Monday, August 10, 2015 6:30 pm Executive Meeting

7:30 pm Program: Australian Opals

AUGUST 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello fellow Club Members and rock hounds. How about a HUGE cheer for all our tireless volun-teers that helped make the Fiesta of Gems the hallmark event for rock, mineral and gem lovers in Culver City and beyond this year. The feedback from every vendor was outstanding and the general impression from all our attendees was positive. Well done to everyone who helped through-out the planning, set-up, and tear-down stages of the show, not to mention the long hours of operation during the show. It is a monster job and everyone who helped deserves that HUGE cheer! The Club is amazing and everyone did a fabulous job serving our mission of education and support to our greater Culver City community. Thanks to ALL. Our annual picnic quickly approaches on August 15 at Lindbergh Park at 5041 Rhoda Way in Culver City. Besides the opportunity to feast on hotdogs, hamburg-ers and potluck salads, side dishes and drinks – we’ll conduct the fabulous silent auction with everyone’s personal donations of samples, specimens, and tools. Don’t forget to select at least one item to bring to the picnic auction. This is one of the most fun events of the year and gives everyone a chance to visit with colleagues as well as bid for treasured items. Again, a big cheer for the club and the job well done for the annual Fiesta of Gems and raffle fund raising. Don’t miss the great show in the western evening sky this summer as Venus and Jupiter race past each other.

Darrell Robb President

AUGUST 10 PROGRAM

Opals Fresh from YowahJoin us at our meeting on August 10 to hear Larry Hoskinson and Leslie Neff talk about their June 2015 trip to Australia! Larry and Leslie will present a tourist’s guide to finding opal in Yowah, Queensland, Australia. They will cover various opal mining techniques, useful travel information on how to get from Sydney to the mine fields and find your way around once you arrive. Their slide presentation will also include images of rough and finished opal. Check out their samples of rough and finished opal, books and maps. Questions are encouraged.

Charlene Aspray Program Chair

UpcomingSeptember - Melinda Alexander will present a fabulous jewelry demonstration. Melinda holds a Masters in Art, is a bench jeweler, teaches at Irvine Fine Arts Center and is a member of MASSC.

PAGE 2 THE NUGGETAUGUST 2015

FIESTA OF GEMS SHOW: A PHOTO WRAP-UP

THE NUGGET AUGUST 2015 PAGE 3

Greek Agate

Widely found in archeological sites, including Knossos on the island of Crete, agate is a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, meaning that it is made up of such tiny crystals that its nature can only be found through microscopic examination of thin section. It shares this quality with flint, chert, onyx, and some acidic volcanic rocks. As it is a variety of quartz, its hardness on the Mohs scale is close to 7. It exhibits conchoidal fracture, and has a waxy luster. Its specific gravity is between 2.58 and 2.64. Agates are usually associated with volcanic rocks, though they are also common in some metamorphic rocks. Agate nodules form in cavities in lavas and volcanic rocks. The layers in banded agates form as siliceous matter is deposited in the cavity and crystal-izes. This process of formation makes agate geodes very common. Apparently, agate acquired its name when a Greek philosopher and naturalist named Theophrastus found a stone on the river Achates, in Sicily. Today, pale white or tan agate found in Sicily is referred to as Greek agate. They used it in various jewelry and beads. In modern times, agate is used by industry for orna-mental purposes. Dyed agate and tumbled agate are very popular as gifts. It is also used to make mortar and pestles, as it is very hard and able to resist acids. It can also be used in various art forms. A church in Oregon has windows with beach agate panes.

Minda MoeMineral Chair

MINERAL REPORT

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Saturday, August 1510 am – 4 pm

Lindberg Park Picnic Shelter5041 Rhoda Way, Culver City

Bring a side dish, salad, fruit or veggie dish and soft drink or water. The Club provides

hotdogs, hamburgers and buns. Please bring your donations to the Silent Auction. Anything

lapidary or jewelry-related including books, tools, supplies, etc.

ANNUAL PICNIC & SILENT AUCTION

Barbara Fier 8/1Julia Chase 8/7Richard Prehoda 8/7Maria Hansen 8/8Minda Moe 8/10Leda Rogers 8/10Joyce Watanabe 8/10Charla Gardner 8/11Mike Hue 8/16Brad Smith 8/19Zack Setion 8/21Jeannette Hjorth 8/26Lorraine Murphy 8/26Artem Kovalev 8/28

Sa

turday, Aug. 1510

am – 4 pmLindberg Park

5041 Rhoda Way

Join us!

PAGE 4 THE NUGGETAUGUST 2015

SHOP NEWS

Shop scheduleCheck our website, culvercityrocks.org, for sched-uled open time or call the shop (310-836-4611) after the scheduled opening time to confirm that an instruc-tor has arrived. Equipment AvailabilityAs of July 16 (when I was last at the shop before writing this report) all shop equipment except for the 24-inch saw was in good working order and ready for use.Dangerous PracticeRecently the Shop was crowded, so people needed to share space and tools with each other. All well and good, but this led to the unwise situation of four peo-ple simultaneously using two machines by doubling up on the soft sanding wheels. The crowding was accompanied with social talk and other distraction from the job at hand. When I became aware of the crowding I approached the group to warn them of the danger this presented. One of the four was attempting to reduce the accumulating water by pushing it off the back of the tray. As occurs from time-to-time, debris began to restrict the water from draining from the tray. So, what’s dangerous about this? She was stretching and leaning forward against the table and pushing water off the back of the tray with her hand very close to the motor V-belt, the machine was running! My ini-tially calm requests to her to turn off the machine had no effect and more urgent and loud commands only distracted her, making a dangerous situation worse. In the end, she stopped leaning over the running machine, did not shut off the machine, but did not get hurt; a near miracle. The lesson: Many of the Shop tools and all machines can be dangerous when mishandled. Always turn off machines and wait for moving parts to stop complete-ly before servicing them or things near them. When an instructor or bystander says “Stop,” there is a very good reason that you do so, and do not double up on equipment. Instead, take turns. Limited parking in back of the shop is open for use. Park on the asphalt, off the alley concrete to avoid a parking citation. Please respect the space reserved for the shop instructor next to the paddle-tennis court.

On behalf of the Shop CommitteeBruce Mensinger

GET INVOLVED! OPEN CHAIR

Program Chair Committee Open Position for 2016Do you enjoy the monthly Guest Speaker presenta-tions? Do you have ideas of what programs you would like to see in the future? Interested in volunteering and being more involved in the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club? If you have just an hour or two each month, this is the perfect way for you to be involved. You will have the opportunity to meet new people in the rockhound-ing, lapidary and jewelry world. It has been a fun two years for me but I’m ready for a break and to pass the baton. Talk to me at a meeting or email me: Charlene@gossamerbijou.com.

Charlene Aspray

BENCH TIPS

SMALL PARTS CONTAINERS

I’m always on the lookout for small containers to use for holding all those little parts and tools we deal with in making jewelry, especially since I’m always traveling to classes and workshops. My latest find are some plastic vials about 15 mm in diameter and 75 mm long. Best part is they are free. The vials are used in doctor’s offices to draw blood samples. They cannot be used after their expiration date, and are thrown out. On my last doctor’s visit, I asked the nurse if they had any expired vials. She said, “How many do you want?” and tried to give me 400 of them. (We settled on 200). The ones I have are called “Vacutainers”, but there are probably many other names. They are clear plastic with a rubber stopper and a paper label all ready to write on. I find them really handy for small parts like jump rings, prong settings, small drills, nuts & bolts, faceted stones, and precious metal filings. Excerpted from Bench Tips for Jewelry Making: 101 Useful Tips.

THE NUGGET AUGUST 2015 PAGE 5

MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETINGJULY 13, 2015

MINUTES of the EXECUTIVE MEETING JULY 13, 2015

• Those present: Charlene Aspray, Steve Dover, Franne Einberg, Felice Ganz, Ana Maria Guimaraes, Hellena Jones-Elbling, Bruce Mensinger, Darrell Robb, Leda Rogers, Grace Sato, Jette Sorensen and Joyce Watanabe.• The meeting was called to order at 6:50 pm by President Darrell Robb.• The June Executive Meeting minutes published in the July Nugget were approved with the following amend-ment: “Three charitable organizations were selected by vote (the Culver City Senior Center, FOCCSH and a non-profit organization to be determined, that supports the children’s section of the Culver City library, as long as it is designated as a 501(c)3 in good standing) to receive the proceeds from the 2014 show.”• Treasurer Report: Franne Einberg reported the Club was solvent.• Show Report: Jette Sorensen recommended the Club thank Janice Metz for her publishing efforts for the show, as attendance was high and the show was a suc-cess. Hellena Jones-Elbling reported several attendees were first timers, probably as a result of the marketing efforts. She indicated vendors were satisfied and the food vendor expressed desire to return the following year. A discussion followed as to whether food designat-ed for show volunteers and food designated for vendors should be kept in separate rooms.• Membership Report: Felice Ganz reported the Club had approximately 130 members, excluding a few memberships pending processing. She recommended making Lorraine Murphy a lifetime member of the Club for her efforts to support the Club over the years. A motion was approved to both grant Ms. Murphy a lifetime membership, and to provide a Trader Joe’s gift certificate to Ms. Murphy.• Shop Report: Jette Sorensen indicated the shop schedule was covered, thanks to volunteer instructors.• Program Report: Charlene Aspray indicated programs had been secured for the next three months.• Other Business: Jette Sorensen confirmed the permit had been obtained for the Club’s picnic on August 15. A discussion followed regarding the preparations necessary for the picnic.• New Business: Jette Sorensen explained no fire of any kind is allowed inside the boy scouts house, where

the workshops are held. She proposed the Club buy a tent to set up outside so that torches could be used during the workshops. She committed to contacting the Fire Department to find out what the requirements are.The meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm

Submitted by Ana Maria Strambi Guimaraes,Recording Secretary

• The meeting was called to order at 7:37 pm, the Pledge of Allegiance was made and a quorum was established.• Seven guests and one new member were introduced.• The June General Meeting minutes published in the July Nugget were approved with the following amend-ment: “A vote was taken to select the recipient of the 2014 show raffle proceeds, and a motion was made and approved to allocate the proceeds equally amongst the Culver City Senior Center, FOCCSH and a charitable organization supporting the children’s library to be determined, as long as it is designated as a 501(c)3 in good standing.”• Darrell Robb reported the show had been a success; the Club had received positive feedback from vendors and attendees. Hellena Jones-Elbling indicated the vendors recovered expenses on the first day.• Felice Ganz reported the Club had approximately 130 members, excluding a few memberships pending processing.• Franne Einberg indicated the Club was solvent and the show report would be available the following month.• Jette Sorensen reminded the Club’s picnic was sched-uled on August 15 and asked members to donate items for the silent auction taking place at the picnic. • Jette Sorensen informed the next workshop would be on August 23, on riveting at the boy scouts house. A discussion followed as to whether workshops could be advertised as connected to the Club.• Charlene Aspray discussed the upcoming programs in the following three months: opals, jewelry making, and trends in the gem bead business and fake gems.The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm; a break was held for refreshments and a raffle, followed by the July Program.

Submitted by Ana Maria Strambi Guimaraes,Recording Secretary

THE NUGGETPAGE 6 AUGUST 2015

August 7 - 9: NIPOMO, CAOrcutt Mineral Society, Santa MariaNipomo High School 525 North Thompson AvenueFri & Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4Contact: Wes Lingerfelt, (805) 929-3788Website: www.omsinc.org

August 14 - 16: TEHACHAPI, CATehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral SocietySt. Malachy’s Church 407 West E. Street9 - 5 dailyContact: Chuck Overall, (661) 821-4650Website: www.tvgms.org

August 22 - 23: SAN FRANCISCO, CASan Francisco Gem & Mineral SocietySan Francisco County Fair Building9th Avenue & Lincoln WaySat. 10 - 6; Sun. 10 - 5Contact: Ellen Nott Email: ellen_nott@yahoo.comWebsite: www.sfgms.org

August 29 -30: CONCORD, CAContra Costa Mineral & Gem SocietyCentre Concord5298 Clayton Road (near Ygnacio Valley Rd.)10 - 5 dailyContact: Harry Nichandros, (925) 289-0454Website: www.ccmgs.org

September 19 - 20: CHICO, CAFeather River Lapidary & Mineral Society, OrovilleSilver Dollar Fairgrounds 2357 Fair Street9:30 - 5 dailyJohn Scott, (530) 343-3491Website: www.featherriverrocks.org

September 19 - 20: REDWOOD CITY, CASequoia Gem & Mineral SocietyCommunity Activities Building1400 Roosevelt Avenue10 - 5 dailyContact: Carol Corden: cordencarol@yahoo.comWebsite: www.sequoiagemandmineralsociety.org

UPCOMING SHOWSSeptember 26 - 27: DOWNEY, CADelvers Gem & Mineral SocietyElks Lodge11233 Woodruff AvenueSat 9 - 5; Sun 9 - 4Contact: Dale Hardwood (310) 217-0551

September 26 - 27: LODI, CAStockton Lapidary & Mineral ClubLodi Grape Festival Grounds413 East Lockford Street10 - 5 dailyContact: Jerold Kyle, (209) 368-9411Website: www.stocktonlapidary.com

September 26 - 27: MONTEREY, CACarmel Valley Gem & Mineral SocietyMonterey Fairgrounds2004 Fairgrounds RoadSat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 5Contact: Janis Rovetti, (831) 372-1311

Charlene Aspray introduced Jason Badgley, from the Pasadena Lapidary Society and the Del Airs Califor-nia Agate Gallery. Mr. Badgley discussed the for-mation of the California agates and showed several examples of local specimens. He explained how the Transverse Mountain Range was formed 20 million years ago and the role of volcanism in the formation of the region’s agates. Mr. Badgley described the different types of agates that can be found in the Santa Monica mountains, on a one-day trip within LA County, such as conduit agate, plume agate, betumen plume ag-ate, sagenite agate, marcasite agate, banded agate, iris agate, oolitic agate, as well as oddities such as enhydro and radiolirite. The presentation was accompanied by beautiful photographs of specimens found in Agoura, Topanga Canyon, Malibu Beach, Malibu Creek State Park and Mulholland.

JULY PROGRAM REPORTJULY 13, 2015

THE NUGGET PAGE 7AUGUST 2015

The Nugget The deadline for submissions is 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. 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 to Culver City Rock and Mineral Club, P.O. Box 3324, Culver City, CA 90231, Attention: Editor.

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

MEETING SCHEDULE

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* at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Veterans Bldg. Auditorium. All club members are welcome.

*Meeting days occasionally change due to federal holidays or to accommodate the Fiesta Of Gems Show.

DUES & FEES

One time Initiation Fees:Individuals $20.002 Persons/Same Address $35.00 Juniors $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.)

SHOP INFORMATION

The shop is open to all members in good standing over the age of 18 who sign an indemnification form. Junior members (13 - 18) must be accompanied by an adult. 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 – 9:30 pm - Bruce MensingerWednesday 10 am – 2 pm - By appointment, see http://culvercityrocks.org/lapshop.htm Thursday 10 am – 2 pm - Various instructorsSaturday Noon – 4 pm - Lynne LukertSunday Noon – 4 pm - Rick ShafferIf no one shows, the shop may close early. If you plan to arrive more than a half hour after the opening time, phone the instructor at (310) 836-4611

Elected Officers for 2015President - Darrell Robb

Vice President - Jette SorensenTreasurer - Franne Einberg

Recording Secretary - Ana Maria GuimaraesCorresponding Secretary - Jan Ferguson

Education - OPENHistorian - Bruce MensingerParliamentarian - Ellen Moe

Committee Chairs:Federation Director - Rick Shaffer

Field Trips - OpenLibrarian - Bruce MensingerMembership - Felice Ganz

Minerals - Minda MoePhotography - Bruce Mensinger

Programs - Charlene AsprayPublications - Co-Chairs Barbara Fier,

Jan Ferguson, Jette SorensenPublicity -, Janice Metz

Show - Brad SmithCo-Chair - Hellena Jones-Elbling

Shop Committee - President, Vice President, Instructors

Social - Grace Sato Co-Chair - Joyce Watanabe

Sunshine - Leda RogersTrading Post - Steve Dover

Web Master - Jette Sorensen

Board of Directors: (2015) Rick Shaffer - Jette Sorensen (2016) Steve Dover - Leda Rogers

(2017) Bruce Mensinger - Ana Maria Guimaraes

Contact Us:Phone: (310) 836-4611Address: P.O. Box 3324, Culver City, CA 90231FaceBook: www.facebook.com/CCRMCTwitter: www.twitter.com/culvercityrocksYahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ ccrmc/info

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FIRST CLASS

CULVER CITY ROCK & MINERAL CLUB

The Nugget P.O. Box 3324Culver City, CA 90231

Address Change Requested