The Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club meets on the 4^th Monday of the month. All meetings are held at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, 1801 Mountain Road NW in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The entrance is on 18^th Street. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. There is a short business meeting prior to the evening’s presentation, which begins at approximately 8:00 PM

Pseudomorph City

The wide variety of smithsonite pseudomorphic replacements from the Magdalena District, New Mexico

by Dr. Virgil Lueth

The Magdalena district contains a very diverse assemblage of smithsonite pseudomorphs that replace an unusually wide array of minerals. These replacements include not only the original sulfide minerals, but also a large number of secondary minerals including azurite, malachite, copper, cuprite, and cerussite. In addition, smithsonite also replaces other carbonate and sulfate minerals. Numerous photographs will illustrate the pseudomorphic replacements as "captured" in the collections of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Mineral Museum. During the talk we will explore various aspects of weathering geochemistry to determine if this wide variety of replacements qualifies as a "geological oddity" or something to be expected.

(See AGMC this month section for a short biography of Dr. Lueth)

The Treasures of the Earth Show (TotE) is over and was a great success.  This is due to the multitude of volunteers, which without, the show could not have been as successful. Thanks also to the Show Committee for organizing and for putting mucho hours and efforts toward the Show. I think that most of you don’t realize how much work goes into planning the Show. If you’re interested in hands on learning, see Paul Hlava.

There are big changes coming! See the TotE Blurb!

One more thing about the TotE Show, it brought in seven more children into our Junior Club! YES!! See you at the Club meeting Monday, April 27th. John D. Reinert

Changes in the wind!

Well, Folks, we survived another show and I think we did it in fine style! We got many compliments from visitors and vendors. Many (especially vendors) commented on how very friendly we are as a club (this is unusual). You should all take pride in the hard work that you did and the friendship you extended to one and all.

Financially, the show did well. We have enough left after expenses to pay for the scholarships and prizes we award to students and to keep the club functioning another year (dues do not cover all of the club’s operating expenses). Our dealers did well also. Many were surprised just how well they did in this slower economy. So far, all that I’ve checked with want to come back and some want bigger booths.

I had fun and I hope all of you did too.

We have a building/timing problem for next year. The entire fairgrounds has been pre-empted for the 2^nd and 3^rd weekends in March, 2010. Conflicts with the Deming show and Easter force us to either hold the show a month late or 2 weeks early. Two weeks is better but that means moving to a new building. Soooo....we are going to hold next year’s show in the Creative Arts Center the first week-end in March, 2010. Partially because hopping back and forth between venues tends to kill off shows, this will be a permanent move! More on this in later issues of the New Nuggets.

Paul Hlava

We had a great show and made $322 for the club treasury. A great big Thank You to Jay Penn for organizing and storing the material, and to the families and friends who manned the table: Regina Aumente; Paulina Ingo, Kathy Chavez; Bob and Jan Burrows; Skailar Soverign and Catherine Soverign; Alex Osterloh and Brian and Cassandra Osterloh; Evan Bleakly and David Bleakly; Mae Ling Kao and Malia Kao and Donna Kao; Patrick Smith and Lisa DeTemple; and last but not least; Rachel Shroyer and Earlene Shroyer. A great job and Kudos to all!

Jim Hill

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Thanks to the volunteers that made our silent auction a success: Bill Barr, Harold Jacobs, Rex Nelson, John Reinert, Grant Kuck, Jim VanLoan, and Suzanne Seymour. A big Thank You also goes to the members and friends that donated minerals for the club tables: Marty Zinn, Jesse Kline, Ray DeMark, Harold Jacobs, Tom Massis, Rex Nelson, Jim Hill, Grant Kuck, and all that donated anonymously, again Thank You.

Jim Hill

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Our March Jr. Club meeting was attended by 16 junior members and 8 visitors, the meeting topic was "Field Trips". We discussed Field Trip Etiquette and the AFMS Code of Ethics, which is required to earn the Field Trip merit badge.

The second requirement for the merit badge is Field Trip Planning. We discussed several different locations and dates for our field trip. It was decided to hold our first field trip on April 4^th so we could visit the Trinity Site, and then continue on to a rock collecting trip.

For those who could not attend the April 4^th field trip, we planned another field trip to be held on April 11^th. The final requirement to earn the Field Trip merit badge is to go on------- A FIELD TRIP!

Those juniors attending a field trip and the March Jr. Club meeting will earn their merit badge. In the event of bad weather, we will reschedule our field trip.

If you would like more information about the AFMS and their merit badge program, visit their website at www.amfed.org.

Earlene

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John Reinert called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Gwen Poe thanked everyone for their help at the TotE show. New members and guests were introduced and welcomed.

Amy Penn announced that she had Jan and Bob Burrows’ DVD on the giant crystal cave available to loan.

Earlene Shroyer said they had 22 or 23 kids at the juniors’ meeting tonight. They are currently planning a field trip for April 4^th or April 11^th or both.

Jay Penn talked about when the newsletter comes out—shortly after the second Monday each month—and said to let him know if anyone doesn’t receive it. He also encouraged people to submit short articles to be included in the newsletters.

Michael Johnson reported on the Deming field trip. A new member, Ed, told everyone about the petrified wood at the NMSU Visitors Center. Jay added that NM Tech’s museum is rated in the top five in the country. Michael said that the Deming museum should be a good one to see, as well.

Jim Hill said the Orogrande trip was canceled. The next field trip will be to Jones Camp (north of the Bingham mines). Suzanne Seymour will check it out and put an article in the next News Nuggets.

Paul Hlava thanked all the workers for their help at the TotE show.

The speaker who had been scheduled for tonight’s meeting wasn’t able to attend. Ray DeMark very ably stepped up to the plate and presented an interesting program on vanadinite in New Mexico.

Kathy Lawicki announced that volunteers were needed to provide snacks at the meetings in April and beyond. Contact her for more information and to volunteer.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. for refreshments and door prizes.

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

We had a field-trip to the Trinity site and to the Bingham mines on April 4, 2009. We had 5 families with 10 juniors on the trip. Wiinnddy but every one had a great time, and Mike Agena found a sphalerite at the Southcut!

(Ed. note: According to Ray DeMark, while sphalerite at this location isn't common or rare it is often overlooked or not recognized by most collectors)

Jim Hill

The April field trip will be to a historic iron mining district in Socorro County. To reach the meeting location go south on I-25 to exit 139 (San Antonio) onto eastbound US 380. Drive east about 30 miles to just past the Bingham Rock Shop and park at the mailboxes on the south side of the road.

The meet time is 9:00 am and when everybody is signed in we’ll leave in a caravan (about 9:15).

The district is about a dozen miles from this point over good dirt roads all the way. The dumps are spread out over a mile or more, and not every car will be able to park at the various sites all at once, so we’ll be spreading out some.

Collecting possibilities include magnetite, actinolite, apatite and sphene. Most of the collectible species are micros, but there is a good bit of magnetite in larger sizes if you’re willing to dig. Bring your loupe.

Please be prepared to be responsible for your personal comfort needs. This is also a nice place to camp, though there are NO amenities, and fire restrictions may be in force. I hope you can join us for a fun day of collecting in a place we haven’t been to in years.

Suzanne Seymour 877-3621

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The subject for the next meeting will be Earth Resources. What do we use in our lives that are supplied from the earth? You may be surprised! Come to the meeting to find out.

Earlene and Jim

Pseudomorph City

by Dr. Virgil Lueth

(See page 1 for abstract of talk)

Virgil Lueth is the Senior Mineralogist/Economic Geologist and Curator of the Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. He has been with "the Bureau" for the last 15 years. He received his BS in Geology at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and both MS and Ph.D. at the University of Texas at El Paso. Prior to working at the Bureau of Geology he was a field geologist for the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, United States Geological Survey, and an associate professor at Tarleton State (Texas) University. He has published over 35 articles in popular magazines and scientific journals mainly on topics in mineralogy and geochemistry of ore deposits and has edited six geologic guidebooks.

Dr. Lueth also serves on the board of directors of the Society of Mineral Museum Professionals (President), New Mexico Geological Society Foundation (President) and Friends of Mineralogy (Past-President). He was named an honorary member of the New Mexico Geological Society in 2005 and received an award for the Outstanding Geological Guidebook by the Geoscience Information Society in 2007.

Apr 18, Jones Camp District (East of Socorro)

leader: Suzanne Seymour

May ?, Ghost Ranch (near Abiquiu)

leader: Anita Willard

Jun 6-7, Woodland Park, CO (west of Colorado Springs)

leader: Michael Johnson

Jul 25, AGMC picnic, San Pedro Mine

(east of Albuquerque) leader: John Reinert

Aug ?, Molycorp Mine maybe? (east of Questa)

leader: ??

Sep ?, Harding Mine or Zuni Mountains

leader: ? or Jane Bardal

Oct 24, Turquoise Trail (East of Albuquerque)

leader: Paul Hlava

Nov ?, Blanchard Mine (east of Socorro)

leader: Ray DeMark

Dec 12, Club Christmas Party Potluck

leader: Gwen Poe

Questions? Contact Suzanne Seymour 877-3621

The following is solely the opinion of the editor------------today.

I might change my mind tomorrow.

First off I'd like to point out that the Upcoming Events in the Southwest section often lists events in or very close to Albuquerque. For example there is a new show in Albuquerque at the end of this month. Check it out.

Second I'd like to say a few words about the TotE Show moving to a new venue. The Show committee didn't reach this decision lightly; there was a lot of discussion in meetings and online, group visits to the building, and soul searching.

The Creative Arts building is where the club has a booth during the state fair and is located roughly 100 yards directly east of our old building. It is bigger (almost double), has better air conditioning, better electrical power, and nicer rest rooms. On the down side it doesn't have any natural light, and it is bigger (almost double).

This being bigger is a real double edged sword, on the one hand it allows the show to carefully and slowly grow, add demonstration areas, etc., things we couldn't even consider before. On the other hand it will require more work (i.e. people) to make it happen. We will absolutely need the support of more club members.

Personally I am excited about an improved venue and the possibility of being able to grow the show to a size that is good for all parties concerned, whatever that turns out to be.

Who knows maybe in a few years we can afford to give more in the way of scholarships etc. or (dare I say it) offer free admission.

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This section is for the not for profit exchange of goods and services between club members (cars, boats, rocks, minerals, tools, equipment, -------- anything). For profit (stock in trade) items will not be published.

For sale: Sailboat, Coronado 34ft., equipped for cruising, $25,000. Bentz 857-0728

Lost: I cannot find my How to Make Cabochons CD by Jim Barzee, maybe I lent it to a club member.

Penn 883-4195, el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

Polishing Jade: A little graphite mixed with ordinary buffs makes a wonderful jade polishing agent. It also works on some hard to polish agates.

Here is another recipe: 1 Tablespoon of tin oxide and one cup of vinegar on a leather buff (avoiding letting the buff dry out while polishing) produces a good polish on jade, using either high or low speed.

(Ed. note: I have two more "recipes" for polishing jade which are completely different from above. I can only conclude that either anything will work or nothing will work.)

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How Amethyst Cathedrals Form

One of my fondest memories of the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is coming upon a parking lot full of enormous amethyst geodes ("cathedrals") 6 feet or more high, resting partly in the sawdust of their packing crates. The bulbous to tubular geodes were big enough for an adult to sit in, and lined with deep purple gemmy amethyst, sparkling in the Arizona sunlight. All for sale! How do such wonders form?

These excellent geodes come from a region along the Brazil-Uruguay border. The genesis of deposits on the Brazil side of the border has recently been extensively researched by an international team of geochemists lead by H. Albert Gilg of Techniche University Munchen in Germany (Gilg, et. al., 2003). The geodes are mined from several lava flows belonging to the Parana Continental Flood Basalt Province. This was one of the largest outpourings of basalt lava known. An estimated 800,000 cubic kilometers of lava extruded over an 11 million year time span. For comparison, this would be enough to cover Minnesota with a pile of basalt lava over 2 miles high. The lava outburst occurred as part of the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean during Cretaceous time about 130 million years ago. Of all these flows, however, only a few are known to host amethyst cathedral geodes.

Gilg et. al. proposed a 2-stage model for their formation. In the first stage the large hollows form. This was caused as volcanic gases were released from certain lavas as they cooled. Not every lava has enough dissolved gas to form such big openings. As gas bubbles emerged from the congealing lava (much as bubbles emerge when beer or soda pop is poured) they coalesced as they rose. The lava was cooling fast too, and soon became so thick and sticky that bubbles quit rising and were trapped. The bulbous to tubular shapes thus point towards the top of the flow, a fact easily seen when the geodes are in place in the mines. These cavities, though, were empty of crystals.

The second stage was the formation of the amethyst, plus celadonite, calcite and gypsum fillings. An important clue to this event is the presence of small gas and liquid bubbles (called fluid inclusions) trapped within these minerals. These are samples of the mineral-forming liquids caught as the crystals grew. Fluid inclusions are treasure troves of information when studied with sophisticated instruments. Analyses of the fluid inclusions in the amethyst, calcite and gypsum show them to be filled with slightly salty water. This water had a temperature of no more than 100 degrees C, and possibly less than 50 degrees C, during mineral formation. These cannot be fluids related to the magma that formed the lavas.

What was the source of these fluids? An amazing story unfolds from the radiometric dating of the minerals. The basalts formed about 130 million years ago, but the green celadonite, which makes up the rinds of the geodes, formed about 70 million years ago. For 60 million years these enormous cavities sat empty of crystals. Trace element data from the fluid inclusions gives another important clue to the source of the aquifer (the Botucatu aquifer) filled with ground water that closely resembles the fluid inclusion liquids. Up lift and tilting of the area about 70 million years ago would force water out of the aquifer into the porous areas of the overlying lava. In the lava flow these waters would have found volcanic glass. Glass breaks down over geologic time and makes silica and other chemicals available in a form that is readily soluble in water soaking through the rocks. The water carried these chemicals into the cavities, where the amethyst and other minerals grew due to cooling and pressure release.

The special combination of geologic circumstances, unfolding over millions of years, is not often duplicated. Understanding the process gives geologist tools to prospect more efficiently for these wonders.

Dr. Bill Cordua, U. Wisconsin-River Falls, Leaverite News 07 via The Rockhounder 05/08.

Reference: Golg. H. et. al., 2003 "Genesis of amethyst geodes in basaltic rocks of the Serra Geral Formation (Ametista do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil): a fluid inclusion, REE, oxygen, carbon, and Sr isotope study on basalt, quartz and calcite" Mineralium Deposita vol.38, p.1009-1025.

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from April 1978 News Nuggets

found by John D. Reinert

Jerry Ostrom, a retired schoolteacher and occasional mineral dealer who now lives in Belen, presented a program about fluorescent minerals. Some notes on the subject follow.

What is ultraviolet light? Simply, energy waves shorter than visible violet. The visible spectrum is found between 7000A (red) and 4000A (violet), with "A" being an angstrom unit. Waves longer than 7000A are in the heat spectrum and cannot be seen (infrared). Ultraviolet light waves range from 4000A to 2000A and beyond. In general terms, the long-wave group of fluorescent minerals responds to U-V waves in the 3000-4000A range, while those responding to wavelengths from 2000 to 3000A are known as the short wave minerals. Long-wave and short-wave lamps emit at, respectively, 3650A and 2537A. "Black lights" used for psychedelic effects are of the long-wave type and are quite safe to eyes and skin. Short-wave light, however, can cause burns, so should be used with caution. Short waves are stopped by ordinary glass.

The colors that we see in daylight are reflected – when we look at a leaf in the sun, all the wavelengths, except those corresponding to what we call green, are absorbed, with the "green" being reflected back to our eyes. Fluorescence is not a reflection of the ultraviolet beam, but is the emission of light from a stimulated substance. Some minerals, when struck by ultraviolet light, have their electrons displaced. When the electrons bounce back, they give off energy in the form of light. Some minerals continue to glow after the activating light has been turned off – this is phosphorescence. This effect may persist for long periods of time. Fluorescence is generally viewed in the dark, for the simple reason that normal light masks the emitted light in most minerals.

While certain minerals such as some tungsten and uranium minerals have a consistent fluorescent glow, in most minerals the response is caused by impurities that are called activators. The amount of the impurity present generally controls the intensity of fluorescence. There is no provable correlation between daylight and fluorescent colors.

Fluorescence is an interesting phenomenon in its own right, and can also be used as an aid in mineral identification. Exploration for tungsten and uranium minerals can be aided by an ultraviolet lamp. Most collectors probably have a number of fluorescent minerals in their collection. Much of the agate and fossil wood found in this area fluoresces brightly, as does a wide variety of minerals. For showiness, few specimens can compare with the samples of calcite and willemite from Franklin, New Jersey, which glow a brilliant red and green.

Here are events located in NM, TX, OK, CO, UT, and AZ for the near future.

You can see a more comprehensive list at:

www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp

17-19--Alpine, TX: 20th annual show, "Treasures of West Texas"; Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club; Highland Events Center, Hwy. 90, across from Sul Ross State University; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 11-5; free admission; 2nd annual Collegiate Geology "Box of Rocks" Competition, Kids' Corner, door prizes, rock food table, Rock For Life dance, Grub Run Rally, field trips (Woodward Ranch, Shafter Silver Mine, Red Rock Ranch); contact Donna Trammel, (432) 426-2924; e-mail: rocklady2002@sbcglobal.net

24-26--Denver, CO: Show, "Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show-Spring"; Martin Zinn Expositions; Holiday Inn-Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St.; free admission; 80 wholesale and retail dealers, minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Martin Zinn Expositions, P.O. Box 665, Bernalillo, NM 87004-0665, fax (505) 867-0073; e-mail: mz0955@aol.com; Web site: www.mzexpos .com

24-26--Salt Lake City, UT: Show, "2009 Spring Festival of Gems"; Wasatch Gem Society; 115 North 10th West, Utah State Fair Park, Zions Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children, scouts and leaders in uniform free; member displays, craft and lapidary demonstrations, dealers, equipment, rocks, gems, kids' grab bags, Wheel of Fortune, silent auction, door prizes; contact Jeffery Huefner, (801) 467-6850; e-mail: jeffjaneh@juno.com; Web site: www. wasatchgemsociety.com

25-26--Waco, TX: Show; Waco Gem & Mineral Club; Heart of Texas Fairgrounds, Bosque Ave.; Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, students and children $1; contact Kay Coleman, 118 County Road 540, Fairfield, TX 75840, (903) 389-8311; e-mail: rkcole8@peoplepc.com

26--Albuquerque, NM: Spring Fling, Paul Hlava and some of his friends are putting on a new arts & crafts show at the Four Hills Country Club. It is a one day, seven hour show from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2009. This is good timing to secure presents for up coming events like Mother’s Day, graduations, etc. In addition to jewelry, wood objects, and stone dishes, the show will include Pampered Chef cookware, handmade gift cards, stained glass items, artistic clothing, rubber stamps, leather purses, etc., gourmet food items, et hoc genus omne. All this might make you achy so you can get a chair massage and secure some massage oils for home, or maybe some medicinal chocolate.

Come by and help make this show a success! hpf1@qwest.net, 255-5478

1-3--Houston TX: Fine Mineral Show, Embassy Suites near the Galleria, 2911 Sage Road, www.FineMineralShow.com

(Ed note: this information from a post card received in the AGMC PO Box.)

8-10--Oklahoma City, OK: Show; ; Oklahoma State Fair Grounds, 3212 Wichita Walk; Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4; free admission; $100 shopping spree drawing each day; contact Kateri Rose, (509) 690-7644; Web site: www.myspace .com/beadjamboree

9-10--Grand Junction, CO: 62nd annual show, "A Gem of a Show"; Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club; Two Rivers Convention Center, 1st and Main; contact Brent Jensen, (970) 245-5595 or (970) 433-6591

16-17--Lubbock, TX: 51st show; Lubbock Gem & Mineral Society; Lubbock Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; displays, dealers, demonstrations, silent auction, special exhibit "The Rock Food Table"; contact Archie Scott, (806) 894-1584; e-mail: asscott3@windstream.net

22-24--Corpus Christi, TX: Show; ; Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Dr.; Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4; free admission; $100 shopping spree drawing each day; contact Kateri Rose, (509) 690-7644; Web site: www.myspace .com /beadjamboree

23-24--Fort Worth, TX: Show, "Jumpin' for Geodes"; Fort Worth Gem & Mineral Club; Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, seniors $4, children 12 and under free; jewelry, gems, beads, minerals, fossils, more than 25 dealers, demonstrations, displays, silent auction, kids' Wheel of Chance and rock/fossil dig, door prizes; contact Steve Hilliard, P.O. Box 418, Decatur, TX 76234, (817) 925-5760; e-mail: fwgmc@embarqmail.com; Web site: www. fortworthgemandmineralclub.com

5-6--Price, UT: Show; Castle Country Rock, Fossil & Mineral Club; J. Leavitt Student Center - C.E.U, 526 North 300 East; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7; free admission; rocks, fossils, minerals, jewelry, metal detectors, equipment, displays, demonstrations, door prizes; contact Patrick Braun, P.O. Box 236, Ferron, UT 84523, (435) 384-2211; e-mail: pbraun@etv.net

5-7--Tulsa, OK: Show; Gem Faire Inc.; Expo Square/Exchange Center 1, 4145 E. 21st St.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire .com

6--Delta, CO: Show; Delta County Rock Wranglers; Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Dr.; Sat. 9-5; free admission; dealers, exhibits, door prizes, family activities; contact Harry W. Masinton, (970) 856-3861

12-14--Albuquerque, NM: Show; Gem Faire Inc.; New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 300 San Pedro N.E.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com

19-21--Carlsbad, NM: Annual show; Road Runner Gem & Mineral Club; Living Desert Zoo and State Park, north on U.S. Hwy. 285; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; free admission; exhibitors, silent auction, door prizes, Wheel of Fortune, displays, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park admission extra; contact Cathy Hamilton, 308 N. Lake, Carlsbad, NM 88220, (575) 885-8572; e-mail: cfhamil@

leaco.net

19-21--San Antonio, TX: Show; Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Rd.; Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4; free admission; $100 shopping spree drawing each day; contact Kateri Rose, (509) 690-7644; Web site: www.myspace.com/beadjamboree

19-21--Santa Fe, NM: 5th annual show; Palace of the Governors/New Mexico History Museum; Palace of the Governors Courtyard, downtown plaza; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; contact Carlotta Boettcher, (505) 476-5112; e-mail: carlotta.boettcher@state.nm.us

Email me at hpf1@qwest.net and let me know your guesses by copying the questions below and answering them. This includes AGMC members and everyone else who reads "News Nuggets". I have gotten very few responses, folks. EMAIL me! I have been gratified by folks responding that they WORK at these minerals. Good, that IS the idea. This way you learn about them.

The Game Plan – I will describe a mineral and you have to guess/decipher/research the name of the mineral and the answers to the other questions. You will benefit most if you do not ask others for the answers but work it out for yourselves. When you have decided on the name you can compare notes with others or wait for the answers to be published in the News Nuggets. Good luck and have fun.

Last year I discussed minerals and rocks that are used as gemstones. This year I think I’ll work on minerals with metallic and sub-metallic lusters.

This month’s MM is a rather uncommon mineral found in high temperature hydrothermal veins and is especially important in porphyry copper type deposits. Nice free standing, platy, hexagonal crystals are rare; it usually occurs as fine grains disseminated in veinlets in quartz-monzonite prophyry. It can also be found as massive chunks. It exhibits one perfect cleavage. It is opaque with a bright, metallic luster, the color of crystals is black, gray or lead-gray but with a faint bluish tint. It has a greenish gray streak. Sp. Gr. = 5.5, H = 1. The mineral is sectile.

What is the name of the mineral?

What is the origin of the name?

What metals does it contain?

What non-metals does it contain?

What other minerals might occur with it?

What other mineral might it be easily confused with?

What is it mined and used for?

What is the metal used for.

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM –

In the USA –

In the World –

What is the name of the mineral? Hematite (or haematite if you're a Brit). Chemical formula Fe₂O₃

What is the origin of the name? From the Greek "haimatites" in allusion to the blood red color of the powder and especially very thin slivers of crystals.

What metals does it contain? Iron (Fe)

What non-metals does it contain? Oxygen (O)

What other minerals might occur with it? All kinds of stuff. In veins – pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, quartz, calcite, siderite, ankerite, etc. In sedimentary rocks – add ilmenite, magnetite. In iron formation add stilpnomelane and other iron rich silicates.

What is it mined and used for? Iron ore and some jewelry but most of the hematite in jewelry is lab grown. Oh, and it is still used to make jewelers rouge.

Do you have some in your collection? Yep.

In NM – Minor sites for xls, micros - Black Range Tin District, Grants area, San Pedros, a number of small, massive contact metamorphic deposits, Luiz Lopez District

In the USA – Iron Ranges in Mn, Wi, upper MI; Franklin , NJ,

In the World – Cumberland, England; Switzerland, Sweden, various mines, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa; Austria, Brazil, China, France, and lots more

Paul Hlava

The Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club was organized on January 22, 1944. The club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and enjoyment of the Earth Sciences and associated subjects. Its primary purpose is the exchange of information and the furtherance of knowledge of Mineralogy, Fossils, Geology, Rock Cutting and Gem Faceting and to stimulate interest in the development of these studies.

All meetings are held at the NM Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque, NM. The general meeting is held on the 4^th Monday of the month (unless otherwise announced) at 7:30 p.m. The Junior Club meets at 6:30 p.m. prior to the general meeting. The public is welcome at both meetings.

Board of Directors meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. All club members are welcome.

All memberships are family memberships and include all members of the household. Dues are $20. Send checks to the AGMC, P.O. Box 13718, Albuquerque, NM 87192-3718 or pay the Membership Chair at the monthly meeting. All memberships expire Dec 31.

The Club Newsletter: News Nuggets exists to assist the membership in communications and to provide information on club activities. Contributions from all members are welcome on any information that will promote club activities or that would be of interest to club members. News Nuggets is scheduled to be mailed approximately one week prior to the monthly meeting. You are cordially invited to mail news, articles or comments to:

Jay Penn

el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

Instructions for entering the Members' Page are provided in the new member packet.

jrhall49@gmail.com

el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

klawicki@gmail.com