COPS Community Outreach Program

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Located next to Julington Creek Bridge, See map at next meeting. Also the Spring "Yard Sale" is on April 23rd. 9:00 to 4:00. So, Save your household items for the SALE.

1 Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society: Volume 56 No. 2 February 2016 NEWSLETTER A Word from the President: We are off to a very good start for I would like to extend a welcome to our new members. There are many exciting events planned in the next few weeks. The Mini Show is March 19th. Followed by the JGMS Annual Pic-Nic March 26th at the Julington Creek Park, Pavilion No.2, 10:30 to 3:30. Located next to Julington Creek Bridge, See map at next meeting. Also the Spring "Yard Sale" is on April 23rd. 9:00 to 4:00. So, Save your household items for the SALE. I look forward to working with each of you as we move forward with classes and facility improvements. JGMS is ALL ABOUT FUN. From the President, Craig Hamilton COPS Community Outreach Program There is a lot going on with COPS. For those new to JGMS, COPS is "Community Outreach Program". Teaching General Geology. With 3 events in Jan., 3 in Feb. and 1 so far for March. These have included "Duval County Schools Elementary Science Fair" Jan. 28, Boy Scout Leadership Training in Gainesville, Jan. 30, and Jax. Country Day School Feb 5, and many others upcoming. I want to encourage anyone, (That is You). to join the COPS effort to serve our local community with Educational Support to our Schools. All it takes is willingness. Come and help JGMS give back what we know. Please contact me, Craig Hamilton at , or cbhshell@att.net Thanks - COPS Chairman Craig Hamilton

The rocks selected each month will generally be semiprecious stones from locations around the world and of interest in lapidary work.

2 STONECUTTER'S CORNER examples during monthly meetings. NEW MONTHLY ADDITION Mark Jordana, a new member to the club in 2015, has volunteered to provide a brief discussion of a different rock each month for the newsletter during The rocks selected each month will generally be semiprecious stones from locations around the world and of interest in lapidary work. The goal is to provide some general information about each stone, and hopefully trigger some lively discussion and show-and-tell Mark is a Florida-licensed Professional Geologist (PG). He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the University of South Carolina, respectively, in the early 1980s. He recently retired in 2015 after a 30+ year career as an environmental consultant, where he used his geology background to assess and cleanup soil and groundwater at contaminated properties throughout the US. He began cutting and polishing stones as a hobby about 10 years ago, which has evolved into a small business, Jordana Stone Design, which he runs with his wife Gail in St. Augustine, Florida.

STONECUTTER'S CORNER - FEBRUARY 2016 OCEAN JASPER Ocean Jasper is a type of orbicular rhyolite that is characterized by variably colored orbs or spherical inclusions within host rocks of many colors,

Although a recent addition to the lapidary trade, this is a spectacular and highly prized stone that cuts and polishes into beautiful Ocean Jasper rough cabochons and other decorative items!

3 STONECUTTER'S CORNER - FEBRUARY 2016 OCEAN JASPER Ocean Jasper is a type of orbicular rhyolite that is characterized by variably colored orbs or spherical inclusions within host rocks of many colors, varieties, and nearly infinite patterns. Although a recent addition to the lapidary trade, this is a spectacular and highly prized stone that cuts and polishes into beautiful Ocean Jasper rough cabochons and other decorative items! The Ocean Jasper source rock was originally rhyolite (a volcanic ash deposit), but the material has been silicified, or replaced by silicon dioxide (SiO2 has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 similar to other jaspers. The presence of small quantities of other minerals provide the wide variation in coloration, including white, pink, green, red and yellow. In highly silicified rhyolites like Ocean Jasper, quartz and feldspar crystallize in radial aggregates of needle shaped crystals to form the peculiar orb patterns. Botryoidal formations and druzy crystallization are also common. Many semi precious gemstones such as jade, opal, lapis lazuli, turquoise and others were discovered and have been cut and polished and used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ocean Jasper, a relatively new discovery, has a much shorter history that has played out within many of our lifetimes. Since perhaps the 1950s or 1960s, small quantities of this rock material would periodically show up in gem markets, which would immediately catch the eye of seasoned rock and gem collectors for its uniqueness, but only limited quantities were ever available. Anecdotal information suggested it originated in Madagascar, perhaps from the northwest coast, and probably collected by amateur prospectors while sailing through the area. In the late 1990s, Paul Obenich of Madagascar Minerals conducted a systematic search of the rugged northwest coast of Madagascar was organized. Following an extensive search, the deposit was eventually discovered in 1999, along a remote stretch of coastline near Ambolobozo. Since the area has no roads, the material was collected manually without use of equipment typically used for mining, and transported to civilization by boat. Polished Ocean Jasper Stones

Framed Translucent Ocean Jasper The limited source was a small rock outcropping at the edge of the ocean, and could only be seen and collected at low tide.

The deposit was not extensive and was depleted by 2006. Upon discovery, some effort went into settling on a name for the new rock.

4 Framed Translucent Ocean Jasper The limited source was a small rock outcropping at the edge of the ocean, and could only be seen and collected at low tide. The deposit was followed from the beach into the side of the adjacent hill for about 40 meters (~125 feet), becoming thinner and eventually pinching out. The deposit was not extensive and was depleted by Upon discovery, some effort went into settling on a name for the new rock. Ocean Jasper is often translucent, thereby meeting the standard definition of an agate (agate being translucent and jasper being opaque). However, the material was categorized as an orbicular jasper, in reference to the spherical orbs found in many rhyolites. In the past, other orbicular rhyolites have been sold or marketed as jasper, so there was precedent for this new discovery to be classified as a jasper, particularly given that the term "orbicular agate" has not been applied to other rocks. Interestingly, another reason the new rock was identified as a jasper rather than an agate is due to "jasper" being listed as the mineral resource in the mining claims filed by Paul Obenich. The word "Ocean" comes mainly from the location at the edge of the sea, along the northwest coast of Madagascar where the deposit was found, as well as the orbicular forms in the rock are also suggestive of the bubbling surf of the sea. Other orbicular jaspers are found in various locations throughout the world. Examples include Rainforest Jasper from Australia, Leopard Skin Jasper from Mexico, and Poppy Jasper from California. However, arguably none are as rare or as spectacular as Ocean Jasper! Information Sources 1. Agates and Jaspers, by Ron Gibbs (2009), Published by the image.com. 2. Lapidary Journal, Volume 54 Number 2, May The Gem Shop website ( Mining and Rock Locations tab. 4. Wikipedia (Orbicular Jasper) and other websites. Ocean Jasper Jewley Set showing Orb Pattern

5 Instructor s Corner Meet Anne Acker I have been interested in all kinds of crafts since I was a little girl. My mother taught me to knit when I was ten years old quite a feat, since I was left-handed and she was righthanded. As I grew up, I taught myself many crafts. In college I got interested in making copper wire earrings and adding beads to them. I even entered a craft fair and sold some! I took my first class from a silversmith in Connecticut. I drove quite far to meet with her, but it was worth it. Then life got in the way, so my jewelry making was put on hold for a long time. Finally, in around 1997 I found JGMS, after going to the show at the Morocco Auditorium. My 10-year-old son and I joined, and had lots of fun meeting the club members and taking classes. We even went on a dig for fossils in Brookfield. My son was fascinated by all the different rocks and minerals, and became quite adept at identifying (and collecting!) many of them. He also became an excellent silversmith at a young age he put me to shame several times in class. I took lots of classes, especially with Paul Castelle, in silversmithing. I even taught a few classes. Life got in the way again, and it was several years before I returned to JGMS after leaving in around I briefly rejoined about five or six years ago, but had to leave again. Finally, in 2014, I returned. I don t plan on leaving this time! I am currently teaching classes in Precious Metal Clay (silver), and in beading. I have taught torch fired enameling, and Copper Metal Clay. I plan on doing more of these last two classes in the coming year. In addition to teaching, I am co-chair of the Education Committee, and am responsible for scheduling classes and making sure people can register for classes. I enjoy taking classes as well, and have taken many in silversmithing, beading, enameling, wire, and PMC. There are so many classes I want to teach and to take, but there is only so much time in a day! I am so happy to be a member of JGMS, and to see us grow and be able to offer many more classes in our new building. I can t wait to see what the future holds.

6 Instructor s Corner Some of the FUN at JGMS. Our instructors have been very busy this month. Here are just some of the classes that were offered to members. Instructors and students, be sure to take pictures at your class and them to news4jgms@gmail.com. Connie Layton - Open Cabbing Fun with great ideas by participants. Craig Hamilton - SeaShell Crafts

7 Jason Hamilton - Making Silver wire from scrap silver Dixie Murphy - Bezel setting Ginormous round Faceted stone in PMC Russ Fisette - Silversmith B class

8 JGMS Minutes JGMS General Meeting Minutes February 4, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. New members and guests were recognized. Pledge of Allegiance was said. Moved by Paul Thomas and second by Spencer Herring to approve minutes from last meeting as published in the newsletter. Motion carried. Treasurer s report given by Mari Webb. Old Business: All committee chairs were encouraged to send their reports to Sherry Jones for publication in the newsletter. Members were asked to please keep their dues current. New Business: Proposed bylaw changes will be distributed in March and voted on in April. Field trip report given by James Webb. Reminder that in order to receive information about all field trips, members should give their address to James Webb. JGMS is hosting a dig in April. Details will be given in March. Bill Poland announced that Underwood Jewelers in San Marco has the largest cut diamond in the United States on display. George Diaz discussed legislature concerning digs to collect artifacts over fifty (50) years old. HB 803 is in committee. Go online to the Tri State Archeological Society for more information. Someone for this information to be published in the newsletter.

9 Russ Fisette: Camera system for building security was purchased. Part of the money was donated, and more donations will be accepted. Lighting outside was discussed. Big lights are in house, but need bulbs and need to determine where they will be placed. President Craig Hamilton has established a program to recognize individuals monthly who have gone above and beyond in helping the organization. January recipients were Bill Poland and Homer Barrs. February s recipient is Russ Fisette. Social Concerns: Mary McCormack s father passed away. JGMS Calendar: Show meeting Feb. 18, 2016, 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. SFMS Meeting in Jackson, MS Feb.26 through the 28 th, First Pot Luck Dinner on Mar Mini show on March 19, 2016 Spring Picnic March 26, :30 to 3:30 P.M. Yard Sale April 23, 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Show and Tell Craig explained that the eagle with cabochon stones was the property of the Southeast Federation. Program: Jason Hamilton discussed going on digs and presented a typical dig basket with dig items. Respectfully submitted Anne Lanier, Secretary

10 Save the Date February 18 th SHOW Meeting Reminder The 2016 Show meeting will be 1 hour before the board meeting on February 18 th from 6p-7p. We will be reviewing the progress of the show and creating all the different committees that will be running the show. We have a great time at the show meetings, their more like a party than a meeting; fun filled and great comradery. The show committee is a great way to get the inside scoop of what s happening at our show but a rewarding opportunity for JGMS volunteers. Don t miss out on your chance to be apart of the fun and action this year. Drinks, chicken wings and pizza after the meeting. BE THERE!!! For more information contact Jason Hamilton text or call or silver-rocks@comcast.net Thursday, March 3rd JGMS Monthly meeting 3733 Crown Point Road 6:00 pm class sign up 7:00 pm meeting starts The March 3 rd meeting program will be a Silent Auction To prepare for the event, we need your help with donations. So what kinds of donations are needed? Most anything that you would be interested in. Usually we d like to see rock, Lapidary, and jewelry related items, but the occasional plant, picture, sea shell or other collected items are more than welcome. Throughout the month when you are at the workshop, drop off your donations in the main meeting room next to the podium, or bring them with you to the next meeting. We usually have a great selection of rocks, minerals and lapidary and hobby related oriented items. So tell your friends to come and join in on the fun. For more information contact Jason Hamilton text or call or silver-rocks@comcast.net SFMS Meeting in Jackson, MS Feb.26 through the 28 th, First Pot Luck Dinner on Mar Mini show on March 19, 2016

Spring Picnic: Picnic is March 26, 2016 at Mandarin Park. 10:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Club will provide the meat, everyone attending should bring a covered dish.

11 Spring Picnic: Picnic is March 26, 2016 at Mandarin Park. 10:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Club will provide the meat, everyone attending should bring a covered dish. There will be tail gating at the picnic. Yard Sale April 23, 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. JGMS at the Boy Scout Leadership Conference Jason & Craig at the Boy Scout North Florida Scout leadership conference in Gainesville Florida. There are a tremendous amount of scouts coming to our booth interested in learning about gem, minerals and fossils. Executive Board Members Craig Hamilton Jason Hamilton Harriett Rose Anne Lanier Mari Webb President President Elect Vice President Secretary Treasurer The Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society of Jacksonville, Florida is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization. It was created to stimulate interests in rocks and minerals by furtherance of the activities of its members, in the earth sciences; to disseminate knowledge, methods and procedures for the collection, identification, classification, cutting, polishing, setting, and mounting of specimens for these activities; and to promote good fellowship, proper ethics and conduct in the relationships of said members with each other and with members of other earth science societies in pursuit of these activities.

Brevard Gems. President s Message. REMINDERS: Next regular meeting is November 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Merritt Island Library.

Brevard Gems. President s Message. REMINDERS: Next regular meeting is November 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Merritt Island Library. N E W S L E T T E R F O R C E N T R A L B R E V A R D R O C K A N D G E M C L U B REMINDERS: Next regular meeting is November 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Merritt Island Library. Board Meeting is Monday, Nov.