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 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. All club members are welcome.

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

2324 Alvarado NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

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

The June Jr. Club meeting was a lesson about gold recovery.

Harold (Jake) Jacobs from the New Mexico Gold Miners Association was there with some equipment and to talk about the different methods used to recover (mine) gold.

Printing and mailing the news letter is our single largest month to month expense with yearly costs per address approaching the $20 per family membership fee. The board has discussed this over the last few years and taken steps to minimize costs but more must be done.

So, -------- Due to the high cost and general hassle involved with mailing printed copies of the News Nuggets, the Board of Directors voted to suspend this practice effective with the January 2009 issue. That is to say that the November issue (we don't publish in December) will be the last printed copy of the News Nuggets that will be distributed to the membership.

Most households already receive the Nuggets via e-mail. We know this will present a challenge to people without computers at home, but we hope that everyone can use the time between now and January to figure out a way to read it on a screen or get a printed copy from: a friend/ relative/ club member with a computer, a computer at work, etc. If you cannot think of a way to get the Nuggets via e-mail please call me or any other board member and we will help you find a solution. We certainly don't want any member to go without getting the news letter. Let us know if there is a problem and we will work to solve it.

This notice (or an abbreviated version) will be published in every issue between now and November, so if someone calls us in January wondering why they didn't get their News Nuggets in the mail, we'll know they are only using it for bird cage liner anyway.

Jay Penn, editor, 883-4195

The State Fair is almost here! The AGMC sponsors the rock and mineral displays and disseminates information about our club and hobby.

We will be manning a table in the Creative Arts Building for the three weekends of the fair. Sept. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21. There will be two persons needed for each of the three shifts each day: 9:00-12:00, 12:00-3:00 and 3:00-6:00. The people volunteering will get free parking and admission to the Fair for that day. It is a very rewarding experience!

I'll bring the sign up sheet to the August meeting or you can call me at 299-0732 to sign up, I'm looking forward to meeting new members who would like to get involved. Last year we had a great group of volunteers and a job well done.

For those who would like to display their minerals or enter specimens for judging, the setup dates are:

Thursday, August 28th 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Friday, August 29th 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Saturday, August 30th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

John D. Reinert, State Fair Chair, 299-0732

This event has already happened, see July issue for details.

The trip report will be in the September issue. Preliminary hearsay is that it was a fun trip, everyone got down safely, and nobody is quitting their jobs.

This meeting will be the practical on gold panning. The juniors will actually be panning for mock gold.

They will get wet and muddy so wear appropriate clothes. Any juniors that are planning on staying over for the general meeting may want a change of clothes as well.

Questions? Contact Jim Hill or Earlene Shroyer

"In Quest of the Silver"

by Tom Katonak

Tom has been a mineral collector for more than a half century and has an undergraduate degree in Geology from Bowling Green State University. After a career in the USAF, he consulted with the aerospace industry for many years. Now retired, Tom and his wife travel extensively in pursuit of their many hobbies – including mineral collecting.

A frequent destination is Mexico due to the spectacular mineral specimens available.

In this presentation, Tom recounts his recent trip to Batopilas in the heart of Baranca del Cobre – the center of some of the most prolific silver mining in North America.

On the 26^th of July, 68 members of the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club gathered for that month’s field trip and the club’s annual picnic at the San Pedro Mine located about 30 minutes from Albuquerque (near the intersection of NM-14 and NM-344). Our time together began with an interpretive lecture about the mine and the geology of the area from club member, Ray DeMark.

Following the talk the club ascended the mountain to the garnet collection area, where with a little luck and persistence one could find garnets, some of which were iridescent. In addition club members found chalcopyrite, chrysocholla, goethite psuedomorphs after pyrite, malachite, pyrite, and quartz (Jesse Klein found some sceptured quartz). Ray also said other minerals such as adularia, anatase, brookite, blocky & scalenohedral calcite crystals, hematite, and scheelite minerals have also been collected.

Sometime around 1:00 in the afternoon the club made the transition from collecting to picnicking. It had rained and drizzled off and on at the collection site but when we headed back to the mining buildings for lunch the weather really cut loose with some good thunderstorms. Thanks to the Mine owners Frank and Sally Baca though, we had a warm, dry place to sit down and enjoy a good meal.

Members brought their own lunch while the AGMC provided drinks, ice, cookies, not one but two types of homemade ice cream and a birthday cake to celebrate the Birthday of Rex Nelson, the VP of field trips. The Bacas also gave away a number of San Pedro Mining hats to make the occasion more memorable.

Following lunch it was time for some tailgating. Rex Nelson, Ray Demark, Kay Walker and Jesse Klein brought in a number of flats with minerals for sale. Jim Hill even brought in some chisels and digging tools (with a pick on one end and a three pronged rake on the opposite end) that he had made. Ray held a silent auction and sold his minerals by the flat.

What with the collecting, food, fellowship, and tailgating a great time was enjoyed by all. A huge thank you and standing ovation goes out from all in attendance to Frank and Sally Baca for so generously allowing us to collect on their property and moving things around in the mining building so we could sit down and eat inside. And more thanks for also providing lunch for the clean up crew prior to the picnic.

Another big thank you goes out to John Reinert who approached the Baca’s to get their permission for the field trip. Without John there would have been no picnic at San Pedro. A special tip of the hat also goes to Gwen Poe for not only putting together the picnic but also bringing in the drinks, all those desserts, the cake, and homemade ice cream.

Thanks also go to our President, Suzanne Seymour for helping Gwen and for coming out early to help set everything up. Also more thanks are due to Rex Nelson and John Reinert for driving out to San Pedro to make it possible for the Port-o-potty to be dropped off and making a return trip so it could be picked up. In addition yet more thanks go to Rex, John, and Jim Hill for making the road to the collecting area passable by removing trees and big rocks and for coming out early to help set everything up. And we can’t forget our interpretive lecturer Ray DeMark and thank him for sharing his knowledge and love of minerals with the club.

Finally, a special thank you to all who helped and participated. Do we have a great club or what? The Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club is the best! Until our next field trip then, keep looking down!

Grant

Sep 27, Pueblo Park (Reserve)

Oct 25, Nacimiento Copper Mine (Cuba)

Nov 22, Blanchard Mine (East of Socorro)

Dec 13, Club Christmas Party

Questions? Contact Grant Kuck or Rex Nelson

Coming up next month on the 27th of September (Saturday) is an opportunity to get some gem quality labradorite that can be faceted. The collecting location can be found in Pueblo Park, which is located in the Apache National Forest in Catron County.

This location is about 225 miles from Albuquerque and will take about 4 1/2 hours of driving time. Take I-25 south to Socorro and get on US 60. Head west to Datil. From Datil take NM-12 to Reserve (a distance of some 206 miles). Continue on NM-12 through Reserve (about 7 miles) to US-180 and go south about 5 miles to a sign that says, "Pueblo Park Campground". Go west on the dirt road about 4 to 5 miles to the camp-ground. The road was suitable for a two wheeled drive vehicle in 2005 and will be checked before this field trip. We’ll probably meet at the campground about 10:00 am. Check next month’s News Nuggets to be sure (or call Rex or Grant).

The National Forest Campground has a pit toilet in a small building with a cement bottom but no electricity or running water so we are talking semi-primitive conditions. It is at an elevation of about 7000 feet so it could be cool at night and should be pleasant in the daytime. It is mostly old forest fir trees, very shaded and a beautiful place to return to after the hike to the collecting area. Personally I recommend bringing a tent and camping out the night before.

In the words of our 2005 VP of Field Trips, Stephanie Melof, "We'll be collecting faceting grade labradorite that is pale to golden yellow in color. Gem quality pieces up to approximately 100 carats have been collected there in the past. This has been a popular collecting site for over 20 years, so collecting won't be as plentiful as in the past.

"The best collecting spot requires hiking about 1/2 a mile down a creek bed and then up the side of a hill about 200-300 feet, which could be strenuous for some people. Please know your limits and carry plenty of water.

"The labradorite is found loose on the flat surfaces over a wide area. Their yellow contrasts well to the brown volcanic rock out of which it weathers. You only need a rock pick, small garden rake and/or bag for your "treasures" -- the area is surface collecting only.

"Be sure to take plenty of water or other beverages – people usually do not take enough. Gloves and kneepads will be helpful for crawling on the ground."

Let me just echo Stephanie about the strenuousness of the hike to the collecting area. It is a bit of a hike and it is uphill so if you are not in good shape this may be one trip you should bypass. Please check out the next edition of the News Nuggets for the latest information.

Grant & Rex

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

We're back from the Contin-Tail Gem and Mineral Show in Buena Vista, Colorado.

We had a lot of fun, met a lot of people, saw a lot of rain, learned a lot about minerals, saw a lot of beautiful mountains, didn't make a lot of money but we're a lot happy.

This is a new (experiential) section to provide space for us to tell stories about ourselves or each other.

I'll start it off with a story someone told me awhile back. Then maybe you all will keep it going with other lies, I mean anecdotes.

I heard this from a gentleman who has donated tumbling work to the club for years and years and years. I won't embarrass him by mentioning that his name is Walter Morris.

Anyway, he told me that when he was growing up on the family farm in west Texas (a long, long time ago) he would bolt a military issue steel can to the wheel of the tractor and tumble rocks while he was plowing the fields. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And it worked!

OK, now it's your turn. The only rule is that if real names are mentioned I will check with that person to make sure it is OK with them to publish it.

The BBC has spent $25 million dollars to produce a 5 disc DVD series "exploring the planet's most fascinating wildlife and challenging environments". "This beautifully shot, Emmy-winning series takes viewers from the Himalayan Mountains to the depths of the ocean and everywhere in between."

For example volume 1 included the segments "From Pole to Pole," "Mountains" and "Fresh Water". Each segment runs about 1 hour long plus a trailer showing some of the challenges they encountered in getting the footage for that segment.

We just finished watching the "Caves" segment on disc 2. This included footage of 6 foot long gypsum crystals (selenite) in the Lechuguilla Cave near Carlsbad Caverns. This cave has the most restrictive access of any in the United States. It took the BBC two years to get approval to make the first and only film of this cave. So if you want to see it, this is the only way.

We haven't seen the last 3 discs yet (we're pacing ourselves) but if they are as good as the first two they will be great.

Jay & Amy Penn

PS. We get them one at a time thru Netflix

_____________________________________

While in Tucson in February, we went to a booth at the Inn Suites. The person running the booth was from Namibia and selling specimens from there. He also had a brochure about a collecting trip to Namibia for ten days. The total trip was 12 days, but 2 days were travel to and from the USA. He had hosted three trips for people from the USA in the previous three years. This person is the tour guide and lives in Windhoek, Namibia. The manager lives in Johannesburg.

They recently sent our club a brochure about their 2009 trip. The 2008 trip is booked. The price of the tour is $4650 and includes round-trip air fare from either New York City or Atlanta. Also included are: ground transportation, lodging, all park fees and taxes, and all breakfasts. They visit 7 or 8 different mines, and you can buy specimens at African prices, which is about 25 cents on the dollar. You can bring back 60 kilograms (130 lbs) on the plane; I assume that includes luggage weight.

A deposit of $1000 is required to reserve your space. If interested, go to their website, http://www.geodite.com. This site gives a map of the different sites they visit and tells the types of specimens available for purchase. At their booth in Tucson, they had all the different specimens for sale, and there were great specimens.

They will give names and contact information if you want to get a reference. The group in 2007 was associated with the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History.

We have discussed going with our rock hound friends from Tucson. If we go, we would stay an extra few weeks and go on camera safari in Namibia.

The British were in Namibia for hundreds of years, so the country is almost first world. Many expatriate Brits live there.

Submitted by Michael Johnson

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.

Deadline for submission is the 2nd Monday of the month at noon. Submit to editor.

Share a Ride - I would like to invite fellow members to share a ride with me to the field trips, call Robert (Bob) Hall (505) 869-6291.

Wanted: Display Cases, UV Info - We are looking for one or more tall and narrow (in depth) display cases, preferably in a light wood or a paintable material.

We are also seeking information about setting up a UV viewing area. We want to use part of a closet as a "dark room" for viewing gems and minerals under a UV light and would like to get tips on how to set it up and the equipment needed.

Skailar & Catherine Sovereign (505) 345-0091, pcssovereign@peoplepc.com

Editors Note: If anyone has a scheme for setting up a UV viewing area and wouldn't mind writing it up, it would be a great article for the News Nuggets.

Here are events located in NM, TX, OK, CO, UT, and AZ for as far ahead as there is space available. You can see a more comprehensive list at: www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp

14-16, Albuquerque, NM: CLASP: A CONVERGENCE OF JEWELERS. No vendors. Rio Grande, 505-839-3247, www.claspconvergence.com. Open to the public.

15-16--Tahlequah, OK: Show and sale; Tahlequah Rock & Mineral Society; Tahlequah Community Bldg., First St. and College Ave.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5; free admission; special exhibits, children's booths, lapidary demonstrations, live auction, contact Sara Brasel, 14236 Cross Timbers Rd., Tahlequah, OK 74464, (918) 458-0801; e-mail: crosstimbersrd@earthlink.net

15-17--Lake George, CO: Annual show; Lake George Gem & Mineral Club; Hwy. 24, just west of Starkey's General Store; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; 30+ dealers, minerals, fossils, jewelry, lapidary, local amazonite, smoky quartz, and topaz, agate clocks, tumbled stone, petrified wood, carvings, lapidary equipment and supplies, crystals, meteorites, tektites, fulgurites, cabs, beads, jade, Australian opal; contact Rebecca Blair, (719) 748-3030; e-mail: blairra@hotmail.com; Web site: www.lggmclub.org

23-24--Jasper, TX: 14th annual show; Pine Country Gem & Mineral Society; VFW Bldg., FM 2799 and FM 1747, 7 miles west of Jasper; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, students and children free; rocks, fossils, minerals, gemstones, jewels; contact Lonnie Stalsby, (409) 382-5314; e-mail: rducote@cmaacess.com

30-31--Arlington, TX: Show, "Nature's Kaleidoscope"; Arlington Gem & Mineral Club; Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, children $3; jewelry, beads, gems, minerals, fossils, rock food table, demonstrations, Kids' Korner, silent auction, door prizes; contact Karen Cessna(817) 903-5980; e-mail: cessnak@ont.com; Web site: www.agemclub.org

30-1--Silver City, NM: 25th annual show; Grant County Rolling Stones Society; Silver City Recreation Center, 11th St. and Gold St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5, Mon. 10-4; free admission; more than 50 dealers, free daily field trips, Silent Auction, Wheel of Fortune, Rolling Sphere Fountain raffle; contact Judy Allen, 16 McKinley St., Silver Spring, NM 88061, (575) 388-4054; e-mail: show08@stockmanfamily.net

10-14--Denver, CO: Fall show; Martin Zinn Expositions; Holiday Inn - Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St., at the intersection of I-25 and I-70; free admission; 200 wholesale and retail dealers from all over the world, free shuttle bus to shows at the Merchandise Mart; Wed. 10-6, Thu. 10-6, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Regina Aumente, Martin Zinn Expositions, P.O. Box 665, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505) 867-0425; e-mail: mz0955@aol.com

10-14--Denver, CO: Show, "Bead Renaissance Show"; J&J Promotions LLC; Holiday Inn, DIA, 15500 E. 40th Ave., I-70 and Chambers Rd.; Thu. 10-6, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact J&J Promotions LLC, P.O. Box 420, Williamsburg, NM 87942, (575) 894-1293; e-mail: info@beadshow.com; Web site: www.beadshow.com

10-14--Denver, CO: Show, "Colorado Fossil Expo"; Martin Zinn Expositions; Denver Merchandise Mart Plaza Annex, 451 E. 58th Ave.; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, seniors and teens $4; 50 dealers, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, amber, paleontological exhibits, ticket includes Denver Gem & Mineral Show; contact Regina Aumente, Martin Zinn Expositions, P.O. Box 665, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505) 867-0425; e-mail: mz0955@aol.com

10-14--Denver, CO: 41st annual show, "Minerals of Colorado"; Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council; Denver Merchandise Mart Expo Hall, 451 E. 58th Ave., I-25 exit 215; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, seniors and teens $4.50, children 12 and under free; dealers, minerals, fossils, meteorites, gems, beads, unusual jewelry, gift items, books, lapidary equipment, exhibits, demonstrations, fluorescent room, kids' corner (treasure hunt, gold panning), admission includes Colorado Fossil Expo; contact Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council, P.O. Box 621444, Littleton, CO 80162, (303) 233-2516; e-mail: info@denvermineralshow.com; Web site: www.denvermineralshow.com

19-21--Enid, OK: Show; Enid Gem & Mineral Society; Garfield County Fair Grounds, Hoover Bldg.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; contact Billy E. Wood, (580) 234-5344

20-21--Farmers Branch, TX: Show, "2008 Fall Festival of Gems and Minerals"; Pleasant Oaks Gem & Mineral Club; EMGI Bldg., Brookhaven College, 3939 Valley View Ln.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, students $1, children 6 and under free; hourly door prizes, Grand Prize Sun., kids' mine, Scouting activites; contact Don Shurtz, (972) 509-2821; e-mail: don.shurtz@gmail.com; Web site: www.pogmc.org

26-28--Humble, TX: 55th annual show, "SCFMS/AFMS Show"; Houston Gem & Mineral Society; Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy., 5 mi. east of Bush International Airport, 1 mi. east of Hwy. 59; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, seniors and students $4, children under 12 free; NASA moon rock and personnel, The Fiendish Dr. Phil and his fighting dinosaurs, dealers, displays, free fossil and mineral identification; contact Terrell Wm. "Terry" Proctor, 630 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77015, (713) 453-8338; e-mail: auraman@swbell.net; Web site: www.hgms.org

26-28--Sandy (Salt Lake City), UT: Show, "Gem Faire"; Gem Faire Inc.; South Towne Exposition Center/Exhibit Hall 5, 9575 S. State 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

26-28--Tooele, UT: Annual show; Tooele Gem & Mineral Society; Tooele City Recreation Complex, 350 West 400 North; Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 10-5; free admission; demonstrations, displays, dealers, silent auction, door prizes, kids' area; contact Linda Rasmussen, (801) 829-4157

27-28--Llano, TX: Show, "Golden-Gem Rendezvous & Knap-In"; Llano Chamber of Commerce, Badu Park, Legion Dr.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5, free admission; 4th annual State of Texas Gold Panning Championship, gem show, metal detecting competition, flint knapping; contact Tony Griffith, 700 Bessemer, Llano, TX 78643, (325) 247-5354; e-mail: info@llanochamber.org; Web site: llanochamber.org

30-5--Idable, OK: Annual show and sale; McCurtain Gem & Mineral Club; County Fairgrounds, 9th St. NW, off Hwy. 70; Tue. 9-5, Wed. 9-5, Thu. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; appointments for group appointments, call (580) 286-3616; contact Doris Perkins, 405 SE Ave. G, Idabel, OK 74745, (580) 286-3133; e-mail: rperkins8236@sbcglobal.net

10-12--Live Oak (San Antonio), TX: Show, "Bead Renaissance Show"; J&J Promotions LLC; Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Rd.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact J&J Promotions LLC, P.O. Box 420, Williamsburg, NM 87942, (575) 894-1293; e-mail: info@beadshow.com; Web site: www.beadshow.com

10-12--Moab, UT: 49th annual show; Moab Points & Pebbles Club; Old Spanish Trail Arena, 3641 S. Hwy. 191; Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-4; free admission; demonstrations, field trips; contact Jerry Hansen, P.O. Box 186, Moab, UT 84532, (435) 259-3393; e-mail: boondocker@frontiernet.net

11-12--Payson, AZ: Annual show; Payson Rimstones Rock Club; Tonto Apache Res. Recreation Center, BIA 101/Hwy. 87N, south end of town, behind Sonic; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; admission $3, children under 12 free; dealers, gems, minerals, fossils, rough material, lapidary equipment, jewelry findings, silent auctions, Spinning Wheel, Education Corner, fluorescent light display; contact Barry Jones, (928) 476-3513; e-mail: froggie1048@msn.com

11-12--Sierra Vista, AZ: 34th annual show, "Rock Rustlers Dream"; Huachuca Mineral & Gem Club; Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Ln., on Wilcox Ave., 1 block east of Buffalo Soldier Trail; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-4; free admission; live demonstrations, educational displays, gems, jewelry, fossils, equipment, lapidary supplies; contact Ingrid Baillie, P.O. Box 1596, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636, (520) 459-3718; e-mail: ibaillie@cox.net

11-12--Temple, TX: 39th show; Tri-City Gem & Mineral Society; Mayborn Civic & Convention Center, 3303 N. 3rd St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Les Connally, (254) 939-7015; e-mail: loconn@aol.com

17-19--Victoria, TX: Show; Victoria Gem & Mineral Society; Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children under 12 free; silent auction, wheel of fortune, working display, jewelry, rocks, minerals, fossils; contact Ken Lemke, (361) 575-5350; e-mail: klemke@vctx.org

18-19--Sedona, AZ: 7th annual show; Sedona Gem & Mineral Club; Sedona Red Rock High School, Hwy. 89A and Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; free admission; 35 dealers, exhibits, demonstrators, Arizona State University meteorite display, rock identification, raffles, Kids' Korner (rock painting, games, free specimens); contact Linda Yee, 320 Canyon Dr., Sedona, AZ 86336, (928) 203-9476; e-mail: LindaFYee@hotmail.com; Web site: www.sedonagemandmineral.org

24-26--Austin, TX: Show, "Gem Capers 2008"; Austin Gem & Mineral Society; Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5; adults $5 (3-day pass $9), seniors $4 (3-day pass $7), ages 12-18 $1, ages 6-12 50 cents, children under 5 free; contact Susan Postlethwait, 6719 Burnet Ln., Austin, TX 78757, (512) 458-9546; e-mail: gemcapers@austin.rr.com; Web site: www. gemcapers.org

1--Tucson, AZ: 7th annual silent auction; Old Pueblo Lapidary Club; 3118 N. Dale; Sat. 9-2; free admission; contact Danny Harmsen, (520) 323-9154

A few folks emailed me that they read the Mystery Mineral and try to decipher the mineral names. Email me at hpf5@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 asked about uses, history, notable facts, etc. I expect the Top Guns in the club to be able to guess the name off the top of their heads. The learners will need a reference book or two. 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 announced at the meetings or published in the News Nuggets. Good luck and have fun.

Last year I discussed minerals that are named for some physical property that they possess. This year I thought I’d concentrate on minerals that are used as gemstones. Hmm, I might even include a rock or two used as gems.

This month’s MM is a hydrous (+ chlorine) silicate of a bunch of common metals and a few uncommon metals. The material is found exclusively in alkaline igneous rocks like nepheline syenites. The trigonal crystals are easy to come by but a lot of material is found as massive chunks, sometimes of considerable size, in rock. There is one imperfect cleavage. It is transparent to translucent, usually a beautiful shade of carmine- or cherry-red but it can be orange, yellow, brownish, green, or violet, Sp. Gr. = 2.74 to 3.1, H = 5 to 6.

What is the name of the material?

What is the origin of the name?

What metal does it contain?

What non-metals does each contain?

What is it mined and used for?

What kind of treatment does this gem get?

What gem does it usually substitute for?

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM –

In the USA –

In the World –

What is the name of the material? Howlite

What is the origin of the name? After Henry How

(1828 - 1879) Canadian chemist, geologist, and mineralogist, of Nova Scotia, who first described the species.

What metal does it contain? Calcium (Ca)

What non-metals does it contain? Boron (B), oxygen (O), and semi-metal silicon (Si).

What is it mined and used for? Décorative objects

What kind of treatment does this gem get? Dyeing

What gem does it usually substitute for? Turquoise

Do you have some in your collection? Yes.

In NM – None

In the USA – CA, NV

In the World – Canada, Turkey, a few others

Paul Hlava

August 10, 2008

NEXT MEETING: Monday, July 28^th, 2008. 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 P.M.

by Tom Katonak

Tom has been a mineral collector for more than a half centruy and has an undergraduate degree in Geology from Bowling Green State University. After a career in the USAF, he consulted with the aerospace industry for many years. Now retired, Tom and his wife travel extensively in pursuit of their many hobbies – including mineral collecting.

A frequent destination is Mexico due to the spectacular mineral specimens available.

In this presentation, Tom recounts his recent trip to Batopilas in the heart of Baranca del Cobre – the center of some of the most prolific silver mining in North America.

Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club

Jay Penn, Editor

PO Box 13718

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192