Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
JUNE2017
Elected Officers for 2017
President: Tony Schackmann (360) 801-1914 [email protected] Vice President: ViQ’Tree Keefer (360) 373-1744 [email protected] Secretary: Talena Webb-Klumper (360) 440-2046 [email protected] Treasurer: Carolyn Richter (360) 908-7199 [email protected]
The June meeting will be
held on Friday, June
9th at 7:00 PM.
Everyone is welcome, in-
cluding members, mem-
ber guests, and visitors.
We meet at the Chico Al-
liance Church Daycare
(entrance in the back).
Address: 3670 Chico
Way NW, Bremerton,
Washington.
Club website:
www.kmgs.org
Club Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/Kitsap
Mineralandgemsociety/
Club Email:
kitsapminer-
Member's, Friends & Family of the great
club united, lend us your ears.
Summer has arrived and school is almost
out for several months and looking at the
schedule of events, the fun times are ahead.
We have a great schedule to bring to you
from your selected officer's and committee
members this month. The bulletin has all
the information you need to have a great
time with preparations for your adventures this year.
Our scholarship committee has chosen one recipient and we
look forward to presenting the award, hopefully during our
June meeting or July picnic at Raab Park in Poulsbo pending
her schedule. Thanks to all that helped on the decision process
of a few other applicants. Big thanks to Wilma Eads with her
husband & son for their commitment and dedication with great
hosting skills while the board evaluated their choice. The board
also has received a request to modify the bylaws regarding the
scholarship program to provide some additional opportunities
for expansion so that other individuals that can meet our mis-
sion statement could apply. Should membership agree to pro-
ceed after discussion, the board of officers will start the process.
Remember Kitsap County Fair is right around the corner for
our juniors to participate, especially new members. Doug Leider
is always looking for assistance, feel free to sign up. Did I forget
to mention the club appreciates your donations of tumbled rocks
to hand out to kids? Demonstrators will be needed too, and an
entrance ticket with parking will be provided for all volunteers.
Always check our websites for the Mineral Council and club, as
well as Facebook for all rock hounding field trip details and ed-
ucation opportunities. New location maps for Washington State
have arrived if you would like to request a set, please contact
me. Thanks and it’s always a pleasure working and speaking to
all.
Tony Schackmann, KMGS President 2017
PAGE 2 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Monthly club raffle
There will be raffle tickets sold at the entry door located where you come into the meeting. Tickets
are 50 cents each. If you wish to donate something to the raffle, just bring it in and set it on the
table. Raffle tickets are drawn until all items on the table are gone. Money from the raffle is used
to pay our monthly rent at the church. Donations are always needed and appreciated!
Monthly Silent Auction
There will be a silent auction at the club meeting. There is usually one table set up for adults and
another one set up for juniors. If you wish to donate something to the silent auction, please give it
to Doug Leider at the meeting.
Board Meetings
Board Meetings are held on the Wednesdays following the monthly meetings. This month the board meeting
will be Wednesday, June 14th, starting at 7pm at the Chico Alliance Church in the side room in the base-
ment. We discuss business with the chair persons and officers, but all members are welcome. Please feel free
to attend, and don’t be shy to participate in the business of the club. You can be a part of the decision making
and get a chance to voice any questions or concerns.
Year’s Schedule:
G thru H – Jan
I thru L - Feb
M – March
N thru R – April
S – May
T thru Z = June
A thru B – Sept
C thru D – Oct
E thru F – Nov
June Refreshment schedule:
For the month of June, if your last
name starts with “T” thru “Z” it is
your turn to bring refreshments!
Finger foods are always best as
they can easily be placed on a nap-
kin. Please
stay and
help out Ka-
ren in the
kitchen with
set-up and
clean-up.
June Program: It’s All About Field Trips!
The program for Friday, June 9th, will be all about field trips in the Pacific Northwest! There will be a focus on Washing-
ton and Oregon, but we may talk about some other dig spots too. This program will be all about what to bring, how to be prepared and what references you can check out for help in finding places you can dig. Also, don’t forget, you can con-
tact the president, Tony Schackmann for mineral council maps too! Don’t miss out. We are going to be discussing
what every rockhound is really after… the treasure and how to get it!! If you are new to rockhounding, BE THERE!
Display/Show and Tell Table for June: This month we want to see your field trip finds!! Anything neat that you found while rock hounding is what we want to see this month! Come show it off! Juniors are encouraged to participate. Show us your fun and
exciting finds, tell us your stories and wild adventures!
Rock Painting Table for June!
There will be a rock painting table at the meeting for the month of June. Come
paint on some rocks while enjoying the meeting. It isn't limited to a junior activity!!
We can paint quietly in the back part of the room and listen to our creative spirit
and the members that have brought things in for show and tell from rock hounding.
PAGE 3 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Wire wrapping:
The Wire Wrap workshop does not meet for June, July
or August. The next wire wrap workshop at Vangie's is
scheduled for the fourth Tuesday, September 26th at
10Am. Contact Vangie for any questions: (360) 373-3370
Summer Events 2017
Hard Rock Beaders:
The Hard Rock Beader's had a successful May meeting
at Michael's Crafts in Silverdale. It feels like such a
great privilege to use their spacious, well lit, air condi-
tioned craft room for a meeting space to work with the
mentors on our projects. I hope you will express your
gratitude when shopping for craft supplies at
Michael's crafts . It is that availability of creative space
that helps keep the beading group active. The third
Wednesday of June and July from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
has been scheduled for our next meetings at Michael's
Crafts in Silverdale. Bring your project, show and tell,
and come share a cool afternoon of creative adventure
with the rock club Beaders. -Vice President, ViQ’Tree
Keefer
KITSAP COUNTY FAIR AND STAMPEDE
August 23rd-27th
Check out the Kitsap County page for more details:
https://spf.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/FairMain.aspx
Kitsap Mineral and Gem Society has been participating in the
Kitsap County Fair for many years. This is a great outreach
for our community and a great way to invite new folks into
the hobby of rockhounding. Many of us heard about the club
for the first time at the fair! Volunteers are needed to help set
up and tear down the booth, demonstrate all different ma-
chines and techniques, create display cases, and even to sit
and talk with people that come by. All volunteers will receive
a parking pass and ticket to the fair. Contact Doug Leider
(360) 627-8142, for more info or to sign up. The sign up
sheets will be passed around at the June meeting also.
Annual Club Pic-Nic
Saturday, July 15th, starting at 12:00 noon
Raab Park in Poulsbo
Potluck! Bring a dish and eating utensils.
West Coast Mining Supply Inc. will be having their annual Gold Rush Days on
Saturday July 15th at:
700 Lebo Blvd Suite A Bremerton, WA 98310
9:00am to 4:30pm
Stop by and see them before the club pic-nic! Get panning lessons, watch dredge
demonstrations, prizes and more! Fun for the whole family.
Northwest Stone Sculptors Association presents:
30th Annual International Stone Carving Symposium
at Camp Pilgrim Firs, Port Orchard, WA
July 8th-15th 2017
See http://www.nwssa.org/ for more details! Contact information to regis-
ter is on the website.
PAGE 4 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Reminder: check out the mineral council website for a listing of upcoming area shows. The
list is on the lower left hand side of the page. The same column also includes a link to the up-
coming mineral council field trips. Remember to contact the wagonmaster a week beforehand
for the final details of the trip. KMGS members may attend mineral council field trips at any
time. See https://mineralcouncil.wordpress.com/
Upcoming Field Trips:
Hey Everyone! The upcoming field trips for this summer are as follows:
June: Prineville and Madras shows, Oregon. June 15-18th Prineville show, and June 22nd-25th 2017 for the Madras show. The field trip coordinators will try to attend one of these, but it will be a last minute thing if we can make it. These shows are a great opportunity for field trips. Get to the show early and contact the club field trip people. Sign up and pay a small membership fee to attend their field trips through the week-end. They will take you to places that are not normally opened up, but will open for the special occasion of the show (highly recommended by long time member Vangie Mayton).
July: Hansen Creek, WA. Quartz crystal points and scepters. This will be a trip that requires a hike of about a mile and some digging on slopes. I am told that it is not strenuous, but you should be relatively physically able to hike the mile in. The material is small, so you will not be hauling out heavy loads, as we are looking for quartz crystal scepters. More details will be coming out for a date and time in July. I am told by a friend that went up last weekend, there is no snow at the dig site, it is clear.
August: Teanaway River, WA. Blue/green Jadite, Jasper. This will be a campout. We are looking at the weekend of August 11th and 12th because we want to avoid any conflicts with folks participating in the Kitsap County Fair, and also the field trip coordinators have some conflicts for the month of August. To camp at the Teanaway River, there is no way to make a reservation, it is first come first serve. Stop at the little store just before you get up to the river area to check for forest pass requirements. Last year we paid $10 for a pass to camp and park along the river. We will have more details in the coming months.
September: Crystal Mountain, WA. Agate, Jasper. More details coming. We missed this trip in May due to short notice and poor weather. We will try this one again in September when we are much more likely to get cooperative weather. This is also a great place to camp, so be thinking about that as well. No reservations.
Danielle and Eric Foss (360)621-5603 or (360)621-0631
I also want to let everyone know that due to continuing commitments and a busy family life, Eric and I will not be coordinating field trips next year. If coordinating trips is something you are interested in, please let us
know. You do not have to lead every trip, you just need to help organize them. Also, field trip leaders are always needed. If you know of a great spot where you could take the club, please let us know! Leading a trip
does not require any special skills except that you know the dig site well enough to show people what they are looking for and where to go, and you can commit to a specific day and time that can be advertised to the
club! Please consider helping out the club in this way.
PAGE 5 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
May Meeting Minutes by Talena Webb-Klumper
2017 May
Kitsap Mineral and Gem Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance with juniors and there were a lot of juniors in attendance.
Opening Welcome by the club’s vice president ViQ’ Tree
Welcome guests – Introduction of guests and Jrs.
Doug shared about the upcoming events.
Club picnic in July
Check with Danielle for field trips
Fair is August 23-27, he requests folks to enter some rocks and they have 20 cases to fill.
Looking for volunteers for 2 hour watch during the fair.
Danielle – Field Trip Coordinator
Crystal Mt. Field trip cancelled due to weather
June field trip is intended to be the Prineville, Oregon Pow Wow and there are lots of field trips that are done there
July hopefully will be Hansen Creek, Wa for quartz crystal scepters.
Show and Tell – various rocks and projects were shared
Program
Mixed medium – utilizing more than one medium in your creations.
Donna and Leonard Ballard shared their love of rocks and wood carving and how bringing the two together they
make awesome art/jewelry.
Other Notes:
Ellensburg agate and bead shop is going out of business if you’re looking for bargains.
From the Vice President:
I was so thrilled to see the program display table of Donna and Leonard Ballard's beading, lapidary and woodworking
collaborations. Many compliments were heard that the program was very inspirational and informative. I want to thank
the Ballard's for the great service in our club. Donna was one of the original Hard Rock Beaders and I learn so much
when she comes to our beading groups. It was the Hard Rock Beaders and the hands on demonstrations that attracted
me to the club. The privilege of learning from some very talented artists, that are willing to mentor and help to develop
an individuals talent, is one of the many benefits for being a member.
The display table was equally inspirational and informative. I was quite impressed with the albums of photographs of
mineral specimens. The quality of the professionally cataloged micro-mineral specimens done by Douglas Merson while
recovering from a shoulder injury. It is the club member's show and tell on the display table's that helps keep the meet-
ings successfully inspirational and fun. As it is fun to see what our members bring in from their rock hound
and creative adventures. I hope to see some #Kitsap Rocks on the display table too. As it is the height of the season for
painted rocks to be found around town in Kitsap parks.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your vice president. I want to thank
everyone, that helps volunteer in all different aspects of service to the club. It is
the team work during the meeting and behind the scenes that makes the club a
reality. The more participation from the members at all different levels will
keep our club actively growing interest and members. Invite your friends and
share your rock hounding enthusiasm with others.
Thanks ViQ'Tree. At left, ViQ’Tree leading the meeting!
PAGE 6 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Resources and Information:
Check out the Barn (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) on Bainbridge Island. At the May meeting, Donna and
Leonard Ballard mentioned what a great place it is to learn different crafts and techniques and to get inspired by talent-
ed artists. Listen to lectures, check out the different studios, and so much more!
See https://bainbridgebarn.wildapricot.org/ for more info.
Coming up November 18th and 19th, 2017
Location: The Presidents Hall, Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Soon there will be some signup sheets circulating around for various vol-
unteer opportunities for the November show. Our club puts a lot of effort
into putting on the show, and YOU are a key part of that effort!! We need
YOU! Be thinking about display cases and how you can show off your
unique talents. Putting a display case together can be fun and easy.
There will be more discussion on this in the coming months before the
show. Save the date and plan to help out and also enjoy the neat things
the club has to offer during that time. There are lots of things that Jun-
iors can participate in too, including helping out at the various club
booths. Don’t be shy to join in the fun and be a part of the big show!
USGS - Science for a Changing World https://mrdata.usgs.gov/geology/state/state.php?state=WA
Did you know that on the USGS website, you can find maps detailing the geological survey? If you open
up the maps and zoom in to a particular state and click, it will give you the approximate location you
clicked and the geologic information that was collected during the survey. Pretty neat huh? This can
give us clues to new possible dig sites, or just provide interesting geological and historical information
about a particular area. There is a color key, and information on the types of rocks and formations
(lithology) and approximate coordinates. Check it out and enjoy!
PAGE 7 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Labradorite
The plagioclase feldspar with an iridescent play-of-color that is often used as a gemstone.
http://geology.com/gemstones/labradorite/
What is Labradorite?
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series that is most often found in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt,
gabbro, and norite. It is also found in anorthosite, an igneous rock in which labradorite can be the most abundant miner-
al.
Some specimens of labradorite exhibit a schiller effect, which is a strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and
yellow colors as shown in the photographs. Labradorite is so well known for these spectacular displays of color that the
phenomenon is known as "labradorescence." Specimens with the highest quality labradorescence are often selected for
use as gemstones.
What Causes Labradorescence?
Labradorescence is not a display of colors reflected from the surface of a specimen. Instead, light enters the stone, strikes
a twinning surface within the stone, and reflects from it. The color seen by the observer is the color of light reflected from
that twinning surface. Different twinning surfaces within the stone reflect different colors of light. Light reflecting from
different twinning surfaces in various parts of the stone can give the stone a multi-colored appearance.
Properties of Labradorite
Labradorite is a mineral in the plagioclase series, and it shares many of the properties of plagioclase minerals. It has a
Mohs hardness of about 6 to 6 1/2 and two distinct directions of cleavage that intersect at an angle of about 86 degrees or
94 degrees. Plagioclase minerals frequently exhibit twinning and striations on cleavage faces.
Labradorite is the only mineral in the plagioclase series that exhibits strong labradorescence; however, many specimens
of labradorite do not exhibit the phenomenon. Without seeing labradorescence, distinguishing labradorite from other
members of the plagioclase series can be difficult. The methods used for distinguishing them are x-ray diffraction, chemi-
cal analysis, optical tests, and specific gravity determinations on pure specimens.
Sunstone: Much of the gem-quality feldspar mined in Oregon and sold as "Oregon Sunstone" is actually labradorite feld-
spar.
Labradorite as a Gemstone
Labradorite has become a popular gemstone because of the unique iridescent play-of-color that many specimens exhibit.
The quality, hue, and brilliance of the labradorescence varies from one specimen to another and within a single specimen.
PAGE 8 HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017
Stones with exceptional color are often given the name "spectrolite."
Labradorite is rarely seen in mass-merchant jewelry. Instead it is most often used
by designers and jewelers who do unique and custom work.
Many specimens of labradorite do not exhibit labradorescence. These materials
can still produce beautiful gemstones because of their desirable color or other opti-
cal effects such as aventurescence. A beautiful orange piece of labradorite cut as a
faceted stone is shown on this page.
Some specimens of sunstone are labradorite. Sunstone is a plagioclase gemstone
in which tiny platelets of copper or another mineral are arranged in a common
orientation. These platelets produce a reflective flash when incident light enters the stone at a proper angle relative to
the angle of observation.
Some cautions are required when using labradorite as a gemstone. It breaks in two directions with perfect cleavage. This
makes it subject to breaking with impact and not a good candidate for jewelry or other objects that could be subject to
impact. It also has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. It will therefore scratch much more easily than diamonds, rubies,
sapphires, and emeralds, and slightly more easily than jasper and agate.
Cutting Labradorite
Labradorescent material is most often cut into cabochons. The labradorescence phenomenon is best exhibited when the
base of the cabochon is parallel to the layers in the material that produce the labradorescent flash. Careful study of the
material is required so that the finished stone will be oriented to produce a full "face-up color." If the stone is cut at any
other angle, the layers that produce the labradorescence will be inclined when the stone is viewed from directly above.
This will yield a labradorescent flash that will appear to be off-center.
Geologic Occurrence of Labradorite
Labradorite is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It most often occurs as a primary mineral in mafic
igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and norite. It is also found in anorthosite, an igneous rock in which labradorite can
be the most abundant mineral. Labradorite occurs in gneiss that has been produced through the metamorphism of labra-
dorite-bearing igneous rocks. It is also found in sediments and sedimentary rocks that are derived from the weathering of
other rocks that contain labradorite.
Notable Labradorite Localities
Labradorite is named after its location of discovery on the Isle of Paul, near Nain, Labrador, Canada. It was discovered
there in 1770 by a Moravian missionary.
Labradorite with superb labradorescence is produced from a few deposits in Finland. The best of this material was given
the name "spectrolite" by the director of the Geological Survey of Finland. Today, specimens of labradorite with excep-
tional labradorescence from other locations are frequently called "spectrolite."
A significant amount of gray to black labradorite with good labradorescence is produced from locations in Madagascar
and Russia. Small amounts of transparent labradorite with internal color flash are produced in India.
Several mines in Oregon produce transparent orange, yellow, red, blue, green, and clear labradorite without labradores-
cence. These can be cut into very nice faceted stones. Some of this material has platy inclusions of copper in a common
alignment that can produce an aventurescent flash when played in the light. These materials are marketed under the
name "Oregon Sunstone" and have attracted a strong following from local designers and the tourist trade.
A "Gemmy" Architectural Stone
Some deposits of anorthosite are quarried and cut into slabs that are used to manufacture small sculptures, countertops,
window sills, tiles, facing stone, and other architectural products. A photograph of a polished surface of an architectural
stone known as "blue labradorite granite" is shown on this page.
Contributor: Hobart King
To see more photos and original article: http://geology.com/gemstones/labradorite/
HARD ROCK NEWS JUNE 2017 PAGE 9
Hello Junior Rockhounds! For June, we will be watching the presentation on field trips. We need to be ready for
those summer opportunities to go rockhounding. It's fun to get out in the fresh air and find something!
I always learn something when I head out on a field trip. Hope to see you there! Kathy Reimers, Bobbie Sack and
Jill Wetzell, Junior's Leaders
Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral, both in visible and ultraviolet light, and the stone has ornamental
and lapidary uses. Industrially, fluorite is used as a flux for smelting, and in the production of
certain glasses and enamels. The purest grades of fluorite are a source of fluoride
for hydrofluoric acid manufacture, which is the intermediate source of most fluorine-
containing fine chemicals. Most fluorite comes in purple to greenish colors, but sometimes it is
even blue or reddish! Enjoy coloring the fluorite picture below!
Editor Contact Information: Danielle Foss
[email protected] Phone: (360)
621-5603.
“The Hard Rock News” is the Official Publication of the Kitsap Mineral and Gem Society. Meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the second Friday of most months at Chico Alliance Church Daycare (entrance in the back). Address: 3670 Chico Way NW, Bremerton, Washington.
The object of the Society is to provide a general dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the earth sciences; to sponsor regular meetings and field trips for the benefit of the membership and to be helpful along these general lines to one another. The Society is social and educational in character.
Feel free to contact me if you want to put an announce-
ment in the newsletter. Deadline for each newsletter is
the 25th of the previous month.
Looking Forward to June and Beyond...
July 15th will be our annual club picnic at Raab Park in Poulsbo. Mark your calendars!
August 23rd through 27th is the Kitsap County Fair, mark your calendars to volunteer at the club booth!
The November Fall Fall Festival of Gems is coming up! Mark your calendars for November 18th and 19th.
Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KitsapMineralandgemsociety
Club website: kmgs.org
PO Box 3342 Silverdale, Washington 98383-3342
TO:
HARD ROCK NEWS
JUNE
