Rhodochrosite
Transcription
Rhodochrosite
Volume 59 Issue 4 Rhodochrosite A P R I L 2 0 10 www.wgmsks.org Quarry quips WICHITA GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY Rhodochrosite was named in 1800 from the Greek rhodokhros, “of rosy color”. It is a manganese carbonate that belongs to the calcite group. Rhodochrosite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, copper, and lead sulfides. It occasionally occurs in pegmatites. In Argentina in the ancient 13th century Inca silver mines, rhodochrosite forms stalagmites and stalactites. Rhodochrosite is also known as Inca Rose, Rasberry Spar and Manganese Spar. It comes in variety of shades from bright red to soft shades of pink and opaque forms with swirling patterns of pink and white. Rhodocrhosite can be found in many locations, including Argentina, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, Romania, Russia, Japan, Canada and the USA. Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado The Colorado and South African Rhodochrosite mines produce specimens which many consider the most beautiful of all minerals. They occur in blood-red, transparent to translucent, perfectly shaped rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals. Rhodochrosite became the official state mineral for Colorado in 2002 after the Platte Canyon High School made the proposal based on the fact that the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado produces the highly prized and rare red crystals which are found only in a few places on earth. The most common form of Rhodochrosite is opaque with high contrast pink and white “bacon pattern” sections. Pieces cut from a stalactite formations often have concentric rings. These specimens are carved into figurines or shaped into jewelry. In Butte Montana, Rhodochrosite is so abundant that it is mined as an ore of manganese. Translucent forms, like that found in the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado are highly sought after by collectors and can be faceted. Due to the softness of the stone (3.5 - 4.5) and the perfect cleavages it is difficult to facet. The gemstone is sometimes set in jewelry, but it is sensitive to heat acid and shock so extreme care and gentleness must be used in both setting and wearing the gemstone. The Incas, who called it Inca Rose, believed that the stone was the blood of their former kings and queens. Sources: Rock and Gem by Ronald Louis Bonewitz http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/rhodochrosite.htm http://www.acstones.com http://crystal-cure.com/rhodochrosite.html Photos: Barbara Smigel @ http://www.acstones.com/ Mineral Photo Database @ http://www.dakotamatrix.com/ Member of the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies Rhodonite, another pinkish stone, is often confused with rhodochrosite because the base color is similar, but most rhodonite used for jewelry purposes contains black manganese oxides while rhodochrosite is banded with white. Affiliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies 2009 - 2010 Officers Board of Directors President ............................. Patti Ballou................................... 316-722-7913 [email protected] Vice-President ................... Don Atherton .............................. 316-685-2725 [email protected] Secretary ............................. Susan Bannon .............................. 316-689-8256 Treasurer ............................ Sandy Whiting ............................. 316-744-8848 [email protected] Membership ........................ Ardis Cruz ….............................. 316-218-0250 [email protected] Editor ................................... Carolyn White... ......................... 316-250-6182 [email protected], [email protected] Field Trip .............................. Joe Cruz……….……….….…316-218-0250 Publicity................................. Leo Heidebrecht........................ 316-260-4591 [email protected] Show Chair .......................... Gene Maggard........................... 316-742-3746 [email protected] Finance ................................. Open………………………………………. Director 2010 ....................... Paul Radiel ................................. 316-777-4174 Director 2011………...…...Peggy Maggard……………….316-742-3746 Director 2012……………..Jim Ballou……………………316-722-7913 Appointed Officers Cheer ..................................... Alice Piper ................................. 316-264-7273 Curator.................................. Greg Weisbrod .......................... 316-686-1810 Federation Rep ................... Bill & Janet Smith ...................... 620-296-4652 [email protected] Gifts ..................................... Paul Radiel .................................. 316-777-4174 Historian .............................. Mary Clough .............................. 316-943-1785 Hospitality ........................... Debbie Winton .......................... 316-841-8773 [email protected] Insurance/Property……... Peggy Maggard ........................... 316-742-3746 [email protected] Junior Leader ........................Elizabeth Hixon.........................316-651-0054 [email protected] Librarian ............................... Jim Yanda …............................. 620-455-2419 [email protected] Registered Agent……….... Alice Piper …………………..316-264-7273 Webmaster…………..…..Diane DeGood………………..316-794-8391 Dues: Club Year September 1 - August 31 Adult Membership ................................................................................. $10.00 Junior Membership (13-17) .................................................................. $ 5.00 (must have adult sponsor) Quarry Quips Subscription ONLY ..................................................... $ 8.00 Please send dues to: WGMS Treasurer, c/o Ardis Cruz, 712 W Harry, Andover KS 67002-8734 Our Annual show for 2010 will be: April 23, 24 & 25 Tri-State Treasures About our Club The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational organization. Our purpose shall be exclusively educational and scientific; (a) to increase and disseminate knowledge of the earth sciences pertaining to minerals, gems, rocks, artifacts, and fossils and similar subjects; (b) to promote and perpetuate knowledge of the lapidary arts; © to encourage field trips to study the earth sciences, particularly of geology and mineralization in place and (d) to encourage greater public interest and education in gems, fossils and minerals, cooperating with established institutions in such matters. The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. meets the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in Room 101, Geology Building, Wichita State University. - Except - January (Anniversary Party); April (Annual Show); August (Picnic & Auction). (November and December meetings are subject to University holiday closings.) Times and locations to be announced/published. WGMS does NOT offer classes or workshops. Board meetings are held on the Monday preceding the General meeting at places announced and/or printed in the Quarry Quips, the official bulletin of the Society. ALL members are urged to contribute material for publication in the Quarry Quips, the deadline for ALL articles is the Friday following the General meeting. All articles should be submitted by e-mail to: [email protected] or snail mail to: Carolyn White 2225 N. Fountain Wichita KS 67220 Club mailing address: Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc. PO Box 1464 Wichita KS 67201-1464 Web Address: www.wgmsks.org The Quarry Quips is published monthly by the Wichita Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. Articles printed in this newsletter are the experiences and/or opinions of the individuals submitting them, they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Wichita Gem & Mineral Society or the editor. We are not responsible for their authenticity, safety, or reliability. Caution and safety should always be practiced when trying out any new idea. Articles written without a byline are written by the editor. Copyright © 2010 Wichita Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. Except for items that are specifically copyrighted by their authors, other societies may use material published in the Quarry Quips provided that proper credit is given to the Author (if author is a WGMS member it will be so noted in the byline, please include this “WGMS member” in the byline) and the Quarry Quips, and the sense or meaning of the material is not changed. Exchange Bulletins Welcome Page 2 Q U A R RY Q U IP S W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 From the President By Patti Ballou This is an exciting month as all our hard work for the past year sets the stage for another great show. This year is extra exciting because we are also hosting the RMFMS annual convention - this is the regional version of WGMS and we all belong. Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself to members from other clubs in our region. They will usually wear a vest or shirt designating the club they belong to - and usually a name tag. All clubs are given the opportunity to send 2 voting representatives to the convention and 2 alternates. By the way, the president of RMFMS is our member Bill Smith and the treasurer is our member Gene Maggard. I hope all members get a chance to attend at least one day of the show - and help out that day so you can get into the show free and fully participate in our success. The show would be pretty boring to me if I did not volunteer. Any member who has not volunteered can still come any day and look for me. I always need extra people for emergency fill in and giving people breaks during the day. If you can come Friday we really need you!! We have extra grab bag and rock pile sales that day and need extra people to help with the school programs upstairs. Call my cell at 316-617-5688 if you have any questions or want to volunteer. On Sunday we will be giving our annual donation to WSU for the scholarship fund. This is the most important part of the show for me. It is what makes all the hard work worth it and keeps me coming back. After the show our focus will shift to elections in June. The nomination committee will be scouting for members they think have potential to serve as an elected or appointed officer. Contact Jim Ballou if you have any questions or talk to any current officer to find out what is involved. Jim's number is 204-5981. You should not think you need to know all about WGMS or a specific office to serve as an officer. There are many members who have served and relied on experienced members for assistance. I was one of them! I am glad someone recognized me as a potential officer and asked if I would serve. I have held several offices over the years and enjoyed each one. The elections are in June but the new officers do not start their new duties until September. This gives you 3 months to pick the brain of the outgoing officer, review any documentation they have about the office and make your own notes. Outgoing officers and other members are always there to help along the way too. The best part about people taking on new duties is the ideas they bring to the office and the club. Here's a couple of examples: • Carolyn White has taken the newsletter to a new level. We already had an award winning newsletter when she took it over. She has added more pictures, does monthly research so she can publish an article about a stone or mineral of interest to the members and sends out a draft to officers to review. All great ways to make the newsletter more interesting. • Don Atherton currently serves as Vice-President. He recognized that the equipment we had available for club programs or events was not sufficient for our needs. He researched and priced equipment, then convinced the board to purchase new sound and video equipment. • Lyle Koerper is our set up chair for the show and stays involved in the publicity with Leo Heidebrecht. Lyle brought the idea to the board several years ago to set up at the Garden Show in March to publicize the club and the show. It is a lot of work but it really has helped and has raised the level of recognition in the community. He used a lot of volunteers to set up, man the booth all weekend, talk to people and tear down at the end. I got a little long winded but this is such an important time of year! Let's all enjoy the show and help make it a success. When a member of the nominating committee talks to you don't immediately say no! Talk about what you can do - not what you can't do. There are lots of fulfilling positions in our club - give one a try.. Q U A R RY Q U IP S W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 3 Membership News Member Birthdays By Ardis Cruz Please welcome our new members and add their information to your directory: April: Estep, Mike BD: 4/7 Jerry BD: 10/13 13125 E. Glen Creek St Wichita, KS 67230 316-733-6457 [email protected] Joined 3-2010 Greep, Diane BD: 10/11 9000 Warren Wichita, KS 67217 316-722-3636 [email protected] Joined 3-2010 Vick, Debbie BD: 5/28 1805 W Fulton #312 Rapid City, SD 57702 605-838-1327 [email protected] Joined 3-2010 Wingo, Michael BD: 4/25 626 Myrtle Newton, KS 67114 316-283-1377 [email protected] Joined 3-2010 New Address: Jim Berends 736 N. St. Chemical Hutchinson, KS 67501 620-200-5537 [email protected] 02 Jim Ballou, Vi Lundquist 05 Debbie Lancaster 07 Jim Huenergarde, Mike Estep 08 Vi Mack, Crissy Vitkus 11 Rachael Walker 13 Georgia Pollard 14 Jack Simmons, Alan Snider 15 Carolyn White 16 Debbie Winton 23 Ruth Weishaar 24 Elsie Vawter, Nelson Schmidt 25 Michael Wingo 26 Allene Boston-Aylward 28 Joe Cruz 03 Velma Collins 11 Rachael Walker 22 Sean Carver 23 Arleta Seery 24 Ramona Lingafelter, Sally Henning 25 Gary Moore 27 Charity Walker 28 Barbara Hoppins, Debbie Vick May: New phone number: Bob & Nancy Hicks: 918-895-2367 With Deepest Sympathy our club mourns the loss of another long time club member. Nola Nelson passed away in March. Nola was a member since February of 1981 and a Life Member since 2001. Field Trips By Joe Cruz Clarification to March Issue of Quarry Quips The cover article stated that the mineral chalcedony is a form of silica, composed of the minerals quartz and moganite. It is more accurate to say that chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline quartz. Moganite is another little recognized form of silica that is believed to occur in varying degrees in many, if not most chalcedonies. This occurrence of moganite, and even the existence of the mineral is only now being more widely recognized. Cryptocrystalline quartz is quartz in which the crystals are microscopic in size and thus is always opaque or translucent. It occurs in a huge array of colors and patterns and, like crystalline quartz, occurs in many locations Chalcedony is a translucent or semi-translucent cryptocrystalline quartz, which may be patterned (agate) or uniform in color (blue, green, pink, black, white, etc.). Page 4 Q U A R RY Q U IP S The field trip scheduled for March was cancelled due to bad weather. Future trips: • April – See page 7 for the article about the RMFMS Selenite field trip on Monday, April 26th • May – Cowley County State Lake – If the weather is good we’ll camp overnight, and fossil hunt, picnic and have a good time being outside after this long winter. • June – Medicine Lodge area. In the past we have found fossils, agates and quartz. Reminder - Always call me to RSVP at least a week prior to any field trip you plan to attend so that we know how many are coming and know who to contact should we have to cancel. Joe 218-0250 W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Election Time Programs By Don Atherton By Jim Ballou, Nominating Committee Chair- Election Time? Yes ladies and gentlemen it is that time again. As the Nominating Chairman this year, I just wanted to send a request out to all of you. As your Nominating Committee members start making their way around, asking about your being able to serve as an officer, please keep something in mind. This is going to be a very difficult year for filling our officers positions. We have a number of members that need a break, and will NOT, be willing to fill a position as they have in the past. If you were to look back at the past few years of officers positions and see who has been stepping up and volunteering their time, you should be able to understand their need for a break. As many of you know Patti and I will be moving sometime this year. So we won't be taking a position this next year either. So the time is here. If you've enjoyed being a WGMS. Member, and have an interest in the club being able to continue into the future, volunteer. Yes, it will take up some of your time to meet, and help plan activities. It will mean that maybe you'll have to record that show you want to watch. But believe me, the fellowship, and the interest in a common hobby that you share with each other as members and officers make it worth while. The Year Ahead The program for the March meeting was presented by Gene Maggard, Show Chairman, with each of the show committee members s explaining what they are responsible for and what needs if any they need before the show. It appeared that all categories are well represented by each committee member and that we will have another excellent show this April. Thanks to all those making sure that the show will be presented with great representation of the club. Thanks also to the RMFMS for having their convention and show with us this year. Show and tell: • Curly Clough presented some of the minerals he and Mary were able to obtain from the Nancy Jane mine near Picher, OK before it flooded. The galena crystals were outstanding. • Dale Beverly showed us rock of amethyst that he picked up from a road in Tanzania, Africa. He also showed an aquamarine crystal and a large crystal of green beryl that he found in Kenya, Africa. • Lisa Scheibmeir showed some chalcedony she found in Kansas. • Horace Patterson brought some of his polished petrified wood that was very pretty and interesting. • Jerry Simmons showed some copper sulfide wood and azurite nodules that were very nice. You Might be a Rockhound if… ...you think road cuts are built as tourist attractions General Club Meetings Apr 23-25 May 23 Jun 27 Jul 25 Aug 21 Sep 26 WGMS Gem & Mineral Show Cessna Activity Center WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101 WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101 WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101 Saturday, Rock Swap & Auction Community of Christ Church WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101 ...you describe your vacations by the rocks you brought home 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm Community of Christ Church Community of Christ Church Location to be announced Community of Christ Church Community of Christ Church Community of Christ Church Q U A R RY Q U IP S ...your PC screen saver features pictures of rocks. ...you find rocks when you empty your pockets at night ...you gave rocks, tumblers or rock tools for Christmas 2 pm Board Meetings Apr 19 May 17 Jun 21 Jul 19 Aug 16 Sep 20 ...the rock pile in your garage is over your head 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm ...you can find Quartzite on a map in less than 5 seconds ...when someone mentions Franklin you think New Jersey instead of Ben ...you can pronounce molybdenite on the first try Via Feb 2010 Sedonia Red Rocking News. This list was written by GM Editors email swap group. Contributors included Mel Albright, Richard Busch, Betty Commean, Dan Imel, Bob Keller and Paul Kline. W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 5 Show Report 2010 Show Committee By Gene Maggard Greetings, SHOWTIME is here. I hope to see most of you on Thursday, April 22 at 8am , at the Cessna Activity Center for setup, and then again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as we all work hard to staff the show, make the show a success, and most important, have some fun doing it. After you are signed up to work, if for any reason you cannot keep your scheduled time(s), please let Patti Ballou or myself know at the earliest possible moment. It does not take very many “no-shows” to really make a burden on the rest of us. Now is the most important time to publicize the show. Spread around as many show flyers and discount coupons as possible. Let your friends and acquaintances know about the show. Members publicizing the show is one of the greatest generators of attendance. Attendance for the show is critical for two reasons. First, it generates attendance revenue. Second, it attracts business for our vendors, who are paying us to be allowed to display at our show. Are you aware that the WGMS show is also the RMFMS convention for 2010? RMFMS being the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies. While at the show you will probably see quite a few strangers with various colors of rock club vests on. These will mostly be out of town RMFMS members from other clubs. Feel free to welcome them and strike up conversations. You will find them to be a great bunch of people and this will be a great opportunity for you to meet other people from other areas that share the same interests in our hobby. Have a great show and lets all work together to make this the best WGMS show, ever. ~Show Admissions Reminder~ Free Admission is available any day of the show to all WGMS members or other people if: • You are working at the show or have helped with set-up the day before. • You have made a substantial donation or contribution to the show. • You are a Life Member. (It would be helpful to the Admissions people if you would wear your Life Member name tag. • You have been issued a Complimentary Admission Wichita Gem & Mineral Show coupon with your name listed as guest and signed by a current WGMS member. The yellow Complimentary Admission coupon is available from the Admissions or the Show Chairperson. • You have a blue Membership Guest Coupon with your name listed as guest and signed by a current WGMS member. (The admission cost will be collected by the Treasurer from the WGMS member). The blue Membership Guest Coupon is available from the Admissions or the Show Chairperson. Page 6 Q U A R RY Q U IP S Note: Additional people are needed to serve on the Show Committee. If you are interested in any way, please call Gene Maggard, show chair, at 742-3746. Ideally we’d like to have 2 people in each spot. Don’t know what you’d enjoy helping with? That is ok, pick one. Next year try something else! Some one already assigned to the area you are interested in? That’s ok too. We like to share! Current Show Committee Members Chairman Gene Maggard 316-742-3746 Admissions Peggy Maggard 316-742-3746 Announcer Lisa Scheibmeir Jim Ballou David Hardin 316-687-1183 316-722-7913 316-946-0008 Demonstrator Debby Moore 316-524-6001 Editor Carolyn White 316-250-6182 Electrical Greg Weisbrod 316-686-1810 Ray Adams 316-942-7006 Gem Hunt David Hardin 316-946-0008 Grab Bags Carolyn White 316-250-6182 Junior Rock Pile Alan DeGood 316-794-8391 Membership Ardis Cruz 316-218-0250 President Patti Ballou 316-722-7913 Publicity Leo Heidebrecht 316-260-4591 Pat Clough-McCombs Mary Clough Carolyn White Susan Bannon 316-210-7380 316-943-1785 316-250-6182 316-689-8256 Hospitality Debbie Winton 316-841-9576 Security Tony McClaflin 785-489-2248 Set Up Lyle Koerper 316-722-7115 Silent Auction Mary Clough 316-943-1785 Patti Ballou 316-722-7913 Diane DeGood 316-794-8391 Alice Piper 316-264-7273 Dealers Fluorescents Education Day Secretary Volunteer Coord Webmaster Wheel W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 RMFMS Selenite Crystal Collecting Field Trip April 26, 2010 RMFMS and Wichita Gem and Mineral Society (WGMS) are leading a field trip to collect selenite crystals at the Great Salt Plains, Oklahoma, dig area, in conjunction with the RMFMS convention and Wichita Gem and Mineral Show. The trip is scheduled for Monday, April 26, the day after the convention/show ends. The dig area is open to the public and anyone can dig for these crystals. What RMFMS and WGMS leaders will do is meet the field trip group at the dig site and provide advise and assistance for successful digging. This group is limited to attendees of the convention and show. Detailed information about the trip will be provided at the show to those who sign up for the field trip. Critical information that attendees need to know in advance are: • The dig site is about a 2.5 hour trip from the south side of Wichita (about 135 miles). • There is a small town located nearby, Cherokee, Ok, which has any facilities needed for food, lodging, fuel, etc. • RV Camping is available right off the main street. • To dig these crystals your equipment needs include sun protection, round nosed shovel, water for both washing crystals and drinking, lunch, containers for your finds, and a change of clothes. Diggers will be coated with salt, sand and clay when they are done, and will want a change of clothes so that at least their clothes are clean for the trip away from the dig. Some extra water for washing up would also be good. A garden sprayer works really well for washing the crystals loose from the sandy matrix. Sometimes the dig hole will develop water in the bottom, and some people use a small can to splash the crystals loose. Some people like to use flats for storing their crystals. Others just use a bucket. Either works fine. The most desired crystal is clear with a distinct reddish “hourglass” form in the middle of the crystal. The hourglass is formed from sand and clay inclusions. These are the will known “hourglass selenite crystals” for which the dig area is famous. The individual selenite blades can be up to 8 inches long, but most are shorter. Occasional clusters are found, and rarely, spectacular larger clusters. This should be a fun trip (weather permitting) and will provide an opportunity to find a somewhat different mineral than can normally be found in most areas. The crystals are abundant and everyone should be able to find plenty. The only problem could be weather, it being well into the thunderstorm/tornado season for Kansas and Oklahoma. This could be your chance to see one or our Great Plains twisters. Let’s hope not. Q U A R RY Q U IP S W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 7 Tri-State Mining History By Carolyn White The Tri-State Mining district extends from southwestern Missouri across southeastern Kansas and encompasses Ottawa County, Oklahoma. There, lead ore, (primarily galena), and zinc ore, (primarily sphalerite) occur in subsurface rock formations, and were dug in shallow or deep mines. The Oklahoma mines tended to be deeper than others of the Tri-State. Average mine depth was 237 feet, but some extended down to 458 feet. Concentrating mills separated crude ore into its constituent lead and zinc, and the waste products chat and tailings . The ores were then smelted and made ready for manufacturing. Lead was used for plumbing pipes, for linings in airtight containers, in paint, and as bullets and shot, and zinc for galvanizing wire and sheet iron, for roofing and stove boards and also dyeing and fireworks. The first ore deposits were discovered in Missouri in 1838, Kansas in 1870 and Oklahoma in 1891. The largest ore strike occurred in 1913 in Pitcher, OK.. Production peaked between 1918 and 1941. During the life of the district, over 4,000 mines produced 23 million tons of zinc concentrates and 4 million tons of lead concentrates. Between 1908 and 1950 the tri-state district production topped $1 billion. Mining was generally done underground using “room and pillar” methods where room shaped areas are mined and pillars are left for support. Rooms were opened up for the full height of the ore, with pillars 20-50ft in diameter, spaced to support the roof, usually 30 - 100 feet apart. About 15 percent of the ore was left for pillars. Many of the rock layers that were mined were also aquifers (water bearing formations). Water often came into the mines from these formations. Between 1920 and 1945 , more than 36 million gallons were pumped from the mines every day (enough http://www2.ljworld.com/news/mining to cover one acre of ground with water 110 ft deep). Mining was a dangerous occupation that took its toll on the men who worked in its depths. Accidents, explosions and collapses happened so frequently that they were accepted as routine. Those who didn’t suffocate in the poor air or die in a mining accident often died early from silicosis, also referred to as “miner’s consumption”, a condition caused by breathing crystalline silica dust. By the mid 1940s many of the abundant deposits had been mined out and the Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore Producers Association lobbied Congress for economic assistance to continue mining the marginal ore deposits remaining in the district. While they were not successful in that effort the Strategic Minerals Act of 1949 did provide a subsidy which paid mining companies a subsidy for tonnage produced regardless of ore content. Some feel that this provided an economic incentive for the slabbing, gouging and sometimes complete removal of the support pillars that occurred when the mine reserves were depleted. By the 1960s most of the mines had shut down. Eagle-Pitcher, the last of the lead mines in operation ceased production in 1967. In the early 1980’s the US Bureau of mines in cooperation with state geological surveys studied the physical hazards of the old mining areas. They identified nearly 1500 open shafts and almost 500 subsidence collapse (sink-hole) features in the Tri-State. Nearly 600 hazards were found in and around Galena, many in an area known as “Hell’s Half Acre. Lead, zinc and cadmium leached from mine waste contaminated ground water. Run-off moved the contaminants into streams and rivers. Wind blew fine metal bearing dust into the air, spreading the contaminants to nearby non-mining area. Radon gas was detected in the air around Galena. The US Environmental Projection Agency’s Superfund helped to pay for some of the clean up efforts in Galena. Clean up continues at several other mining sites in the region. Sources: http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/T/TR014.html http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/T/TR014.html http://www.historicjoplin.org/?tag=lead-mining http://www.grandlakevisitor.com/picherminingfield http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/features/x489012962/John-WatsonWebb-City-Mo-lead-mining-center-of-the-states http://www2.ljworld.com/news/mining/ Page 8 Q U A R RY Q U IP S Chat Pile in Baxter Springs http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/ entries/T/TR014.html W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Learn More about Mining in the Tri-State District at the WGMS Show: April 23, 24 and 25 Photos by Lyle Koerper Featured Exhibits will include crystal and mineral specimens from the Tri-State Mineral Wing of the Joplin MO, Museum Complex. See also what WGMS members and others have collected from the historic Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri mines, and from throughout the world. Q U A R RY Q U IP S W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 9 WGMS is looking good at the 2010 Lawn Flower and Garden Show Page 8 Q U A R RY Q U IP S W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Meeting Minutes By Susan Bannon The Wichita Gem & Mineral Society Board of Directors met March 22, 2010 at 7 pm. In attendance were: Patti Ballou, Jim Ballou, Carolyn White, Paul Radiel, Peggy Maggard, Gene Maggard, Don Atherton, Leo Heidebrecht, Ardis Cruz, Joe Cruz, Susan Bannon and guest Lisa Scheibmeir. • • • Paul Radiel moved the minutes be approved. Peggy Maggard, Director, seconded the motion. Motion passed. Gene Maggard, Show Chair, moved that another key to the lock box be purchased since the Secretary and the President are each supposed to be in possession of one. The one for the President was not passed on to Patti Ballou because it couldn't be found. After some discussion, Paul Radiel, Director, seconded the motion. Motion passed. Ardis Cruz, Membership, submitted applications for membership for the following: Debbie Vic, Diane Greep, Jerry Estep, Mike Estep and Michael Wingo. Gene Maggard moved the applicants be accepted. Paul Radiel seconded the motion. Motion passed. • Sign up sheets for Show workers will be at the General Meeting Sunday. • Don Atherton, Vice President, said the program for May would be "Yellowstone" from "How the Earth was Made". For show and tell he asked that the membership bring an item they purchase at the Show. If you didn't purchase anything from this show, then bring a favorite item that you purchased from a past Gem and Mineral Show. • Gene Maggard said he, Peggy and the Koerpers would be going to South Dakota in May for a rock swap, rock show and several field trips. If you are interested in joining them for a field trip into or around some mines, contact them for information. • Leo Heidebrecht, Publicity, said he had covered the air craft employees and TV stations lately. There would be a sticker on the front page of the Wichita Eagle this year. He had contacted some magazines. • Majestic Stone will have a booth at the show this year. • We donate $ 1750 to an endowment at WSU after the Show. • Rockhound of the Year patch and plaque will be given this year at the Show. • Nominating Committee of 5 members is being formed. Q U A R RY Q U IP S General Meeting President Patti Ballou called the meeting to order at 2 pm in the Geology Building at WSU on March 28, 2010. • Upcoming Shows: Casper, WY May 28-29; Siloam Springs AR; Scottsbluff, NE • President Patti Ballou thanked Lyle Koerper for organizing our booth again at the Wichita Garden Show. • Koerpers and Maggards are going to the Swap at Rapid City and will be participating in some field trips there. If you'd like to join them, contact them. You're welcome to join them there.( May 15th and 16th ) • President Patti Ballou gave Delbert Ebersole a patch to go on his vest for his passed recognition for "Outstanding Service Award". • Patti announced members of the Nominating Committee as: Jim Ballou, chair, Peggy and Gene Maggard, Carolyn White and Susan Bannon. Patti encouraged members to volunteer. There are a good number of positions to be filled this year. Contact any member of the Committee. • Patti Ballou has been contacted by a lady who needs to depose of her father's rock collection and equipment. If you're interested, contact Patti. • Ardis Cruz, membership, asked that if you've changed your phone number &/or address, let her or Carolyn White know. There are several members that are hard to contact. • Ardis Cruz announced there were 56 members present and 2 guests Both guests received door prizes. Dale Beverly received a doorprize. Lyle Koerper received a badge prize. • If you'd like to donate a doorprize, please give it to Paul Radiel or Ardis Cruz. • Ardis asked us to sign a "Thank you" card to Wichita Eagle for the plastic bags they donate to the Show and for doing such a fine job advertising our Show. • Watch for information in the Quarry Quips for a May field trip to Cowley County Fishing Lake," said Joe Cruz, Field Trip Chair. W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 9 • Alice Piper, Cheer, said Nola Nelson had passed. She'd been a member since 1981. • Debbie Winton, Hospitality, said she needs volunteers for refreshments in May. Please call her if you can help. Show Committee Report Don Atherton, Vice President, introduced our Show Chair, Gene Maggard. Gene introduced various members to explain their role at the Show and how the membership could help and volunteer. Setup, Lyle Koerper Thursday, April 22nd • 8 am - We'll need members to help set up tables for a number of stations Please come and help, if you can. • 10 am - We'll start putting paper on the tables that need it. Some vendors prefer to cover their own tables. • 12 pm - We'll start on setting up the educational area upstairs and the fluorescent display room. • 3pm - Member display boxes may be set up Try not to crowd your display box. That makes for a better display and visitors seem to enjoy them more. If you need a case for display, contact Lyle Koerper. Hospitality, Debbie Winton: • A sandwich lunch will be provided Thurs. for a $2.00 donation. • Thursday evening the club puts on a covered dish dinner Please come and each adult please bring a covered dish for the big feast. Also, bring your own service. Thank you. This is fun. We put on the feast to show appreciation to our vendors. Admissions, Peggy Maggard: • Blue Tickets: should have guest and member's names on them. The member will pay for the ticket later if it is used at the Show. • Yellow Tickets - are complimentary - contain name of recipient and name of member that issued the ticket. • If school groups come in Sat., children and 1 adult may enter free. • To help with Announcing, call Lisa Scheibmeir. • Electrical is done by Greg Weisbrod. • Fluorescent Room - Ray Adams is in charge and sets it up - If you have any rocks to add let Ray know. Page 12 Q U A R RY Q U IP S Don't forget to sign up to help with the booths specially set up for kids: • Gem Hunt - David Hardin - $ 1.50 - you get to search through a rock mixture for sapphires, emerald, rubies, etc. • Grab Bags - Carolyn White - for a $ 1.50 you get a pretty little cloth bag with a necklace, a shark's tooth, and several minerals, identified, and rocks. • Rock Pile - Alan DeGood - for $ .50 you can fill up a given paper bag with choices you've made from the rock pile. Some kids take over an hour to fill their bag !!!! • Spin the Wheel - Alice Piper - for $ .50 you can spin the wheel and claim the minerals in the section the pointer lands on. This booth is a favorite of children and adults. The specimens (minerals, fossils, rocks, jewelry, etc ) on the wheel are donated by club members. What do you have that you can contribute to the spin the wheel? Membership Table, Ardis Cruz: If you volunteer here, you: sit there to welcome those who come up to the membership table, give out information about our club and its various activities, accept dues, and answer questions about our Show and our club. Friday, Education Day, Patty Clough/McCombs and Mary Clough, with the aid of member volunteers teach identification of rocks. Approximately, 700 students are expected this year. We have openings, if you know of a youth group who'd like to schedule a time. Security, Tony McClaflin, is in charge of Security. If you can volunteer to stay all night at the Show that would be great. Bring along friends in the club. Bring games and food. Have a party, a sleep over, or curl up with a good book. The only duties are to polish display cases glass, make sure all people leave at the right time and no one enters that shouldn't. Check all doors to make sure they are locked before the last members leave for the night. Some members sleep in campers outside in the parking lot so you and your friends have help nearby, if needed. Members will start coming in early (7 - 8) and your job will be Over. You can shower there if you which or you can go home, get cleaned up and come back. Volunteer for 1 or more nights. W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Silent Auction, Mary Clough: Silent Auctions last about 15 min. This year, there will be some special items you can bid on all day Sat. or Sun. These special auctions are of particularly fine items and don't end until about 4:30 each day. -- If you have something to donate, please bring it -- rocks, minerals, jewelry from rocks, findings, rock magazines, etc Volunteer Coordinator, Patti Ballou: She will send out schedules to each volunteer so you'll know when and where you are expected to work. She will, also, have a work book schedule of the Show somewhere near the Silent Auction Booth. Demonstrators Debbie Moore is the demonstrating coordinator. Dealers, David Hardin David has secured a wide variety of dealers and demonstrating dealers for our show. Publicity, Leo Heidebrecht: Leo has coordinated the distribution of more than 10,000 coupons to publicize our show. Paul Radiel asked that if you see a nice slab at the Show let him know. Money from the Show supports our club and this year we're giving $1750 to our WSU Scholarship Endowment. One of our members, Bill Smith, is also President of the Rocky Mountain Federation comprised of many clubs within 12 states. (Of course, our club is a member.) Our club has volunteered to host the Federation Show this year. So our show has the distinction of being this year's Federation Show. That adds to our Show: • Awards Banquet • Delegates Meeting • Editor's Breakfast. President Patti Ballou thanked Gene Maggard, Show Chair, for all the hard work and long hours he has put into this Show. Q U A R RY Q U IP S Show Calendar For a more complete list of all shows go to: http://www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp or refer to a copy of Rock & Gem Magazine. APRIL 2010: 16-18--ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN: Annual show; Mount Clemens Macomb Gem & Lapidary Society; Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-4; adults $3, students $1, children under 12 free; contact Jacqueline Swain, 20719 Wendy Ln., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, (313) 469-7868; email: [email protected] 23-25--WICHITA, KANSAS: Show; 57th annual show; Wichita Gem & Mineral Society; Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George Washington Blvd.; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $1; annual Rocky Mountain Federation meeting; contact Gene Maggard, 8318 S.E. Hwy. 77, Leon, KS 67074-9026, (316) 742-3746 30-2--HOUSTON, TEXAS: 2nd annual show, "Houston Fine Mineral Show"; FineMineralShow; Embassy Suites Hotel, near The Galleria; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; more than 50 dealers; contact Dave Waisman, P.O. Box 8543, Spokane, WA 99203; Web site: www.finemineralshow.com May 2010: 1-2--LUBBOCK, TEXAS: Show; Lubbock Gem & Mineral Society; Lubbock Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, students (6-12) $2, children under 6 free with adult; contact Archie Scott, 2709 Belvedere Rd., Levelland, TX 79336, (806) 894-1584; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://lgmstx.org 7-9--McPHERSON, KANSAS: 18th annual McPherson Gem & Mineral Club Sale and Swap; McPherson Gem & Mineral Club; McPherson 4-H Bldg., 710 W Woodside; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10:30-3; free admission; contact Jim Nutter, 1611 Jody Ln., McPherson, KS 67460, (620) 241-2433 14-16--ENID, OKLAHOMA: Annual swap; Enid Gem & Mineral Society; Oakwood Mall, 4125 W. Owen K. Garriott Rd.; Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-5; contact Stan Nowak, (580) 484-2785; e-mail: [email protected] 29-30--FORT WORTH, TEXAS: 59th annual show, "Fabulous Fossils"; Fort Worth Gem & Mineral Club; Will Rogers Memorial Center, Amon G. Carter Exhibit Bldg., 3401 W. Lancaster; Sat. 96, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, seniors $4, children under 12 free; contact Steve Hilliard, (817) 925-5760; e-mail: [email protected]; Please send show information to [email protected] W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S AP RIL 20 10 Page 13 Non Profit Org US Postage Paid Wichita, KS Permit No 127 WICHITA GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY, INC QUARRY QUIPS TIME VALUE DO NOT DELAY Carolyn White, Editor 2225 N. Fountain Wichita, KS 67220 [email protected] www.wgmsks.org April Meeting: RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED WGMS Rock & Mineral Show April 23, 24, 25 Cessna Activity Center 2744 George Washington Blvd Page Club Business «Name» «Name 2» «Address» «City State zip» «Sort Field» Page Special Interest 2 About Our Club 11 Rock Show / Swap Meet Calendar 5 WGMS Calendar 7 RFMS Selenite Collecting Field Trip 4 WGMS Field Trips 5 You might be a Rockhound if... WGMS Meeting Minutes 8 Tri-State Mining History 4 Membership 9 Learn More about mining at WGMS Show 4 Member Birthdays 10 Garden Show—WGMS Booth Photos 2 Officers 6 WGMS Show 11-13
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