VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1 Rhode Island JANUARY,...
4
Republic. However, in the Amhara Welo Regional State Highland Plateau at 2,500 to 3,200 feet above sea level, opals were discovered in Ethiopia in 2008. Today, these Welo opals are quickly gaining attention within the opal community. The rough is mined strictly by Ethiopian citizens, many of whom were formerly struggling farmers. Mining is strenuous as the miners crawl in and out of tight spaces in the hillsides. Once extracted, the cutter must use extreme patience and techniques a little different from those traditionally used. Though it takes longer to cut a Welo, the reward can be worth it. Welo opals are characterized by large planes of brilliant color as opposed to the smaller chips of glittery color in Australian varieties. Most common are the neon red and green, with purple less frequently seen. Perhaps the best thing about Welo opals is that you can own one at this time for relatively low cost. As with any commodity of increasing popularity, the price of Welo opals has been sharply rising. If you have any interest in purchasing one, now may be the time. The amount of available information about opals could fill volumes. Welo opals are just one of many different and fascinating types. They are all beautiful and certainly worth much more of an in-depth look than this space allows. I hope you will consider a Welo opal for the next addition to your precious stone collection. Victoria O’Toole, RIMH VOLUME 52, ISSUE 7 JULY, 2014 © 2014 RIMH WELO ETHIOPIAN OPAL Who doesn’t love opal? The kid in us delights in how the colors flash and change. The adult in us loves the beauty of a polished stone done justice in a setting of glittering gold. The rock hound in us appreciates the wonder of our earth and the natural circumstances that converge to create a treasure. There are two basic categories of opal, precious opal and common opal. We will focus here on precious opal. Opal is deposited at relatively low temperatures and may occur in the fissures of any rock, although most commonly in limonite, sandstone, and basalt to name a few. Scientifically, opal is a silicate summarily described as a hydrated, amorphous mineraloid. In simpler terms, it contains water, usually 6 to 10% (but may be as high as 21%), and does not demonstrate a crystalline structure. Despite the lack of such a crystal order, it is composed of layered silica spheres. The spacing between the planes of the layers and the angle at which the light hits the planes determines which colors we see. The visibility of the colors is a function of the regularity of the sphere size and layering, making those qualities the determinate of an opal’s quality and value. With its softness (5.5 to 6 on the Moh’s scale) and water content, precious opal must be diligently cared for. Never use a sonic cleaner. Never use chemicals or detergents on your opals. It is unwise to mount opal in unfinished sterling silver as the products used to clean the metal will damage the stone. Perfume should be applied before putting on opal jewelry. Around 97% of the world’s opals come from Australia, although they are also found in the U.S., Mexico, and even the Czech For more photos or additional information about Welo Opals visit: http://treasurion.com/blog/welo-opal-depositsextraction- methods-and-material-characteristics/ “Thanks Victoria for this first of many great articles.” the editor Aug 2nd Club Meeting & Picnic Meeting 11 AM and Club Picnic noon Photo from: treasurion.com Photo from: treasurion.com Photo from: treasurion.com See page 4 for details. Rhode Island Mineral Hunters, Inc. Bowen-Lite www.RIMH.us RIMH C O N S E R V A T I O N E X P L O R A T I O N M I N E R A L S PAR ON ERI CUMBERLANDITE ~ OFFICIAL STATE ROCK ♦ BOWENITE ~ OFFICIAL STATE MINERAL
Transcript of VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1 Rhode Island JANUARY,...
Republic. However, in the Amhara Welo Regional State Highland Plateau at 2,500 to 3,200 feet above sea level, opals were discovered in Ethiopia in 2008. Today, these Welo opals are quickly gaining attention within the opal community. The rough is mined strictly by Ethiopian citizens, many of whom were formerly struggling farmers. Mining is strenuous as the miners crawl in
and out of tight spaces in the hillsides. Once extracted, the cutter must use extreme patience and techniques a little different from those traditionally used. Though it takes longer to cut a Welo, the reward can be worth it.Welo opals are characterized by large planes of brilliant color as opposed to the smaller chips of glittery color in Australian varieties. Most common are the neon red and green, with purple less frequently seen. Perhaps the best thing about Welo opals is that you can own one at this
time for relatively low cost. As with any commodity of increasing popularity, the price of Welo opals has been sharply rising. If you have any interest in purchasing one, now may be the time.
The amount of available information about opals could fill volumes. Welo opals are just one of many different and fascinating types. They are all beautiful and certainly worth much more of an in-depth look than this space allows. I hope you will consider a Welo opal for the next addition to your precious stone collection.
Victoria O’Toole, RIMH
VOLUME 52, ISSUE 7 JULY, 2014 © 2014 RIMH
WELO ETHIOPIAN OPALWho doesn’t love opal? The kid in us delights in how the colors flash and change. The adult in us loves the beauty of a polished stone done justice in a setting of glittering gold. The rock hound in us appreciates the wonder of our earth and the natural circumstances that converge to create a treasure.There are two basic categories of opal, precious opal and common opal. We will focus here on precious opal. Opal is deposited at relatively low temperatures and may occur in the fissures of any rock, although most commonly in limonite, sandstone, and basalt to name a few.Scientifically, opal is a silicate summarily described as a hydrated, amorphous mineraloid. In simpler terms, it contains water, usually 6 to 10% (but may be as high as 21%), and does not demonstrate a crystalline structure. Despite the lack of such a crystal order, it is composed of layered silica spheres. The spacing between the planes of the layers and the angle at which the light hits the planes determines which colors we see. The visibility of the colors is a function of the regularity of the sphere size and layering, making those qualities the determinate of an opal’s quality and value.With its softness (5.5 to 6 on the Moh’s scale) and water content, precious opal must be diligently cared for. Never use a sonic cleaner. Never use chemicals or detergents on your opals. It is unwise to mount opal in
unfinished sterling silver as the products used to clean the metal will damage the stone. Perfume should be applied before putting on opal jewelry.Around 97% of the world’s opals come from Australia, although they are also found in the U.S., Mexico, and even the Czech
For more photos or additional information about Welo Opals visit: http://treasurion.com/blog/welo-opal-depositsextraction-methods-and-material-characteristics/ “Thanks Victoria for this first of many great articles.” the editor
Aug 2nd Club Meeting & Picnic Meeting 11 AM and Club Picnic noon
Phot
o fro
m: t
reas
urio
n.co
m
Phot
o fro
m: t
reas
urio
n.co
m
Photo from: treasurion.com
See page 4 for details.
VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1 JANUARY, 2013 © 2013 RIMHRhode Island Mineral Hunters, Inc.
Bowen-Litewww.RIMH.us
RIMH
CONSERVATIONEXPL
ORAT
ION
MINERALS
PAR ON ERI
CUMBERLANDITE ~ OFFICIAL STATE ROCK ♦ BOWENITE ~ OFFICIAL STATE MINERAL
2
RIMH
CONSERVATIONEXPL
ORAT
ION
MINERALS
PAR ON ERIRIMH AUGUST MEETINGANNUAL PICNIC - AUGUST 2nd
Club Members & Families Are Welcome!The picnic will be held at the home of Bruce and Sabra Luscombe. The club will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers and all the necessary buns, condiments, and serving materials.
Club members are asked to bring chips, salads, beverages, etc. Please bring folding chairs and BYOB.
See page 4 for additional informaiton.
Executive Board meets at 7 PMon the 1st Tuesday of the month.
July 1st, 7 PMMeeting will be at: Don Fail’s house
Volume 52, Issue 7 Bowen-Lite July, 2014
RHODE ISLAND MINERAL HUNTERS ~ 2014OFFICERSPresident: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve EmmaVice-President: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buck LeachSecretary: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer DavisTreasurer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Dante Caprara
EXECUTIVE BOARDLouise Barbish, Tom Barbish, *James Brenek, Rachel Cesana, Don Fail, Joel Russo, *Chris Tremblay, Bill Wilson
DEPARTMENTS / COMMITTEESHistorian: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill WilsonMembership:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Tom BarbishField Trip Coordinator:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel RussoShow Chairman: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don FailLibrarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill NealEditor: . . . Bruce Luscombe, [email protected]: . . . . . .Bruce Hecker, [email protected]
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.RIMH.us* indicates a new officer / board member / duty for 2014
OUR NEXT MEETING RIMH FIELD TRIPSField Trip Coordinator: Joel Russo 401-942-3394, 401-263-1076 (cell), [email protected]
You MUST call or e-mail the field trip leader at least 24 hours in advance to be included. ALWAYS give your
cellphone or home phone # in case of cancelation.
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
Date: Tuesday, July 8th at 7:00 PMPlace: CCRI (Community College of RI) 400 East St., Rt. 113, Warwick, RIRoom: 1130Speaker: Bill Wilson on “Recognition of Igneous Rock”
Fields Trips . . . continued on page 3
Saturday, July 12, 2014 - 8:30 am to 1 pmPike Industries - Hooksett Quarry
Hackett Hill Rd, Hooksett, NHGPS: +43.082297 N -71.476233 W
This is a crushed stone quarry that yields nice minerals and is well worth the trip. We’ve found nice purple fluorite, calcite xl rosettes, and calcite xls associated with quartz xls – some water clear.
Trip leader: Joel Russo401-942-3394, [email protected] leader: Steve Emma401-751-5215, [email protected]/caravan location: Meet at location, make own travel arrangementsType of collecting: Hard rock pilesWhat can be found: Purple and green fluorite, calcite, quartz xls (some water clear), galena, massive amethyst. There are nice micros here, also. Go to mindat.com for full mineral list.Tools/equipment: Hammers, sledges, pry bars, wedges, garden tools & shovels, container(s) for specimens, safety glasses, spray bottle.Clothing: Dress for summer weather conditions, plus hard-toed shoes, long pants, reflective vest, hard hat, safety glasses.Safety: Quarry rule apply. Stay at least 25 feet away from walls – Use of any tools on walls strictly forbidden. Be cautious climbing rock piles as moving rocks can cause you to lose your balance and serious injury may result. Bring snacks and plenty of drinks. There are porta-johns on site.Special information: Please call at least 24 hours in advance to register with trip leader otherwise you will not be allowed in the quarry. MUST BE 14 OR OLDER .
Pho
tos
© 2
014:
B D
Lus
com
be
Purple Fluorite Calcite Rosettes and Quarts Crystals
RIMH
CONSERVATIONEXPL
ORAT
ION
MINERALS
PAR ON ERI
Volume 52, Issue 7 Bowen-Lite July, 2014
3
Field Trips . . . continued from page 2Driving Directions: GPS: +43.082297 N -71.476233 WFollow 95N into MassachusettsAt junction of I93-N/I-95N, take I95-N toward Portsmouth, NH, go 23.7 miTake exit 32A and merge onto US-3 N toward Lowell/Nashua, NH, go 27.5 miContinue onto Everett Turnpike, go 13.6 miMerge onto I-293 N/Everett Turnpike, go 7.5 miMerge onto I-93 N, go 1.7 miTake exit 11 toward NH 3A/Hooksett, go 0.5 miTurn right onto Hackett Hill Road, go 0.5 mi (destination is on right. Drive down road. If gate closed, wait there. If gate open, drive down to office and wait there).Note: If you prefer, you can also take I-495 N to US-3 N, then follow rest of directions.
It’s about a 2-hour trip from Cranston.
Sunday, July 27, 2014, 9:00 amHavey Quarry
Levine Rd., Poland, METhere is a $10 per person quarry fee for this trip.
Small pegmatite quarry with extensive amount of minerals. Last year Jim Brennek and I collected lots of elbaite (tourmaline) some green, some blue, some ‘watermelon’ (pink inside and green outside). Lots of lepidolite, plus many other minerals – some in decent quantity. (Last year this was my best collecting site. Joel)Trip leader: Joel Russo401-942-3394, [email protected] leader: Steve Emma401-751-5215, [email protected]: Havey Quarry, Levine Rd., Poland, MEDate/time of trip: Sunday, July 27 2014, 9:00 am Carpool/caravan location: Meet at location, make own travel arrangementsType of collecting: Hard rock dumps and some wallWhat can be found? (go to mindat.com for full list of minerals to be found)Tools/equipment: Hammers, sledges, prybars, wedges, garden tools & shovels, container(s) for specimens, safety glasses, bug spray.Clothing: Dress for summer weather conditions, plus hard-toed shoes, long pants, reflective vest, hard hat, safety glasses.Special information: Please call at least 24 hours in advance to register with trip leader otherwise you will not be allowed in the quarry. MUST BE 14 OR OLDER.
Driving directions: Follow 95N into MassachusettsAt junction of I-93-N/I-95N, take I95-N toward Portsmouth, NH, go 155 mi into Maine to exit 75 toward
US-202/ME-4/ME-100/ Auburn for 0.3 miTurn left onto Washington St N for 0.3 mi.Turn left onto E Hardscrabble Road for 1.0 miSlight right onto Hotel Road for 0.5 miTake the 1st left onto Lewiston Junction Rd for 0.3 miTurn right onto W Hardscrabble Road for 1.4 miTurn right onto Levine Road for 381 feet
Total trip: 200 miles, approx 3 hrs10 min
Massachusetts Dinosaur FootprintsFor over 175 years, the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts and Connecticut has been world famous for its fossil dinosaur footprints. One excellent exposure of early Jurassic-age dinosaur
footprints is located along the river at Dinosaur State Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and is open every day to the public (except in winter) without a fee. Walkways of at least three types of dinosaur footprints, from less than hand-sized to over a foot in length, along with small crocodile trackways, can be seen at the outcrop, which is an easy walk downhill from the parking lot. What sets this state park apart, and makes it truly unique in New England,
is that you can literally walk on – and even reach down and carefully touch - the tracks themselves. (Hammers and chisels are strictly forbidden!) If you do, you’ll be touching the same grains of sand the great dinosaurs touched 200 million years ago! Drive the Mass Pike west to Rt. 91 North in Springfield, then take Exit 17 in Holyoke to Rt. 141 E. Turn left on Rt. 5 North for 2.2 miles. Look for a small roadside sign on the right, park, and walk to the information board at the head of the trail to the footprint area. Be sure to bring a camera! While you’re out there this summer, why not fill out the day by taking in “Life Through Time: Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals” at the Springfield Science Museum, or by visiting the East Coast Mineral Show in August! Bob Sproule, RIMH
Famous Dino Tracks from Massachusetts, circa 1840Photos © 2014: B D Luscombe
Bruce LuscomBe
390 Bridgetown rd.saunderstown, ri 02874
© Rhode Island Mineral Hunters ● “Bowen-Lite” newsletter ● July, 2014
The “Bowen-Lite” newsletter is produced by and for the members of the Rhode Island Mineral Hunters, Inc. (RIMH).All portions are copyright © 2014 - RIMH and/or the original author / photographer. www.RIMH.us
Here’s More:THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ROCKS!
All newsletter photographs © Bruce Luscombe unless otherwise noted.
Tumbling Stones is FUNHave you been picking up beautiful rocks and making piles in your house or around your yard? Ever wish you could polish them to enhance their beauty or make jewelry or art from them? Then maybe this is for you.
If you are interested in learning about tumble polishing your stones maybe you should check this out. Rachel
Cesana is leading a group that will get you started in this fun aspect of collecting minerals.
Contact Rachel Cesana at [email protected] if you’d want to join this group or would like more information. Please email Rachel and put “Tumbler Group” in subject line.
Photos byJen Davis
© 2014
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!Join us this year for another great pot luck club picnic. Last year we had a great time at Bruce Hecker’s house in Warwick. This year Bruce and Sabra Luscombe invite you to their cottage for another great club picnic. We’re at 390 Bridgetown Rd., Saunderstown, RI which just off Rt. 1 on the N / S Kingstown line. I’ll be emailing specific directions with a map before the picnic, or you can Google our address for directions. Please note this is a private estate where I’m the caretaker. Follow the “green trees” signs starting at beginning of our drive. Come to the rear of white cottage on the left and NOT the white/blue main house.
Aug 2nd Club Meeting & Picnic Meeting 11 AM and Club Picnic noon
The club will provide the hot dogs, hamburgers and the “fixings”. We ask members to please bring some food, drink, desserts, folding chairs, etc.Please RSVP me at [email protected] to let us know you’ll be coming, who you’ll be bringing, and what food/beverage items you plan to provide. Also bring along some “good rocks” that we can share as door prizes. Got any lawn games???If you get lost or forget the directions please callBruce’s cell for help: 401-447-7640.
Bruce & Sabra Luscombe
RIMH
CONSERVATIONEXPL
ORAT
ION
MINERALS
PAR ON ERI
