1

No Stone

Unturned

KEN TIM

Above: Robbie, finding sapphires

Read his report inside.

Evening around the camp fire

Camping styles 1

FEBRUARY 2019

IT’S WHAT WE DO HERE

A VERY PEACEFUL, HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW

YEAR ,

WITH LOTS OF GOOD GEM FINDS,

TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

2 CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone: 0450 185 250

Email: cairnsmlc@gmail.com

Postal Address: PO Box 389, Westcourt. 4870. NQ

129 Mulgrave Road (in the Youth Centre Grounds)

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

President: Michael Hardcastle

Vice-president: Tammi Saal

Secretary: Jeanne Mora

Treasurer: Joe Venables

Assistant Secretary: Nicola Redgen

Assistant Treasurer: Marit Willemsen

Extra Members MC: Jan Saal

OTHER PERSONNEL:

Purchasing Officers: Jan Saal

Specimen Curator: David Croft

Specimen Tester: David Croft

Cabochon Instructor: Jodi Sawyer

Faceting Instructors: Jim Lidstone, Joe Ferk

Silver Instructors: Sylvia Rose, Jan Saal

Machinery Curators: David Croft,

Gem Testing: Vic Lahtinen

Librarian: David Croft

Facebook Admin: Tammi Saal

Webpage Admin: Nicky Redgen

QLACCA Delegate: position vacant

Youth Centre Rep: Bill Reece

Field Trip Advisor: Allan Gale

Special Events: Management Committee

Auditor: Carey Accountancy

Safety Officers positions vacant

Club Banking details for anyone wishing to pay

membership fees electronically:

Bendigo Bank SB: 633 000

Account Number: 6394 Gem Festival

Account Number: membership 6436

WE WISH TO THANK THE FEDERAL MEMBER

FOR LEICHHARDT, HON. WARREN ENSTCH,

FOR FACILITATING THE COPYING OF THIS

MAGAZINE.

CLUB HOURS:

Monday 4:00pm to 9:30 pm

Wednesday *8:30am to 12:30

*1:00pm to 4:00pm

Saturday *9:00am to 1:00

*12:00pm to 4:00pm

Workroom fees are $4 per session or part thereof

and must be paid before session begins.

The Club provides tuition in cabbing, faceting, sil-

ver-smithing and lost wax casting

Note: The Club is closed for all gazetted holidays

only and open on other club days

GENERAL MEETINGS:

General meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of each

month. When this is a public holiday, the meeting is

deferred until the following Saturday.

Note: Your Attendance at General Meetings

ensures that your voice will be heard when it

comes to making decisions concerning the

running of the club.

CLUB PURCHASING POLICY:

If you wish to purchase something on behalf of the

club, please notify a purchasing officer, Jan., Michael

or Jeanne

Magazine Editor and Publisher: Jeanne Mora

The Editor reserves the right to choose and edit all

material featured in this magazine.

Although all care is taken to ensure the accuracy

of the material herein, the Editor does not

accept responsibility for any inaccuracies which

may inadvertently occur.

3

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Hello Everyone, welcome back to the Cairns Mineral & Lapidary Club. I hope you have been

enjoying this great wet season rain and were not affected by any severe flooding.

A big welcome to our new members. You will meet people with similar interests who are willing to

share their knowledge in the creative activities available to you.

There will be a demonstration/workshop on how to do lost wax casting at home on Sunday, 24th February start-

ing at 9:30am and run by Trevor Hannam, in our club rooms.

Last month we had a presentation by Mike Rashleigh about the jades of the world. There were different types &

colours of rough and carved jade on display. Thank you Mike for the pieces of jade given to club members for

making into cabochons and for your very informative presentation.

Workrooms and workshops

On workshop on making a wire wrapped ring starts this Saturday 9th February, at 9:00am. This will take 1 or 2

sessions @ $4:00 /session plus the cost of the materials (yet to be finalised). Don’t miss this workshop as the

next silver workshop is at least two months away.

Learn how to make a beautiful silver bracelet in 2 to 3 sessions (depending on skill levels) for the cost of the work

sessions @ $4;00/ session plus the cost of the materials.

If you have completed a cabochon course, and want to learn how to set the cabochon in a bezel, register your

interest at the front counter.

There are three positions available in both the cabochon and faceting course.

To register your interest in doing courses in faceting, cabbing and silver work, please leave your name and

phone number at the front desk where you will placed on a waiting list. We will notify you as soon as a place

becomes available.

For lost wax casting, you need to order your waxes and the next date will be advertised or maybe, after seeing

Trevor’s presentation, you might have a go at lost wax casting at home.

Please be advised that if this year’s membership has not been paid ,

you will not be permitted to use he work rooms, as you will not be

covered by insurance.

I would like to thank the Management Committee, our instructors and

all members who volunteer their time helping to improve our club.

I look forward to a happy and productive New Year.

Michael

Jewellery makes a wonderful gift for someone

special on Valentine’s Day, Feb 14th

4

AROUND

THE

CLUB

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY BEST WISHES TO

all members born this month of including these that we

know about. Have a memorable day and year.

Gregory Brown, Damian De Sabbata, Karl Ford, Daniel

Dogget-Ford, Neil Grant, Ben Hogendorn, Stuart Howe,

Hirotaka Kurokawa, Jan Lidstone, Mike Rashleigh, Sharyn

Schubert, Leigh Twine, Carolyn Whittaker.

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS ;

Neil & Christine Mabbott, Shelley Callander, Nicole &

Shanae Thill, Anita Laarakker, Yana Kappel,

Please be sure to include them in all activities and dis-

cussions so they feel at home.

THANK YOU TO:-

Mike Rashleigh

who gave a very informative talk about ‘jade” throughout the

world. Jade is the name commonly given to nephrite or

jadeite. Mike had many samples and photos to illustrate his

information. He will be writing an article for “NSU” for March

Trevor Hannam

who has donated two gold nuggets, a pure silver ingot and

a also a silver mermaid pendant (holding a facetted ruby)

and silver earrings set with faceted ruby.

The mermaid was cast by Trevor using his home, flower pot

casting method ...proof positive of its effectiveness.

Trevor has also given the club the opportunity to serialise

his booklet “Steam Casting My Way”.

Trevor will be holding a Workshop/ Demonstration on

Stem Casting My Way at the club on Sunday 24th

February starting at 9:30 am

NOT TO BE MISSED

DATES TO REMEMBER: JANUARY

1 Management Committee Meeting 1:00

26 Australia Day.

26/28 Club Field Trip. Lava Plains

28 Australia Day Holiday Club Closed

FEBRUARY

2 Club Monthly Meeting 12:00 followed

by Gem Festival Committee Meeting &

BBQ

2 QLACCA Management Committee Meeting,

9 Workshop Wire Wrapped Ring see p10

14 Valentine’s Day

16 Silver Course Begins. (6 weeks)

19 Management Committee Meeting 1:00pm

23 QLACCA General Meeting, Gatton Gem

Show

23 Silver Course (continues)

23 Gatton Gem Show, Shire Hall, North St.

24 “Lost Wax Casting My Way” (Demonstration

by Trevor Hannam) starts at 9:30 am Sunday

24th Febuary

MARCH

1 Silver Course

2 Club Monthly Meeting 12:00 followed by

Gem Festival Meeting & BBQ

2/3 Nth Brisbane Gem & Jewel Fest, Bracken

Ridge State High School, Barfoot St.

Bracken Ridge

9 Silver Course

10 Sunday Slog

16 Silver Course

16 Management Committee Meeting 1:00pm

23 Silver Course

5 On the first day after his divorce,

he sadly packed his belongings

into boxes, crates and suitcases.

On the second day he had the

movers come and collect his things.

On the third day, he sat down for the last time at their

beautiful dining-room table, by candle-light; he put on

some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of

shrimp, a jar of caviar, a bottle of spring-water, 3 cans of

sardines.

When he'd finished, he went into each and every

room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimps dipped in

caviar, and some sardines into the hollow centre of the

curtain rods. He then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

On the fourth day, the wife came back with her

new boyfriend, and at first all was bliss.

Then, slowly, the house began to smell.

They tried everything; cleaning, mopping, and airing-

out the place. Vents were checked for dead rodents,

and carpets were steam cleaned. Air fresheners

were hung everywhere.

Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters,

during which time the two had to move out for a few

days, and in the end they even paid to replace the

expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked!...People

stopped coming over to visit.

Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit.

Finally, they couldn't take the stench any longer, and

decided they had to move, but a month later - even

though they'd cut their price in half - they couldn't find a

buyer for such a stinky house.

Word got out, and eventually even the local realtors

refused to return their calls.

Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, they

had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to

purchase a new place.

Then the ex called the woman and asked how things

were going. She told him the saga of the rotting house.

He listened politely and said that he missed his old

home terribly and would be willing to reduce his divorce

settlement in exchange for having the house.

Knowing he could have no idea how bad the smell really

was, she agreed on a price that was only 1/10th of what

the house had been worth ... but only if he would sign

the papers that very day.

He agreed, and within two hours her lawyers

delivered the completed paperwork.

A week later the woman and her boyfriend stood

smiling as they watched the

moving company pack

everything to take to their

new home and to spite the

ex-husband... they even

took the curtain rods.

I LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU?

Did you know..

That all the gold ever found everywhere on earth

would fill about 3 Olympic sized swimming pools?

6

Step 1: Make a strip of E4-1. It should be

somewhat longer than you want the final

chain to be. (as at left)

Step 2: Put a ring through two edge rings.

Step 2a: A close-up of how the rings

should be connected.

Step 3: Add another ring, above the ring

added in the previous.

Step 3a: A close-up of how the rings

should be arranged.

Dragon-back Chain Maille

Rings are 1.0mm wire in 5.0mm inside diameter

In Dragon-back, two strips of European 4 in 1 are lying on top

of each other.

This weave uses quite a lot of wire .

HINT

To make a chain that will withstand the rigors of

everyday wear, carefully solder each link as

you add it to the pattern. Use as little solder as

you can and clean off burrs as you go.

7

Step 4: Continue all the way across the side.

Step 5: Do the same thing on the other side…

Step 6: Adding rings all the way across…

Step 7: To the end of the side

Step 8: Now we can start adding E4-1 rings to the top to finish up the chain.

Step 9: All the way across…

8

A STEP BACK IN TIME

THE MOUNT PETER GOLD FIELD

In 1897, immigrant Peter Petersen and his wife , took up a newly developed cane farm at Sawmill Pocket at the

foot of a mountain, which later came to be known as Mount Peter. One day, while fetching a billy can of water

from the stream behind their hut, he picked up a piece of quartz with over 2 ounces of gold on one end.

Fearful of starting a gold rush with all its problems, he and his 4 sons, kept quiet about the find and prospected

with a partner called John McRobb for over ten years, until one of his sons discovered that McRobb had been

secretly selling gold to a Chinese buyer without Petersen’s knowledge. A serious fight ensured, with McRobb

announcing the find, but fearing for his life, took the first available ship to California.

A local gold rush began with many families setting up camps and feverishly pegging claims and leases. Bitter

arguments and fights over boundaries continued until the government officially declared the Mt Peter Provisional

Goldfield in 1913. Under the Mines Department administration, some order was established and gold production

monitored.

Up until that time, mining had consisted of “scratching”, “digging”, and “potholing” the surface and “gully raking”,

“stonepinching”, and “panning” the creeks and gullies for alluvial gold. Some very rich finds were made, with the

Specimen Hill Ridge producing well over 2,000 ounces alone. By 1914, most of the surface deposits had been

worked out and serious underground mining began.

The Petersen family were joined by the Jorgensen family from Victoria and before long they purchased a head

stamping battery, to crush and recover gold from all the mines on the field including their own. Towards 1930, with

the depth of the larger mines increasing, the gold became more difficult to recover using the basic plant on site,

and in 1935, after serious allegations by the miners that the battery operators were stealing their gold, the plant

was closed down. The next load of ore of 14 tons 4 hundredweight was then carted by horse and wagon to the

Edmonton Railway Station and railed to Chillagoe Smelters accompanied with two miners to guard it from theft. It

was successfully treated , recovering 31 ounces of gold worth £125/9/10. All production from this field was sent

away for treatment to either Chillagoe or the Venus Battery at Charters Towers, although in 1939, new owners

rebuilt the battery at Mt Peter and small amounts of ore from shallower mines were treated until 1941, when the

goldfield was closed due to the war effort. (continued next page)

Three views of Dragon-back Chainmail

Weave See pattern on previous two pages

9 From previous page

The battery was now stripped of “essential” metal and lining such as copper, brass and white metal bearings etc.

Mining resumed in 1946 with the re-opening of the Talisman, Mt Peter, Golden Crown and Golden Bar Mines and in

1947 the Lady Lynn, Good Return, Seaview and Mountview were also worked, with a small battery being set up at

Mountview. With low gold prices, most of these mines were left idle by mid 1949, with the exception of the

Talisman. The main shaft down to 300feet was accessed by ladders hung from chains fixed to the concrete collar

around the top of the shaft (60feet below the surface) and it took a good 15 minutes to climb down and even longer

to climb back up, with the haulway for winching up the ore, alongside.

However by 1950, the mine shaft required deepening to extend the life of the mine. New regulations required a

proper cage and approved winching machinery to be installed. To do this the shaft had to be widened for the full

depth of the mine, a very costly operation. The Mines Department was approached for a loan which was granted..

Unfortunately the owners chose to spend the loan to extend the top tunnel to link up with Black Snake Reef to find

more accessible gold but after many months of work the gold ran out and the Mines Department, discovering this

deception, was furious that the money had not been spent on what it was supposed to be spent on, and they

demanded repayment of the loan with interest and it is rumoured that the owners, unable to repay the loan, forfeited

the mine. They then returned with explosives and blew out the pillars alongside the main shaft, effectively closing the

mine.

Over the following years, a ten head battery was installed to try to get gold from the rock dumps This was

unsuccessful and eventually the gold field was abandoned.

Rising gold prices during the Middle East War saw a revival of interest in the field with small quantities of gold being

found. Exploration mining continued to 1997. Today the surrounding area is now classified a World Heritage site.

The recorded yield from the field is 8,876 ounces but taking into account the unrecorded finds, it was probably well

in excess of 12,000 ounces.

(The above information was taken from a leaflet published by Mark and Marlene...date and surnames unknown)

WRAPPED WIRE RINGS

On Saturday 9th February

Starting at 9:00 am

Sylvia will be leading a workshop creating Wrapped Wire Rings

These may be made from copper, silver or gold or a combination of two,

as in the illustration at left.

Cost of the Workshop is $4:00 a session plus materials you choose to use

Register at the front counter.

NOT TO BE MISSED

10

FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE (from the American Gem Society)

For individuals with February birthdays, the amethyst makes a perfect birthstone.

A beautiful purple quartz, the amethyst is an easily recognizable gem, but you may not

know everything about it just yet! Take a look below to learn more about the amethyst.

Amethyst is purple quartz and is a beautiful blend of violet and red that can be found in

every corner of the earth. The name comes from the Ancient Greek, derived from the

word “methustos,” which means “intoxicated.” Ancient wearers believed the gemstone could protect them from

drunkenness.

Amethyst, as previously mentioned, is composed of quartz, which is the second most abundant material found

in the Earth’s crust. Amethyst gets its colour from irradiation, iron impurities and the presence of trace

elements. Its hardness (a 7 on the Mohs scale) is the same as other quartz, which makes it a durable and

lasting option for jewellery.

While amethyst is most commonly recognized to be a purple colour, the gemstone can actually

range from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple that can read more blue or red, depending on

the light. Sometimes, even the same stone can have layers or colour variants, so the way the

gemstone is cut is important to the way the colour shows in a finished piece.

Amethyst often occurs in geodes or in the cavities of granitic rocks. It can be found all over the

world, including the United States, Canada Brazil and Zambia.

The amethyst is not only the February birthstone, it is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th

year of marriage.

Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of

Bacchus, also was said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gemstone

has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English regalia were even

decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewellery has been found and

dated as early as 2000 BC.

It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Some historical accounts

say that Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid. And for those familiar with Old

Testament history, amethyst was one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel.

For many years, amethyst was held to be one of the most precious gemstones, often favoured by royalty or

exclusively by the clergy as a symbol for the deity of Christ. It was even held for many years in the same regard

as the diamond. It wasn’t until the discovery of more abundant supplies of amethyst that it became a gemstone

enjoyed by more than just the wealthiest buyers.

Many wearers of amethyst throughout history and even today prize the gem for its symbolism as well as its

beauty. Leonard da Vinci once said that amethyst helps to quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts.

Other qualities like peace, stability, courage and strength are said to be derived from this gemstone.

Today, many wearers simply prize the amethyst for its beautiful shade and the way it complements both warm

and cool colours.

11

Whether you’re purchasing an amethyst for yourself or a loved one, you’re making an investment in beauty that will

stand the test of time. Amethyst makes a great gift for individuals born in February, or as a celebratory milestone for

a 6th or 17th wedding anniversary.

Of course, you may purchase amethyst “just because.” It’s a beautiful gemstone that ranges in colour from a light

pinkish violet to a deep red or blue purple violet and complements a number of metals and settings. It’s a durable

gemstone that works well with warm or cool colours, so it’s safe to say it goes well beyond special occasion jewelry

and can be worn every day, as well.

Next, check the colour of the stone. Amethyst often has “stripes” or layers of colour from how and

when it was formed, so it takes a skilled gemologist to cut and polish the stone to show the overall

colour of the stone evenly. Avoid brownish or rust coloured tints to the stone and be careful the

colour is not too deep or it can appear black in some lights.

Like diamonds, you can also look for clarity in an amethyst. Most gemologists will favour a richly

coloured stone with some minor inclusions (not eye-visible), since the colour of this gem is so highly prized. In lighter

coloured amethysts, visible inclusions will greatly reduce the value of the gemstone.

Since amethyst is relatively plentiful, the price differential in carat sizes isn’t usually terribly significant, so this can be

a great gemstone for statement jewellery pieces (though you may not be able to cost-effectively recreate some of

Elizabeth Taylor’s memorable amethyst jewellery or the “Kent Amethysts” owned by the British crown).

Larger rings, earrings or pendants can make a stunning addition to a jewellery collection, but even smaller

amethysts can be deeply and richly coloured, making subtler pieces beautiful, too.

Did you know that heating amethyst turns the specimen yellow ? (citrine)

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE WINNERS:

1. Prospectors pick, donated by Cairns Prospecting World, was won by Michael Hardcastle

2. Jeweller’s Loupe, donated by Mike Rashleigh, was

won by Lois Cross

3. Men’s Watch, donated by Allan Rose, was won by

Leigh Twine

4. Silver and cubic zicona Ring, donated by Bill Reece

won by Trevor Hannam

The club thanks all the donors for their generosity.

THE FIRST 20’S BOARD WAS SOLD OUT AND DRAWN

ON WEDNESDAY 23rd JANUARY.

The winner of $20 was Trevor Hannam. Well done Trev.

TRACKS

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

12

Following, is the first instalment of Trevor Hannam’s booklet “Casting My Way” showing how easy it is to

do lost wax casting at home with just a few tools.

We thank Trevor for this generous contribution which, doubtless, will be adopted by some club members.

Further instalments will be published in future issues of “No Stone Unturned”. For a small fee, the club can

run off a black and white copy for you.

Steam Casting My

Way

By Trevor Hannam Don’t miss Trevor’s Workshop/Demonstration on Sunday 24th

February, starting at 9:30am

in the club rooms

1

13

LOST WAX CASTING

By Trevor Hannam

Casting is for every one. It’s extremely easy to do and requires next to no outlay. The most expensive thing is the

hot plate and/or gas stove and even that can be scavenged.

I’m going to explain the use of a flower pot oven that I used for a number of years prior to my saving up to make

my own oven (refer page 3).

Lost wax casting is an old technique and requires very little skill. As the name implies, the wax model is lost after it

is heated which leaves an empty cavity within the mould. Metal is heated in a small depression on the mould

surface and is forced through the mould with a steam generator.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

• Oven - Flower Pot type, to be used on a hotplate or portable stove (refer page 3 & 8).

• Tongs or even a pair of kitchen tongs will do, but you will need leather gloves for these.

• A stainless steel flask 50mm long X 38mm (1 1/2”) wide. Any suitable tin container will do, as long as the

internal diameter is the same as the width of the ping pong ball.

• Steam Generator (how to make one - page 4..appearing in March “No Stone Unturned”)

• Ping Pong Balls (cut in halves) These will be our sprue support holders (refer page 4).

• Wax ring or other article of plastic or wax.

• Some wax strip or small round wax wires (if needed). Wax melted on a flat surface and cooled can be cut

into thin flat wires or flat strips as required.

• Casting Powder (investment powder*), scales, water and a mixing bowl.

• Stirring sticks such as paddle pops, spoons etc..

• 10 litre pail.

• Metal casting silver or old silver and/or old rings (not rhodium

coated.)

• Gas burner such as a good propane torch or Map gas (better).

• Steam generator - I will explain how to make one of these - Cheapo!

• Spirit burner and small knife to cut and melt wax.

• Borax powder - from any good hardware store or grocery shop..

• Methylated spirits used for dipping in the cast model.

• Roll of Gaffa Tape or 50mm Masking Tape

• An old saucepan and piece of fibro or brick (prevents any spills from molten metal)

*Avoid inhaling investment powder Use in an open air space and use water to clean up.

(NB Investment powder is NOT plaster of Paris) 2

14

HOW TO MAKE THE BURNOUT OVEN:

Clay pots are available from most hardware stores, like Bunning's and many Plant Nurseries.

The one shown in the photo is 117mm internal diameter X 110mm, but any size will do as long as it will fit over the

casting flask with plenty of head room.

Line the inside with aluminium foil as per the photo. This will retain heat within the pot and is required to ensure a

complete burnout of the wax.

You may have noticed a rough handle on the pot which I made to help with removal etc. You can also do this by

wrapping a bracing strap around the pot and screwing in a bolt and nut until tight (pretty rough, but works

extremely well).

Don’t forget to put a hole in the aluminium foil at the centre of the pot to give excess heat and air flow through the

burnout oven.

Bolt and nut threaded through

the timber and tightened. As

you tighten the nut the bracing

also gets tighter around the pot

and makes for a good handle.

Lining of the pot does not need to

be perfect. I have 3 layers just

pressed in and overlapped.

It is there to reflect the heat back

onto the flask and to retain heat.

(Part 2 will appear in the March “No

Stone Unturned”)

THIS BURNOUT OVEN WORKS A TREAT FOR WAX MODELS AND PLASTICS 3