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

Postcard stories of New Mexico mining: Then and now

by Jane Bardal

Jane Bardal’s presentation will focus on New Mexico’s mining heritage as seen through postcards of the early 1900s.  There will also be current photos of some areas.  The emphasis will be on mining and towns in the southwestern part of the state, in places such as Santa Rita, Silver City, Mogollon, Tyrone, and Lordsburg.  Some of these towns are still quite lively (Silver City), others are ghost towns (Mogollon), and others no longer exist (Santa Rita & Tyrone). 

During the first two years of the club’s existence, field trips were somewhat limited due to transportation difficulties. However some trips were made and, since the end of the war, numerous trips of large and small groups and by individuals bringing many an interesting gem or mineral specimen back.

The first trip made by the club as a group was to the San Pedro mine, shortly after the organization of the club. Transportation was in trucks supplied through the courtesy of Jack Nichols.

Minerals to be found :  Copper minerals including malachite, chrysocolla, and "melanconite" (a dark brown pitchy-appearing material which is a mixture of tenorite (copper oxide) with various impurities such as chrysocolla, limonite, chalcedony, and manganese oxides), quartz crystals, garnets, goethite after Pyrite and many more.

John D. Reinert

There are 5 Mondays in June; we meet the 4^th Monday of each month. See ya the 22^nd.

Club members met at the Molycorp Mine [now owned by Chevron] headquarters under lowering skies. A few drops fell while we waited to begin our orientation, and a few more drops fell during the tour but surprisingly it never lived up to the threat of real rain.

The new ownership of the mine has generated new protocols for group tours. This is the reason for the last minute email sent out regarding mandatory attire. Safety on the mine property is a high priority and a good portion of our orientation included watching a video on safety procedures. In addition our host, Bruce Walker, provided excellent handouts on the geology of the ore bodies and geology of the mine and surrounding area during the briefing. This year private cars were not allowed on the grounds so for the tour we all piled into a company van, which we filled handily. The tour portion emphasized the geology of the mine and the remediation efforts that are ongoing and necessary to maintain water quality in the Red River valley.

Though they’re only running two shifts 5 days a week they have doubled the size of the ore pile since last year, so we had lots to pick through. Because space was limited in the van, most confined their collecting to well trimmed samples of the usual suspects from this location. Molybdenite, and phlogopite were carefully wrapped and tucked away. I found some pyrite to add to my collection of iridescent minerals. Others found fluorite, anhydrite, and beryl. Bill Barr found some pretty green stuff of uncertain pedigree that he hopes will take a polish. Though it’s a long way for one day I know all felt it was worth it for the special opportunity this tour represents. Special thanks goes to Bruce Walker for arranging this great tour.

Suzanne

The May Jr. Club meeting topic was "Earth in Space" and was attended by 13 Jr. members. While we usually keep our eyes on the ground when rockhounding, geology isn’t’ only underfoot. The earth is like a little blue marble floating among other marbles and big gassy balls, accompanied by metallic BBs and splinters of ice in the form of meteorites and comets. Sometimes, pieces of these BBs make it to the earth’s surface, where we can collect them and hold them in our hands.

Earlene brought in a model of the solar system, which included the eight planets (poor Pluto). We watched as the planets orbited the sun, and as Jupiter kept jumping off and falling to the floor. Jim then took the class outside into the parking lot, and illustrated the distances of the planets from the sun on a roll of toilet paper that he had marked.

Next, we discussed visitors from space; "cosmic debris" in the form of meteors, asteroids and the asteroid belt, tektites, and comets.

Finally, Jim passed out little packets of dust that he had collected from the eaves of his house, along with magnetized needles. The kids rolled the needles in the dust, and the tiny spherical meteorite dust stuck to the needle. The kids were encouraged to take the dust home to look at under a microscope or magnifying glass.

Earlene

President John Reinert called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m.

Amy Penn announced that the DVD on the crystal cave was available for loan. She also had some calendars to hand out and post cards for a gem show coming up in June.

John announced that Brian Anderson has agreed to be the field trip coordinator. Brian asked people to submit ideas for trips to him.

Paul Hlava said that we are committed to the second weekend in April 2010 in the Creative Arts building for next year’s TOTE show. Set up will occur on April 11^th, and the show will run April 12^th through April 14^th.

It was announced that Marcus Price will be helping set up programs in the next few months.

John asked if anyone wants to learn lapidary, photographing of specimens, etc., if people can be found to teach. Jay suggested offering classes as field trips and whoever comes comes.

Mike Potts said that he brought extra specimens from Mexico for sale after the meeting. Anita Willard talked about the field trip to Ghost Ranch on June 6^th and added that complete details about the trip were in the May News Nuggets.

Earlene Shroyer announced that Skailar Sovereign took first place on his home schooled science fair project and has also earned enough merit badges to become an official rockhound.

John reminded everyone to wear boots, long pants and safety glasses while on field trips.

Anita Willard introduced Ruth Bronson, who shared with the club her memories, experiences and the knowledge she acquired while with the club.

Marcus Price indicated that a speaker from the Faceters Guild will be speaking to the club later this year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. for refreshments and door prizes.

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

This trip has already happened, see next month's issue for a trip report.

We are planning a special summer party for the June Jr. Club meeting. We will be having a Jr. Club Silent Auction for the kids (no money – we’ll give them tickets for the bidding), refreshments (parents, can you help bring goodies??), and we’ll play Mineral Bingo for great prizes.

Hope you can come!

Earlene and Jim

Postcard stories of New Mexico mining:

Then and now

by Jane Bardal

(See page 1 for abstract of talk)

Jul 25, AGMC picnic, San Pedro Mine

(east of Albuquerque) leader: John Reinert

Aug 22, Harding Mine (South of Taos)

leader: Jim Hill

Sep ?, Zuni Mountains (Southwest of Grants)

leader: Jane Bardal

Oct 24, Turquoise Trail (East of Albuquerque)

leader: Paul Hlava

Nov 28, Blanchard Mine (east of Socorro)

leader: Ray DeMark

Dec 12, Club Christmas Party Potluck

leader: Gwen Poe

Questions? Contact: Brian Anderson

______________________________________

Thanks to Frank and Sally Baca, we will be allowed to collect and have our annual picnic (potluck) at their San Pedro Mine.

There will be tailgating to sell, trade or give away rocks and minerals that you no longer want and don't know what to do with.

Details will be provided in the next News Nuggets. John D. Reinert

______________________________________

We will need to organize this trip a bit differently than usual to meet UNM's requirements. This means we will need to sign up for the trip on UNM's form prior to going to the mine. There will be a signup sheet at the June club meeting which I will then register with UNM. (editors note: if you don't get signed up on this list you can still attend the field trip. You will have to sign the UNM form at the meeting place)

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. Take the Santa Fe bypass SR 599 then 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 point on the right side of the road. We will meet there at 9:30 am. Allow about 2 ½ to 3 hours 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

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

Thank you Maria McEwen and Shannon Wagers for your articles (see below).

I suspect that most of you have an interest in some aspect of the earth sciences; be it fossils, minerals, lapidary, geology, volcanoes, fresh air, or all of the above. So why not share your interest and experiences with like mined people by writing a short article about where you've gone, what you found (or didn't), what you did with the stuff you found etc. A perfectly acceptable article could be as short as the following true stories.

In April three of us made a day trip to the Mohawk Mine on the east side of the Sandias. Nice weather, tough climb.

There was plenty of fluorite to be found on the dumps but it was all faded out and dinged up pretty badly. That didn't stop me from filling up my back pack only to throw out 90% of it at home. I would rather pack worthless rocks than go to the gym and pump iron any day.

In April three of us (same three as above) made a day trip to the Red Cloud Mine near Corona. Cold and windy, no climb.

We dug in the dump piles looking for micro wulfenite and vanadinite but I didn't find any, ------- the others did.

I did find some chrysocolla. One piece is 10" by 4" with various shades from sky blue to algae green. I made free form cabochons out of two other pieces and will wire wrap them someday. Both are 1 1/2" by 1". The rest wasn't very good so I tried tumble polishing it. That didn't work. We had fun.

Jay Penn

10 Sep 1954 newspaper clipping by Marjorie Solenberger- entitled "GEM and MINERAL CLUB OFFERS SERVICEMEN AN INEXPENSIVE and INTERESTING HOBBY"

Locally based military personnel interested in beginning an inexpensive new hobby should look into the activities of the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club. This active group of friendly "rock-hounds" meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the lecture room of the Geology Building of the University of New Mexico, Yale St. just off Central.

Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club was organized in 1942 as an outgrowth of a university class that studied strategic minerals. Of the original 12 members about three fourths are still active.

The organization’s primary purpose is the exchange of information and furtherance of knowledge of mineralogy, gem cutting and geology…

Noted for its friendliness and for introducing new areas in New Mexico to newcomers, the club sponsors a monthly field trip. For the newly located serviceman these excursions are valuable as they take club members and their families into areas that otherwise are marked "no trespassing" for private individuals. Such was the last trip attended by about 50 members who visited the Harding Mine out of Dixon which lies about 65 miles north of Santa Fe. Under the direction of Dr. Arthur Montgomery, owner of the mine, the "rock-hounds’ devoted many hours to finding unusual samples to add to their collections. Iceland spar, a calcite of optical quality, was found in the dumps, remains from a deposit that produced what is claimed to be the largest natural lens ever found.

Dave Moats

After suffering severe allergy symptoms and worse reactions to allergy medications for the past 5 years, I am excited to report that wearing an amber necklace has eliminated my allergic problems this year.  For the last 2 months, I have been virtually symptom-free, have experienced no adverse side effects and have had to spend less than $20 all allergy season to achieve this freedom!

If you want more details, I am happy to share.  I do not sell anything, nor am I promoting the sale of anything except amber, which you are free to find or purchase anywhere you choose. If you'd like to hear my story, just contact me at: mcelewen132033@yahoo.com

Maria McEwen

______________________________________

UNM Press, Albuquerque, 2009

114 pages, $19.95

Picture a volcano in your mind. What do you see? A tall, symmetrical cone reaching into the clouds, like Japan's Mt. Fuji, or Mt. Rainier. Well, that's one type, called a stratovolcano, but there are others. Contrary to what you may have read in older books, the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico never looked anything like that. According to modern geologists like Fraser Goff, who has spent the past three decades studying the volcanic rocks of the Valles Caldera region in the heart of the Jemez, the present elevation of those mountains (with the tallest peaks topping out at roughly 11,500 feet) is about as high as they've ever been.

Goff sets the record straight about that, and a lot of other things, in his new book, Valles Caldera: A Geologic History, released this spring by University of New Mexico Press.

This is probably the most comprehensive non-technical work on the Valles published to date. Its 114 pages are packed with full-color graphics--maps, diagrams, photographs, satellite images--as well as a glossary and bibliography.

The book's 21 short chapters are divided into two parts. The first presents a broad overview of the early geologic history of the Jemez region and introduces some basic concepts like plate tectonics and the geologic time scale. Part Two (about 2/3 of the text) deals more specifically with the pyroclastic eruption that created the Valles Caldera about 1.25 million years ago, and subsequent events.

Interesting facts appear on almost every page. For example, did you know that the caldera contains lake bed sediments indicating at least four distinct periods when ancient lakes filled all or part of it? Or that Redondo Peak, the resurgent dome that dominates the present-day topography of the Valles, pushed up from the caldera floor at the remarkable rate of one foot per decade, on average, carrying some of the sediment with it?

Another notable feature of the book is that Goff not only presents what is known about the geologic history of the Valles, he also explains how we know it. He discusses the role of the seismology, exploratory drilling, radiometric dating, paleomagnetism studies, gravity anomaly measurements, and other sophisticated techniques, along with old-fashioned field work, in piecing together our current picture of the complex geology of this and other volcanic structures.

The books' compact size and durable soft covers make it ideal to take along on an excursion into the Jemez, but this isn't really a field guide for rockhounds. Rather, it's a valuable reference for anyone seeking a better understanding of the tectonic processes at work there. Some of our Junior Club members who are contemplating a career in the earth sciences might find it good reading too.

Fraser Goff is well-qualified to write such a book. He has worked in the Jemez since 1978, first as a geologist with Los Alamos National Laboratory, and currently as an adjunct professor with UNM's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He was involved in efforts to develop geothermal power generation on the Baca Ranch (as the Valles was then know) in the late 1970's and early '80's. His name appears as an author or co-author on just about every important scientific paper on Jemez volcanology and hydrogeology published in the past 30 years. Goff and his wife Cathy (a retired USGS geologist) have recently compiled an updated geologic map of the central Jemez volcanic field, due out later this year.

The Goff's also lead three van tours of the caldera each summer and fall, under the auspices of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Having taken the tour myself, I can attest that it's well worth the $40 fee. (But--sorry--no collecting allowed.) For more info, call (866) 382-5537 or visit

www.vallescaldera.gov.

Naturally, the big question on everyone's mind when it comes to the Valles Caldera is, "Could it erupt again?"

Fraser Goff's opinion is that another eruption is "likely". Based on the average frequency of past eruptions, it should be due to happen in 10,000 years or so. But, he adds, "It may occur sooner, or it may never occur." (Geologists like to hedge their bets.) He says there's undoubtedly still a large, hot magma body lurking there, several kilometers below the surface.

So, should we be worried? Well, if it happens we'll probably have plenty of warning, in the form of small earthquakes, changes in the output of hot springs, and other signs that the sleeping volcano is awakening. Warnings which we'd do well to heed, because even a minor pyroclastic eruption is not something you want to be anywhere close to, as the unfortunate citizens of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., could attest.

Pyroclastic events, unlike the gentle lava flows exuded by Hawaiian volcanoes to the oohs and ahhs of tourists, are violent and deadly. Imagine a red-hot avalanche of semi-molten rock and debris hurtling down a mountainside at 100 mph, or an eruption cloud raining chunks of pumice like hail stones, and you get the idea. When the main event occurred at Valles, 1.25 million years ago, something like 75 cubic miles of material was ejected, making it about 300 times larger than the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. Subsequent events at Valles have been smaller, but still large enough to do significant damage if they were to happen today.

The one negative thing I'd note about the book is that the writing is a bit uneven. For the most part, Goff tries to keep it informal and accessible to the general reader, but he has a tendency to lapse into the stiff, academic prose that is the bane of scholars and scientists. But I suppose, after 30 or more years of writing technical papers, those habits are hard to break. Anyway, better to be stiff, but accurate, than breezy and wrong.

This book would be a valuable addition to the library of anyone with a serious interest in New Mexico geology.

For a more condensed (not to mention cheaper and more portable) introduction to the geology of the Jemez, I recommend the Valles Caldera map compiled by Kirt Kempter and Dick Huelster, published by High Desert Field Guides in 2007. It's more than just a map. It's also packed with information about the formation of the caldera, as well as a road log you can use to locate interesting features when driving through the area. If you're heading into the Jemez, you can pick one up at the Walatowa Visitor Center just north of Jemez Pueblo on State Road 4, or at the VCNP offices in Jemez Springs. In Albuquerque, it's available at Holman's, R.E.I., and probably lots of other places. When I bought mine two years ago it sold for $9.95, but the price may be higher now.

Shannon Wagers

Editor's note: The following information is from a hand out given by our speaker at the May 2009 general meeting. It is an inexpensive way to make the cabochon cut on stones. It has been edited for clarity.

Other alternatives include paying hundreds to thousands of dollars for a cab machine (see the classifieds section below for examples), using the senior center lapidary shop (near San Mateo and Comanche), or asking a club member with the equipment to polish your treasure.

You will need the following materials:

1. Pebble, nugget or slab of cutting material: Turquoise, Opal, Amazonstone, Iconstone. Time and patience will be needed for hard stones as Agate, Topaz, and Garnet.

2. Pliers - ordinary household type for nibbling slab to correct size.

3. Dop cement and 4" dowel for a dop. Both from a rock shop.

4. Whet stone or grinding stone, of any type that can be used wet. A powered grinding stone speeds the shaping operation. (Editors note: always grind/cut stones wet, rock dust is bad for lungs and some dust (e.g. malachite) is very poisonous.

5. Silicon carbide sand paper that can be used wet in the following grits 80-200-400-600.

6. One piece clean scrap leather.

7. Cerium oxide or other polishing powder, available at rock shops or optical supply houses. Or try tooth powder.

8. Five pieces of 1"x 1" or 1" x 2" boards eight to twelve inches long and some non-stretchy cloth to cover the frame. To make the flat-chaser: lay 3 boards beside and parallel to each other with a smaller gap (e.g. 1") between two and the other gap larger (e.g. 2"), lay the remaining 2 boards perpendicular across the ends of first three, nail the boards together. The spacing depends on what size stones you will be polishing. Wrap and staple the cloth firmly around this frame.

Method for Polishing:

1. Using the whet stone or grinding wheel make a flat back on the pebble or nugget. If starting with a slab nibble the slab to the approximate shape desired with pliers. Finish grinding the outline on the whet stone or wheel.

2. Heat the stone and the dop cement until the dop cement is just fluid. Fasten stone to dop (this is your handle). (Editors note: See other literature for details of dopping and undopping).

3. Shape the stone to a smooth curve (dome) using the whet stone or grinding wheel.

4. Place a sheet of 80 (or 120) grit silicon carbide paper on the flat chaser. Dampen the paper with water and rub the stone back and forth in the groove formed by the gap between boards. Use the larger slot for large stones and the small slot for small stones. Continue rubbing until under close examination there are no flat areas on the top of the stone.

5. Sand the stone again using the next finer grit paper. If thoroughly done on the coarsest paper it should take only a few minutes for each successive sanding grit. Keep the stone wet and continue to the 600 paper. After each grit examine the stone dry, you won't see flaws/scratches if wet. If you see coarse scratches, go back two or more steps and try again. As the steps get to the finer grits examination under a magnification of 2x to 5x is very helpful.

6. When a satin finish is obtained it is ready to polish. Dampen the leather and apply a small amount of polishing powder. Place the leather over the flat chaser and rub in the groove as before. When the stone looks the same wet as it does dry, it is polished.

7. Chill the stone in freezer (or in ice water) and with a little pressure it will pop off the dop. Clean the back of the stone with alcohol or sharp knife. Admire your creation.

Have Fun,

Ruth Bronson

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.

For Sale: Diamond Pacific Genie with 8" saw attachment. Also includes extra arbor with new buffs for polishing metal. Wonderful all around lapidary machine, $1,000.  A new machine with these attachments would cost $2,700.

Also For Sale: Sphere machine 3 cup design works just fine, $200.

Dylan Newman, 505-269-6054

For Sale: Cab making machine, 6" wheels, Star Diamond (currently Barranca model GP6), 3 station plus buff, easily converts to diamond wheels, has motor etc., ready to cut cabs, $400. Walter Morris 345-3245

Rockhounders’ Garage Sale: Everything you need to get the most out of your hobby: rock tumbling system, ultrasonic cleaner, hard rock tools, picks, reference books, USGS maps with mine locations, mine tunnel maps, hardhats, minerals and more!

Saturday, June 13 from 9:30AM until Noon at Mike Potts’ house. 1556 Summit Hills Dr. NE.

From Tramway go east on Indian School for 0.6 mile and turn right on Camino de la Sierra (just after the fifth speed hump). Take the first right on Summit Hills and follow the curve around to the left. My house is on the corner with a small white RV parked on the side. Call if you get lost: 550-7880.

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

Richard P. "Dick" McDonough, age 79, of Rio Rancho, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2009. Dick was born in Plainfield, NJ to Lawrence and Leah McDonough. He grew up in Bergen County, NJ and graduated from Hackensack High School. He later earned his E.E. degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dick served his country in the US Army in the Korean War. He married Barbara Hettinger in 1957 in Teaneck, NJ. Dick retired from AT & T after 36 years of service. He and Barbara relocated to Albuquerque in 1992. He is survived by Barbara his wife of 52 years; daughter, Lynn Chalfoun and husband David; son, Neal McDonough; and grandchildren, Andrew and Miriam Chalfoun. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Glen. Richard enjoyed photography, the outdoors, geology, traveling both here and abroad. He was past-president of the Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club and had also been involved with the Geology and Camera club and the Siglo de Oro RV Club at Bear Canyon Senior Center. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in New Jersey. Please visit our online guest book for Richard at RememberTheirStory.com

Dick was active in the AGMC as President 1990, 1995; VP Field trips 1990, 1994, 1995; Publicity Coordinator 1997; Barbara and Dick Hospitality 1997. Barbara and Dick generously donated many general meeting raffle items over the past several years. He was a good friend and fellow rockhounder. He will be missed.

John D. Reinert

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

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

20--Colorado Springs, CO: Show, "Rock Fair at WMMI"; Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society; Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 N. Gate Blvd.; Sat. 9-3; adults $5, children $2; outdoor rock show, mining museum exhibits, vendors, rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, lectures, demonstrations, gold panning, metal detecting, children's area; contact Ronald "Yam" Yamiolkoski, (719) 488-5526; e-mail: info@csms.us; Web site: www.csms.us

26-28--Grapevine, TX: Show; AKS Gem Shows; Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-4; adults $5; classes in beading, PMC, chain maille, and more; contact Kay Schabilion, (504) 455-6101; e-mail: info@aksshow.com; Web site: www.aksshow.com

26-28--Sandy (Salt Lake City), UT: Show; 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

3-5--Farmington, NM: Show; San Juan County Gem & Mineral Society; Farmington Civic Center, Arlington St.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; door prizes, rocks, gems, minerals, Farmington Freedom Days; contact Mickie Calvert, P.O. Box 1482, Farmington, NM 87499, (505) 632-8288; e-mail: mickie2@earthlink.net

10-12--Durango, CO: 56th show; Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club; La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.; Fri. 11-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; contact Joanna Baker, P.O. Box 955, Durango, CO 81302, (970) 385-6850; e-mail: info@durangorocks.org

31-2--Creede, CO: 8th annual show; Rare Things; Underground Mining Museum, N. Canyon Rd.; Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; free admission; gems, minerals, local rocks, jewelry, programs; contact Jenny Inge, P.O. Box 371, Creede, CO 81130, (719) 658-2376; e-mail: rarethingsgallery@yahoo.com

31-2--Prescott, AZ: Show and sale; Prescott Gem & Mineral Club; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Activity Center, 3700 Willow Creek Rd.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; adults $2, children under 12 free; rough rock, slabs, cabochons, jewelry, findings, mineral specimens; contact Pam Jackson, P.O. Box 345, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-9188; e-mail: lpjack65@cableone.net; Web site: www.prescottgemmineral.org

6-9--Buena Vista, CO: 26th annual show; Contin-tail; Rodeo Grounds, Rodeo Rd. and Gregory Dr.; Thu. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; more than 130 vendors, rocks, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, demonstrations, fluorescent light display; contact Carolyn Tunnicliff, 1130 Francis #7010, Longmont, CO 80501, (303) 833-2939; e-mail: ctunnicliff@comcast.net; Web site: www.coloradorocks.org

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

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. 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 an uncommon iron and manganese bearing mineral with a couple of rare metals found in pegmatites and alluvial deposits derived from them. It is usually found as striated, orthorhombic crystals but can be found disseminated or as massive chunks. It exhibits one distinct cleavage direction. It is opaque with a sub-metallic luster, the color is black or brownish black. It has a blackish brown streak. Sp. Gr. = 5.3 to 7.3, H = 6.

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? Altaite

What is the origin of the name? For the Altai Mountains (Ziryanovsk in the Altai Mountains, Siberia)

What metals does it contain? Lead

What non-metals does it contain? Tellurium (This is actually a semi-metal but it acts like sulfur.)

What other minerals might occur with it? Native tellurium, gold, sulfides and tellurides of gold, lead, copper, zinc, iron, and the secondary minerals derived from them as well as gangue minerals like albite, ankerite, calcite, barite, etc.

What other mineral might it be easily confused with? Galena with which it is isostructural.

What is it mined and used for? Well, tellurium, of course.

What is the metal used for. Semiconductors and alloys (like free machining steels).

Do you have some in your collection? Yep, from the Hilltop mine in NM!

Mindat list 252 occurrences world-wide, mostly in gold deposits

In NM – Hilltop Mine in the Organ Mtns.

In the USA – CA, CO

In the World – Kazakhstan, Canada, Rumania, Russia, Bulgaria, and other eastern European countries.

Paul Hlava

June 8, 2009

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