THE HOUND`S HOWL - Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society

T HE HO U N D ’ S HO W L
AIKEN GEM, MINERAL and FOSSIL SOCIETY
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
VOLUME 47, NO.8
OCTOBER 2009
Prez Message
October 9 Program
It’s time to get outside again. The
leaves will be changing soon, the nights
are getting cooler. The days are
becoming more pleasant. Look through
this Hound’s Howl for details about
upcoming digs. Please go on a dig and
have some fun. Remember the new
folks in the club. When you see them
during a dig, stay with them until they
know what to look for and most of all,
teach them to be safe. Remember to take photos.
The next Show Committee meeting is on October 8
at 7:00 in Augusta at the Georgia Radiation Therapy
Center across the street from University Hospital
Emergency Room. Please get involved and help this
year’s show be better than ever. Come and volunteer. If
you think of anything that might make the show better,
please tell me or one of the other Show Committee members.
I would like to propose that we have an education
committee. We should try to sponsor a Saturday training
class or two. What can you teach? What would you like
to learn? The primary purpose of the club is education.
Please talk to folks about your hobby. There are so
are many aspects that it covers; we have something for
everyone. Encourage new folks to come to a meeting and
join the Society.
Gemstones of The Bible
Our welcome once again to Kim Cochran,
mineral and fossil educator, sincere
friend, and long-time supporter of
the hobby and the clubs in the
Southeast. Kim will present a
program “Gemstones of The Bible”
and relate their significance in
ancient times – notably the
symbolism of the 12 gems of
Aaron’s Breastplate and the 12 Foundation Stones of
the New Temple of Jerusalem. Biblical references
will include Exodus 28: 15-20 and 39:10-13,
Revelation 21: 18-21, and Ezekiel 28:13.
Bring your knowledge to this special program
and learn more about a fascinating subject.
Plan to attend!
╥╥╥
November 13 Program
See you at the October 9 meeting.
Regards,
Herman
In This Issue. . .
2 – Member News; SEED; Many Thanks; Show Meeting
3 – Program Review; Stately Fossils; Trivia Vug; Websites
4 – Field Trips
5 – M.A.G.M.A. Field Trips; Geology Field Camp; Minutes
6 – Rock ‘n’ Read; Mineral Fakes; Geology.com
7 – Hardness Kit; Drilling Holes in Agate; Diamond Blades
8 – Safety; Tips
9 – Post-It-Page
Our pre-holiday silent auction is your time to
sort through hobby possessions and decide what you
would like to offer for sale. And to buy – you may
find something unique for a holiday gift. The June
auction netted some nice returns for both the
members and the club.
Auction forms will be sent with the November
newsletter and by email – 80% Seller/20% Club or
100% to Club. Meet in Room 212, sellers arrive at
6:30 so there is time to set up and fill out your forms.
Hound’s Howl – 2
October 2009
Member News
Welcome New Members
Mark Barnes and Kaneez Rizvi
and Muhammad Ali, Mohsin, and Zahra
Aiken
Alexandra Mai Bennett
Daughter of Patti and Mike Bennett
Born on May 14
Happy October Birthdays
Wayne OBryant – 6th
Maurine Resch – 11th
Herman Kunis Jr. – 21st
Ray Ireland – 24th
Happy Anniversary
Carl and June Pohlman – October 10
With no hesitation, Steve Hutto answered
my call for help in sharpening the cracker
blades. It was decided that a Dremel with
grinding stone attachment might do the job before
trying a larger stone, and it worked beautifully. Steve had all
the apparatus for enjoys
shop activities as a hobby.
In addition, he offered
to make new Plexiglas
shields for the original ones
were badly scratched and
one could barely see the
cracking operation.
His wife Jo and Conrad
Hamilton visited also, and
we enjoyed reminiscing
about their recent field trips.
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AIKEN-AUGUSTA
2010 SHOW MEETING
Thursday, October 8 @ 7 p.m.
Georgia Radiation Therapy Center
821 St. Sebastian Way
(across from University Hospital ER)
All members who are interested in planning the next
show and wish to contribute their talents for its
success are cordially invited.
Serve Your Club in 2010
This December we will elect a new president,
vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Margaret Ritter and her nominating
committee will be asking some of you in the next
month to consider applying your time and talents
to lead your club in another successful year.
Fortunately, there are many in the
membership who will support your endeavors as
an officer and work with you to keep the club
vital and responsive to new ideas.
A description of the responsibilities of each
office will be sent by email with this newsletter.
Consider serving, and contact Margaret at
649-7745 or [email protected] with your
offer to serve.
We meet on Saturday morning, October 17, at 8:30 for
set up at USC-Aiken Student Activities Center; the public
arrives at 10:00. Some of us will begin setting up on Friday
afternoon so the next morning will not be so rushed. Those
who offered to man the booth are Gail Wilkinson, Chris Glass,
Herman Kunis, and Shellie Newell; another person is
needed for there will be a new display on radioactive minerals
using the club Geiger counter purchased in the last year.
If you can help, even for only a few hours, please contact
Barbara by October 9, 649-0959, [email protected].
st
Help make our 21 year at S.E.E.D. the best ever!
October 2008
Hound’s Howl- 3
“Stately Fossils”
The last Ice Age was devastating
for the Wisconsin fossil record,
especially in the central and northern
parts of the state. Fortunately, the area
from Prairie du Chien to Milwaukee remained relatively
unscathed with fossils in abundance; one of these,
Calymene celebra, a large trilobite with a distinctive
triangular cephalon and large circular node, is a signature
fossil for the Silurian
period and the state
fossil
The fossils are
found in limestone and
dolomite formed in
shallow water and in
reef formations 400430 million years ago
when Wisconsin was
about 30º south of the
equator. The best
location is Silurian
Wauwatosa Reef in the
Niagara Dolomite
Formation. Other
locations are in
Ozaukee County along the banks of the Milwaukee River
and along the Menomonee River.
Show ‘n’ Tell Review
The September meeting was one of the liveliest this
year – much to see from summer digs, workshops, and
travels added to the enthusiastic conversation and
delicious refreshments.
Those showing off prized possessions made at
William Holland were Buddy Applewhite with soapstone
carvings; Wayne Parker with well-executed silver work;
Gayla DeBose with jewelry she made by wire braiding and
weaving; and Herman with pendants of blue lace agate
and amethyst, blue topaz ring, and earrings all from the
Intermediate Silver class he attended.
Jack Seech brought trays of his faceted stones; field
trip finds were brought by Gail Wilkinson (pink, smoky,
and milky quartz from Hogg Mine), and Steve Hutto
displayed amethyst from Jackson’s Crossing and
Diamond Hill, Crabtree emeralds, iridescent hematite, and
marine fossils from the
Ashley River. Patti
Bennett brought her new
“treasure” too –
Alexandra Mai.
(If anyone was missed in
the write-up, the editor’s
apology. More photos
on our website:
www.aikengmfs.org)
Source: Stately Fossils, a Comprehensive Look at the
State Fossils and Other Official Fossils by Stephen Brusatte,
2002. Published and available from Fossil News, 1185
Claremont Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80305.
Image from Paleontological Research Institution, www.priweb.org
╥╥╥
Trivia Vug
Websites
from R. J. Harris, “Master of Spermology”, CPRMC
+World’s Largest Cave, Song Doong, in the Vietnamese
jungle, concerns the discovery of what is purported to be
the world’s largest cave. It is no less than 262 X 262 feet
and is at least 2.8 miles long. See <http://
news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090724biggest-cavevietnam.html>. The cave was known to locals
but was thoroughly explored by scientist from Britain and
Viet Nam in April 2009. View the images shown on this
National Geographic web site.
+ITMCA (International Thumbnail Mineral Collectors
Association), is a new site this year at
<http://thumbnails.crocoite.com/>, and somewhat of a
work in progress. You may wish to join the Google group
for discussions and member contacts or the Thumbnail
“Ning” Network to add your own content. See What’s
New, Articles, and Images.
• The largest oil-producing field in the lower 48 states is
in Taft, California.
• Isotelus rex is the largest known species of trilobite. It
was found in northern Manitoba and measures about 28
inches long.
• A hogback is a narrow ridge with steeply inclined sides
of nearly equal slopes, formed by differential erosion of
steeply dipping rock units.
• It takes 200,000 pounds of copper to build one Trident
class nuclear submarine.
• A crystal that has grown in a rock during the process of
metamorphism and which has not developed its
characteristic crystal faces because of space limitations
is called a xenoblast.
Sources: History Channel, Geology.com, fossil-facts and finds.com via
Franklin County Rockhounder May 2009 and Strata Gem 9/09
--from Rock Buster News, April 2009
--by Wendell Mohr, Rockhounder editor, Sept. 2009 issue
Hound’s Howl-4
October 2009
Nantahala Talc and Limestone Quarry
Hewitt, North Carolina
October 10
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nantahala Talc and Limestone Quarry, Hewitt, North Carolina
(in the beautiful Nantahala gorge).
WHAT: Banded pink, gray and yellow marble, calcite, dolomite, pyrite,
travertine and talc. All young people under 18 must be with an
adult/parent at all times. This is a working quarry with high unstable walls
so everyone must stay away from the walls.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Hard hats and safety glasses are required.
Sturdy shoes, gloves, and appropriate outer clothing. Collecting is
possible rain or shine.
SPECIAL CONDITION: You must be a member of a club that is affiliated
with American Federation of Mineralogical Society's regional societies:
CFMS - California Federation; EFMLS - Eastern Federation; MWF Midwest Federation; NFMS - Northwest Federation; RMFMS - Rocky
Mountain Federation; SCFMS - South Central Federation; SFMS Southeast Federation. University groups can attend with prior notice.
WHAT TO BRING: Buckets and containers, rock and crack hammers,
picks, sledge hammers, and flat and pointed chisels. We will drive into
the large quarry and park on a mid-level bench. Bring a lunch and water;
there are no restroom facilities. One can drive about ¼ mile to the quarry
office for "relief", if necessary.
WHERE TO STAY: Check out : Andrews; Bryson City; Cherokee;
Robbinsville; and Murphy for motelsand campgrounds.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at 9:00 AM at a Roadside Park/Rest Area on US-74
at Hewitt and proceed as a group to the nearby quarry. From the West:
From the intersection of US-19 business and US-74E at Andrews drive
~ 12 miles east on US-74E to the park/rest area on the left-hand (north)
side of highway (just past the bridge over the Nantahala River).
From the East: From the intersection of US-19business and US-74W at
Bryson City drive ~17.5 miles west on US-74W to the roadside park on
the right-hand US-74E to the park/rest area. FOR ONLINE
INFORMATION AND PICTURES OF THE QUARRY:
http://www.mcrocks.com/page11.html CONTACT INFO: Mike
Streeter – Email: [email protected] Phone: (828)667-8290
Clarification
In the September Hound’s Howl, reference
to a fossil oyster collecting site in Georgia
was published. Since then, it has come to
your editor’s attention that this is a Wildlife
Management Area and no collecting is
permitted. A sign is posted to that effect,
and those who violate this mandate will be
prosecuted.
For a map of the Yuchi WMA:
www. georgiawildlife.org/regions/region3
_maps.aspx
Find “Yuchi” and click on” Line.”
Taylorsville, Kentucky
Lower Kentucky River
October 17-18
An Official Field Trip of The KYANA Geological Society,
Louisville, KY(HOST)
An Official Field Trip of Aiken GMFS
COLLECTING: Saturday the 17th to a series of road cuts in the area of
Taylorsville, Spencer County, Kentucky Upper Ordovician fossils. The
stratigraphic section ranges from the [Eden Fm - older name based on
faunal assemblage Caster,Dalve,& Pope 1955 or the Kope based on
Lithology Martin 1975] up through the Liberty or Bull Fork Fm. A good
reference for these fossils is Cincinnati Fossils, An Elementary Guide to
the Ordovician Rocks and Fossils of the Cincinnati, Ohio Region, by R.A.
Davis, Publication 10, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, 1720
Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone [513] 621-3889.
The primary formation is the McMillan or Grant Lake, or the Maysvillian
Stage . Most of the fossils will be loose, very little digging is required.
There are about 100 different fossils in these units. One can expect to
find with some diligence 25 different fossils. There are many varieties of
brachiopods, bryozoans, pelecypods, gastropods, along with corals,
cephalopods, rare finds include trilobites, edrioasteroids, and a very rare
cyclooystoid was found here a couple of years ago.
DIRECTIONS: Meet atTaylorsville State Park on Saturday morning.
Highway 155/55 runs north south through the town of Taylorsville, turn
east on to highway 44, take highway 44 to highway 248, take highway
248 east to the entrance of Taylorsville State Park, turn south on Park
Road, pass the Park Office and to the covered picnic shelters, park here.
If you go too far you will end up at the Possum Ridge Boat Ramp. Plan
to leave the meeting area at 9:00 AM EST. We will be collecting along
highway 44 and perhaps highway 155. If you arrive early please do not
collect these stretches of highway.
At a time yet to be determined, we will break from collecting and join
KYANA Geological Society at our Annual Picnic at one of the covered
shelters. It is a pot-luck with KYANA providing the meat [ham & turkey]
and the drinks. You are not required to provide anything, it is our treat!
For the afternoon we will either continue to collect the Taylorsville area
or travel to the Frankfort area and collect in the Middle Ordovician,
Lexington Limestone along the valley of the Lower Kentucky River [very
pretty]. The KYANA Fossil Study Group has been investigating this area
for the Ordovician trilobite Isotelus sp. WHAT TO BRING: [hammer,
chisels, goggles, wrapping materials, buckets, sunscreen, sun hat, sun
glasses. You can access our website http://kyanageo.org/ and see some
of these fossils and more.
►Sunday we be touring the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Meet in the
Parking lot behind the building at 10:00 AM EST. If you intend to visit the
Interpretive Center [recommended], do not pay the parking fee it is
included in the admission fee.
WHAT TO BRING: A shoulder bag or knapsack for carrying snacks,
water, dry socks, extra pair of shoes, camera in watertight container,
walking stick, sun glasses, sun hat, bug spray, sunscreen. This will be a
fairly strenuous tour and will involve crossing the river bottom on algae
covered rocks with up to two feet of water and some current. The
surface of the Falls is dry beyond this point, and the variety of fossil
corals exposed is astounding along with large silicified snails and other
fossils. Bring a scale or a form of measurement, some of the coral
heads are really big. No restrooms. This tour is dependent on the river
level. Directions at http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/ The camping rates at
Taylorsville Lake vary from $15-$28. Charles Oldham, KYANA Field Trip
Chairman.[502] 241-8755 [email protected] ( prefer to
communicate by e-mail). The only fees are admission to the State Park
& perhaps a $2.00 parking fee.
Any questions, feel free to contact me!■
►
October 2009
Hound’s Howl – 5
M.A.G.M.A. Field Trips
Diamond Hill Mine, Antreville, S.C.
November 14-16
Fee: $15/day
●
Crabtree Mine Thanksgiving Dig!
November 28-30
Fee Dig: $25/day; $40/2 days; $50/3 days
For information: www.magmarocks.com at the "mine sites" link.
necessary to not carry. Eighth, the Frying Pan study area
is aptly named for heat and dryness; so why aren’t all
those rattlesnakes pre-fried and ready to eat??
Distant scenery is magnificent everywhere.
Sagebrush, juniper and mountain mahogany flourish
beautifully across the mid-distance.
Cow plop, sheep marbles, and creeping, sharp cacti
in the near range serve to keep people upright despite
gravity’s constant call.
The second installment will get more nitty and less
gritty.
--from Tips and Trips, Georgia MS, October 2009
╥╥╥
╥╥╥
Geology Field Camp for the SelfDestructive, in Four Parts
By Bob Jarrett
Part I: Introduction
If one is over 62 years of age, the Georgia Board of
Regents allows taking college courses tuition free. You
can guess the rest: some nuts will accept anything “free”.
Other costs are definitely unfree. May 24th found me in a
well-used van loaded to the ceiling and driven by Dr.
Hassan Babaie headed for Georgia State University’s
2009 geology field camp at Dillon, Montana for six weeks.
Dillon is one hour South of Butte. Dillon’s altitude is about
5100 ft. above sea level – 4100 higher than Atlanta.
The first stop was for eight hours of brake repairs at
Chattanooga, less than two hours into the trip. I should
have known that old = issues. On the other hand, “free” is
a strong attractor.
Geology field camp is the opportunity to see, feel,
and smell how many earth and mineral forming and
modification processes work together – in the nude. But
you have to go to places like Montana, where the people
are as nice as Georgians, and vegetation is sparse to
none. Earth’s “bones” are visible.
You, too, have probably heard of Georgia geologists
who went out and came back as botanists, -- because
they went mad trying to find the rocks.
What did I learn? First, “free” is pretty expensive
counting all the new gear, food, lodging, lab fees, and
souvenirs. Then, there were the days of travel to and from
Montana and daily hours to/from work sites. At my age, I
do well at voluntary comas, so travel time isn’t much of a
problem. Third, if all of Mother Nature’s hills and valleys
we clambered up and down were flattened, Earth would
be double its current diameter. Fourth, the only stable
rocks are the ones we did not step on. Fifth, the world is
paved with either pointy rocks sticking up so you can’t
step on them or smooth rocks on loose gravel and sloping
down. Sixth, the only flat (or shady) spot is on some other
hill. Seventh, water is too heavy to carry and too
September Meeting Minutes
Herman Kunis, president, opened the meeting at
7:15 p.m. with 15 members present and 4 guests
welcomed. ● The June minutes were not reviewed/
approved because they had not been published in the
newsletter. ● The current treasury balance was reported
by acting treasurer, Barbara F. She also reminded
members that election of new officers will take place at
the December meeting. Herman asked Margaret Ritter
to chair a nominating committee for preparation of a slate.
● Shellie Newell reviewed current program line-up with
a possibility of a spring program on digital photography of
minerals by Ken Kipnis for both Augusta and Aiken club
members. ● Herman reviewed field trips noted in the
newsletter. Barbara reported that Glenn Williams told her
no collecting was allowed at the “Oysters in Georgia” site
published in the September Hound’s Howl (copied from
Rocky Trails). A sign is posted at the area – offenders will
be prosecuted. ● SEED preparations were noted by
Barbara. Sharpening of the geode cracker blades is
needed; Steve Hutto has a bench grinder that may work.
Garry Graves sharpened the large geode cracker used at
the show. Those who contributed giveaway specimens
were Jack Seech and Jim Stoops. Gail Wilkinson,
Chris Glass, Herman and Shellie volunteered to man the
booth. ● 2010 Show update by Herman reported dealer
contracts were sent and one responded. March 2011
dates have been reserved for the Casino. Display
st
nd
rd
chairman Gayla Debose announced that 1 , 2 , and 3
prizes will be given in 3 categories – technical, aesthetic,
and children. ● The business meeting was adjourned at
7:45. ● Door prizes were contributed by Yates Donnan,
Steve, and Herman; tickets were distributed by Jim and
Stephanie Bennett was the caller. Attendees devoured
delicious refreshments brought by Shellie and Chris. A
lively Show&Tell by Wayne Parker, Buddy Applewhite,
Herman, Gayla, Steve, Jack, and Gail topped off an
enjoyable evening.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Fenstermacher, Acting Secretary
Hound’s Howl – 6
October 2009
Rock ‘n’ Read
The September/October issue of Rocks& Minerals
is into gold again – concentrating on the Colorado Quartz
Gold Mine in Mariposa County, California and the
Eldorado Mine in Ouray County, Colorado. The two
articles are comprehensive, as always, with outstanding
photos, some colorful history, and a special interview with
Lance Barker, Colorado Quartz Mine owner.
Major gold nugget finds is the focus of Collector’s
Note by Robert B. Cook; a 116-ounce treasure, “El
Chicharron,” found in 2003 by a miner in Colombia was
sold at the 2008 Denver Show. Analyses indicate it is 935
fine (93.5%gold by weight.
The northeast is not left out with the “History and
Geology of the Chateaugay Mine, Lyon Mountain, New
York,” Included is a discussion of previously unreported
minerals besides the well known magnetite ore.
A recap of last year’s micromounting events was
presented in an article by Quintin Wight; a report from the
Seventh Annual Winter Micromounter’s Gathering in
Dowling Park, Flordia hosted by Aiken members Ed and
Martha Cunningham was noted.
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Mineral Fakes
By Bill Shelton, Tucson GMS
For twenty-plus years, I have been reading,
finding and discussing fakes. One of my earliest memories
involves a native silver/copper in a small central cavity
within an agate that was Ron Bentley’s piece. He did not
know it was a fake when he obtained it (as a youngster)
but this and other pieces ultimately led to the article in
Mineralogical Record that all collectors should read (and
pay attention to). See Dunn, et.al., 1981. The Mineral
Record indexes about 25 related articles for 1970 – 1994
as well. By the way, the cover of the Min. Rec. (Vol. 12,
No.4) has silver on it – a mineral recently suspected of
being faked in several major pieces.
Synthetics and the use of similar materials (like
smoky quartz for topaz) seem to be a major problem in the
gemstone industry. As a potential consumer, be very
careful when you buy amber, jade and turquoise.
Generally, mineral collectors see less of this than gem
enthusiasts but there was a large quantity of amethyst that
was sold as genuine from Vorkuta, Russia (in the Urals)
and later was disclosed as synthetic and continued to be
sold as such for several years. The material looks
somewhat close to real crystals and has amethyst and
citrine coloration. Many pieces have a peculiar base that
may assist in detecting them. Recent zircon crystals on
matrix are being sold as genuine but many sources agree
they too are fakes. It seems to me that they look pretty
unlikely compared to real specimens, unlike the amethyst
from Russia. A lot of malachite recently was sold and later
said to be made of ground up malachite and glue (nothing
new about glue being used in fakes).
Deception is nothing new – Sinkankas (1972) has 24
pages on mineral specimen fakes and deceptions
covering nearly 125 different minerals that may be
involved. It would be worthwhile to obtain and read both
his comments and the Dunn, et.al. article to help one
become more familiar with some of the past practices
utilized in creating fakes and fraudulent specimens. This
has been a more or less common problem for a very long
time. It should be noted that some very old classic
specimens residing in museum collections have been
proven to be fakes. Your close examination of pending
purchases is a wise decision.
It is a common practice to offer little bornite samples
at shows for children to buy – this is to encourage them to
develop an interest in the hobby. Since they are also not
what they seem to be, I wonder how this may affect future
collectors. The synthetic bismuth and created copper
samples are also similarly utilized. What can we say about
the smoky quartz from Arkansas? It is produced by
radiation and should not be sold as genuine. Recently,
large Chinese turquoise appeared – there are some questions
about their veracity tool. But perhaps the number one
problem to be aware of is glue. It is sometimes easily
detected but not always. The practice of disguising repairs
and attaching crystals to matrix is unfortunately too
common. We, the collectors, are far too trusting and easily
taken in by fakes. Those with computers may refer to
various websites that deal with this topic. Caveat emptor.
References (please read them):
Dunn, P.j., Bentley, R.E. and Wilson, W. E. 1981. Mineral Fakes
in Mineralogical Record, Vol. 12, Number 4, pp. 197-219.
Sinkansas, John. 1972. Gem and Mineral Data Book
--from Rock Talk, November 2008
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Geology.com
Raven Maps are the most beautiful state wall maps that I
have ever seen. They show the elevation and relief of a
complete state through a skillful use of vibrant colors and
topographic shading. Maps are available for individual
states, the Conterminous United
States, North America, Mexico and
the world.
Google Earth can be a great program
to use in the classroom for both
lecture demonstrations and student
investigations. Google has a getting-started page with
links to a number of resources. Google maps provide
another opportunity for interactive learning.Google maps
of impact craters, San Andreas Fault, selected plate
boundary features, state high points, sea level rise.
http://geology.com/news/category/south-carolina.shtml
October 2009
Hound’s Howl – 7
Build Your Own Hardness Kit
By Don Peck, Canaveral MGS
Hardness is usually the first actual test that a field
collector makes to identify an unknown. Usually, a
scratch with the tip of a knife blade is the extent of
the testing, but we can do better.
It is fairly easy to collect suitable small pieces of
the first nine minerals in Mohs’ Scale of Hardness.
The pieces can be small crystals or cleavage blocks.
As long as they have smooth flat surfaces that can
be scratched and points with which to scratch they
are useful. A compartmented box, even an egg
carton, can be used for storage.
A short length of stiff copper wire, sharpened on
one end, is useful also. With a hardness of about 3.5
it substitutes for a penny (which since 1984 is not
copper). So, your thumb nail at 2.5, the copper wire
at 3.5 and a knife blade at 5.5 provide good
estimates of hardness; but for actual determination
one should use the minerals that Frederick Mohs
proposed nearly 200 years ago.
Editor’s Note: If you have access to a faceting
machine, you can facet a point on the minerals of
the Mohs scale and glue them on dowel rods.
-- --From Chips & Deposits, May 2009 via
Canaveral Moonstone, June 2009
╥╥╥
Drilling Holes In Agate Slices
Equipment: You will need a sturdy drill press that will
turn fast, about 10,000 rpm. Don’t use the new Dremel drill
press as they flex too much. The old metal ones are good,
also the Foredom drill press is good. I use an old
Dunmore. Your drill press doesn’t have to cost a lot. I
purchased a metal drill stand at a yard sale for $2.00 and
mounted my Black & Decker rotary tool in it, and that also
works well. Do not buy the Covington gem drill to drill
agate, as it goes too slow. It is meant for soft stones, not
hard rock like agate.
Drill Bits: I start with a small hole. If it needs to be
bigger, I ream it out. It is much easier to drill a small hole
than a big one. I start with a 1.4 diamond bit, then I ream it
out with a 1.8 triple ripple diamond bit - this bit is fluted
and tapered. I only use it as a reamer.
Coolant: I use Kingsley Tool Cool to keep the bit cool.
You will need a shallow container to hold the stone to be
drilled and the coolant. I put a thick wood backing under
my stone so that the bit does not puncture my container
as the bit comes through the back of the stone. Put just
enough coolant in the container to cover the stone.
The Method: Now, here is the secret. Use light
pressure and a rapid up and down motion. This will keep
the diamonds on the bit cool and lubricated. Too much
pressure and you will fry your bit or break your stone. If
you do not go up and down fast enough, you will burn the
bit up. You will find there is a rhythm to it, and within a few
slabs, you should be onto it.
Yield: I get 8 to 12 holes out of my 1.4 mm bits, and
about 100 holes with the 1.8 mm triple ripple bit.
Remember, this bit is just used as a reamer, not as a drill
bit. I use the Kingsley North bits - their cheap ones - if you
can call them cheap !
--Tip by Steve - on LA-Rocks, May 2008 via Calgary Lapidary
Journal, Oct. 2009
╥╥╥
How Do Diamond Blades Work?
Diamond blades don’t really cut like a knife, they
grind. During the process, individual diamond crystals are
exposed on the outside edge and side of the rim. These
exposed surface diamonds do the grinding work. The
metal matrix locks each diamond in place. Trailing behind
each exposed diamond is a “bond tail” (also called a
comet tail), which helps support the diamond.
While the blade rotates on the arbor shaft of the saw,
the stone is pushed into the blade. The blade begins to
grind (cut) through the stone, while the stone begins
wearing away the blade.
Exposed surface diamonds score the stone grinding it
into a fine powder. Embedded diamonds remain beneath
the surface. Exposed diamonds crack or fracture as they
cut, breaking down into even smaller pieces. Hard dense
rocks cause the diamonds to fracture even faster. The
stone also begins wearing away the metal matrix through
abrasion.
Highly abrasive rocks will cause the matrix to wear
fast allowing new layers of diamond to continue cutting.
This is the purpose of periodically “dressing” the blade
with an abrasive block.
-- from Graves Tech Notes (Author unknown); via Low Country
Diggings, Sept. 2009
Editor’s note: found
this 4-1/2 inch Turbo
Diamond Blade, Wet &
Dry for $2.61 on
www.tool-sale.com
...
Hound’s Howl – 8
October 2009
Clean Up Your Act – Safely, Please
By: Ted Reith, AFMS Safety Chair
The lovely, sparkly, near pristine
specimens many of us ‘collect’ at rock, gem,
and mineral shows hardly ever are found in
that condition in Nature. Those who collect ‘in the wild’ will
have some cleaning chores in front of them, whether
planning to sell those specimens, or add them to a
personal collection.
In almost any venture, simple is better than complex,
and less hazard is better than more. However, if you truly
know the specimen you have and the nature of the
surface contaminant, then by all means use complex
cleaning methods with hazardous chemicals (if that is the
needed methodology), but do so safely.
An important key to any cleaning is to know your
specimen and know its contaminant. This means to know
each in terms of Mohs’ hardness and chemical make-up.
Hardness will guide one in mechanical cleaning options,
while the chemistry will dictate specific cleaning materials.
Cleaning methods, from simple/safe to complex/\less
safe, may be outlined as follows:
• Soak in or clean under running water, using a bristle brush.
• Same as above, but add a cleaning agent, such as
household detergent, to the water. This will help ‘wet’ the
surface contaminant and allow it to be flushed away more
readily.
• If appropriate, use a brass brush (Mohs 3.5 – 5) or
steel dental pick (harder). This is where knowledge of
the base mineral hardness is useful. The tool needs to
be harder than the contaminant, but less hard than the
base material. Of course, test on an obscure area first
to confirm suitability.
One very interesting cleaning option I saw is to use
Soft Scrub® cleaner (ground calcium carbonate in a
detergent base) and a battery powered toothbrush. To
give credit, the following link provides an excellent writeup: <www.homepage.mac.com/rasprague/PegShop/
extras/ brush/brush.html>.
Use equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners (good for
more fragile specimens) or small
sand blasters to remove tough scale
on minerals, while following all
manufacturer use and safety
recommendations.
Use an acid/water solution for
those known, hard-to-remove
contaminants. Oxalic acid and
hydrochloric (Muriatic) acids are typically used for cleaning
of quartz. Both are available in hardware stores. Another
useful link for specific procedures using acids is at: <www.
rockhounds.com/rockshop/john_betts/clean1.html>.
The proper care and handling of acids can be
accomplished using applied knowledge. The hazard
associated with any acid is a function of the acid type and
its concentration (%strength in water). If you put milk on
your corn flakes this morning, and used oil & vinegar on
your salad for lunch, you just ate two acids. Milk contains
lactic acid, and vinegar is a dilute (5%) solution of acetic acid.
Several notes are appropriate regarding the two
acids frequently used in mineral cleaning.
Oxalic Acid: Though classified as a weak organic acid, it
is much stronger than acetic acid. Its primary hazard is
skin irritation, with greater hazard if taken internally by
mouth or breathing (classified as a
poison).Recommended protective equipment includes
gloves, apron, goggles, and respirator when used in poorly
ventilated areas. Full MSDS info
at:<www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/o6044.htm>.
Muriatic Acid: AKA Hydrochloric acid – an extremely
strong mineral acid with serious safety concerns. Severe
damage can result from tissue or eye
contact. Inhaling the fumes or ingestion may
be fatal. I’ve used this myself but wore butyl
rubber gloves and apron, face shield, and
used outdoors on a non-windy day to minimize
inhalation concerns. Typically available
commercially from 20–38% concentration you
MUST add the acid to water if dilution is needed, never add
water to acid. MSDS:
<www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/H3880.htm>.
When using any acid, note that spills or solutions
remaining after use should be neutralized with an alkaline
material. Some fairly common household items to do that
would include soda ash, lime, or baking soda. How do you
know when you have enough neutralizer? You can use
the old high school chem lab stand-by–litmus paper. Or,
get some red cabbage at the grocery, and use the juice as
an indicator. At pH 2 (acid), it will be red; at pH 12 (alkaline),
it will be greenish-yellow. At neutral pH of 7, it’s blue.
--Ted’s Safety Corner in A.F.M.S. Newsletter, June, 2009
╥╥╥
Tips
Cleaning Petrified Wood – To remove clay and ferrous
oxide from the surface use Mr. Clean. Do not use oxalic
acid as it darkens the specimen.
--from T-Town Rockhound, 3/9 via Pick&Pack, July 2009
To tumble soft material that is hard to polish, start with
the second coarsest grit. Fill the tumbler ¾ or 7/8 full so
the stones will roll and not fall. About ¼ the normal
amount of cerium oxide polishes better than the usual
polishes
--from Owyhee Gem via Pick&Pack, June 2009
Get more out of your tumbling by adding specially
shaped stones to your regular stones. Hearts, crosses,
and elongated triangles made by cutting a rectangular
slab across the diagonal are some of the possibilities.
--from Quarry Quips via Pick&Pack, June 2009
October 2009
Hound’s Howl – 9
October 9 Program
Gemstones of The Bible
presented by
Kim Cochran
Room 212, Science Building – USC-Aiken
7:00 – Business meeting
Refreshments – Sharon Sterrett and David Dunlap
2009
FIELD TRIPS
Oct. 10 @ 9 a.m., Hewitt, N.C., Nantahala Talc
Limestone Quarry - SFMS
Oct. 17-18, Taylorsville, Kentucky. DMC
Nov. 6-8, Diamond Hill, Antreville S.C., M.A.G.M.A.
Refreshments/Program
January 9
Sarkanys/Rockhound Jeopardy
February 13
Kathleen Wallis / Durham Fossils
March 6
Gayla DeBose / Show Case Preparation
April 10
Beth O’Rear_/_Specimen Cleaning
May 8
_Joan Jewett /_Amethyst Digs
June 12
_Donnans /_Silent Auction
July 11 (Saturday)
Tellus Museum Summer Excursion
September 11
Shellie & Chris / Summer Show & Tell
October 9
Sharon Sterrett / Kim Cochran
November 13
_Fenstermacher_/ Silent Auction
December 11 @ 6:00
Holiday Dinner Meeting
Election / Gift Exchange
EVENTS
AGMFS Officers and Committees
Oct. 2-4, Graves Mt. Dig and Swap
Oct. 2-4, Dallas, N.C. – Gaston Co. GMC show, Gaston Co. Park,
Hwy. 279
Oct. 3-4, Lexington, Ky. – Rockhounds of Central Kentucky show;
KY National Guard Armory, 4301 Airport Rd.
Oct. 16-18, Franklin, N.C. – Leaf Looker’s Gemboree, GMS of
Franklin, Macon Co. Comm. Bldg.
Oct. 16-18 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville GMS, Kerbela Temple
Oct. 16-18 – Taylorsville, N.C. – Carolina GM Rock
Swap/Show, Western Piedmont MGS, Taylorsville Lions
Club Fairgrounds
Pres.: Herman Kunis Jr. (706) 855-7357; <[email protected]>
V.P.: Shellie Newell, (803) 663-7752
Sec.: Barbara Headrick (706) 855-1928;<[email protected]>
Treas.: Jack Seech (803) 202-0997; <[email protected]>
Ed.: B. Fenstermacher (803) 649-0959; <[email protected]>
118 Ashwood Drive, Aiken, SC 29801-5154
Field Trip/DMC: OPEN
Stamp Chairman: Sarah Jolley
Librarian: Bill Reid (803)644-2988
Membership: OPEN
Webmaster: Patti Bennett (803) 648-7215; <[email protected]>
Federation Liaison: B. Fenstermacher
USCA Liaison: B. Fenstermacher
THE AIKEN GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SOCIETY
2009 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
new/renewal (please circle)
Current Date:____________
NAME:____________________________________DOB mo/day______ SPOUSE’S NAME:___________DOB_________
ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________Anniversary date:________
CHILDREN’S NAMES (those who are active in the club):_____________________________________________________
HOME/WORK PHONE:____________________________E-MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________
Do you wish to receive newsletter by e-mail? (circle) No Yes If yes: by Word _____ or pdf_____
DUES:
FAMILY-$20.00
SINGLE - $15.00
STUDENT - $2.00 ____________ grade/age
_____________________________school
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: AIKEN GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY
SEND TO:
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Treasurer’s Use:
4433Pierwood Way
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No Kiddie Korner
Hound’s Howl
Aiken Gem, Mineral & Fossil Society
P.O. Box 267
Aiken, SC 29802-0267
FIRST CLASS MAIL
October 2009
Program: Oct. 9
Gemstones of The Bible
By Kim Cochran
7:00 p.m.
USC-Aiken Science Building,
Room 212
The Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society operates as a non profit, educational organization affiliated
with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc., the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and
Lapidary Societies, Inc., and the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc.
The purpose of the Society is to stimulate interest in collection of gem and mineral materials and fossils
and to impart knowledge of lapidary work, mineralogy, paleontology, collecting and classification of minerals
and fossils, and the application in the art so greater pleasure may be derived from these activities.
The Society meets at 7:00 p.m., second Friday of the month, in Room 212 of the USC-Aiken Science
Building located in the University complex on University Parkway in Aiken. The annual dues, payable by
December 31, are $20 for a family membership, $15 for a single adult membership and $2 for a junior member.
The Hound’s Howl is published ten times a year by the Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society. An
annual subscription is $9.00. Unless it is otherwise noted, permission is granted to reprint material from this
bulletin for non-profit usage provided the sense or meaning of the material is not changed and proper credit is
given to the club and author. Material written by the editor will not always have a by-line.
The Society’s web page www.aikengmfs.org gives more information about the history of the club, the
annual show, field trips, and community projects.