News Nuggets March 2008

Volume 55 Number 3

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 meeting was called to order by President Suzanne Seymour at 7:33 p.m. She welcomed guests and new members.

Hank Miller discussed the need for help with the Treasures of the Earth (TOTE) show raffle.

Todd Brown announced that Grant Kuck will interview him on Saturday, beginning at 3:30 p.m., on 94.7 FM and 1000 AM.

Grant Kuck talked about the field trips this past weekend. There were 19 people who showed up on Saturday for Turquoise Mountain near Hatchita. That afternoon they proceeded to Apache Mine for chrysocolla, calcite, etc. On Sunday, 13 folks went to Cooks Peak for green fluorite in the morning and went to Cooks Range manganese district, where they found carnelian. Rex Nelson spoke about the next field trip, which is on the fifth/last weekend in March to the Nakaye Mine for barite, fluorite and calcite. Members will meet at Exit 51 [Arrey/Derry]. On April 26^th, the field trip will be to the Mayflower Mine near Socorro. Advanced signups are required for that trip. Members will need to be able to hike up hilly terrain.

Jim Hill reported on the Junior Club activities. There were 12 juniors and their parents at the meeting tonight. They reviewed what rocks and minerals are. There was a test on 11 rocks/minerals. They recently had a work meeting at Jay Penn’s house, where they put together 22 flats to be sold at the junior table at the TOTE show. Next month they will go to the fossil lab where they meet and take a tour. They are working hard on the merit program.

Mike Sanders is in charge of the TOTE show displays. He has 17 cases to fill, with quartz being the theme. For more information, contact him at mrsande@sandia.gov.

Gwen Poe talked about the TOTE show schedule on Thursday, March 13^th. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. to begin the set up, take a break for lunch, and at 5:00 pm start setting up for the potluck dinner. The club provides Rudy’s BBQ and ribs, dessert, plates, and utensils. Members are to provide a generous potluck side dish to share. The potluck begins at 6:30, so show up beginning at 5:00 p.m. There is a need for callers, decorators, greeters and hospitality room maintenance. Gwen also has post cards to sell (5/$1.00).

Kathy Lawicki needs people to sign up to bring snacks for the meetings for the rest of the year.

Anita Willard introduced Dave Love, who presented an entertaining program about the Northern Tularosa Basin and mammoth tracks.

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

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

.________________________________

The topic of the February Jr. Club meeting was Rocks and Minerals, and was attended by 12 junior members. There was a review of the three rock types (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic), building a mineral collection, learning the characteristics of minerals, and a short discussion about our New Mexico state mineral, turquoise. This completed the requirements needed for the junior members to earn their Rocks and Minerals merit badge.

Jim Hill brought in examples of different rock types and the kids had to try to figure out what they were. Earlene Shroyer passed out canvas tote bags to the kids, so that they would have something to attach their merit badges to, and also carry their mineral ID kit and journal.

The junior members who attended the January meeting were awarded their Collecting merit badge, and also received a Certificate of Achievement.

Earlene Shroyer

by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, that's us folks.

This is the best club sponsored show anywhere.

OK, the Tucson club puts on a pretty good show too.

This weekend Mar 14-16

State Fair Grounds

Pot luck dinner for club members and dealers Thursday Mar 13, 6:00pm. Bring a dish and sit around eating food and talking rocks, it doesn't get any better than that.

Come on out and see the sites, have some fun.

________________________________

I got a phone call last week from Bill Turner the president of the Albuquerque Geological Society. He asked that his club be mentioned in our news letter because "we're all geologists at heart".

It seems that years ago there were a lot of people who belonged to both clubs and he'd like to see that happen again. They go on field trips also. If interested contact Bill.

505-843-7643 Tel

505-246-2232 Fax

w.turner@waterbank.com

The junior club will be talking about fossils this month. We are going to visit the fossil lab at the museum on the meeting night. No other program is planned.

Questions? Contact Jim Hill or Earlene Shroyer

_________________________________

"Gold Mining in the San Juans"

by Tom Rosemeyer

Tom graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1966 with a degree in geology. He then pursued a career in hard rock mining that started out in the Michigan Copper District then to the Wyoming Uranium Mines and finally on to Colorado where he spent the next 35 years as superintendant and mine manager of various precious and base metal mines.

He retired from the mining industry as mine manager of the Camp Bird mine in Ouray, Colorado after the final reclamation of the mine site was completed this past year.

The slide presentation will include an early history of gold mining in the San Juan region following by his experiences in operating and collecting in the area gold mines since the early 1970's. There will be many illustrations of gold specimens collected in the San Juans and stories to go with them.

The destination is the Nakaye Mine in the Derry district of Sierra County.

The gathering point is on the east side of the bridge at exit 51 on I-25 South. This is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours south of Albuquerque, or about 10 miles south of the Caballo Reservoir. We will commence gathering around 9:00 A.M. and depart for the mine at 9:30. The approximate 4 miles of dirt and gravel road is passable with standard city vehicles but is rough and steep in some areas. Once we get to the mine area, we will carpool in 4-wheel drive vehicles the last quarter mile to the mine. Hiking up the hill is an option for hardy souls.

This is a remote site with "NO" facilities. Bring adequate food, water, and toiletries to meet your needs.

There are accessible and adequate underground workings, surface workings, and waste piles for everyone. Hard hats, lights, and goggles, are required for underground work. Suggested materials, in addition to these, are picks, hammers, shovels, pry bars, gloves, whiskbrooms, and wrapping materials for preserving specimens.

Fluorite, barite and calcite are the primary collectable minerals at the Nakaye. The fluorite can be gray to intense blue and needs protection from direct light. The purple fluorite tends to fade to a rose wine color and is frequently found on the waste piles in association with dark barite. The barite is unusual and can be strikingly beautiful. It is unique as it contains minute crystals of included pyrite, giving it an olive-green color.

Specimens typical for collecting at this site will be made available for viewing prior to the trip and/or at the meeting place. Hotel rooms are relatively cheap at Williamsburg south of T or C. The number for the Chamber of Commerce is 505-894-3536. You may inquire there for motel information. For RV owners and campers there are reasonably priced cabins and RV hook-ups at the Lakeview RV Park off of I-25 near exit 63. There are only 2 cabins but each has a set of bunk beds and a regular size bed. (Bring your own covers or sleeping bags and pillows). Each cabin has one electric duplex. Space heaters are available in each cabin. The one overhead light is pretty dim.

When I last checked they rented for $25/night. That is only about $9.00/person/night for people who team up and share a cabin. There are numerous collecting areas around the Sierra County area if you desire additional collecting opportunities for this lengthy trip.

Due to the dangers of this area, children must be constantly supervised.

See you at the meeting place, Rex and Grant

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

I ran into a serious shortage of items/ articles for this issue of the News Nuggets as evidenced by the "Upcoming Events in the Southwest" section going on for three pages, with narrowed columns at that.

I couldn't even find anything of interest in the news letters from other clubs to use as filler. I guess there is a shortage of thinking going on everywhere.

Please send me your jokes, thoughts, collecting hints, information, scouting trip reports, lapidary techniques, vacation plans, etc. I need interesting filler for months like this one, remember this is your news letter.

If you have questions, send them in, I'll post them and see what the old pros have to say about it.

I can't promise your contribution will make it into the very next issue but it will make it in eventually.

OK, I rambled on long enough to fill up this page.

On Saturday Feb 16th the Junior club met at Amy and Jay Penn's house to make up mini mineral collections of donated material to be sold at the junior table at the TOTE show.

12 juniors made up 25+ collections. And while this was going on, the parents, not to be out done, rolled up their sleeves and put address labels and stamps on about 2800 post cards and correction labels on about 100 flyers for the show.

The AGMC thanks you. All this was done in about 1 1/2 hours. It is amazing how much can be done in a short time when a lot of people pitch in.

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.

Hint: This is an excellent place to post a need for a ride to field trips and other club events. Or, to offer rides to help cover fuel expenses.

Raytech 6" rock saw with power feed, can be used for trimming or slabbing. Complete with motor, belt, blade, cover etc., very good condition. $350 OBO or will trade toward 10" to 14" saw, Walter Morris 345-3245

For the second consecutive winter field trip, we defied the laws of chance and had an absolutely wonderful weekend of beautiful weather. Hachita took on a welcoming ambiance in the early morning hours that was indicative of a pleasant day of collecting and exploring. As it turns out the janitor who was to open the church by 9:00 AM was off fighting a fire as a member of the local volunteer fire department. Fortunately, our hostess for the day soon came walking down the main dirt road of Hachita to open up the church for us. She seemed so happy and pleasant which helped set the mood for all 19 of us right away. Soon we had Suzanne’s donated coffee pot brewing and refreshments being consumed. As I looked up, Pat Wills (our hostess) was holding her own with attending members and definitely enjoying the conversations. I believe that the members equally enjoyed visiting with her. Suddenly, here she was gathering about her a crowd larger than is normally in the whole settlement at any one time. Most were strangers but some were old friends, people who frequent this outback part of our country without ever waiting for field trips. These are people such as Jim and Sylvia Westmoreland and Harold Jacobs who love exploring the historical and more remote areas of the state.

After this short but adequate respite, we had a short briefing and headed for Turquoise Mountain near the old Hachita. Upon arriving everyone sort of disappeared into this wonderful and scenic area intent on finding the best turquoise pieces. You didn’t have to go far to find some, and many people were within sight of the vehicles for the entire period. I saw some great stuff, the best of which was found by Jake Jacobs. Consequently, when we left for a lunch break at the church in Hachita, Jake could not be pried from the area. As a result, he found an even larger piece just lying around on a dirt heap. After a brief rest and lunch, we headed for some surface collecting at the Apache Hills. We did stop and visit with what I understood were some National Guard troops. I couldn’t pry much information from them on what they were up to. Some funny looking structures dotted the landscape, so I suspect they were associated with them someway. I didn’t really see much of the stuff collected here but there was not as much time to explore as needed.

All in all, I believe everyone had a good time and found some wonderful material. It must be pointed out that this area is so vast and open that this whole trip was nothing more than an introduction to the area. Hopefully many will return to explore and collect at their own leisure at a future date. Sunday morning found 13 of us more hardcore collectors assembled at the Deming McDonalds for something to get us started for the day. By 10:00 AM we were at Fluorite Ridge near the old Greenleaf mine. From there we spread out; ranging as far as the Lucky and San Juan mines looking for good fluorite samples. Some members ventured out upon the flats looking for carnelian agate and the Westmorelands traveled off looking for historical sites. By the 2:00 PM time we had set for departing to the Cook’s Peak Manganese District, everyone had found at least something, including some colorful fluorite and carnelian pieces. The manganese area was fairly close and the only problem encountered getting there was getting through a gate that had 50 or 60 tumble weeds piled on it. After quick work by enthusiastic diggers, we were on our way. There were lots of material here to collect so the main problem was which ones to pick up. Much of this material is reported to be polish grade material. Besides inadvertently disturbing some beautiful barn owls, much so-called psilomelane was collected along with optical calcite. Much of the manganese material was in a botryoidal form which made very attractive specimens. A little of the waste material was covered with calcite which can easily be etched away with HC acid to expose anything hidden underneath. Some of this material has hidden quartz, fluorite and some unusual looking crystals which are unknowns at this point. Carnelian was also found at this local. About 5:00 PM we called it a day and started the long drive home. Several people were staying over for several days to continue enjoying this remote part of the state.

Jim and Sylvia Westmoreland visited the Mimbres museum at 301 S. Silver Ave. in Deming that people call the Smithsonian of the Southwest. It is located in the two-story old brick armory building two blocks southeast of the main highway intersection in town. Be prepared to spend a few hours or more as this is a large and dynamic museum that has many rooms and collections. Their Mimbres pottery room, geode room, antique glassware room, military room and other rooms are extensive and irreplaceable. Entry to the museum is free and is manned by volunteers who will give you a much-needed map of the place upon entering.

Grant & Rex

(editor note: Please note changes since last month's News Nuggets)

Mar 29, Nakaye Mines (South of T or C)

Apr 26, Mayflower Mine (West of Socorro)

May 24, Puerto de Luna (South of Santa Rosa)

Jun 28, Hondo Canyon (South of Taos)

Jul 26, Section 21 Mine (AGMC picnic)

(South of Grants)

Aug 7-10, Colorado (Buena Vista, Divide, Salida, Mt. Antero)

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

The Mayflower Mine, Saturday, April 26. This change to the tentative 2008 Field Trip Schedule was approved at the last board meeting. Alan Perryman approved this trip for the Energetic Material Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) and will act as our guide.

We will meet NLT 9:00am at the Macey Center parking lot on the campus of New Mexico Tech and caravan from there as a group to the EMRTC parking area. From there we will proceed to the trailhead in vans provided by the EMRTC.

For those considering participation on this trip here are some words of caution. The Mayflower mine is situated on the mountain face of Socorro Peak and there are dangerous cliffs and unmarked shafts in the vicinity of the mine. Vigilance will be required at all times. All participants should be prepared for a nearly 1,000 foot climb up the mountain. In other words, you will need to be in good shape and accustomed to rigorous hiking and climbing. Bringing children under 9 years of age is not recommended. Those attending must be closely monitored at all times.

Specimens of the following minerals can be found: Mottramite barite, vanadium, wulfenite, mimetite, willemite, and hemimorphite.

In general, most of this material collected will be attractive micro sized specimens. A loupe is desirable for collecting at this site.

Please note that members wanting to go on this trip will need to sign up two (2) weeks in advance or NLT 11 April. This is to allow adequate time for submission of the list to Mr. Perryman. A signup list was started at the last meeting and will be available for additional members wishing to signup at the March 24th club meeting. After that you will need to call Rex or Grant to have your name added to the list. We will discuss this field trip again at the March club meeting.

Questions, call 505-400-8239 or 505-323-1520. See you there. Rex and Grant

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

www.lapidaryjournal.com/cal1.cfm

14-16--Albuquerque, NM: 40th annual show, "Treasures of the Earth"; Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club; School Arts/Flower Bldg., New Mexico State Fairgrounds (EXPO-NM); Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1 Fri., $3 Sat. and Sun., kids under 13 free with adult; more than 35 dealers, gems, minerals, jewelry, beads, cutting rough, fossils, natural objects, mineral displays, demonstrations, door prizes, kids' booth, silent auctions; contact Paul Hlava, (505) 255-5478; e-mail: hpf5@qwest.net

15-17--Spanish Fork, UT: Show, "Spring Parade of Gems"; Utah Timpanogos Gem & Mineral Society; Spanish Fork Fair Grounds, 475 S. Main, in the indoor tennis court; Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; free admission; Mr. Bones the T-Rex, displays, jewelry and equipment dealers, door prizes, rock slabs and rough, demonstrations, Touch Table, wheel of fortune, contact Frank Weight, P.O. Box 65, Provo, UT 84601, (801) 489-4040; e-mail: gemgma@msn.com

21-23--Cottonwood, AZ: Show, "Verde Valley Gem & Mineral Show"; Mingus Gem & Mineral Club; Mingus Union High School, 1801 E. Fir St.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; Fri. $1, Sat. $3, Sun. $3, 3-day pass $5; silent auction, raffles, kids' area, gem and mineral identification Sat.; contact Doug Evenson, 807 S. Tigres Trail, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, (928) 634-0459; e-mail: dougevenson@verdecomm.net; Web site: www.mingusclub.org

28-30--Fort Collins, CO: 47th annual show, "Minerals of the American West"; Fort Collins Rockhounds; Lincoln Center, 419 W. Magnolia St.; Fri. 4-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Fort Collins Rockhounds, P.O. Box 482, Fort Collins, CO 80522, (970) 493-6168; e-mail: showchairman@fortcollinsrockhounds.org; Web site: www.fortcollinsrockhounds.org

12-13--Abilene, TX: Show; Central Texas Gem & Mineral Society; Abilene Civic Center, N. 6th and Pine; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, children 6-12 $1.50, children under 6 free with adult; gems, jewels, slabs, rough, lapidary tools and supplies, demonstrations, fluorescent display, silent auction, wheel of fortune, "sand" art, hourly door prizes, grand prize drawing; contact Sallie Lightfoot, (325) 692-4642; e-mail: slightfoot@aol.com; Web site: www.txol.net/rockclub

18-20--Marfa, TX: Show, "Big Bend Gem & Mineral Show"; Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club; AmVets Bldg., 300 S. Highland (Hwy. 67 S.), across from Marfa Bank, south off of Hwy. 90; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5; free admission; gemstones, minerals, jewelry, fossils; contact Paul Graybeal, (432) 729-4526; e-mail: paulgraybeal@sbcglobal.net

25-27--Denver, CO: Annual show, "Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show"; Martin Zinn Expositions; Holiday Inn-Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St.; free admission; 80 wholesale and retail dealers, minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Regina Aumente, P.O. Box 665, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505) 867-0425; e-mail: mz0955@aol.com; Web site: www.mzexpos.com

26-27--Waco, TX: 48th annual show; Waco Gem & Mineral Club; Heart of Texas Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Bldg., Bosque Ave.; Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, students $1, children under 6 free; door prizes, exhibits, demonstrations, 25 dealers, minerals, fossils, jewelry, children's wheel, silent auction, youth activities; contact Kay Coleman, 118 County Road 540, Fairfield, TX 75840, (903)389-8311; e-mail: rkcole8@peoplepc.com

2-4--Dallas, TX: 2nd annual show, "Dallas Fine Mineral Show"; Dave Waisman; Embassy Suites, 14021 Noel Rd., near The Galleria; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; contact Dave Waisman, P.O. 8543, Spokane, WA 99203, (509) 458-2331; e-mail: svldave@aol.com; Web site: www.dallasfinemineralshow.com

3-4--Lubbock, TX: 50th annual show; Lubbock Gem & Mineral Society; Lubbock Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; exhibits, dealers, gems, jewelry, findings, rocks, minerals, fossils; contact Archie Scott, (806) 894-1584, or Ed Ries, (806) 799-2722

24-25--Fort Worth, TX: Show, "Let's Rock"; Fort Worth Gem & Mineral Club; Amon Carter Exhibit Bldg., Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, seniors $3, children under 12 free; more than 25 dealers, kids' games, hourly door prizes, grand prize drawing, silent auction, educational exhibits; contact Steve Hilliard, P.O. Box 418, Decatur, TX 76234, (817) 925-5760; e-mail: fwgmc@embarqmail.com; Web site: www.fortworthgemandmineralclub.com

24-25--Lakeside, AZ: Show; White Mountain Gem & Mineral Club; Blue Ridge Junior High School, 1200 W. White Mountain Blvd.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-4; adults $2, under 16 free; gems, minerals, fossils, rough, slabs, beads, jewelry, equipment, books, demonstrations, junior activities, silent auction, raffle, door prizes; contact Nanz Marshall, P.O. Box 3504, Show Low, AZ 85902, (928) 537-2524; e-mail: larrylegge@yahoo.com

30-1--Tulsa, OK: Show; Gem Faire; Expo Square/Exchange Center 1, 4145 E. 21st St.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com

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

13-15--Oklahoma City, OK: Retail and wholesale show; Shows of Integrity; Oklahoma City Fairgrounds; contact Judi Tripp, Shows of Integrity, 504 N. College St., McKinney, TX 75069, (972) 542-7370

20-22--Santa Fe, NM: Annual show; Palace of the Governors Museum; Museum Courtyard, Lincoln Ave., Blue Gate Entrance; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; children's hands-on workshop, presentations; contact Carlotta Boettcher, 120 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 476-5112; e-mail: carlotta.boettcher@state.nm.us; Web site: www.palaceofthegovernors.org

21-22--Colorado Springs, CO: 44th annual show; Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society; Phil Long Expo Center, 1515 Auto Mall Loop; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, children 6-15 $3, children under 6, uniformed Scouts and leaders, and active military with ID free; contact Ronald Yamiolkoski, (719) 683-2603; e-mail: info@csms.us; Web site: www.csms.us

27-29--Sandy (Salt Lake City), UT: Show; Gem Faire; 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

None listed yet

1-3--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 12 and under free with paid adult; dealers, fine jewelry, beading components, mineral specimens, tools, lapidary equipment and rough, door prizes; contact Larry Jackson, P.O. Box 3923, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-9188; e-mail: lpjack65@cableone.net; Web site: www.prescottgemmineral.org

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

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 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 sulfide mineral mostly found in sedimentary rocks often replacing fossils. It forms in low temperature, highly acid environments. It is frequently found in coal but it can form in Mississippi Valley-type deposits. It is orthorhombic and often forms tabular or pyramidal crystals. It has one indistinct cleavage and the fracture is uneven. It is metallic and pale brassy yellow, bronze, or tin white, Sp. Gr. = 4.89, H = 6 - 6.5, opaque.

What is the name of the mineral?

What is the origin of the name?

What metal(s) does it contain?

What is/was it mined/used for?

What kind of treatment does this gem get?

Can you name a few minerals that are related to this one?

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM –

In the USA –

In the world –

What is the name of the mineral? Spinel

What is the origin of the name? Of uncertain origin, possibly derived from Latin, spina, for "thorn" in allusion to sharply-pointed crystals.

What metal(s) does it contain? Magnesium and aluminum.

What is/was it mined/used for? Mostly gems

What is the most desirable color of this gem? Red

What kind of treatment do most of these gems get? None

What is the name of the most famous gem of this mineral? The Black Prince's Ruby.

Where is this famous gem now? In the crown of Great Britain right over the forehead.

What technique is used to synthesize this gem? Mostly the flame fusion technique.

Can you name a few minerals that are structurally related to this one? Yes - Oh, OK. Magnetite, chromite, franklinite, gahnite, galaxite, hercynite, etc.

Do you have some in your collection? Yes

In NM – a few minor localities

In the USA – MT; Franklin, NJ; NY;

In the world – Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Vietnam

Paul Hlava March 8, 2008

NEXT MEETING: Monday, Mar 24^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 Rosemeyer

Tom graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1966 with a degree in geology. He then pursued a career in hard rock mining that started out in the Michigan Copper District then to the Wyoming Uranium Mines and finally on to Colorado where he spent the next 35 years as superintendant and mine manager of various precious and base metal mines.

He retired from the mining industry as mine manager of the Camp Bird mine in Ouray, Colorado after the final reclamation of the mine site was completed this past year.

The slide presentation will include an early history of gold mining in the San Juan region following by his experiences in operating and collecting in the area gold mines since the early 1970's. There will be many illustrations of gold specimens collected in the San Juans and stories to go with them.

Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club

Jay Penn, Editor

PO Box 13718

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192