PAGE 1 THE NUGGET

OCT 2013Monday, Oct 14, 6:30 pm Exec CommitteeMonday, Oct 14, 7:30 pm General MeetingPROGRAM: Bruce Mensinger ”ROCKS + ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY”

OCT 2013

CULVER CITY ROCK AND MINERAL CLUB P.O. BOX 3324 Culver City, Ca 90231

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

For those members who have not been down to the shop in a while, the changes will be a surprise. A tremendous effort by Rick Shaffer, Bruce Mensinger and others nego-tiating with the city and with the Boy Scouts has resulted in fixing up the buildings and revamping the area around them. It’s been an arduous task, but things have turned out great. We can now think about restarting a series of workshops to share expertise among our members. Last time I asked for input on what subjects might be of interest, the list in-cluded:

- Making a cabochon - Filigree designs - Intro to polymer clay - How to bezel set a stone - Beaded earrings - Intro to PMC - Intro to enamelling - Chain maile techniques

Please let me know of any other ideas

What I envision are a series of 2-3 hour workshops taught on Saturdays or Sundays. These will be held at the Boy Scout meeting room and our club shop. The next step in get-ting the workshops started is to find people to teach them. If any members are interested in teaching these topics, please let me know. That will let us set up a firm schedule.

Brad Smith brad@greenheart.com

ROCKS + ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY = FUN

Join us for one of our club’s favorite programs. Bruce Mensinger will reprise the program he gave to the Culver City Senior Center this summer. It is an informal slide show of some of Bruce’s favorite close-up photographs featuring all kinds of rocks. Audience participation is encouraged as we view this natural abstract art and reveal what we see in the swirls, colors and patterns.

Ellen MoeProgram Chair

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to our New Members: Jenny Bingham

Henry BorensteeinLaurie LizerSarah Lizer

Claudine Lucier

Welcome back to Renewing Members:Marilyn White

Michelle GrassmeierFelice Ganz

Membership Chair

OCTOBER PROGRAM

PAGE 2 THE NUGGETOCT 2013

MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE MEETING • September 9, 2013

• Those present: Felice Ganz, Ana Maria Guimaraes, Lynne Lukert, Paul Madison, Bruce Mensinger, Ellen Moe, Minda Moe, Darrell Robb, Ken Rogers, Leda Rogers, Mary Ellen Shaffer, Rick Shaffer, and Jette Sorensen.• The meeting was called to order by Ken Rogers at 6:43pm.• The August meeting minutes published in The Nugget issue of September were approved as read.• Membership Report: Felice Ganz informed that Troy Chandler, who used to make the Club’s badges, passed away. A discussion followed as to whether the badges were really necessary and it was decided that the question should be posed to the Club members at the general meeting.• Program Report: Ellen Moe informed that Steve Hardinger from Dragon Minerals would do the October program and President Brad Smith would do the November program.• Sunshine and Correspondence Report: Bruce Mensinger reminded Leda Rogers that the Club received a donation of a rock collection, whose items were sold at the silent auction in August. He would send the donor’s name to Ms. Rogers for her to ensure a thank-you letter had been sent. Jette Sorensen recommended that a copy of every letter sent by the Club be submitted to Mr. Mensinger, the Club’s historian, for inclusion in the Club’s records. Ms. Rogers agreed to provide Mr. Mensinger with digital copies of her records to date. Also, Ms. Rogers will send a card to Troy Chandler’s family for his passing.• Librarian’s Report: Paul Madison informed that there was no internet service at the shop and the shop’s laptop was not internet-enabled. He recommended purchasing a new computer for the shop, which could be periodically taken home by the librarian in order to update the catalog via the internet. A motion was approved to spend up to $200 on a new, internet-enabled computer for the shop. Also, Mr. Madison agreed to post instructions on how to use the library software in a visible location at the shop for the members’ benefit. In addition, Ken Rogers said he would connect with Mr. Madison about a couple of oppor-tunities to purchase books at a discount.• Publications Report: Lynne Lukert asked if the Club was going to acquire the software InDesign, used to publish The Nugget. Leda Rogers was to ask whether Brad Smith had been able to contact Barbara Fier to see if she could

help obtain the software at a discount, as he was not able to get the student discount.• Treasurer Report: Darrell Robb reported the Club was solvent. He informed that the Club received the invoices for the liability insurance policy and the directors and officers insurance policy.• Shop Report: Bruce Mensinger informed that the pav-ing of the area around the shop had been completed and thus safety concerns had been addressed. He also informed that the leakage in the water heater had been fixed. Rick Shaffer described the repairs and landscaping work that was going to be done in the scout house and added that a rain gutter would have to be put at the shop. Mr. Shaffer also said that the Club was going to meet with the City in mid-September regarding distribution of copies of keys to the shop and the restroom. It was decided that Rick Shaffer and Bruce Mensinger would be the contacts for the City in case of problems regarding the shop or the restroom.• Nomination Committee: Rick Shaffer reported that the Nomination Committee had met and determined the nominations for the 2014 slate of officers; he listed all the nominees which by and large were the same 2013 officers. The Education and Programs chairs did not have a nominee yet.• Use of the Scout House: Rick Shaffer reported that he had indicated to the scouts that the Club could use the scout house once a month for workshops; the Club would have to set up the schedule to use the house within the coming month.New Business• Jette Sorensen indicated that the Club needed to do ac-counting for the trading post on a monthly basis (it is cur-rently done annually).• Ms. Sorensen listed several items to be addressed by the Shop Committee:• Install on/off switch for fluorescent light in the back of the soldering station (casting room).• Fix fan noise in casting/ soldering area.• Install new exhaust system in the saw room.• Store large ladder in the ceiling.• Obtain a new mini fridge if one isn’t donated (donation request to be made at the general meeting)• Repair and paint the ceiling (have members volunteer)• The person in charge of opening the shop should listen to

THE NUGGET PAGE 3OCT 2013

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETINGSEPT 9, 2013

SEPT PROGRAM REPORT

• The meeting was called to order at 7:47pm by Ken Rog-ers, the Pledge of Allegiance was made; a quorum was established.• A motion was made and approved to accept the August minutes published in the September Nugget as read.• Four guests were introduced and welcomed.• Rick Shaffer announced the 2014 slate of offi cers se-lected by the Nomination Committee. The current slate is by and large staying on. Two chairs still needed nominees: Education and Programs. The Education Chair integrates the Club with El Rincon Elementary and other schools. The Programs Chair brings in speakers to the monthly meet-ings, having to identify nine programs in the year. Current Program Chair Ellen Moe will provide to the new Chair a folder with contacts used in the past plus new leads. Mr. Shaffer indicated that people to support all the chairs were also needed; those interested were to contact him.• Rick Shaffer nominated Ken Rogers for Show Chair in 2014. Mr. Rogers accepted and a motion was approved to install Mr. Rogers as the 2014 Show Chair. Those interested in supporting Mr. Rogers in the organization of the 2014 show were to contact him.• Membership Chair Felice Ganz asked the members present to indicate by way of raising hands whether they thought badges were important and the majority answered yes. The Club was to fi nd a new badge supplier; Ellen Moe was to provide Ms. Ganz with a contact of a potential sup-plier.• Bruce Mensinger reported that the area around the shop had been paved and asked members not to park on the asphalt until the fences have come down.• Librarian Paul Madison reported that the Club had a computer at the shop for members to search for books. He would be posting instructions on how to use the search

function and check books in and out. A member informed she had books to donate and was to contact Mr. Madison during the break.• It was announced that the weekend fi eld trip information has been posted on the Club’s Facebook and webpage front page.• Jette Sorensen asked for a donation of a mini fridge for the shop. • A break was held for refreshments at 8:08pm, followed by the September Program. Trading post and raffl e did not take place as Steve Dover was absent.

Ana Maria GuimaraesRecording Secretary

Ken Rogers introduced Daniel Ballard, from Precious Metals West, who refi nes and recycles precious metals for the jewelry trade. Mr. Ballard delivered an interesting presentation about recycling and refi ning gold. He started by explaining how karats are calculated and also how to calculate the value of gold. Mr. Ballard then explained how different colors of gold are obtained by mixing different alloys. Copper and silver are the most used alloys; zinc is also used. Zinc and copper make yellow gold, while palla-dium, copper and silver make white gold, and copper with a bit of silver make rose gold. Mr. Ballard also showed three videos. The fi rst video demonstrated how to make 14 karat yellow gold. The second video showed how to purify gold from scrap. The third video showed how to make purple gold using aluminum. Mr. Ballard completed the program by displaying alloy specimens and even a piece of purple gold.

Ana Maria GuimaraesRecording Secretary

the voice mails to make sure requests from members com-ing in are addressed and specifi c equipment can be turned on in advance.• Rick Shaffer indicated that the Club Bylaws should be reviewed and if updates were necessary, a Bylaws Commit-tee should be established. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39pm.

Ana Maria GuimaraesRecording Secretary

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2013

PAGE 4 OCT 2013 THE NUGGET

BIRTHDAYS

BENCH TIPS

JUST SAY NO TO OPTIVISORS

During his annual vision-check, a jeweler friend of mine wondered why not have his reading glasses made with bifocals that would magnify the same as the Optivisors? So he asked the ophthalmologist if he could add around +2.00 diopters into bifocals. The doctor checked with his supervisor and came back all excited. They all agreed that it was a great idea and even gave him a special device to measure how far he holds a jewelry piece from his eye, to get the focal distance exactly right. So if all goes well, no more sweaty, bulky optivisors! Anyone else tried this?

MANDRELS Straight rod mandrels have a multitude of uses in helping to bend sheet and wire. Frequently we choose a round rod for winding jump rings. Common sources for different sized rods are knitting needles, wood-en dowels and clothes hangers. Metal rods can also be found in hardware stores and hobby shops. But to get the right “look” in chain maile designs, you must have just the right size mandrel, and often they are not easy to fi nd. Jewelry catalogs sell selections of straight rod mandrels for $50 or more, but my choice is from Harbor Freight. They have a set of 28 sizes, from 3/32 inch to 1/2 inch, for under ten bucks. It’s called a Transfer Punch Set. The catalog number is #3577, and the price is $ 9.95 Plus, look for the 20% off coupon on any one item in their adver-tising circular. That cuts your cost to around eight bucks. I’ve bought four of these over the last couple years. www.harborfreight.com

More Bench Tips by Brad Smith on facebook.com/Bench Tips or

“Bench Tips for Jewelry Making” on Amazon

WHY SOCIETIES SEND A FEDERA-TION DIRECTOR TO THE DIRECTORS

MEETINGS.

This was the topic for the president’s article in the October issue of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societ-ies (CFMS) Newsletter. The 2013 CFMS President, Bud McMillin, listed six reasons each of the 112 clubs should send a representative to the Fall Directors meeting, Novem-ber 8, 9 & 10 in Visalia, California:

1. You can VOTE. 2. You can STAY INFORMED 3. You can garner new INFORMATION 4. You can discover new BEST PRACTICES 5. You can be made aware of NOTICES 6. You can show you CARE.

In the years I have been our club’s Federation Direc-tor I have only been able to go to the two local meetings concurrent with the CFMS Show in Riverside, 2012 and the CFMS Show in Ventura in 2013. I have missed the fall meetings which are always in Visailia. Even though I am not 100% sure where Visalia really is, I am planning to attend this Fall meeting. Look forward to a report in the December Nugget.

Ellen MoeFederation Chair

FEDERATION REPORT

Jon Franzoia Oct 3Paul Madison Oct 12Francisco Bejar Oct 17Marilyn White Oct 17Carlie Warner Oct 22Steven Dover Oct 27Lonne Hunt Oct 31

OCT 2013THE NUGGET PAGE 5

SHOP REPORT

Equipment Availability

As of September 18 (as I write this report) all shop equipment is working and ready for use. The most recent repairs/replacements were to the water supply for the grinding equipment, burn-out kiln repair (twice), small flat-lap, several saw blades straightened, saw room lighting fixture replaced (also lamp tubes washed, consider sunglasses).

Construction Fence and Parking

The construction work is nearing completion. The roof replacement and access ramps are complete. Additional

hand rails are in place and asphalt paving is done. The tem-porary construction related fence is gone. The main remain-ing construction is installation of rain gutters, installing irrigation and sod in front of the Scout House and, option-

ally, a lockable gate to block entry to the aisle between the City Gardens and our storage sheds.

Limited parking in back of the shop is open for use again. Park on the asphalt, off the alley concrete to avoid a parking citation. Please respect the space reserved for the shop supervisor next to the paddle-tennis court.

Bruce Mensinger Shop Committee

PAGE 6 OCT 2013 THE NUGGET

MINERAL REPORT

Relatively Stable

Bismuth is silvery white when freshly made, but it oxidizes quickly and is often seen with a pink tinge. Its tarnish is iridescent and colors vary from yellow to blue. Crystals can be grown in a household stove, though they tend to be lower quality than crystals grown in a lab. Bismuth is the 83rd element. Chemically, it closely resembled arsenic and antimony. It was often confused with lead and tin until the 18th century. Claude François Geoffroy demonstrated in 1753 that bismuth is a distinct metal. The Incas used it in a bronze alloy for knives.

The origin of its name is disputed. In Arabic, bi ismid means “having the properties of antimony.” Another theory pins the name on the German wismuth, or “white mass”, which turns into bisemutum when translated to New Latin. It has one of the lowest values for thermal conductivity among metals, meaning it conducts heat very poorly. Diamond, in contrast, has a very high thermal conductivity. It is, however, one of the most naturally diamagnetic metals, meaning that it creates a magnetic field in response to an externally applied magnetic field. Bismuth is slightly radioactive, but its only isotope has a half life that is more than a billion times the estimated age of the universe. Because of its low toxicity, bismuth is seeing increasing use as a substitute for lead. Bismuth poisoning affects the kidney, liver, and bladder, but most of its compounds have shown no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects in long-term tests. Bismuth has very few commercial applications. It is used in some pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pigments. Bismuth is twice as abundant as gold in the Earth’s crust, natively being produced in Australia, Bolivia, and China.

Minda MoeMineral Chair

OCT 2013PAGE 8 THE NUGGET

October 2 - 6: JOSHUA TREE, CAHi-Desert Rockhounds of Moronga Valley, Yucca ValleySportsman’s Club of Joshua Tree6225 Sunburst StreetHours: 9 - 6 dailyEmail: HiDesertRockhounds@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.jtsportsmansclub.com/gem.html

October 5 - 6: BORON, CAMojave Mineralogical SocietyBoron Community BuildingSouth End of Boron AvenueHours: Sat 9 - 5; Sat, Sun 9 - 4Email: Rock5b@starband.net

October 6: FALLBROOK, CAFallbrook Gem & Mineral Facility123 West Alvarado StreetHours: 10 - 4Email: fgms@sbcglobal.netWebsite: www.fgms.org

October 12 - 13: ANDERSON, CAShasta Gem & Mineral SocietyShasta County FairgroundsBriggs StreetHours: Sat. 9 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4Email: shastagemandmineral@gmail.comShow Website: www.shastagemandmineral.com

October 12 - 13: GRASS VALLEY, CANevada County Gem & Mineral SocietyNevada County Fairgrounds (Main Building)11228 McCourtney RoadHours: 10 - 5 dailyEmail: kmoore160@comcast.netWebsite: www.ncgms.org

October 12 - 13: TRONA, CASearles Lake Gem & Mineral SocietyGem & Mineral Building13337 Main StreetHours: Sat. 7:30 - 5; Sun. 7:30 - 4Email: slgms@iwvisp.comWebsite: www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub

October 12 - 13: VISTA, CAVista Gem & Mineral SocietyAntique Gas & Steam Engine Museum2040 North Santa Fe AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4Email: raysrocks@cox.netWebsite: www.vistarocks.org

October 19: WEST HILLS, CAWoodland Hills Rock ChippersFirst United Methodist Church22700 Sherman WayHours: 10 - 5Email: info@rockchippers.orgWebsite: www.rockchippers.org

October 19 - 20: CAYUCOS, CASan Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral ClubCayucos Vets Hall10 Cayucos DriveHours: Sat 9 - 5; Sun 10 - 5Email: kimnoyes@gmail.comWebsite: www.slogem.org

October 19 - 20: PLACERVILLE, CAEl Dorado County Mineral & Gem SocietyEl Dorado County Fairgrounds100 Placerville DriveHours: 10 - 5 dailyEmail: info@rockandgemshow.orgShow Website: www.rockandgemshow.org

October 19 - 20: WHITTIER, CAWhittier Gem & Mineral SocietyWhittier Community Center7630 Washington Blvd (corner of Mar Vista & Washington)Hours: 10 - 5 dailyEmail: joemar1@verizon.net

October 26 - 27: LOS ALTOS, CAPeninsula Gem & Geology SocietyCivic Center/Youth CenterOne San Antonio RoadHours: 10 - 5 dailyEmail: steve_jobe@sbcglobal.netWebsite: www.pggs.org

OCTOBER SHOWS

PAGE 7THE NUGGET OCT 2013

The Nugget The deadline for all submissions is generally the 15th of every month. All articles or notes without a byline are written by the Editor. Permission to copy is freely given as long as proper credit is noted. The Nugget accepts paid advertisements by club members and non-members. The cost for an eighth of a page (approx. 2” high x 3.5” wide) is $7 per insertion, payable in advance. Ad location is at the discretion of the Editor. Ad layouts, copy, or business cards must be received by the 10th of the month. Send materials directly to Lynne Lukert, Editor, 601 N. Bronson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004

SHOP INFORMATION

The shop is open to all members in good standing over the age of 18 who sign an indemnification form. Instruction is available at all sessions. Practice slabs are available.Location: 10866 Culver Blvd. in Culver City (behind the Boy Scout clubhouse and next to the paddle tennis courts)Shop Phone: (310)836-4611Hours: Tuesday 7:00pm - 9:30pm - Bruce MensingerWednesday 10:00am - 2:00pm - Ken Rogers (open by appointment)Thurdsay 10:00am - 2:00pm - Woody ShafferSaturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm - Lynne LukertSunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm - Rick ShafferIf no one shows, the shop may close early. If you plan to arrive at the shop more than a half hour after the opening time, phone the instructor

DUES & FEES

One time Initiation Fees:Individuals $20.002 Persons/Same Address $25.00Juniors $15.00

Yearly Membership Dues:Individuals $25.002 Persons/Same Address $35.00Juniors $10.00

(After July 1, dues are $15.00, $25.00 and $5.00 respectively.)

MEETING SCHEDULES

General Meetings are held the second Monday of every month* at 7:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Veterans Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave. Enter from the rear door. Guests are always welcome.

Executive Committee Meetings are held the second Monday of every month*in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Veterans Bldg Auditorium. All club members are welcome.

*Meeting days occasionally change due to Monday holidays or, in July, because of the Fiesta Of Gems show .

The purpose of the CULVER CITY ROCK & MINERAL CLUB is to bring together persons interested in the earth sciences, to engage in research and study in this realm, and to assist members in the collection and preservation of rocks and minerals and in the study of lapidary and related arts.........................................................................................................................http://www.culvercityrocks.org

Officers for 2013

President - Brad SmithVice- president - Steve Dover

Treasurer - Darrell RobbRecording Secretary - Ana Maria Guimaraes

Corresponding Secretary - Leda RogersEducation - Co-chairs Anna Yori and

Anthony FerrariFederation Director - Ellen Moe

Field trips - Co-chairs Rocky and Cole RhodesHistorian - Bruce Mensinger

Librarian - Paul Madison,Co-chair- Bruce MensingerMembership - Felice Ganz

Minerals - Minda MoeParliamentarian - Jette SorensenPhotography - Buce Mensinger

Programs - Ellen MoePublications - Co-chairs - Lynne Lukert,

Barbara Fier, and Jan FergusonShow - Ken Rogers

Publicity - Ken RogersCo-chair - Janelle & D.J.

Shop Committee ( President, Vice President, committee members)

Social - Mary Ellen Shaffer Co-chair Sue Acosta

Sunshine - Leda RogersTrading Post - Steve Dover and

Co-chair Minda MoeWeb Master - Jette Sorensen

Board of Directors:

Mary Ellen Shaffer (2013)Male (open) (2013)Ellen Moe (2014)

Bruce Mensinger (2014)Rick Shaffer(2015)

Jette Sorensen (2015)

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CULVER CITY ROCK & MINERAL CLUB

the Nugget Lynne Lukert, editor 601 N. Bronson Ave Los Angeles, CA 90004