Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Ca. October 2017, Volume 55, Issue 10

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1 K. Kish OGMS Editor P.O. Box 246 Oxnard, Ca Page 1

2 The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a non-profit organization formed to increase our knowledge in geology, mineralogy and other such related fields in the earth sciences. We classify, cut, grind and polish rocks and minerals for our personal collections and to display at club shows. We learn from each other through club speakers, programs and monthly fieldtrips. We co-operate with other clubs to encourage others to participate in our activity. The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a member of the State of California Federation of Mineralogical Society and the National Federation of Mineralogical Society. Meeting held: 1 st Wednesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. Potlucks: 6:30 P.M. Pebble Pups meet each month at 6:00 P.M. prior to the meeting Place: Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA (Thousand Oaks Room) Dues: $15.00 per adult; $2.00 per junior member (age 12 to 18 years) OGMS Officers for 2017 President Stephanie Hagiwara 1 st Vice President (Program) Stephanie Hagiwara 2 nd Vice President (Show) Diane Cook 3 rd Vice President (Field trips) Bob Driskell Recording Secretary Laura Driskell Treasurer Miriam Tetreault Appointed Officers Corresponding Secretary Laura Driskell info@oxnardgem.com Displays/Exhibits Open Editor Karen Kish info@oxnardgem.com Education Director Donna Knapton info:@oxnard.com Federation Director John Cook Historian open Hospitality Janice Albertsen Librarian Kathy Scharf Member at Large Adrian Ruiz Membership Secretary Carolyn Howe Publicity Stephanie Hagiwara Parliamentarian Pebble Pups Laura Driskell Louisa Carey Refreshments Scholarships Candy Marshall Kay Hara Sergeant at Arms Larry Knapton Webmaster Shop Steward Ways and Means Stephanie Hagiwara Jean psmith Larry Knapton Classes: Silversmithing & Casting: Nancy Bogart, Jean p-smith, Kirsten Meeker Lapidary, Opal & Wirewrap: Kay Hara, Brett Johnson Location: Durley Park, 950 West Hill Street, Oxnard, CA Editor: All members are encouraged to offer an article of interest or any suggestions as to what their interests are and what they d like to see in the Rock Bag. Remember it is your bulletin! Articles can be submitted by an attachment or in writing by the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Thanks, Editor Page 2

3 President s Message Fall has arrived and it is Trona time. The 76 th Annual Gem-O-Rama is fast approaching at Searles Lake. This month, OGMS members will be among the first to learn how pink halite research will be used in finding life on Mars. I have to say, anyone who also attends this year s Gem-O-Rama, will be a wellspring of knowledge for our fellow rockhounds. It is hard to top the opportunity to learn about and collect our Show s featured mineral as we get ready for our 2017 Show. I would like to thank Adrian Ruiz for his Tourmaline Presentation and leading the field trip to the mines. We are starting the process of nominating officers. Now is the time to let Carolyn Howe and Louisa Carey know if you are willing to serve as an officer. We can always use fresh ideas in making our club a fun place for everyone interested in all areas of our hobby. Stephanie Hagiwara - President October Program Pink Halite Bacteria In The Brine - Join us on October 4th, as Aaron J. Celestian, Ph.D., of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, gives us the latest research that is being conducted at Searles Lake, CA. Pink halite is more than a pretty rock salt. Here is a look at why Trona is such a unique place. Research at Trona is being used as a model for astrobiology and searching for life on Mars. Stephanie Hagiwara 1st VP Programs October Pebble Pups Program Calling all Pebble Pups! Wednesday October 4th 2017 Join us on October 4 th, as Aaron J Celestian PhD shares with the Pebble Pups about Pink Halite. Page 3

4 Field Trips 2017 Field Trip Information (by sponsoring club): (VGMS) Field Trip Leader; Luther Brown. Phone: (OGMS) Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society - or Facebook Field Trip page: Use the new sign-up page so we know you plan to come! Pick a trip, get location information, maps, and sign up! Upcoming Events Trona Gem-O-Rama, Searles Lake, CA October Saturday 7:30AM to 5PM - Sunday 7:30AM to 4PM SLG&MS Lapidary and Show Building Main St. (corner of Main & Trona Rd.) A fun, if messy, trip. Bring buckets, shovels, gloves, and clothes you don t mind throwing away (the salts destroy them). Halite, hanksite, trona and various other salt minerals will be collected. This is a FEE site. See flyer for more information at: 25th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival, Big Sur, CA October 6th-8th: Fri. (12am-6pm), Sat. (10am-6pm), Sun. (10am-5pm). DATES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED. Public event. There were extensive road closures due to rock slides; Hwy. 1 route is inaccessible. You will need to come from inland towards Hunter Liggett. Check their website for further information. Page 4

5 Rock Shows October 7-8: BORON, CA Mojave Mineralogical Society Boron Community Center John Street. Hours: 9-4 daily Contact: Bruce Davies, (760) Web Site: facebook.com/groups/mojavemin eralogicalsociety/ October 14-15: TRONA, CA Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society Gem Show Building Main Street Hours: Sat 7:30-5; Sun 7:30-4 Contact: Jim & Bonnie Fairchild, (760) Website: www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub October 7-8: GRASS VALLEY, CA Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society Nevada County Fairgrounds McCourtney Road Hours: 10-5 daily Contact: Anita Wald-Tuttle, (530) Website: October 21: WEST HILLS, CA Woodland Hills Rock Chippers First United Methodist Church Sherman Way Hours: 10-5 Contact: Virginia Rotramel, (951) Website: October 8: FALLBROOK, CA Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Building 123 West Alvarado Street Hours: 9-4 Contact: Janice Bricker, (760) Website: October 21-22: PLACERVILLE, CA El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society El Dorado County Fairgrounds 100 Placerville Drive Hours: 10-5 daily Contact: (530) Club Website: The Birthstone for October is Opal Source: File:10 7cts Brazilian Crystal Opal.jpg - Source: File:SLOVAKIAN OPAL 12.jpg - Page 5

6 TIPS FROM A JEWELER S BENCH BRAD SMITH LAYOUT TOOLS Dimensions on some features of a design can be fluid while others must be accurate for the design to work. When precision on a piece is important, good layout techniques are essential. These are the tools that I rely upon to get holes in the right place, to achieve correct angles, and to cut pieces the correct length. I like crisp sharp lines to follow, so I often coat surfaces with a dark marker and scribe my layout lines onto the metal. A square makes quick work of checking right angles or marking where to cut, and the thin center punch helps me mark a place to drill holes exactly where I want them. Finally, a good set of dividers is probably my favorite layout tool. They let me quickly mark a strip for cutting, swing an arc, and divide a line or curve into as many equal segments as I need. I keep at least one set of dividers in every toolbox. INVENTORY RECORD In an ideal world each of us has a complete pictorial record of all pieces of jewelry in our inventory. We use the pics for marketing, and we use the record for insurance. We use it to remember which items have been sent out on consignment, or we use it to mark which items we're taking to a show. And eventually, we note in the record the pieces that have sold. Unfortunately, we don t always have time to take good pictures of each piece for a detailed inventory. In situations like this I ve been able to make a quick group shot with the help of a smart phone, a camera, a scanner, or a color copier. The quality is more than sufficient to accurately identify the pieces. ========================================= Page 6

7 OGMS Library Book of the Month for October 2017 Title: Ghost Towns of the West Author: Sunset, Supervising Editor Jock McDowell Publisher: Lane Magazine & Book Company; 1971 The book of the month for October is a new addition to our library (thank you to Jean psmith). Although an older book, it is full of wonderful photos of the old west mining towns and the people who inhabited them trying to seek their fortune. It also has little snippets of the equipment and methods used to extract gold, silver, and copper from the western part of the United States. Some of these towns may no longer exist at all, and some could still have standing buildings that might make a good side trip on rock hounding ventures. This would also make a good book for our junior members to use a part of a report or just to gain education on mining life in the late 1800s. Take a few minutes to look over the OGMS Library at the next regular meeting Kathy Scharf, OGMS Librarian Show Meeting Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 pm - Everyone welcome to attend - the show is almost here and we could use all the help we can. We need volunteers to help fill rock bags please contact Diane (805) johndianedaisy@yahoo.com or Louisa (503) / big_i76&yahoo.com if you can help. Thanks 2017 OGMS Show Our Show is fast approaching. While it is still feels like summer, consider going through your rock pile for specimens for the Silent Auction and looking around for items for our Raffle. As you know, we showcase our hobby and educate the Public with our display cases. It is time to think about which of your rocks or projects to display this year. If you don t have enough items for a display, it can be included in the OGMS case. Just a thought, it is always fun to see the kids scurrying about the display cases looking for clues as part of the Pebble Pup Quiz. Come be part of the fun. Page 7

8 Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society Galaxy of Gems Expo 2017 DUE TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, OXNARD GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO EXHIBITS AND/OR THEIR CONTENTS. We would like to invites you to Exhibit at our 2017 Galaxy of Gems Expo. Our theme this year is TOURMALINE. The Show will be held on November 18th & 19th at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard). Set-up times for your case will be Friday, Nov. 17th between 1:00 pm & 9:30 pm and on Saturday before 9:00 am. Society guards will be on duty around the clock for security and members will be on hand to assist you in loading / unloading or in any other way that will make your stay enjoyable. A complimentary dinner will be served to exhibitors at 6:00 pm on Friday. Your exhibits must remain on display until the end of the expo on Sunday at 4:00 pm. We would be honored to have you take part in our Show and would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. Deadline to submit your Exhibit Form will be Nov. 8th. Please fill out and return the below entry form to: Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society c/o Brett Allen Johnson 5138 Corbina Way Oxnard, CA or the information below to: BJ9709@yahoo.com NAME: TEL: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: WILL EXHIBIT A TOTAL OF CASES. WISH TO BORROW OGMS CASES. (CASE INSIDES: 46inch x 22inch x 22in) HAVE OF MY OWN CASES, THEY ARE inch WIDE by inch DEEP MY OWN CASES WILL BE: BOX OR PONY UPRIGHT / FLAT A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY EXHIBITS: JOINING FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER? HOW MANY IN YOUR PARTY? Page 8

9 Minutes of the OGMS General Meeting, September 6, 2017 Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m., Stephanie Hagiwara, presiding. Pledge of Allegiance led by Larry Knapton, Sergeant at Arms. Stephanie called for any changes or comments to the Meeting Minutes from August. Kay Hara moved to approve the minutes as printed in the Rock Bag. Motion was seconded and approved. Programs, Stephanie: Tonight, Adrian Ruiz on Tourmaline mining. October, Aaron J. Celestian, Ph.D., of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, gives us the latest research that is being conducted at Searles Lake, CA. November, show mtg. December, holiday potluck. Many of our officers are at Camp Paradise. Refreshments tonight are by Janet Bergerson and Carolyn Howe. Thank you! October refreshment volunteers are Carolyn Howe and Louisa Carey. Correspondence: On back table, the cards we received from CFMS, Newsletters from CFMS and AFMS, and Lapidary Journal magazines that will be at the shop. Scholarship Chair: Kay Hara, discussed the changes being made at CSUCI. Brett Johnson suggests that the scholarship money sitting at CSUCI be requested and awarded to Oxnard College. Stephanie called for a motion to accomplish this. Brett Johnson moves to ask CSUCI for the refund of the moneys. The motion is seconded and approved. Louisa Carey moves to donate the scholarship money to Oxnard Community College in the names of Bill and Lois Allmen. The motion is seconded and approved. The Board will send a letter to each college notifying them of the decisions made. Refreshment Break, and Ways & Means raffle ticket sale. Drawing will be held after presentation. Program: Adrian Ruiz shared photos from various trips to the Ocean View and Himalayan Mines. He started going to the mines with daughter Emily about 7 years ago, and has had some great experiences camping with friends and collecting from the picking piles. It s important to be prepared for the trip, with sunscreen, a hat and neck towel, a carrying bucket or bag, gloves. Be ready to get dirty! The cost of going to the mines is about the same: $75 per person for about 4.5 to 5 hours of digging. The Himalayan mine does not require reservations, but the Ocean View does. The dates for the next trip is September Ways & Means drawing results: Badge Drawing, Ron Wise. Bonus Drawing, Adrian Ruiz, who donated it back. Next week, Wednesday, 9/13, Show Meeting, 6 p.m. and Board Meeting, 7 p.m. There being no further business, Stephanie adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary September 6, 2017 Page 9

10 Minutes of the September 13, 2017 OGMS Board Meeting Meeting called to order at 7:16 pm, Stephanie Hagiwara, presiding. In attendance: Stephanie Hagiwara, Louisa Carey, Diane Cook, John Cook, Carolyn Howe, Stephanie Hagiwara, Candy Marshall, Jean psmith, Adrian Ruiz, Kathy Scharf, and Miriam Tetreault. Board meeting minutes from July (no meeting in Aug) were printed in the Rock Bag. Motion to approve as printed (Miriam), seconded (Adrian), and passed. Officer Reports: 1. Programs, 1 st VP Stephanie Hagiwara: Program for October is Dr. Aaron Celestian, Ph.D, of the Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles, giving us the latest research that is being conducted at Searles Lake, CA. Research at Trona is being used as a model for astrobiology and searching for life on Mars. 2. Show, 2 nd VP Diane Cook: Show meeting held just before Board meeting; preparations are in progress. Table skirting to be addressed at next meeting. Next show meeting Oct 11 at 6:00 pm. 3. Field Trips, 3 rd VP, (Adrian Ruiz): Announced the tourmaline trip to San Diego scheduled in late Sep. 4. Recording/Corresponding Secretary: Laura Driskell: Not present. Notes taken by K. Scharf. 5. Treasurer, Miriam Tetreault: Discussion of bills and deposits, no outstanding checks. Motion (Adrian) to approve treasure s report and pay bills. Motion seconded (Jean) and approved. 6. Federation, John Cook. Will be attending the CFMS Semi-annual meeting in Visalia. 7. Library, Kathy Scharf: Researching replacement costs for each library item is in process. Jean donated a book and map on the Grand Canyon to the library. 8. Member-At-Large (Adrian Ruiz): Nothing to report. 9. Membership Secretary, Carolyn Howe: Reported membership numbers are currently 72 members (55 adults/17 junior members). Noted that the white (vs green) membership application forms only should be used. 10. Pebble Pups, Louisa Carey: Nothing specific to report; Louisa and Pups are having fun. 11. Refreshments, Candy Marshall: Need to purchase some supplies (e.g. for punch); ice machine at PAC is broken so ice needs to be brought in each time. 12. Scholarships. It was noted that at the last general meeting, the membership voted to move the Lois and Bill Allmen Memorial Scholarship from Channel Islands to Oxnard College due to the changes in how recipients are chosen. 13. Classes/Shop Steward, Jean psmith: Classes are underway and mostly full. Pests have been noted Page 10

11 at Durley; City notified and has sent pest control service to resolve. Fire extinguishers have been recharged. Would like to look into getting some new equipment (Stephanie); Diane to get quotes on 8 & 10-inch flat laps for later discussion. Jean would like to acknowledge the instructors. She requested a budget for a luncheon with instructors; motion made (Diane), seconded (Louisa), and passed. She would also like to look into getting some OGMS Instructor pins. OLD BUSINESS: By-Laws. There was a quick discussion of the latest version of the By-Laws. A few comments regarding resolving inconsistencies were noted. A time line for completion of this project to be developed. Membership packets. Discussed content/format of packets. Diane to provide some samples to help with the development of a packet. Vests. Discussion of whether to continue to have vests made or to purchase ready-made; it was determined to go with ready-made. Louisa and Diane to search for several websites to provide members as potential places for them to obtain vests, which can be either orange or denim; Pebble Pups vests are to be orange. The OGMS patches will be located and made available for sale to members to place on their vests. NEW BUSINESS: Elections for The nominating committee was established as Carolyn and Louisa; they will add another person as needed. Nominations to be presented in Oct general meeting, voting to be done at Nov general meeting, and officers to be installed at Dec general meeting. Announcements: Next Board Meeting date, 11 Oct, time: 7:00 pm. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kathy Sharf, Librarian Substituting for Secretary September 15, 2017 Page 11

12 A Rockhounding Class in Camarillo? By Jim Brace-Thompson, Museum & Educational Outreach We ve received a request from Emily Raab of the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District s Outdoor Education program. They ve established a new Nature Center at Camarillo Grove Park in an attempt to encourage more people to get outdoors and get in touch with nature, and they re sponsoring a series of classes on all topics related to the outdoors. They ve asked if we might provide a class or two on rockhounding during their Winter Quarter that runs January through March. Emily keyed into us thanks to our annual society and publicity exhibits at the Ventura County Fair, so it would seem that our efforts in assembling those exhibits does catch attention and pays off! We ll be touching base with Emily and determining a topic/s for a class or two and gathering more details. Via: Rockhound Rambling Sept Mineral Theft at the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum in Fallbrook, California Five significant tourmaline specimens along with other minerals and gems were stolen from Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum on 10 Sept Two of the specimens were shown in The Mineralogical Record Supplement, July-August, 2017 volume 48, number 4 (page 8). Please contact San Diego County Sheriff Dept at regarding information about suspicious items or possible leads. We appreciate your aid in spreading the word. The two tall Cryogenie tourmaline specimens are approximately 22 cm high. The 3rd (elbaite) is 17 cm tall. The museum can be reached at (closed Sunday-Wednesday); assistant curator Gina Palculich is the point of contact for theft and reward information. Museum address: 123 W. Alvarado St., Fallbrook, CA website: fgms.org Please be on the look out for these mineral specimens. American Lands Access Association, Inc. Page 12