CULVER CITY ROCK AND MINERAL CLUB

the NUGGETVolume 58 April 2017 Issue 4

Veterans Memorial Multi-Purpose Room4117 Overland Ave, Culver City

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEAPRIL 10 * 7:30 pmFLUORITE - The World’s Most

Colorful Mineral

Visitors Welcome

Fluorite comes in a wide range of colors and has consequently been dubbed “the most colorful mineral in the world.”

We welcome back

Dick Weber as our presenter to tell us about this mineral which is highly sought after by collectors. Every color of the rainbow in various shades are represented by fluorite samples, along with white, black, and clear crystals. In addition to its aesthetic and scientific value, fluorite is a critical industrial mineral used in the production of thousands of commercial products.

Dick Weber was first exposed to the fluorite deposits of the Mississippi Valley while working on his geology degree. Actively collecting specimens for the last 15 years, he will bring a display showcasing pieces from famous locales.

By Géry Parent (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Géry Parent (Own work)

Greetings fellow rock hounds and gem enthusiasts.

We hope everybody is aware of how our shared interest in rocks and minerals has such a wide reach. This spring, June 9-11, 2017 the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society will host the nationwide CFMS-AFMS Show and Convention. The Ventura club is a member of the CFMS (California Federation of Mineralogical Societies), which in turn is one of 7 regions of the AFMS (American Federation of Mineralogical Societies).

Each year the CFMS holds a Show and Convention somewhere in California, and likewise, each year the AFMS joins with one of the 7 regions for its annu-al show. Hence, every 7 years it lands in California. It’s a special event to host the CFMS show, and even more special to host for the joint CFMS-AFMS show.

Check the show website for an amazing schedule of events, speakers and seminars at: 2017cfms-afms-show.com. The Culver City Rock and Mineral Club will be represented there and we hope everyone here can join as well.

Mike Hunerlach, retired head geologist of the U.S. Forest Service will speak at noon Friday on “BLM Info on Desert Monuments Rockhounding” and how we can help keep public lands open. He will be fol-lowed at 2:15 pm by our own Ken Rogers, speaking on Gemstones and Gem Beads and the many industry changes that everyone should be aware of in their career and hobby pursuits.

We always get good representation from the Ventura area at our Fiesta of Gems show, this year on the weekend of July 8 and 9. We will be setting up all day July 7 and look forward to everyone’s help to make this the great summer show it has come to be known throughout the Southland and beyond.

The CCRMC July meeting will be the next day, Monday, July 10 and our eclectic-mindedPrograms Chair has arranged for an interesting speak-er with a presentation on Japanese volcanism and his

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President’s Message continued from page 1

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adventures “Rockhounding in Hell.” We have a lot to look forward to this summer.

Have a great spring everyone. Hoping you can make time to visit our many geologic wonders throughout the Southwest.

Darrell RobbPresident

SHOP NEWSShop schedule change

Starting April 1, both Wednesdays and Thursdays will be by appointment only. To contact the instruc-tor for either of those days, send an email toshop-avail-appoint@culvercityrocks.org specifying the day(s) you want to go and your phone number.

You will get a reply, letting you know if the shop will be open on the day(s) you requested.New addition to shop

Wilbert Williams is our new shop repair person. He has been a member for a long time, and with his pre-retirement background, he is a perfect fit for fixing the maladies that may happen to the shop’s equipment from time to time. The shop committee is still in charge of purchases and nothing has changed with respect to members’ responsibility for cleaning up equipment after themselves as well as the overall cleaning of the shop.Spring cleaning

In the next month or two, we will select a Saturday or Sunday morning for a deep down and dirty (pun intended) cleaning of the shop by members. This used to be done on a regular basis, and we are resur-recting it.Flat lap clean-up

When you use the flap lap, there are several steps that must be followed during clean-up

• With the water running, use the wire brush hang-ing on the wall in front of the machine to brush off any residue from your work. If residue is left on the disk, it can, and probably will, scratch the next piece of material used on the disk.

• Then move the water drip away from the disk and let it spin dry. You can usually see it drying by a color change as it is spinning.

• Remove the disk from the machine and place it in the plastic sleeve you found it in and return it to the disk organizer to the shelf.

• Clean out any debris that has collected in the bot-tom of the disk housing.

As usual, please respect the Shop Instructor’s park-ing space next to the paddle tennis court - and don’t park on the alley cement.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Janice Metz 4-AprEric B. Frasco 5-Apr

Richard Shaffer 8-AprSusan Beveridge 8-Apr

Delia Lozano 10-AprJames Powers 14-Apr

JT Daniels 15-AprJette Sorensen 18-Apr

Stephanie Dangott 27-Apr

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PISGAH CRATER FIELD TRIPMARCH 11

More trips are being planned. Check the Club’s website for updates

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MARCH PROGRAM REPORTModern Jade

Ken Rogers introduced Renee Newman, famed gemologist and author of numerous books on gems and jewelry. Ms. Newman delivered an interesting lecture on jade in the 21st century - why it is prized and how it is tested and valued.

Ms. Newman began by explaining the main differ-ences between jadeite jade and nephrite jade: jadeite jade is hard, while neph-rite jade is softer to carve, although its structural fibers make it a tougher material. Jadeite jade's highest prized color is green, while neph-rite jade's is white.

Ms. Newman provided tips on how to distinguish jade from imitation materials such as dyed green quartz, chalcedony, serpentine, soapstone, glass and plastic. Identification techniques include unusual location and descriptive names, surface temperature, heft, fracture chip structure, scratch test, use of a magnifying lens, price, color and refractive index. Ms. Newman also provided useful clues to help detect treated jade, such as dull sound, perfectly matching beads, bright colors, cutting style, pink or reddish appearance under color filter, fluorescence, appearance under a magnifying glass and price.

Ms. Newman illustrated her lecture with several photographs of various specimens and carved pieces by renowned contemporary artists.

Submitted by Ana Maria S. Guimaraes

EXECUTIVE MEETING MINUTESMarch 13

Those present: Stephanie Dangott, Steve Dover, Franne Einberg, Barbara Fier, Felice Ganz, Ana Maria S. Guimaraes, Alexa Hunter, Bruce Mensinger, Darrell Robb, Ken Rogers, Leda Rogers, Grace Sato, Jette Sorensen, Joyce Watanabe. Meeting called to order by President Darrell Robb at 6:42 pm. The February Executive Meeting Minutes were approved as published in the March Nugget.

Field Report - Darrell Robb provided an account of the field trip to Pisgah Crater and Cady Mountains organized by Hans Baumman on March 11.ALAA Membership - Mr. Robb informed the Club had joined the American Land Access Association (ALAA), whose purpose is to promote and ensure the right of amateur hobby collecting, recreational pros-pecting and mining, and the use of public and private lands for educational and recreational purposes.Treasurer Report - Franne Einberg provided a corrected version of the Club’s 2016 Income & Expenses report. Ms. Einberg informed that based on her research, donations from the Fiesta of Gems raffle proceeds must be made in cash form. She also determined that they could be allocated to the Club’s education fund. A motion was approved to rectify the motion previously approved, and donate $1,000 of the 2016 Fiesta of Gems raffle proceeds to the PTA that oversees the Farragut Elementary School of Culver City, $500 to the Friends of the Culver City Scout House (FOCCSH), and $490 to the Club’s education funds.

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Siberian nephrite jade carving & photo by Deborah Wilson

“Chicken Dinner” n

ephrite jade ca

rving

& photo by Dale B

lankenshipBurmese jadeite earrings by Erica Courtney

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Show Report - On behalf of Hellena Jones-Elbling, Darrell Robb informed the Club had secured the contract for the auditorium. Franne Einberg con-firmed she would be submitting the security deposit. It was decided that more research would be done to determine whether the table cloths would be washed and fire-proof treated, or new fire-proof table cloths should be purchased instead. Steve Dover brought an example of the grab bags that had been made for the show.Summer Picnic - Steve Dover confirmed he had reserved Lindberg Park for August 19 from 10 am to 4 pm.Membership Report - Stephanie Dangott indicated she had met with Brad Smith to get an understanding of her role as the new co-chair of Membership. Jette Sorensen explained that the membership roster need-ed to be updated in March as membership renewal was due and once membership expired, ability to use the shop and receive the Nugget would be restricted. Publications Report - Jette Sorensen informed she was looking for more cost effective alternatives to print, fold, and mail the Nugget. She asked Ms. Dangott to promote email receipt of the Nugget upon membership renewal.Sunshine Report - Felice Ganz informed the recipi-ents of cards sent in the month.Workshops Report - Jette Sorensen indicated she planned on resuming teaching workshops in April.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 pm.

Submitted by Ana Maria S. GuimaraesRecording Secretary

GENERAL MEETING MINUTESMARCH 13

The meeting was called to order at 7:42 pm by President Darrell Robb.

• The Pledge of Allegiance was made and a quorum was established.

• The February General Meeting minutes were approved as published in the March Nugget.

• Nine guests were introduced.• Darrell Robb provided an account of the field trip to Pisgah Crater and Cady Mountains organized by Hans Baumman on March 11. He indicated pictures would be posted in the Nugget. Continued on Page 6

• A motion was approved to donate $1,000 of the 2016 Fiesta of Gems raffle proceeds to the PTA that oversees the Farragut Elementary School of Culver City, $500 to the Friends of the Culver City Scout House (FOCCSH), and $490 to the Club’s education funds.

• Darrell Robb reminded members that 2017 mem-bership renewal was due that evening and members who let their membership lapse would no longer receive the Nugget nor be allowed to use the shop.

• Mr. Robb announced the Club’s Summer picnic had been scheduled on August 19 at Lindberg Park from 10 am to 4 pm.

• Mr. Robb informed that lapidary and jewelry mak-ing workshops would resume beginning in April.

• Alexa Hunter provided an account of the Science Night at Farragut Elementary.

• Darrell Robb informed the audit of the Club’s books would be completed in the next thirty days.

• Mr. Robb and Ken Rogers spoke about the impor-tance of members’ involvement in the various Club activities, such as volunteering at the show and step-ping up for the various Club chairs.

• Mr. Rogers announced a specimen of rainbow lat-ticed feldspar was available for viewing during the break.

• Mr. Rogers informed that the Torrance Club show would take place April 1 and 2 and that the CFMS show would take place at the Ventura Fairgrounds the first week of June.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 pm.

Submitted by Ana Maria S. GuimaraesRecording Secretary

APRIL / MAY SHOWS

April 1 - 2: CHICO, CAParadise Gem & Mineral SocietySilver Dollar Fairgrounds2357 Fair StreetHours: Sat 9 - 5; Sun 9 - 4Contact: Kevin Wright, (530) 990-0211Email: agateorca@ix.netcom.comWebsite: paradisegem.org

Executive Meeting Minutes continued

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April / May Shows continued

April 1 - 2: TORRANCE, CASouth Bay Lapidary & Mineral SocietyKen Miller Recreation Center3341 Torrance Blvd (entrance on Madrona Ave)Hours: Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4Contact: Nancy Pekarek, (310) 257-8152Email: pekareks@hotmail.comWebsite: southbaylapidaryandmineralsociety.com

April 7, 8 & 9: VISTA, CAVista Gem & Mineral SocietyAntique Gas & Steam Engine Museum2040 North Santa Fe AvenueHours: 9 - 5 dailyContact: Ray Pearce, (760) 535 5524Email: raysrocks@cox.netWebsite: www.vistarocks.org

April 8 - 9: MARIPOSA, CAMariposa Gem & Mineral SocietyMariposa County Fairgrounds5007 Fairgrounds Rd/Hwy 49 So.Hours: Sat 10 - 6; Sun 10 - 5Contact: Meredith Meehan, (559) 868-3535Email: mgmc@sti.netWebsite: www.camineralmuseum.com

April 22 - 23: PASO ROBLES, CASanta Lucia RockhoundsPaso Robles Event Center2198 Riverside AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 – 4Contact: Tina Clark, (805) 305-0246Email: slrockhounds@gmail.comWebsite: www.slrockhounds.org

April 22 - 23: THOUSAND OAKS, CAConejo Gem & Mineral ClubBorchard Park Community Center190 Reino Road at Borchard RoadHours: 10 - 5 dailyContact: Robert Sankovich, (805) 494-7734Email: rmsorca@roadrunner.comWebsite: www.cgamc.org

April 29 - 30: LANCASTER, CAAntelope Valley Gem & Mineral SocietyLancaster High School44701 32nd Street West

Hours: 10 - 5 dailyWebsite: www.avgem.weebly.com April 29 - 30: SANTA CRUZ, CASanta Cruz Mineral & Gem SocietySanta Cruz Civic Auditorium307 Church StreetHours: 10 - 5 dailyContact: Dean WelderEmail: wdeanwelder@gmail.comWebsite: www.scrockngem.org

May 5 - 7: YUCAIPA, CAYucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral SocietyYucaipa Music & Arts FestivalYucaipa Blvd and Adams StreetHours: Fri 6 - 9; Sat 12 - 10, Sun 12 - 6Contact: Lee Peterson, (909) 794-0731Website: www.yvgms.org

May 6 - 7: JACKSON, CAAmador County Gem & Mineral SocietyKennedy Mine12594 Kennedy Mine Rd (off Hwy 49/88)Hours: 10 – 4 dailyContact: Gaylene Lichty, (209) 245-5388Email: mountaingirl@volcano.netWebsite: amadorgemandmineral.org

May 6 - 7, 2017: RENO, NVReno Gem & Mineral SocietyReno Livestock Event Center1350 North Wells AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4Contact: Daniel Ellis, (775) 359-6068Email: sailondan55@aol.comWebsite: www.renorockhounds.com

May 6 - 7: ANAHEIM, CASearchers Gem & Mineral SocietyBrookhurst Community Center2271 W. Crescent AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4:30Contact: Margaret Hogarth, 909 815-3045Email: hogarth.m@gmail.com

Go to CulverCityRocks.org

for the latest on Workshops, Field Trips, Shop Closures (if any), etc.

Page 7 APR 2017

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..............................................................................................................culvercityrocks.org

MEETING SCHEDULE

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

*Consult the Nugget or the website for occasional location changes

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 accom-modate 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.) Replacement badge $15.00

SHOP INFORMATION

The shop is open to 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 FOCCSH building (Boy Scout clubhouse) and next to the paddle tennis courts)Shop Phone: (310) 836-4611Hours: Tuesday 7 pm – 9:30 pm - Rick ShafferWednesday 10 am – 2 pm - By appointment, email: shop-avail-appoint@culvercityrocks.org Thursday 10 am – 2 pm - By appointment, email: shop-avail-appoint@culvercityrocks.org Saturday Noon – 4 pm - Lynne Lukert Sunday Noon – 4 pm - Jette SorensenIf 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 2017President - Darrell Robb

Vice President - Steve DoverTreasurer - Franne Einberg

Recording Secretary - Ana Maria GuimaraesCorresponding Secretary - Jan Ferguson

Historian - Bruce MensingerParliamentarian - Johnny Hjorth

Committee Chairs:Education - Alexa Hunter

Federation Director - Rick ShafferField Trips - Hans BaumannLibrarian - Bruce Mensinger

Membership - Brad SmithCo-Chair - Stephanie Dangott

Minerals - Minda MoePhotography - Bruce Mensinger

Programs - Ken RogersPublications - Co-Chairs - Barbara Fier,

Jan Ferguson, Jette SorensenPublicity - Janice Metz

Show - Hellena Jones-ElblingShop Committee - President,

Vice President, Shop InstructorsSocial - Grace Sato

Co-Chair - Joyce WatanabeSunshine - Felice Ganz

Trading Post - Gary MitchellWeb Master - Jette SorensenWorkshops - Jette Sorensen

Board of Directors: (2017) Bruce Mensinger - Ana Maria Guimaraes

(2018) Rick Shaffer - Jette Sorensen(2019) Brad Smith - Grace Sato

Contact Us: (310) 836-4611P.O. Box 3324, Culver City, CA 90231culvercityrocks.orgfacebook.com/CCRMCtwitter.com/culvercityrockshttps://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CCRMC/info

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FIRST CLASS

CULVER CITY ROCK & MINERAL CLUB, INC

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

Address Change Requested