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The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 1
O X N A R D C L U B
T h e
Rock BagT h e
Rock BagNovember 2013 Volume 51 Issue 11
Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society Oxnard California
The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a non-profit organization formed to increase our knowledge in geology, mineralogy and other such related fields in the earth sciences.
We classify, cut, grind and polish rocks and minerals for our personal collection’s and to display at club show’s.
We learn from each other through club speakers, programs and monthly field trips. We co-operate with other clubs to encourage others to participate in our activity.
The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a member of the State of California Federation of Mineralogical Society and the National Federation of Mineralogical Society.
Web Address: www.oxnardgem.com
Email Address: [email protected]
Mail: P. O. Box 246 Oxnard, CA 93032
Meeting Held: The 1st Wednesday of each Month.
Location: Oxnard Performing Arts Center 800 Hobson Way, (Thousand Oaks Room)
Dues: Adults, 18 and over, $15 yearJuniors, 12 to 17, $2 year
Pebble Pups to age 12, free with paid adult
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 2
Because OGMS is affiliated with the AFMS, our members observe the following AFMS principles:
I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
I will leave all gates as found.
I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
I will discard no burning material; matches, cigarettes, etc.
I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
I will observe the "Golden Rule", will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public Image of Rockhounds everywhere.
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 3
OGMS Officers for 2013
President Adrian Ruiz512-3383
1st Vice President (Programs)
Louisa Carey(503) 309-6147
2nd Vice President(Show)
Brett Johnson822-3836
3rd Vice President(Field Trips)
Bob Driskell485-2983
Recording Secretary Laura Driskell485-2983
Treasurer Miriam Tetreault642-5779
Appointed Standing Committee ChairsCorresponding Secretary
Brett Johnson 822-3836
Displays & Exhibits Brett Johnson 822-3836
EditorThe Rock Bag
Brian Miller 509-0815
Education Director Donna Knapton 407-3968
Federation Director Louisa Carey(503) 309-6147
Historian Adrian Ruiz 512-3383
Hospitality Jo Martinez701-1826
Librarian Kay Hara 525-7634
Member at Large Open ----------------------------------
Membership Secretary
Carolyn Howe 486-1185
Public Relations Open ----------------------------------
Parliamentarian Laura Driskell 485-2983
Refreshments Laura Driskell 485-2983
Sergeant at Arms Bob Driskell 647-8762
Ways & Means Jo Martinez701-1826
All Members are encouraged to submit
an article(s) or advertisement(s) of
Your interest.Remember it is your
newsletter too! Articles or Ad’s can be
submitted by email.
The Deadline to submit your work will be the 23rd of each month.
Thank you! Brian Miller
Table of ContentsPage 4: General Meeting Minutes
Page 5: Show and Board Meeting Minutes
Page 6: Club Program & Thank U’s
Page 7: Show Report
Page 8: Pebble Pup’s
Pages 9 & 10: “Why Electrolytes are Important to You!”
Page 11: OGMS Book Corner
Page 12: CFMS Junior News
Pages 13 & 14: Russian Treasures
Page 15: What’s the Birthstone for November?
Page 16: Field Trips & “Collecting Agates”
Page 17: Upcoming Show’s and Events
Pages 18 & 19: OGMS Show & Camp Zzyxz Entry Form’s
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 4
Minutes of the Oct 2, 2013 OGMS General MeetingCall to order: 7:40 pm. Adrian Ruiz, presiding. Bob Driskell led the Pledge of Allegiance.Hospitality: Twenty members signed in, 5 Pebble Pups, 3 guests, including Steve Mulqueen, Raul and Maria Ruiz.Minutes: Motion by Stephanie Hagiwara to accept September General Meeting minutes as published in Rock Bag. Motion seconded and passed.Treasurer’s Report: September report, accounts solvent. October report, accounts solvent.Correspondence: Show and field trip info on table.Membership: We have 40 members currently.1st VP, Program: Tonight: Steve Mulqueen, Evaporative minerals, Trona and Searles Lake. November: Show Meeting. December: Holiday Potluck.2nd VP, Show: Need sign-ups for volunteers. Show meeting next Wednesday, 7 pm. Fill out exhibit forms, please.3rd VP, Field Trips: October 11th & 12th, trip to Trona, Gem-O-Rama, Searles Lake. Tentative field trips for November on Facebook page. Wiley’s Well trip coming up Thanksgiving weekend.Old Business: Jean pSmith stated that City of Oxnard has not responded with lease agreement. Insurance through CFMS can cover “Member Only” class nights.New Business:
1. Stephanie Hagiwara won first prize in the AFMS Website contest. She won 2nd place in the CMFS contest last year. Congratulations to our award-winning Webmaster!
2. Carolyn Howe volunteered to help sew more grab bags for the next show.Federation News: Board meets in Visalia next week. Jim Brace-Thompson wrote an article to be included in Diamond Dan publication.Education: Donna is submitting article to Rock Bag on electrolytes and how important it is to replace them when on field trips.Classes: Classes still on hold pending lease agreement with City.Library: Book of the Month, Magic of Minerals.Refreshment Volunteers for November: Jean pSmith, Louisa Carey.Ways and Means: Raffle tickets raised $52 during refreshment break. Louisa Carey brought some Montana sapphire tailings back from her trip, and grand prize drawing for those was won by Kay Hara.Scholarships: Kay Hara, Donna Knapton, and Jo Martinez attended scholarship banquet at CSUCI, and met candidate for scholarship. They invited him to attend OGMS December Holiday potluck.Announcements: Board meeting next Wednesday, including Show meeting at 7 pm.
Program: Evaporative Minerals of Trona and Searles Lake, by Steve Mulqueen. Steve worked on Searles Lake for many years, and his slide presentation showed the geography and topography of the area from all angles. He brought samples of the minerals that he has collected over the years.
Searles Lake is named for John Searles, who in 1873 started producing borax from the lake. Brine is pumped from the lake, where it is now processed to produce soda ash. Since the early 1940’s, the company that runs the mining operation has prepared a muddy area on the lake for mineral hunters to dig through. Wear OLD clothes and shoes, hat, gloves. Take a bucket, a garden rake and a scrub brush to collect and clean your treasures with the brine. Interesting presentation.
Adjournment: Nothing further to report, Adrian Ruiz adjourned meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, October 17, 2013.Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary
Halite© 2011 Diamond Dan Publications.
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 5
Minutes of the Oct 9, 2013 OGMS Show & Board MeetingSHOW MEETING:Call to order: 7:03pm, Brett Johnson, presiding. Attendees: Brett Johnson, Adrian Ruiz, Stephanie Hagiwara, Kay Hara, Bob Driskell, Donna Knapton, Larry Knapton, Louisa Carey, Carolyn Howe, Laura Driskell.1. Education booth. Donna will use the info and
activities left over from the CFMS show and other shows. Donna has contacts with SP Oil Museum, and other exhibitors at the education booth.
2. Louisa has put case fillers in E.P. Foster Library, and Camarillo Library. She will put displays in all 3 Oxnard libraries.
3. Brett contacted lapel-pin company. Minimum order is 200. Discussion re how many and how expensive.
4. Discussion regarding hats and T-shirts for show.5. Contact Moorpark College for helpers at show.6. Treasurer, Diane Cook, discussed starting cash
box amounts.7. OPAC marquee is set with lease agreement.8. Adjourned, 7:58 pm.BOARD MEETING:Call to Order: 7:59 pm, Adrian Ruiz, presiding. Attendees: Adrian Ruiz, Brett Johnson, Kay Hara, Bob Driskell, Donna Knapton, Larry Knapton, Stephanie Hagiwara, Louisa Carey, Carolyn Howe, Jo Martinez, Jean pSmith, Laura Driskell.Minutes: Motion by Stephanie Hagiwara to approve July Board Meeting minutes as published in the Rock Bag. Motion seconded, minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report: Discussion of bills to be paid, deposits. Motion to pay bills, and accept Treasurer’s Report, by Brett Johnson. Motion seconded and approved. Brett Johnson moves that Norb Kinsler’s name be removed from signatory cards for all accounts associated with Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society. Donna Knapton seconds, all approve. Brett Johnson moves that Robert Driskell’s name be added to signatory card for the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society General checking account.Corresponding Secretary: Brett and Louisa are taking information for the pins and bars to be handed out at the December inception meeting. Any members who hold an elected office or standing committee chair is eligible for a bar or triangle.Membership: We have 41 members. David Rodriquez renewed his membership. Carolyn will issue a receipt for Barbara Blacks’s renewal.1st VP, Programs: November 6th, Show meeting. December 4th, Holiday Potluck and Entertainment. 2nd VP, Show: Show meeting just held.
3rd VP, Field Trips: October 12 & 13, Trona and Gem-O-Rama. November 28 - 31, Wiley’s Well.OLD BUSINESS: None.NEW BUSINESS: None.Federation: Tabled to next month.Classes: Jean pSmith has been in contact with City, and the insurance offered by city will be best coverage. Member only nights can be offered for a small fee. Classroom insurance has been covered by the City in the past, so that will continue. A current membership roster will be required. A session is scheduled for November 4th, so the agreement needs to be finalized. The City will want to take care of enrollment process. Content insurance for loss and damage will be covered by McDaniel’s Insurance, after the City sends them proof of insurance for the building. A very nice donation of lost-wax jewelry making equipment and materials was received from the Marjory Frye collection, and was given to the silver-smithing class instructors.Scholarship: The Scholarship Committee met with the awardee at CSUCI dinner and the awardee was invited to the December holiday potluck. The awardee at Oxnard City College that OGMS picked, was eliminated by the Foundation committee and the award was funded to someone else. The Scholarship Committee wants to take the funding out of the hands of the Foundation, but then the award will not be matched. Scholarship Committee must make the agreement with the colleges stick to the rules.Education: Show info.Ways & Means and Hospitality: Jo Martinez reviewed the results of the survey she conducted online. Most of the results were positive, and she will implement some of the suggestions.Editor: Articles should be sent to Brian, by the 3rd Sunday of the month.Library: Kay will review a book for next month.Displays & Exhibits: Brett bought agatized coral for the show exhibit gift. Current count for displays at the show is 21.Website: October is Rock Month for Gull Wings Museum, and Stephanie received a request to help with rotating exhibits at the museum regularly. They would like to have the rocks they have labeled for identification.Adjournment: Next Board Meeting, November 13, 2013, including a Show Meeting at 7 pm. Meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted, October 9, 2013.Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary
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We have received a very generous donation of silversmith supplies and equipment from the Marjorie Frye estate. The donated items will nicely enhance our casting class. The supplies include pre-made wax models for making very nice designs, investing and casting equipment, a very nice set of casting flasks in small sizes (the most useful sizes), and wax modeling tools for hot wax crafting and spurring. This donation will fill in some of our dwindling wax inventory and the equipment will allow us to provide more investing and modeling tools for students to create their designs. A big “Thank You” to Norb Kinsler for bringing the donation to the Club and for thinking of our classes and student’s needs.Jean pSmith – Silversmith Instructor
THANK U’s
November 6th Program
Wednesday, November 6th, 2013, Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society will look at our upcoming Annual Gem & Mineral Expo. The theme for 2013 is “AGATES,” it is going to be a great show and we need your help!
Come find out what jobs to be filled and sign up. Our show is always so much fun
you may want to stay all day! The meeting will be held in the Thousand Oaks room of the Oxnard Performing Arts
Convention Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard) at 7:30pm.
Refreshments will be enjoyed. Rocks Rock! Louisa May Carey
VP-OGMS
We also received another lavish gift from Jack & Anne Lewis. They donated a 27” Vibro-lap. It will be a great addition to our newly remodeled Club house. OGMS will make good use of the machine as it helps polish stones to your liking. OGMS sends out a huge THANK YOU!
© 2011 Diamond Dan Publications.
Silver
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 7
2013 Show Report – NovemberIt is time again for our Annual “Galaxy of Gems” Expo this Nov. 16th & 17th. We need all members to attend the general meeting on Wed, Nov. 6th at 7:30pm. We will discuss the Show details, set-up tasks, where we need you during the Show, and what you can bring to the Friday night (Nov. 15th) dinner.
The Silent Auction tables are going to need some of your nice and clean rocks, minerals, fossils, and slab for the Show. Ron Wise would like you to identify the type and location of your donations and how much you think it is worth or what it should be auctioned for. With the Classes having been shut down for most of this year, we need as much help generating funds for the Club as we can. So, dig deep into your pile of materials to donate to one of our Club’s biggest money makers.
Anne Lewis and Carolyn Howe are ready for your plants and planter/pots to be used at the Plants table. They are looking for anything that will draw in the crowds. Something different and unique – tree saplings, cactus, poinsettia, succulents, orchids, herbs, etc. Everything is appreciated. Bring your Plants table donations on Friday afternoon, Nov. 15th.
Stephanie Hagiwara has volunteered to fill one of the 8-foot display cases with Club Activity and Class information. She will be putting together photos, field trip finds, class projects, and anything else you would like to contribute to help advertised our Club’s goals and activities. Bring your items/suggestion to the next meeting or on Friday afternoon, Nov. 15th.
We still need more Raffle and Door Prizes for the Show. Look for something to donate that you would like to receive should your number be called. Ask your neighborhood stores and businesses if they would offer gift certificates/products as donations to our not-for-profit (and worthy) Club’s raffle. Kay Hara will be accepting all donations at the next meeting and during the Show.
Also, I hope everyone has filled out the Exhibit form in this newsletter and sent me a copy. We need as many displays to showcase the Hobby as we can fit in the big room (and it is a BIG room to fill). The deadline is Oct. 31st, but we can make an exception for you.
Lastly, I want to thank each and every one of the many persons that have worked with me to put together another wonderful and entertaining Show this year. Y’all are awesome people, great workers, and devoted members of our wonderful Club. Thank you!
So, come to the general meeting on Wed., Nov. 6th at 7:30pm, sign your name to the volunteer roster for some of the many duties, add your name to the potluck salad/dessert list, and bring your smiles. It is always good to have your smiling face at the meetings.
Brett VP-OGMS
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Calling all Pebble Pups!Our Annual Gem & Mineral Expo is coming up next month. I hope you all have a case
form filled out and that you plan to come and help or at least spin the wheel for a super prize! I will cover details of the show and answer any questions you might have about it.
THEN…. We will start our couple month program on GOLD! It never tarnishes and it never fails to have a captivated audience worldwide.
Learn why it can be your favorite mineral too. Newcomers always welcome.
The meeting will be held Wednesday Nov 6th, 7:30 p.m. 800 Hobson Way (Thousand Oaks Room)
Courtesy Of Diamond Dan Publications. Vol. 2 No. 6
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 9
Why Electrolytes are Important to You!By: Donna Knapton
This last summer as well, as in past years, on our field trips we have had several instances where our members and guests have had problems with electrolytes. So as your Education Chairman, I will attempt to “educate” you about the importance of electrolytes, especially on field-trips.
What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. They affect the amount of water in your body, the acidity of your blood (pH), your muscle function, and several other important processes. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. You replace them by drinking fluids, not just bottled water, but water that contains the small amounts of minerals that you lose through sweating (particularly sodium and potassium). Bottled water is usually processed to take out most of the “salts” because, let’s face it, they don’t taste that good. Electrolytes are commonly found in juices, coconut water, sports drinks, milk, and many fruits and vegetables ,whole or in juice form like potatoes, avocados, even peanuts. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate, sulfate, and hydrogen carbonate. Calcium and magnesium help muscles contract and relax. Sodium and potassium help water stay in the right balance inside and outside of cells. Sodium is the electrolyte lost in the highest concentration in sweat.
Sodium is the main electrolyte in the fluid that surrounds your body’s cells and helps govern the important flow of liquid inside and outside the cells. It maintains your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure as well as certain brain functions. Sodium is critical to the generation of electrical signals in the body. If you have high blood pressure, the first thing the doctor says is-- cut down on salt (sodium chloride). Potassium is essential for cell function and regulates heartbeat and muscles. No matter if you drink lots of water, if you aren’t replacing the minerals you are sweating out, you are eventually going to be in trouble. Electrolytes are critical in hydration as well as blood pH, nerve and muscle function. Muscle contraction is dependent on calcium, sodium and potassium. If you have particular heart problems that affect your heart’s pumping ability, you may well be taking a potassium supplement. An electrolyte imbalance can occur through vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, serious burns, or wounds. In these cases, water and electrolytes need to be replaced. Life-threatening conditions may result if the losses are severe. If you don’t maintain your electrolytes you can experience weakness or severe muscle contractions, blood pressure problems and even seizures.
The body keeps tight control of electrolytes by way of various methods such as hormones. The kidneys general flush out any excess. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, have some electrolytes as well as very high sugar contents to mask the taste, but are not recommended for everyone. A special alert for our field trip leaders and those of us on field trips when it is warmer weather and the prize requires lots of heavy work or long, strenuous hikes to get those rocks back home, be aware of those around you. Older people are more susceptible to both dehydration and over hydration as well as abnormal electrolytes because their kidneys don’t function as well. (Continues on next page)
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Watch out for:
Twitching Seizures Numbness Muscle spasm Fatigue Lethargy
Irregular heartbeat Convulsions ConfusionBlood pressure changes Headache Irritability Loss of appetite Muscle weakness Nausea
Vomiting Decreased consciousness Hallucinations Coma
If you exercise hard for more than four hours in the heat (such as triathletes, marathoners and even rockhounds), you may benefit from replacing electrolytes. A father of a teenage boy on one of our last field trips came to me asking if I had any Tylenol for his son’s severe headache. I mentioned his son might be low on electrolytes but the Dad insisted that he had drank 10 bottles of water while hammering and was fully hydrated so didn’t need any EMERGEN-C just Tylenol. So be aware—that is not just water on your brow. There are a lot of minerals there too, your precious electrolytes! Drinking too much water, even, can cause you to need more electrolytes.
To confuse things even more, beware of too many electrolytes. An over abundance can be just as harmful as not enough. Don’t put one of the electrolyte-containing envelopes in every bottle of water you drink on a very hot day no matter how much you are sweating. You are losing many times more water than electrolytes. Unless you are experiencing symptoms and working super hard, one supplement in four or so hours should work well plus lots & lots of water. When it comes to electrolytes “a little dab will do ya.” Ask your doctor the next time you visit if you have any problem that extra electrolytes will influence and how they will go with your medications, if you take any regularly, particularly if you have low functioning kidneys!
For lunch have a banana, a yogurt and a peanut butter sandwich (and stop to eat it)—lots of calcium, potassium and magnesium! If you don’t have problems with high sodium, carry salty snacks, particularly if you are prone to muscle cramps. Drink juices and milk if the cooler is near. Electrolytes are “popular” right now, so you might see them in many drinks and those little packets that you pour into your water bottles. Sports drinks, in general, have some electrolytes but most not enough for a good, hard, sustained all day dig. Larry and I carry EMERGEN-C in the car, the first aid kit, and in our pockets and packs when we are in the field. There may be better ones, but it works for us and comes in lots of flavors (none are great tasting but they aren’t too bad and work well). I have seen it work wonders in just a few minutes time. We all know those best specimens are the hardest to get so keep yourself healthy to go for them! Hope to see you on a field trip soon!
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OGMS Book CornerHi OGMS,Please remember the following rules when checking out a book:
1. You must be a current member with your dues paid, hopefully an active member.2. Up to three books can be checked out at one time.3. Books can be checked out for one month at a time you check them out at a meeting and
bring them back the next following meeting. If you wish an extension, please arrange with the librarian.
4. Books must be brought back in good shape; any damage must be reported. If a book is lost, please make every effort to replace it or pay for it. Some books are very valuable.
5. If books are overdue a week, you will be called and reminded to return them ASAP.6. Any book(s) you have that are relevant to our hobby and are fairly current, in good condition
that you wish to donate to the library, it would be greatly appreciated.
This is a fascinating little book! We, as rockhounds, are all pretty familiar with jade in some form or another. I could recall being at Jade Cove collecting little pieces off the beach, sitting next to Rob Sankovich who was finding the majority of them - he really has an eye for it. This book traces back to the ancient discoveries of jade,
the uses, the theories of how ancient Chinese and other civilizations were able to carve such a hard stone into exquisite shapes and designs using
primitive tools such as bamboo drills and sand as grit. Later it postulates the use of corundum and the big discovery of jade carvers of mounting diamond bits on metal such as copper, to drill and carve jade; this made jade carving so much easier, allowing fine details and designs to be carved into jade. It traces some of the ancient sources of fine jade. The illustrations,of which there are 71 in this little book, show how fine some of these carvings are. It is interesting to note that the original jade so prized was nephrite. Later jadeite jade was discovered and initially not well accepted until its properties and beauty became more appreciated by jade carvers and collectors. Jade comes in many colors; at one time yellow was the most prized.
Today piece of clear, green jade the size of your thumb, called Imperial jade, can cost you $30K. Jade is found in many parts of the world. The ancient civilizations of not only China, but South America, New Zealand and others all revered jade as jewelry, ornaments and tools. So, for a literary journey into jade's past here is a precious little book to read and enjoy in an evening. Go for it! Yer ole Librarian,Kay Hara
Antique Jade By: Oscar Luzzatto-Blitz Edition 1996
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 12
CFMS News Geo-sites for Earth Science Education
By: Jim Brace-Thompson Juniors Activities
When we think “field trip,” we usually think “collecting” and we drive off with our heads filled with dreams of stuffing our backpacks with rocky treasures. But field trips don’t always need to be about taking home rocks. Some allow us to take home a more valuable commodity: Knowledge. A neat guidebook was recently published with field trip localities geared toward educating rather than collecting: Albert B. Dickas’ 101 American Geo-Sites You’ve Gotta See (Mountain Press, 2012).
Dickas guides you to sites that tell unique geological stories. He includes 101 such stories spread across all 50 U.S. States. Fortunately for those of us in the California Federation, 5 sites are located in California, 3 in Arizona, 2 in Nevada, and 2 in Oregon. For instance: a view of the Pacific plate sliding by the North American plate along California’s San Andreas Fault; the strange “Racetrack Playa” with wandering rocks on the floor of Death Valley; the bubbling fossil-bearing tar pits of Rancho La Brea; the immense cavity of Meteor Crater and the towering buttes of Monument Valley in Arizona; and the “Great Unconformity” at Frenchman Mountain in Las Vegas. With a dozen sites in California and neighboring states, you should be able to find at least one within reasonable distance for a day, or weekend trip for your club’s juniors.
The book opens with a brief earth science primer on the rock cycle, geological dating, plate tectonics, and “A Short History of the Earth”, giving a quick walk-through of earth history eon-by-eon, period-by- period. Then comes the real meat of the book, the 101 sites from Alabama to Wyoming. Each site entry consists of a two-page spread. The opening page provides GPS coordinates, a one-sentence overview of the significance of the site, and an overall description and history. The second page provides colorful supporting illustrations, maps, and photos. Printed on high-quality glossy paper, the photos make it a wonderful coffee-table book in addition to an informative read. But to maximize its use, go beyond the pictures and get your club’s kids out to a site near you to see it up-close-and-personal. Rather than stuffing their backpacks with rocks, stuff their heads with a little knowledge, and a whole lot of fun! Courtesy of J.B.T. & CFMS Newsletter
Thank You
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Divers raised a coffee-table-size chunk of the Chelyabinsk meteorite from its muddy home at the bottom of Russia's Lake Chebarkul on Wednesday (Oct. 16).
The massive boulder is the largest fragment recovered so far from the Feb. 15 Russian meteor explosion over the city of Chelyabinsk that injured more than 1,000 people.
The blast scattered meteor shards across the region and left holes in the ice-covered Lake Chebarkul, so it was assumed that big lumps fell into the lake.
Later surveys revealed possible extraterrestrial rocks buried beneath the bottom mud.
Recovery crews have since pulled five meteorite chunks from the lake, RT.com reported.
The 5-foot-long (1.5 meters) rock dragged from the depths Wednesday was 65 feet (20 m) below the surface. After it was pulled to the surface with cables, the meteorite fragment fractured into three pieces, shown live on Russian television.
Together, the dark, craggy stones weighed more than the scale brought to the lake could read, tipping in at more than 1,250 lbs. (570 kilograms),AFP reported. Preliminary tests confirmed the rocks are from the Chelyabinsk meteorite.
Pictures and video from the retrieval effort show telltale signs of the meteorite's fiery trip through the atmosphere. There's a fusion crust — a shiny, glassy layer of black material that forms when the outer portions of the rock melt. The rock also appears to have regmaglypts, shallow surface indentations that look like thumbprints.
The Chelyabinsk meteorite is a mix of different types of ordinary chondrites, the stony meteorites that crash into Earth most often, researchers have found. The mélange inside the fragments suggests the meteorite may have collided with another asteroid early in its history.
Researchers have estimated that the asteroid that caused the Chelyabinsk fireball was about 55 feet (17 m) wide and weighed 10,000 tons when it streaked into Earth's atmosphere.
It hit on Feb. 15, the same day a 130-foot (40 m) asteroid called 2012 DA14 gave Earth a close shave, missing our planet by just 17,200 miles (27,000 kilometers). But the two space rocks are unrelated, experts say.
Huge chunk of Russian Meteorite Pulled From Lake
Oskin, Becky. "Huge Chunk of Russia Meteorite Pulled from Lake." Space.com. Space.com, 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://www.space.com/23226-chelyabinsk-meteorite-chunk-russian-lake.html>.
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MOSCOW, October 9 (RIA Novosti) – A diamond weighing 235.16 carats and worth an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million has been found in Russia’sSiberian republic of Yakutia, Russia’s biggest diamond miner, Alrosa, said Wednesday.
A company spokesman told the Prime business news agency that the uncut diamond was of gem quality.
The diamond is octahedral in shape, transparent, slightly yellowish incolor, and bears only slight graphite-sulfide inclusions in peripheralareas.
Alrosa accounts for 97 percent of all diamonds mined in Russia and aquarter of global output. The company’s sales of rough and polisheddiamonds stood at $4.61 billion last year.
$1.5M-$2M Diamond Found In Siberia
Alrosa. "$1.5M-$2M Diamond Found in Siberia." RIA Novosti. Yahoo Groups, 10 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131009/184034647/15M-2M-Diamond-Found-in-Siberia.html>.
© Photo press service "ALROSA
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 15
What’s the Birthstone for November?
November’s birthstone, the topaz, was thought to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger.
The word ‘topaz,’ birthstone for the month of November, comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “fire.” And in ancient lore, the topaz could be used to control heat. It was said to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger. As medication, topaz was used to cure fever. Topaz occurs in a range of magnificent colors – blue, pale green, varying shades of yellow, pink, red, brown and even black. Pure topaz itself is a colorless stone. Red and some pink topaz get their colors from chromium that is substituted for aluminum in the crystals. But most other colors occur due to minor element substitutions and defects in the crystal. Some colors are unstable and can fade away; for example, brown topaz mined in Siberia can be bleached by sunlight. In other stones, color changes can be induced by heating. High energy irradiation and moderate heat treatment of colorless topaz can transform it to blue gemstones.
Chemically, topaz is known as aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide. Because of strong chemical bonds within this mineral, topaz is the hardest of silicate minerals. Topaz gemstones occur in a large variety of sizes, from tiny crystals to large rocks. The biggest uncut stone, a specimen found in Brazil weighing almost 600 pounds, is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. A famous cut topaz in history is found among the crown jewels of Portugal, a magnificent yellow stone weighing 12 ounces. This gem, with its lively fire, clarity, beautiful colors and hardness is ideal for jewelry such as clips, necklaces, brooches and bracelets. Pure topaz, when brilliantly cut, can be often mistaken for a diamond. Because of its rarity, topaz is an expensive gem. The most valued and rarest color is red. Imperial topaz-sherry colored varieties of brownish-yellow, orange-yellow and reddish brown-are the most popular topaz stones and command high prices, as do pink colored stones. Light blue and pale yellow topaz are of less value, but are nevertheless stunning in beauty.
Brazil is the largest producer of topaz, the most notable source being the Minas Geranis region. Gems are also found in Russia, the Ukraine, Pakistan, Scotland, Japan and Sri Lanka. In the United States, the gemstones have been found in Colorado and California. During the Middle Ages, the topaz was used mostly by royalty and clergy. A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates.
Topaz was once thought to strengthen the mind, increase wisdom, and prevent mental disorders. It was thought to guard against sudden death. Powdered topaz added to wine was used to prevent asthma and insomnia. A cure for weak vision called for immersing the stone in wine for three days and nights, then rubbing the liquid on the eyes.
Image Credit: Rob Lavinsky
EarthSky. "What’s the Birthstone for November?" EarthSky. EarthSky, 1 Nov. 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2013. <http://earthsky.org/earth/november-birthstone-topaz>.
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 16
“Collecting Agates” By: Carolyn Howe On Friday, October 11 Bob Driskell and I went to Rosamond and another location to collect stones. We found where the main concentrations of the stones were. We picked up stone after stone, until our packs were full as we wanted them to be and started back down. We found Agate, Fire Agate, Green Opalite, Jasper, Pegmatite and Quartz. Here’s a few pictures of some of our find.
Field Trips
-Multiple short trips on this Thanksgiving weekend. Fire agate, Chalcedony, Quartz, Agate, Opal
-Wileyʼs Well: November 28th, 8:00 am to December 1st 1:00 pm
More info will be posted as we get closer to this dateRob Sankovich - (VGMS, CFMS Field Trip Co-Chair)
Phone: 805-494-7734 Email: [email protected]
Sincerely,Bob Driskell
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 17
Upcoming Shows & Events
November 2 - 3: ANAHEIM, CAAmerican Opal SocietyFesthalle at The Phoenix Club1340 South Sanderson AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 5Contact: Veronica Purpura(714) 501-9959Email: [email protected]: www.opalsociety.org/
November 2 - 3: RIDGECREST, CAIndian Wells Gem & Mineral SocietyDesert Empire Fairgrounds520 West Richmond RoadHours: 9 - 5 dailyContacts: John DeRosa, (760) 375-7905 Vickie Black, (760) 371-4416Website: www.indianwells.weebly.com
November 2 - 3: CONCORD, CAContra Costa Mineral & Gem SocietyCentre Concord5294 Clayton Rd. (near Ygnacio Valley Rd.)Hours: 10 - 5 dailyContact: Harry Nichandros, (925) 289-0454Email: [email protected]: www.ccmgs.org
November 9 - 10: SACRAMENTO, CASacramento Mineral SocietyScottish Rite Temple6151 H StreetHours: Sat 9 - 5; Sun 9 - 4Contact: Joe Shook, (916) 224-7248Email:[email protected]: www.sacramentomineralsociety.org
November 16 - 17Natural Art By Design
Oxnard Gem & Mineral SocietyOxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson WayHours: Sat. 9 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4
Contact: Brett Johnson, (805) 822-3836Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oxnardgem.com
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 18
Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society “Galaxy of Gems” Expo 2013
DUE TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, OXNARD GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR
DAMAGE TO EXHIBITS AND/OR THEIR CONTENTS.
We would like to invites you to Exhibit at our 2013 “Galaxy of Gems” Expo. Our theme this year is “AGATE – Natural Art by Design”. The Show will be held on November 16th & 17th at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard). Set-up times for your case will be Friday, Nov. 15th between 1:00 pm and 9:30 pm and on Saturday before 9:00 am. Society guards will be on duty around the clock for security and members will be on hand to assist you in loading / unloading or in any other way that will make your stay enjoyable. A complimentary dinner will be served to exhibitors at 6:00 pm on Friday. Your exhibits must remain on display until the end of the expo on Sunday at 4:00 pm. We would be honored to have you take part in our Show and would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. Deadline to submit your Exhibit Form will be Oct. 31st. Please fill out and return the below entry form to: Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society c/o Brett Johnson 5138 Corbina Way Oxnard, CA. 93035 or email the information below to: [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME: TEL: ADDRESS: EMAIL: CITY: STATE: ZIP: WILL EXHIBIT A TOTAL OF CASES. WISH TO BORROW OGMS CASES. (CASE INSIDES: 46inch x 22inch x 22in) HAVE OF MY OWN CASES, THEY ARE inch WIDE by inch DEEP MY OWN CASES WILL BE: BOX OR PONY UPRIGHT / FLAT A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY EXHIBITS: JOINING FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER? HOW MANY IN YOUR PARTY?
The Rock Bag! Nov 2013 Vol. 51 Issue 11! Page 19
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