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

"Many Facets of Faceting."

by Mr. Ernie Hawes

Mr. Hawes is an internationally recognized facetor and cut designer. He is often featured in the Lapidary Journal and is the spokesman for Fac-ette Gem Master, and as such is seen on the back cover of Rock and Gem Magazine each month. There may be a demonstration-- and cut stones will be available for inspection and enjoyment.

The State Fair is rapidly approaching (A month away!) A sign in sheet for volunteers was passed around at the July General Meeting and the response was excellent!  However, we still have 11 vacancies out of the 36 openings.

It is a very rewarding experience, to meet families and individuals, to show our displays and let the public know about our club. The shifts are three hours each (3 shifts per day) on the three weekends of the fair. September 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. There are two persons per shift. Those who volunteer will get free admission and free parking for that day.  Again, it is a very enjoyable experience!

Please call me at 299-0732 if you are interested in having a great time! Thanks!

We need displays and entries from not only long time members, but those who have never tried and Junior Club members.

Go on line to www.exponm.com/fair/  for all the information you may need. The information is also on pages 4 and 5.

At the August meeting there will be a discussion on carpooling. I feel that carpooling would allow more members to experience the comradery and the joy of rock hounding that you may otherwise miss due to the price of gas, inoperable vehicle or just not wanting to drive alone.  Think about it.

John D. Reinert

There are 5 Mondays in August; we meet the 4^th Monday of each month. See ya the 24^th.

I lost my sheet that tells me who has the Rhodochrosite DVD.  Please call or email me if you have it.  Thanks,  Amy Penn, 883-4195 

We collected garnet, quartz, chrysocolla, goethite, and more.

We ate stew, casseroles, cake, beans, and more.

We brought minerals that we swapped, traded, sold, gave away and more.

We met new friends, saw old friends, talked about minerals, told jokes, and more.

We thank you Mr. and Mrs. Baca for allowing us a venue to collect, eat, barter, visit and more.

Jay Penn

At the July Junior Meeting we did several activities. First and foremost we had a party with refreshments! A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the refreshments. Next we started a silent auction for 30 or so donated mineral and fossil specimens. The bidding was intense!!! Some of the items were Wavellite, Amythest clusters, Jemez fossils, Ammonites, and Baculites. All bidding was with 30 tickets that were given to the participants as they came into the meeting.

We then broke off and played Mineral Bingo for several larger mineral specimens (one was a smoky quartz on albite from Colorado- and I can not remember the others). We finished up the meeting with refreshments and the end of the silent auction. A very busy hour!!

Jim Hill

President John Reinert called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and welcomed new members and guests. He also discussed the State Fair. We will be accepting exhibits September 3^rd-5^th and we would like to have more adults entering displays. We also need volunteers to set up the booth, monitor it on the weekends, and to tear it down at the end of the fair.

John also said there were 62 people at the field trip/annual picnic last weekend. Gwen Poe has a green umbrella that was left behind. John also has a red ice chest that was left last year.

Brian Anderson advised that the field trip on August 22^nd will be to the Harding Mine, near Dixon and south of Taos. Sign ups will be necessary and can be done in advance or at the gate. According to Grant Kuck, minerals that might be found include lepidolite, apatite, beryl, calcite, muscovite, and spodumene. Jim Hill said he will try to get Jesse Cline to give the geology talk.

Jim Hill said that the 12 juniors at tonight’s meeting had a silent auction using minerals donated by Mama’s Minerals and by a friend of Ray DeMark. They also had a mineral bingo game and refreshments.

Michael Johnson said he still has a name tag for Ed Clark that needs to be claimed.

Gwen Poe announced that the annual holiday party is scheduled for December 12^th and will be at the same location as last year.

Marcus Price advised that tonight’s scheduled speaker is ill, so Marcus filled in with a very interesting presentation about opals and their rainbow-like colors. Opals can be found in more than 20 countries.

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. for refreshments and door prizes.

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

If you don't get signed up for this trip at the July meeting you can still attend the field trip. You will have to sign the UNM release form at the meeting place (see below).

The Harding Mine is owned and managed for research and collecting by the Department of Earth and Planetary Science of the University of New Mexico and permission to collect there is only granted by them.

The mineralogy of the Harding is a quartz pegmatite with beryl and spodumine as accessory minerals within the formation. Other minerals found within the larger deposit are lepidolite, rose muscovite, microcline, microlite and columbite-tantalite. Over 50 mineral species have been confirmed from this mine in the 109 years since it was discovered! It is a treasure trove for collectors!

We will be allowed to collect up to 5 pounds of loose minerals at the mine and on the mine dumps. There will be NO UNDERGROUND COLLECTING ALLOWED! Anyone found underground will cause the whole group to be ejected from the site and be refused entry in the future.

Be prepared for hot weather and rough terrain. Water, boots, long pants, a hat, eye protection, and gloves are required. A rock pick or dump rake, bag for specimens, and wrapping materials will be needed for collecting.

To get there, head north from Albuquerque on I-25. In Santa Fe you want to get to US 84/285 north to Espanola. You can take the Santa Fe bypass route SR 599 (the access ramp is now reopened) or you can continue on I-25 and take the St. Frances exit which is US 84/285 and follow it north through Santa Fe. SR 599 connects with US 84/285 at the north end of Santa Fe. Take US 84/285 north to Espanola.

In Espanola, take the Taos hi-way, SR 68. Stay on SR 68 until you come to SR 75 on your right. Take SR 75 through Dixon and drive about 5+ miles to the meeting place on the right side of the road. We will meet there at 9:30 am. Allow 2 ½ to 3 hours (or more for construction delays) for the trip from Albuquerque. The only facilities will be a porta-potty at the parking area. Bring a lunch and lots of water.

See You There,

Jim Hill

For the August Junior Meeting we are going to go over the uses of the Junior Test Box and how to use the Hardness Minerals in it.

We will also talk about The Journal and how it helps keep a mineral collection organized. Please bring your Journal and Mineral Test Kit to the meeting!

Thanks: Earlene and Jim

"Many Facets of Faceting."

by Mr. Ernie Hawes

(see page 1 for abstract of talk)

Aug 22, Field Trip to Harding Mine (South of Taos), leader: Jim Hill

Sep 12, Rock Trimming Party (Albuquerque), leader: Mike Potts

Sept. 12-13, 19-20, 25-27 AGMC State Fair Booth and Exhibits (Albuquerque)

leader: John D. Reinert

Sep 19, Field Trip to Zuni Mountains (Southwest of Grants) leader: Jane Bardal

Oct 24, Field Trip to Turquoise Trail (East of Albuquerque), leader: Paul Hlava

Nov 28, Field Trip to Blanchard Mine (east of Socorro), leader: Ray DeMark

Dec 12, Club Christmas Party Potluck and more (Albuquerque), leader: Gwen Poe

Questions about field trips? Contact: Brian Anderson or event leader

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Banging your specimens with a hammer and chisel to separate the good stuff from the matrix rock often damages the bit you wish to keep. The best way to separate your "keepers" from too much matrix is to use a hydraulic rock trimmer. The good news is that the AGMC owns a trimmer and it is available for club members to use. The even better news is that we are having a "trim party" to make the club trimmer and some privately owned trimmers available to you.

The Trim Party will be on Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 AM until everyone is finished (noon or so?). We will gather in the parking lot of Mike Potts’ office at 6721 Academy NE. The office is in the Academy Office park about half-way between San Mateo and Wyoming on the north side of Academy. It is on the second, or back, driveway near the west end of the complex. Turn in the office park entrance by Bank of the West and turn left in the second drive after passing the clock (it’ll make sense when you see it). The office sign says "Interface Mortgage Services". Easy to find.

Bring anything you have that would look better smaller or with excess matrix rock removed. Instruction and help will be available if you need it. Mike will open his office to provide access to restrooms and coffee or water. See you there! Mike Potts

Editors note: Gloves and safety glasses/goggles are required when using a hydraulic trimmer. Sometimes little bits of broken rock fly off at bullet speeds (I speak from personal experience). If you forget to bring yours some will be available. The point is to USE THEM! Long sleeve shirts and long pants aren't a bad idea either.

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September 12-13, 19-20, 25-27

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. 12-13, 19-20, and 25-27. 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.

We also need volunteers to set up the display cases.

For those interested in entering their specimens, the entry dates are:

Thursday Sept 3rd 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Friday Sept 4th 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Saturday Sept 5th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Minerals & Fossils (Classes 1-6)

1. Single Mineral Specimens – One mineral entry displayed separately or with the base rock in which it was found.

2. Multiple Mineral Specimens – Two or more minerals displayed as part of the base rock in which they are found, each mineral on the specimen must be identified.

3. Collections – Collections must present a theme, for example, variations of color in a specific mineral or minerals from the same location.

4. Single Fossil Specimens – One fossil entry displayed separately or with the base rock in which it was found.

5. Multiple Fossil Specimens – Two or more fossils displayed as part of the base rock in which they are found, each fossil on the specimen must be identified.

6. Fossil Collections – Collections must present a theme, for example, of class in fossil species or variation in fossils for the same location.

Special Rules, Minerals & Fossils

1. All entries must be clean, securely mounted on an appropriate base if less than 2" in diameter, correctly labeled with scientific identification, location found, and neatly displayed.

2. Specimens may be solitary or in a collection and must fit in the cases provided.

3. Collections are limited to 10 individual specimens or one 8" x 10" frame display case with each specimen in the collection correctly labeled.

4. Judging will be based on presentation of the specimen or collection, accuracy of labeling, and quality.

Lapidary (Classes 7-8)

7. General Lapidary – cut, carved, polished, or faceted gemstones.

8. Carved Stone – any carved stone not covered by Class 7.

Special Rules, Lapidary

1. All entries must be exhibitor’s own work.

2. The exhibitor must have cut, carved, polished, or faceted all stones.

3. All work less than 5" in diameter must be securely mounted on an appropriate base.

4. Judging will be based on workmanship, quality of materials, and originality of design.

Sections (450-454)

450 - Junior (6 years & under)

451 - Youth (7 years thru 12 years)

452 - Senior (13 years thru 17 years)

453 - General

454 - Handicapable (Youth or Adults with Special Needs)

Awards (for each section in each class):

1st, Ribbon

2nd, Ribbon

3rd, Ribbon

Best of Show, Rosette

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

The Zuni Mountains are west of Grants, and the mine is south of Bluewater Lake.

WHEN & WHERE: Take I-40 west to exit 89.  We’ll meet at the Skyline gas station (formerly Stuckey’s).  It’s the only business at this exit.  We’ll begin meeting at 8:45am and leave by 9:00.  We can caravan from this location.  From there we will travel 10 miles west on I-40 to exit 79, 2.5 miles west on state road 122, left on to state road 568, which then turns into forest road 180 after about 1.5 miles.  FR180 is dirt for 12.5 miles.  At the junction with FR 178, turn left (south), and go 1.7 miles.  Park along the road, getting off the road as much as possible.  Passenger cars ok, but exercise caution on the dirt roads.

CARPOOLING:  If you DON’T want to carpool, meet at above location.  Some other clubs typically carpool to their destinations, so we’ll try it for this trip.  

If you want to carpool, meet at the Smith’s at Menaul & Carlisle at 7:30am, leaving by 7:40.  Meet at the west end of the lot, away from the store entrance.  We will organize riding and driving on-site.  People will need to cooperate if carpooling is to work, by being willing to drive if there is an excess of passengers, or being willing to be a passenger if there are too many drivers.  People should discuss with their carpool when they want to return.  If you have to be back by a specific time, you should probably drive yourself.  It is suggested that passengers reimburse their drivers for mileage (which includes gas & maintenance costs) at a rate of 10 cents per mile, which for this trip would be $20.  If you think this cost is too high, please offer to drive and take passengers.  If a driver takes 3 or more passengers, they may consider reducing the charge.  Those accepting transportation release the leader, the driver, the AGMC, and its officers, committees, and members from any liability for themselves or their heirs, from any injury to themselves or any loss or damage to their property arising from such transportation.

FOR COLLECTING: Bring the usual tools: pick, bucket, newspaper to wrap specimens, small spade/shovel, safety glasses, WATER, lunch, sunscreen, hat, gloves. We suggest boots and long pants.  Scorpions and rattlesnakes are sometimes found in this location, so be alert and careful when picking up rocks.  The collecting area is in a ponderosa pine forest.

COLLECTING: Fluorite, azurite, malachite.  Some tree-copper may be found.  The mines have been reclaimed, so as far as I know, shafts have been filled in.  As usual, exercise caution.  Parents must supervise their children.  Dogs ok.

Jane Bardal, 999-9918

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

Being a person with a background in science I like experiments. So, even though the following isn't an experiment in the normal scientific sense, I am still interested in seeing what the outcome is.

This news letter will begin including in the "Upcoming Events in the Southwest" section shows and events of nonprofit hobby/collecting clubs whether they are earth science related or not. For example see Sept 26 in this issue.

It is hoped that those clubs will reciprocate by posting AGMC shows and events in their news letters or announcing them at their meetings.

So, if you are one of those strange people who have interests in addition to gems, minerals, and lapidary and you'd like your club's event posted in the Nuggets send it in.

If your organization doesn't fit the "ongoing, nonprofit, hobby/collecting club" description it won't be printed. If in doubt, please ask.

This experiment will be terminated for any reason that causes the editor heartburn.

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15 Sep 59 AGMC newsletter concerning the State Fair:

The SHOCKLEY AWARD is also something new. Those who have won a blue ribbon in any class prior to 1958 are eligible to enter. The entry should be identical, to the best of your knowledge and belief, to the original and should have the ribbon showing the year and stating the original classification. This award is being presented by Guy and Ida Shockley and should be something all members should start working for. Those who win a blue ribbon this year will be eligible for the award in 1960.

27 June 66 News Nuggets

Guy M. Shockley held a unique position as a Senior Member of our Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club. He was a Charter Member of the founding group, and held membership card #1. He served as our Club's second President in 1946 and again as President in 1949. During this term he was also Honored to serve as President of the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

Submitted by Dave Moats

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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.

Hint: This is a good place to post requests for rides to field trips or other club events. Or, to offer rides to help cover fuel expenses.

Lost: Fold up umbrella at the July picnic.  Please call Gwen Poe about retrieving it.

247-1533

For Sale: 10" slab saw, Lortone LS10, with power screw feed.  Also included:  2 new blades, 2 gallons oil, $450.00.  Jerry Teague 343-1636

Wanted: Rolling mill, for making/ rolling sheet metal. Martin, 254-7804

Peridot the birthstone for August

Peridot is the name given to the gem quality variety of the mineral olivine. Olivine is a group of minerals found in igneous rocks, forming in molten rocks beneath the earth's surface, in basaltic and ultrabasic rocks.

The finest peridot specimens come from the volcanic island of Zebirget in the Red Sea. When the volcano on the New Hebrides Island tossed out volcanic "bombs" during an eruption, these sticky blobs of lava, which hardened into rock, could be broken open to reveal green olivine crystals.

The peridot gemstone has an olive-green color with an oily luster. A deep green color is considered the most valuable. The rich oily-green color is determined by the iron content. Olivine is a series containing iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) in varying ratios (Fe,Mg)₂SiO₄. If it only contains magnesium it is the mineral forsterite Mg₂SiO₄. If all iron, it is the mineral fayalite Fe₂SiO₄. For all other ratios between these end members it is the mineral olivine, sometimes called chrysolite. So the color varies from bottle green to olive green to yellowish green. Peridots are usually set in gold to complement their green color.

The stone is often cut in pendeloque form to create a darker, more favored hue. On an oval mixed cut, peridot has strong double refraction, which means you can often see doubling of back facets. Other cuts of the gemstone include step, cabochon, table, and cameo. A design carved inward on a ring is called Intaglio, and rings made in this way were used in Roman days to seal letters.

Peridot can be found in the US Southwest, California, Norway, China, and Egypt along the coastal areas.

By Sue Smith, excerpting info from Pockets-Rocks & Minerals written by Sue Fuller, and Pockets-Gemstones written by Emma Foa. The Sooner Rockologist, Aug. 08 issue. With heavy editing by this editor.

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

14-16--Lake George, CO: Show; Lake George Gem & Mineral Club; 37380 U.S. Hwy. 24, next to post office; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; free admission; contact John Rakowski, P.O. Box 171, Lake George, CO 80827, (719) 748-3861; e-mail: president@LGGMClub.org; Web site: www.LGGMClub.org

21-22--Tahlequah, OK: Swap and sale; Tahlequah Rock & Mineral Society; Tahlequah Community Bldg., 300 W. First St.; Fri. 9-6:30, Sat. 9-5; free admission; children's booths, educational exhibits ang displays, auction; contact Sara Brasel, (918) 458-0801; e-mail: crosstimbersrd@earthlink.net

5-6--Arlington, TX: 51st annual show, "Nature's Kaleidoscope"; Arlington Gem & Mineral Club; Arlington Convention Center, 1100 Ballpark Way; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, seniors and children $3; dealers, jewelry, beads, gems, minerals, fossils, Kids' Korner, Rock Food Table, professional gem identification, silent auctions, hourly door prizes, ; contact Karen Cessna, 1408 Gibbins Rd., Arlington, TX 76011, (817) 277-2286; e-mail: cessnak@ont.com; Web site: www.agemclub.org

5-7--Silver City, NM: 26th annual show; Grant County Rolling Stones Gem & Mineral Society; Silver City Recreation Center, 11th St. and Gold St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5, Mon. 10-4; free admission; more than 60 dealers from the U.S., Mexico and Asia, free daily field trips, silent auction, Wheel of Fortune, raffles; contact L. Lett, (575) 538-3216; e-mail: show09@stockmanfamily.net; Web site: http://rollingstonesgms.blogspot.com/

16-20--Denver, CO: Show, "Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show - Fall"; Martin Zinn Expositions; Holiday Inn - Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St.; Wed. 10-6, Thu. 10-6, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; 200 wholesale and retail dealers, free shuttle bus to Merchandise Mart; 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

Editor's note: The web site has 6 shows in Denver at this time.

18-20--Enid, OK: Show; Enid Gem & Mineral Society; 4125 W. Owen K. Garriot Rd., 1705 S. Johnson St.; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Billy Wood, 1705 S. Johnson St., Enid, OK 73703, (580) 234-5344; e-mail: baronladislaus@att.net

25-27--Salt Lake City, UT: Gem Faire; Gem Faire Inc.; South Towne Exposition Center/Exhibit Hall 5, 9575 S. State St.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com

26--Albuquerque, NM: Enchantment Insulator Club's 22^nd Annual Insulator, Bottle, Barbwire and Collectibles Show and Sale, Saturday - September 26^th, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday - September 25, afternoon and evening is show setup and dealer trading, St. Paul's United Methodist Church 9500 Constitution NE

Mike Gay (505) 899-8755 cdn102@comcast.net

Tom Katonak (505) 898-5592

tkatonak@comcast.net

30-4--Idabel, OK: Annual show and sale: McCurtain Gem & Mineral Club; Museum of the Red River, 812 S.E. Lincoln Rd.; free admission; Wed. 9-5, Thu. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; contact Cephis Hall, (580) 494-6612

3-4--Greeley, CO: Show; Weld County Rock & Mineral Society; Greeley Senior Activity Center, 1010 6th St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-4; free admission; children's games, demonstrations, rough and polished rocks, drawings, grab bags, minerals, dealers, fossils, jewelry; contact Melanie DeHart, 410 21 Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631, (970) 352-8149; e-mail: hamlethouse@yahoo.com

9-11--Moab, UT: 50th 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; dealers, demonstrators, field trips, raffle, spin wheel; contact Jerry Hansen, P.O. Box 1459, Moab, UT 84532, (435) 259-3393; e-mail: moabrockclub@live.com; Web site: moabrockclub.net

10-11--Payson, AZ: 12th annual show; Payson Rimstones Rock Club; Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Event Center - Bingo Hall, Tonto Apache Reservation; adults $3, children under 12 free; discount tickets available at Payson Chamber of Commerce, Payson Library, Parks & Recreation Office; contact Barry Jones, (928) 476-3513

10-11--Sierra Vista, AZ: 35th annual show; Huachuca Mineral & Gem Club; Elks Lodge, 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

10-11--Temple, TX: Show; South Central Federation, Tri-City Gem & Mineral Society; Frank Mayborn Civic & Convention Center, 3303 N. Third St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children under 12 free; faceting demonstrations, grab bags, treasure wheel, silent auction, displays; contact Leslie O. Connally, 875 N. Wheat Rd., Belton, TX 76513, (254) 939-7015; e-mail: lconnally@clearwire.net

16-18--Victoria, TX: Show; Victoria Gem & Mineral Society; Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St.; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, children free with adults; jewelry-making demonstrations, gemstone identification, wheel of fortune, jewelry, fossils, minerals, geodes, crystals, jewelry findings, gemstones, lapidary equipment and supplies; contact Ken Lemke, 3417 Coletoville Rd., Victoria, TX 77905, (361) 575-5350; e-mail: klemke@vctx.org

17-18--Sedona, AZ: 9th annual show; Sedona Gem & Mineral Club; Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; free admission; speakers, kids' crafts, meteorite and other displays, raffles, mineral identification, sphere making and other demonstrations, rocks, gemstones, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry; contact Pat McMahon, P.O. Box 3284, Sedona, AZ 86340, (928) 300-8333; e-mail: pdxprss@earthlink.net; Web site: www.sedonagemandmineral.org

23-25--Austin, TX: Annual show; Austin Gem & Mineral Society; Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, seniors $4, students (13-18) $1; children (12 and under) 50 cents; more than 30 dealers, gems, jewelry, fossils, meteorites, art demonstrations, "Youth Education Day," door prizes; contact Brian Wetzig, 6719 Burnet Ln., Austin, TX 78757, (512) 458-9546; e-mail: general@austingemandmineral.org; Web site: www.austingemandmineral.org

Ruth Austen did a wonderful job on last month's MM! Send me your answers and get recognized in this column!

What is the name of the mineral? Pyrolusite (MnO₂)

What is the origin of the name? Named in 1827 from the Greek for "fire" and "to wash" as it was used to remove brown and green tints imparted by iron to glass.

What form is it often ascribed to even though it does not occur in this form? Mn dendrites or pyrolusite dendrites. The dendrites are composed of todorokite, romanechite, or members of the cryptomelane series - cryptomelane, hollandite, or coronadite but never pyrolusite.

What is the obsolete name for crystals of this mineral? Polianite

What metal does it contain? Manganese (Mn).

What non-metal does it contain? Oxygen (O).

What other minerals might occur with it? Other oxides and hydroxides of Mn and iron (Fe).

What other mineral might it be easily confused with? Hollandite, birnesite, todorokite, etc.

What is it mined and used for? Mn metal, a wide variety of chemicals, and the raw mineral is used in dry cell batteries.

What is the metal used for. Alloys of steel and some of aluminum (Al). All steels have some manganese

Do you have some in your collection? Yep.

Pyrolusite is common world wide.

In NM – The Lake Valley district, near Las Cruces; In the USA – AZ, MI, MN, WI; In the World – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UK,

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 Email me at hpf5@qwest.net and let me know your guesses by copying the questions below and answering them. 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. 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 rare mineral formed by low temperature sublimation from fumaroles. It can also form by oxidation-reduction reactions of solutions in uranium or uranium-vanadium sandstone deposits. It can be found as coarse sized crystals (trigonal-trapezohedral like quartz) or fibrous aggregates. The fibers are flexible. It exhibits three good cleavage directions at oblique angles. It is opaque with a sub-metallic luster, the color is gray or purplish gray or red. It has a red streak. Sp. Gr. = 4.81, H = 2.

What is the name of the mineral?

What is the origin of the name?

What mineral is similar in how it was named?

What metal does it contain?

What non-metal does it contain?

What other minerals might occur with it?

What other mineral might it be confused with?

What is it mined and used for?

What is the metal used for?

What plant has an affinity for this mineral?

What is the nickname of that plant?

What affect does the plant have on animals that eat it?

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM – , In the USA – , In the World –

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