Chips n` Splinters April 2015 - Santa Ana Rock and Mineral Club

SANTA ANA ROCK & MINERAL CLUB
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
James DeMarco
Vice President
Trish Voss
Rec'd Secretary
Carol Williams
Treasurer
Charlotte Spalding
Corres. Secretary
empyt
Parliamentarian
Carol Williams
714-963-3708
949-631-2314
714-963-8448
714 531-4058
714-963-8448
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Jim DeMarco
714-963-3708
Mike Anglin
949-348-0808
Federation
Field Trip
Hospitality
Membership
Program
Property/shop
Editor
APRIL, 2015
Santa Ana Rock & Mineral
P.O. Box 51
Santa Ana, CA 92702
CLUB PURPOSE
The purpose of the Club is to offer an opportunity for those who
are interested in rocks, minerals and fossils, to gather at regular
meetings, display and examine items of interest in the hobby, to
promote and also encourage the art and practice of lapidary, to
exchange experiences and ideas, to organize field trips for
members and guests, and to promote the general interest in
and knowledge of the hobby.
Pam Greene
949 548-0752
Trish Voss
949-631-2314
Don Greene
949 548-0752
Pam Greene
949 548-0752
Email: [email protected]
MEETING:
SARM EMAIL:
WEB SITE:
WEB MASTER”
[email protected]
http://www.sarmclub.org
[email protected]
SARM is a member of CFMS
(California Federation of Mineralogical Societies)
For more information on shows and events check
out their web site at :http://www.cfmsinc.org
WORK SHOP:
At the Greene's (members only)
first full weekend of the month
9 am to noon
call Pam Greene at 949 548-0752
to request flexible times
WHERE:
CLUB PUBLICATIONS: All items may be quoted unless
otherwise noted, we only ask that credit be given and we'll do
the same.
BARTER ADS: Free lines to members for trading items - as
space permits.
MORE DUMB JOKES
CLUB CALENDAR – APRIL, 2015
APRIL 4 & 5
APRIL
15
MAY. 2 & 3
MAY.
20
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
DVD MINERAL COLLECTING
2 HOURS OR LESS FROM LOS ANGELES
*** SATURDAY & SUNDAY ***
WORKSHOP 9:00 AM NOON
WEDNESDAY 7 PM—GENERAL MEETING
Visitors are welcome!
7:00 PM, 3rd Wednesday of the month
except July & December.
10739 Los Jardines West
Fountain Valley, Ca 92708

I tried to catch some Fog. I mist.

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is
now a seasoned veteran.

I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he
can stop anytime.

How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.

What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four
seconds.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
JUNE
SCHEDULED WORKSHO CANELED
CALL AFTER JUNE 12
FOR FLEXIBLE HOURS
FLEXIBLE WORKSHOP
If you want to use the workshop at times other than the
scheduled days, call Pam or Don at (949) 548-0752 to see if
we’re going to be home. We’re pretty flexible. Short notice
is fine. If we’ll be home you can use it.
A RECENT STUDY HAS FOUND THE WOMEN
WHO CARRY A LITTLE EXTRA WIGHT LIVE
LONGER THAN MEN WHO MENTION IT.
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians!
Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public
office. Aesop, 620 B.C.
There is no distinctly Native American criminal class …... save
government. Mark Twain 1835-1910
The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy
appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. Ronald
Reagan 1911-2004
The only difference between death and taxes is that death
doesn't get worse every time Congress meets. Will Rogers
Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when
it deserves it.. Mark Twain
Page 2
APRIL, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
President’s message for April, 2015
We had a very successful field trip on March 25th. Mike Anglin arranged for us to return to the Salton Sea to collect Wonderstone.
We arrived at the meeting spot about 11 in the morning. There were three persons from our club and two from the Morongo Basis
club. It was beginning to get quite warm so we put on our hats and suntan lotion and set out for Wonderstone Wash. We spent
about two hours at this collecting site and were able to fill a number of buckets with our finds. Wonderstone is tricky because
you’re never sure of the quality of the piece you have chosen until you cut it open. Hopefully many of our pieces will contain deep
colors and polish well. After a brief lunch and multiple bottles of water and Gatorade we set out to collect garnets. The two people
from the Morongo Valley Club knew of a site where you can find small garnets. This site proved to be very bountiful and we collected a number of garnets. They are small and embedded in the host rock but are still beautiful. We will add examples of what we
collected into the opportunity drawing at out April meeting. About two PM we decided we had collected enough, had enough of the
hot sun, and were ready for the drive back home. The traffic was heavy so we decided to stop for dinner at El Torito and let the
traffic thin out a little. We arrived home about 7 PM after a tiring but very successful collecting trip.
Jim De Marco
APRIL BIRTHSTONE –DIAMOND
The diamond is the traditional birthstone of April and holds significant meaning
for those born in that month, thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength. Wearing diamonds is purported to bring
other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. It's also symbolic of eternal love,
Adopted from the Greek work "adamas," meaning invincible, diamonds come in
a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and
yellow. The color is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the
stone. Yellow stones have minuscule traces of nitrogen while blue ones contain
boron.
Dating back before 400 B.C. people associated significant value and wonderment with crystals. Ancient theories touting the magical powers of diamonds
were prevalent: some thought lightning bolts formed diamonds, while other theories asserted that diamonds were the tears of god. During the Middle Ages,
diamonds were thought to hold healing powers and to cure ailments stemming
from the pituitary gland and brain. By heating the crystal and taking it to bed, it
was thought to draw out the harmful toxins that were crippling the body. It was
believed that diamonds could also have an effect on an individual’s balance and
clarity and could boost their energy when combined with other crystals like amethyst.
Significant research shows that diamond cutting in Venice dates back to the
1330s. The diamond trading business flourished towards the 15th century with
the opening of Eastern trade routes.
April
April
April
April
April
8
14
22
25
26
Ray Heslop
Ray Walls
Doug Williams
James Church
Carol Williams
Source the internet at http://www.americangemsociety.org/diamond-history
WHERE IS THE LOST DUTCHMAN’S GOLD MINE?
It's perhaps the most talked-about lost treasure in American history, but there seems to be more myth than fact surrounding the
gold found in Arizona by German immigrant Jacob Waltz. A party of
treasure hunters moved to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in
search of Waltz’s cache shortly after his death in 1891 and, still today, an estimated 8000 visitors travel to Lost Dutchman State Park
each year in hopes of striking it rich. It was said that Waltz mined his
claim in the Salt River Valley of Arizona every winter between 1868
and 1886, though the source of his ore was never found.
Jameson, who wrote about the missing mine in his book Lost Mines
and Buried Treasures of Arizona, suggests that the Lost Dutchman’s
Mine was probably not lost at all, but says, “the chances are that the
Lost Dutchman Mine was just simply mined out.” So, if you’re planning on searching for a lost treasure of your own anytime soon, it
may be best to start somewhere else first.
From Mentalfloss.com
Page 3
APRIL, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
GENERAL MEETING
SARM Club Minutes
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
At our April meeting we will have a DVD presentation entitled “Mineral Collecting, 2 hours or less, from Los Angeles”.
This DVD is for advanced as well as beginner collectors. It
will show you where to go, what to look for, and what to
bring. You will have a feel for the area before you step foot
there. This guide features eight fantastic locations where
you will be able to collect minerals. Each location features
real exciting minerals with maps, directions and tips so you
will always be prepared. The following eight locations are
included:
Kanan Road – Zeolites;
Palos Verdes – Barite
Oceanview mine – Gems
Cascade Canyon – Rubies
Tick Canyon – Howlite
Writewood – Actinolite
Acton – Bloodstone and Moss Agate
Cinco – Feldspar and Quartz
Words to Dig By
Fossil: Farmers in medieval Europe dug trenches and
ditches to drain rainwater off their fields. These trenches
were called “fosses” after the Latin expression meaning “to
dig.” Often enough, the ditch diggers uncovered what appeared to be ancient bones, teeth, or shells and called them
“fossils” because they came from a fosse.
Erosion: Mice and other gnawing animals plagued the ancient Romans, and it is from their term rodere, “to gnaw,”
that we derive the word “rodent.” Later, the alchemists experimented with acids and discovered that they would attack metals, slowly dissolving them. This slow corrosive
action was labeled “erosion.” Geologist then adopted the
term erosion to describe how glaciers, streams, and rivers
gnawed away sediments and rocks.
Goldbrick: Goldbricking is the shirking of one’s
duties, but the term had its origins during the
Gold Rush days. An unscrupulous promoter
would cover a block of lead with a layer of
gold and offer it at a “discount” to unwary investors. The man who bought
the “goldbrick” was cheated and the
word came to be a verb meaning
“to swindle.” During World War
I, however, the term acquired
a somewhat different meaning. A soldier who avoided doing his duty was called a
“goldbrick.” The term retains it original
meaning as a secondary definition.
Bonanza: Bonanza is another word that entered general
use during the Gold Rush days. Derived from the Latin bonus for “good,” the work bonanza was coined by Spanish
sailors to describe days of clear weather coming on the
heels of a storm. The term came to mean any good fortune
and was applied to very rich gold discoveries. Today, the
term is applied to any source of great wealth.
Source: Ref.: Garrison, W., 445 Fascinating Word Origins (Galahad Books,
N. Y. 2000) 248 pp. ©2011, An-drew A. Sicree, Ph.D. via The Rockhounder
SHOW & CROW:
Jim Burke shared his recent experience of the Tuscon Gem
Show and brought books/pamphlets for all to share/take.
On Display & for Sale:
Variety of handmade necklaces from members Jim Burke
and Carol Williams, showing a range of beautiful cabochons,
beading and wire wrapping pieces.
Christy Day brought a sample selection of extraordinary and
mesmerizing items from his personal collection and courteously from Majesta M's A-Z Jewelry Supply.
ACTIVITIES:
Trish Voss did an "opening act" to introduce tonight's
speaker; Trish talked a little about the history of a stone from
Texas before introducing Christy Day.
Christy Day shared a video 'Spirit Science' which introduced
members to vibrations and the metaphysical properties of
crystals. Christy also brought an array of stunning samples
of crystals to show and help visually inform members as he
spoke more about this phenomenon.
CLOSING:
Raffle win of multi-colored marble slice: Christy Day
Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
Submitted by Acting recording secretary,
Leah Harden-O’Brien
RHINESTONES
by Keri Dearbom
Have you ever thought about that name, rhinestone? According to Walter Schumann in his book Gemstones of the
World," rhinestones were originally pebbles of rock crystal
found along the Rhine River in Europe. The rock crystals
were faceted and used as fake diamonds in less expensive
jewelry and even on clothing. Gradually the term
"rhinestone" became a term to describe a clear or colored
stone that was inexpensive or cheap.
Today rhinestones are typically made of glass. A necklace of
real rhinestones, the ones that are actually faceted quartz,
can be worth a couple hundred dollars.
(from DelAir Bulletin, 6/97 via Palomar Gem 2/98
Page 4
APRIL, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
APRIL 2015
April 4 - 5: CHICO, CA
Paradise Gem & Mineral Society
Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, 2337 Fair Street
Hours: 10 - 4 daily
May 1 - 3: LA HABRA, CA
North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society
La Habra Community Center
101 W. La Habra Blvd.
Hours: Fri 4 - 8; Sat & Sun 10 - 5
April 10 - 12: VISTA, CA
Vista Gem & Mineral Society
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
2040 North Santa Fe Avenue
Hours: 9 - 5 daily
May 2 - 3: ANAHEIM, CA
Searchers Gem & Mineral Society
Brookhurst Community Center
2271 W. Crescent Avenue
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
April 11 - 12: MARIPOSA, CA
Mariposa Gem & Mineral Society
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
5005 Fairgrounds Road
(south of Mariposa on Hwy49)
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
May 2 - 3: JACKSON, CA
Amador County Gem & Mineral Society
Kennedy Mine
12594 Kennedy Mine Rd (off Hwys 49/88)
Hours: 10 – 4 daily
April 18 - 19: SAN JOSE, CA
Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
334 Tully Road
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
April 18 - 19: THOUSAND OAKS, CA
Conejo Gem & Mineral Club
Borchard Park Community Center
190 Reino Road at Borchard Road
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
April 25 - 26: SANTA CRUZ, CA
Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Church Street & Center Street
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
April 25 - 26: LANCASTER, CA
Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Lancaster High School
44701 - 32nd Street West
Hours: 10 - 5 daily
Ammonites are an extinct mollusk that first appeared about
375 million years ago and were very common for about 200
million years. They swam by squirting water out of their
body cavity, and used their octopus-like tentacles to feed on
small sea animals. Most ammonites
measured only a few inches, but some
have been found that measure six feet
across. Related to the squid and
octopus, its closest living relative is the
pearly nautilus.
May 2 - 3: YUCAIPA, CA
Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Adams St. & Yucaipa Blvd. - Tent in street
Hours: Sat 11 - 7, Sun. 12 - 4
May 9 - 10: ESCONDIDO, CA
Palomar Gem & Mineral Club
California Center for the Arts
340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Hours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
May 9 - 10: RENO, NV
Reno Gem & Mineral Society
Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center
1350 North Wells Avenue
Hours: Sat 10 - 4; Sun 10 - 5
June 6 - 7: GLENDORA, CA
Glendora Gems & Mineral Society
Goddard Middle School
857 East Sierra Madre
Hours: Sat. 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4
Orthoceras is an extinct nautiloid with well developed eyes,
squid-like grasping tentacles and a long, slender, chambered
shell which tapers to a point. They swam by squirting water
out of their body cavity, and used their octopus-like tentacles to feed on small sea animals. Orthoceras lived
about 400,000,000 years ago. Related to the squid
and octopus, its closest living relative is the
pearly nautilus. The Orthoceras from Morocco
occur as white fossils in a dark grey or black
marble matrix. The result is a fossil with a
very good contrast.
Page 5
APRIL, 2015
CHIPS ‘N SPLINTERS
ROCKY REMORSE
By Jen Doll
The Petrified Forest National Park of northeast Arizona’s Painted Desert was designated a national
monument in 1906, in part to protect the 200 million
year old deposits of petrified wood that formed there
during the late Trriassic period. Only problem? Visitors can’t seem to keep their hands off them. Tthey
frequently pocket bits of petrified wood (colloquially
known as “rocks”) as souvenirs. Later, many of
them regret the move. That’s when the thieves mail
the rocks, along with cathartic letters, back to the
park. A new book, Bad Luck, Hot Rocks, compiles
the confessions from the heartrending to the hilarious. (The thefts are often seen to be the starting
point for strings of bad luck.) Visual artist Ryan
Thompson became interested in the phenomenon
on a 2011 park visit. So he and coeditor Phil Orr
mined the park's archives for the most interesting
letters (there are more than 1,200 of them) and photographed the rocks in question. “There’s something very powerful about people’s desire to return
the rock to the place it should
be,” Thompson says, “Some of
the letters feel like CountryWestern songs.” Ironically, the
park can’t actually return the
rocks to the land: It would undermine geologic research being done there. While erstwhile
souvenirs land in a pickup truck
-size “conscience pile” in a secluded area of the park, at least the hears of their
returners are a little less heavy.
From Mental Floss March/April 2015
DID YOU KNOW?
The Arizona Petrified Forest grew about 100 miles from where the trees are now found. They grew in an ancient forest
of primitive Aruacarian pine. The were washed by floods into lower lying swampland and were buried in the mud and silt
so fast that trees 6 to 8 feet in diameter and up to 80 feet long were completely fossilized.
Via The Tumble Rumble, 3/2001
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 BenchTips by Brad Smith are at FaceBook facbook.com/BenchTips or at groups.yahoo.com/group/
Page 6