Summit Gem June 2013
Summit Lapidary Club, 244 Chestnut Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
Phone 330-929-3798 www.LapidaryClubofOhio.org
Board Members: Pres. – Dave Macseoinin, V-President – Joann Harrison,
Treasurer – Laura Thomas, Secretary – Merry Anne McLeod-Wolfe,
Trustees – Rosemary McLaughlin, John Tryon, and Frank Mack,
Newsletter Editor – Pat Powers 440-237-6170 [email protected]
or 18270 Buccaneer, North Royalton, Ohio 44133
Mission Statement
To afford the opportunity to share interest in lapidary knowledge and working techniques
Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, June 4th
at 7PM
Program: Discussion of Herkimer Diamond Mine
Field Trip
Host: Mari Takai-Manley
Dues: Joining fee $25 then $48 per year
President’s Message – by Dave Macseoinin
While this is the last newsletter until September that doesn't mean that the club is closed. Oh, no,no!
Many classes have been scheduled for June, July and August. You'll just have to come down to the club to see any
new class postings.
One of the activities being planned is a private dig down at Flint Ridge. This will be in conjunction with a club picnic
some time is September. David Rich is working to secure a backhoe to make a pit. The board will keep you posted.
Just a little reminder that the Metalsmithing Competition is slated for December meeting. David Rich already showed
me one of his entries. Glorious!
Keep Rocking,
Dave Macseoinin
May 7th Meeting Minutes – respectfully submitted by MerryAnn Mcleodwolf
Guests…Don Cope, Jim, Les and Jodi, Don and Diane Wilson and David.
Speaker… Jason Adams on Jewelry history and design.
Hostess…Thanks to Laura Thomas.
Treasurer’s report…Approved by club.
Board Mtg…Coffee policy-30 cents a cup, Herkimer trip, picnic to Flint Ridge, Back door security at Gem Show,
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Clubhouse keys will be handed out soon and New kitchen floor on May 14 .
Sunshine…Merry Anne recovering from surgery.
Library…Richard and Cathy Lee donated 18 books on beads and faceting.
Newsletter…One more issue before the summer.
Web site…Put Youth Poster Contest on Site.
Trips…Club pays for admission only to Herkimer. Equipment is available to rent there.
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Geo Jr’s are off to Flint Ridge on June 22 at 9:00am.
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Sober’s Sand and gravel trip for Geo Jr’s on July 21 .
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May 19 is Nether’s for Summit Lap Club.
MGAGS… June 7,8and 9, Car pool trip for Saturday and Sunday. Seminars $25 fee paid by club. Cost to members
will be approximately $75 to $90. Leave Friday at 9:00am from Municipal parking lot across from Sheraton. Can go
online to register for some of the classes.
Old Business…Flower Sale on front lawn to be held again this year.
New Business… SLC picnic at Flint Ridge looking into price and permission to have a pit back hoed. Geo’s in first,
then Lottery winners next, then a free for all! First 25 lbs. flint paid for by club. Late September possibly. Club
passed motion for $2000 for expenses.
Name Tags… Sign up sheet is ready.
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Akron Mineral…Trip to North Carolina on Aug. 1-4 . Off to Spruce Pine and Grassy Creek Show. Open to Summit
Lapidary Club members.
Meeting adjourned by Joyce.
June Program – Discussion Regarding Herkimer Diamond Mines Field Trip
Well gang, we have had a very busy spring, with the Gemboree, Artisan fair and MGAGS coming up in June. I have
seen a lot of smiling faces through the spring and can't wait until we get to participate in the summer activities we
have scheduled. August 22-25, we have scheduled Herkimer Diamond Mines tour. The Lapidary Club will pick up
transportation and admission rates for the members, all the members have to provide is $175 for a 3 night stay at the
Herkimer Inn. What a deal! You can't beat that anywhere unless it’s to sleep on the ground. You need to sign up by
July 1 with a $35.00 deposit. We will talk more about this field trip at our June meeting. Hope to see you there!
Classes and Events for June & July – (more details regarding classes and events posted at the
clubhouse)
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June 1
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June 15
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June 18
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June 29
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July 16
Jul;y 23
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August 10
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August 13
Saturday, Class - Simple Loops Rosary Style Bracelet and Earrings
Saturday, Class - Wrapped Loops Bracelet and Earrings
Tuesday, Meeting - Members Only Sale 6:30PM
Saturday, Class - Wire Workshop Loops/Coils/Earwires/Clasps
Tuesday, Class - Larger Willow Tree
Tuesday, Class - Beginning Basic Wirewrap
Saturday, Class – Making Opal Doublets and Triplets
Tuesday, Class - Wirewrap Hot-Air balloon
Gemboree – by Bob Powers
Tom McLaughlin is finalizing the Gemboree financials and will have them available for the next meeting. Without
going into more detail, this Spring 2013 Gemboree was a financial success due to everyone’s efforts. As part of an
ongoing trend, both income and expenses were increased over the average of previous years. Thanks again for your
support!
Recently the Parma Lapidary Club held their annual Rock and Gem Show. They switched locations from the Berea
Fairgrounds to an indoor soccer stadium near I-480 and Lorain road. Quite a few of our Spring Show dealers were
also at that show. Their layout was such that anyone entering the show first passed by the display cases and
demonstrations area before entering the main dealer area. At the back end of the hall was their Silent Auction and a
Chinese auction. The Chinese Auction had high-end items including a large screen TV. It was the center of attention
at the end of the show on Sunday, when the winning tickets were drawn. If you have never attended the Parma
Show before, you might consider going next May.
Although it is only a few weeks since the Spring Gemboree, preparations are well under way for the Fall show. After
the summer break, signup sheets will be up again at the Clubhouse in September. Please have a healthy and safe
summer collecting rocks and minerals and we’ll see you in the fall.
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MGAGS ROAD TRIP!
FRI/SAT/SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 8 and 9, 2013
38th ANNUAL ROCKHOUND SEMINAR
M.G.A.G.S.- Michigan Geology And Gemcraft Society
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
SLC is looking into 7-passenger vans. We’ll drive ourselves.
SLC pays 2-day Admission to M.G.A.G.S. Seminars.
SLC member Expense is HOTEL for ONE night-based on double occupancy,
Meals and Class Supply Fees are Each Members’ Responsibility
Depart Cuyahoga Falls: 9:00 am Friday June 7th.
Trip Coordinator: Laura Thomas (330) 620-3782
$ 25 DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO RESERVE A SPOT!
Helps with hotel and transportation planning
Trip Fee is $75 per person-double occupancy.
Sign Up and Final Payment Due Saturday June 1st.
No cancellations will be refunded After June 3rd, last day to cancel hotel
See Class Schedule/List- more classes HAVE BEEN added. Classes supply
fees are specified – usually just cost of materials.
Have Rooms reserved already – there is an event same weekend that is taking up hotel
rooms, have reservations for $65+tax. Dinner Saturday night is with the Seminar
attendees, location to be announced
Orders are taken each morning for Subway box lunches at the seminar site.
Check it out!!!
www.mgags.org
Summer Bead + Wire Series of Classes – by Laura Thomas
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I have posted a series of classes that will teach/improve your basic wire working skills. Class materials are available
at minimal cost ($1-$2). You can bring your own beads if you like, sizes will be specified for each class. Basic
Toolkit required: Round Nose pliers, 2 Pairs of flat nose pliers (no teeth, smooth jaw), Wire Cutters. Signup Sheets
are at the Clubhouse. These classes can be repeated if requested. Any questions call Laura Thomas at 330-6203782
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Saturday, May 25 9am-11am SIMPLE LOOPS – Charm Type Bracelet + Earrings
Use pliers to make looped “charms”, attach to simple chain for easy bracelet. Skill level – Beginner. Ideal size beads
for this project – 6-10mm.
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Saturday, June 1 9am-11am TWO –SIDED SIMPLE LOOPS- Rosary Style Bracelet + Earrings
Use pliers to make Simple Loops on each side of bead to create Links and hook together, – looks like a Rosary.
Skill level – Beginner. Ideal size beads for this project 4-8mm.
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Saturday, June 15 9am-11am WRAPPED LOOPS BRACELET + Earrings
**Prerequisite: should attend Simple Loops project class first, in order to be familiar with round nose pliers and wire
looping. Use pliers to make wrapped-loop components, link together with jump ring, simple clasp. Skill level –
Intermediate-ish. Ideal bead size for this project 6-10mm – Round or Rondelle Shape work well.
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Saturday, June 29 9am-11am WORKSHOP: LOOPS, COILS, EARWIRES, CLASPS (Sunday)
Expand on the techniques learned in the prior Bead + Wire Series. Learn to make a simple clasps, various shapes
of earring wires, connecting units, bails. Practice with your round-nose pliers and wire to make something fun! In
addition to Basic Toolkit, bring a ball peen hammer, a bench block (a hard piece of steel to hammer on) and an old
mouse pad to buffer the noise!
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Tuesday, July 16 6-9pm LARGER WILLOW TREE CLASS taught by Evelyn Tryon & Laura Thomas
Tools: wire cutter, flat nose pliers. Materials: Spool of 24ga wire, Rock for base at least 3” across, Beads -4-5 mm or
chips work best. Evelyn will have strands of chips available for purchase. Learn to make Willow Gem Tree. This
project will take you from twisting thru gluing to complete the project. If Necessary, we will be available Saturday July
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20 9am-11am to finish the trees.
Gemstone of the Month ‘Moonstone’ – taken from ICA, All about Colored Gemstones
http://gemstone.org/
Moonstone is characterized by an enchanting play of light. Indeed it owes its name to that mysterious shimmer which
always looks different when the stone is moved and is known in the trade as 'adularescence'. In earlier times, people
believed they could recognize in it the crescent and waning phases of the moon.
Moonstones from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin of the moonstone, shimmer in pale blue on an almost
transparent background. Specimens from India feature a nebulous interplay of light and shadow on a background of
beige-brown, green, orange or brown. These discreet colors, in connection with the fine shimmer, make the
moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewelry with a sensual, feminine aura. This gemstone was very popular once
before, about a hundred years ago at the time of Art Nouveau. It adorns a noticeably large number of the jewelry
creations of the French master goldsmith René Lalique and his contemporaries, mainly to be found in museums and
collections today.
This gemstone is surrounded by a good deal of mystique and magic. In many cultures, for example in India, it is
regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. In India, moonstones are also regarded as 'dream stones' which bring the
wearer beautiful visions at night. In Arabic countries, women often wear moonstones sewn out of sight into their
garments, for in their cultures the moonstone is a symbol of fertility.
The moonstone symbolizes our being in its entirety. With its soft shimmer, it strengthens our emotional and
subconscious aspects. The associations connected with that make it a "lovers' stone", evoking tender feelings and
safeguarding the true joys of love. It is also said that wearing a moonstone strengthens our intuition
and our capacity to understand.
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What is moonstone and where does it come from?
This enchanting gemstone belongs to the large mineral group of the feldspars, of which almost two thirds of all the
rocks on Earth consist. The moonstone is actually the feldspar variety known as 'adularia', a potassium
aluminosilicate of gemstone quality, which is also found in the European Alps near the Adula Group – hence the
name 'adularia'. Another synonym for moonstone is 'selenite', from the Greek 'selene' ('moon').
In their uncut state moonstones are rather unprepossessing and afford little idea of what it is that actually constitutes
their charm: that mysterious shimmer of light. For that shimmer is not really shown to advantage until the art of the
cutter has been brought to bear. Classical moonstones are always cut as cabochons, the most important thing being
the correct height of the stone. The cutter must also align the axes of the crystal precisely into the zenith of the stone,
for that is the only way in which he will bring about the desired light effect.
Traditionally, the classical moonstones, almost transparent and with their bluish shimmer, come from Sri Lanka.
However, they are also found in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Myanmar and Madagascar. Since bluish moonstones of
good quality have been becoming more and more of a rarity in recent years, prices have risen sharply.
For a few years, there have also been some green, brown and orange specimens on the market, as well as some
with a smoky color and some the color of champagne, and some black and some reddish ones, mainly originating
from India. Some have a cat's eye effect or a four-spoked star as well as the typical undulating shimmer of light.
These stones are not only cut as cabochons, but also as artistic cameos or engraved with the faces of children, the
moon or grotesques. But they too have the shimmer of light typical of the moonstone, as do the beads which are cut
from suitable raw material for gemstone necklaces.
Where does this strange shimmer of light come from?
The shimmer of light of the moonstone is something very special in the fascinating world of gemstones. Specialists
refer to the phenomenon as 'adularisation'. The cause of it is the lamellar inner construction of the gemstone. Incident
light rays are refracted and scattered in the stone. In this way, a unique light effect comes about, and it is this which
makes the moonstone so distinctive and so desirable.
However, this beautiful gemstone does have one weak point, and that is its relatively low hardness of only 6 on the
Mohs scale. For that reason, moonstones should be handled with care, for they are sensitive. Having said that, minor
flaws such as may occur when the stone has been worn for some time are quite easy to remedy. A jeweler can have
a moonstone which has grown matt repolished, after which it will shimmer again just as it did on the very first day.
Three-dimensional color and seductive aura…
When purchasing moonstone jewelry you will come across the most astonishing price differences. The more intense
in color, the larger and the more transparent, the more highly valued the moonstone. Really fine blue specimens
display an incredible 'three-dimensional' depth of color which the observer does not really come to recognize until the
stone is moved about in a playful way. Specimens of that kind are highly esteemed on account of their rarity and their
prices are correspondingly high. The colorful Indian moonstones, on the other hand, are not only very much in
fashion. They are also, as a rule, somewhat more reasonably priced than classical blue moonstones. This means
that today, anyone can select the moonstone to suit his or her taste and pocket.
Moonstones are treasures of Nature with a sensual and seductive aura. Not only do they like to be looked at and
admired a lot; they also thrive on being worn and moved about a good deal, for only then can the soft shimmer of
light which makes this gemstone so desirable really come into its own.
Moonstone Chemical Formula
Plagioclase Feldspars: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Orthoclase Feldspar: KAlSi3O8
Color
White, Colorless, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange,
Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray
Hardness
6 - 6.5
Crystal System
Feldspar Minerals.
June 2013 Summit Gem
Refractive Index
1.518 - 1.526
SG
2.56 - 2.62
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Double Refraction
-.0005
Luster
Pearly
Cleavage
2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal
Mineral Class
Orthoclase, Oligoclase, and other members of the
feldspar group
Sunshine News – by Mari Takai-Manley
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Grace Babak passed away peacefully on May 14th from cancers. One of her loving nieces described her
passing as a blessing, because Grace had been in bed sleeping most of her time for the last 8 months.
She had been gently and patiently cared for by her husband, Bill, with whom she had been married for 64
years. Grace was 84 years old. She was kind, and willing & ready to help when needed. I also remember
it was easy to laugh with her. She had a bit of dry sense of humor. We send our deepest sympathy to
Bill and all of his family for their loss.
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Merry Anne McLeod-Wolfe received good news from the big lab which examined her tissue from
lumpectomy. The result agrees with the preliminary one of "benign, no malignancy!!" She was so happy
to get this news, even though she still continues her recovery with restriction. For example, she cannot lift
any heavy items, etc. She deals with her health problem with positive and efficient manner. We wish her
the speedy recovery for the rest of way.
Just A Quick Note From Me… - by Pat Powers
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Artisan Craft Fair (aka SLC Members Only show) Meeting will be held Tuesday June 18th, 6:30pm. We
will review the May show, begin planning for the November 23rd Show. All SLC members are invited to
attend. We need Crafters and Workers! Crafters-One Table Per Family Membership. Price is still $10 for
table rental, $5 for half table.
Workers! Can use help in the Rockhound Cafe to work that day, Bakers/Cooks to create yummy items to
sell, door prize ticket sales person and setup. Haven't done a craft show before? Come down to the
meeting and find out how you can participate, learn about the proposed "Club Table" - New this
November show-for those who would like to sell some items, but don't have enough for an entire display,
or the display materials.
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June 2013 Summit Gem
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Email Addresses: Please send your email to [email protected]. We would like to get ALL member's email
addresses in order to post summer events, classes and updates. Thanks!
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Are you on Facebook? Did you know there is a Group for SLC? Just type SUMMIT LAPIDARY CLUB in
the search box!
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With future newsletters I hope to include a monthly feature – ‘Colored Gemstone of the Month’. I chose
moonstone for this issue because Bob and I hope to collect some on our vacation in Oregon. For future
issues please, feel free to submit your own request for, ‘Colored Gemstone of the Month’.
Nothing more to add…see you in September!
MWF Calendar Of Events
June 2013
8: SKOKIE, IL. Chicago Rocks & Minerals Society's 2nd Annual Rock Swap; St. Peter's United Church of Christ
gymnasium (indoors), 8013 Laramie (across the street from the Public Library on Oakton). Sat. 1–5.
8-9: PLYMOUTH, WI Glacial Drifters Geologic Society Annual Show & Swap, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Sheboygan
County Fairgrounds, 229 Fairview Dr. Free admission and parking, camping available for fee.
8-9: KALAMAZOO, MI Michigan Geology & Gemcraft Society Annual Seminar, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4, Rood Hall,
Western Michigan University
8-9: MANSFIELD, OH. Richland Lithic and Lapidary Society’s Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show;
Arts & Crafts Building, Richaland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5;
14-16: PARK HILLS, MO; 16th Annual Missouri Mines Rock Swap, St. Joe State Park, Missouri Mines Historical
Site, Hwy 32 1.5 miles W of US Hwy 67, Fri-Sat 9:00-6:00, Sun 9:00-4:00
15: MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club’s Rock Swap and Sale ; Osseo United Methodist
Church , 2nd Ave. SE and 2nd St. SE , Osseo , MN ; Sat. 10-2.
29-30: MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club’s Gem & Mineral Show; HarMar Mall, 2100
Snelling Ave. North, Roseville, Minnesota; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5.
July 2013
14: LINCOLN, NE Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club Grinding Party, 1-4, Chet Ager Nature Center.
19-20: MINOCQUA, MN 45th Annual Lakeland Gem and Mineral Show Friday, July 19th, 10am-6pm Saturday,
July 20th, 9am-5pm. Lakeland Union High School 9573 State Hwy 70 Minocqua, WI.
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June 2013 Summit Gem
August 2013
3: ISHPEMING, MI Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Clubs 38th Annual Gem and Mineral Show, Ishpeming Elks
Club, 597 Lake Shore Dr.; Saturday 9:30-4:30
9-11: BLOOMINGTON, IN Lawrence County Rock Club 48th Annual Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show, Fri 10-6:30, Sat
9-6:30, Sun 10-4, Lawrence County Fairgrounds.
10-11: RICE LAKE, WI Northwest Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Society Show & Sale, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4, Youth
Expo Building, Barron County Fairgrounds.
11: YOUNGSTOWN, OH Swap Meet-Silen Auction-Cook Out, Noon - ? Woodworth Park
17: STEVENS POINT, WI Heart of Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Society Swap Meet, 10-5, Parking lot behind
Applebees, 5609 US Hwy 10
23-25: SOUTH BEND, IN The Michiana Gem and Mineral Society presents its 50th Annual Jewelry, Gem, &
Mineral Show and Sale - Golden Anniversary Show St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds Esther Singer Building at
5177 S. Ironwood Rd. (Ironwood & Jackson Rd.), South Bend, Indiana 46614 hours: Friday 2 pm - 7 pm,
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday.
24-25: MOUNTAIN HOME, AR Ozark Earth Science Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club Annual Club Show and Sale,
Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4, Van Matre Senior Citizens Center, 1101 Spring Street
24-25: PEORIA, IL PAS Geology Annual Rock & Mineral Show, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-5, Grand Hotel, 4400 N.
Brandywine Dr.
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