B.C. Vol. 15 Winter 2011 Rockhounder · 2015-03-11 · experiences with rocks, gems and minerals from all over the world. Up to a thousand children come through the doors! A lot of

Winter 2011 | 1

Share your trips and knowledge by sending an article to the Rockhounder

Submit articles for the next issue byMay 30, 2011 to:

Win Robertson 6 – 2401 Ord Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 7V8 E mail: [email protected]

Editor:Win [email protected](250) 376-4878#6 - 2401 Ord Rd.Kamloops, BC V2B 7V8

Cover Photo: Quartz CrystalsCollected by Randall DeFehr, Four Brother's Mountain Dimensions: 30x24x13 cm. Weight: 6.4 kg. Crystal termination's on all sides

RockhounderB.C. Vol. 15 Winter 2011

Design & Layout:Leah [email protected](250) 299-8990Kamloops, BCwww.leahjones.ca

Printing:Sure Kamloops Print & Copy Centre(250) 554-1322552 Tranquille Rd.Kamloops, BC

Published Quarterly By the British Columbia Lapidary Society20739 39th Avenue, Langley, BC, V3A 2V7 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (604) 532-0582 www.lapidary.bc.ca

ContentsPresident's Message 2The Ice River Complex 4Mad About Copper 7Dangerous Dust 8Gemologist Focuses on Helping Miners 11The Pseudomorph Murder 13Remarkable Rocks 14Wire Wrap Jewelery 15Famous Collections 17Healing Stones 18Minerals of the Earth 19Rockhounds, You Can't Take It With You 20In Quartz, Inclusions Can be a Good Thing 20Worlds Oldest Rocks Found In Quebec 2140 Common Minerals 22Experiencing Fluorescence 24Common Rockhound Ailments 28Petroleum Filled Geodes 29Summer Camp 2011 30Rendezvous 2011 32Club News 34Talk Shop 39Club Shows and Sales 41

"My thanks to all that have submitted articles and club news for publication. They are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by our readers."

2 | B.C. Rockhounder

President’s MessageThe BC Gem Show is one of the two largest rock shows in Canada, and it's right in our backyard! Bob and I have been to many rock shows, and ours is second in size only to the one in Bancroft, Ontario. It serves as a showcase for all our clubs and the Society.

We have a well experienced team, planning each of the areas for months ahead, and they know exactly how to put the show together.

Helpers from all the nearby rock clubs, give an air of excitement to this event. When you arrive on scene, rockhounds are busy, putting up the tables, draping the skirting, resurrecting the cases with their lights, setting up displays, and wowing over the displays in the “Specials” location. Long time friends are meeting and greeting each other, and there is much happy chatting and laughter.

The first day of the show is known as children's day. It's a public service the rockhounds do for the schools, as the children come to have rock education and direct experiences with rocks, gems and minerals from all over the world. Up to a thousand children come through the doors! A lot of them have worksheets from their teachers, to be filled in as they circulate. Their inquisitive minds have lots of questions to ask, and their little fingers touch the smoothly polished stones, shiny crystals and bumpy fossils with amazement. Before long, you can see them with a rock identification card in their hands, being herded by the patient parents, from spot to spot.

This year a special event is happening. Dave Langevin, of MacAbee fossils, has generously donated several boxes of the fossil pieces to give to the children. They will be individually wrapped, because they are fragile, and each child and student, will receive one at the show. Thanks a lot, Dave!

Our demonstrators do a great job of showing and explaining their skills of lapidary, wire wrap, micro mounting, silversmithing, carving and so on. People who have never encountered rockhounds before are impressed with the variety of skills they present, and the beautiful work they do.

For the last few years, there have been awards given for the most

outstanding cases in several categories. We have rows of show cases displaying our best rock finds from field trips, and our finest products crafted from rocks and minerals.

On Saturday and Sunday, the show is in full swing. Children return to the show with their parents, because they want to show them what they've seen. Many collectors come to see what different minerals or crystals are available. The show is a-buzz with rock talk and shoppers.

Today, I spoke to a bus driver in Tucson, Arizona, who lived his whole life the this city with one of the biggest rock shows in North America, but he has never been to the Convention Centre to see the show that brings people from all over the world.

Leave no stone unturned! I encourage all of you to invite all your family and friends to our rock show. Bring the neighbours! Spread the fliers!

B.C. Gem Show dates are:Friday, April 8, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pmSaturday, April 9th, from 10:00 am to 6 pmSunday, April 10, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

De Morgan,

President, BCLS

Winter 2011 | 3

TipsDart Sticks Use the rubber darts from kids dart guns to dop a cabochon after it is finished in order to polish the back side. Wet the rubber cup, stick it to the top of the finished cabochon and let set for about 5 minutes. Proceed to polish the back side.via Rock Rollers, 8/09;

Why Do We Use that Word?Rock is from an old French word “roche” used to refer to any mass of solid earth material from the earth. Fossil is from the Latin for “dug up!” Ore is from Anglo Saxon, referring to unwrought metal.via Conglomerate, 4/10; via The Rockpile, 2/l0;

From Chaos To SerenityInstead of throwing your files in a drawer willy-nilly, color code them. Use nail polish, red for round, turquoise for triangle, black for flat etc. Put the color

in stripes around the handle to indicate the cut, 2 stripes for #2 cut, 4 stripes for #4, and so on.via Breccia, 12/03; from Revere Academy

Tee Up Your Stones by Doyle McClainPlastic golf tees can also be used as dop sticks. They fit the fingers nicely and will not soak up the water.via Rock Rollers, 8/09;

Polished CabochonsKeep polished cabochons in photo-slide protector pages. The pages fit a three-ring binder and each page has 20 individual pockets. The cabs are easily visible, but are protected. Coin collector sheets also may be used.via Golden Spike News, 5/04; via Oregon Rockhound, 1/04;

Professional training courses leading to “Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)”

by home study and extension courses

For more details visit our website at www.cigem.ca or write to C.I.G. PO Box 57010, Vancouver BC, V5K 5G6604-530-8569 toll free: 1-800-294-2211

Rockhound Shop

777 - Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, B.C. Canada V8X 2S6

E mail: [email protected]. (250) 475-2080 (Tues - Sat.) Fax (250) 475-2083

Owner: V.I. Rockhound Shop Ltd. Tom & Gerry Vaulkhard)


The geological belts of British Columbia run nw-se, parallel to the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Mountains. Any rockhound travelling the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff National Park, AB and Golden, BC, should make the effort to enjoy a number of unique geological phenomena in that area.

The Rocky Mountains are, of course, spectacular in their own right. But close to the town of Field in Yoho National Park, visitors will want to take a walking tour to the World Heritage acclaimed site of the Burgess Shales. You can't just stroll up, however. You must make a reservation (there are daily trips during the summer months) and go as part of a small guided group.

Just to the west of the Rockies lies the huge Rocky Mountain Trench, which runs for over a thousand kilometres nw-se alongside the Cambrian limestones of those well known peaks. But although the Rockies, the Shales and the Trench are justifiably well known, they are not the only geological wonder of the area.

Just east of the Rocky Mountain Trench, in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains not far from Golden, is the Ice River Complex—one of the world's major alkaline intrusive bodies.

Geological history:The Ice River Complex is an alkaline intrusion about 18 km

in length in the shape of a stubby 'v', and covering slightly less than 30 square km. It is surrounded by gently dipping Cambrian and Ordovician shales and carbonates typical of the local mountain region.

There is evidence of two distinct intrusions at different times, and Currie2 suggested that initially the coarse-grained mela-ijoloite brown/black rocks rose under what is now Sharp Mountain (in the east), and then spread westwards some 15 km through the gray/blue limestones and shales of the Ottertail Formation. Later, a plug of syenite and agmatite rose through the middle of this intrusion, centred under what is today Manganese Mountain. Subsequent weathering and horizontal shear have reshaped the formation into the 'V' shape we see today. Dating indicates the structure formed about 245 Mya.

The older layer mafic units are feldspar-free, while the later nephaline syenites are low in silica, and host a variety of interesting minerals that excite rockhounds, including possibly the largest deposit of sodalite in North America3. There are reports of a number of pegmatite outcrops, which suggest that further prospecting may reveal other deposits of semi-precious gemstones (such as tourmaline and beryl).

Areas of specific interest:The two nearly parallel valleys of

the Ice River and Moose Creek both drain south, the former being within the boundaries of Yoho National Park, while the latter is close to an active logging area. Starting high in the alpine watershed of the eastern creek, the developed prospect known as Moose Creek near Sharp Mountain shows plutonic rocks comprised mostly of titanium-augite and magnetite, with pegmatite dykes and lenses. All the iron-rich minerals are present, including magnetite, sphene and ilmenite, but there are rare minerals too, which are of interest to the collector—namely knopite and sodalite, the latter appearing in veins. Further, niobium and columbium have been found in trace amounts, and a kilometre to the south, uranium, thorium and the rare earths lanthanum and ytterbium have been detected in small amounts.

Black (magnetite) sand is common in the river beds, and is easily separated using a magnet. What is harder to do, is separating the iron-rich mineral from the magnet afterwards! (The best method is to place the dry sand on a sheet of thin card, and then drag the magnet past underneath. This will save a lot of time later pulling grains off the magnet.)

The talus slopes under Mt Goodsir nw of Moose Creek have shown to be high in magnetite, and

The Ice River Complex, British ColumbiaRick Hudson

This rare syenite intrusion near the BC/Alberta border is home to some unusual gemstones & minerals.

Winter 2011 | 5

are the likely source of the alluvial material. The presence of the iron seems to make the mineral-bearing material break down more rapidly, so that the tailings in your pan will have most of the more interesting local minerals. There are current plans to work the slopes in some form of open cast system, to mine the iron reserves.

Further downstream, on an upper side stream some 2km west of Moose Creek, on the se slopes of Zinc Mountain, the Waterloo prospect has an intrusive iron sulfide layer a metre thick, but in the form of pyrrhotite rather than magnetite. Other ores reported are sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and pyrite. Early mining in 1900 worked the zone, including two tunnels. The upper tunnel was flooded in 1990. Where the intrusion contacted the adjacent limestone, crystalline calcites and interstitial quartz were noted.

In 1970, a sodalite boulder weighing almost a ton was flown out for evaluation purposes. Reports from as early as 1947 indicated a sodalite showing occurs about 500m S-SE of Waterloo. Both sites are over 2,000m in altitude, so the snow leaves late (June) and returns early (September). Work in 1903 defined the syenite-sodalite area to be 500m long by 25m wide, and estimated it at over 300m deep. If correct, (drilling would be needed to confirm the extent of the deposit), this would make it the largest body

of its kind in North America.At about the same altitude,

south of Waterloo, ne of Zinc Mountain, and north of Buttress Mountain, the qem claim has identified areas containing syenite material suitable for the ceramic and glass industry (and possibly as a building stone, if unfractured in large enough blocks) and a second sodalite deposit in the form of a vertical dyke running nne-ssw for 175m, up to 25m in width and 50m deep. A boulder train had been known, but in 1990 Coquitlam, bc prospector S. Jaffer found the dyke at an altitude close to 2,000m

Moving west into the Ice River valley, there are three mineral locales worth visiting, but be aware you are within a national park, and no collecting is permitted. Under the nw flank of Zinc Mountain, a steep stream flows west into the Ice River past a small showing high up at 2,000m, known as Zinc Creek. Small lenses and pockets of sulfides occur along strike in the calcereous shales.

About 2km south of this junction, Sodalite Creek drains the SW side of Zinc Mountain. As the name suggests, sodalite float from unidentified veinlets have been seen in the runoff.

Some 3.5km downstream from where Sodalite Creek meets the Ice River, a tributary from the west drains the Shining Beauty mine (high on the ridge, now inactive). Here, syenite intruded between

steeply dipping Middle Cambrian calcereous shales and Upper Cambrian cherty slates. Within the area, quartz, limestone and traces of sulfides are apparent. The mine was active 1908-11, when three tunnels were driven along strike, about 60 metres apart up the hill, following a 60cm wide quartz vein which showed trace zinc, silver and lead. The upper two tunnels are each reported to be over 100m long.

Other nearby occurrences:The Mount Mather Creek sodalite prospect (sometimes called Mt. Laussedat) is located 30 km north of Golden, and is accessed via the Blaeberry River Forestry Road to Km 39½. Sodalite outcrops in a steep, narrow canyon cut by a small Blaeberry River tributary called Mount Mather Creek on the nw side. The property owner discovered the occurrence in 1957. At that time, there was already an old, short adit blasted into the main sodalite syenite breccia body. In the summer of 1996, the current owner began to develop the site, and mined about 3 tonnes of low grade sodalite breccia from loose boulders, to market for lapidary and ornamental use.

Name Lat, Long UTMMoose Creek 51 11 40N, 116 21 00W 11 5671430 545420Waterloo 51 10 00N, 116 22 55W 11 5668322 543214QEM 51 09 28N, 116 21 23W 11 5667300 545010Sleeping Beauty 51 09 44N, 116 27 56W 11 5667782 537372Zinc Creek 51 10 50N, 116 24 42W 11 5669850 541124


Syenites are intrusive igneous rocks containing potassium feldspars (plagioclase). Named after the Syena District in Egypt.

Elsewhere in the world, plagioclase feldspars are the source of sunstones and spectrolite/labradorite so popular with lapidaries. Deposits in Labrador (hence the name), Finland and Malagasay Republic.Syenite is often pale, having a pink or violet blush. Depending on chemistry and cooling history, trends towards pegmatite in certain situations. Visible crystals of biotite, magnetite, ilmenite common in the mass. An accessory is titanate—the source of titanium used in ceramics and paints.Nephaline syenites have a low silica content, and are found in association with leucite and analcite.

Sodalite is a sodium-aluminum silicate and is a fairly rare semi-precious gemstone. First identified in 1811, it is usually found in silica-poor, soda-rich intrusives such as at Bancoft, ON, home of the famous Princess Mine, which has produced much of Canada's material.Elsewhere in the world, plagioclase feldspars are the source of sunstones and spectrolite/labradorite so popular with lapidaries. Deposits in Labrador (hence the name), Finland and Malagasay Republic.

The colour varies widely, but the blue tones are the valued properties. Hardness of 6 or less. Rare. Found in massive form, veins and lenses in nephaline syenites, and in crystal form in lavas at Mt Vesuvius, Italy.One variety fluoresces orange in both LW/SW ultra-violet light (hackmanite). Good samples from Mont St. Hillaire, PQ and Bancroft, ON.When calcium replaces chlorine in the structure, hauynite is formed. The deep blue variety, known as lazurite (lapis lazuli) has been prized for at least 4,000 years as a gemstone.Notable sodalite occurrences include Bancroft, Ontario; Mt. Vesuvius, Italy; Minas Gerias, Brazil; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Ice River, British Columbia; Maine, USA

Access:

Tucked away just outside of the southern boundary of Yoho National Park, west of the Wapta Falls and Mt Hunter turnoffs, the Ice River region of steep river valleys and glaciated mountains can be accessed via the Beaverfoot Forest Service (Crozier) Road. This crosses the Kicking Horse River just west of Yoho N.P. boundary, and for 20km runs just outside the park on the southern bank of the Beaverfoot River. For the latest road info, call the Ministry of Forests in Golden at (250)343-7500.

Access to the Ice River is complicated because the valley serves as a key grizzly bear corridor. There is a warden's cabin on the boundary. Check there on the status of access, or contact the Yoho National Parks in Field at (250) 343-6783 or fax at (250) 343-6012 or yoho_info@pch .gc.ca There is a blanket ban on mineral and fossil collecting in all national parks. The hiking trail up the Ice River is in good condition. In Moose Creek, a forest service road runs north to the foot of

Buttress Mountain, after which the trail is poor to non-existent.

Further reading:1 Tony Peterson, 1983, Geology Thesis, University of Calgary on the Ice River Complex.2 K.L.Currie, 1975, GSC Bulletin No.245, on the Ice River Complex.3 Geological Reconnaissance Report (BC-GSC Rep No, 20,207), 1990 on the QEM Property, Moose Creek.

Acknowledgements:

My thanks to Dr George Simandl and Dr Nick Massey of the BC Geological Survey, Victoria for discussions on this article, and to Ms Sharon Ferris, Librarian at the BCGS Library, Victoria for assistance in tracking down the references.

Winter 2011 | 7

Sure, I love silver and gold. But my one true love is copper. Nothing hammers like copper. Nothing patinates like copper. Nothing is more forgiving to the beginner metalsmith than copper. And it is relatively inexpensive. Granted it has problems: oxidation during soldering, allergic reactions when worn by some people, and discolored skin on others. But once you remember the limitations of using copper as a jewelry metal and then work around them with a creative problem-solving frame of mind, copper just can't be beat. So here are three pros and cons and some simple solutions for them to get you working with copper.

Mad About CopperBeautifully patinated copper.

The Pros of Copper:Fantastic PatinationCopper takes a patina like nobody's business. Almost every ready-made commercial patina solution works famously on copper. You can get the full spectrum of patinas from green to jet black in a matter of seconds with copper. Just be sure to pickle well and scrub the piece as cleanly as you can before applying the patina.

A green way to go black: You don't have to use a chemical patina on copper! A warm hard-cooked egg in a plastic bag with the finished, clean copper jewelry object will give you a nice black patina over time.

Hammer HeavenCopper moves better and faster than any other jewelry metal. You'll anneal less, you don't have to be vigilant about overheating or firescale like you would be with silver, and you can hammer copper for hours and hours to master forming techniques.

Budget FriendlyLast time I checked, you could buy a 6 x 12-inch sheet of 20-gauge copper for about 10 bucks. What more can I say? I could happily hammer away on a 6 x 12-inch sheet for several days at least. And that doesn't include soldering at all.

The Cons of Copper:Oxidation During SolderingFor most makers, this seems to be the most difficult part of working with copper. There is a simple solution. Pickle in very strong hot pickle, scrub well with a brass brush after every torch session, and use Prip's flux.

Allergens and Skin DiscolorationThe easy fix for this is to make jewelry objects that don't touch skin—pendants, brooches, earring dangles, etc. If you want the piece to touch the skin, make a sterling/copper bimetal sheet and fabricate from there. Use the silver side against the skin and the copper side up. Or spray coat a copper piece with lacquer to seal it and protect the skin. Enough said.

Visible Solder JoinsIf you've got a great fit on your parts, they should solder cleanly on copper with the Prip's. If you have big visible joins of silver that bother you, just copperplate the piece in a saturated batch of pickle by dropping a black iron binding wire into the pickle along with the finished piece. The silver solder seams will plate copper during the chemical reaction caused between the ferrous iron and the suspended copper in the pickle solution.

Once you've gotten past the cons and embraced the pros, you're ready to begin experimenting with my favorite metal. To learn from the experts, Contemporary Copper Jewelry is an excellent resource for all your copper adventures. In fact, there's a new edition complete with a dvd. You can preorder the new edition from the Interweave Store now. Then share those copper adventures with us in the Jewelry Making Daily forums!


When I first became interested in lapidary work it seemed the perfect hobby. Today’s equipment is simple, relatively cheap, and very high tech. Working material is easy to find as rocks are about the most abundant material on the planet. The hobby itself provides a rewarding and exhilarating high as working with stones allows them to speak and tell you how they want to be worked. And there is little danger of personal injury from runaway saws, faceting machines or polishers as the cutting edges are relatively dull and forgiving. So, after 30 years of procrastination I finally decided to go for it, and purchased a brand new rock saw and six-wheel diamond grinder/polisher. Wow, did I have fun! For that first few months of cutting and grinding I was in seventh heaven. All those lovely rocks I had lusted after for so long, were finally put under my polishing wheel: lapis, agate, jasper, tiger-eye, malachite, turquoise, chrysocolla and quartz.

But I soon began to experience a nasty and completely unexpected cavalcade of health problems: coughing, hoarseness, difficulty clearing my throat, breathlessness, and a dull ache in the pit of my lungs. Of course I had always warn safety glasses with side protection as recommended in every manual, but a mask seemed a cumbersome hindrance. As the situation worsened I tried several dust masks but there was little improvement. It was time to do a little research, so I hit the books and started talking to fellow rock hounds. It

was a revelation. Rock dust from lapidary work turns out to be more than just a nuisance—it can be deadly. A single heavy dose can cause crippling lifelong problems. It attacks the lungs in a variety of ways. First by coating the inner lining and blocking the transmission of oxygen into the bloodstream. Second, tiny sharp fragments slice and cut into the alveoli, which coat the inner lining of the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation. Freshly cut dust seems to be more harmful because the sharp edges have not had a chance to be softened by moisture. But perhaps most insidious, some forms of rock dust are quite poisonous in and of themselves. Whether it is inhaled, ingested or simply a case of direct contact on exposed skin, the effect can be injurious to your health.

Among the worst offenders are the minerals containing copper (11) oxide (CuO), the higher oxide of copper, which can cause damage to the endocrine and central nervous systems. These minerals include some of our most colorful and treasured semi-precious stones. Turquoise contains 9.8% copper oxide, chrysocolla 45%, and malachite and azurite a whopping 70%. These percentages are only close approximations—each individual rock has its own signature of impurities. It is worth remembering that other closely related copper compounds are highly bioactive, and have been used in pesticides, fungicides and wood preservatives for decades. This is dangerous material. These

high copper rocks should not be licked to bring out the color, and oil mixed with dust should be carefully cleaned off of exposed skin. Several old hands who are smokers have described their own novel test for over-exposure. Apparently copper impregnated dust combines with nicotine and tobacco tar in saliva to form a sickeningly sweet compound similar to saccharin. When their mouths start to taste like a candy factory, these rock hounders know its time to quit. Another sign is influenza-like symptoms. CuO dust poisoning mimics the flu, causing headaches, cough, sweating, sore throat, nausea and fever. Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation are also common along with a distinct “metallic” taste. A common name for these health effects is “metal fume fever.”

Minerals on earth, and silicosis has long been one of the chief hazards facing stonemasons. The ancient Greeks and Romans were the first to observe its ravages, and correctly associated the problem with mining and rockwork. Similar to the “black lung disease” of coal miners, in later years it came to be known as “grinder’s consumption”.

Dangerous Dust: Lapidary's Forgotten HazardBy Douglas Hamilton

Winter 2011 | 9

The simple steps taken to prevent it were a major achievement in the modern field of occupational health. Ironically, although silicosis is well understood today, every year thousands still die from its effects—mainly from mining and sandblasting in the third world. The symptoms of inhaling crystalline silica dust (SiO ) include shortness of breath, cough, fever, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, lung scarring, and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, and cancer. Silicosis often takes many years to develop with repeated exposure to low doses of dust, but once established it is irreversible.

The silicates include a bewildering variety of precious and semi-precious stones. In fact, it’s hard to imagine the world without them as they can be found in every class of rock, and occupy a niche in every conceivable geological environment on the planet. The family includes quartz, chalcedony, jaspers, agates, aventurine, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysophase, amethyst, opal, onyx, beryl, petrified wood, obsidian, flint, chert, soapstone, sandstone, glass and tiger-eye. In almost all of these, the content of silicon dioxide approaches or exceeds 50%. It should be mentioned that African tiger-eye also exposes one to another potent danger—asbestos.

The vibrant optical effect of it’s chatoyancy is caused by parallel oriented finely fibrous amphibole asbestos. Serpentine has a high chrysotile asbestos content, but this is not considered quite as dangerous as the tiger-eye. Some soapstone varieties also contain asbestos, and it should be cut or carved with caution.

While working on this story I was surprised to discover a very different kind of pollution from an unexpected source—radioactivity from fossils. In a recent study of 300 randomly selected fossils from the Hagerman Fossil beds of Idaho, three quarters showed discernible levels of radiation one to two orders of magnitude above the ambient level of background radiation. That is a significant difference. In some areas like the Hagerman Beds, and the Morrison Formation at Dinosaur Nation Park, fossils have even been hunted by Geiger-counter. Apparently, naturally occurring uranium produces radium, which decays into radon, an inert gas. Ancient groundwater transported these radioactive elements into sandy fossil bearing areas, where they precipitated out of solution during the fossilization process. Even small fossils like sharks teeth and trilobites can have significant readings. The US National Parks Service is so

concerned, that it put out a “Conserveogram” with detailed instructions for handling and displaying specimens. See www.nps.gov/history/ museum/publications/conserveogram/02-05.pdf While it is probably safe to collect these fascinating relics from our distant past, at the very least wash up and change after leaving the field. Extreme caution should be exercised when pieces are cut or polished. Radioactive dust is highly carcinogenic! But enough of the doom and gloom. This litany of dangers is not intended to drive rock lovers from their favorite hobby. To the contrary, a few simple precautions can almost completely eliminate the threat of most rock dusts. Here is a list of suggestions that will make your workshop a lot safer, and allow you to enjoy lapidary work in good health. Always wear a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved respirator with replaceable cartridges and dust filters. Some cartridges today combine a prefilter with the

Dusts from red jasper, Brazilian agate, and petrified wood all contain high amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO? ), which can cause silicosis.


cartridge, which makes things simpler. Respirators provide a wide variety of protection against dusts, solvents, fumes and mists. They are designated N, R, and P, depending on the cartridge’s ability to filter out oil: N stands for no protection, R for resistant to oil and P for oil proof. The number that follows the initial tells you what percentage of the particulates are filtered out by the cloth pre-filter. For example an N-95 respirator will not keep out oil spray, but will screen out 95% of airborne dust particles. Avoid cheap dust masks—they don’t fit tightly enough, and filter poorly. If you can, try on several different respirators at the store to get the best fit. If you have one, shave your beard to provide an airtight seal. Store mask in a closed container or plastic bag when not in use, and wash occasionally with warm soap and water both inside and out. Try this simple negative pressure test on your respirator. Block up the air inlets, breathe in and hold for 20 seconds. If the mask is still held airtight against your face, it fits. Cartridges should be changed after about 8 hours of use.

An open window or air conditioner does not provide adequate ventilation for the workplace. The simplest solution is to work outside. This keeps most contaminants out of your workshop and costs nothing—but it is not always possible. If inside is your preference, consider setting up a local exhaust ventilation system. This would include a dust hood to collect contaminants, ducts to carry them outside, and a suction fan to power the system. Adjustable blast gates would allow a dust hood to be placed next to each appliance. Ducts should be circular with as few bends as possible, and exit the shop. If you have close neighbors

or are processing a lot of rock, provide a dust collector to remove contaminants from vented air. But setting up such an elaborate system can be expensive and time-consuming for the part-time hobbyist. Some wood working tool suppliers have come up with an ingenious alternative. Adapt a wet/dry type vacuum cleaner with a hepa (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing or Arresting) filter to collect shop dust using a little extra pipe and suction nozzles. There is no reason this should not work for rock dust as well, as long as you position your vacuum outside. Kits, diagrams, pipe and suction nozzles available from www.leevalley.com, or on the net. Search sites for “dust collection” and “dust collection network”.

Always use water or oil as a lubricant when cutting, drilling, polishing or faceting, but be aware there are problems with both fluids. When water evaporates it stops holding the dust down, allowing it to become airborne. Oil has its own drawbacks. A fine oil mist laden with toxic dust can be kept out your lungs with a good respirator, but it will settle on skin surfaces like glue. And most lapidary oils are highly irritating, or downright poisonous to breathe. Some, like oldfashioned kerosene, are dangerously inflammable as well. Everyone has their own favorite, but for me, I work outside using mineral oil and a P (oil proof) respirator cartridge with a built-in 100% particulate filter. Inexpensive bulk mineral oil is available from feed supply stores where it is sold as a laxative for horses and cattle.

Dress for success. Always wear a head covering and apron and/or coveralls when grinding, and change clothes after you have finished. Rock dust loves to stick

to clothing and hair, and you will carry it around the house and breathe it all day long (along with your family) if you don’t change. Take a shower after work and that includes shampooing your hair and using lots of soap. Launder coveralls and clothes frequently. Disposable clothing, coveralls and apron might also be an option.

Never dry sweep the workshop. Most of the dust will just become airborne and migrate elsewhere. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter instead. If you really want to get down and dirty use a wet mop on the floor, and a water bucket with a wet rag on other surfaces.

Not all of these suggestions need be slavishly followed. If you grind infrequently, you can probably forget some of them. But if you are an addict like me, you might want to implement most. Individuals vary greatly in their tolerance to rock dust. Some will go through life with nary a problem, but others can be extremely sensitive. Low doses on a daily basis will slowly accumulate, and that dust isn’t going anywhere once you breathe it in. Smoking, living with a woodstove or in an area with poor air quality will make you that much more vulnerable to problems. Listen to your body. If your lungs start to complain, take more precautions—you only have one set to last a lifetime.

Further ReadingMcCann, Michael, Health Hazards Manual for Artists, 1994, Lyons & Burford Publishers, New York NY.

Artwork by Otis RunningsDouglas HamiltonLasqueti Island, BCV0R 2J0

Comments?Email [email protected]

Winter 2011 | 11

When custom gem cutter Lisa Elser first contemplated moving to Canada in 2006, she was immediately attracted to Port Moody for its motto: City of the Arts.

The New Jersey native thought that any city so open to art would be a good place to welcome her craft of cutting coloured gemstones.

That hunch has paid off, as she and her husband, Tom Schlegel, now run a successful gem cutting business in Port Moody and are in the process of creating a non-profit foundation dedicated to ethical gem mining overseas.

Nikkie Bryce, a customer of Elser, said the couple has just returned from Tanzania, where they have been doing more than just buying gems. Elser and Schlegel have been trying to improve the lives of the miners in Africa who have helped their business.

"I think more and more people are being more conscious

about who they support," Bryce said of why she buys from Elser. "Even when we invest, we can choose ethical mining or ethical companies to put our money into as a stock investment."

Elser and Schlegel discovered their passion for gems by chance. The two were working in Switzerland in 2002 for Sun Microsystems where Elser headed an it consulting group, but their work took them all over the world. The couple was in Prague for a conference, when Elser stumbled into the beginning of a new career.

"I found a necklace in an antique store that I fell in love with," Elser said. "The problem was, it was pretty expensive and it was an antique store in Eastern Europe. How do I know the stones are real? So we wound up not buying it."

Elser regretted not knowing how to appraise the stones, so she did some searches on the Internet and discovered a teacher in the south of

Switzerland who taught gemology. She fell quickly in love with it.

The couple left Switzerland so that Elser could take her gemological degree at the Gemological Institute of America in California. By 2007, her business was running well enough for her to quit Sun Microsystems and dedicate herself entirely to gemology. Now Schlegel does the stone carving and Elser does faceting, a technique of forming the planes on the gem's surface.

In the past few years the couple has gone all over the world in pursuit of beautiful gems. Elser is currently president of the Port Moody Rock and Gem Club, which convenes once a month for field trips all across the Lower Mainland.

Andrew Danneffel, past-president of the club, said Elser is very active in the Port Moody gem community.

"Every year she makes a couple of trips, and when she comes back she's always interested to share her story and let us know what she's found."

Elser's trips to Africa in search of gems inspired more than just gem enthusiasts. The couple decided to help the miners they felt had helped them.

"When Tom and I worked for Sun, one of our territories was Southern Africa, and so we've been going to Southern Africa since 2000," Elser said. "And we love it there. We were so impressed with the people. We did some work consulting for the government and how to bring computing resources and the

Gemologist focuses on helping minersBy Adrian Macnair, Coquitlam NOW January 7, 2011

Lisa Elser studied gemology after seeing a necklace in a European shop and wondering if the stones were real. Photograph by: Kevin Hill, Coquitlam NOW


jobs they bring to remote areas. That got us engaged in Africa."

Being in Africa, Elser said she felt fortunate in comparison to the miners, and realized she had the means to give back.

"The trick was finding a way to give back in a way that would actually do what we wanted it to do, because there's a lot of areas you can put money into," she said.

The couple wanted to put money into things that would make a lasting economic impact on people's lives. They admired what Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus did with the concept of micro-lending, and had the idea of giving small amounts of money to the miners in a way that would improve their lives.

"Because if the miner knows his kids are in school, his wife is working and the family is going to eat, he's not going to sell the stone for cheap," Elser explained. "He's not going to work in a place that has unsafe conditions."

Danneffel said ethical mining is slowly becoming as important as other fair trade practices, like coffee bean growing.

"I think a lot of people aren't aware of dire conditions that a lot of these miners and villagers have to deal with in the mining towns," he said. "I think a lot of people are kind of oblivious to it."

Since gems are often mined by independent "mom and pop" businesses, it's almost impossible to ensure they get a fair wage for their labour, explained Schlegel.

"The things that hinge on fair trade are, number one, make sure that people are paid well and fairly for their labour. And secondly, it's environmentally-friendly."

A lot of people are exploited, Schlegel said, because they have no choice.

"They desperately need money now to buy groceries, and so what happens is when they're in the mine, they're a two-day walk from where you can sell it. So they start walking, and a gem dealer sitting in a car outside the village says 'I'll give you $100 now for your stone'. And the miner knows he can get $300 for it if he walks the two days. But he says, 'I need the money now.' So he takes the $100 and gets totally cheated."

Since it's impossible to tackle the problem at the source, the couple works with the Southern and East African Mining Centre (SEAMIC), a consortium of seven countries that tries to educate miners so they don't get exploited.

If the miners have enough money to feed themselves, they won't sell themselves short to the gem dealers, Schlegel said. Then they can save up more than one gem and sell them all at once, making the two-day walk worthwhile.

The key to ethical mining is to allow the families to be more self-sustaining. Schlegel said that in Southern Africa women and children spend three hours each day, on average, just fetching water. By supporting the building of a village well, it helps manifestly.

"So there's a well in the village. That's giving them water, but more importantly, that's giving them three extra hours in the day to spend productively and economically."

Elser decided to make a modest donation to two groups of women in Tanzania to help them with self-sustainability. She said she was amazed that both groups reinvested the money on profitable business opportunities, and one even bought land to raise goats and chickens.

Elser has started the Green Gem Foundation with co-founder

Jeffrey Hunt in California. They're applying for non-profit status in the United States and will then apply in Canada.

The goal of the foundation is to provide gem training scholarships to Africans through SEAMIC. An investment of $400 can buy a three-week training course in cutting gemstones in Africa.

Elser said there's a demand in North America for helping miners.

"This is for independent jewelry stores who want to give back and show they're environmentally sensitive, but they don't necessarily want to have to buy a stone that came from a particular mine. This is a way to do that."

Although it will be at least a year before Canadians can make tax-deductible contributions to the Green Gem Foundation, Elser said there has been a lot of interest from people in Port Moody. She even had an offer from Kula Yoga to hold a seminar on the topic.

Elser said she feels good knowing she's not just buying gems that will support a Tanzanian miner for another day; she's trying to make a lasting impact in his life and the life of his family.

Bryce said that's the sort of thing that inspires her about Elser and Schlegel.

"To go back in and reclaim and refurbish and bring life to something ... I guess that's what they're doing with stones, too. They're taking something rough and bringing life to it. And that's just really special. And that's what makes the world a better place."

© Copyright Coquitlam NowRead more: thenownews.com/business/Gemologist+focuses+helping+miners/4074593/story.html#ixzz1BsuRoAGW

Winter 2011 | 13

People began to talk about how odd Pyrite looked. His complexion had become so very dull and strange. However he seemed otherwise to be in good shape.

Then one day someone bumped against him, and the terrible secret was brought to light. It was not Pyrite at all, but his cousin Limonite, masquerading in his form. As clear a case of mineralslaughter as any prosecuting attorney could wish. There were many who wept at the trial when Limonite told his story, and some said that it was a reflection on the whole crystal system.

“I never had a form of my own,” he told them sadly, “in fact, as you probably know, some people have even questioned my legitimacy.”

I often looked at cousin Pyrite, and admired and envied his beautiful golden dyakisdodechedrons. He was my cousin, and why should he have more than I? I don’t know when the idea of doing away with him first came to me, it began very gradually around the

outside surface. It was so easy, I couldn’t seem to stop once I got started. He is ordinarily quite resistant, but he had a weakness for oxidizing liquor. Slowly, molecule by molecule, I replaced him, assuming his beautiful

shape myself, and pouring the sulphur, which was all that was left of him, into the gutter to be carried far below. I’m glad it’s over now for although I had his form, it never felt quite right, and I was always conscious that

if it ever came to a showdown, I would not have Pyrite’s hardness. He had a black streak, but mine is only yellow.

Limonite completely went to pieces after that, but for a long time the whole community felt stained by him.via Conglomerate, 3/08.

Moral Stories From Mineral Land:

The Pseudomorph Murderby Mary E. Cooley, Mt. Holyoke College

Slowly, molecule by molecule, I replaced him, assuming his beautiful shape myself


The names of rocks and minerals and the processes that shape and polish them are a vocabulary unique to our hobby. On a basic level, even the uninterested are likely familiar with terms like agate, petrified wood, lapidary or crystal. To take it up a notch, mostly rock and mineral fans could tell you what an enhydro is. A non-believer might wonder if it is safe to have chrysoprase or corundum in the house. Of course most of the objects couldn’t hurt a neophyte unless they dropped one on their foot. However, some of these objects methods command more respect. An Oregon agate from Trent contains stibnite with pretty orange patterns of realgar. The realgar contains antimony with arsenic. Trent agate is not one

to lick to enhance its appearance. The same could be said of cinnabar which can occur in some Mcdermitt materials. (Is everyone keeping up with these terms so far?)

Now it’s time to turn the heat up again with words from a category called fossils. Only people like Aaron Currier or Bob Manley would take the time to correctly recite and remember cute little Astoria formation fossils like Cryptonatica oregonenesis or Chlorostoma pacificum. Also fossil shell related terms like operculum or foraminifers. (Notice that as we continue the new terms have more letters.) I said the Astoria formation shells were cute, but this next word represents something not cute but really bizarre. Hallucigenia could be

one of those threatening creatures in a 1950’s sci-fi movie. Having seven pairs of stilted legs and seven tentacles, each with its own mouth. Hallucigenia looks scary but is just an example nature gone wild. Plus, it’s extinct, and was microscopic.

Remember that I said that these rock-related words seem to be getting longer as this article advances? Also some are dangerous. This last term fits both categories.

Pneumonoultramicropicsili-covolcanoconios is. Never heard of it? It can be a killer. But if you wear a respirator in your rock shop when working with dry sanding you should be okay. The term means a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust

Remarkable Rocksby Dan Groah

Winter 2011 | 15

We should begin this journey by defining just what jewelry is and does. Jewelry is comprised of those items that we wear toadorn our clothes, bodies, and personalities. Wire wrap jewelry began as an ancient craft and continues today. It is the only known metal jewelry craft that is created completely without soldering or casting: this simply means that there is no heat applied; there is no flame or torch used to melt the metals together. Consequently, creating wire wrap jewelry is more of a challenge since the piece must be held together only by the wires themselves.

It is a logical assumption to believe that the first items made were of organic materials that were available to primitive man. Such items may have included wood, grass, nuts, seeds, bones, and shells. At some point in time gemstones and metals were added. It is unknown which metal was first found. A copper pendant was discovered in what is now Iraq and has been dated at about 8,700 bce. It is believed that gold appeared on the scene around 4,000 bce. Artisans of ancient Egypt used gold to adorn their bodies more than 5,000 years ago. It is very unfortunate that early on so many of the tombs and relics were looted and the metals melted simply for their value. Thus, we have lost many artifacts and much of our early creative history.

Examples of wire and beaded jewelry made by using wire wrap techniques date back thousands

of years. The British Museum has samples of jewelry from the Sumerian dynasty found in the Cemetery of Ur that contain spiraled wire components. It is known that Egyptian and Phoenician artists practiced this craft over 4,000 years ago, and pieces have been found in the Pyramids as well as in ancient Pharaohs tombs.

The art of wire wrapping has been clearly identified around the time of the Phoenician empire about 1,000 bce. At that time gold or silver was hammered into thin sheets, cut into thin strips, and the edges filed smooth to make the wire. Wire was then woven into a basket of filigree and set into a breastplate. Artisans would also use this process to decorate family crests or coat of arms. At approximately the same time, in the Book of Exodus, detailed instructions were given about setting gemstones into the priestly garments. Biblical scholars have placed this event near 1446 bce. It is unknown exactly which of these forms of wire usage might have occurred first.

By the eighth century bce, the Italian Etruscans in the Tuscany region produced granulated textured gold wire that was often used in making open pendants to hold perfume. A pin or decorative ornament thought to have been

made sometime circa 750 bce was found and is preserved today in a museum. In ancient Greece, beads shaped into natural forms like shells and flowers were made on a fairly large scale. Beautiful and ornate necklaces using wire to mount these items were found in burial sites as early as 300 bce. Certainly as the ancient world grew and empires fell, the use of wire expanded and was moved around the world by traveling armies. Early explorers carried pieces with them, and eventually this included moving the pieces and their craft across vast oceans. When early settlers to America became friendly with Native Americans, they became extremely intrigued with another form of jewelry. Native Americans

made jewelry with bones, animal heads, claws, and sinew. Thus, it is believed that this new form of craftsmanship was incorporated into some of the pieces the settlers were used to creating.

In the 1800s, the Bohemian culture made wonderful necklaces and bracelets to connect beads and stones. These items were a favorite with European aristocracy for over half a century. It would be an injustice not to mention the tinkers

Wire Wrap Jewelry:

A History from the Past to the Presentby Diane Mason

Beautiful and ornate necklaces using wire to mount these items were found in burial sites as early as 300 BCE.


of Europe. This unique group later became known in America and other parts of the world as Gypsies. While their primary use of wire was to make miniature objects such as horses, carriages, bicycles, boats, and other trinkets, they also made jewelry from wire. They played a great part in the spread of this craft.

The earliest reference to drawn wire is in eighth century France. The first commercial wire production was in 1270 ce in France. This enterprise consisted of drawing metal wire through holes in beads. Today wire manufacturing is much more economical, and wire is produced in vast quantities. Wire comes in many sizes, shapes, and varying degrees of hardness. There is always an appropriate wire available

for the particular project the artisan has in mind. The wires used in designing jewelry may be from many different alloys such as gold, copper, brass, sterling silver, fine silver, and Argentium. The temper may be soft, medium, or hard. Hard and half hard wire is better used in simple wire wrap while soft wire lends itself more to sculpting and allows the wire to be twisted more easily. Sizes of wire vary from the size of a sewing thread to the width of a watchband, thus giving the creator a larger selection of styles.

Modern day wire wrapping in England, Canada, and the United States can probably be attributed to an enterprising artist named c.g. Oxley. He first used wire wrap techniques in England as a form of

occupational physical therapy for World War I veterans. He became so enterprising that he opened and ran a very lucrative jewelry business until his doors closed in 1982. Jim and Mavis Llewellyn, two of his students, traveled to Canada taking with them his favorite pastime of wire wrapping. Thus, the craft once again moved across an ocean.

In 1994, Sir Paul Howard of Queensland, Australia became interested in the unique craft of wire wrapping. He met Don and Francis Mason of Bermuda who were wire artists, and became intrigued with their work. Sir Paul had difficulty obtaining wire in his native Australia and eventually found a merchant in Sydney who would make the wire for him.

In 1996, Sir Paul traveled to the United States and studied wire wrap techniques at the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in northeast Georgia. There, he obtained the contacts necessary to obtain wire commercially as well as a vast knowledge of wire craft techniques. Today Sir Paul is in the process of writing a book about his favorite craft and the gemstones of his native country. He and wife Lady Marie travel through Australia teaching, free of charge, the wire wrap techniques that he learned in America.

Eni Oken is another artist traveling and teaching her very unique form of wire wrapping. She is a Brazilian jewelry artist currently based in Los Angeles. She was a

computer graphics artist for more than 17 years. Inspired by her Grandmother’ s teachings, Oken has developed a unique style now known as Eni Oken wire jewelry. This style combines the basic wire wrap and wire sculpture forms and adds “feathering” wire to create an intriguing form of wire craft. Her web-site offers on-line teaching and instructions; however, she will occasionally teach a class in person and delights in promoting individuality and the creation of new designs. Today wire wrapped jewelry and craft items are not mass produced. The jewelry is popular precisely because of the uniqueness and individuality of each piece. There are schools and internet classes across the United States and throughout the World to instruct interested students. The basic craft is simple to learn but the final creation may become very complex depending on the gem stone, bead, or technique the artist wishes to use.

This craft, unlike many others, does not require the purchase of a large amount of tools. It does, however, require a desire (and the patience) to learn, as well as the willingness to spend the time required to create a lovely piece of jewelry. The next time you study and admire (and covet) a piece of wire wrapped jewelry remember the rich amount of artisan history that you are holding in your hands and just imagine where this craft, will go in the future. via GCLFS Newsletter, 9/10; via Mozarkite Society of Lincoln, Inc., 8/10; from Lodestar, 5/10

Today wire wrapped jewelry and craft items are not mass produced. The jewelry is popular precisely because of the uniqueness and individuality of each piece.

Winter 2011 | 17

40 feet below Buckingham Palace, an ice-rink sized room contains the jewels belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. The value of her jewellery collection is approximately $57 million us. It includes the famous Timur Ruby, which isn't actually a ruby at all, but a spinel, and two gems cut from the famous Cullinan diamond, two of which she affectionately calls, "Granny's Chips."

The British Crown Jewels, located in the Tower of London, contain a vast assortment of crowns, sceptres, orbs, rings, and other fine jewellery. Of particular note

is the Imperial State Crown (both front and back of the crown are shown here). It holds the 317.40 carat Cullinan II diamond (the second largest diamond in the world), the 107 carat Black Prince's Ruby (actually a spinel),the 104 carat Stuart Sapphire (part of the Crown Jewels of Charles II), and the St. Edward's Sapphire.

Elizabeth Taylor has always been a connoisseur of gemstones and jewelry. In addition to her extensive diamond collection, she owns a complete suite of emerald jewelry, a ruby necklace and earring set, and a cabochon sapphire ring. She also owns La Peregrina, one of the largest pearls in the world.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had an extensive jewelry collection which was only added to when she married Aristotle Onassis. Rumour has it that he regularly slipped Harry Winston bracelets in with his biweekly flower deliveries to her. Her engagement ring sold at auction for $2.6 million in 1996, and a 17.68 carat ruby ring

she owned sold for $290,000.The Smithsonian Institute

in Washington, dc, is home to a number of notable gemstones, including the Hope diamond, the Bismark sapphire necklace (98.6 carats), the Chalk emerald ring (37.82 carats), the Logan sapphire brooch (422.99 carats), and the Mackay emerald necklace (167.97 carats).

Located in the Central Bank of Iran, the Iran Crown Jewels are among the most extensive jewelry collection in the world. Numerous high quality rubies in sizes of 10 carats are more live here, as well as the world's largest collection of large red spinels. It has one of the world's largest collections of emeralds, and its display of bejewelled crowns, swords, tiaras, and necklaces is unparalleled.

One item of note is the Nader Shah Throne, as it is encrusted with over 26,000 gemstones, including a 225 carat emerald and a 35 carat ruby.

Famous Collections and Jewelry Connoisseurs


Agate Balance, Precision, perception, eliminates negativityAmazonite Pacifies, soothes, harmonises. Balances energies.Amber Helps remove energy blockages. Strengthens physical body.Amethyst Enhances physic abilities. Excellent for meditation. Enhances the feeling of contentment.Andalusite Promotes awareness, clarity and memory.Aquamarine Encourages intellect and spiritual awareness.Aragonite Promotes patience, reliability and discipline.Aventurine Promotes creativity, motivation and lea dership.Celestite Excellent for use in dream recall. Promotes clarity of mind.Chrysocolla Promotes communication and harmony.Chrysoprase Grace, passion and acceptance. Increases fertility.Citrine Enhances body's healing energy. Good for mental focus and self-esteem.Emerald Enhances memory and mental capacity. Brings harmony to all aspects of life.Flourite Strengthens bones and teeth, and is used for dispelling illnesses in their early stages.

Hematite Enhances mental activity. Dissolves negativity.Howlite Can eliminate pain, stress and anger. Stone of memory, knowledge and progress.Iron Pyrite Stone of protection. Enhances memory.Jade Stone of protection, provides barriers against attacks and illnesses.Jasper Helps to cleanse and eliminate negative energy.Labradorite Stimulates brain, reduces anxiety and stress.Lapis Lazuli Promotes awareness, attunement, intuition and physic ability.Lepidolite Reduces stress and depression.Magnetite Used to dispel grief and anger.Malachite It is known for protection against radiation and for strengthening the immune system. Eases delivery in birthing.Obsidian Wards off negativityOpal Assists in emotional and mental balance and calms the inner soul.Peridot Inspires happiness. This stone is a good healer.Quartx Crystal Excellent for meditation. Brings harmony to the soul.

Rhodochrosite Stone of love and balance. Balances emotions.Rhodonite Balance with spirituality. Dispels stress.Rose Quartz Adds positive love energy to relationships. Enhances self-confidence and creativity. Aids kidney and circulatory system, promotes release of impurities.Ruby Promotes love, purity and spiritual wisdom.Smoky Quartz Mitigates depression. Dissipates negativity.Sodalite Truth of emotions. Good for fellowship.Tanzanite This stone has been used to heal misalignment of the spinal column.Tiger Eye Has been used to attract and maintain wealth. Promotes optimism.Topaz Promotes individuality, expression and creativity.Tourmaline Promotes inspiration, understanding and confidence.Turquoise Promotes communication and protection.Unakite Good for healthy reproductive system and pregnancy.

Healing Stones

Winter 2011 | 19

Where the Minerals GoWhen the mountains crumble to the sea, all of their rocks, whether igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic, break down. Physical or mechanical weathering reduces the rocks to small particles. These break down further by chemical weathering in water and oxygen. A very small number of minerals can resist indefinitely: zircon is one and native gold is another. Quartz resists for a very long time, which is why sand, being nearly pure quartz, is so persistent, but given enough time even quartz dissolves into silicic acid, H4SiO4. But most of the silicate minerals produce solid residues after chemical weathering. Silicate residues are what make up the minerals of the Earth's land surface.

The olivine, pyroxenes and amphiboles of igneous or metamorphic rocks react with water and leave behind rusty iron hydroxides. These are an important ingredient in soils but uncommon as solid minerals. They also add brown and red colors to sedimentary rocks.

Feldspar, the most common silicate mineral group and the main home of aluminum in minerals, reacts with water too. Water pulls out silicon and other ions of positive charge, or cations ("cat-eye-ons"), except for aluminum. The feldspar minerals thus turn into hydrated aluminosilicates—that is, clays.

Amazing ClaysClay minerals are not much to look at, but life on Earth depends on

them. At the microscopic level, clays are tiny flakes, like mica but infinitely smaller. At the molecular level, clay is a sandwich made of sheets of silica (SiO4) tetrahedra and sheets of magnesium or aluminum hydroxide (Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3). Some clays are a proper three-layer sandwich, a Mg/Al layer between two silica layers, while others are open-face sandwiches of two layers.

What makes clays so valuable for life is that with their tiny particle size and open-faced construction, they have very large surface areas and can readily accept many substitute cations for their Si, Al and Mg atoms. Oxygen and hydrogen are available in abundance. From the viewpoint of microbes, clay minerals are like machine shops full of tools and power hookups. Indeed, even the building blocks of life—amino acids and other organic molecules—are enlivened by the energetic, catalytic environment of clays.

The Makings of Clastic RocksBut back to sediments. With quartz and clay, the overwhelming majority of surface minerals, we have the ingredients of mud. Mud is what geologists call a sediment that is a mixture of particle sizes ranging from sand (visible) to clay (invisible), and the world's rivers steadily deliver mud to the sea and to large lakes and inland basins. That is where the clastic sedimentary rocks are

born, sandstone and mudstone and shale in all their variety. (See Sedimentary Rocks in a Nutshell.)

The Chemical PrecipitatesWhen the mountains were crumbling, much of their mineral content dissolved. This material reenters the rock cycle in other ways than clay, precipitating out of solution to form other surface minerals.

Calcium is an important cation in igneous rock minerals, but it plays little part in the clay cycle. Instead calcium remains in water, where it affiliates with carbonate ion (CO3). When it becomes concentrated enough in seawater, calcium carbonate comes out of solution as calcite. Living organisms can extract it to build their calcite shells, which also become sediment.

Where sulfur is abundant, calcium combines with it as the mineral gypsum. In other settings, sulfur captures dissolved iron and precipitates as pyrite.

There is also sodium left over from the breakdown of the silicate minerals. That lingers in the sea until circumstances dry up the brine to a high concentration, when sodium joins chloride to yield solid salt, or halite.

And what of the dissolved silicic acid? That precipitates underground, from deeply buried fluids, as the silica mineral chalcedony. Thus every part of the mountains finds a new place in the Earth.

Minerals of the EarthBy Andrew Alden

Geologists know about thousands of minerals locked in rocks, but when rocks are exposed at the surface and weather away, just a handful of minerals remain. They are the ingredients of sediment, which in turn becomes sedimentary rock.


There is no way, when your number comes up, that you can take your Rock Collection with you when you go to your heavenly reward. It has to stay behind for your family to dispose of.

What are they going to do? Most of them have no idea what the rocks are or what they are worth. As the old saying goes, They will probably throw out the baby with the bath water! They have no idea what is gem material and what is leaverite. It is up to you to make sure your collection is correctly identified.

Please, put labels or stickers on your rock, slices, faceting rough, minerals, fossils and silver. An uninformed person can’t tell the difference between a piece

a sodalite and a piece of lapis. Nor can they tell the difference between genuine, gem quality faceting rough and glass.

To the novice, slices of jasper are just that—jasper. They can’t identify Bruno Jasper, Biggs Jasper, Rainforest Jasper from the run-of-mill jaspers found in the local gravel pit. When it comes to Agate—well, that’s a horse of a different color! Some agate is priceless because the area it was found in is no longer available for hunting.

Minerals and Fossils are another major problem.If they don’t have a label or a sticker to identifywhat they are and where they are from, the family will be at a loss

to put a value on the specimens. Other collectors, museums and dealers, will be hesitant about purchasing the collection if it is not properly identified.

So, Rockhounds, it is up to you, while you are still here on earth, to properly identify your rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones and jewelry. If specific pieces are to go to specific relatives or organizations, write it down. An inventory sheet with approximate dollar value would be helpful, too.

Don’t put it off—do it now—while you are still here. Your family will thank you when the time comes.

Rockhounds You Can't Take It With You!By Trudy Martin, Calgary Rock & Lapidary Club

Phantoms are ghost-like outlines that appear and reflect the outline of the external quartz crystal because of pauses in its growth due to a change in the environment such as temperature or pressure, or a change in the constitution of the mother liquid. Crystal growth can cease temporarily, giving inclusions of other minerals a chance to be deposited on the surface of the quartz’s prismatic faces. Once the crystal resumes its growth, it captures the inclusions in a

hexagonal prism, like a moment frozen in place during the crystal’s growth. Although phantoms can occur in any single crystal species, hexagonal quartz crystals are most appreciated for showing distinct phantoms that can be dramatic and varied.

In Quartz, Inclusions can be a Good Thing

An example of phantom quartz

Rutilated quartz is another type of inclusion

Winter 2011 | 21

The world’s oldest rocks—dating back at least 4.28 billion years—have been discovered on the eastern shores of Hudson’s Bay in northern Quebec.

Jonathan O’Neil, a Ph.D. candidate at McGill University’s department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, working with fellow researchers Richard W. Carlson, Don Francis and Ross Stevenson, discovered the rocks in a remote area about 40 kilometres south of Inukjuak in the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt.

The Nuvvuagittuq belt region along the coast of Hudson's Bay in Northern Quebec is the home of ancient rocks that may be as old as 4.28 billion years, according to a team of Canadian and U.S. researchers.The Nuvvuagittuq belt region along the coast of Hudson's Bay in Northern Quebec is the home of ancient rocks that may be as old as 4.28 billion years, according to a team of Canadian and U.S. researchers. (Science/aaas)

Canadian and U.S. researchers say they have found the oldest rocks in the world, along the Northern Quebec coast of Hudson's Bay.

The rocks, found in an area known as the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt about 40 kilometres south of Inukjuak, are estimated to be 4.28 billion years old, according to a team of researchers from McGill University, Université du Québec à Montréal (uqam) and the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C.

That would put the creation of the rocks at roughly 300 million years after the planet was formed, making them the oldest preserved piece of the Earth's early crust, researchers said Thursday.

Jonathan O'Neil, a Ph.D. candidate at McGill's department of Earth and planetary sciences

and the lead author of a study to be published in Friday's issue of the journal Science, said the discovery would offer new

insight into the early Earth."Our discovery not only

opens the door to further unlock the secrets of the Earth's beginnings," said O'Neil in a statement. "Geologists now have a new playground to explore how and when life began, what the atmosphere may have looked like, and when the first continent formed."

The rocks are known as "faux-amphibolites," taking their name from their resemblance to another class of rocks mostly composed of silica minerals. Unlike regular amphibolites, which are dark green or pitch black in appearance, rocks in this other class are beige or sugar brown, O'Neil told cbc News.

The researchers used isotopic dating,analyzing the decay of the radioactive elements neodymium- 142 and samarium-146 to determine the age of the rocks. The technique is unique because of the instability of samarium-146. Although the isotope of the element was believed to have formed in the early Earth, remnants of it are extremely rare in all but the

oldest rocks because it decays so quickly. That the researchers were able to find the isotope at all told them the rock was at

World's Oldest Rocks Found in Quebec

"Geologists now have a new playground to explore how and when life began, what the atmosphere may have looked like, and when the first continent formed."


least four billion years old, said O'Neil.Finding remnants of the early Earth is extremely rare,

said O'Neil. The oldest previously known rocks were found in an outcrop called the Acasta Gneiss, which lies southeast of Great Bear Lake in the northwestern corner of the Canadian Shield in the Northwest Territories.

Richard Carlson, a researcher at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Don Francis, a McGill professor in the department of Earth and planetary sciences, and uqam professor Ross Stevenson were the paper's other authors.

O'Neil said the next step is to look at the chemical composition of more samples from the same region in Northern Quebec. "These rocks can give us clues as to how the first continents formed, but they may also tell us about atmospheric conditions and possibly the origins of life," he said.

“When I went back this summer and walked there again, knowing they were the oldest rocks in the world, I have to say it was kind of special,” O’Neil said.

Antimony Commonly used with alloys to create batteries, Antimony is a grayish metal that can be found in its pure form in nature; this is a very unique characteristic.

Asbestos Is a carcinogen and causes cancer in those who work closely with the metal, it is used for its fire retardant properties and when polished is referred to as "Tiger Eye".

Barium Used in x-ray machines, rubber, fireworks, rodent poison, and glass making, Barium is a soft and light colored alkaline metal.

Bauxite This sedimentary rock is a valuable aluminum ore. The aluminum in Bauxite is sucked out by the soil that surrounds the metal.

Beryllium Noted for its toxicity, Beryllium is an alkaline metal frequently used in x-ray machines and lighting. Beryllium also has an oddly sweet taste.

Chromite Is a hard chromium metal ore, its hardness is second only to that of the diamond, and because of this incredible hardness;

chromite has a beautiful chrome finish when polished.

Cobalt Is known to give a beautiful blue color to custom glass and is commonly used in invisible ink. This metal is similar to iron; it is very brittle and is typically found in meteorites.

Columbite-Tantalite Commonly used in the field of technology, Columbite-tantalite is found in health products, guns, electronics, and automotive systems.

Copper Found all over the world, copper is a very abundant metal. It is used in piping, plumbing, jewelry, currency, and to conduct electrical currents. Copper is an orange-red colored metal with a soft texture.

Feldspar Found primarily in granite, feldspar is the most abundant mineral on the planet; it is commonly used in building materials.

Fluorite Also called fluorspar, fluorite is used in fluorescent pigment. This gem is very beautiful and is mined worldwide.

Gold Is a very recognizable material used in jewelry, electronics, and many household appliances. Gold is valued for its flexible property and wide range of uses.

Gypsum This is a soft mineral with many different uses. Gypsum is typically used in drywall and may be referred to as 'sheet rock'. Gypsum is also found in construction materials and garden fertilizers.

Halite Also called sodium chloride or salt, halite has many different uses. It is valued for its ability to preserve and season foods, melt ice, and soften water. Halite is also used to make some varieties of acid.

Iron Ore Valued as a crucial part of civilization, iron ore has been used for thousands of years to make tools and weapons, more recently it has been used when building structures and vehicles.

Lead Associated primarily with lead poisoning, this metal has a negative connotation. Lead can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled, causing health problems. At one

40 Common Minerals Tungsten, Silver, Feldspar & more!

Winter 2011 | 23

time, lead was used in pencils, cutlery, and paint.

Lithium Commonly used in batteries and bipolar personality medication, lithium is also a popular material in the electric car industry.

Manganese Paired with iron, this metal can take on magnetic properties. It is commonly used in steel making.

Mica Mica is valued for its sparkly property and gives rocks a bit of shine. Mica is very malleable and was used in early glass making.

Molybdenum A more mysterious element, Molybdenum uses nitrogen and is very important to the life cycle.

Nickel Used in everyday life, nickel is found in currency, cutlery, and jewelry. It can also be combine with alloys.

Perlite A product of volcanic rock, Perlite is a less dense property found in most potting soils and gardening additives.

Platinum Valued for its rarity, platinum is used in jewelry. However, technology also utilizes the metals unique properties.

Phosphate This complex element is necessary for supporting life.

Potash Also referred to as potassium, potash is used in fertilizers and is important to the human body because it helps to regulate pressure within the body's cell walls. Potash is also a main ingredient in soap.

Pyrite Also called 'fool's gold', looks like gold but is much less valuable. Pyrite is found in granite rocks and was used by Native American Indians as a reflective surface. More recently, it is used in surface disinfectants and inks.

Quartz This is the most plentiful mineral on the planet. Quartz is included in the same rock family as agates, flints, onyxes, and jaspers and is valued for its use in glass and watch making, and concrete; it is also used in silicon semiconductors. Quarts is also referred to as silica.

Rare Earth Elements Known for their ability to create nuclear power, rare Earth elements include: cerium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, erbium, thulium, lutetium, lanthanum, praseodymium, promethium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, terbium, and thulium ytterbium.

Silica Silica is used primarily to remove the moisture from the air in desiccants. Sandpaper and glass making also utilize silica.

Silver Commonly used in jewelry and currency, silver is one of the select precious metals. Silver is also sometimes used in medication because of its anti-microbial features.

Sodium Carbonate Also called trona or soda ash, sodium carbonate is used in paper and glass making, and in many detergents and laundry softeners, it has the ability to balance out pH levels in such products.

Stibnite Found in fireworks, glass making and rubber. Stibnite is an ore of antimony. Romania is the major supplier of the world's supply.

Sulfur Has a very distinct spell. It is one of only a handful of minerals that can be found in its natural form in nature. Sulfur is a major component in acid rain, fruit preservation, and wine making.

Tantalum A common ingredient in vacuum equipment, military goods, and aircrafts, tantalum has a very high melting point.

Titanium This extremely strong metal is very strong and commonly used in human prosthetics and surgical implants.

Tungsten Has a very high melting point and is valued for its strength and durability. Tungsten is typically used in welding and the making of saw blades.

Uranium This radioactive element is a primary ingredient in x-rays, fuel, military weapons, and cancer treatments.

Vanadium Used to regulate blood sugar and muscle growth, vanadium is found in many foods and supplements to promote healthy bone growth.

Zeolite Also called the "stone that dances", zeolite is found in kitty litter and waste processing systems, because it has the ability to absorb ammonia and reduce unwanted smells.

Zinc Zinc is used to control diabetes, fight the common cold, and correct muscle degeneration. Zinc is an important part of the human diet and a deficiency may result in eye, pallet, and digestion problems.

Tungsten Rings and Popular Wedding Bands


We all experience fluorescence more than we realize. Ever notice how bright white clothing appears in sunlight? The reason is that many laundry detergents and bleaches contain trace amounts of fluorescent dyes in them. Why? Since there is a component of uv light present in bright sunlight, clothes washed in these detergents appear, due to the fluorescent affect, to be brighter than clothes not washed with fluorescent soaps.

Light is a form of energy. To create light, another form of energy must be supplied. There are two common ways for this to occur, incandescence and luminescence.

Incandescence is light from heat energy. If you heat something to a high enough temperature, it will begin to glow. When an electric stove's heater or metal in a flame begin to glow "red hot", that is incandescence. When the tungsten filament of an ordinary incandescent light bulb is heated still hotter, it glows brightly "white hot" by the same means. The sun and stars glow by incandescence.

Luminescence is "cold light," light from other sources of energy, which can take place at normal and lower temperatures. In luminescence, some energy source kicks an electron of an atom out of its "ground" (lowest-energy) state into an "excited" (higher-energy) state; then the electron gives back the energy in the form of light so it can fall back to its "ground" state.

Phosphorescence is delayed luminescence or "afterglow".

When an electron is kicked into a high-energy state, it may get trapped there for some time. In some cases, the electrons escape the trap in time; in other cases they remain trapped until some trigger gets them unstuck. Many glow-in-the-dark products, especially toys for children, involve substances that receive energy from light, and emit the energy again as light later.

Triboluminescence is phosphorescence that is triggered by mechanical action or electroluminescence excited by electricity generated by mechanical action. Some minerals glow when hit or scratched, as you can see by banging two quartz pebbles together in the dark.

Thermoluminescence is phosphorescence triggered by temperatures above a certain point. This should not be confused with incandescence, which occurs at higher temperatures; in thermoluminescence, heat is not the primary source of the energy, only the trigger for the release of energy that originally came from another source. It may be that all phosphorescences have a minimum temperature; but many have a minimum triggering temperature below normal temperatures and are not normally thought of as thermoluminescences.

Fluorescence and, a related phenomena called phosphorescence, are properties of materials that emit visible light when exposed to UltraViolet (uv) light and/or continue to emit such light after exposure to uv light.

Ultraviolet is closest to and just shorter than visible light in wavelength. Ultraviolet can be subdivided according to wavelength. From lowest to highest: longwave ultraviolet (uva or near ultraviolet), middle-wave ultraviolet (uvb), short-wave ultraviolet (uvc), and extreme ultraviolet.

Longwave ultraviolet is part of sunlight. It is the lowest-frequency ultraviolet, and thus the nearest to visible light. Longwave ultraviolet passes easily through most transparent types of glass and plastic. Longwave ultraviolet lights are available, and they are the cheapest and longest-lasting ultraviolet lights. They cause some fluorescent minerals (perhaps 15%) to exhibit fluorescence.

Midwave ultraviolet is also part of sunlight. Longer wavelengths of midwave ultraviolet cause suntans, while shorter wavelengths of midwave cause sunburn. Midwave, especially shorter wavelengths, are partially stopped by clear glass. Midwave ultraviolet light is passed thru short-wave

Experiencing Fluorescenceby Bruce H. Fine

Winter 2011 | 25

ultraviolet filters. Midwave tubes have recently become widely available, some collectors are starting to use midwave to study mineral fluorescence.

Short-wave ultraviolet is emitted by the sun, but it is stopped in the upper atmosphere of the earth by the ozone layer. Short-wave ultraviolet can also cause burns resembling sunburns (they are often called sunburns, even though the sun did not cause them). Short-wave ultraviolet is almost completely stopped by most forms of glass or plastic. Quartz or special glasses must be used in short-wave tubes to let the short-wave uv escape the tube. Short-wave ultraviolet over time cause failure in the short-wave filter used in short-wave ultraviolet lights; this process is called solarization. Short-wave ultraviolet is the most popular for seeing mineral fluorescence, causing fluorescence in perhaps 90% of fluorescent minerals.

Extreme ultraviolet is also emitted by the sun, but is stopped

in the upper atmosphere, and in so doing forms ozone from the atmosphere's oxygen. It is this high ozone layer that stops part of the sun's middle-wave ultraviolet rays and all of its short-wave ultraviolet rays, and which may be in danger from some commercial chemicals. Extreme ultraviolet is closest to x-rays in frequency, and as with x-rays

there is no practical equipment for its use. Few substances are transparent to extreme ultraviolet, and even air stops it within a fairly short distance.

Fluorescent minerals respond best to either short-wave uv light, which has a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm), or longwave uv, at 366nm. Some minerals may fluoresce under both wavelengths with the same or a similar color, while some may show different colors under each. Most respond best to only one of the two. Well over 3600 mineral species have been identified at this time. Something over 500 of them are known to fluoresce visibly in some specimens. Arizona is a excellent location for fluorescent minerals hunting. There are over 140 mineral found in Arizona that have been know to Fluoresce at other locations around the world.

Below are some of those minerals. adamite, allophane, analime, anhydrite, aragonite, austinite, austinite, barite, basaluminate,

bussamite, bayleyite, becquerelite, beryl, blodite, boltwoodite, brucite calcite, calomel, cassiterite, celestine, cerussite, chabazite, chlorapaitite chrysoberyl, clinohedrite, colemanite cookeite corumdum cotunnite cowiesite cristobalite dolomit,e dickite, diopside, dumontite, dumortrerite, edenite, elbaite, epsomite, ettringite, eucryotite, ferrierit,e

fluorapatite, fluorite, gearksutit,e glauberite, gmelinite, gonnardite, greenockite, grossular, gypsum, gyrolite, halite, harmotome, hawleyite, hectorite, helvite, hemimorphite, hevlandite, hunite, hydrocerussite, hydroxyherdrite-hydromagnesite hydrozincite junitoite, kutnahorite, lamontite, lepidolite, leucite, levyne, liebigite, magnesite, mammothite, manganoaxinite, margarite, marialite, matlockite, mesolite, meta-autuntic, metatorbernite, meta-zeunerite minum , morssanite, montmorillonite, mordenite, natroalunite, nepheline, opal, orthoclase, pectolite, phlogopite, phosgenite, plagioclase, powellite,prehnite, pyromorphite, pyrophyllite, quartz, realgear, rhodochrosite, sabugalite, sanidine, scheelite, schoepite, schrockingerit, sepiolite, sodium-zippeite, sphalerite, spinel, stevensite, stilbite, stolzite ,strontianite, sulfur, swartzite, talmessite, thaumasite, thenardite, thomsonite, thorite, tilasite, titanite, tobermorite, topaz, torbernite, termolite, tridymite, uranociricite, uranophan,e uranospinate, uvorvite, vandanite, wickenburgite, willemite, witherite, wollastonite, wulfenite, wurtzite, xonotime, xonolite zuenerite, zincite, zircon, zunyite.

The phenomenon known as fluorescence occurs at the subatomic level by a process called electron excitation. Electrons are subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom at specific distances known as electron shells. These shells are arranged in layers around the nucleus, the exact number of electrons and their shells depending on the type of atom (element). The electrons contained in the shells nearest the nucleus carry less energy than the electrons in the outer shells.

Extreme ultraviolet is also emitted by the sun, but is stopped in the upper atmosphere, and in so doing forms ozone from the atmosphere's oxygen.


When certain atoms are exposed to ultraviolet (uv) light, a photon (particle of light energy) of uv will cause an electron residing in a lower-energy inner electron shell to be temporarily boosted to a higher-energy outer shell. In this condition, the electron is said to be excited. It will then drop back to its original inner electron shell, releasing its extra energy in the form of a photon of visible light. This visible light is the fluorescent color that our eyes perceive. The exact color depends on the wavelength of the visible light emitted, with the wavelength itself being dependent on the type of atom undergoing the electron excitation. The specific atoms which undergo the fluorescence are known as activators. They are usually present as impurities in the normal molecular structure of the mineral, but sometimes are an intrinsic part of the mineral's composition. In fluorescent minerals, very often the activators are cations, which are atoms or molecules which carry a net positive charge (due to the loss of one or more electrons, each of which display a negative charge). Because the activators are usually impurities, the same mineral species may fluoresce in some locations and not others, depending on whether the activator was present when the mineral was formed. It also may contain different activators depending on location, and therefore fluoresce in various colors. The intensity of the fluorescence depends on the concentration of the activator in the mineral, but too much activator may actually block fluorescence.

There are a few minerals that will fluoresce when pure. These are called "self-activated" minerals, and include scheelite,

powellite, and several uranium minerals. Others suspected of being self-activated include benitoite, cerussite, anglesite and perhaps many other lead minerals.

The best time to hunt for fluorescence is at night. Your eyes become adapted to the dark and you can pick up a weak fluorescence at greater distances. Rock hunting at night has a excitement all it own. Walking carefully to place you foot securely on a rocky ledge or backing in to a cactus. By night you discover the real meaning of "invisible" fluorescent minerals. In day light a ordinary rock specimen show several types of minerals of little to no interest , but at night under a uv light certain unnoticed specks or transparent crystals become very dominant. Turn your flash light on it and there are gone, their color blends in so closely with the adjoining rocks they are lost to sight.

As a field collector of fluorescence minerals you have 2 special needs the first is a portable source of ultraviolet light, and the second a means of creating enough

darkness to view the minerals around you. The first is easy there are many different kinds of uv light out there. The Second is a little harder a black piece of plastic can be used or a blanket, viewing boxes are not that hard to make but both add extra weight to your pack. Believe me the rocks weigh enough by them selfs. I find the best way is just to hunt at night. Fluorescence mineral hunting is much easier for the most part than regular rock hunting. This depends on the quality of the black light and the amount of darkness. Another reason that they are easier to find is that portable uv light are a fairly new thing and were not around when many of the mines were active. Many of the mine dumps are just covered with color.

This article is part of a presentation given by Bruce H. Fine at the February 14, 2003 meeting of the Calgary Rock and Lapidary Club.

Winter 2011 | 27

City: Province: Postal Code:

City: Province: Postal Code:

RockhounderB.C.

2011 Order Form

Name: Date: /2010

E-Mail: Phone:

Billing Address:

Mailing Address:

A Gift Subscription?

Enclosed is $___________ for ________ year(s) subscription. ($14.00 + $8.00 postage CDN/year) (For US mailing postage is $16.00 CDN/year)Mail to:The British Columbia Rockhounder2752 McCurdy PlaceAbbotsford, BC V2T 5L2

Please make cheque/money order payable to: British Columbia Lapidary Society

Advertising by dealers enables us to provide this publication at a reasonable price. Please support them! Tell them you saw their ad in the BC Rochounder.


Cabochon Convulsions: Fits that are commonly associated with grinding of the fingertips and the knuckles.

Faceter's Fever: Denoted by an uncommon brightness of the eye, characterized by symmetrical refraction of the light emitting there from.

Lapidary Lament: Also known as Post Polishum Depression. Brought on by the rude discovery of a heretofore unseen fracture after the cab is complete.

Stone Tumbler's Tinnitus: A persistent ringing in the ears, curable only by the per-manent removal of the rock tumbler from the premises.

Hobby Pocket: This is the most common ailment of all, one that is rapidly becoming endemic. It is a deep-seated emptiness brought on by over-exposure to rock shops, supply catalogs, and gem and mineral shows.

Common Rockhound AilmentsOriginal source unknown, via Pick & Pack 4/00

Lapis Gems LapidaryPrecious, Semi-Precious Stones & Minerals

Mohammad YarzadehM. Homayon

27 Roy’s Square(Yonge & Bloor)Toronto, ON M4Y 2W4

Tel: (416) 944-3123Fax: (416) 944-3309

Winter 2011 | 29

www.geology.about.com/od/mineral_ident/Mineral_Identification_Guides.htm Mineral Identification Guides

www.mineralcollecting.org Welcome to MineralCollecting.org! This site presents the wonderful world of rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils and the Earth Sciences. This site was designed to appeal to everyone, from the beginner to the hardened expert. Enjoy!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xE7gZDM8aM&feature=player_embeddedl Happy Face Agates & other great videos of rocks

www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Dinos/English/index.html Dig This! The Cretaceous Period

Interesting Websites

Tyson Creek runs about one mile south of Niota, Illinois near Highway 96. In this creek are geodes. These geodes are basically like others in the region—thin walled and lined with calcite and dolomite crystals. However, if you break one of these geodes open, it won't be brilliant frosty crystals that catch your eye. It will be black oozing oil that will quickly stain everything within reach as it flows out of the broken nodule. How does petroleum, a substance of organic origin get into the interior of a geode which is inorganic in origin? This question is yet to be resolved. Was the oil present at the creation of the geode or did the oil product come later after the geode

was established and somehow permeate the wall of the rock structure. Whatever the answer these petroleum filled rocks remain a mystery of the geological world.

Source: the above text is from: Oddities of the Mineral World by William B Sanborn.From Rockhound Rumblings, 4/10, via Pegmatite Bulletin, 1/11

Remarkable Rocks: Petroleum Filled Geodes


Summer Camp 2011The British Columbia Lapidary Society

August 1–6, 2011

Texada Storage & RV Park Telephone (604) 486-7838 Van Anda, Texada Island, BC Cell (604) 414-3613

www.texada.org/Memberhomepages/texadarvparkandstorage.html

2610 Gillies Bay Road PO Box 171 Van Anda, BC, V0N 3K0

When you get off the Texada ferry stay on the Blubber bay road, until you reach the Gilles bay road,

Turn left on Gilles bay road and the RV Park is 2 minutes from the junction. There are 20 to 23 full hook-ups sites and some tenting sites, showers and Laundromat. Cash and personal cheques.

$25.00 a day or $125.00 a week , cost for tent sites to follow.

Precious Opals

Okanagan Opal Inc.

from Canada’s first precious opal deposit

7879 Hwy 97 - 4 miles North of Vernon Ph: (250) 542-1103 Fax: (250) 542-7115 [email protected] www.opalscanada.com

Opal Cutting Shop ∙ Retail Store ∙ Opal Digging

Winter 2011 | 31

Texada Island Innpo Box 98, Van Anda, bc, v0n 3k0 Phone: 604 486 7711 Fax: 604 486 7771Email: [email protected] www.texadaislandinn.com

The Inn’s rooms have a fridge and microwave in them. There is a restaurant and they will also make lunches and will do them for others if notified the night before.

Rates 1 person $70.00 a night + hst $78.40. 2 persons $78.00 a night + hst $87.36 If we get more than 4 rooms booked they will give use a 10% discount. So mention you are with Rockhound summer camp!

Bob & Brooke's Texada Island Retreat1110 Gillies Bay Road, Van Anda, bc, v0v 3k0Phone: 604 486 7022Email: [email protected]/Memberhomepages/ bobandbrookes.html

Includes Continental breakfast with fresh fruit in season from our own orchard, pool, sauna, pool table. Luxurious accommodations. $ 99.00/night

Blubber Bay CottagePhone: 604-486-7715 Cell: 604-414-8267Fax: 604-486-7701 Email: [email protected]://blubberbaycottage.com/CottageRentals.html

Cottage #1 is a two bedroom cabin. The master bedroom has a queen size bed. The second bedroom also has a queen bed. Cottage #2 is a two level home with three bedrooms upstairs. Each room is furnished with queen size beds for your comfort. We also have satellite tv in this cottage. Both cottages are fully equipped, just like home. As well as high speed Internet connection.

Bargain rates for Cottage #1 $100/day. Bargain rates for Cottage #2 $120/day. All on double occupancy.

Rosebank CottageContact Karen May or Clarence WoodEmail: [email protected]: 604 486 7284,Clarence: 604 414 9638 or Karen: 604 413 0994www.rosebankcottage.bc.ca

This charming older home has two very private suites, Both suites have private decks with bbqs,

private entrances, full kitchens and laundry facilities. Both have satellite tv and are fully furnished.

The “Blue Suite” has one bedroom, a hideabed sofa in the living room, and a lovely bathroom with roomy shower.

The “Green Suite” has two bedrooms, a futon in the living room, and a clawfoot tub with shower in the shared bathroom.

Blue Suite (1br) $80 based on double occupancy Green Suite (2br) $100 based on four residents

Minimum stay of 2 nights. Extra children under 12 add $5 each. Extra adults add $10 each.

Captain's Table Bed & Breakfast201 Sturt Bay Road, po Box 68 Van Anda, bc, v0n 3k0, Texada Island, bcYour hosts, Bob & Maggie TimmsPhone: 604 486 0274, or Cell: 604 414 5897 Email: [email protected] Suite: Upper floor suite tastefully decorated with two rooms and ensuite bathroom. Ocean view. One queen bed, double futon and single bed sleeps up to 5 people.

Rates are $85/night for first two people, plus $15/night for each extra person Rates inlcude a full home-cooked breakfast of your choice with delicious home-made jams and jellies, fruit juice and your choice of tea or coffee. Both suites have cable, dvd and internet access.

For more accommodation listings check the BC Travel Guide orwww.texada.org/VisitorServices/Accomodations/Accomodations.html

For ferry schedules & costs check out:www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainlandMainland - Vancouver Island - Sunshine Coast Schedules

Other Accommodations for Summer Camp 2011:


Rendezvous 2011The British Columbia Lapidary Society

May 21 - 24, 2010

Princeton & District Arena, Old Hedley Road Princeton, BC

Hosted by the Interior Zone of the BCLS

Free dry camping is available at the Arena for the weekend. For those people planning on staying in a Motel, MAKE YOUR RESERVATION ASAP. Due to the construction to reopen Copper Mountain all accommodation in Princeton is full. The mine is scheduled to open in June so there's a good chance the construction will have slowed down in May and there may be some rooms open.

Donations for the bucket raffle and the rock auction are needed and greatly appreciated

Planned activities:Friday afternoon and evening: Registration and setting up of display cases

Saturday am: Field trips, Rock Auction at 7 pm

Sunday am: Field trips, Bucket Raffle at 5 pm

Sunday 6:30pm: Catered Dinner The Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia Lapidary Society will be held after the dinner

Monday morning: Pancake breakfast

Club members are invited to display their collections and demonstrate their skills. If you require a display case please contact Win Robertson: phone (250) 376-4878 or email [email protected]

Field trips will be posted at registration

KOMAREVICH ORIGINALS LTD.1510-7th Street S.W, Calgary, AB T2R 1A7Will be the dealer at Rendezvous.If there are any special requests for items we carry please contact: Mike at phone: (403) 244-3244, Fax: (403) 244-3424or email: [email protected] the store at: www.komarevichoriginals.com

Winter 2011 | 33

Accommodations for Rendezvous 2011Princetone Inn & Suites169 Hwy3, Princeton(250) 295–3537, email: [email protected]

Offering comfortable, modern accommodation; in-room coffee & continental breakfast; Cash, DC, Travellers Cheques; pets allowed, call for details; CP: 24 hrs.44 Units $99–149For more information visit: www.princetoninn.ca

Cedars Motel139–3rd St, Princeton(250) 295–3237, email; [email protected]

Major CC, Cash, DC, Travellers Cheques; pets allowed, call for details.

Directions: Turn on Vermilion at 3rd, turn off hwy at Chevron.15 Units $50–75

Countryside Inn301 Hwy 3E, Princeton(250) 295–7464

Quiet location; all ground-level units; non-smoking rooms available; Major CC, Cash, DC.JCB, Travellers Cheques; pets allowed; CP 24 hrs.

Directions: 0.8 km east of town, turn at Copper Mountain Rd.12 Units $55–80 Add'l person charge

Deerview Motel & Cabins(250) 295–0106420 Hwy 3W, Princeton

Motel & cabins with housekeeping & sleeping units; Smoking Policy: smoking rooms available; pets allowed, call for details; Major CC, Cash, DC, JCB, Travellers Cheques;24 Units $53–85 Add'l person charge; CP: 24 hrs.

Ponderosa Motel130 Bridge St, Princeton(250) 295–6941

1 & 2 bdrm & suites; indoor pool & hot tub; adjacent restaurant, pets allowed, Cash, DC, MC, Travellers Cheques, VI; CP: 1 day

Directions: Off Hwy 3 across from

Petro Canada downtown.23 Units $59–135; Add'l person charge

Sandman Inn PrincetonHwy 3, Princeton(250) 295–6923, Toll-free: 1 (800) 726–3626

Central location; kitchenettes; complimentary in-room coffee/tea; Heartland Family Restaurant; smoking in designated areas only; Major CC, Discover, JCB; CP: 24 hrs prior to date of arrival, no charge.52 Units $59–135 Add'l person charge

The Villager Inn244–4th St, Princeton(250) 295–6996

AAA/CAA approved; commercial, senior rates; Smoking Policy: outdoors only in designated areas; Major CC, Cash, DC, Travellers Cheques; Pet Policy: pets allowed, call for details; CP: 24 hrs.26 Units $55–85 Add'l person chargeFor more information visit: www.villagerinn.ca

Princeton Golf & RV Club365 Darcy Mountain Rd, Princeton(250) 295–6123

Princeton Golf Club's RV park; featuring full & partial hook-ups; tenting area; dump station; washrooms; showers; laundry; Major CC, Cash, DC, Travellers Cheques; Pet Policy: pets allowed, call for details; CP: 14 days; reservations guaranteed with a credit card. 30 Sites. Per vehicle $20–25; Elec, sewer, water.For more information visit: www.princetongolfclub.com

Princeton RV Campground365 Hwy 3E, Princeton2.8 km east of Princeton on Hwy 3.(250) 295–7355

Elec, water, power & water hookups; flush toilets; clean, hot showers; sani-station; firepits, firewood; 43 riverside sites; accommodates 12 m (40 ft) units; Cash, DC, MC, Travellers Cheques, pets allowed,73 Sites per 2 persons $20–25 Add'l person/vehicle charge


RockhounderB.C. Around the Clubs

Abbotsford Rock & Gem ClubClub Contact: Georginga Selinger

(604) 852-1307 [email protected]

Alberni Valley Rock & Gem ClubClub Contacts: Dave West


Burnaby Laphounds ClubClub Contact: Nacy Dickson


Courtenay Gem & Mineral ClubClub Contact: Jack Boyes


Cowichan Valley RockhoundsClub Contact: Brent Heath

(250) [email protected]

Creative Jewellers Guild of B.C.Club Contact: Eric Kemp


Creston Valley Prospectors and Lapidary Club

Club Contact: Lana Edmonstone (250) 428-3550

[email protected]

Fraser Valley Rock & Gem ClubClub Contact: Robert Brown


Hastings Center RockhoundsClub Contact: Micheal Edwards

(604) [email protected]

Lakes District Rock and Gem ClubClub Contact: Leanne Miranda,

(250)698-7337 [email protected]

Burnaby Laphounds ClubDecember program was our Christmas potluck social which was well attended, lots of tempting food and lively games of bingo. We ended up the evening with us all singing Christmas songs while Julius accompanied us on his harmonica. Thanks again to Stan for organizing, Lorna for calling Bingo and everyone for the wonderful food we all enjoyed. We also collected $90 for the Food Bank.

January was Election night, however, it was also the evening it was predicted to snow and it did. The elections ran quickly with a quick tea and social. We were all on our way home within the hour.

2011 Burnaby Laphounds Executive:President: Ed MacRitchie History: Barbara MaarsVice President: John Shintani Library: Mary DyckTreasurer: Yurika Shintani Program: Stan MaarsRecording Secretary: Lorna Herberts Newsletter: Nancy DicksonCorresponding Secretary: Nancy Dickson Social: May Wang

Raffle: Siv Backstrom and Berit BrunbackSunshine: Roberta CalderwoodMembership: Vivian Lo

Creative Jewellers GuildMeetings are held the 3rd Sunday of each month (except July) or unless otherwise posted. Meetings start at 1:00 pm in the Lapidary Workshop at the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. Rmd Guests are always welcome.

February 6th, 2011 Resident Art Group Winter Showcase Held in the Performance Hall & Atrium of the Richmond Cultural Centre An opportunity to present displays and works of arts to the public.

Favorite Bench TipsBy Brad Simon

Placing a section of a bamboo skewer in your flex-shaft can make an excellent wood lap polishing point. File the protruding end to a point, and use your favorite rouge. The bamboo skewers are approximately ³/32 inch in diameter, which makes them easy to use in a quick-change handpiece. Filing the protruding end to a point helps it to reach into tight places. Increase the size of your polishing wheels from the standard 4 inch wheel to a 6 inch wheel. This will cut polishing time by over ¹/3. Changing to a 6 inch wheel from an old wheel worn down to 2 ½ inch or 3 inch will cut polishing time to less than ½. This is due to the surface area of the wheels. Although spinning at the same speed, more surface area moves over the jewelry in the same amount of time thereby polishing faster.

Always work just below the center of the buff wheel while polishing. Never raise the jewelry above a horizontal line even with the motor spindle, or lower it too far below. Both of these situations will cause the wheel to grab the item from your hand. Work should be pressed firmly against the wheels while

Winter 2011 | 35

Winter 2011

Maple Ridge Lapidary ClubClub Contact: John Bastiaanssen (604) 8466-2843 [email protected]

Port Moody Rock & Gem ClubClub Contact: Lisa Elser (604) 469-2298 [email protected]

Richmond Gem & Mineral ClubClub Contact: Darlene Howe (604) 274-2893 [email protected]

Ripple Rock Gem & Mineral ClubClub Contact: Douglas Murray (250) 339-7091 [email protected]

Selkirk Rock & Mineral ClubClub Contact: Maureen Kromha (250) 367-9605 [email protected]

Thompson Valley Rock ClubClub Contact: Helen Lowndes (250) 314-1943 [email protected]

Victoria Lapidary & Mineral SocietyClub Contact: Cameron Speedie, (250) 385-0597 [email protected]

Vernon Lapidary & Mineral ClubClub Contact: Dale Daignault (250) 250-6603 [email protected]

Yellowhead Lapidary ClubClub Contact: Lita Hansen (250) 672-5876 [email protected]

For More Informationabout the BC Lapidary Society or a club near you, visit us onlinewww.lapidary.bc.ca

polishing, so that you feel the cutting action. However, never press so hard that the motor slows down. Excessive pressure will not give a better polish or polish faster. A firm even pressure throughout the operation is preferred.

On The RocksBurnaby Laphounds Club BulletinDecember/January 2011

President: Ed MacRitchie (604) 298-6642Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Dickson (604) 444-4464Club Mailing Address: 3051 Aries Place, Burnaby, bc, v3j 7g1General Workshop: (Faceting, woodcarving + silversmithing) from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm every Monday.Club Meetings: General Meetings are held at 8 pm on the second Tuesday of each month in the Multi-use Hall No. 3 at the Bonsor Recreation Centre, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby, bc.Membership: 13 members attended the October and 14 members signed in at the November General meeting. Dues are due, membership costs are: Family $25, Single $15 and Associate $10.

Lunch Servers for the January General Meeting:Cheese and Crackers: Vivian LoFruit Bread or Fruit: Barbara & Stan MaarsCake or Square: Ed MacRitchie

Sunshine:Lorna Herberts had surgery on her finger to remove a large cyst on October 4th and she is healing nicely. Fred Wiley phoned to get an update on everyone and let us know he is doing well.

Ken Koyanagi, a past member of the Burnaby Laphounds, passed away at his home in Langley in early October at the age of 73. Ken is survived by his wife Etsuko and two children. Ken, always ready with a quiet smile, a dry

sense of humour, and a story to tell, which would then bring forth your smile. Our sympathy goes out to Etsuko, family and friends.

Our condolences go out to Roberta and Gordon Calderwood as Bobbie’s mother passed away in October after 94 years on this earth.

Program:October’s program was a video entitled, Civilisation, a personal view by Lord Clark, a bbc series first transmitted in 1969. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution and Beyond, Clark’s narrative

December Birthday Boy, we wish you a Happy Birthday … Julius Cotter on December 11th

Congratulations to Barbara and Stan Maars on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, which they celebrated on December 3rd


Around the Clubs Winter 2011

is accompanied by breathtaking colour photography of Europe’s Greatest landmarks.

November’s program was an enjoyable look at Stan and Barbara’s 14 day bus tour in September. The Maars travelled through southern bc, Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting Frank Slide, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops to name a few stops.

**December’s program December 14th is of course our Christmas potluck social. The meeting room will be available from 6pm and dinner will start at 6:30pm. We will have festive music, bingo, fellowship and fun. Please remember to bring your plates, cutlery, cups and your meal contribution for the potluck table. I expect to see it loaded down as usual! Also, we will be collecting ($$) for the Food Bank that evening.

Our Nominating Committee: Mary Dyck and Vivian Lo have taken on this rather thankless duty. We will be having our Elections in January, so please entertain the thought of holding a position or maybe switching duties with another member.

Upcoming Events and Shows:April 8, 9 & 10 BC Gem Show: Shades of Jade at the Ag-Rec Bldg, cfv Fairgrounds, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford, bc Adults $6May 21st–24th Rendezvous 2011 will be held in the Arena, Old Hedley Road, Princeton, bc, hosted by the Interior Zone.For Club Shows outside of the Lower Mainland or Wagonmasters Fieldtrips for 2011, go to the website www.lapidary.bc.ca for updated information.

Richmond Gem & Mineral ClubThe best of the holiday season to everyone! We had a fantastic turnout at the Christmas social, with 82 people! Thanks to everyone who came out and brought the wonderful food we shared.

From February 1 to March 15, 2011, we will offer the public the opportunity to the Richmond Arts Centre and check out for themselves what we do as a club.

The second Sunday in February is the day that the Arts Centre is having their own local Winter Arts Festival activity, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will take place in the Lecture Hall, where many of the Resident Art Groups will be present to display what they do

and talk about their clubs. The Gem and Mineral Club has reserved two tables, so we will need to put up some displays and have some volunteers to cover the tables. There will be no special workshop class that Sunday. Instead, it will be an open workshop and we will invite members of the public to go upstairs to the workshop room to see firsthand what we do.

Ripple Rock Gem & Mineral ClubThe Ripple Rock Gem and Mineral Club will be hosting a lapidary competition under gmfc rules again this year at our annual show in June 11 & 12,. We encourage any member of a gmfc affiliated club to enter. Rules and entry forms are available from Gordon Billings at [email protected] or Dennis Cambrey at [email protected]. Entries must be received by Tuesday, May 31 at 5:00pm. We have had several comments from club members telling us that they are uncomfortable about getting into the competitive side of our hobby. Another way of looking at the competition is as a learning experience. The judge will score the workmanship and quality of the exhibit and provide a comment sheet outlining the strong points and weak points as he sees them. This constructive criticism allows the exhibitor to learn and get better at their craft.

There are three exhibitor categories for both facetted stones and cabochons:

Novice Exhibitor: this is a beginner’s category that is open to anyone who has not won a blue first level ribbon in any previous competition as a novice.Advanced Exhibitor: any exhibitor who has been awarded a blue first level ribbon in Novice competition must compete as an advanced exhibitor.Master Exhibitor: any exhibitor who has earned over 90 points and/ or has been awarded a blue first level ribbon as an advanced exhibitor must compete as a Master.

Class BC7: Novice cabochon 1 Stone: petrified wood any colour, shape must be oval, size must be 40mm x 30mmClass BC8: Advanced cabochon 3 Stones: 1 agate material, 1 obsidian material, 1 jasper materialClass BF2: Novice facetted stone 1 Stone: amethyst either natural or synthetic, pattern: accentClass BF3: Advanced facetted stones

Winter 2011 | 37


3 Stones from any material: 1 must be standard brilliant round, 1 must be emerald step cut, 1 Facetter’s choice other than above.

There will also be a “People’s Choice” category where the judges will be any and all members of the public who attend the show. This category is open to any gmfc affiliated club member. The entry must have been made by the member in the last 12 months and can include any example of lapidary work. The entry must be completely handcrafted, so if a piece of jewellery is entered the settings must have been made by the exhibitor too.

Please contact Gordon or Dennis for detailed copies of the rules.

Septarian Boulders of South West Denman Islandby Peter Thorne

First published in, “The Canadian Rockhound” February 1975

“On Denman Island, near the northern end of the Nanaimo series of deposits, occurs a concentration of concretions which have weathered free of the shale and sandstones. Here the concretions are all in the form of septaria or septarian boulders, commonly known as “turtle stones.”

Septaria are described as spheroidal concretions where the interior is divided into polyhedral blocks by radiating and intersecting cracks which have been filled and cemented together by veins of calcite. Often the veins do not appear on the surface and they can resemble some geodes.

The crystals which form in the interior of the septaria are often the finest types for collectors. Many fine septaria samples are found in the tidal zone near Metcalf Bay. Crystals of brown and translucent white were found exposed. I wonder if there are still samples to be found.

Selkirk Rock and Mineral Club 2011Submitted by Maureen Krohman

Selkirk Rock and Mineral Club has interested members from the West Kootenay. The group meets every second Tuesday of the month in members’ homes to plan trips to old mine sites. In the spring, summer and fall , there are trips to collect rocks, minerals and fossils and to enjoy the outdoors.

In March, 5 members enjoyed a long soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs.

Eight members, four guests and one dog had an interesting tour of Enderby’s Museum on Ross Spur Road. There was an impressive display, including

the boilers from the Maude S mine, a great replica of an old prospector’s cabin, and a neat display of ore cars going into the Nugget Mine.

Several people traveled to the Fort Shepherd area in late April. The most interesting find was the honey combed weathered volcanic rock in one of the bays. Sadly, someone had stolen the plaque from the Fort Shepherd cairn. The road was quite rough and we were glad of our 4x4’s, atv’s and trail bike.

The Selkirk Rock and Mineral Club joined the Kokanee Club to visit the Passmore/Slocan area. Corundum ,garnets and tourmaline were found in the Passmore gneiss. The group climbed down to the pictograph site on the shore of Slocan Lake.

Seven members traveled along the Salmo-Creston Highway and stopped at interesting geological sites.

On a rainy day at the end of May two members of the Kokanee Club joined the Selkirk Rock and Mineral Club on a trip to the Marsh Creek ammonite site.

In June several members visited the Velvet Mine on the Old Cascade Highway. Chalcopyrite, specular hematite and serpentine were collected.

The Kokanee Club invited the Selkirk Rock and Mineral Club on a trip to the Argenta area to collect soapstone. One of the crafters invited us to his home where he is carving beautiful sculptures out of soapstone.

A trip to the old mines of the Grand Forks-Greenwood area was enjoyed. Magnetite and attractive actinolite were collected. The Christmas party took place in December and was enjoyed by all.

Election of Officers took place in the January meeting.President: Maureen KrohmanVice-President: Joan McKenzieTreasurer: Ron NielsenRecording Secretary: Lesley KilloughNewsletter: Dianne RobinsonPhoto Album: Mary Stevenson

Thompson Valley Rock ClubMeetings are held the first Tuesday each month at 7:00pm Parkview Activity Centre, 500 McDonald Ave. Kamloops, bc

Workshop:Kamloops Wildlife ParkFar west side of parking lot



Message from the President:Just a quick note to let you know what’s been happening with our club over the past few weeks.

We have increased our membership by a few families, and some with juniors, so this is so nice to see our membership have some younger ones for a change. Not that I’m old or your old or … whatever. At some time in the future these younger members will be hopefully taking over from us so we can retire.

Our Social in June was a great success with lots of treats to enjoy and lots of rocks to be gathered.

Our congratulations go out to our New Volunteers of the Year.

Every year in June we try and present someone from our club with an award for all their hard work and support of our club.

Pat and Bill Davies were this year’s recipients as well as Jim Lott.

Bill has been our Treasurer for a few years now, and he has always been right on track with our expenses and income for our club, and without him, and his dedication, we would not have the club we have today.

Pat has been our Membership/Welcome Committee for a few years now, as well, and her job is no easy task. Taking in new memberships, forwarding address info and email info for the Chips and Chatter and bcls is constantly keeping her busy.

Without her, we would have No Club.Jim Lott has been our workshop foreman since

the inception of the shop. Every Saturday from months on end, (even the cold winter months) Jim has driven out to the shop (without one complaint ever) to look after the needs of our members and their lapidary questions. He is our rock at the Rock Shop. Without him, there would be no work shop.

It is the time and patience of volunteers like these three has that make for a great club.

It makes me feel so proud to be in the company of volunteers like these three.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless but because they’re priceless.

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.

Workshop: We are excited to offer our club members with a workshop of this caliber and encourage all members to come out and use it! We are also very proud of the experience and knowledge of all our

foremen and appreciate the time they volunteer at the workshop. Feel free to ask questions or advise on rock material and cutting/polishing issues.

Victoria Lapidary & Mineral SocietyChristmas PartyWe had a successful party last month with over 50 members present. As usual the food was varied and delicious. We did miss some of our older members. Gifts were exchanged and we sent a large amount of food to the Victoria food bank. A good time was had by all

Harder Than Diamond General Electric scientists announced the hardest substance ever made by man or nature, an entirely new material. It is a crystal hard enough to scratch a diamond and able to withstand twice as much heat. Named Borazon, it is expected to have far reaching impact on industrial polishing and cutting operations. In 1957 the inventor, Dr. Wentorf, started with boron nitride, commonly called white graphite which is very similar in appearance and feel to talcum powder. Using pressure of about one million pounds per square inch and temperatures of over 3,0000 f he changed the crystal structure from hexagonal to cubic, like diamond. While a diamond burns at 1,6000 f, Borazon can withstand temperatures of up to 3,5000 f. Borazon became ge’s trademark in 1969.Via Stone Chat & Golden Spike News.

Winter 2011 | 39

Talk ShopWhat is PMC?Precious Metal Clay (PMC), is an exciting material developed and patented in the 1990s by Mitsubishi Materials of Japan. Microscopic particles of silver are mixed with a moist binder to create a material that has the feel and working properties of modeling clay. Using simple tools, objects are easily given shape, texture, and character. After air-drying, the objects are heated to temperatures approaching the melting point of the metal, where the particles fuse together to make a dense, fully metallic object. Fired PMC work can be polished, soldered, enameled, and enjoyed like any other silver item. PMC is available in four different versions of silver (99.9%), a 22k gold alloy, copper and bronze.

PMC is an amazingly plastic and versatile material. It can be shaped by hand, folded, molded, extruded and painted on another surface. PMC can be endlessly textured and takes on microscopically fine definition. PMC can be mixed with ceramic powders and oxides to assume new shades of color and a rougher texture. PMC can be fired with stones and ceramics. It can be glazed and enameled. PMC fits a wide range of artistic visions but not all. It compliments but does not displace traditional jewelry methods.

Suggested Hand ToolsTools: Sheet of plastic or glass makes a great work surface. Use mylar sheets, page dividers or plastic signs.

Dish or cup with a small amount of water and small art paint brush or spongePlastic tube (to use as a roller)Needle toolRubber-tipped color shaperToothpicksRound chopsticksStraws (for making holes)KnifeTweezersMagnifiersRubber stamps or other items for making impressions such as cookie cutters

FilesPlaying cards (spacers for thickness)Manicure sanding boardsOlive oil or Bee Wax based salves without perfume such as Watkins’ Petro Carbo or Burt’s Bee SalvePlastic wrapButane Torch or Kiln (Kiln not required)

Basic TechniquesA few drops of olive oil or Burts Bee Salve on your palms and tools before starting helps keeps the clay moist and from sticking.To make sheets, use a roller as you would for pie crusts and use two equal stacks of playing cards on each side of the lump to make a uniform thickness (3 to 6 cards is typical for jewelry items).A knife (X-Acto) blade or playing card edge can be used to cut pieces and lift them off of the sheet.To join parts, set them close together and apply a drop of water with a pointed brush. Let the water penetrate for a few seconds, then press the parts together.To achieve rich textures, press PMC against a rough surface or roll the surface over a sheet of PMC.Making a bail is easy. Roll out a slender rod and form it into a loop. Moisten the ends with water and press it into position on the main piece. Another way is to poke a whole using a needle tool or straw and after firing feed a loop through the hole.Making rings, Work PMC to thickness and shape and wrap around a ring mandrel (remember to very lightly oil it before working the PMC around it) to create a form of the correct size (remember to allow for shrinkage (12% or 28% large than the finished size). When it is finished slide the ring off. Some


Crystals Books Cut Stones Minerals

Sterling Silver/Gold Filled Metals Classes in Silversmithing & Wireworks

New & Used Equipment

Mountain Gems Ltd.Lapidary & Jewellery Supplies

4611 Hastings StreetBurnaby, BCV5C 2K6

Phone: 604-298-5883Fax: 604-298-2669Toll Free: 1-888-593-1888

Tues—Sun: 10am—6pm Closed Mondays and Holidays

[email protected]

artists suggest removing the ring before it dries and others suggest drying it on the mandrel. Give a try and see which you prefer.

If the PMC becomes dry as you work, moisten it with a little water using a brush and cover it with plastic wrap for a few minutes to rehydrate.

Does this sound difficult to you? Really it is not. PMC is easy to work with and fun. Rather than trying to work through on your own why not take a course.

Liz McDonald of PMC Artisan is offering classes through continuing education in Langley BC at Credo Christian High. Liz is a certified PMC Artisan and she loves teaching her passionate new art form to others. Katrinia Walter of the Abbotsford Rock & Gem Club took Liz’s introductory class on January 29th. There were students from all over the Lower Mainland. Liz assisted everyone in

developing their creative pieces and shared her secrets for successful PMC creations and what not do to avoid broken pieces. For more information on Liz McDonald and her classes please visit her website www.pmcartisan.com.

For more information on PMC visit the PMC Guild www.pmcguild.com or Rio Grande www.riogrande.com (Rio Grande offers supplies and classes in New Mexico).

Got the tools and PMC clay, let your imagination run and pick up a piece of PMC and start creating.

We welcome your feedback on this article and/or submit a new topic for the next B.C. Rockhounder. Send your comments to: [email protected]

this is Liz

Winter 2011 | 41

Club Shows and Sales Spring 2011

MAPLE RIDGE LAPIDARY CLUB Annual Gem ShowFebruary 19 & 20, 2011 Saturday 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4:30 pmSt. Andrews United Church,22165 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge BCAdmission by donationFor information phone (604) 466-4938Or visit Maple Ridge Lapidary Club at www.mrlclub.com

Send your ad to:Win Robertson (250) 376-4878 email: [email protected]

Club Members may place a free classified ad in the

RockhounderB.C.

ALBERNI VALLEY ROCK & GEM CLUB

“Gem & Mineral Craft Sale”March 12 & 13, 2011 Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pmCherry Creek Hall, Corner of Moore Rd & Cherry Creek Road, Port Alberni, BCAdults $2, children under 10 free with an adultContact Dan Mooney at (250) 724-2832, or email [email protected]

HASTINGS CENTRE ROCKHOUNDS “Gem & Mineral Show”March 19th & 20th, 2011Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pmHastings Community Centre, 3096 East Hastings, Vancouver, B.C.Admission by donationFor more information contact: Linda Foy (604) 299-3903

VICTORIA LAPIDARY & MINERAL SOCIETY

“Gem & Mineral Show”March 18 & 19, 2011 Friday 1 – 9 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pmLeonardi Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street, Victoria, BCAdmission: Adults $5, Students & Seniors $4, Family of 4 $10, Children under 6 freeFor more information contact: Don Myer (250) 381-3356, email [email protected] or visit: Victoria Lapidary & Mineral Society, www.islandnet.com

COURTENAY GEM & MINERAL CLUB Annual Gem ShowMay 7 & 8, 2011Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1 am – 4 pmCourtenay Legion Hall, Courtenay, BC

CALGARY ROCK & LAPIDARY CLUB Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil ShowMay 7 & 8, 2011Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pmWest Hillhurst Arena1940 - 6 Avenue NW, Calgary, AlbertaAdmission: Regular $5, Seniors $3,Students with ID Cards $3Children 6 & under free (if accompanied by an adult)


Spring 2011 Club Shows and Sales

THE GEM & MINERAL FEDERATION OF CANADA and the KOKANEE ROCK CLUBGem, Mineral Show & ConventionJune 4 & 5, 2011Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pmCastlegar Arena, Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar, BCAdults $4, Children 12 & under $2For more information contact: Bob Lerch (250) 226-7556, email: [email protected] Barclay, (250) 766-4353, email: [email protected]

VANCOUVER ISLAND GEMBOREE 2011June 8, 9 and 10

This years Gemboree will be held at Charlie and Lena Hallstrom’s place:3906 South Island Highway,Campbell River, BC V9H 1M1Phone: (250) 923-5670, or email: [email protected] actual Gemboree and free dry camping will take place in Charlie and Lena’s backyard and front yard, there is lots of room for everyone.There will be a registration fee of $10 per person for the week, children 12 & under are free.

RIPPLE ROCK GEM & MINERAL CLUB

"Annual Show"June 11 & 12, 2011Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pmTimberline School Gymnasium1681 South Dogwood St. Campbell River, BCAdults $3, Children under 12 free (accompanied by an adult).

RAFT RIVER ROCKHOUNDS "Annual Show & Sale"July 1, 2011

Watauga Village734 Clearwater Village Road, Clearwater, BCGold Panning, Rock Painting, Pick your Gemstone, BBQ, Silent Auction, Guess the Stones, Information Booth and more.Small Fee to participate in eventsFor more information contact: Louise or Fay at (250) 674-0085Fun for the whole family

SHUSWAP ROCK CLUB "Open House, Show & Sale"July 10, 2011 9am – 4pmToad Hall, Trans Canada Hwy, Sorrento, BCAdmission is FreeContact Pat Boden at (250) 675-2849 or email: [email protected]

THE 1120 ROCK CLUB of KELOWNA and the THE VERNON LAPIDARY & MINERAL CLUB5th Annual Okanagon Gem ShowFeaturing: "Agates & More"July 16 & 17, 2011Sat. - 9am - 5pm, Sun. 10am - 4pm

Winfield Memorial Hall,3270 Berry Road, Winfield, BCAdults: $4 Children 12 & under: $2Phone: Dave Barclay, (250) 766-4353, email: [email protected] Ken Dewerson, (250) 707-0618, email: [email protected]

Documents

B.C. Vol. 15 Winter 2011 Rockhounder · 2015-03-11 · experiences with rocks, gems and minerals from all over the world. Up to a thousand children come through the doors! A lot of