SANTA ANA ROCK & MINERAL CLUB JANUARY, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
President
Vice President
Rec'd Secretary
Treasurer
Corres. Secretary
Parliamentarian
Federation
Field Trip
Hospitality
Membership
Program
Property/shop
Editor
SARM EMAIL:
WEB SITE:
WEB MASTER”
WORK SHOP:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James DeMarco
714-963-3708
Trish Voss
949-631-2314
Carol Williams
714-963-8448
Charlotte Spalding 714 531-4058
empyt
Carol Williams
714-963-8448
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Jim DeMarco
714-963-3708
Mike Anglin
949-348-0808
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:
[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
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.
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
WHERE:
Visitors are welcome!
7:00 PM, 3rd Wednesday of the month
except July & December.
10739 Los Jardines West
Fountain Valley, Ca 92708
SWEET TATERS
CLUB CALENDAR – JANUARY, 2015
JAN.. 3 & 4
JAN..
JAN..
FEB
FEB..
7
21
7&8
18
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
WEDNESDAY 7 PM
BOARD MEETING AT JIM DEMARCO’S
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
SARM ‘S 55th BIRTHDAY
FLEXIBLE WORKSHOP
If you want to use the workshop at times
other than the scheduled days, call Pam or
Don at (949) 548-0752 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.
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but
are just content to watch while others do the work.
They are called "Spec Taters".
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted
at finding fault with the way others do the work. They
are called "Comment Taters".
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what
to do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are
called "Dick Taters".
Some people are always looking to cause problems by
asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too
cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters".
There are those who say they will help, but somehow
just never get around to actually doing the promised
help They are called "Hezzie Taters".
Some people can put up a front and pretend to be
someone they are not, They are called "Emma Taters".
Then there are those who love others and do what they
say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They
bring real sunshine into the lives of
others. They are called "Sweet
Taters".
http://www.ainericanbridge.com/taters.htrn, Via Emerald Gems 2/2004
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JANUARY, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
President’s Message – January 2015
This is the first time I’ve written 2015. It’s hard to realize that we are beginning another New Year. Last year was a fairly busy one
for our club. We had a number of interesting speakers, one hands-on workshop, two silent auctions, a picnic, a garage sale and a
DVD presentation. On January 7th we will be having our first Board Meeting. During this meeting we will set the calendar for
2015. We would appreciate input from our members as to what you would like the club to be doing. Please contact one of the
board members or myself if you have any suggestions. Phone numbers are listed in the front of this Newsletter.
I would like to thank Charlotte Spalding and Julia Davidson for taking on the responsibility for planning our Christmas Party. About
20 people attended. We were all seated at one long table so we could enjoy each other’s company. The gift exchange was spirited and a lot of fun with multiple exchanges of gifts. I really enjoyed the evening and believe it put many of us in the Christmas
Spirit.
Don’t forget the pay your club dues, if you haven’t done so already. Happy New Year to everyone and let’s look
forward to some great rock and mineral adventures during the New Year
Jim De Marco - President
JANUARY’S BIRTHSTONE—THE GARNET
Garnet, the birthstone for January, signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the
perfect gift for a friend. The name Garnet is derived from the word granatum, meaning seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's resemblance to a pomegranate
seed. References to the gemstone dates back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians
used garnets as inlays in jewelry.
Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors, including
red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, blue, black, pink and colorless. The rarest
of these is the blue garnet, discovered in the late 1990s in Bekily, Madagascar. It is
also found in parts of the United States, Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Turkey. It
changes color from blue-green in the daylight to purple in incandescent light, as a
result of the relatively high amounts of vanadium. Other varieties of color-changing
garnets exist. In daylight, their color ranges from shades of green, beige, brown, gray,
and blue, but in incandescent light, they appear a reddish or purplish/pink color. Because of their color-changing quality, this kind of garnet is often mistaken for Alexandrite.
Garnet’s light transmission properties can range from the gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The
mineral's luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).
Because the chemical composition of garnet varies, the atomic bonds in some species are stronger than in others. As a result, this mineral group shows a range of
hardness on the Mohs scale of about 6.5 to 7.5. The harder species like almandine
are often used for abrasive purposes.
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 31
Jeff Vaughn
Carole Heslop
Walter Lombardo
UNKNOWN BIRTHDAYS
Sandy Lewis
Susan Boston
Todd Schowalter
For gem identification purposes, a pick-up response to a strong neodymium magnet
separates garnet from all other natural transparent gemstones commonly used in the jewelry trade. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in conjunction with refractive index can be used to distinguish garnet species and varieties, and determine the composition
of garnets .
Garnets are most often found in the dodecahedral crystal habit, but are also commonly found in the trapezohedron habit. They crystallize in the cubicsystem, having three axes that are all of equal length and perpendicular to each other. Garnets do not show cleavage, so when they fracture under stress, sharp irregular pieces are formed
Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India.
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JANUARY, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
SARM MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 7 PM
Our meeting this month will be the first one for 2015.
New club rosters will be available, and we’ll be putting
together name badges for members.
In addition to that we want to spend some time planning for the new year. We want YOUR input on where
you’d like to see the club go, and we can’t do that
without YOU. Think about what goals you would like
to set for the club, and how we can best achieve them.
What do you want to see at the meetings? What do
you want to see at the workshop? New equipment?
Classes or instruction on some area of interest?
Where do we go on field trips? We could even plan
an extended field trip to some of the collecting areas in
other states if we get enough interest. How about
…..?? Well you get the idea. Think about it and
come to the January meeting to support your club.
Do you have some special areas of expertise that you
would like to share with other members. Think about
putting together a presentation for the club. We’re
always looking for new programs.
SEE YOU AT THE MEETING
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AS TIME GOES BY
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground
with sticks, it was called witchcraft.. Today, it's
called golf.
Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not
me, I want people to know "why" I look this way.
I've traveled a long way and some of the roads
weren't paved.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back
to youth, think of Algebra.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Old age is when former classmates are so gray and
wrinkled and bald, they don't recognize you.
First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then
you forget to pull up your zipper, then ....
Oh my goodness you forgot to pull your zipper
down!
If you jog in a jogging suit, lounge in lounging pajamas, and smoke in a smoking jacket,
WHY would anyone want to wear a windbreaker??
And best of all.... I don't know how I got over the hill
without getting to the top
VIA THE INTERNET
January 17 - 18: EXETER, CA
Tule Gem & Mineral Society, Visalia
Exeter Veterans Memorial Building
324 N Kaweah Avenue, Hwy 65
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
February 13 - 22: INDIO, CA
San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society,
Cabazon
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
82-503 Highway 11
February 27 - March 8, IMPERIAL, CA
Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Imperial Valley Expo
200 East 2nd Street/dd>
Hours: Weekends noon - 10 pm;
Weekdays 4 pm - 10 pm
February 28 - March 1: VALLEJO, CA
Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society
Solano County Fairgrounds, Mc Cormack Hall
900 Fairgrounds Drive
Hours: 10:00 - 5:00 daily
ꜚQUARTZSITE 2014-2015
SHOW LIST
Oct. 31 - Feb. 28 Quartzsite Market Place
Street Fair
Nov. 01 - Feb. 28 Hi Ali Swapmeet
Jan. 02 - 14, 2015 Prospectors Panorama
Jan. 01 - Feb. 28, Desert Gardens
Gem & Mineral
Jan. 02 - 11 Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
Jan. 05 - 25 Main Event to be confirmed)
Jan. 16 - 5 Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
Jan. 17 - 25 Big Tent Sports
Vacation & RV Show
Jan. 21 - 25 Pow Wow
Gems, minerals & jewelry
Jan. 30 - Feb. 8 Tyson Wells
Arts and Crafts
Feb. 06 - 07 Quartzsite SR Center
Quartzsite Quilt Show Feb. 13 - 15 Quartzsite Gold Show
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JANUARY, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
WYOMING ROCKS, GEMS, MINERALS AND FOSSILS
Wyoming hosts some of the best rock exposures in the world, with geologic units ranging in age from early Precambrian to Quaternary. These rocks derive from a wide variety of geologic environments including sedimentary, volcanic, igneous intrusive, and
metamorphic. A brief examination of the Wyoming State Geologic Map gives even the casual observer an appreciation for the diversity of Wyoming’s geology. Varied geology and excellent rock exposures make Wyoming a great place to explore for and collect
gemstones and interesting rocks..
The best known of Wyoming’s gemstones is nephrite jade or Wyoming Jade, which is the Wyoming State Gemstone. Wyoming
also hosts diamonds, corundum (including sapphire and ruby), opal, peridot, iolite (gem-quality cordierite), and numerous quartz
family gemstones such as agate, petrified wood, and quartz crystals.
The collection and marketing of small quantities of gemstones and unique geologic materials is not tracked in Wyoming. Amateur
collectors, prospectors, semi-professionals, and professional dealers sell these materials primarily
at gem and mineral shows, in local jewelry and rock shops, and over the internet. These mineral
commodities include nephrite jade, ruby, sapphire, iolite, kyanite, opal, quartz, jasper, many varieties of agate, satin spar, and labradorite. Kimberlite, lamproite, and other rock specimens are
sold under similar conditions.
Prior to 1975, a few people knew the state had a few agates and some of the highest quality jade
in the world. Jade was even named the state gemstone. Most people figured no other gemstones would be found., but within a few decades, Wyoming became the gem capital of North
America with the most diverse collection of documented gems of any state in the US. Exploration
for commercial gemstone deposits has increased in recent years, and has focused on diamonds,
iolite, ruby and sapphire, opal, and jade
Since 1975 more than 40 diamond pipes and dikes were discovered – half in Wyoming and half
in Colorado. Several properties were mined for diamonds including George Creek, Sloan,
and Kelsey Lake. Over 130,000 diamonds were mined including gemstones larger than 28
carats. A 6.5 carat diamond was found in Wyoming and diamonds of 14 and 28 carats were
mined from Colorado.
Emerald jade with quartz inclusions, Granite Mountains area,
Wyoming
In 1981 significant gold was found in the Seminoe Mountains. The Rawlins Times reported a
gold rush filled all of the motels in Rawlins, Saratoga, Sinclair and even Laramie with people
wanting a piece of the pie. It was Timberline Minerals from Dubois who tied up the property.
Knightia
Wyoming State Fossil
The Green River Formation in Wyoming has been noted for
Faceted iolite and ruby from Palmer
its well-preserved fish fossils since mid-way through the
Canyon, Wyoming
19th century. During the Eocene, based on the fossil record, the region was sub-tropical to temperate. Some 60
vertebrate have been described from the formation, as well as abundant invertebrates and
plants. The unusually excellent preservation of the Green River fish fossils is usually attributed to
a combination of two factors: 1) a cold period during the Eocene that would have caused dead
fish to sink faster due to a less inflated swim bladder; and 2) the great depth of the lakes and the
consequent anoxic conditions that would have often prevented scavengers from disturbing the
carcasses.
Youngite is only found near Guernsey, in Eastern Wyoming. It is a variety of agate that is provided a local name for agatized limestone breccia clasts rehealed with bluish-gray chalcedony and
drusy quartz. This chalcedony and quartz usually also form around the exterior and lines the vugs
of the material. specimens are still available from time to time, the Wyoming locations are now
closed. Youngite is a fluorescent rock and can be found in ultra violet or black light displays at
many museums. The chalcedony/drusy quartz glows green under Ultra Violet (UV) or black light.
The jasper center of this material is called brecciated due to its angular fragmentation. The jasper
center varies in color from a light tan, to a pretty peach, brown, reddish, salmon and variations of
these colors. The material is very hard and is used in making cabochons and other jewelry pieces.
It polishes well and makes excellent display specimens for the collector.
There s more to Wyoming than just rockhounding..
Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as America's first national park. It extends
through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, producing a spectacular display of geological activity. In
addition to the well know geysers, mud pots, and other geothermal sights it contains some of the
most beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and lakes imaginable.
Another well known National Monument is the Devil's Tower, which
played a major part in the movie “Encounters of the Third Kind. The
a one-of-a-kind natural wonder looms more than 1,200 feet above
Wyoming’s eastern plains and the Belle Fourche River. The flat-topped volcanic formation is found
amid some of the state’s most beautiful country.
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JANUARY, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
THE CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF
MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES, INC.
DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT AND
ENJOYMENT OF THE EARTH SCIENCES
CAMP ZZYZX
We invite you to join us at the Earth Science Seminar being held at the Desert Studies Center, Soda Springs (Zzyzx)
located approximately 50 miles Northeast of Barstow, CA. Off I-15 at Zzyzx Rd.
Facilities are rustic, dormitory style rooms with bed, mattress & desk. Cleaning is the the occupant’s responsibility. You
must bring bed linen or sleeping bag, and any creature comforts you may desire i.e. lamp, throw rug, ice chest. RV
parking is approximately 1/4 mile from the Center and has no facilities of any kind. All restrooms and showers are in
separate buildings at the center and are communal.
The Earth Science Committee reserves the right to accept or deny applications as they deem appropriate. This area is
designated by the Government as a Desert Studies Center; consequently, NO PETS ARE ALLOWED. A limited number
of reservations are available and an early application is recommended. Subject to change these classes will be offered:
LAPIDARY
FACETING
BEADING
SOFT STONE CARVING & SCRIM
SHAWSILVER FABRICATION
WIRE ART
ADVANCED WIRE ART
PRECIOUS METAL CLAY
ALTERNATIVE CASTING
FIELD TRIPS
The fee for the week is $390.00 per person and includes quarters or RV space, three meals per day, and classes. Additional charges may be assessed for material furnished by instructors.
- - IF YOU USE YOUR RV YOU CAN SAVE $50.00 - MAIL APPLICATION TO:
AUDREY HARVEY
3363 Tuxford Place
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-492-2253
CAMP ZZYZX
MARCH 29th - APRIL 5th, 2015
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
CONTACT:
Tom Burchard
801-791-2828
e-mail [email protected]
NO CANCELLATIONS AFTER MARCH 1, 2015 unless a replacement is provided.
A $25.00 Administration Fee will be assessed for cancellations prior to March 17, 2015.
REGISTRATION FORM DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2015
Applications received after this date will be placed on a stand-by list and considered only when a vacancy exists.
Please use block printing:
(A) Mr. Mrs. Ms_______________________________________________________________________________
(B) Mr. Mrs. Ms_______________________________________________________________________________
Street__________________________________City___________________State______________Zip__________
Phone ______________________________E-Mail __________________________________________________
ROOM REQUEST FOR MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL REASONS. PLEASE DESCRIBE
____________________________________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS ___ DIABETIC ___ OTHER ___ EXPLAIN ___________________________________
ROOM ASSIGNMENT FOR SINGLE APPLICANTS ONLY. RV____ DORM____
Page 6