President
Dale Bruce
[email protected]
Vice President
Randy Harris
[email protected]
Treasurer
Joanne Meyer
[email protected]
Secretary & Editor
Michael Cox
[email protected]
Directors
Pat Cultera
June Harris
[email protected]
Karen Welder
[email protected]
Federation Director
Randy Harris
[email protected]
February 2014
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
P.O. Box 343, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0343
The Society meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month
7:00 PM at: THE LIVE OAK GRANGE HALL
1900 17TH Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
VISITORS ARE WELCOME!
Next General Meeting & Program:
2013 Show Chairman
Sarah Hawklyn
[email protected]
Wednesday, February 12, 2014, Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Program: Bring your recent finds and/or work to show off and trade or barter.
Snacks: Sandra Mendoza and the club will provide snacks for a modest $0.50 contribution.
Please attend and support your society.
Field Trip Chairman
Dean Welder
[email protected]
Contents of this Newsletter:
Membership & Sunshine
Louis and Pat Schuesler
[email protected]
Program Chairperson
Julia Cornblatt
[email protected]
Shop Stewards
Mike Humenik
Dale Bruce
[email protected]
Dave Duncan
[email protected]
Historian and Web Site
Dave Duncan & Sarah Martin
[email protected] &
[email protected]
Librarians
Joseph Marynak
[email protected]
Next General Meeting & Program: ...................................................................................................................... 1
Bulleting Submissions ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Dues, Dues, Dues.................................................................................................................................................... 2
President’s Message:................................................................................................................................................ 2
Message from the Editor/Secretary: .................................................................................................................... 2
January General Meeting Minutes: ....................................................................................................................... 3
January Board Meeting Minutes: .......................................................................................................................... 3
Treasurer’s Report, February, by Joanne Meyer ................................................................................................ 4
News from the American Federation of Mineral Societies: ............................................................................ 4
News from the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies: .................................................................. 6
Birthstones and Flowers:........................................................................................................................................ 7
Word of the Month: ................................................................................................................................................ 7
USGS News Releases: ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Articles:.................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Rare Blue Diamond found in South Africa's Cullinan mine .................................................................... 10
Boring but Important! ..................................................................................................................................... 10
A Bird’s Eye View of the World .................................................................................................................... 10
Monthly Bench Tips, by Brad Smith ............................................................................................................ 11
Camps, Lectures, and Classes: ............................................................................................................................. 11
Field Trips:.............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Shows!...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Refreshments
Pat Cultera
c/o:[email protected]
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
Page 1 of 14
Lapidarian February 2014
Bulleting Submissions
Members are encouraged to submit articles that may be of interest to the
general membership. Please submit content not later than the 25th of each month
for publication in the next month’s Lapidarian. Please indicate whether and how
you would like your name listed. Please ensure that the source(s) for your
contribution are referenced (attribution), and that the work does not have
copyright restrictions that would prevent it from being republished for noncommercial, non-profit educational use. The bulletin editor reserves the right to
edit any submitted articles or omit any submission from publication. Permission
to reprint Lapidarian articles is hereby granted provided the Lapidarian, date,
author, and secondary attribution (if any) is cited.
The objective of the Santa Cruz Mineral
and Gem Society is to unite and associate
those persons who are interested in the
study and collecting of minerals and
gemstones; for the mutual improvement
in the art of cutting and polishing gem or
semi-gem material; and for increasing the
knowledge of its members about the
various earth sciences.
Dues, Dues, Dues
Dues were due at the November meeting. Currently dues are $20 for an individual and $25 for a family at one address. If
you have not already paid, please send a check to Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society at PO Box 343, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.
President’s Message:
Hello everyone and welcome to February, the month when all romantic rockhounds dream of carnelian and jasper hearts.
Don’t worry, in March it will be jade clovers, in April, agate flowers.
On a more serious note, the April Show is fast approaching. It is time to start thinking about your display case and how
you want to show off your work. We are looking at a new floor plan that will allow a better flow of patron traffic and better
exposure of club displays and vendors booths. We will need lots volunteers to help run the show, particularly during setup
and tear down Friday morning and Sunday night. Volunteering gets you free admission and an inside track on the best
goodies at the show.
Dale Bruce, President
Message from the Editor/Secretar y:
Hello friendly, gracious, and helpful members and readers!
My heartfelt thanks go out to faithful volunteers for their newsletter contributions. Dave Duncan is helping by providing a
summary of the most recent CFMS newsletter. Justin Delemus is tackling word of the month, and Nancy Nagle signed up to
take on U.S.G.S. news releases. Would it be possible for more members to step up and help out with the newsletter? Below are
some of the tasks that could be readily transferred to members willing to email the submission by last day of each month:
1. Summarize AFMS newsletter and web site updates.
2. Articles (write an email article on a trip, show, book, activity, or just search through other newsletters for interesting
articles to publish. Three people should be doing this, not one);
3. Buy and sell (search Craigslist, rockhounding discussion boards, and current club newsletters for articles of interest);
4. Camps, Lectures, Classes, and any local happenings of interest via web sites for UCSC, Cabrillo, Seymour Marine
Discovery Center, etc. (compiled from website links I will provide);
5. Field Trips (compile information from AFMS, CFMS, NBFT, area
clubs, and Field Trip Fanatics web sites);
6. Shows (maintain three month listing of shows in California and
also the Tucson and Quartzsite shows.)
7. Member Profiles (Write a short piece about a member, and/or
keep a list of birth days for the month).
Michael Cox
(photograph courtesy of Microsoft™)
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
Page 2 of 14
Lapidarian February 2014
Januar y General Meeting Minutes:
DATE: January 08, 2013; Time called to order: 7:45 pm; Location: Live Oak Grange Hall
Meeting presided by: Dale Bruce
Board members present: Dale Bruce, Michael Cox, Joanne Meyer, Pat Cultera, and Dave Duncan. Absent: Dean Welder,
Karen Welder, Randy Harris, and June Harris. A quorum is present.
Committee members Present: Mike Humenik, Joseph Marynak, Julia Cornblatt, Sarah Martin, and Sarah Hawklynn. Absent:
Louis and Pat Schuesler.
Membership and Sunshine Report, Guests: Joe Cox, Nancy and Darren Dillon, Members (incl. Fred and Sally Woolley): 20.
Business from the President, Dale Bruce: Dale welcomes guests, new members. Welcome to 2014. Minutes as published in
Lapidarian, motion to approve by member at large, second, carries.
Secretary, Mike Cox: newsletter now in an envelope because of post office troubles. This allows an extra page for news or
photos. Thank you to Dave Duncan, Justin Delemus, and Nancy Nagle for helping out.
Report from Treasurer: $756.59 expenses; Lapidarian, $82.52; to be paid are the hall rental and the Lapidarian expenses. June
has the numbers on the November show.
Show: Members are concerned about process for selecting a new venue, will they be included? Justin asks about Seventh Day
Adventist camp and doing a Pow-Wow. Jivan(?) volunteers to help get the word out if a new venue is chosen.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Field Trips: Listed in Lapidarian.
Shop: $5 to come in and use shop for the three hours. Need a shaft for one of the saws. In Feb or Mar will be shut
down for cleanup.
Next Meeting: Sandra Mendoza will bring snacks. Justin will do basic mineral identification for June 11. May is
bring your favorite rock to show off, sell, swap, etc., (Our ice cream social).
MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:10 pm.
Januar y Board Meeting Minutes:
DATE: January 27, 2013
President, Dale Bruce, called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM at the Soquel Round Table Pizza.
November 2013 show was discussed. June to send Julia show totals. 2014 November show was discussed. Major
concern was number of volunteers to help with November show. There is the possibility of adding one more dealer to
the2014 November show. MSP (R. Harris, J. Cornblatt) to reserve the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange Hall for the 2014
November show. Dates in order of preference: November 8 & 9, or November 15 & 16.
Treasurer's report: Joanne reported. Beginning balance $4496.11, Deposits of $213.00, Disbursements of $300.50,
ending balance of $4408.61. Next project for treasurer is getting insurance for 2014 April show. Need a signed contract from
the Civic Auditorium.
Shop: Mike Humenik gave a check to Treasurer for $100.00 from the shop use fees that have been collected. Dale spoke
about having a new shaft milled for the rock saw. Karen needs some help with the wording for the plaque in memory of Greg
Melendy. Plaque to be placed on the green saw.
April 2014 show:
Display Case Mementos: Karen asked for ideas for these. Call or email her your ideas
Meeting with Civic Auditorium personnel: Sarah and Dean had a meeting at the Civic auditorium with the Civic staff.
Outcome of the meeting as follows:
1. We are allowed to direct traffic through the halls and close off main doors to the auditorium for entrance
into the hall itself. Main doors would be an emergency exit only.
2. We can line the halls with display cases rather placing them on the stage as originally planned. Still need to
check on number of tables available at Civic.
3. Front lobby can have multiple uses. Case in front of concession area is available for a display. Concession
kitchen is available for an outside vendor to use. Also, we could place a table in front of the concession area.
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
Page 3 of 14
Lapidarian February 2014
4. Outside can be used for gold panning, geode cutting, and children's activities.
5. Dining hall can be used as a lecture hall.
Questions still to be answered:
1. Need to verify costs with Civic
2. Need to check wiring setup for additional vendors and display cases
3. Need to check # of tables available from Civic. Obtain tables from other sources if needed.
4. Check on getting additional skirting for tables.
5. What does the club want to do with additional space, either in front lobby or stage- something to sell or do,
carnival type games, products? Ideas to be directed to Sarah H. Decision needs to be made by February board meeting.
6. Layout ideas need to be directed to Dean. Decisions need to be made by February meeting.
7. Food concession: we need to confirm if Dawgs will be returning. If not, maybe open the Civic concession
area to an outside catering type vendor or just look for another food cart type vendor for in front of the building. Decision
needs to be made by February meeting.
Storage area and display cases: Need to have a work day to repair cases, lighting, and check table cloth availability.
Mike Humenik to work on that.
Cab Display Cases: June to contact Paul Rose about getting the CFMS Cab Cases for the show.
Libraries: June made reservations last year for Live Oak and Main Branch large display cases. She will confirm and
see if she can get Branciforte Library as well. We will need to get people to set up the cases on April 1 and remove display
case displays by April 30th.
Rocks for schools: After much discussion. MSP (D. Welder, R. Harris) to purchase items for 10 fossil kits with 5-10
specimens in each kit, and spend no more than $500.00.
Lectures at show: Dean will contact Mark Hylkema to confirm the day and time of Mark's lecture at the show. Rick
Kennedy will lecture on a topic to be determined on the opposite day from Mark.
Ye Old Timers breakfast: June to contact Joyce Emerson regarding having Joyce set up the breakfast at the Denny's
on Ocean St.
Advertising: Sarah indicated that it would be covered at the next meeting.
Next board/show meeting will be February 19th at 7 PM at Soquel Round Table Pizza.
June Harris, acting secretary for Michael Cox
Treasurer’s Repor t, Febr uar y, by Joanne Meyer
Refer to the January board meeting minutes above.
News from the American Federation of Mineral Societies:
Visit the AFMS Web site at URL: <www.amfed.org> for the Federation’s most recent newsletter. Randy Harris is the
SCMGS member that manages the club connection to the California Federation, and, in turn, to the American Federation.
Please contact Randy if you want to communicate with or participate at the Federation. The purpose of the AFMS is to
promote popular interest and education in the various Earth Sciences, and in particular the subjects of Geology, Mineralogy,
Paleontology, Lapidary and other related subjects, and to sponsor and provide means of coordinating the work and efforts of
all persons and groups interested therein; to sponsor and encourage the formation and international development of Societies
and Regional Federations and by and through such means to strive toward greater international good will and fellowship.
Updates to the AFMS website since the last newsletter:
2014 Uniform Rules, URL: <http://www.amfed.org/rules/rules.htm> (Updated 01/05/2014).
All American Club Award Program (2013 Application for 2014 Submission), URL:
<http://www.amfed.org/AACA.htm> (Updated 1/05/2014).
The AFMS Bulletin Editors' Hall of Fame, URL: <http://www.amfed.org/HallOfFame.pdf> (Updated 12/08/2013).
AFMS 2014 Web Site Contest Forms, URL: <http://www.amfed.org/web/website_contest.htm> (Updated 12/08/2013)
Summary of the Latest AFMS Newsletter (December/January 2013/2014):
1. Call for Entries – All American Club Yearbook!, by Regina Kapta, AFMS Chair
2. What Every Club Should Know About Tax Status (Part 2), by Jon Spunaugle
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
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Lapidarian February 2014
Even though “Exempt Organizations” generally do not have to pay Federal taxes, there are some circumstances
where informational tax returns must be filed annually, and even a few instances where a tax must be paid and Tax
forms be filed with the IRS.
3. From My Desk to Yours, by Richard Jaeger, President
I really enjoyed reading the December-January issue of the AFMS Newsletter and want to thank all the people
who contributed articles; I’m looking forward to seeing more as the year goes by. I do want to mention the Judges
Training Seminar; Dee Holland and Tom Burchard have put a lot of work into arranging this opportunity for us. I am
very interested in increasing interest in competitive exhibits as I truly believe they increase the overall quality of shows.
When I attended the Midwest Federation Show in Lincoln, Nebraska earlier this year there was a competitive case
entered which could not be scored because no qualified judge was available! We need to train additional judges so an
occurrence like that doesn’t get repeated. Remember, this year’s seminar is in Ogden, Utah from April 10 to 13.
Contact Dee Holland for more information.
4. Junior Activities, by Jim Brace-Thompson, Jr. Activities Chair
What topics would you like to see me explore relevant to juniors activities and programs? What issues are of
concern to your society when it comes to attracting and involving kids? What burning questions do you have in search
of an answer? I’m happy to serve as the “Dear Abby” of juniors programs. Please e-mail
<[email protected]>, call 805-659-3577 (evenings, Pacific Time), or write to me at 7319 Eisenhower Street,
Ventura, CA 93003.
5. Inter-Regional Field Trip News, by Doug True, Field Trip Chair
Four Full days of fun, 3 days of fieldtrip! What could be better
than collecting near Terry, Montana? The present plans call for 3
trips per day to the Yellowstone River for 3 days, 2 trips the hunt
cretaceous sea fossils and working on one per day to trip for
dinosaur fossils. Because our trips are during the dry (fire season) we
will be using buses for transportation to the gravel bars on the river
plus several autos in case someone needs to return to the park. We
will be staggering the trips with 4-5 hours collecting each day. All of
our trips will be on a first come first served, sign-ups will start on
Wednesday July 30 and Thursday morning the 31st.
6. 2014 Program Competition, by Marge Collins, Program Competition Chair
The purpose of this competition is to recognize and reward authors of presentations about the Earth Sciences and to
make winning programs available to affiliated clubs across the country. Digital presentations, or video, relating to the
earth sciences, are eligible. Submit entries in one of the four amateur classes or “EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION”
for “commercial” presentations.
7. Club Rockhounds of Year, from Evelyn Cataldo, AFMS Chair
California Federation - Larry Hoskinson and Leslie Neff have been
members of the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society for over 20 years. The
Roseville Rock Rollers are pleased to recognize Jonathan H. North as our 2013
Education Thru Sharing and AFMS Rockhound of the Year. The Pasadena
Lapidary Society is pleased to recognize the contributions of Linda and Mark Nelson. Paolo Sanchez is also
recognized as an outstanding Junior member. Vivian Kuhl has received the CFMS Education thru Sharing Award and
been proclaimed the AFMS Rockhound of the Year for the Contra Gem & Mineral Society.
8. Safety Matters, by Ellery Borow, AFMS Safety Chair
The takeaway message in all this discussion is that your lungs are important and need to be protected. There are
numerous safety masks which can offer that protection. The trick is to choose the mask which fits the task. Actually, a
similar statement may be made for many rockhound tasks – use the right hammer and chisel, select the right safety
goggles, wear the right footwear, choose the right gloves, and so on.
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
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Lapidarian February 2014
9. Regional Federation Conventions, from Bob Livingston,
Convention Coordinator
All Federation Conventions for 2014 are scheduled, except for
California.
10. Quick Tips for Editors, by Linda Jaeger, AFMS Club Publications
Chair
Who and what get capital letters? Links to writing guidelines for
scientific and geologic writing are provided.
11. New Uniform Rules, from Ron Carman, Publications Chair
The 2013 revisions to the AFMS Uniform Rules are now
available from your Regional Federation supplies chair or via
download from the AFMS website.
12. Conservation & Legislation, by Mike Nelson, AFMS Chair
In the December 2013 AFMS Newsletter I attempted to provide information about collecting rules on “normal”
lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the BLM. This agency manages several million acres of public
land in the western section of the U. S.—perhaps ~258 million acres. What I did not get accomplished was to write
about all of the “special designation” lands that are sort of lumped together under the BLM management. Many of
these have special collecting rules and certainly most have special travel regulations that might not allow rockhounds
unrestricted travel to collecting sites. (Mike reviews some of these).
What about California where the BLM manages ~15.2 million acres of land. The California BLM office states:
Rockhounding and recreational mining are permitted activities on public land administered by the Bureau of Land
Management. The usual rockhound materials, including agates and stones, may be collected in reasonable quantities
for hobby use. Note the statement “administered by the BLM.” The statement would seem to indicate that Wilderness
Areas in California managed by the BLM allow collecting by rockhounds. I also checked one of the local field offices,
as suggested by the state office. The Needles office stated: Non-commercial/non-barter collecting is allowed within
BLM Wilderness. However access is limited to hiking and horseback, vehicle use in wilderness is prohibited. So, there
it is- collecting is allowed in Wilderness Areas – at least in the Needles area. The other California field offices did not
provide specific information.
13. All American Award Forms
14. AFMS Committee Members for 2014
15. Public Lands East of Rockies, by Shirley Leeson, ALAA President
Usually, when you speak of Public Lands you immediately think of the Western States. But almost every state has
National Forests or Grasslands. And all Forest Service and/or BLM has a mandated ‘travel management plan’ they
must follow.
News from the Califor nia Federation of Mineralogical Societies:
Visit the CFMS Web site at URL:
<www.cfmsinc.org/> for the
Federation’s newsletter. Randy Harris
is the SCMGS member that links us
up to the California Federation, and,
in turn, the American Federation.
Please contact Randy if you want to
communicate or participate at the California level.
The California Federation of Mineralogical Societies
(CFMS) was organized in 1936 to bring about a closer
association of Clubs and Societies devoted to the study of
Earth Sciences and the practice of Lapidary Arts and Crafts in
the Western part of the United States. The CFMS includes
approximately 110 clubs and societies, mostly in California.
The CFMS is a member of the American Federation of
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
Page 6 of 14
2014 CFMS Calendar
Click here for full year of events & deadlines
Feb 10
Entries for Web Site Contest Due - see forms
Feb 22
CFMS Field Trips-South Thulite Collecting Trip see
details pdf
Feb 28
Entries for All American Club Yearbook Due - see revised
forms
Mar 30 Apr 6
Camp Zzyzx, Soda Springs, CA - Application Form
Mar 31
Officer Change Form Due (3/31 latest) - see forms
May 2-4
CFMS Field Trips-North Topaz Mt. Trip see details pdf
May 30 - CFMS Show & Convention, hosted by Pasadena Lapidary
Jun 1
Society in Pomona, California. Forms to be posted soon.
Lapidarian February 2014
Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). The CFMS newsletter is available at no cost online at URL: <www.cfmsinc.org>, or by mail
subscription for $5.50/year (Jan-Dec, not prorated) by writing to California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, PO Box
1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1657.
The following is a brief summary of the articles in this month's CFMS Newsletter. If you want to know more, please go to
URL: <http://www.cfmsinc.org/newsletter/news2014/002newsFeb14.pdf>.
President's Message: Encourages us to reach out and draw in others. She suggests reaching out to other civic groups. Be a
guest speaker. Donate items for auctions. Show others how wonderful and rewarding our hobby is. The President,
Jennifer Haley, never knew the joy offered by joining a local gem and mineral club until later in life. There are others like
us out there that don't know our clubs exist. It is up to us to show them the way!
CFMS Insurance: New chair, Robert Haering, is there to help clubs with all insurance needs. This includes forms and
certificates for shows, field trips and other events. As long as a function does not involve more than 500 people, there is
no charge. Email: <[email protected]>.
Safety: Eye Safety at the shop and field trips. There are over 2,000 eye injuries a day at the workplace in the US. Most are
caused by very small objects. Think a grain of sand. Provide and require proper safety glasses that fit well and that wrap
around the sides of your eyes. Eye safety is everyone’s responsibility!
CFMS Annual show: Will be held May 29,30 and June 1st in Pomona. Preparations are being made and donations for the
silent auction are being sought.
Junior Activities: A 2 year electronic subscription of Diamond Dan's Mini Miners monthly is paid for by the CFMS and is
available to all clubs at no charge. Created by New York's Darryl Powell, Mini Miners monthly is the only periodical about
minerals written specifically for young collectors. It contains articles, pictures, games and puzzles. The subscription
provides permission to reproduce up to 6 pages per issue for our club's newsletters and websites. We just need to provide
Darryl with a contact by emailing him at: diamond <[email protected]>.
AFMS Judges training: Will be held April 13th in Ogden, UT
Field Trips: see Field Trip section of this month’s Lapidarian.
Bir thstones and Flowers:
The birth flower for February is violet or primrose. The birth stone is amethyst. From
Gems and Minerals, by Oliver Cummings Farrington, A.W. Mumford, Chicago, IL, 1903, page
63, taken from a pamphlet first published by Tiffany and Co. in 1870: “The February-born shall
find sincerity and peace of mind, freedom from passion and from care, if they an amethyst will
wear.” Photo: Amethyst. Magaliesburg, South Africa, 18 July 2009, JJ Harrison.
From An Overview of Production of Specific U.S. Gemstones, U.S. Bureau of Mines Special
Publication 14-95, URL:
<http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/sp14-95/index.html>.
Maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey, last updated 17July2002:
Word of the Month:
Contributed by Justin Delmas
Ventifact
Definition from the Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms, U.S.
Bureau of Mines, 2nd Edition, 1996, available at URL:
<http://xmlwords.infomine.com/xmlwords.htm>.
1. A rock that has been shaped or polished by the sandblasting effect of
wind-blown sand. Source: geology.com
Photograph: A rock sculpted by wind erosion in the Altiplano region of
Bolivia (Wilken, 2002). “Bizarre rock formations (mushroom rocks; Arbol de
Piedra - Tree of stone) in the Siloli desert southwest of Uyuni near the Laguna
Colorada, Bolivia.”
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
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Lapidarian February 2014
USGS News Releases:
Geophysical Studies Reveal Potential Quake Hazard in Spokane Area
Posted: 03 Jan 2014 09:00 AM PST
SPOKANE, Wash. —Preliminary interpretations of a recent
geophysical survey confirm the presence of earthquake faults and
reveal the possibility of previously unknown faults beneath the
greater Spokane area. During the spring of 2013 (URL:
<http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3593>), the
U.S. Geological Survey undertook an airborne magnetic survey
over the Spokane area to help understand the geologic reasons for
a series of earthquakes and ground uplift that occurred several
years earlier. A sequence of 105 small (less than magnitude 4)
earthquakes occurred beneath Spokane in 2001, accompanied by
a small increase (1/2 inch) in ground elevation. The shape of the
deforming ground surface was consistent with movement on a
northeast-trending fault beneath Spokane, yet no known mapped
faults in Spokane have been active in the last 1.6 million years. To find the Spokane fault that caused 105 earthquakes in
2001, and evaluate its potential for large earthquakes in the future, scientists turned to geophysical tools to “see” below the
surface. Knowing a fault’s length, depth, and history of earthquakes helps us prepare for future earthquake hazards.
“Geologic processes often bring together rocks with slightly different
magnetic properties, and these variations cause very small differences in
magnetic fields above the Earth’s surface,” explained the study’s lead
author, USGS geophysicist Richard Blakely. “In an aeromagnetic survey, a
magnetic sensor is flown back and forth close to the ground and along
closely spaced, parallel lines. After data processing, we arrive at a map of
‘magnetic anomalies’ reflecting the variations in the magnetic signal of the
rocks and geology of the upper part of the Earth’s crust.” Movement along a
fault is an example of a geologic process that brings together different kinds
of rocks. On a magnetic anomaly map, faults often appear as linear
features, even though the faults themselves may be concealed below
sedimentary deposits, vegetation, or urban development.
Several linear patterns are evident in the new Spokane data. Two
prominent anomalies in the southeast corner of the survey extend across
the entire area. One of these is caused by the Cheney fault zone; the other is
probably caused by a similar, previously unrecognized zone of faults and
fractures. The Latah Creek fault and other known faults appear in the new
data as complex alignments of magnetic anomalies. One alignment of
magnetic anomalies is of particular interest: It crosses Spokane in a
A sequence of 105 small (less than magnitude
4) earthquakes occurred beneath Spokane,
Washington in 2001. The yellow circles on this
map are location of epicenters in the Spokane
area, with symbol size proportional to
earthquake magnitude. The Latah Creek fault
passes beneath Spokane but is not known to be
active.
northeast direction, passes through the zone of earthquakes, and coincides with the Spokane fault postulated from ground
deformation. There are many geologic reasons for linear magnetic anomalies, and the presence of unrecognized faults is
just one possibility. Future USGS studies, including airborne LiDAR surveys and ground-based geologic investigations
are planned to confirm the Spokane fault.
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
Page 8 of 14
Lapidarian February 2014
The bright colors on this map represent the
magnetic field of the upper part of the Earth's
crust in the greater Spokane, Washington area.
The complex pattern of anomalies throughout
the southwest part of the survey is caused by
flood basalts of the Columbia River Basalt
Group. These lava flows do not extend to the
northeast part of the survey, where subdued
magnetic anomalies reflect older crustal rocks.
Several linear magnetic anomalies are evident
on the map. Two prominent anomalies in the
southeast corner extend across the entire
survey. One of these is caused by the Cheney
fracture zone; the other is probably caused by
a similar, previously unrecognized zone of
faults and fractures. The Latah Creek fault and
other known faults appear in the new data as
complex alignments of magnetic anomalies.
Credit: Richard Blakely, USGS.
Some Good News Amid Bad News, for Hawai`i's Endangered Honeycreepers
Posted: 30 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST
HAWAI’I ISLAND, Hawai’i —Warming temperatures due to climate change are exposing endangered Hawaiian forest
birds to greater risk of avian malaria. But new research led by the U.S. Geological Survey holds out some hope that the
birds may be able to adapt.
For decades, scientists have documented declines and extinctions among species of Hawaiian honeycreepers due to
the spread of avian malaria and other diseases. At one time, the Hawaiian Islands had no mosquitoes—and no mosquitoborne diseases. But, by the late 1800s, mosquitoes were firmly established in the islands. Another invasive species—feral
pigs—helped the mosquito population boom by creating larval habitat as they rooted through forests. The honeycreepers
had no natural defense against a disease they had never before experienced.
"Honeycreepers are exquisitely sensitive to avian malaria," said Dr. Carter Atkinson, a USGS microbiologist based at
the USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center in Hawai’i. Atkinson is the lead author of two new research papers
examining how climate change is increasing the honeycreepers’ risk of infection. One paper, accepted for publication by
the journal Global Change Biology (URL: <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.12535/abstract>) ,
confirms the bad news that infection has doubled in the last 20 years among birds in one of the last high elevation refuges
in the Hawaiian Islands. Atkinson and his colleagues compared data collected from birds at three sites on the remote,
rugged `Alakai Plateau of Kaua`i during 1994-1997 and 2007-2013. The most disturbing result was found at the highest
elevation site, where malarial infection increased from 2.0 percent to 19.3 percent. "These increases in infection appear to
be driven by a combination of environmental factors,” said Atkinson. “Warming temperatures, decreased precipitation,
and changes in streamflow may be allowing mosquitoes and disease transmission to invade the highest reaches of the
Plateau."
The other paper, published in EcoHealth (URL: <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10393-013-0899-2>),
provides a glimmer of good news. Atkinson and his colleagues found that a rapidly expanding, low elevation population of
a honeycreeper species, the Hawai’i‘Amakihi, on the island of Hawai’i has developed a tolerance for the disease. In this
study, Atkinson and his research team captured birds from both the low elevation population and from a higher elevation
site. The birds were screened to ensure that they were not infected with avian malaria, and then assigned to experimental
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or control groups. Birds in the experimental group were exposed to malarial infection, while birds in the control group
were not. Results showed that the low elevation ‘Amakihi were able to tolerate infection much better than birds from
higher elevation. Mortality rates were lower, and the low elevation birds lost less weight and maintained normal food
consumption. But why?
"That's the next step," said Atkinson. "The emergence of this population provides an exceptional opportunity for
determining the physiological mechanisms and genetic markers associated with malaria tolerance. Adaptation may be the
best long-term hope for recovery for many of these species."
Ar ticles:
Rare Blue Diamond found in South Africa's Cullinan mine
From [email protected], Tue Jan 21, 2014 4:08 pm (PST),
Posted by: "Kim Noyes" noyeskim
The exceptional 29.6 carat blue diamond recovered earlier this month is seen in this
undated photograph received via Petra Diamonds in London January 21, 2014. The
exceptional 29.6 carat blue diamond is the latest rare stone to be found in the Cullinan
mine.
For more details, refer to URLs: <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa25838015#TWEET1019643>.
Boring but Important!
Submitted by Michael Cox
1. Notice of a Temporary Urgency Change Petition filed by California Department of Water Resources and the United States
Bureau of Reclamation Regarding Delta Water Quality and Permits and Licenses of the State Water Project and the
Central Valley Project. The petition was received on January 29, 2014 . [This petition asks to modify water releases so that
upstream storage is increased for potential use later in the year while also attempting to keep Delta salinity levels below concentrations that are
harmful to wildlife.] For more information, please refer to URL:
<http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/drought/index.shtml>.
A Bird’s Eye View of the World
Contributed by Pat Schuelser
Amazing views of the earth from a bird’s eye perspective are
available at URL: <http://pixtale.net/2013/12/how-our-world-wouldlook-if-you-were-a-bird/>. Here is what the web site has to say:
“Pixtale.net published its first topic on February 2st 2009. It was the
Afghanistan review. After a great response to the topics by the general
internet public we took the next step and signed a contract with Reuters
for the use of their images. We were released from image constraints
and could post what we could find. We haven’t looked back since and
have grown and grown in posts per month, visitors and fans. Thank
you. To give something back we created the “In the Picture” category,
which gives photographers with a passion the opportunity to showcase
their work to thousands around the globe.
Famous landmarks like the Arc Du Triumph, the Pyramids of
Giza, and the Sagrada Familia have been photographed countless times
by photographers from around the world, and they are recognizable to
most, if not all, of us. But this collection of stunning aerial photographs
gives us a bird’s-eye-view of these places, casting them in a totally new
light. Most of the pictures are of places or things that most of us could
easily identify right away. The images illustrate just how much a change
in perspective can alter. It’s also worth noting that a few of these sites, like the Pyramids of Giza and the hotels in Dubai,
were designed with an aerial perspective in mind. The designs of certain Dubai hotels can only be appreciated fully from
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above, and some theorize that the Pyramids of Giza were meant to be aligned with the stars in Orion’s Belt.” [40 photos
total]
Monthly Bench Tips, by Brad Smith
MODIFYING PLIERS
Sometimes a few changes to your tools can significantly improve productivity and quality at the
same time. Stock tools can be customized and improved using standard jewelry skills. Here's an
example: Making jump rings and weaving them into chainmail designs involves a lot of opening and
closing of the rings. I typically use two square jaw pliers to do this, one for each hand. But sometimes
the rings would slip out of the pliers, getting scratched, and requiring extra cleanup time. I solved the
problem by forming a groove at the end of the jaw that would grasp the ring gently without scratching
it. Use a triangular file or cutoff disk to cut the grooves about 1.5 mm back from the tip. Then to
make the grooves round so they grasp the wire without distorting it, close the jaws and run a drill
through the opening formed by the two rough grooves. Start with a small drill and follow up with a drill just slightly smaller
than the wire size you want to grip. In my case that was 14 gauge wire, so I chose a #53 drill. Finally, polish the grooves with a
rubberized disk.
More monthly bench tips can be found on Brad’s Facebook page, URL: <https://www.facebook.com/BenchTips>, and
Brad also sells his Bench Tips for Jewelry Making book on Amazon, at URL: <http://www.amazon.com/dp/0988285800/>.
Camps, Lectures, and Classes:
CAMP ZZYZX, March 30 – April 6, 2014
Join CFMS at the Earth Science Seminar be held at 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
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 retains 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,
Beading, Wire Art, Field Trips, Silver Fabrication, Advanced Wire Art, Precious Metal Clay, Soft Stone Carving & Scrimshaw,
Faceting, and Alternative Casting.
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. NO CANCELLATIONS AFTER MARCH 1, 2014 unless a
replacement is provided. A $25.00 Administration Fee will be assessed for cancellations prior to March 17, 2014. - - IF YOU
USE YOUR RV YOU CAN SAVE $50.00 - The application is included on the last page of this newsletter.
Public Lecture Series, USGS, Menlo Park, CA
Lectures start at 7pm and are held at the USGS Menlo Park Campus in Building 3, 2nd floor conference room A, Menlo
Park, California. URL for building location and directions: <http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/map.html>. Lectures are not
yet scheduled for 2014. Past lectures can be found on-line at URL: <http://education.usgs.gov/lectures.html>.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center 100 Shaffer Road in Santa Cruz, California 95060
Many tours of the center and reserves are available. Please refer to the center calendar of events for more information,
URL: <http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/visit/calendar/>.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Monarch Butterfly Interpretive Talk, Every Saturday, November-February, 1:00pm; Located at the Pacific Grove Monarch
Butterfly Sanctuary (Off of Ridge Road near the Butterfly Grove Inn). Cost: FREE
The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park
The following fall geology classes are offered, for information see URL <http://www.joshuatree.org/desert-institute/>:
Rocks and Minerals of Joshua Tree National Park*
February 28, March 1 – 2, 2014
(UCR Credit: Geosciences x425.1, 1.5 unit)
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Volcanoes in Joshua Tree National Park
March 8, 2014 – Rick Hazlett, Ph.D, Geology, co-author of “Joshua Tree National Park Geology”
Field Trips:
Here is a roundup of trips sponsored by the Society and AFMS/CFMS affiliates. For more
information about any of these trips, and to sign up, please contact the fieldtrip chairs, Karen & Dean
Welder. The Welder’s also moderate a Yahoo Group for North Bay Field Trips. Join at Yahoo
Groups, URL: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nbft/>.
North Bay Field Trips and Affiliates
Contact Dean Welder for more information if details are not provided below.
Co-op Field Trips (Contact Dean Welder for more information)
Feb 22nd: Ludlow, CA, thulite collecting trip.
May 2-4th: Topaz Mountain near Delta, UT, for topaz crystals, bixbite (red beryl), speudobrookite crystals, and hematite
crystals.
Jun 7-8th: Virgin Valley, NV and Plush, OR, for opal, petrified wood, and sunstone.
Jul 31 – Aug 4 2014: AFMS 2014 MULTI-FEDERATION FIELD TRIP
The town of Terry, Montana may be small, but they are planning on rolling out the red carpet for us as they host the
AFMS 2014 Multi-Federation field trip gathering. Mark your calendars and get ready to register! Terry is right in the
middle of some of the best Montana rock hounding areas. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Rockhound Field Trip Fanatics (not affiliated with CFMS, so not covered by CFMS insurance).
Donna Pegmatite Claim
Time: April 1, 2014 all day; Organized By: Kris W. Rowe
Location: Warner Springs Glider Port, San Diego County, California, Street: Hwy 79, City/Town:
Warner Springs, Ca. Website or Map URL: <http://www.skysailing.com/dir/>.
Phone: 559-250-5057
Event Type: field, trip, pegmatite, gem, crystal, toumaline, beryl, lepidolite
2014 Central California Rockhound Odyssey
Time: April 12, 2014 to April 20, 2014; Organized By: Kris W. Rowe
Location: Throughout Central California
Street: Web Map coming soon!
Phone: (559) 250-5057
Event Type: field, trip
Other Collecting Opportunities:
Holleywood Ranch, Oregon is now open year round for collecting petrified wood. Call for conditions and appointment times.
Cost is $1.50 per pound for the highest quality and largest variety of petrified wood anywhere! Open 7 Days a Week, from
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Group digs scheduled between Thursday – Sunday. Please call ahead to let us know you’re coming;
ground conditions may be effected by weather so limitations may apply.
Holleywood Ranch
26250 Old Holley Rd
Sweet Home, OR 97386-9536
541-401-0899 for technical questions and scheduling under 72 hours notice.
541-409-6047 for scheduling over 72 hour notice.
Kokopelli’s Opals, Virgin Valley, NV, “we have posted 2014 fee dig rates at URL: <www.kokopelliopals.com>. Kokopelli’s
dig site contains precious black opal. This is our first fee dig season and there are several new cuts never before mined. Check
out our new pricing and reserve your spot now. Contact us to learn about our special rate for rock and gem clubs. Thank you,
Tim & Donna Church, Kokopelli Opals”
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Shows!
Below is a roundup of upcoming California shows sponsored by other
gem and mineral organizations. The commercial Gem Faire, Inc. events
are not included. You can find them at URL: <www.gemfaire.com>.
February 2014
The Tucson Show Guide is available as a digital
download! Don’t forget to visit the Xpopress website
well in advance if you are planning on going to
Tucson.
<http://www.xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html>
<http://www.xpopress.com/QZ-show-schedule.html >
Feb. 1-2: REDLANDS, CA; The Mineralogical Society of Southern
California Proudly Presents the 48th Pacific Micro-mount Conference: San
Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA. Download the registration packet at URL:
<http://www.mineralsocal.org/micro/48th%20Pacific%20Micro.pdf>.
Feb. 15-24: INDIO, CA; San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society; Banning Riverside County Fair l & National Date Festival,
46350 Arabia Street; Hours: 10 - 10 daily; Contact: Bert Grisham 915-849-1674, 951-288-9025 cell, email:
<[email protected]>.
Feb. 21-23: NEWARK, CA; Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley; Newark Pavilion, 6430 Thornton Avenue; Hours: Fri.
& Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5; Contact: Cathy Miller, email: <[email protected]>; website URL: <http://www.mgscv.org>.
March 2014
March 1 - 2: ARCADIA, CA; Monrovia Rockhounds; Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 301 Baldwin Avenue;
Hours: 9:00 - 4:30 daily; Contact: Jo Anna Ritchey, (626) 359-1624, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.Moroks.com>.
March 1 - 2: VENTURA, CA; Ventura Gem & Mineral Society; Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd.; Hours:
Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 – 4; Contact: Krishna Juarez, (805) 323-6725, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.vgms.org>.
March 8 - 9: SAN MARINO, CA; Pasadena Lapidary Society; San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Drive; Hours:
Sat 10 - 6, Sun 10 – 5; Contact: Marcia Goetz, (626) 260-7239, Email: <[email protected]>.
March 8 - 9: SPRECKELS, CA; Salinas Valley Rock & Gem Club; Spreckel's Veterans Hall, 5th & Llano Streets; Hours: 10 5 daily; Contact: Karin Salomon, (831) 375-5233, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.salinasrockandgem.com>.
March 8 - 9: TURLOCK, CA; Mother Lode Mineral Society, Modesto; Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 North Broadway;
Hours: 10 - 5 daily; Contacts: Bud & Terry McMillin, (209) 524-3494, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.turlockgemshow.com>.
March 15 - 16: LEMOORE, CA; Lemoore Gem & Mineral Society; Trinity Hall, 470 Champion Street, Hours: Sat 10 - 6; Sun
10 – 4; Contact: Chris Wertenberger, (559) 309-3433, Email: <[email protected]>.
March 22 - 23: ANGELS CAMP, CA; Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society; Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 101 Frogtown
Road; Hours: Sat 10-5; Sun 10-4; Contact: Robin Williams, (209) 728-8277, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.calaverasgemandmineral.org>.
March 22- 23: ROSEVILLE, CA; Roseville Rock Rollers; Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Blvd;
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 – 4; Contact: Gloria Marie, (916) 216-1114; Email: <[email protected]>;
Website: <www.rockrollers.com>.
March 29 - 30: TORRANCE, CA; South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society, Torrance; Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341
Torrance Blvd (entrance on Madrona Ave); Hours: Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. 10 – 4; Contact: Craig Polliard & Chris Lemaster, (310)
533-4931; Email: <[email protected]>; Website: <www.palosverdes.com/sblap>.
April 2014
April 12 - 13: PARADISE, CA; Paradise Gem & Mineral Society; Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Road; Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 – 4;
Contact: Manuel Garcia, (530) 877-7324, Email: <[email protected]>; Website: <www.paradisegem.org>.
April 12 - 13: SAN JOSE, CA; Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society; Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 334 Tully Road;
Hours: 10 - 5 daily; Contact: Frank Mullaney, (408) 266-1791; (408) 691-2656 (cell); Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.scvgms.org>.
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April 19 - 20: MARIPOSA, CA; Mariposa Gem & Mineral Society; Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Drive (Hwy
49 South - 1.8 miles south of Mariposa; Hours: 10 - 6 daily; Contact: Martin Foden, (209) 742-4036, Email:
<[email protected]>; Website: <www.camineralmuseum.com>.
April 26 - 27: THOUSAND OAKS, CA; Conejo Gem & Mineral Club; Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Road
(at Borchard Rd.); Hours: 10 - 5 daily; Contact: Robert Sankovich, (805) 494-7734, Email: <[email protected]>; Website:
<www.cgamc.org>.
April 26 - 27: SANTA CRUZ, CA; Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society; Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Church Street & Center
Street; Hours: 10 - 5 daily; Contact: Dean Welder, (408) 353-2675; Website: <www.scmgs.org>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CAMP ZZYZX, March 30 – April 6, 2014; REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete the Registration form below and mail with full payment, payable to: CFMS, Camp ZZYZX, AUDREY
HARVEY, 3363 Tuxford Place, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
FOR INFORMATION ONLY CONTACT: Marion Roberts, 209-538-0197, Email: <[email protected]>.
REGISTRATION FORM DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2014. 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 ASSIGNMENT FOR SINGLE APPLICANTS ONLY. RV____ DORM____
ROOM REQUEST FOR MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL REASONS. PLEASE DESCRIBE:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS ___ DIABETIC ___ OTHER ___ EXPLAIN:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Please fill in classes desired:
FIRST CHOICE
SECOND CHOICE
THIRD CHOICE
(A) ______________________________________________________________________________________
(B) ______________________________________________________________________________________
(C) ______________________________________________________________________________________
Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society
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