VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 T H E I N F O R M E R INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FEATURED MEMBER AND EDITOR COMMENTS PRESIDENT S REPORT 1,4,5 GEM AND MINERAL SHOW 3 BENJAMIN ROCKS UPCOMING SHOWS AND ANSWERS OFFICERS, AND CHAIR- PERSONS AND GEM QUIZ ROCKHOUND OF THE YEAR, DEMONSTRA- TIONS HULLA B LOU GEM OF THE MONTH SECRETARY S REPORT 2 6 7,8 9 10 11 12 Editor s Notes: I haven t been getting news items about anything much except what we glean from the Secretary s report. If you want us to make up our own news we can (Lou Jane is really good at it.). I know some members are making preparations for the upcoming show in a lot of different ways. We would like to print your paragraph or story about what you are doing. If you are making jewelry; polishing rocks; rock hunting, etc. Last month I said you could send your news item as a Microsoft Word attachment. You can also just type it into email form. If you don t do email just send by USPS.. Jerry FEATURED ROCKHOUND Jon Denison I was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma and raised just north of the Arkansas River and just south of a little town called Porter, OK. I was raised on a farm/ranch and have been very active with micro rocks since I could sit up. In other words, I played in the dirt no, dirt is what you sweep out of your house I played in soil. My main early interest in rocks was how they would fly out of a beanflip (sling shot). The roads were graveled with them. As I grew older a particular rock formation became interesting as a place for teen-agers to picnic, simply climb up to see the view up and down the Arkansas, or even to dangle our legs off the cliff of Round Mountain (This was a very optimistic name.). As a family, we used to go on picnics to Barrenfork, 14 Mile Creek, and the Illinois River. If you have read Where the Red Fern Grows, you know what that country is like. In the spring, it is so green it hurts your eyes. At that time, I was more interested in counting the rocks on the bottom of the streams than collecting them. My main early interest in rocks was how they would fly out of a bean-flip I went to ACU, ACC then, for my undergraduate degree from 1965 to 1969. Glenda and I were married in 1968 38 years ago. (Continued on page 4)
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 2 G reetings from the front table. This week I had to shut down my tumbler because the water was frozen. (I keep it in the shed outside, which is not heated.) This month's president's report is about our membership. I am wondering what should be done to invite new members to join the club, and keep older members here. This month Joyce Talley contacted the Wright, Boggs and Gutierrez families to let them know we are thinking about them. Our thanks to Joyce for taking the time. I am personally thinking I am personally thinking of "sponsoring" a kid or two of sponsoring a kid or two by paying their dues and taking the time to bring them out to the meetings when they can come. Is the membership at large interested in this? Do you think it will be a bother to the club to have kids around? If we are willing to do this, are there others besides me who are willing, and can we really make them welcome?? How many of us would be willing to host a school class or group for an evening of rockhounding? Maybe on an off- Monday during the month, or even another night or a Saturday. We have had one small class (girls, I think..) and several scout groups since I have been here, but I think it could be really good to get some parents involved, too. Any thoughts on this? Another great membership booster is the show. Our show is just around the corner, so I would like to ask our members to be thinking of people to invite. I plan to pay the entrance fees for several kids whose parents are on a tight budget. I challenge all of you to dig in and invite folks, beginning now, and keep reminding them until the show starts. The show is one of the best places in the world to buy Christmas and birthday gifts, and each item is pretty much a one-of-akind. Last year I bought a lot of trinkets like crystals and little geodes and fossils, then dressed them up for Christmas and birthday gifts for kids. I became involved in the membership after seeing a piece on TV about it, but the show was already over by then, so I had to wait a year. Another thought...what are you interested in doing with Sometimes I get quite a few "deer in the headlights" looks when I m doing the. the little class presentations on our meeting night? I will try to remember to discuss this next month at our meeting. Sometimes I get quite a few deer in the headlights looks when I'm doing the lecture, so I would like it to be interesting for the group as much as possible. Think about it. If you have any suggestions or comments, I am always willing to listen, and will do my best to get things done.... Calvin Bobbie Owens (top left) and Gary Hudson (lower left) receive a level 2 silversmithing certificate from coordinator Jerry Davis (right). Teacher was Jim Owens (not shown).
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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 4 Featured Member cont. (Continued from page 1) She is a great lady and a very patient and long-suffering person. We both received our Masters in Education in 1973 and I did post-graduate work toward certification in school administration. Both Glenda and I worked in that field in Pecos, Texas. As an Assistant Principal in Pecos in 1975, I had a Librarian who loved to search for gold and had gold claims she worked a couple of weekends a month. This got my attention. But as I am a slow starter, it was really 1978 before I became interested in rocks and minerals and had no knowledge of what to look for. A friend of ours, Dick Bryant, had a ranch 23 miles west of Toyah, TX; I now realize that most of the stones around a large spring on the ranch were native jasper. One weekend, a friend Shirley Coleman, Glenda, and I were out at the ranch and decided to explore the petrified forest in Devil s Garden (This is a well named spot.). We all three had arm loads of petrified wood and were walking back toward the pick-up with Glenda in front. Apparently, she stepped over a rattlesnake because Shirley yelled SNAKE and began throwing all the petrified wood in her arms one at a time. It was just like the cartoons with Shirley s arms looking like a windmill. She missed every time. I still have the 80 lb. piece of petrified wood I was carrying that day. Glenda was a visiting professor at Sul Ross University during the summer of 1986. This was the first time we ever went rock hunting at a ranch outside of Alpine. I still didn t know what to look for and enjoyed seeing a lot of pretty country but only brought home one piece of red jasper, which I still use as a door stop. That was about the time I joined the club. I attended a couple of meetings and Russ Cable showed me how to solder. I loved working with silver. I have been collecting rocks and minerals since that time and now have 3 to 4 thousand pounds of cutting material, which I plan to get to when I retire. I have cut a few cabs but do not have my lapidary equipment set up. I continued to enjoy working with silver; and a few years after I joined the club, Jerry asked me to demonstrate silversmithing at the spring show (He was very optimistic.). I was demonstrating cutting jump rings and making initial tags ; and while I was showing a man how to solder, he grunted and I looked up to see a wild look in his eyes as he hit me on top of the head. I had raised my torch up from soldering, and had set my hair on fire. The man simply put it out. (I m sure this increased his interest in joining our club.) I went with Jerry, Lou Jane, Tony and Judy and others to Mason, TX, on a field trip. Jerry and I stayed in the stream so long straining gravel that my skin got pruned, and I didn t even see any Mason County Topaz. But I did find a smoky quartz crystal with a ghost crystal inside of it. It was a hot day, but a lot of fun. He grunted and I looked up to see a wild look in his eyes as he hit me on top of the head I now work with Jerry Davis and other members of the club during the show and at the Cisco Folk Life Festival, both of which are in April. I also help with Lake Cisco Christian Camp and help the campers make silver promise rings. I have demonstrated rocks and minerals to several classes at school, to the Lions Club, and the Rotary Club. I will present another demonstration to 4 th and 5 th grades at (continued on page 5)
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 5 Featured Member cont. Cisco Elementary School on Friday, February 23. While I am not a geologist, the kids seem to like the use of gems both cut and uncut for the demonstrations. I also use fossils to show that all life is dependant on rocks. Cisco Elementary will go on a fossil hunt this spring to sites around Cisco to learn of fossils in the area. My only regret is not being interested enough in gems and related fields sooner. My association with CTGMS was what focused and enhanced my interest. God willing, I will have time enough to cut some of those gems when I retire... Jon
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 6 Our club president and resident geologist, Calvin Donaghey gave a program at the last meeting listing the following as being likely finds in the creek gravels of the Benjamin area: copper minerals, petrified wood, quartzite and sard. Well I hadn t heard much about sard so I decided to do some research. Here is some of what I found: Sard - A clear or translucent chalcedony, deep orange-red to brownish-red. Also called sardius. The red coloring is apparently caused by iron oxide. Sardonyx is a type of onyx containing alternating layers of sard (dark red) and a white onyx. Onyx is the same as agate but is distinguished by having straight bands rather than curved. Since Sard is a form of chalcedony, I decided to include the following information: Chalcedony - Chalcedony is a catch-all term that includes many well known varieties of cryptocrystalline Speaking of rocks found at Benjamin, Texas (particles smaller than a microscope can detect) quartz gemstones. They are found in all 50 states, in many colors and color combinations, and in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Chalcedony includes carnelian, sard, plasma, prase, bloodstone, onyx, sardonyx, chrysoprase, thundereggs, agate, flint, chert, jasper, petrified wood, and petrified dinosaur bone just to name a few of the better known varieties. Because of its abundance, durability, and beauty, chalcedony was, except for sticks, animal skins, bones, plain rocks, and possibly obsidian, the earliest raw material used by humankind. The earliest recorded use of chalcedony was for projectile points, knives, tools, and containers such as cups and bowls. Early man made weapons and tools from many varieties of chalcedony including agate, agatized coral, flint, jasper, and petrified wood. The move from using certain items as weapons and tools, to using the same items for ceremonial and personal adornment is very easily made. It was only natural for early man to use his finest looking knife for special occasions or to attach a special lance point or arrowhead to his tunic. In fact, agate and petrified wood may have simply been elevated to gems from common and functional weapons or tools. All 50 states produce some variety of chalcedony, but the material from some states is better known than that from others. Texas -- Some of the best agate, jasper, chert, and petrified wood (particularly petrified palm wood) found in the nation comes from Texas. Blue banded, moss, and red and black plume agates are found near Alpine in Brewster County. Similar agates are found in Jeff Davis, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Presidio, Reeves, San Patricio, and Starr Counties. Petrified wood can be found in Amarillo, Bastrop, Brazos, Comal, Duval, Fayette, Gonzales, Lavaca, and Uvalde Counties, with fine-quality palm wood coming from Live Oak and Webb Counties. Good-quality chert can be found in limestone formations in McCulloch, Moore, and San Saba Counties. The material from Moore County also is called Alibates flint and was used by prehistoric and modern-day Indians to make weapons and tools. The quarry from which the Indians obtained their flint is now Alibates State Park. Borrowed from public information of USGS website at http:// minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/ pubs/commodity/gemstones/ sp14-95/chalcedony.html
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 7 Upcoming Shows MARCH 2007: 3-4--BIG SPRING, TEXAS: 38th annual show; Big Spring Prospectors Club; Howard County Fairbarn; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; contact Jerald Wilson, 707 Tulane, Big Spring, TX 79720, (432) 263-3340, Lola Lamb, 2200 Cecilia, Big Spring, TX 79720, (432) 263-4662. 3-4--CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS: 45th annual show; Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society; Al Amin Shrine Center, 2001 Suntide Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; $5.00 weekend pass, 12 and under free with adult purchase; jewelry, minerals, fossils; contact Jerrold Simpson, (361) 851-8788; jsimpson1@stx.rr.com 8-11--DEMING, NEW MEXICO: 42nd annual show, "Rockhound Roundup"; Deming Gem & Mineral Society; Southwest New Mexico Fairgrounds; Thu. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; buyers' market, lapidary equipment, displays, demonstrations, auctions Fri. and Sat., guided field trips Thu., Fri. and Sat., contact Bud Daily, (505) 267-4399; Web site: www.dgms.bravehost.com. 16-18--ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: 38th annual show, "Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Expo"; Treasures of the Earth; New Mexico Expo Fairgrounds, School Art Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1 Fri., $3 Sat. and Sun., children under 13 free; more than 30 dealers, mineral displays, demonstrations, free door prizes, silent auctions, children's corner; Paul Hlava, (505) 255-5478; e-mail: hpf1@qwest.net; Web site: www.agmc.info. 23-25--ADA, OKLAHOMA: Annual swap, show and sale; Ada Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club; Main Bldg. #1, Pontotoc County Agri-Plex, northeast corner of state Hwy. 99 (U.S. 377) and Richardson Bypass (state Hwy. 1 and 3E) intersection; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; free admission; kids' fossil dig, many unusual items, demonstrations, silent auctions, public auction Sat.; contact Ed Vermillion, P.O. Box 782, Purcell, OK 73080, (405) 527-6431; e-mail: okieed42@classicnet.net. APRIL 2007: 28-29--WACO, TEXAS: 47th show; Waco Gem & Mineral Club; Heart of Texas Complex, 4601 Bosque Blvd.; Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, students $1, children under 12 free with adult; contact Kay Langston, 629 Whiskey Hill Rd., Axtell, TX 76624, (254) 863-0206.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 8 Upcoming Shows April 2007: ABILENE, TEXAS 7-8--ABILENE, TEXAS: 2007 Gem & Mineral Jewelry Show; Central Texas Gem & Mineral Society; Abilene Civic Center, Downtown Abilene, N. 6th and Pine St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, children 6 to 12 $1.50; silent auction, Wheel of Fortune, geodes, "sand" art, demonstrations, lapidary, silversmithing, wire craft, carving, faceting, beading, glass bead making, hourly door prizes, grand prize; contact Sallie Lightfoot, 7558 US Hwy. 277S, Abilene, TX 79606, (325) 692-4642; e-mail: slightfoot@aol.com; Web site: www.txol.net/ rockclub (Answers to gem quiz on page 12) Cookbooks! Cookbooks! We still have cookbooks to sell. Pick up a few at the next meeting. confusing.. Jerry Note: I didn t say it wouldn t be Agate is banded quartz also. black and white. Onyx has bands of dark brown or red sard and light colored quartz. Sardonyx has horizontal bands of than carnelian. Sard has a darker red brown cast 10. F 9. All 8. A 7. C 6. D 5. B 4. G 3. H 2. E 1.All
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 9 Congratulations! Borrowed from the South Central Federation Newsletter January February, 2007 Let s show em what we got! There will be sign up sheets at the club house for the members willing to demo at the April show. Please look at the time slots available and sign for what you would like to do. If you have questions, then see Jerry Davis. Please sign up soon so I can make a good plan. You will have an assigned location around the demo square depending on what equipment you are using and how much space and electricity you need. We will use a staggered time schedule like last year so you may have time to work some in other parts of the show, as well as greet and meet dealers and buy their wares. Remember there is no better place to find the tools, slabs, polishing grit and other equipment for the rock hound hobby than at the show. Rockhounds are generally some of the best customers the dealers have. Bring money and questions. If you are going to demo be planning to explain your craft or art to passersby. Do lots of explaining. We want to use this time to show others what we know that might attract them to the club and to the hobby. Our purpose is to educate and interest others in our skills. We at all times want to make ourselves available for questions and discussions about what we are doing. Jerry Davis, chairman of show demonstrations.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 10 Hulla b Lou Birthstone of the month feature by Lou Jane Davis The Informer is supposed to include info related to rocks, right? What better rock to talk about in March, the month of shamrocks, leprechauns, and St. Patrick, than Ireland s most famous rock, the Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is not treated at any great length in serious Irish literature; it is unashamedly a tourist attraction. Kissing the legendary stone is a long-standing tradition and is believed to confer a magical eloquence. (DK Travel Guide to Ireland, page 163.) The stone is located high in the beautiful ruins of Blarney Castle, County Cork, and is open to viewing (and kissing) every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To kiss the stone visitors must lie on their back and; while holding to iron bars, stretch out over an open space, and lean downward to kiss the dark stone. (The attendant sprays and wipes the stone after each kiss, one can only hope with disinfectant.) This is done after climbing the 127 stone steps spiraling upward around inside the walls of the gutted castle keep. Ah, at what price eloquence! Travel buffs who have been there say the view from the top is worth the climb, and many eschew the kissing part. Rockhounds who go there want to know: What kind of rock is it? If legend is to be believed, that it was once part of the Stone of Scone of Scotland, then it is a coarse-grained, pinkish buff sandstone very similar to sandstones of the Lower Old Red Sandstone age. (The Stone of Destiny, Symbol of Nationhood, page 42.) Searching the internet, I have not been able to find the official composition of the stone. This is the limit of my time and patience; so, if you care to, perhaps you can learn more by digging into the following links. Remember you can use the library computer if you don t own one. http://www.blarneycastle.ie/attractions (This is the best one for a quick overview and many pictures.) http://www.sparta.k12.il.us/sid/weebitofun.htm (Compiled by school children.) http://www.blarneycastle.ie/pages/stone (Good shot of a kisser.) http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/europe/ireland/ photo564673.htm Near the castle is a limestone outcropping called Rock Close. I suspect the castle and the famous Blarney Stone are also made of some kind of limestone. (Calvin what do you know about this?) I hope you have enjoyed this wee bit o blarney. --ljd The aquamarine, the "gem of the sea", derives its name from "sea water". The reference is obvious: the aquamarine sparkles like the sea and its colour is pale to medium blue, sometimes with a slight hint of green. Legends claim that it is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. The aquamarine is said to be a particularly strong charm when immersed in water. Aquamarines are also said to have a soothing influence on land, especially on married couples. Its power to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an ideal anniversary gift. A dream of an aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Folklore even suggests that this gemstone protects against the wiles of the devil. Aquamarines are found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria and a few other countries. The aquamarine is always a pastel blue but the darker the colour, the more valuable it is. Connoisseurs sometimes prefer a pure blue, with no green in it. If you prefer a greenish tinge, you will find that these stones are less expensive. Since the colour is usually pale, aquamarines should have good clarity. These gemstones are usually cut in ovals or emerald cuts. Saturated colours are not usually found in small stones, as it takes some size to hold in a darker shade. The aquamarine is a durable and lively gemstone that is appropriate for all jewelry uses; its pale fire is flattering to most skin tones. - Permission granted from Lanka Jewels. www.lankajewels.com located at Sri Lanka.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 11 SECRETARY S REPORT FROM FEBRUARY 5, 2007 Annual Membership Dues : Adult s $15 each, Juniors, age 15 and under $10 each We still have cookbooks for sale. Jerry Davis presented Silversmith #2 certificates to Bobbie Owens and Gary Hudson. Their teacher was Jim Owens. Jim Owens announced that the next Silversmith #2 class was to start on Feb. 17, for those who are eligible. The club welcomed guest, Gail Donaghey, wife of club president Calvin Donaghey Charlie & Sallie Lightfoot were introduced as SCFMS Rockhound of the Year, 2006, and were presented a certificate. Show chairman Sallie Lightfoot needs volunteers to be in charge of the kids sand art table and the adult sand art table at the show. The adult sand art is new this year. Sallie still needs kids door prizes; she has two and needs 13 more. She also needs 3 donations for the raffle. Club members are reminded to plan for the dealer dinner on Friday night of the show weekend. Jerry Davis announced that Tammie Dollison will be demonstrating bead making and Norma Harrison, chain making. He needs more volunteers to demonstrate their talents. Carlos Talley announced Sat. Feb, 17 there will be a work day at his farm for those who can help build the frames for the adult art table. [Ed. Note: It was necessary to postpone this workday.] Joyce Talley announced that she and Gelene Stockton need volunteers to help sell tickets at the front door. [There will be a sign-up sheet at the club on Monday evenings until all spots are filled.] Calvin Donaghey presented a nice program about the rocks found in the Benjamin, Texas, area: what kinds are found there, and how they found their way to that area. March refreshments will be furnished by: Lou Jane Davis, Sallie Lightfoot, Nell Gee Everyone be sure to watch the Abilene Reporter-News on Saturdays after the business meeting. Each month in the Life section there will be something about our club in the part called Club News. Next meeting night will be March 5, 2007. See you there!! Norma CELEBRATIONS BIRTHDAYS GET WELL SOON Ernie Wright Dick McKissick Don Brenholtz Mar 8 Jerry Davis Mar 10 Markay Short Mar 13 Raymond Gutierrez Mar 15 Mike Baker Mar 25 James Stanford Mar 31 ANNIVERSARIES Tony and Judy Steele Mar 20
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2007 THE INFORMER Page 12 C T G M S PO Box 7343 Abilene, TX 79608-7343 Editor: Jerry Davis Email: jde@txol.net We are on the web: www.txol.net/rockclub CLUB OFFICERS FOR 2007 Test your skills and identify the following samples. Shown are examples of sard, carnelian, sardonyx, onyx, sardonyx rough, onyx rough, quartz, and chalcedony. A. B. C. D MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT The Central Texas Gem and Mineral Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of rocks, minerals and fossils. We offer field trips and provide educational opportunities and instruction to members in a variety of areas related to the Lapidary Arts and Jewelry making. We also award a scholarship to a student enrolled at a local college in a field closely related to geology. We provide educational displays related to this hobby at shows of a similar interest. - Jerry President.. Calvin Donaghey 325 695-1508 Past President. Carlos Talley 325 692-0063 Vice President. Gary Hudson 325 554-7804 Sec/Treasurer... Norma Ann Harrison 325 548-2199 Corresp Sec... Joyce Talley 325 692-0063 Editor Jerry Davis 254 643-4586 E. F. 10. Which sample is known as sardonyx? (See answers page 8) Committees/Chairpersons Show.. Sallie Lightfoot Field Trips Tony & Judy Steele Classes Zack Stockton Nominating. Bob Patterson Programs.. vacant Workshop. Gary Hudson and Mike Baker Club House and Grounds..Charlie Lightfoot Dealers for show. Tony & Judy Steele Budget Norma Ann Harrison Scholarship JoAn Wilks Show Demonstrations. Jerry Davis Silversmithing Classes - Jerry Davis G H. 1. Which samples are mainly quartz? 2. Which sample is onyx? 3. Which sample is onyx rough? 4. Which sample is agate? 5. Which sample is sard? 6. Which sample is sold as sardonyx agate? 7. Which sample is sardonyx rough? 8. Which sample is carnelian? 9. Which samples are in the chalcedony family? See the following references to settle arguments. Hall, Cally. Eyewitness Handbook on Gem Stones. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1994. Zim, Herbert. Rocks and Minerals. New York: Golden Press. Knophf, Alfred. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. New York Chanticleer Press, 1995. A R T I C L E S F O R T H E N E X T M O N T H S N E W S L E T T E R M U S T B E S U B M I T T E D B Y T H E 2 0 T H O F E A C H M O N T H.