9:00 - 4:30 daily
March 7 - 8: VENTURA, CA
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 West Harbor Blvd.
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
March 13 - 15: VICTORVILLE, CA
Victorville Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Stoddard Wells Road & Hwy 15
March 14 - 15: SAN MARINO, CA
Pasadena Lapidary Society
San Marino Masonic Center
3130 Huntington Drive
March 14 - 15: SPRECKELS, CA
Salinas Valley Rock & Gem Club
Spreckel's Veterans Hall 5th & Llano Streets
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
March 14 - 15: TURLOCK, CA
Mother Lode Mineral Society, Modesto
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
900 North Broadway
MARCH, 2015
South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society
Torrance/Ken Miller Recreation Center
3341 Torrance Blvd (off Madrona Ave.)
Hours: Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4
APRIL 2015
April 4 - 5: CHICO, CA
Paradise Gem & Mineral Society
Silver Dollar Fairgrounds
2337 Fair Street
Hours: 10 - 4 daily
April 10 - 12: VISTA, CA
Vista Gem & Mineral Society
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
2040 North Santa Fe Avenue
Hours: 9 - 5 daily
April 11 - 12: MARIPOSA, CA
Mariposa Gem & Mineral Society
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
5005 Fairgrounds Road
(south of Mariposa on Hwy49)
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
April 18 - 19: SAN JOSE, CA
Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
334 Tully Road
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
April 18 - 19: THOUSAND OAKS, CA
Conejo Gem & Mineral Club
Borchard Park Community Center
190 Reino Road at Borchard Road
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
March 21 - 22: LEMOORE, CA
Lemoore Gem & Mineral Society
Trinity Hall 470 Champion Street
Hours: Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 4
April 25 - 26: SANTA CRUZ, CA
Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Church Street & Center Street
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
March 28 - 29: ANGELS CAMP, CA
Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society
Calaveras County Fairgrounds
101 Frogtown Road
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
April 25 - 26: LANCASTER, CA
Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Lancaster High School
44701 - 32nd Street West
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
March 28 - 29: ROSEVILLE, CA
Roseville Rock Rollers
Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds
800 All American City Blvd
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
March 28 - 29: TORRANCE, CA
Page 5
MARCH, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
The 38th annual Stoddard Wells
ROCK HOUND " Tailgate "
March 13th, 14th and 15th , 2015 9 5:00 p.m. daily
FREE Event ! Everyone Welcome ! Public Invited !
Restrooms, Drycamping, Food, Snacks & Drinks ,
Prizes and Rocks - Rocks & More Rocks
All Vendor spaces are FREE on a first come basis
(absolutely NO Holding of Spaces for a friend or Competing
with Club's Fundraising Food and Drink Booth)
Handcrafted & Faceted Jewelry, Slabs & Cabs, Findings &
Equipment, Minerals & Fossils and TONS of Rough Material.
Saturday FAMILY Field Trip 9am—1pm
for famous marble varieties.
Directions:
From Orange County towards Barstow : Take Hwy 15 North
past Victorville! Exit at Bell Mt./Stoodard Wells (EXIT # 157).
Turn Left/East at Ramp STOP Sign (away from Hwy 15).
Stay on Stoddard Wells Road. There is a stop sign at Dale
Evan Pkwy. You should see signs on the on the NW corner
power pole. Check Odometer here! Continue Straight On
Stoddard Wells Rd. 7 miles to the "Tailgate". The Road becomes a graded dirt road a few miles past the Dale Evans
Pkwy intersection, but it is good enough for cars and motor
homes. You will see tailgate signs and lots of cars and RV’s
on the right side of the road.
Sponsored by
the Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club
For more details visit Club Website at www.vvgmc.org or call
(760) 243-2330
World's Rarest Gemstones
ll gemstones are rare; some are just harder to find than
others.
In fact, there is no consensus on what is the rarest mineral
or the rarest gemstone because there is no consensus on
the definition of "rarity," according to the Gemological Institute of America.
However, many of the stones in this article come from only
one or two localities in the entire world, so in that sense,
they are scarce.
Pink Star Diamond
the Pink Star diamond was put up for auction in Geneva on
Nov. 13, 2013, at $60 million, an
already record price for a gemstone, and sold for $83 million.
Diamond cutter Isaac Wolf of New
York purchased the Pink Star
diamond ring, and renamed it the
Pink Dream. The diamond measures 1.06 inches by 0.81 inches
(2.69cm by 2.06cm).
Black Opal
Opal is Australia’s national gemstone, and black opal is the
rarest and most valuable of its
kind, at times selling at prices
that rival the best diamonds.
Found in the Lightning Ridge
area in northwestern New
South Wales, black opals are
natural, solid stones that absorb scattered white light, giving it brilliant spectral colors.
Musgravite
The Gemological Institute of
America calls musgravite "a rarity among the rare.
Musgravite was first discovered
in 1967 in the Musgrave Range
of South Australia. As of 2005,
there were only eight musgravite
specimens in the world.
This is one of the best places to get rought material at great
prices and you never know what else you might find.
A tough old cowboy from Texas counseled his granddaughter that if she wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on her oatmeal every morning. The granddaughter did this religiously until the age of 103, when she died. She left
behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 greatgrandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren, and a 40
foot hole where the crematorium used to be.
Jeremejevite
Jeremejevite is an extremely rare, aluminium borate mineral, discovered in the late 19th century by Pavel V. Jeremejev, a Russian mineralogist and engineer.
Until recently, the only
two known localities for
jeremejevite were Mt.
Soktuj in the Transbaikal region of Russia
and Cape Cross, Swakopmund, Namibia.
Page 6