general meeting president’s messagegamineral.org/_docs/2016apriltt.pdf · agates and jaspers....

The Georgia Mineral Society *Atlanta, Georgia* Volume MMXVI/four April 2016

General Meeting 7:30 PM Monday, April 4, 2016

The GMS Building 4138 Steve Reynolds Boulevard

Norcross, GA

An Interactive Picture Tour of My Favorite Agates & Jaspers

Speaker: Professor Dion Stewart Our speaker this month will be Dion Stewart. Dion is a professor in the geology department at the Georgia Perimeter College. His talk will cover the popular topic of agates and jaspers. Dion will be sharing about the different types of agates and jaspers and will take a look at many of the varieties that are famous in the rockhound community. The list covers several popular US and Mexican agates such as Fairburn, Lake Superior, Montana, Laguna, and Condor Agates. Along with a list of jaspers that include Willow Creek, Rain Forest, Ocean, and Polka Dot just to name a few. Come join us and learn more about this interesting topic that is such a hobby favorite to so many rockhounds. Tom Batcha, VP of Programs [email protected]

President’s Message Spring has sprung! Hope everyone has recovered from the change to daylight saving time! Now it is time to head outdoors to add to your collection – or to add to it at our show. We will be back in the newly-renovated Cobb County Civic Center – hope you have signed up to help. Remember, admission is free if you are helping at the show – OK, admission is free for everyone, but there are benefits if you help at the show, among them the chance to win a fabulous prize just for the members who help out. The more you work, the more entries you get in the drawing! There are sign-up sheets at the clubhouse for loading the trailer/set-up/take down and hospitality, and we will have one for the dealer dinner that happens on Thursday night before the show. And even before that, there is a chance to stuff grab bags to sell at the show and the other venues where we show others what we do as a club. Lori and Charles put together a fabulous DMC field trip to gather kyanite near Clarkesville, and everyone who came found some; the rockhounds I talked with really enjoyed it. I picked up many small pieces for grab bags, and am cleaning them now. When we went there last year, I found some nice cobbles I still need to clean, and some smaller pieces I plan to cab. This month we will be going to gather Summerville agate, and that is another fun trip. I always come home with some nice pieces to keep or cut, and some grab bag material. Another springtime activity is spring cleaning, and we will be doing that at the clubhouse this month, followed by an auction for the people who help with the cleaning – another opportunity to add to your collection, or get some tools or other hobby-related material – or maybe some that is not related! One time I bought a 6-pack of collectible bottles of coke – along with a few faceted emeralds – for a bargain price. You never know what may be included in an auction lot, which makes it even more fun! Hope you are making plans to come out for some fun activities this month – and to help with the show next month! Shelley Stubbs, GMS President

mailto:[email protected]

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The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. April 2016

The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. A Non-Profit Educational Organization

Eighty Years of Tradition Objective and Purpose

To Educate the Youth of the State and the Members of this Society

In the Field of Earth Science

AFMS Education - All American Club 2003

President

Shelley Stubbs [email protected]

Executive Vice President/Membership

Elizabeth Lamb [email protected]

Vice President Programs

Tom Batcha [email protected]

Secretary

Lizabeth McClain [email protected]

Treasurer

Mary Gurney [email protected]

Correspondence Secretary

Tom Bates [email protected]

Field Trip Chair

Charles Carter [email protected]

Facilities Chair

Bill Waggener [email protected]

Fossil Section Chair

Kim Cochran 770.979.8331

Gem Section Chair

Jay Gorday [email protected]

Junior Section Chair

Mary Gurney and Olga Jarrett

[email protected]

Micromount Section Chair

Dave Babulski [email protected]

Mineral Section Chair

Tom Batcha [email protected]

Sand Section Chair

Lori Carter [email protected]

Tips and Trips Editor

Lori Carter (substitute) [email protected]

Webmaster

Lori Carter [email protected]

Education Chair

Bill Waggener [email protected]

Trustee to 2016

Lizabeth McClain

Trustee to 2017

Kim Cochran 770.979.8331

Trustee to 2018

Olga Jarrett

Immediate Past President

Tom Batcha

Committee Chairs

Adopt-A-Highway

Casey Sosebee 706.635.3246

Awards Open for Volunteer

Carpool

Bill Waggener carpool@ gamineral.org

Curator Gem Box

Kim Cochran

770.979.8331

Historian

Roxanne Lopez

678.491.0489

Hospitality

Shirley Parker

404.906.3763

Librarian

George Prince

library@ gamineral.org

Parliamentarian

Open for Volunteer

Refreshments

Felicia Brown and Meagan Lafferty

Special Events

Tom Batcha

Sunshine

Susan Filak

404.634.6931

Telephone

Open for volunteer

SFMS Rep.

Dennis Buchanan

The article submittal due date for the May newsletter is

April 15, 2016

GENERAL MEETINGS

General meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. In the event that the first Monday is a holiday, the

meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month. General

meetings are held at the Georgia Mineral Society

4138 STEVE REYNOLDS BLVD NORCROSS, GA. 30093-3059

Any deviations from the above schedule will be announced in

Tips and Trips

The Georgia Mineral Society on the Internet: http://www.gamineral.org

E-mail Early Notification Program: A

field trip and club news update service. To join, members are requested to

send in their current e-mail address to: [email protected]

May Show Committee Chairs

Show Chair

Shelly Stubbs [email protected]

Dealer Chair

Lawrence Parker [email protected]

Exhibits

Martha Brown

770.448.0876

Demonstrations

Jay Gorday demos@ gamineral.org

Hospitality

Elizabeth Lamb

Treasurer

Mary Gurney

Advertising

Open for Volunteer

Dealer Dinner

Roxanne Lopez 678.491.0489

Database

Mary Porter

770.998.1018

Auction

Kim Cochran

770.979.8331

Set Up/ Take Down

Open for Volunteer

Announcements for educational publications, continuing education classes, and shows or exhibits are provided in Tips and Trips as a service to GMS members. Appearance of the above in Tips and Trips does not constitute an endorsement by GMS.





















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Sunshine News Dear Fellow Rockhounds, Happy Day! Please feel free to email me or phone me if you have anything you would like to share with other GMS members. My email is [email protected] and my phone number is 404-634-6931. All news is welcome! Thank you. Susan Filak, Sunshine Chair

Education Message Spring brings better weather and thoughts of anything but school. Regardless of distractions, classroom presentations keep being requested and STEM nights keep being scheduled. Many thanks to everyone who supports our education efforts. We look forward to the Elementary State Georgia Science Olympiad Rockhound event in May. The best students in the state gather to compare how well they know rocks and minerals. In May, we also “…educate the youth of the state and the members of the society…” during our Mothers’ Day Show. Learning and buying go hand in hand at the show. The Holly Camp Memorial Earth Science Minigrant program is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. Please remind your teachers to keep in mind projects and supplies for next year. Applications are due on or before 01 Sep 2016. Enjoy Spring and learn something new today. Yours in education, Bill Waggener, Education Chair

Facilities Message Please reserve 09 Apr 2016 for working on the GMS home. We will be cleaning up after the winter, inside and out. We will meet at 1000 at Steve Reynolds Boulevard for the work session, followed by pizza and auction for the worker bees at Kim’s. Plumbing repair is high on the agenda: sinks and toilets. If you see anything that needs work, please let me or any Board member know so we can have supplies on hand for repairs. The use of hand tools, 6-7 ft. ladders and cleaning supplies are appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Bill Waggener, Facilities Chair

Fossil Section Monday, April 11, 2016, 7:30 pm

GMS Building

Last month Lori Carter spoke about coprolites. In April, Martha Brown will be speaking about stromatolites. This should be a very interesting meeting. Please bring your examples for show and tell. Kim Cochran Fossil Chair

Gem Section It was good seeing everyone at the March Gem Section meeting. We discussed Gem identification. A special thanks goes to Dion Stewart for bringing his gem id equipment and showing us how they are used. Thanks to Kim Cochran also for bringing the GMS equipment. There is a lot to cover in Gem Id so we will have other sessions the schedule permits. This month’s meeting is April 25. Charles Carter is going to bring his tools and wire and show us how he wire-wraps stones. Put this date on your calendar. I hope to see everyone at the Gem Section Meeting. Jay Gorday [email protected]

Mineral Section Meeting Thursday, April 14, 2016 7:30pm

The GMS Building

Due to schedule conflicts the mineral section for April will be on the second Thursday of the month. The mineral group that will be our topic this month will be Zeolites. Some of the more common zeolites are analcime, chabazite, heulandite, mordenite, natrolite, phillipsite, and stilbite. Go to any rock show and you will see numerous zeolites coming from the Deccan Traps of India. This area is made up of solidified basalt covering 190,000 square miles and is 6500 feet thick. The cavities found in the basalt are a breeding ground for zeolites and their associated minerals. These zeolites are numerous and grow super-size.



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There are two areas in the United States with basalt formations that have in the past yield a good supply of zeolites. On the east coast are the trap rock quarries. The basalt formation forms a narrow line that begins in Western Massachusetts and meanders southward down to Northern Virginia with the most productive area being located around Paterson, New Jersey. In the Pacific Northwest we find the second zeolite rich area, the Columbia River Basalt Group. This formation covers a large portion of Oregon and Washington and has a good supply of zeolites. If you recall Julian Gray spoke of the large zeolite collection at the Rice Museum neat Portland, Oregon. Zeolites are not confined to just the basalt type formations. Locally zeolites have been collected in a number of the granite quarries in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. In Alabama zeolites are reported in the Meridian Sand of the Tallahatta Formation of the coastal plains. It sounds like a sand excursion may need to be considered. So mark the date on your calendar and come join us as we learn about this mineral group. Tom Batcha Mineral Section Chair [email protected]

April 10, 2016 The Junior Section

GMS Building 2:00 - 3:30 pm

With all the activities this month, the first Junior meeting will be April 10, 1016 at 2:00 – 3:30. We will become mineral detectives and conduct mineral tests to identify minerals. All juniors will get a mineral specimen to keep and a chance to win a prize box specimen! This is your chance to start a monthly meeting especially for juniors and their families. We had a great group of junior and adults (61 total) in our Easter Egg hunt! We identified our egg treasures, created wonderful sand art eggs, and got to see how smart our juniors were with the Rock Cycle game. There are many great events that juniors would enjoy this month. April 3rd GMS Members can make Beads of Courage. April 17th we are filling the grab bags for our May show. April 22-24th is the popular Graves Mountain field trip. We hope you can join us for more fun April 10th for our very first Junior Section Meeting! Email [email protected] if you have any questions Mary Gurney and Olga Jarrett Junior Section Co-Chairs

Beads of Courage Day Sunday, April 3, 2016

2:00 at the GMS Building

Twice a year, GMS members get together to make special beads for special children. The Beads of Courage organization provides beads to children undergoing medical treatments. For each procedure, the child receives a bead that represents that procedure, for example chemo treatments, drawing blood, clinic visits etc.

Each child in the program has a string of beads that mark all of the events in their courageous journey. Even their siblings receive beads for the support that only a sibling can provide. Parents receive a special butterfly bead when their child's journey ends too soon. For a major medical event like a surgery, children can choose a special bead from the "act of courage" beads. These are the beads that we will make. Dr. Robert Simmons, Beads of Courage Bead Donation Director and GMS member, will be there to tell us more about this wonderful program and help us make lots of beads. Participants are encouraged to donate polymer clay and to bring their creativity, tools, and compassion. If you don't have any clay or tools, don't worry. GMS will provide supplies too. This is a great activity for members of all ages including junior members! Volunteer your time to help this wonderful charity support these courageous children!

For more information about Beads of Courage and a CBS Sunday Morning video about the organization, please see their website: www.beadsofcourage.org Lori Carter [email protected]

Sand Section

In the March Sand Section meeting, we took a trip back in time and revisited some sand samples from 2012. I shared them before we started cataloging the GMS collection, so they were not in the collection yet. Members got samples of pyrite sand from Magnet Cove, Arkansas, green shale sand from the Green River in Kentucky, fossil dune sand from Albany, GA, weird little spheres from Douglas Lake, TN, and some sand from a kimberlite pipe from Norris Lake, TN. Dion Stewart shared sand from Cape San Blas, FL and Thom Hopen shared sand from Crescent Beach, FL.

We also received samples from recently donated sands. Rik Pampel gave us some black sand from Hawaii as well as sand from Grand Caymen Island. Mike Nagel collected some sand from San Juan Puerto Rico. And we finally finished cataloging another 14 sands from Bill Hart from last month! Thank you to everyone who shared sand with us!



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Tips and Trips


In the April Sand Section, continuing with the theme of the Tellus Science Museum mineral symposium, we will explore sands from pegmatites. Bring in sand you have collected from pegmatites or any other sand you would like to share. Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Time: 7:30 Location: GMS Building Topic: Pegmatite Sand Lori Carter Sand Section Chair [email protected]

New Members Levi Bare from Norcross, GA Sabrina Bare from Norcross, GA Lincoln Bare from Norcross, GA Josh Bare from Norcross, GA Amanda Bare from Norcross, GA Luann Bentley from Villa Rica, GA Tim Buchanan from Suwanee, GA Ruth Cassetty from Lafayette, TN Ronald Cassetty from Lafayette, TN Aneillo Feola from Chamblee, GA Tyler Feola from Chamblee, GA Rebecca Fields from Stone Mountain, GA Whitney Fields from Stone Mountain, GA Brian Gershon from Marietta, GA Dee Graham from Alpharetta, GA Tavenner Hall from Atlanta, GA Kathryn Harris from Dahlonega, GA Richard Harris from Dahlonega, GA James Naugher from Johns Creek, GA Charlie Naugher from Johns Creek, GA Greg Naugher from Johns Creek, GA Molly Naugher from Johns Creek, GA Thomas Naugher from Johns Creek, GA Mary Rauzi from Suwanee, GA Edna Rawlings from Alpharetta, GA C. J. Scott from Atlanta, GA Thad Starner from Atlanta, GA Alina Wargacki from Woodstock, GA Peter Wargacki from Woodstock, GA Jeannine Wargacki from Woodstock, GA Deana Welker from Lilburn, GA William Wood from Suwanee, GA Help me welcome the above new members to GMS. We hope you enjoy your membership and find many lovely rocks to adopt! Please introduce yourselves at meetings or on field trips to anyone you don’t know. Welcome aboard!!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You

Mar 27 Gabriel Ori [added by editor]

Apr 01 Sarah Spence Apr 03 William A. Sokol Apr 04 Bill Mayer Apr 05 Brodie Mullin, Susan Wunderlich and Donald Dudenhoeffer Apr 06 Dorothy J. Buchanan, Kathy Nagel and Joy Besner Apr 07 Paige Flores Apr 08 Kate Pittman Apr 11 Ian Sisk Apr 13 Robert Reiss and Dan Heller Apr 14 Nancy Mayo and Jeffrey Lennox Apr 17 Dennis Stahl and Ella Swiereczek Apr 18 James R. Flora Apr 19 Dr. Christopher Parks and Nat Nims Apr 20 Bram Herschel Apr 21 Rita Safiran and Richard Arnold Apr 22 Truman Whitaker and Vince Ampola Apr 24 Carmen Jones and Bill Waggener Apr 25 Shirley Parker and Charles Ray Buckels Apr 26 Mary Provost Apr 27 James Don Aldridge Apr 30 Joel Rodriguez Your birthstone is the diamond. The word comes from the Greek “adamas” meaning unconquerable. It was once used to protect the wearer and ward off evil spirits. Now it is beautiful and sparkly! And still unconquerable. Elizabeth Lamb, Membership Chair [email protected]



Tips and Trips


GMS FIELD TRIP Sunday, April 10, 2016

10:00 a.m. Eastern Time Summerville, GA

TRIP: GMS will hold a joint field trip with the Montgomery Gem & Mineral Society to Summerville, GA for lace agate. COLLECTING: Lace agate/chert. We will also have a side trip to a place where members can purchase rocks (mostly cutting material) from various estate sale acquisitions. BRING: Rock hammer, scratching tools, buckets, and paper for wrapping specimens. You will also need gloves, protective eyewear, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy boots with ankle support (hiking boots). As always bring plenty of water and some snacks. CHILDREN (Yes): This field trip is suitable for children of all ages but they must have adult supervision at all times. PETS (No): No pets allowed. FACILITIES (No): There are no facilities at the quarry. IMPORTANT: This is an active quarry. STAY AWAY from all heavy equipment, quarry machinery and any areas declared off limits. Any violation of this requirement could jeopardize future access to this site. DIRECTIONS AND WHERE TO MEET: Coordinates: 34°28'18.7"N 85°18'58.3"W (34.472073, -85.316207) 1) Take I-75 North to GA-140 (exit 306) and go west. 2) Go 16 miles to US-27 (GA-140 tees into US-27). 3) Turn right (north) and go approximately 11.5 miles. The meeting location is on the left, just past Sloppy Floyd State Park and the Forest Service building (Smokey Bear sign) Travel time using GMS as a reference point: From the GMS building at 4138 Steve Reynolds Boulevard, Norcross, GA to the meeting place in Summerville, GA is approximately 1.5 hours and 100 miles. If you are interested in carpooling on this trip, please contact Bill Waggener at [email protected] Charles Carter GMS Field Trip Chair Home: 770-998-7949 Cell: 770-891-5947 [email protected]

March GMS/DMC Field Trip Report Clarkesville, GA By Lori Carter

The March GMS field trip was also the March DMC field trip. GMS members were on hand to help give out goodies to field trip participants. Diana Poppelreuter baked allergy safe oatmeal cookies and brownies (yay!) and Shelley Stubbs brought a variety of nuts. We also had plenty of bananas and bottled water for everyone. Thanks to a soil analysis lab, we had over 30 buckets to give away to field trip participants too. Close to 100 people representing 14 clubs from the Southeast gathered together to collect kyanite blades and cobbles. The kyanite at this location has a blue gray color because of graphite inclusions. Blades were weathering out all over the place and a little digging yielded many larger blades and cobbles. Some beautiful specimens went home with some happy rockhounds. Everyone seemed pleased with their finds and enjoyed the opportunity to visit the location. Many thanks to the property owners who were extremely gracious allowing us to dig there. Thank you to all of the GMS members who came and helped make this another successful DMC field trip! For more pictures from the trip, please see the trip report on the website at www.gamineral.org



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IMPORTANT This notice was incorrect in the first

release of the newsletter. The following is the correct notice.

CCGMS March Field Trip April 16, 2016 9:30 am

Ladd's Mountain, Cartersville, GA This trip is limited to 24 participants and is full.

Please sign up for a spot on the waiting list.

Ladd’s Mountain, also known as Quarry Mountain,

is located in the Valley and Ridge Province of

Georgia and is situated in the Knox Dolomite

Formation. It was mined by Ladd Lime & Stone Co

from 1866 well into the 1900’s, producing

agricultural limestone, and asphalt filler. In the

later years of mining, dolomite was burned into high

purity magnesium lime which was used in baking

soda and produced the fizz for Coca Cola! When

mining the mountain extensive cave formations

were revealed.

COLLECT: Cave Onyx, Calcite, Aragonite,

and Dolomite. Cave formations and onyx can be

found loose in the dirt as well as in pockets in the

rock. The cave onyx is very pretty and can range in

colors from orange-red to creamy white and yellow.

It is easy to cut and polish. The cave onyx is

fluorescent and looks white in short-wave

ultraviolet light and phosphoresces blue when you

turn off your UV light.

BRING: You will need to bring a rock hammer and chisel, quart size plastic bags, and a scratching tool to surface collect. If you want to work a little harder, bring a sledge hammer and a smaller crack hammer for the larger boulders. You may also want to bring a pick and shovel to try to dig out any buried Onyx slabs that have fallen off the face of the cliffs. You will not be allowed inside the cave or on

the cliffs. Bring gloves, newspaper for wrapping finds,

a 5 gallon bucket, bug spray and plenty of water.

Please wear long slacks and sturdy shoes.

CHILDREN: 11 and older. No pets.

MEETING PLACE AND DIRECTIONS will be sent to

confirmed participants a week before the trip.

Releases will be signed at the meeting site.

CONTACT: CCGMS Field Trip Leader: Dion Stewart. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact CCGMS Field Trip Coordinator Toby Stewart at [email protected] or call her at 678-417-1786.

Photo circa 1930


Tips and Trips


An Official Field Trip of the Huntsville Gem &

Mineral Society (Huntsville, AL) (HOST) An Official Field Trip of the Georgia Mineral Society

Saturday, April 16, 2016 Hogg Mine

Troup County, GA 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fee Site TRIP: The Hogg Mine started out as the Oxford Mine in 1942 to mine beryl to produce beryllium. Commercial operations shut down in 1960. The site has been opened off and on since then for specimen mining and is currently managed by Chris Painter. It is a surface mine approximately 650 feet long with an east – west orientation. COLLECTING: The parking area is at the east end of the pit. As you enter the pit from the parking area there is a trench approximately 150 feet long and to your right. Here have been pockets of green Aquamarine beryl with some large single specimens. As you enter the main pit area, there is a tailing or spoils pile to your left that came out of the pit in front of you. There has been several large nice gemmy Aquamarine beryl specimens come from this area. The main pit in front of you has a plethora of treasures - Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, banded Quartz, Beryl in matrix with the quartz, Tourmaline in matrix with the quartz, etc. The last area of note is at the western end at the back of the pit. There has been a new smaller pit dug in the last year and some very nice Blue Aquamarine Beryl has been found. The new pit was dug because an old drilling report had indicated that Amethyst was found. There are pieces of Amethyst coming from the new pit. There is a small Tourmaline pit to the north east of the Parking Area. Note: An aerial map will be available for those that would like to have the above description annotated on the map. (A picture is worth a thousand words.) FEE: 17 years old and up is $35 per person, 16 years old and younger dig for free. The mine also cooks hamburgers and hot dogs and has drinks. Lunch plate is $8.00 TOOLS: Bring all the tools you have: pick, shovel, screen, rock hammer, hand sledge, rock chisel, bucket, hand cart, etc. The Hogg does sell some tools in limited quantities. It

would be a good idea to bring an extra change of clothes. The pit can be muddy and wet. DIRECTIONS AND WHERE TO MEET: Where we will meet: Meet at McDonald's at 2408 Whitesville St, LaGrange, GA 30240. This is at Exit 13 on Interstate 85 in LaGrange. When: I would suggest arriving at McDonalds as early as 8:00 am, although you can arrive earlier. This will give you time to pay and fill out the required paper work. At 8:15 am the first caravan will be going to the mine. The first to arrive and sign in will be in the first caravan. The mine is approximately 3 miles from McDonalds. If you do arrive late and no one from the mine is at McDonalds, text or call the number I have provided below. Directions and Drive Time: The best way to determine driving directions and time is to enter the McDonalds address above into the directions destination block in Google Maps and enter your home address in the starting point block. For hotel information please contact me. CONTACT: Brian Burgess Cell#: (256) 479-2993 Email: [email protected]

An Official Field Trip of the Jacksonville Gem &

Mineral Society (Jacksonville, FL) (HOST) An Official Field Trip of the Georgia Mineral Society

Saturday, April 23, 2016 Jacksons Crossroads Amethyst Mine

Wilkes County, GA 8:00 AM Fee Site

Trip: The Jacksons Crossroads Amethyst Mine of Wilkes Co. Georgia is the premier Amethyst locality in the United States. It consistently produces world class specimens and crystals that are justifiably celebrated for its pure rich purple color reflecting red and blue flashes. In 2008 the Jacksons Crossroads Amethyst Mine was included in the American Mineral Treasures as one of the most important collecting sites in American mineral history. Many museum quality specimens have been produced by this mine which now reside in museums and prestigious private collections across the world.


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COLLECTING: The North American Jacksons Crossroads JXR Georgia mine is known for producing high grade, dark purple with red flash collectible amethyst clusters, amethyst rough and amethyst mineral crystals. Other gemstone specimens such as clear quartz clusters form in our deposit as well. FEES: $20.00 per adult and children under 16 are $10.00 TOOLS: Boots. Rock hammers, picks, bamboo sticks (chop sticks) and wedges are needed for digging in piles and breaking open granite to find specimens. First aid kit. Water to keep hydrated and snacks. Sunscreen. Bucket for collecting. FACILITIES: There are Porta potties available and those who wish to camp can camp at Calaway plantation or there are hotels accommodations in Washington or Elberton GA. DIRECTIONS AND WHERE TO MEET: Where we will meet: we will meet at the mine at 8am where we will sign waivers upon arrival and the host director will review the rules then we will proceed to the dig site. Directions: From Tignall, turn off of HWY 17 onto Independence Rd. Head west on Independence rd. (Co. Rd. 184) about 7.8 miles and turn right at the church onto Hollis Norman Rd. The mine is the 2nd entrance on the right. CONTACT: James Webb 904-314-0303 [email protected] Note: The Graves Mountain Rock Swap & Dig is the same weekend, so since you will be in the area, you may want to take time to do both -- DMC

GRAVES MOUNTAIN ROCK SWAP & DIG Friday, Saturday, Sunday

April 22, 23, 24 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Graves Mountain, Lincolnton, GA

Graves Mountain is a premier mineral collection site in Georgia and caretaker Clarence Norman, Jr. is opening the mountain for a 3 day dig and rock swap. All participants must stop at the welcome table in the Hospitality tent to sign a liability release and make a small contribution to defray the cost of opening the mountain and providing port-o-lets. There will be several golf cart type, four wheeled vehicles available to transport those participants who have trouble walking long distances. The dig will cease and everyone is expected to be off the mountain by around 6 pm each day.

Participants will be allowed to park in a designated area on the mountain. Be sure to read the Graves Mountain Code of Conduct below before visiting this location! COLLECTING: Minerals that can be found there include lazulite, rutile, pyrophyllite, ilmenite, kyanite, iridescent hematite and numerous micro-minerals. FEE: No fee, but a contribution can be made at the hospitality tent where you must sign a liability release before you can begin collecting. BRING: Rock hammer, chisel, buckets, paper to wrap delicate specimens, and if you want to screen for rutile bring a shovel and a screen. Gloves, protective eyewear, hat, and sunscreen are important too. Remember to tip the drivers for their assistance. CHILDREN: This field trip is better for children 12 years and older and all children are required to have adult supervision at all times. ROCK SWAP AND HOT FOOD/DRINKS: Junior will set aside an area in the upper parking lot for tables to be set up for daily rock swaps. Anyone who would like to set up a table(s), please contact Junior at the phone numbers listed below. Hot food cooked on the grill, cold drinks, and chips will be available for purchase on the mountain during all three days of this event. DIRECTIONS: From Atlanta's I-85, take GA SR 316/78 to Athens. Turn right on SR 78/10 to Washington. Turn left onto SR 378/47 and drive 12 miles to the Graves Mountain area. The entrance to Graves Mountain is on your right about 8/10 mile past the Lincoln county line sign. The entrance is a paved road that goes through a gate and up a hill. Please park along the access road and then proceed to the "Welcome Tent" at the end of the pavement to obtain a liability release form and to make a donation for the portable bathrooms, etc.


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Tips and Trips


Graves Mountain code of conduct •Park your vehicle in the designated area (at the end of the paved access road but not much beyond the woods to the right of this road). •ALL CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED DURING THE "Rock Swap and Digs" IF EACH CHILD IS UNDER STRICT ADULT SUPERVISION! •ALL pets must be kept under control and on a leash. •The caretaker, Junior Norman, has final and absolute say as to where you may safely work. •Ladders or power tools of any kind will not be allowed. (HAND TOOLS ONLY!) •STAY AWAY FROM ALL HIGH WALLS!! •NO RAPELLING OFF OF ANYTHING! •NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLE ON ANY PART OF GRAVES MOUNTAIN BEYOND THE PARKING AREA! (The caretaker must accompany anyone driving beyond the parking area!) •EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE OFF THE MOUNTAIN BY DUSK. (Absolutely no one is allowed on Graves Mountain after dark.) CONTACT INFORMATION: Clarence Norman Jr. (Junior) - 706-359-1544 (his business) or 706-401-3173 (his cell) THIS DIG IS OPEN TO ALL. NO NEED TO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP FOR ALL "ROCK SWAP AND DIGS"!

May GMS “Epic” Field Trip Advance Registration/RSVP

TRIP: GMS will hold 4 special field trips to multiple locations in Tennessee and Mississippi to collect shattercones (meteorite impact related specimens); Lower Devonian trilobites, crinoids, and other marine fossils; various Upper Cretaceous fossils including sharks’ teeth,

mollusks, gastropods, brachiopods, etc.; Upper Cretaceous crab and other decapod fossils. Location 1 (Friday, May 20, 3pm): A small group will be given a tour of the Wells Creek Basin meteorite impact site and will be allowed to collect shattercones there. Because space is limited, registration is required. Location 2 (Saturday, May 21, 7am-1:00pm): We will be collecting trilobites and crinoids at the Vulcan Quarry in Parsons, TN. This is a famous fossil location that has been closed to collecting for many years. This is a very special opportunity to collect there, but we are allowed to have only 30 people and participants must be at least 18 years old. Because participation is limited, registration is required. We have made arrangements with the Commodore Hotel in Linden, TN for 10% off if you mention GMS: 931-589-3224 www.commodorehotellindentn.com/ Location 3 (Saturday, May 21, 4pm): We will be collecting Upper Cretaceous fossils including fossilized sharks’ teeth at 20 Mile Creek in Mississippi. Members of the North Mississippi Gem & Mineral Society will help us navigate this location and identify fossils for us. There is no limit to the number of participants so registration is not required, but RSVP only if you are planning to attend so we can send directions to you. Location 4 (Sunday, May 22, 9am): We will be collecting fossils from the Coon Creek Formation in Mississippi. Depending on his availability, George Phillips, Paleontology Curator at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, may lead us on a tour of the site. He can teach us about the formation as well as the crab and other decapod fossils found there. He is also willing to help identify fossils that we collect! There is no limit to the number of participants so registration is not required, but RSVP only if you are planning to attend so we can send directions to you. CHILDREN: With the exception of the Parsons Quarry, these field trips are suitable for children of all ages, but adult supervision is required. DETAILS: Details will be in the May Tips and Trips. To register, RSVP, or if you have any questions, send email to [email protected]

http://www.commodorehotellindentn.com/


Tips and Trips


May Mother’s Day Weekend Show Only one month left before our main fund-raiser of the year, our Mother’s Day show! If you have not already signed up to help, please consider what you can do: greet people and sell grab bags at our hospitality table; help with loading the trailer and setting up our displays at the show; demonstrate one of your special skills related to the hobby; fill a display case to educate people about our hobby; come to the auction at the show and bid on some super items; supply food for our dealer dinner; or attend the show and support our dealers, who in turn help to support our club. Admission is still free, so you can spend your money on the rocks you want to buy – and be entertained by Lawrence when he gives away the door prizes! And of course, there is that wonderful prize drawing for the members who help with the show! See you at the show – if not before! Shelley Stubbs, GMS Show Chair [email protected]

Demonstrations We need demonstrators for the Mother’s Day Show!! Share your talent with our visitors and other members at the show. I am putting the schedule together for the demos. We can schedule demos in one or two hour blocks, whatever works with your schedule. If you are interested in demonstrating, let me know the time you want and the subject and we will put you on the schedule. I have a GMS email for demos, [email protected] or call me at 770-634-6230. Thanks, Jay Gorday

Grab Bags I love March and April. If I am not on field trip with GMS, I am out on a field trip by myself or with a friend. There is always a new to spot to check out and always a rock with a crystal shape to find. In addition to crystals there are nodules and clear or translucent rocks, shiny rocks and rocks with solid color or swirls. Children love them all. AND, if you find extra, they all make great grab bag material. If you have material to donate it is always appreciated! If you have donations please bring to the general meeting on April 4th. If you have time please, please, please help fill bags on Sunday, April 17th at 1:00 pm at the GMS building. See you there, Ivy Edwards [email protected]

Volunteer!!!

It takes a lot of volunteers for a successful show. If we all do just a little bit, we can have one of the best shows ever! There are many volunteer openings available from loading/unloading, setting up and taking down, plus hospitality and bringing a dish for the dealer dinner. We also need volunteers to fill display cases with their favorite specimens and to demonstrate their rock-related skills. Thank you in advance!!! Please see the volunteer page for openings and to sign up on-line: http://www.gamineral.org/infovol.html#show




http://www.gamineral.org/infovol.html#show

Tips and Trips


Phil Herren Memorial Fund

GMS members would like to purchase equipment for the workshop in Phil's memory and a plaque will be displayed as a memorial to his devotion to lapidary arts at GMS. Donations will be accepted until the annual picnic on Saturday, June 4, 2016. Donations can be made with cash or check at the GMS building or on-line using a PayPal account, with a credit card through PayPal (no account necessary), or with an Amazon account. See the GMS website for details and to make a donation on-line: http://www.gamineral.org/memoriam/herren.html

Brad’s Bench Tips

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GRIPPING SMALL DRILLS Drilling small holes can be a problem. With drills that are less than 1 mm (18 gauge or .040 inches), some chucks will not tighten down well enough to hold the drill securely. The problem is easily solved in either of two ways - with a chuck adapter or by buying your small drills with a 3/32 inch shank size. Either way you have a large shank to be gripped in your drill press, Foredom or Dremel, so changing bits is fast and easy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PRE-MADE BEZEL CUPS As a general rule of thumb I assume it's going to take me 15 – 20 minutes to make a bezel for an ordinary cabochon, so for some projects buying pre-made cups can save a lot of time. But if you go this route, keep in mind three things. First, try to get cups made from fine silver, not sterling. Fine silver is softer and burnishes over the stone more easily. Second, you may have trouble matching the shape and size of the stone with the shape and size of the bezel cup. Purchased cups can only be found in a limited number of standard sizes. You may have to adjust your choice of gemstone to match the cup. The other consideration is that pre-made cups often have fairly low side walls. While these are fine for low-dome stones, they're not dependable for stones with steep side walls. Lastly before setting, check the fit of your gemstone in the cup, particularly around the bottom. The bottom corners of a stamped cup are much more rounded than a bezel you would fabricate yourself. This causes a problem with stones that have a sharp edge around the bottom. Burnishing the bezel over one of these stones will place a lot of stress on the stone and may cause it to crack. To avoid this, I round off the bottom edge of the stone with a diamond file (or use sandpaper on soft stones).

=============================================== "Bench Tips for Jewelry Making" and "Broom Casting for Creative Jewelry" are available on Amazon

http://www.gamineral.org/memoriam/herren.html

Tips and Trips


Up and Coming Shows

April 2016 1-3—HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA: 46th annual show; Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Hickory Metro Convention Center; 1960 13th Ave Dr, Interstate 40-exit 125; Fri. 9 -6 , Sat. 9 -6 , Sun. 10 -5 ; Adults/Seniors $5, Students/Children free admission; Club exhibits, feature exhibit NC emeralds, hourly door prizes, kiddie corner, mini mine. Grand door prize. ; contact Baxter Leonard, 2510 Rolling Ridge Dr, Hickory, NC 28602, (828)-320-4028; e-mail: [email protected] 1-3—RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: Annual show; Tar Heel Gem & Mineral Club, Kerr Scott bldg, NC Fairgrounds; Blue Ridge Road; Fri. 3-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; Free Admission; Club sponsored - Silent Auction. Rocks, fossils, gems, jewelry), Geode, Demonstration, Hospitality. Grab bags, rock candy, door prize tickets, club info, t-shirt sales. Interested in becoming a dealer at this show? Please email the chairperson for more information.; contact Cyndy Hummel, (919)-779-6220; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: tarheelclub.org 23-23—MADISON, TENNESSEE: Show and sale; Middle Tennessee Rockhounds, Amqui Station; 303 Madison Street; Sat. 10-4; Free Admission; 3rd Annual "Dig it Music City". A fun family exploration of the Earth’s rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems. Presentations, activities for kids, free mineral and fossil ID, rock, mineral, fossil, slab, rough, & gem vendors.; contact Wayne Ramsey, Nashville, TN, (615)-491-2293; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.RockHound.org 23-24—MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Annual show; Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society , Memphis International Agricenter; 7777 Walnut Grove Rd; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; Adults $5, Children over 12 $2, Chldren 12 & under free; Rockzone a Kids Area with a gem and fossil dig, “Rocks around the Clock” and Geode Bowling . Grand Door prizes and hourly prizes. ; contact WC McDaniel, 2038 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, (901)-274-7706; e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.TheEarthWideOpen.com

April-May 2016 30-1—NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Annual show; Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., Charleston Area Convention Center; 5000 Coliseum Dr.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; Free Admission; The Gem Show is held as a component of the North Charleston Arts Festival. Lapidary demonstrations, hourly door prizes, fossil mining & geode cracking are just a few of the activities.; contact Karen Havenstein, (843)-795-2956; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.lowcountrygemandmineralsociety.org

May 2016 6-8—MARIETTA, GEORGIA: Annual show; Georgia Mineral Society, Cobb County Civic Center ; 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; Free Admission; The Georgia Mineral Society's 48th Annual Mother's Day Weekend Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show. Door Prizes! Special door prize for students! Win a great prize for yourself and for your school! ; contact Shelley Stubbs, (678)-612-7293; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.gamineral.org




http://www.rockhound.org/


http://www.theearthwideopen.com/



Tips and Trips


SFMS Workshops for 2016

We have received the schedule for the Federation workshops at William Holland and Wild Acres. If you would like more information or a registration form, check out www.SFMSworkshops.com. Or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Southeast-Federation-of-Mineralogical-Societies You can contact the Registrar for each facility: William Holland—Heidi Wetzel [email protected] Wild Acres — Toni Garland [email protected]

Session 1, William Holland, 6/5-11/16 Beading Becky Patellis Mineral ID Scott Forward

Cabochons Dave Bergquist Opals Carl Talbott

Casting Bill Harr Polymer Clay Sandra Davis

Chain-Maille-Beg & Int. Kathy Morris *SW Silver (advanced) Nancy English

Faceting—Beg. & Int. Tom Mitchell Wire Wrap I Sandra Bergquist

Gem Trees Jerri Heer Wire Weaving & Filigree Jan Stephens

Session 2, Wild Acres, 8/22-28/16 Session 3, Wild Acres, 9/19-25/16 Fused Chain-Maille Roy Deere Chain-Maille 1&2 Roy Deere

*Metalwork Special Proj. Jeff Sheer Gem ID Teresa Polly

Advanced Beading Self Study Casting Bill Harr

Mineral ID Travis Paris Flint Knapping Michael Miller

Chasing & Reposse Tom & Kay Benham Wire for Beaders Leslie Wayment

Display Case Building Danny Griffin Faceting—Beg. & Int. Tom Mitchell

Deep Relief Wood Carving Clancy Smith Silversmithing Pattie Appleby

Metal Clay I Katie Baum Scrimshaw Rich Williams

Gourds Pat Davis Cold Connec. & Enamel Debora Mauser

Wire Wrap—Beg. Rowan Rose-Morgan *Chasing & Reposse II Tom & Kay Benham

*Metal Clay II Katie Baum

* Advanced Class

This is a wonderful perk of belonging to the SFMS. Join in and support your Federation.

http://www.sfmsworkshops.com/

http://www.facebook.com/Southeast-Federation-of-Mineralogical-Societies



Tips and Trips


April 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Tellus Mineral Symposium

3 Beads of Courage

4 General Meeting

5 Workshop

6 Sand Section

7

8

9 Work Day & Auction

10GMS

Field Trip Jr. Section Workshop

11 Fossil Section

12 13 14 Mineral Section

15

16 CCGMS Trip DMC Hogg

17 Grab Bag Filling

18

19 Workshop

20

21

22 Graves Mtn

23 Graves Mtn DMC JXR

24 Graves Mtn

25 Gem Section

26

27

28

29 30

I-75 Exit 293 Cartersville, Georgia

770-606-5700 http://tellusmuseum.org/index.htm

All lectures are free for members and included in the cost of museum admission for non-members. Galleries

will remain open until the start of the lecture.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History 76 Clifton Rd. NE,

Atlanta, GA (404)929-6300

http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/

A few of the Permanent Exhibits: A Walk Through Time in Georgia

Giants of the Mesozoic The World of Shells

http://tellusmuseum.org/index.htm

http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/

Tips and Trips


MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. 4138 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093-3059

www.gamineral.org New: ______ Renewal: ______ Please enter the names of ALL members of your household for whom you desire membership or renewal Birthdays are optional and used only for a “Happy Birthday” message in the newsletter

First Name: __________ _______ Last Name: ____ _ ___ _________ Birthday (month/day) ____/____

Email: ___________________ ___ _________ Phone: ___ ____________________________

Partner: __________ _______ Last Name: ____ _ ___ _________ Birthday (month/day) ____/____

Email: ___________________ ___ _________ Phone: ___ ____________________________

Address: ______ _____________ ________________________________________________________

City: _________ ______________________ State: ____________ Zip+four: _____________________ Names, Ages, and (optional) Birthdays (mo/day) of children currently living with you (under the age of 18):

All members less than 18 years old are automatically members of the Junior Section ___________________________ ______________________________________ __________ Names and (optional) Birthdays (mo/day) of other adults currently living with you (18 or older):

___________________________ __________________________ ______________________ Dues are $25 per year, due 12 months from date of joining and every 12 months thereafter. Electronic delivery of the newsletter is included in the membership dues. For printed and mailed copies of the newsletter, add $10 per year to your dues payment (total $35) and check here ___ PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: THE GEORGIA MINERAL SOCIETY, INC.

All members of the Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. agree to abide by the AFMS code of ethics (www.amfed.org/ethics.htm)

THE GEORGIA MINERAL SOCIETY, INC. 4138 STEVE REYNOLDS BLVD.

NORCROSS, GA. 30093-3059

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED PLEASE FORWARD

FIRST CLASS


http://www.amfed.org/ethics.htm

general meeting president’s messagegamineral.org/_docs/2016apriltt.pdf · agates and jaspers....

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