President’s Message by Jan Longacrencgms.org/pdf_files/december_2010_web.pdfPersia, Australia, Mexico, and South America as well as our own Southwest. Evidence of its use for jewelry

Official Monthly Publication of the Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society

Volume 44, Number 12 Nevada City - Grass Valley, California December 2010

President’s Message by Jan Longacre

Here we are in December!! What a busy year and fast, I must be old since my Mom told me years go faster the older you get. Don't forget the potluck Christ-mas party and gift exchange. It will also be the installation of the officers for the new year. As of right now we still need a vice president, parlia-mentarian, newsletter editor, & federation di-rector. Thank you Nancy for taking member-ship. Dan Chaplin said he would be the vice pres. again if everyone will help with the pro-grams like has been done the last couple of years. It will be presented at the December meeting. Thanks to everyone for all you do for the good of the club, without you we wouldn't be. Merry Christmas to all.

Jan

Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society 1

December Calendar of Events

Dec 2 First Day of Hanukkah

Dec 7 Christmas Dinner/Party

Dec 7 Installation of Officers

Dec 21 Winter Begins

Dec 25 Christmas

Dec 31 New Years Eve

Last Month’s Program was about Yellow Cat Limb Casts

The November program was quite interesting. We saw a film about Yellow Cat agate limb casts. They are found in a very small area near Moab, Utah. The way they formed to make their unique color was what makes them stand out from other limb casts. The film went on to show how they are formed and polished to make beautiful specimens. Thanks to Julie-Anne Lay for getting the film and arranging for the program.

January’s Program will be about Meteorites

The world of meteorites is a mysterious and fasci-nating subject. Our January program will be pre-sented by an expert on the subject of meteorites and tektites. Tim Unruh will speak about meteorites and explain their origin, the material they are com-posed of, and much more about them. In addition to his slide presentation, Tim will also have some fabu-lous specimens to show. This program is the first that Tim presents; in the future, we may be able to arrange for more programs that include tektites and other rocks that resemble tektites. Don’t miss this interesting program!

What: Christmas Potluck/Party Where: Golden Empire Grange When: Tuesday, December 7th Time: 6:30 p.m. Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to feed about ten people. The club will provide turkey, ham, coffee, tea, water, place settings and all the trimmings. If you want another kind of drink, feel free to bring it. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift (under $10 or so). The gift should be suitable for either sex. If you bring a sex specific gift, mark it accordingly. We’ll play “pass the present” to the reading of “Twas the Night Be-fore Christmas”. There will also be a very short meeting to install the Officers for 2011. See you there!

2 Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society

Mary Tucker is our Sunshine reporter. Mary would like any news you would like to share with our members reported to her by calling (530) 265-8320.

Turquoise is one of the earliest used gemstones and is the one most worn in the United States. Turquoise is a soft, porous, opaque stone that ranges in color from blue to green. It is a mineral that is deposited by water solutions, and comes in various forms. It can be found in large pieces, but is most often found imbedded in veins of rock found near the surface. It is also found in the form of nuggets, and sometimes forms in cavities lined with quartz crystals. The color of turquoise is determined by its ingredients. A combination of copper and aluminum produces a blue stone, while copper and iron can make it green instead. Some turquoise is one solid color, but not often, and that is what makes it so unique. Factors effecting the appearance other than color include inclusions, impurities, and the environment while it developed. Most people think that turquoise is found only in the United States, but it comes from many locations around the world. It can be found in Tibet, China, Persia, Australia, Mexico, and South America as well as our own Southwest. Evidence of its use for jewelry dates back to the Egyptians, some 70 centuries ago. Turquoise jewelry was found on the arm of a mummified Egyptian queen.

Turquoise is a favorite stone of the Native Americans. Some Southwest turquoise mines were worked by them before the time of Christ. They create many beautiful styles of jewelry, setting the turquoise in silver. Many fortunate people own and wear this wonderful jewelry. Some have learned to create their own unique turquoise jewelry. Most turquoise is set in silver, however it also looks elegant when set in gold.

By Jonathan North

December Birthstone is Turquoise

ROCK WRITINGS December 2010

Guess everyone is doing well, as our Sunshine Lady had nothing to report.

Shop Tip Polishing a stone all over, front, back, and edges,

acts as a sealer. It seals and keeps the water in opal; it prevents natural corrosion in rhodonite (that corrodes to a black ore called wad) and it helps stop the absorption of harmful substances such as per-spiration.

The Ammonite 6/94, via Beehive Buzzer 8/97 via News & Views 9/97

Dec 02 – Janelle Pattee Dec 06 – Julie-Anne Lay Dec 12 – Jim Brower Dec 19 – Anna Woodhall Dec 20 – Karen Rynberg Dec 21 – Gerry King Dec 26 – Linda Chaplin Dec 28 – Marty Patton

December

Birthdays

Jesus is the reason

for the season!

Shop Tip Palm root can be cut at different angles to get

different effect. Cutting across the roots will show the round eye with the colored center and right around it. Cutting along the root will expose a wood grain surface.

San Diego Lapidary Soc. 10/95, via Beehive Buzzer 8/97


Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2010 Meeting called to order by President Jan Longacre at 6:05pm Members present: Vicki Black, Dan Chaplin, Joyce Em-erson, Snakes Hoffman, Todd Lawson, Julie-Anne Lay, Jan Longacre, Kim Moore, and Jonathan North Minutes from October Board meeting: Approved as printed in bulletin Treasurer’s Report: Accounts healthy. Todd brought detailed income/expense figures for the Show which showed a positive balance. Club liability insurance changed to The Grange from the Veteran’s Hall. Dona-tion of $50 to the CFMS Endowment fund in memory of Bill Budd and Doris Patrick approved. Payment of $166 for officer pins and bars approved. Correspondence: Sierra College scholarship letter to renew the award. The Board decided to withdraw the money and award to a different scholarship program. Todd will try and get the money back. Chamber of Com-merce event publication for 2011 given to Kim and Joyce to advertise next year’s show. Committee Reports: Membership: Membership renewals for 2011 are being accepted. Jonathan has printed the cards for 2011 and Nancy Spurgeon is getting ready to take over. Bulletin: A new bulletin editor is needed. December will be Jonathan’s last issue. Field Trips: Roseville Rockrollers trip to Hawthorne in October was very successful with fantastic weather and great collecting. Upcoming trips are in the bulletin. Vicki will attend the coop meeting on November 6th to put to-gether the 2011 coop field trip calendar. Our club will lead a Co-op trip to Chalk Mtn, Middlegate, NV for miner-als and fossils with possible additional trips to Tuledad Canyon and Fernley for agates. Federation: Jonathan will attend the CFMS meeting on Nov 11th/12th. Need volunteer to take over this important position which involves attending 2 meetings per year in May/June and November. Historian: Recent newspaper articles on Bill Sagasar and the Show. Show Chairman: Great Show with good member par-ticipation and lots of help from the juniors. Next year’s dates, Nov 8th/9th. Not certain if the same catering will be back next year but Kim will look into renting the food ven-dor window outside the building as an alternative site for the food vendor. The equipment trailer will need some repairs Webmaster: Todd Lawson will be taking over the web-site beginning in January. Picnic: No report Program: Next month – holiday potluck and installa-tion. Continuing Business: None New Business: Vicki brought a sample of a stainless


steel travel mug that we can have personalized with the club logo and individual’s name. The Board agreed the club should collect pre-orders from those interested and then order a case of 24, extras can be sold at the Show. Julie-Anne got prices for club t-shirts and sweatshirts from a local business and offered to collect pre-orders and place an order in January. Todd Lawson made sign up sheets on several topics (jewelry making, faceting, rock polishing, tumbling, knapping and gold panning/ prospecting) to see if there would be any interest among members to try and get a class together. Meeting adjourned: 7:55pm

Respectfully Submitted, Julie-Anne Lay, Secretary,

Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society

TRAVEL MUG ORDERS

Very nice stainless steel, inside and out, Travel Mugs are now available to our club members for only $12.00.

They have our Club Logo on the front with the Rock-hound logo (rock pick and Rockhound inside a yel-low circle) printed on the backside. You can have it personalized with your name at no extra cost.

We will have signups at our December and January meetings.

Any questions you can call Vicki Black at (530) 273-8995.

Rock Writings Editor Jon North Retires

After taking over the Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society bulletin, Rock Writings, in November 2009, Editor Jon North has announced his retirement from the editor position effective with this December 2010 issue of the bulletin.

Jon took over the bulletin as an interim editor until someone else volunteered for the job. Sad to say, in over a year, no one stepped up to take on the task.

Prior to being the present editor, Jon was the editor from 1997 to 2000, and again from 2003 thru 2006.

Having a society bulletin is quite important to the membership. It not only keeps members informed on the activities of the society, but also what is go-ing on with the Federation and other useful informa-tion. If you are interested in supporting your society and playing a major role in the society’s success, become the editor. Contact President Longacre.



Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society General Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2010 Meeting called to order by President Jan Longacre at 7:05 pm Pledge of Allegiance Attendance: 24 members and 1 guest Sunshine: No report Birthdays : Happy Birthday to all the November birth-days Program: Yellow cat redwood limb casts DVD Minutes from October meeting: Approved as printed in bulletin. Treasurer’s Report: Show was a success and showed a good profit. Accounts healthy. Correspondence: Show flyers Committee Reports: Membership: Nancy Spurgeon is taking over from Jonathan North in 2011. Accepting membership renewals for 2011. Bulletin: December issue will be the last one by Jona-than North. Need volunteer to take over. Field Trips: Recent field trip to Hawthorne was a great success with excellent samples of garnet, epidote and topaz collected. Co-op meeting is on Nov 6th to make 2011 field trip schedule. Roseville Rockrollers are plan-ning to go to Topaz Mountain, Utah April 20-24th, 2011. Our club is planning a Co-op trip to Chalk Mountain for minerals, fluorescents and fossils in June 2011. Other NCGMS trips could include Tuledad Canyon for agates and Talipoosa Mountain, Fernley for agates. On Nov 7th there is a field trip to Black Butte Reservoir details in bul-letin. Federation: Jonathan will attend director’s meeting in Visalia Nov 12th. Need volunteer to fill this position. CFMS raffle tickets to win week at Camp Paradise still on sale, the drawing will be next May/June. Show Chairman: Kim said a big thanks to everyone who helped out and made it such a successful show. The juniors, supervised by Melba, especially did a good job. Next year’s show will be Oct 8/9th and the display will be of fossils. Webmaster: No report Hospitality: Melba would like a volunteer to take the garbage home to dispose of after the meeting. Historian: Newspaper articles about Bill Sagasar and about the Show on table to share. Picnic: No report Program: Next month will be the Holiday Pot Luck at 6:30pm. The Club will provide the turkey, bring a side dish or dessert to share. There will be a gift exchange – bring a wrapped gift $10 or under to participate. There will be a presentation of badges earned by the junior members. Installation of Officers will also take place. Continuing Business: The election for 2011 Officers was carried out. There were no new nominations for any of the offices. All current officers were willing to stand for

Metamorphosis Of A Female Rockhound

(A Magic Witch)

On meeting night she’s a woman of fashion,

Her make-up’s right; she is real dashin’ Each curl is set, each hair in place.

All dressed up in silk and lace.

She greets me with a familiar air— I know I’ve met her, but when or where?

I look at her and I rack my brain Till my mind’s a-whirl with added strain.

My mind’s a blank and my memory demolished

Until she says, “Did your rock get polished?” Aha! I have it! The last field trip!

This must be the dame who looked like a drip!

Her hair was wind blown, her face was dirty. Nothing about her would make you feel flirty.

Metamorphosis for sure! “Oh can this be The gal who dug along side of me?"

via Sooner Rockologist 1/97 & Shawinish Roktawk 4/97

QUARRY QUIPS 10/98 Via Beehive Buzzer 10/01

reelection. Jonathan North and Kim Moore voiced their objection to the Vice President requiring assistance in providing programs for each meeting as stated in the By-Laws. Dan Chaplin withdrew his nomination. All officers were reelected with the Vice President position remaining vacant : President, Jan Longacre; Treasurer, Todd Law-son; Secretary, Julie-Anne Lay; Directors: Kim Moore, Snakes Hoffman, Terry Bartels. New Business: Todd Lawson put together sign up sheets on a variety of areas of interest (jewelry making, faceting, rock polishing, tumbling, knapping and gold pan-ning/ prospecting) – and if there is enough interest maybe the club can organize a class. Vicki Black asked if any members would be interested in personalized insulated mugs with the club logo on – price $12.50. She will con-tinue to take orders at next meeting. Julie-Anne Lay is taking orders for anyone interested in a club t-shirt (long or short sleeved, $10-$12) or sweatshirt ($15-$20). Sutter Buttes GMS show on Nov 13/14th in Yuba City. Some-one at the Show gave Todd information about assorted Highland Park lapidary equipment for sale anyone inter-ested contact him. Meeting adjourned: 8:45pm

Respectfully Submitted, Julie-Anne Lay, Secretary,


As this is my last newsletter article as President, I’d like to share some observations that I’ve made during the year. Past: Our Federation exists today based upon a solid foundation of successes constructed by our predecessors. We owe each of them a debt of grati-tude that can best be expressed by building upon past efforts and successes and growing our individ-ual Societies and the Federation. Imagine starting your own business and building it up to be a very successful venture, only to have it fail shortly after ‘turning the reins’ over to someone else; what a dis-appointment! Conversely, there is no greater satis-faction than to have subsequent owners capitalize on the birth and growth of your business by bringing it to new heights. So, too, is it with our societies and the Federation. Not only should we ‘thank’ those who came before us; we need to show our sincerest appreciation by continuing their legacy. Present: I’ve found that members of most (if not all) societies are eager to learn new ideas and tools to make their jobs easier, our passion for rockhound-ing more fun and the shows more profitable. The challenge has always been to develop a system of ‘sharing’ this information and I’m proud to say that we are well on our way of using the Internet, modern technology and the Federation meetings and conventions to do just that. The ‘key’ is constant communications. When gathering email addresses for our new database, I was often surprised to find societies for which there was no way to contact them except by US postal mail. The information on the Federation’s website was either inaccurate or incomplete; all the more reason to capitalize on the new technologies! Future: Looking ahead, I am very excited about the future of our Federation! We are indeed fortu-nate to have incoming officers and directors who are talented, motivated and energized to make their contributions and continue leading us to future successes. Please give them your support at every opportunity.



CFMS

PRESIDENT’S

MESSAGE Grow the Federation!

By Fred Ott

Thank you for allowing me to be the CFMS Presi-dent this year. Remember: rockhounding is MORE than a hobby; it’s a PASSION!

Fred Ott, President 2010

From CFMS Newsletter, 12/2010

Something to Think About by Bob Miller, AFMS President

How often have you noticed at a club meeting that a member will stand up with an idea and mention that "Somebody", should do it? I would like to share a short story about "Somebody" that I read in The Rockhounder, an Eastern Federation club bulletin. I got their permission to use the story. Once upon a time there were four people. Their names were Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody. Whenever there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it. So consequently Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place. Sound familiar ? Instead how about "I have an idea and I will do it". December is the end of the calender year and is also known as the season for giving. A couple of suggestions that "Anybody" could use would be a gift subscription to Rock and Gem Magazine, the official magazine of AFMS that contains lots of tips and articles about the hobby, or a membership in ALAA (American Lands Access Association) the organization that is working to keep our collecting rights from disappearing. Other ideas might include subscriptions to Rocks and Minerals or Mineralogical Record magazines or, for your editor, a membership in S.C.R.I.B.E. With that in mind I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a happy, healthy and a prosperous new year. Cheerz, Bob

AFMS Newsletter, December 2010



Fall CFMS Directors Meeting by Jonathan North, Federation Director

I recently returned from the Fall CFMS Directors Meeting in Visalia. I arrived on Friday in time to attend the Cracker Barrel, which is an informal get together the eve-ning before the Director’s Meeting on Saturday.

Directors Meeting:

Call to order was at 9:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted followed by the invocation. During the “In Memoriam” segment, Nevada County Gem and Mineral Society announced that our last charter member, Doris Patrick, had passed away at the age of 106. Bill Budd’s passing was also announced. Note: There was a large number of “In memoriam” society members mentioned. Following all the formalities, a quorum was confirmed with all the Officers, Committees and 65 societies in at-tendance.

Actions of the Executive Committee were reviewed and voted on. These included:

• To accept the donation of 34 exhibit cases from the Napa Valley Mineral Society.

• That the Executive Committee would have their mid-year meeting on March 13, 2011 at the Motherlode Show at 2:00 p.m.

• To revise the By-Laws to allow the Executive Com-mittee have the authority to receive, approve or dis-approve applications for societies wishing to join CFMS. Also to accept required dues or prorated dues depending upon when they apply for member-ship.

• Recommends reinstituting the 50-year anniversary certificate to societies.

The Treasurers Report was provided and approved.

There were no applications for CFMS membership.

The report of the 2010 combined AFMS/CFMS show in La Habra, put on by the North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society. It was quite successful.

There was a report for the 2011 CFMS show put on by the Superior California Gem & Mineral Association. “Northern California Treasures” will be held at the fair-grounds in Anderson. The show is progressing well.

There are no bids for the 2012 CFMS show. CFMS will have to attempt putting on a show themselves if no one steps up.

For 2013, a bid to do the show was submitted by three clubs together. They are Ventura/Oxnard/Conejo socie-ties, and the show would be at the Ventura Fairgrounds.

The Nominating Committee introduced the 2011 nomi-

nees and there being no positions in contention, they were voted in by acclamation. New Officers are as fol-lows: President: Jim Brace-Thompson, 1st Vice Presi-dent: Susan Chaisson-Walblom, 2nd Vice President: Bud McMillian, Treasurer: Tom Burchard and Secretar: Jennifer Haley. Topping off the compliment of officers is Executive Secretary: Pat LaRue. The 2011 Nominating was also elected.

Next came the Committee Reports. The following are highlights that may be of interest to club members:

• All American Award Program Report: Two clubs sub-mitted entries this year. Ventura Gem and Mineral Society and Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society. In CFMS judging, both societies were rated with Gold awards. Ventura edged out Sutter Buttes so they got the plaque and Sutter Buttes got a certificate. In the AFMS judging, Ventura won the Gold and Sutter Buttes got the Silver. All clubs are urged to enter, as it is a good way to have your club recognized and is also a great historical record of your club.

• Newsletter Editor: Pat LaRue will be doing the CFMS Newsletter for 2011.

• Earth Science: Chairman Marion Roberts reported that Camp Paradise will be moved back to Septem-ber. Zzyzx will be starting March 27, 2011. RV’ers are encouraged and will receive a $50.00 reduction in fees since it is a dry camp.

• Education Through Sharing: Chairperson Loretta Ogden urged societies to recognize their members that contribute their time and talents to their club or the community.

• Endowment Fund: Earnings were reported and nu-merous societies were listed for their donations. Jon North presented a check for $50.00 from Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society in memory of Doris Patrick and Bill Budd.

• Insurance: Be sure forms are submitted along with membership count and dues no later than December 31st.

• CFMS Web Site: Merryan O’Neil will become the new Webmaster, with the help of Terry Yoschak and

• Camp Paradise Raffle Ticket Drawing: Tickets will remain on sale with the drawing at the next CFMS Directors Meeting during the show in Anderson.

• Slide, Video and CD-ROM Report: The current cata-log is available on the CFMS website under the manuals category. The correct phone number for the Chairperson Kathy Duncan is (530) 327-7909.

• Juniors that exhibit in CFMS shows will now compete for the same awards as adults. Juniors exhibiting at the 2011 show in Anderson will be eligible for a spe-cial award.



NEVADA COUNTY GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY 2011 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM

Please provide the following information along with the appropriate dues payment: Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Street City/State Zip Phone: ( __ __ __ ) __ __ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Email Address: _________________________________________________________________ (Email address will be part of Club Membership Roster unless omission is requested)

Type of membership (check one) Dues: _____ Adult 18 yrs. and older $20.00 per year _____Family $25.00 per year Receive your newsletter by email and deduct $5.00 from normal membership dues. Be sure to enter your email address above. I agree to receive the newsletter by email ( _______) Total amount paid: $ ______________ yes or no

It is Time to Renew Your Membership for 2011 Yes folks, it’s that time again! Time to renew your Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society Member-ship. Your dues fulfill a number of things: They pay your dues for our club, dues for AFMS and CFMS, Insurance for fieldtrips and other club activities, rent for our meeting hall, and to help produce our newsletter. We get a lot from such a small amount. When you look at it that way, don’t you get some real “Bang for you Buck?” Please fill out the below form and bring along with a check to the next General Membership Meeting or Mail to: Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society Membership Chairman P.O. Box 565 Nevada City, CA 95959-0565

Help us get a jump on NCGMS dues for 2011!

If your personal information is the same, just write SAME on the form, under your name(s)

Dues are due by January 1st, and must be paid no later than March 1st to remain a member in good standing and be listed in the 2011 Membership Roster and continue receiving the News-letter.

Thank you. Nancy Spurgeon, 2011 NCG&MS Membership Chairman



Earth’s Treasures 2010 Another show came and went with many good memories to go with it. Everyone jumped in from the very start and kept our show going like a smooth running ma-chine. Isn’t it a pleasure to look back and know that everyone was happy at the show’s end? Our visitors had many kind words, our dealers were even smiling with the welcome comment, “We want to come back again next year!” We hope they do...we’ll be ready for them.

(Photos by Jon North)

Field Trip Chair Report The recent CO-OP trip to Hawthorne and Mina, Ne-vada was well attended. Even the extreme portion of the trip on Friday was a convoy with 12 cars. Each site provided spectacular specimens, some of significant value. Kudos to Vicky Black from the Ne-vada County Society for finding the prized "Blue to-paz" and even more so for sharing! I believe that Gene Doyle from Roseville scored the most perfect and unusual amazonite specimen. Thanks to Dan Chaplin from Nevada County for having done some previous research and identifying a very rare garnet found at the Gold Bug mine, "Grandite". I believe that Lisa Giampietro and Eric Anspaugh from Rose-ville took the prize for the best epidote specimens. While both pieces were from the extreme ends of the possibly types found there, they were both mu-seum quality pieces. Thanks again to Vicky Black for leading us up to the "Ammonite Wall" in New York Canyon. What a true treasure, a myriad of in-tact fossils on a wall of rock the size of my living room! The road crew! Every one has complained about the washout on the west access to New York Canyon, however, with picks and shovels, the holes in the bed rock were filled and leveled making it passable with any 4x4. The recent casual mining activities at the "Black Widow" turquoise mine left a lot of easy material to gather, ready to cut, natural turquoise. Rob Blazina probably has the best piece of variscite. I am sure he will bring it to the next meet-ing to show off, one of the best nodules I have seen from Nevada. All in all, it was great weather, only two tires were punched, no souls lost, and some of the finest rock hounds "hounded" some of the finest rocks the earth has to offer! PS, I won $200 on the way in to breakfast, so what a great weekend!

-- Jim Hutchings

From Roseville Rollin’ Rock, Nov 2010



BE SAFE – BE WELL Don Monroe & Linda Behr SFMS Safety Chairs

from Lodestar, September 2010

Lapidary not Rapidary

Whether you do Lapidary Work or purchase items produced by lapidarists, you will often see jewelry that is not well done. This jewelry frequently suffers from a lack of attention and has obviously not re-ceived care when being fabricated because the craftsperson was in a hurry and did not concentrate on his task.

A careful evaluation of a piece of jewelry may show soldered joints that do not fit closely together or demonstrate poor soldering technique. Sometimes the piece may show that it has been overheated or too much solder or the wrong solder has been used. At times we may see an item of jewelry that shows that too little solder may have been used but this is not often the case.

Why do crafts persons not do their very best all of the time? I really do not know the answer to this question but will offer the following suggestions. Some people have not received the proper training. They often think that making jewelry is really not complicated and they have not asked for help or do not know where to go to get training.

This is a sad situation because I believe that in every state in this great nation there is one or more Gem and Mineral Clubs or Lapidary Schools. These clubs and schools have knowledgeable members who can advise where to find instruction or, in many cases, can even provide instruction them-selves. Most of us involved in the hobby of lapidary truly want to see our hobby grow and prosper and will go out of our way to help beginners.

In addition to the quality and appearance factors, getting in too big a hurry has a lot of safety ramifica-tions. Just a casual visit to a lapidary class will often show just how careless some people can be. We have seen students and teachers set their work bench on fire. We have seen personnel lose control of their work piece while buffing or polishing which can definitely cause injury to the piece or the opera-tor. There is the potential for cuts, bruises and eye injuries and infrequently a broken finger.

We all need to slow down, concentrate on our work and be safe.

From AFMS Newsletter, December 2010

CO-OP MEMBER & OTHER

FIELD TRIPS FOR 2011

No trips scheduled until April 2011

January 15-16 2011, Exeter, CA Tule Gem & Mineral Society Exter Memorial Bldg. 324 N Kaweah (Hwy 65), Exter Hours: Sat. 10 - 5, Sun. 10-4 Marshall Havner (559) 562-4133 Charles Reed (559) 784-6394 Webpage: tulegem.org January 28,29 &30: Redlands, CA Mineralogical Society of Southern California Micromounters Symposium San Bernardino County Museum 2024 Orange Tree Hours: Fri. 5pm - 10pm; Sat. 9am - 10pm Sun. Field trip time to be set Dr. Robert Housley (714) 697-4435 e-mail: [email protected] Webpage: mineralsocal.org (click on micromoun-ters) February 18-27, 2011, Indio, CA San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Gem amp;& Mineral Building Bldg #1 46-350 Arabia Street Hours: 10 am - 10 pm Bert Grisham: (915) 849-1674 Email: [email protected] February 25, 26,27, 2011, Newark, CA Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley Newaro Pavilion 6430 Thornton Avenue Hours: Fri.and Sat. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm - Sun. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Lary Ham, show chair - (510) 887-9007 Email: [email protected] Website: /www.mgscv.org



February 25-26, 2011, Northridge, CA Del-Air Rockhounds Northridge United Methodist Church 9650 Reseda Blvd. Hours: Fri. 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Sat. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Chris S. Ward Email: [email protected] Website: delairrockhounds.blogspot.com

From CFMS Website December 2010

What Kind Of Rockhound Are You?

The Fortune Hunter - This rockhound sees poten-tial wealth in every pebble. You recognize him by his clutch on a new find. He has a greedy glitter in his eye as be asks, “What is this worth?” The beauty of the stone means nothing to him. First and fore-most is the monetary value. The Optimist - Called the Happy Hunter, this one is characterized by a cheerful disposition. Any colorful rock excites him. At once he sees in any rock, large or small, a gem of rare beauty. This type of rock-hound is fun on a rock hunt. A drenching rain only means that the rocks will show up better. Even when he finds nothing, he has relentless enthusi-asm. The Road Runner - No mountain trail or river bed for this roadside seeker. He operates with the rule - never look further than 12 feet from the car. Road runner depends on low cunning for his supply of rocks. By wearing flimsy shoes, he avoids sloshing along stream beds or climbing hills. By forgetting equipment, he plays on the sympathy of others who offer him part of their finds. The Smasher and Basher -This one is recognized by the trail of rubble he makes with his sledge ham-mer. As he goes into rock areas, he smashes and bashes at everything in sight. By the time he is done, there is nothing but worthless chips. This con-vinces him that the rock must have been originally unsound, anyway.

Scribe via Ft Lewis Rock Club News 6/01 via Golden Spike News 6/01

NEVADA COUNTY GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY IS A PROUD MEMBER OF: AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES, INC. (AFMS)

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES, INC. (CFMS)



Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society Meetings The Nevada County Gem and Mineral Society holds two meetings every month with certain exceptions. The membership is informed of exceptions during meetings and through Rock Writings. You are welcome to attend any meeting.

Executive Committee Meeting: First Tuesday of the month, 6:00 p.m. Golden Empire Grange Building 11363 Grange Ct., Grass Valley, CA

General Membership Meeting: First Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. Golden Empire Grange Building 11363 Grange Ct., Grass Valley, CA

Tues. Dec. 7, 2010

Membership Dues: Yearly membership dues for NCG&MS are $20.00 for singles and $25.00 for families. For more information or an application, contact Membership Chairman Jonathan North (916) 768-0137. *Deduct $5.00 if you receive your newsletter via email*

PERMISSION TO REPRINT ARTICLES IS GRANTED IF CREDITS ARE GIVEN.

ARTICLES WITH NO CREDITS ARE WRITTEN BY THE EDITOR, JONATHAN NORTH

Please send Exchange Newsletters & Newsletter Submissions to: Jonathan North, Editor 1440 Musgrave Drive, Roseville, CA 95747-6257 or Email: [email protected]


NCG&MS is a non-profit organization that has these objectives: ♦ to promote the study of mineralogy, geology and fossils. ♦ to encourage the collection of minerals and gems. ♦ to foster the study and practice of the lapidary arts. ♦ to provide field trips to mineral localities. ♦ to promote good fellowship, education and recreation.

2010 ELECTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jan Longacre

VICE PRESIDENT Dan Chaplin

SECRETARY Julie-Anne Lay

TREASURER Todd Lawson

DIRECTORS Kim Moore Snakes Hoffmann

Terry Bartels

2010 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS FEDERATION DIRECTOR Jonathan North

FIELD TRIP DIRECTORS Vicki Black Tony Kampitch

HISTORIAN Emma Lay

HOSPITALITY Melba Sagaser

LIBRARIAN Alex Lay

MEMBERSHIP Nancy Spurgeon

PARLIAMENTARIAN Vacant

CLUB PICNIC Anita Wald-Tuttle

JUNIOR PROGRAM CHAIRMAN Jennifer Wren

JUNIOR PROGRAM ASST. Melba Sagaser

PROGRAM Dan Chaplin

PUBLICITY Robert & Joyce Emerson Kim Moore

REFRESHMENTS Birthday Honorees

SHOW CHAIRMAN Kim Moore

SHOW CHAIRMAN, ASSISTANT Marty Patton

SHOW DEALER CHAIRMAN Joyce Emerson

SUNSHINE Mary Tucker

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Jonathan North

WEBMASTER http://www.ncgms.org/

First Class Mail

“Rock Writings”

Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society PO Box 565 Nevada City, CA 95959-0565

December 2010

General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

7:00 p.m.

Golden Empire Grange

11363 Grange Ct., Grass Valley

November Program

This is our Christmas Dinner/Party

And

Installation of 2011 Officers

** Bring a Friend! ** 12

Documents

President’s Message by Jan Longacrencgms.org/pdf_files/december_2010_web.pdfPersia, Australia, Mexico, and South America as well as our own Southwest. Evidence of its use for jewelry