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REFRESHMENTS Drinks: LESLIE AMATO Snacks: CHRIS RUTHERFORD

Please remember to bring paper plates, napkins, and cups. Ice is available at the

community center. It is your responsibility to find another member to substitute in the

event you are unable to fulfill a month for which you signed up. List for remainder of the year:

drinks snacks NOV 13 JEANETTE RIT CH VIOLET JONES

HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY

2 Wilburn Sharp 3 Steven Easterling 6 Jasmine Edwards 7 Ardis Cecil 9 Mel Barkley 13 Sandy Woods 18 Joseph Antecki 18 Candy Rutherford 21 Anthony Dasinger 26 Alton Hall 28 Linda Boyd 30 Mark Knight 30 Theresa Knight 31 Mike Berkman

Greetings all,

It is with regret that I have to announce my resignation as president

of the club. I've had to go to Texas for an undetermined amount of

time to take care of some family matters. I'm really sorry for this in-

convenience, but, unfortunately, there was no other way.

I have really enjoyed myself as president and it was a learning experi-

ence. I will be returning as soon as possible. I know that a capable

substitute can be found and look forward to returning and continuing

my membership when all has been straightened out here.

Morning Sherrod

Inside this issue:

Program Corner

Birthdays

President’s Message

1

Meeting Minutes

Rock ID

2

Cancel Field Trippin’ 2

Welcome to The Future 3

Lynn’s Crystals

Rock Hammer

4

Reminders

Links

5

Club Information 6

PROGRAM CORNER

When: October 9, 2014

Where: Mureal Crump Center, 1751 Congressman William L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

Time: 7:00 P M

What: Unknown at time of printing

Who:

MONTGOMERY GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY

THE GOLDEN

NUGGET OCTOBER

2014

2014-10

2

Feldspar grows (when allowed to) into rectangular crystals, and then usually

breaks the same way. This breakage pattern is called cleavage, and feldspar has two

directions of cleavage that meet at close to a 90 degree angle (just like a stairway).

If you see little sparkles when you look at the rock, the flashes may be the light re-

flecting off the mirror-like cleavage surfaces.

Quartz has no cleavage (it breaks with a conchoidal fracture - just like ob-

sidian, or the curved fractures that you can often see in the windshield of your car

after a rock hits it), so usually no mirror-like flashes of light. The bad news is that

sometimes the curved conchoidal surfaces can flash as well, but this usually hap-

pens with the clear varieties of quartz (which you already know isn't feldspar any-

way).

So, if the mineral has cleavage and sparkles, it may be feldspar. If no spar-

kles, no matter how you rotate it in the light, it may be quartz.

http://amazinggeology.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-can-i-tell-difference-

between.html#lfE6qCH3Jje8oV8w.99

HOW CAN I TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARTZ AND

WHITE FELDSPAR IN IDENTIFYING ROCKS? (submitted by Terry Fetzer)

MONTGOMERY GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Peggy Raines and club business was postponed until the night’s presentation was complete. Bill Black of Cronier’s Jewelry was introduced as our speaker. Bill spoke mainly on jewelry design and gave many examples of the ways that one piece of jewelry can be con-verted into another that more fits a person’s taste or style. The compatibility of different karat gold and met-als was discussed as some do not mix well because of the alloys used in the composition. Mr. Black spoke briefly on the dynamics of the diamond market because this subject could serve as a topic unto itself. Bill advised anyone who has not had an appraisal on their valuables recently to do so because of the sharp increases seen in the price of precious metals. He also advised that pawn shops were probably not the best option when trying to sell gold, especially coinage. Also discussed were cultural differences in the preference of higher karat or pure gold. After the presentation, he answered questions as we all enjoyed refreshments provided by Iris McGehee and Mary Lou McHugh. The business meeting was next as our visitor was introduced: Gary Shinburg said he had been a rock hound since age 10 and actually bought a grinder/ polisher with money he made from cutting lawns when he was 12 years old. The minutes were accepted as written and Iris McGehee delivered the Treasurer’s report and it also was approved. Several members showed their shark teeth and fossil finds from Point A dam and it was announced there would was no September field trip planned. Linda Griebel presented information on the club sponsored lapidary awards at the upcoming fair. Chris Evey brought up some shop related issues and David Sherrod said he would look into the needed repairs. The need for grab bag materi-als for the December show was mentioned and anyone with specimens, tumbled rocks, or related items were encouraged to donate. The meeting was then adjourned. Secretary, David Sherrod

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THE GOLDEN NUGGET

Although there were tentative plans to go on a fall field trip to the crystal field,

Jeff Edwards regrets to inform members that Mr. Donnie Smith (owner of that field) passed

away due to pancreatic cancer and that site is now in limbo.

3

The Good Sam organization has 'alerted' their member-

ship to HR 5204 - Authorizing the Forest Service and BLM

to charge fees for all public land use.

The status of the Bill can be read here https://

www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr5204

The Text of the Bill is here http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/

BILLS-113hr5204ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr5204ih.pdf

Congress is on vacation until the week after Labor Day. When

they return, the 2015 appropriations bills will be among the

top items of business. If Bishop and Hastings succeed in get-

ting HR 5204 attached to one of them, it’s almost guaranteed

to pass.

What can stop it? Only one thing can: PUBLIC OUTRAGE –

PUBLIC ACTION.

If you care about our public lands being turned into com-

modities available only to those who can afford to pay fees for

everything, then you must let YOUR Representative and YOUR

Senators hear from you. Tell them that this major change in public policy cannot be allowed, particularly without any public

hearing or debate.

HR 5204 lacks any over-arching vision or framework of our public lands being spaces where we all are welcome and have

access. Yet it’s being supported by groups like the National Parks Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society, and

America Outdoors, because it throws a bone here and there to their special interests. But for the general public, there is

nothing redeeming in this bill, nor any way it could be amended into something acceptable. It represents a complete change

in public lands policy.

Tell your congressional delegation to OPPOSE HR 5204 and TO NOT ALLOW IT TO BE ATTACHED TO AN APPROPRIATIONS

BILL!

All the contact information you need can be found at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.

* Use their webform.

* Call their office in Washington.

* Call their local office.

* Write, phone, fax, drop in in person.

Do all of the above. And then do it again! Your personal action is urgently needed or this bill WILL PASS!

IF THAT HAPPENS, KISS YOUR ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS GOODBYE.

Welcome to the future. Pay ahead.

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2014-10

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS:

GARY AND NANCY CHINBERG

CHRISTOPHER EVEY

DAVID GRANT

MARK AND THERESA KNIGHT

CHARLIE BOYD

4

Crystals from farm where digging in Arkansas. (Lynn Stauch)

GEOLOGIST'S HAMMER from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A geologist's hammer, rock hammer, rock pick or geological pick is a hammer used for splitting and breaking rocks. In field geology, they are used to obtain a fresh surface of a rock in order to determine its composition, nature, mineralogy, history and field estimate of rock strength. In fossil collecting and mineral collecting, they are employed to break rocks with the aim of revealing fossils inside. Geologist's hammers are also sometimes used for scale in a photograph.

Shape—Geologist's hammers, as with most hammers, have two heads, one on either side. Most commonly the tool consists of a combination of a flat head, with either a chisel or a

pick head at the other end. A chisel head (pictured), which is shaped like a chisel, is useful for clearing covering vege-tation from exposures and is sometimes (though unadvisedly) used to pry open fissures. Some rocks can be easily split, like slate or shale, to reveal any fossils. A pick head, which terminates in a sharp point to deliver maximum pres-sure, is often preferred for harder rocks. A geologist's hammer bearing a pick end is often referred to as a rock pick or geological pick instead of a geologist's hammer. A flat head is used to deliver a blow to a rock with the intention of splitting it. Specimens or samples can be trimmed to remove sharp corners or reduce in size.

Construction The effective power of a geologist's hammer is mainly considered to be a reflection of its head weight and handle length. Head weight may range from 8 oz (225 g) or less on a small hammer—such as would generally be used for cas-ual use or by children—to 24 oz (680 g) and greater. 16 oz (450 g) is often quoted as sufficient for all rock types, al-though metamorphic or igneous rocks often require heavier hammers for a more powerful blow.

The best geologist's hammers are forged from one piece of hardened steel, which renders them sturdy and long last-ing. Alternatives such as tubular and wooden shafted hammers are more commonly used, in part due to their low cost. Such alternative handles sacrifice strength and make the hammer unsuitable for high strain activities like prying. The form and weighting of the shaft defines the balance, which itself defines the ease, efficiency and comfort of use of the geologist's hammer.

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THE GOLDEN NUGGET

Hope to have pictures and specimens ready for showing at next meeting. Also, I have a bag of pirolite (lava dust, rocks, and

hopefully a diamond or two) to give away for one of our lucky members. Had a great trip and dug for diamonds in the rain.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

5

>Nov 1: 2nd Annual Geology Day, Oren Dunn City Museum, 689 Rutherford Rd @ Ballard Park, Tu-

pelo, MS 38801; 10-3—Adm $1. N Ms Gem & Mineral; Roger Lambert roger.lambertjr@yahoo.com

>October 10-12, Huntsville, AL Jaycee Community Building, 2180 Airport Road SW, Huntsville,

35801 Fri & Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 www.huntsvillegms.org >November 7,8 & 9, Pascagoula, MS Jackson County, 2902 Shortcut Rd, Pascagoula 39567 Fri & Sat 10-6; Sun 10- 5; Adm $3.00 Adults 3 Day ticket $5.00 under 12 free >November 8 & 9 , Melbourne, FL Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd. 10 -5 - william.h.harr@gmail.com >November 21-23, Columbia, SC Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210 – Fri Sat 10-

6,, Sun 12-5 Adm $5 adults, 16 and under free with adult; military & dependents free; Sue Shrader, (803) 736-9317; ashrader@mindspring.com www.cgams.org >November 21-23, Marietta, GA Cobb County Civic Center, 548 Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Fri Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5

International Colored Gemstone Assn newsletter http://www.gemstone.org/

Georgia Meteorite Association http://www.meteoriteassociationofgeorgia.org/

William Holland www.lapidaryschool.org

Wildacres http://www.amfed.org/sfms/wildacres-retreat.html

Al Mineral Locality Index http://www.mindat.org/rloc.php?loc=Alabama%2C+USA

GIA http://www.gia.edu/3954/gia_home_page.cfm http://www.greatdanepro.com/somewhere%20in%20time/index.htm

educational sources for young rock & mineral collectors and hobbyists

KidsLoveRocks.com http://fossilsforkids.com/

http://www.mineralcollecting.org/

FL Museum Natural History (fossils) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/collections/overview/ AMERICAN LANDS ACCESS ASSOCIATION, INC. (Protecting the Public Lands for the Public; A grassroots 501-C-4 Educa-tional, non-profit organization dedicated to keeping public lands open for the public http://www.amlands.org/

http://www.gemstoneslist.com/

http://mines.az.gov/Rec_Ed/rockhound.html

http://www.mnh.si.edu/ (SMITHSONIAN)

http://www.gia.edu/

http://www.montgomerygemandmineralsociety.com/

SE SHOWS http://www.rockngem.com/show-dates-display/?ShowState=ALL

L I N K S T O C H E C K O U T

REMINDERS

Please let Mary Belmont or Virginia Webb know if a member needs a get well card or any other communication for which a card is appropriate.

Bring spare rocks, gems, minerals to any meeting in order to prepare for the Wheel of Fortune.

Show your recent acquisitions at the monthly meeting so other members can experience a vari-

ety of different materials. NOTE: the shop can be opened on Saturdays 1-4 by appointment with Leslie Amato.—Call by Friday afternoon to determine if Saturday is convenient.. Shop fee :$1 per hour or $5 maximum. Be sure to read your monthly copy of the LODESTAR which is emailed.

Member input is not only desired but also needed. Communicate program requests to Peggy Raines. Tell Jeff Edwards if you know of a potential site for a field trip. Talk to any officer or board member regarding the need for a class.

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2014-10

An excellent publica-tion designed espe-cially for young min-eral collectors is Mini Miners Monthly. Check it out at

www.diamondda

npublications.net Electronic subscrip-tion (PDF) $9.95 for 12 issues. A fun website to check out is

http://www.pinterest.com/nkarod/rocks-and-minerals/

6

ery Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.

Except for items that are specifi-

cally copyrighted by their authors,

all material in this bulletin may be

freely copied. Please give credit to

The Golden Nugget and the appro-

priate author.

Meetings of the Montgomery

Gem & Mineral Society are held

every 2nd Thursday of the month at

7:00 p.m. at the Mureal Crump

Adult Center, 1751 Congressman

William L. Dickinson Drive (U.S.

231), Montgomery, AL 36109.

The annual gem show replaces the

The purpose of the Golden

Nugget is to inform members of

news about gems and minerals

along with news about club,

state, and regional activities of

interest to our members. Most

important, the Golden Nugget

provides a way for each of us to

share information about projects

and to pass on tips that will help

others enjoy our hobby. Unless

members are willing to contrib-

ute, the Golden Nugget cannot

meet this latter purpose.

Copyright 2014 by Montgom-

December meeting. Anyone interested in gems and

minerals is invited to attend. Field trips, workshops,

and classes are held at various locations. These are

announced at monthly meetings. Membership dues

are $15.00 for individuals and $20.00 for families

residing in the same household.

The Montgomery Gem & Mineral Society is a

member of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogi-

cal Societies, Inc. and the American Federation of

Mineralogical Societies, Inc.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107,

this material is distributed without profit or payment

to those who have expressed a prior interest in re-

ceiving this information.

General Information

MONTGOMERY GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY

Club Officers for 2014 Acting President: Peggy Raines 324-2475 1st V P/Programs: Peggy Raines 324-2475 2nd V P/Field Trips: Jeff Edwards 312-0572 Secretary: David Sherrod 201-4460 Treasurer: Iris McGehee 262-7275 Past President Thad Cheatham 462-3254 Directors: Jack Kirkland and Mike Berkman Board meetings are at 6:30 pm immediately before the monthly meetings.

THE GOLDEN NUGGETTHE GOLDEN NUGGET

Official Voice of the Montgomery Gem &

Mineral Society, Montgomery AL

Linda R. Griebel, Editor

The Golden Nugget

P. O. Box 801

Wetumpka, AL 36092-0801

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