Volume 68 Issue 8 Fresno, California August 2019

August 2019

President’s Letter

Fresno Gem & Mineral Society

Here is a list of upcoming gem andmineral shows for August 2019. There areno CFMS shows this Month.

AUGUST

August 2, 3 & 4: NIPOMO, CAOrcutt Mineral SocietyNipomo High School525 Thompson AvenueHours: Fri-Sat 10 - 5, Sun 10 -4 Contact: Wayne Mills, (805) 481-3495 Email: wwmills50@hotmail.comWebsite: omsinc.org

You can visit the California Federation ofMineralogical Society website atwww.cfmsinc.org for a comprehensiveshow listing.

Thank you for your support.Dale R Rieth

Welcome New Members

Greetings, Salutations, and Aloha .

The preliminary field trip to HornitosJasper Claim Proved to be successful.We found Poppy Jasper, Arseno-pyrite,Copper and sweet little Quartz Clusters.We capped the day off by looking Forpurple Mariposite at Moccasin Creek,North of Coulterville. Richard founda 10 inch cobble that turned out moregray than purple when cut, while Trishfound a 4 inch piece that was bothgreen and purple. The Big Fresno Fair is approachingfast. We need Volunteers for the SalesBooth, Critter Wheel, Geodes, Rock Art,Faceting, Demonstrations, and TheEarth Treasures Booths. Get with theappropriate Chair Person to sign up. Be sure to mark your calendars forthe Rock Bagging party/potluck onSaturday, August 24th from 10am-3pm at the Fairgrounds. I look forward toseeing you there. FGMS is Hiring two Fair Clerks. Contact Eddie Leeper if you areInterested.

Page 2 ■ Chips August 2019

FRESNO GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY, INC.404 W. McKINLEY AVE. • FRESNO, CA 93728

P.O. BOX 9608 • FRESNO, CA 93793-8608TELEPHONE: (559) 486-7280

E-MAIL: info@fgms.usWEBSITE: www.fgms.us

Publisher’s StatementThe Chips newsletter is published monthly. Permission is freely granted to use any material published in the Chips provided proper credit is given. Please submit articles for publication no later than the 10th of the month. We reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Submissions, comments

and suggestions may be sent to the Chips Editor (559)726-9185 or brought to the Club Office. The Chips welcomes photos, text, informational and editorial submissions from all FGMS members and friends.

ELECTED OFFICERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

FAIR SHOW COMMITTEES

MEMBER SOCIETIES THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES

THE CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES

President,Dale Rieth...............................(559) 226-05051st Vice President, Susan O’Neill..........(559) 960-71812nd Vice President, Diane White ......... (559) 230-1270

Secretary, Joyce Law .........................(559) 313-5742Treasurer, Violet McLean..................(432) 294-2150Federation Director, Pam Wilson....(559) 779-8737

2021 Craig Poole.....................................(559)432-88372021 Trish Guy.....................................ubbm@mac.com2020 Irene Nielsen..................................(559)448-0404

2020 Daniel Bolm...............................(708) 821-75752019 Eddie Leeper...............................(559)322-40612019 Kathy Gathright.........................(559)289-8549

Auditing.........................................................Jean McGillBuilding Maintenance....................................Eddy StaubBy Laws ..........Jerry Wells, Eddie Leeper, John McLeanChips Editor...................... Jean McGill , (559)726-9185Classes ......................................................................OPENDonations .................................................... John McLeanDoor Prizes...............................................................OPENEducational Grants ........................................Craig PooleFederation Director ......................................Pam WilsonField Trips............................Trish Guy , Richard EnglishFinance ......................................................... John McLeanGrievance..........................................................Dale ReithHistorian..................................................................OPEN

Insurance..................................................Judy HansenLectures..................................................Dave SmoljianMembership...........................................Violet McLeanNominating..............Irene Sudaria and Diane WhiteParliamentarian......................................John McLeanProgram..............................................................OPENPublicity.......Peggy Keating Bolm, &Trosper Parker

Refreshments.............................Eddy & Evelyn Staub Silent Auction..........................................John McLeanSunshine...................................................Annie GandyWeb Master.............................................Ben Andersen

Fair Show Bldg. Supervisor........................Eddie Leeper Fair Show Chairman ................................. John McLeanKritter Wheel .............................................. Jackie JacobsRock Table ..................................................... Craig PooleSales Booth .................................. Irene Nielsen-Sudaria

Faceting ............................................................ Julie RiethGeodes ..................................... John and Violet McLeanDemonstration..............................................Jean McGillRock Art................................................Montrey BuehlerRock Bag Sewing.........................................Diane White

Page 3- Chips August 2019

CLASS SCHEDULES New Classes Beginning

MONDAY:Wire wrap- 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Room # 3

Jean (559)726-9185

Wire weaving not currently scheduled Room #4

Lapidary- 7p.m-9 p.m. Eddie (408) 505-2466

Tuesday Faceting- 7-9 p.m.

Steve (class is on a waiting list)

Lost Wax casting-7p.m.-9p.m. Mike Donaldson (559) 0213-0598

Trosper Parker (559) 394-7782

Intarsia-7-9 p.m.Ron (559) 435-6158 Lapidary- 9 am -12 noon

Eddie-408-505-2466

Wednesday Lapidary-6-9 p.m.

Eddie or Ken 559-222-3894

Silver Smith- 6-9 PMDoug May

Larry Carpenter 559-707-1178

Thursday Lapidary- 9 am -12 noon

Eddie

Remember that there is to be a fingerfood/ snack potluck during the July General meeting- Bring some-thing YUMMY!

Hi Everybody,Here is part 2 of last months “way back ma-chine”article from Feb. 1955, submitted by W.W. More.

Last month we spoke of mineral identifica-tion by luster. This month we cover pt.2 in regard to colorin the identification of a mineral. One of the first things we notice in a mineral specimenis it’s color. Color is not always a reliable guide to a minerals identification as color may be altered in several ways. Surface oxidation of minerals may alter their color; this is notable in the case of copper or iron sulfide minerals. Staining by mineral bearing water passing over rocks and deposit-ing its mineral contenton it is another way of color alteration. The third type of color alteration is change due to impurities orpartial replacement of some elements by others. This latter type of color variation is very com-mon among silicate minerals and quartz. As an example,take the mineral garnet. It is a very common silicateand may be brown, deep red to almost black, emeraldgreen or pale yellows, brown, or almost white in color. Even though we use color in the identification of a specimen, we need to keep in mind that it is subject toconsiderable variations at times. This is your historian Trosper saying so long till next month.

Page 4- Chips August 2019

Submitted by Peggy Keating-Bolm

These are just two examples of the geologic wonders our team members find to share with us!

Aesthetic specimen of pyromorphite crystals from Saint-Salvy Mine, Oc-citanie, FrancePhoto: Spirifer Minerals Submitted by Kim Doudhttps://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-

credit:1mcmurdo

Nevada is famous for its beautiful, colorful black Opal. The state con-tains some very rich precious opal beds and has produced some spec-tacular and extremely valuable specimens. The Virgin Valley opal beds in northwest Humboldt County are perhaps the most famous gemstone locality in Nevada. High quality precious opal emitting a multihued rainbow of color is found replacing wood or other plant material in this remote location.This is a large, fiery, and rare specimen of Precious Opal fossilized wood out of the Miocene epoch (20 M.Y.A.), and comes from the famous Virgin Valley Opal area in Humbolt County, Nevada. “Honey, and Jelly” Precious Opal.

Editor’s Comments I thoroughly enjoy including cudos to our amazing members and this issue includes many. I am impressed with how quickly work gets done when teams answer the call for help. Our new covered patios are one example. I am so proud of all the volunteers who answer the calls for help. The sharing of interesting pictures and information from other members is very impressive. A third example is the warm andcaring support that is shared among our members. This caring shows up in some of the most interesting ways. Sometimes it is in the class setting when newer members are struggling with something and a more expe-riened member puts their own work aside to help them solve a puzzle or it might be the time, concern, and support for someone who is feeling poorly or frustrated. All of these make me very proud to be part of this group.Now if I could just get you all to contribute your thoughts, accomplishments or challeng-es for inclusion into CHIPS!

Jean(559)726-9185

What are your plans for summer fun? Do you have avacation on the calendar? How many graduations are you scheduled to attend?

CHIPs, August 2019 Page 5

Sunshine News I’m in awe of the “grit” so many of our members show. A lot of us have “things” going wrong with our health, from our heads to our toes. It might be age related, cancer, a knee, a stroke, or a “bug” that’s going around. But look at our members that show up for meetings, field trips, our picnic, helping out at the workshops; they are determined to be active participants whenever they are able. Their spirit makes us smile. We have a few mem-bers that are recuperating. Diane White continues to roll along, improving after her foot surgery. Neil Andresen is improving after a stay in the hospital. Our condolences to the Vessop family. Anna Vessop died this month after a long illness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to any of our members who are ill, and to those that are grieving the loss of a loved one. If you know of a member needing a card, or remembrance, please let me know. My cell phone is 559 244-1614, call or text. My email is an-nierocks2@comcast.net. Many happy returns to our members with Summer Birthdays!! Ann Gandy

Happy Birthday Stanley!!!!!

A Big THANKYOU for the group working on getting the roofing and decking ready for our expansion! Great Job! pictures submitted by Eddy Staub

Page 6-Chips August 2019

Fresno Gem and Mineral Society General meeting minutes June 27, 2019The June 27, 2019, general meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Dale Reith, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed all. There were no guests. Dale asked whether members wanted the minutes from May’s meeting read or accepted as printed in the Chips. Upon motion duly made by Trish to accept the minutes as printed in the Chips and seconded by Eddie, the motion carried. Stanley Vance gave a slide show presentation of his excursions in the 50’s through the 90’s, including Darwin Hills Mine, Tollhouse Dome, Fossil Falls, Clear Creek Asbestos Mine and many others. Violet McLean gave May’s financial report. Upon a motion made by Richard English to accept the report and seconded by Kathy Gathright, the motion carried. The following membership applicants approved by the Board of Directors were presented to be voted in as new members: Adele van Dam, Peggy Jones, Amanda Jones, Nathaniel Jeffries and Arianna. Upon motion duly made by Richard to accept all applicants as new members and seconded by Gary, the motion carried The President announced break in damage to the Tuff Shed is not repaired yet. John McLean and crew are working on the decorative stone work and patio covering. Trish Guy reported on the San Simeon field trip. Weather was beautiful for 18 people on Saturday. Jerry and Vi Wells were present. Brecciated jasper was found. No field trips upcoming until possibly September to Horni-tos for poppy jasper. Richard English will be gold pan-ning. If interested in going along, please call him. Dates for the dichroic glass class by Judy Gooch July 16, 20 or 31. Members were asked to sign up for which date is best for them. Jackie Jacob is having a workshop for the kritter wheel September 1, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pebble Pups have decided to change their name to Diamond Dragons. Their first class was at the club picnic and was a success. There were 80 members attending the picnic. President announced the CSUF geology endowment fund has been funded with $50,000. Jean McGill will have a silver clay class on August 1 and firing will be the following Saturday. Evelyn Staub is accepting applications from members for the display cases. Montrey is taking orders for new club T-shirts, royal blue or dark gray. Names were drawn for the door prizes, followed by live and silent auctions. There being no further business to be discussed, a mo-tion was brought by Joyce to adjourn the meeting, second-ed by Daniel, and unanimously carried.

Fresno Gem and Mineral Society Board Meeting, July 11, 2019

The July 11, 2019, meeting was called to order by President Dale Rieth. The following persons were present: Dale Reith, Susan O’Neill, Diane White, Joyce Law, Violet McLean, Daniel Bohm, Trish Guy, Eddie Leeper, Irene Nielsen-Sudaria and Kathy Gathright. Pam Wilson and Craig Poole were absent. Guests present were: John McLean, Jackie Jacob, Dale and Evelyn. Dale led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed all. Motion was made to accept the minutes from June’s directors’ meeting as printed in the Chips. It was seconded and passed unanimously. Violet gave a detailed financial report for the month of June. A motion was made to accept the report as given. It was seconded and passed unan-imously Gloria, Cynthia Perez and Ronald Perez submit-ted applications for membership to the Board. A motion was brought to accept the applications and submit them to the membership at the next gen-eral meeting to be voted on. It was seconded and passed unanimously. The repair of the damage to the kitchen floor is still pending. Awnings will be coming up at the clubhouse, bricks have been laid, and a picnic table is now available. Trish advised no field trips are scheduled. She visited Hornitos poppy jasper mining claim with a few other members, provided a written report about the mine and claim.The club purchasing this mining claim in the future was discussed. Lost wax casting class will start soon, the Tuff shed being set up in four weeks. A dichroic glass workshop is set for July 20 with Judi Gooch. Diamond Dragons had their first meeting. The club’s rock bagging party and potluck is set for August 24, 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bring a side dish. There are 10,000 bags to be filled. Trish posed the possible need for a new projec-tor. Dale will get estimates. Violet advised the club needs a new copier. After discussion, she will be checking further into this and report back. There will be three members appointed paid positions during the fair in the gem and mineral building. There being no further business to be discussed, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimous-ly passed, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Chips August 2019■ Page 7

FRESNO GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY, INC.APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Fresno Gem and Mineral Society is a nonprofit organization designed to promote interest and knowledge in gems and minerals. The primary place we share our work and educate the public is through the Big Fresno Fair. During the year, all members are expected to contribute to club efforts and work at

WORKSHOPS ☐ Cabochons ☐ Silversmithing ☐ Faceting ☐ Dichroic Glass ☐ Wire Wrap ☐ Lost Wax Casting ☐ Intarsia

FAIR Workshops ☐ Kritters ☐ Jewelry ☐ Rock Bags

☐ Rock ArtCLUB ACTIVITIES ☐ Monthly Meetings ☐ Refreshments ☐ Door Prizes ☐ Silent Auctions ☐ Lectures ☐ Field Trips ☐ Campouts ☐ Potlucks ☐ Special Classes ☐ Monthly Newsletter ☐ Visit other rock shows

☐ Library available

BIG FRESNO FAIR ☐ Work 4-hour shift(s) ☐ Set up ☐ Clean up ☐ Demonstrations ☐ Sewing Rock Bags ☐ Filling Rock Bags

OFFICE HELP ☐ Typing ☐ Computer Skills

If you would like to attend a special class that is not listed above, please describe: ___________________________It is anticipated that all members will help as the need arises, with maintaining a clean clubhouse, sewing and filling rock bags, providing refreshments, helping with telephone support, plus accepting NAME: (Please

print clearly in CAPITAL letters) ____ New ____ Renewal

Last: ________________________________________ First: __________________________ M.I.: ___

Name to be printed on badge:___________________________ Birthdate: Month _______________

Day _______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: _________________________________ City: __________________ State:____ Zip: __

Home Phone: __________________ Cell Phone: __________________ Emergency #: ______________

Occupation:______________________________________ Spouse Name: _______________________

E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________________

The Fresno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to promote an accurate and widespread knowledge and appreciation of mineralogy in all its phases, especially in the state of California

and adjacent states. Members of: American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, and California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

Lapidary ArtsEQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Serving the Central Valley since 1971

Finished, Rough, or Specimen Rocks and Minerals

Wholesale • RetailBuy and Sell Used Lapidary Equipment

(559) 266-6122339 E. Belmont Ave. • Fresno

NW corner of Belmont and Ferger, one block east of Palm Ave.

Store Hours:Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

•Tumblers

•Saws

•Grinders

•Faceting Machines and Accessories

•Estwing Geologic Tools

•Faceted and Raw gems

•Crystals

•Beads

•Jewelry Making Tools and Findings

•Books

•Tools and Supplies •Unique Gifts!

ChipsAugust 2019 Page 8

General Meeting Board Meeting (4th Thursday of the month) (2nd Thursday of the month) July 25, 2019 August 8, 2019 University of California Center Building F.G.M.S.Studio 550 E Shaw 404 W McKinley across from Fashion Fair Fresno, CA 93728

SAVE THE DATE! Rock Bagging for the Fair is scheduled for August 24th from 10AM -4PM. A Potluck and Lots of Fun are promised- Volunteers are needed - Plan to attend.