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.

A couple of months have gone by since I’ve written about what’s been going on with the Board of Directors. Some of the actions you may be aware of from meetings and some of the discussions regarding future plans not yet implemented, probably not, so let’s catch you up to date. The State Fair competition and judging of entries that we sponsor is now on display at EXPO NM. John Reinert orchestrated a crew that put a lot of time and effort into creating an interesting and attractive educational display in four cases that highlighted not only the entries, but AGMC activities as well as our considerable state mineral heritage. Not a lot of entries came in this year and the Board discussed sending letters to other clubs in the state next year to drum up broader participation. The TOTE Show committee has had its’ first meeting. Show Chair Paul Hlava has put together a management plan and timeline for organizing, coordinating and staffing the show that will be invaluable as a guide for future committees to follow. Thanks for the legacy, Paul. While we’re on show business let’s talk display cases. We have ordered ten new cases and they are now in production. When these beauties are delivered in the very near future we will need to move out 20 or so old cases to accommodate them in our storage place. They will be FREE but not delivered. Stay tuned for the time and place to pick them up.

Amy Penn, our Treasurer, has submitted next years budget. This annual event always engenders discussion and some crystal ball gazing. We doubled the Junior Club funding, which was easy to agree on considering the wildly successful program Jim Hill and Earlene Shroyer are running. Discussion on increasing the amount of the two college scholarships produced mixed opinions. All would support an increase, but how much? What do you think? Currently they are $1000 per student. Up to $1500? $2000? We want your input here. Once again the question of when and how much to increase the annual dues came up, with the result that for one more year, at least, club dues will be $20 per household. Surely one of the best bargains around. If you feel strongly about any of the issues I’ve mentioned, or about something I haven’t, let any one of the Board members hear from you and we’ll see what can be done. Carpe manana.

Suzanne Seymour/President

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

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

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

The meeting was called to order by President Suzanne Seymour at 7:35 p.m. Suzanne talked about the upcoming elections. The club badly needs field trip vice presidents. She also asked for people to serve on the Nominating Committee.

Michael Johnson spoke about the Mt. Antero field trip. He said the road was really rough and there was not much success in finding specimens, but everyone had a very good time.

John Reinert told the members that the club needs six more volunteers to staff our table at the State Fair and volunteers will have free parking and free admission to the fair. We also need to have exhibits to display.

Anita Miller introduced Tom Katonak, who presented an interesting program on collecting silver specimens in Batopilas, Mexico.

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

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

The topic of the August Jr. Club meeting was Gold Panning and Prospecting, which was attended by 19 junior members plus visitors.

The meeting was a continuation of the July meeting, and included hands-on gold panning. Jim Hill set up two large tubs of water outside the classroom, and provided special soil that contained priceless nuggets of "gold". The kids each got to experience gold panning, and carried their bags of treasure that they panned for themselves proudly with them.

Earlene Shroyer talked about Thomas Edison’s prospecting in the Ortiz Mountains using his electrostatic machine that he invented to dry prospect (which, by-the-way, flopped due to more moisture than he anticipated in the New Mexico desert in the summer), and some curious information on how some people try to pass off fake gold specimens as real.

All in all it was a very informative, somewhat muddy, always fun adventure into a very fascinatingly golden subject. The kids will receive their Gold Panning and Prospecting merit badge at the September Jr. Meeting. See you there!

William A. Kappele describes the site of last month’s field trip as, "one of the toughest to get to." He also says that, "Serious consideration must be taken as to your overall physical condition before trying this trip." The author of Colorado Rockhounding (A Guide to Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils), Stephen M. Voynick, put it this way, "Antero is not a site for anyone prone to altitude sickness, with a heart condition, or simply in poor health." James R. Mitchell the author of Gem Trails of Colorado wrote this about getting to the site, "It must be strongly emphasized, however, that the road to the site is EXTREMELY rough and precarious." He also said, "The trip MUST be taken in a high clearance four-wheel drive unit and attempted only by those with great experience in driving extremely rugged, rocky roads."

Of course we are talking about Mt. Antero in Colorado, the highest gem collecting area in North America and the third highest in the world. It is also one of Colorado’s most renowned gemstone collecting locations featuring aquamarine, beryl, smoky quartz, clear quartz, phenakite, fluorite and many other minerals. The mineral deposits occur around 14,000 feet and are only accessible during the short summer – about 4 months. Because of the altitude and the rough road, Richard M. Pearl, the author of Colorado Gem Trails and Mineral Guide, was absolutely right when he said, "Antero is not for the casual collector."

Be it as it may on the 8^th of August, Jeff Self and Donna Ware of Self-a-Ware Minerals led a group from the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club to their base camp just below the timberline on Mt. Antero. Last year you may recall that Jeff and Donna opened up their hearts and their Colorado amazonite claims to the club. Members were able to go and collect on three amazonite claims ( two belong to Jeff and Donna and a third that belongs to one of their friends) for two days. In addition they donated much material to the club.

Anyway we met Jeff and Donna at the Contin-Tail Rock and Gem Show in Buena Vista. From there they took us to their camp on Mt Antero. Ten people made the trip. Unfortunately one family returned down the mountain to their camp with no plans to join us the next day. After having braved the road once to the base camp they had no desire to repeat the process.

The first afternoon Jeff and Donna worked on the road to make it passable for everybody on the following day. Mike (Michael) Johnson and Bob (Robert) Hall stayed back at camp to gather and cut wood. I assisted Jeff and Donna and took pictures. Marc and Elaine Price came up later in the afternoon or early evening before dark.

The next day we were joined by AGMC President Suzanne Seymour and members Jane Bardal and Cathy Stringfellow. With nine club members in tow Jeff and Donna proceeded to lead us up the many switchbacks to the collecting area. At a place to park just below the summit we were given a short talk on where we could collect and then turned loose to graze. Jane Bardal found some nice aquamarines just roaming around surface collecting. After lunch Jeff took a group over to the southern spur of Mt. Antero and started digging and uncovering a number of pretty blue beryls in matrix, which he kept giving away. Some smoky quartz was also found and I came across some fluorite. Eventually it started to rain and we headed down the mountain along with everyone else.

Once down it was time to get a shovel and pick and head back to repair the road again. This time Jeff and I tackled the project. We had to re-channel a stream, which for some reason preferred to run down the road and not stick to its streambed.

The next day only three of us were able to go back up and collect. This time we went to Mt. White where there were supposed to be more aquamarines. I spent most of my time digging with Jeff and a little later Mike joined us but for all the work we weren’t successful in finding much of anything. In the meantime Marcus Price prowled a rock outcropping looking for vugs and pockets wherein he might come across something worthwhile.

Eventually Marcus had to leave, taking Mike in the process leaving me with Jeff and Donna. There was still light so they took me to a few other locations where I could collect and take pictures. Roaming the dumps at one of the collecting spots Jeff and Donna got into a contest to see who could find the most material. Interestingly enough it was the AGMC who would end up the winner as they both gave their finds to the club.

Jeff found the nicest aquamarine of the trip and gave it to Bob since he wasn’t able to make the second trip. The list of minerals found by club members on this two day field trip includes aquamarines, blue beryls, brown beryls, smoky quartz, clear quartz, phenakites, and fluorites.

A special thanks and standing ovation goes out to Jeff Self and Donna Ware for taking four days out of their schedule to shepherd our club around Mt. Antero and Mt. White. Four days they could have been digging on their own claim. And on top of that even more thanks for being great tour guides, teachers, and hosting a terrific campfire in the evenings. Their generosity is greatly appreciated as well as their many donations to the club.

I usually like to sign off by just saying, "keep looking down," which I did a lot of on this trip. But I also looked up, and left, and right, and all over. I wish I could capture and put into words some of the beauty of Jeff and Donna’s "office." Let me just end with some words from Arthur Montgomery who collected on Mt Antero during the 1930’s, "If we had not collected a single mineral, still it all would have been very much worthwhile."

Grant

For September Earlene and I will display and talk about collections and how to organize and display them.

We would like the junior members to bring their collections to show at the junior meeting and at the adult meeting.

Juniors that display their collections at the adult meeting earn credit toward the Showmanship patch in addition to the Collecting patch.

We have a number of juniors who are one or two patches away from earning their Rockhound Badge so it is important to participate!

Thanks

Jim

Questions? Contact Jim Hill or Earlene Shroyer

Ray DeMark will speak at this month's meeting.

Where: Pueblo Park in the Apache National Forest in Catron County (About 225 miles from Albuquerque and 4 ½ hours of driving time).

When: We will meet at 10:00 A.M. on September 27, 2008 (at the campground).

Why: Gem quality labradorite that can be faceted.

What to Bring: A Rock-pick or small garden rake (surface collecting only.) Gloves and kneepads can be helpful for crawling on the ground. A couple of baggies (with zip lock) or anything to store your treasures in. A hat with a broad brim and some sunscreen. Clothing that can be worn in layers (things you can take off when you get hot and things you can add when you get cool). A light jacket and rain pancho aren’t bad additions either. Plenty of water and some snacks.

How to Get There: Take I-25 south to Socorro and get on US 60. Head west to Datil.

From Datil take NM-12 to Reserve (about 206 miles from Albuquerque). Continue on NM-12 through Reserve to US-180 (about 7 miles).

At US-180 go south about 5 miles to campground sign. (The sign will say "Pueblo Park Campground".)

Go west on the dirt road about 4 to 5 miles to the campground.

The National Forest Campground has no electricity or running water. However there is a pit toilet in a small building with a concrete slab. Anyway you look at it we are talking about primitive conditions.

Pueblo Park has an elevation of about 7 thousand feet. The best collecting area is about half a mile down a creek bed then up a hill another 200 to 300 feet up. This could be strenuous for some people. Know your limits, dress appropriately, and carry plenty of water.

In the words of our 2005 VP of Field Trips, Stephanie Melof, "We'll be collecting faceting grade labradorite that is pale to golden yellow in color. The labradorite is found loose on the flat surfaces over a wide area. Their yellow contrasts well to the brown volcanic rock out of which it weathers. You only need a rock pick, small garden rake and/or bag for your "treasures" -- the area is surface collecting only. Gloves and kneepads will be helpful for crawling on the ground."

For more information check out last month’s News Nuggets

Grant & Rex

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

In June 2008 the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) approved a new mineral called Brownleeite (IMA Number 2008-011) named after Donald Brownlee, a university professor and head of NASA's Stardust comet sample return mission. The one and only sample exists on dust particles collected in the stratosphere and suspected of being from comet 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup. The dust particles measure 1/10,000 of an inch wide.

Previous to this discovery this manganese silicide material was only known as a manmade substance used in semiconductor research.

Now this is all very interesting, and I don't doubt the results of the analysis using a transmission electron microscope, but ----------- I have a problem.

How can a new mineral be named based on such a miniscule sample size? I guess there isn't a requirement for a minimum quantity but maybe there should be, say a gram. That way there would be enough to divide up for some independent testing. That is part of the scientific method after all.

I see no harm in the IMA holding off naming a new mineral until some minimum quantity is found.

Also, given the small sample, it seems reasonable that bits of man made material became attached to dust particles and made it into the upper atmosphere where some was collected. One of the requirements for a mineral is that it is not man made.

The Antarctic Tooth Fish (D. mawsoni) has the uncommon trait of carrying stones in its stomach. Scientists speculate the stones either help with digestion or stabilize the fish as it swims. In either case, scientists have turned to the Antarctic dwelling tooth fish to conduct research on southern continental slopes that are covered with ice. The stones can be up to 3 percent of the fish's weight, and provide an opportunity to learn about the ocean bottom where the fish are being caught in the Ross and Amundsen Seas.

In the Ross Sea, the fish picked up diorites, granite and to a far lesser extent metamorphics, sand stone and in one instance a fossil coral. In the Amundsen Sea, the stomach contents revealed metamorphic and sedimentary rock, including fragments of coal and petrified wood. The rock fragments are angular with only a few showing water rounded shapes. One of the stones from the Ross Sea had glacial scratches on its surface.

Since little is known of the under ice habitat of the Tooth Fish the conclusions include an assumption that the fish scoops up rocks with out discrimination, and therefore the rocks represent a sample of the ocean bottom.

The study was conducted by the All-Russian Research Institute of Fish Industry and Oceanography, and the Institute of Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Crystal Chemistry of Rare Elements during two fishing seasons.

Editor's note: What a job, catching fish and collecting rocks at the same time, for a salary.

______________________________________

Supposedly the glue "Zap-A-Gap" with accelerant "Zip Kicker" can be used to dop Cabochons. You spray the Zip Kicker on the back of the stone and then put a little drop of the Zap-A-gap on the dop stick. Place the dop stick onto the rock, hold for a few seconds and viola they are stuck together. You don't have to work with hot wax and you can work on a very small cab without a mess around the edges.

All you need to do to separate the rock from the dop stick is to pop it off with a finger nail. More info at zap.supergluecorp.com

Editor's note: I didn't get much information from the web site. I finally did track down that Hobbies n Stuff, 2801 Eubank NE carries Zap products. It doesn't cost a whole lot. If you try it, let me know how it works.

______________________________________

Iron Out can help remove the iron stains from quartz, fluorite, and many other crystals. You can buy it at the local hardware store and Wal-mart type stores. As with all chemicals keep it away from children and follow the directions on the container.

Editor's note: This is much less assaulting to the nostrils than Muriatic acid but it takes longer to work. Some people use it after Muriatic acid treatment to remove the unnatural yellow left behind if the acid is used. Be sure to neutralize the acid first.

Using Iron Out in an ultrasonic cleaner is especially effective.

______________________________________

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently motivated fool.

There will always be prayer in school, -----------as long as there are tests.

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.

For Sale: 10" tile saw with stand, table, pump, masonry and lapidary blades. Works perfect. You can cut geodes with this. Sold last winter for $390+ tax. Asking $175. Jay Penn 883-4195, el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

For Sale: Vibrating tumbler, Raytech model TV-5, holds 4 lbs of rocks, 2 bowls, no lid (new lid w/another bowl is $25 from Raytech or make your own lid). Sells new $95+ shipping. Asking $30. Jay Penn 883-4195, el.chivo.viejo@earthlink.net

Yard Sale: Sept 19-21, 2324 Alvarado NE, household and shop goods and equipment (sorry, no rocks or minerals) Jay Penn 883-4195

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

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

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

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

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

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

11-14--Denver, CO: Show, "Bead Renaissance Show"; J&J Promotions LLC; Holiday Inn, DIA, 15500 E. 40th Ave., I-70 and Chambers Rd.; Thu. 10-6, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact J&J Promotions LLC, P.O. Box 420, Williamsburg, NM 87942, (575) 894-1293; e-mail: info@beadshow.com; Web site: www.beadshow.com

12-14--Denver, CO: Show, "Colorado Fossil Expo"; Martin Zinn Expositions; Denver Merchandise Mart Plaza Annex, 451 E. 58th Ave.; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, seniors and teens $4; 50 dealers, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, amber, paleontological exhibits, ticket includes Denver Gem & Mineral Show; contact Regina Aumente, Martin Zinn Expositions, P.O. Box 665, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505) 867-0425; e-mail: mz0955@aol.com

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

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

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

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

26-28--Sandy (Salt Lake City), UT: Show, "Gem Faire"; Gem Faire Inc.; South Towne Exposition Center/Exhibit Hall 5, 9575 S. State St.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com

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

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

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

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

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

11--Albuquerque, NM, "Fall Arts and Crafts Show" 10-4 Saturday. Over 60 vendors selling a wide variety of works. Information booths and demonstrations by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, the NM Bead Society, and the NM Gold Miners Association. Free. 1100 San Mateo NE at Lomas. Hosted by Mama's Minerals, one of our club's most generous sponsors. Contact Yvette at 266-8443 or on the web at www.mamasminerals.com.

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

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

A few folks emailed me that they read the Mystery Mineral and try to decipher the mineral names. Email me at hpf5@qwest.net and let me know your guesses by copying the Questions below and answering them. This includes AGMC members and everyone else who reads "News Nuggets". I have gotten very few responses, folks. EMAIL me! I have been gratified by folks responding that they WORK at these minerals. Good, that IS the idea. This way you learn about them.

The Game Plan – I will describe a mineral and you have to guess/decipher/research the name of the mineral and the answers to the other questions asked about uses, history, notable facts, etc. I expect the Top Guns in the club to be able to guess the name off the top of their heads. The learners will need a reference book or two. You will benefit most if you do not ask others for the answers but work it out for yourselves. When you have decided on the name you can compare notes with others or wait for the answers to be announced at the meetings or published in the News Nuggets. Good luck and have fun.

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

This month’s MM is a hydrous and hydrated silicate of some common metals. This one locality material is found exclusively in metasomatic zones next to limestones in a syenite massif. It is not found as crystals but as fibrous masses. There are three good cleavages which make cutting and polishing tedious to difficult. It is translucent, usually a beautiful shade of violet to dark lilac but it can be light brown, Sp. Gr. = 2.54 to 2.58, H = 5 to 6. The luster is vitreous to silky to pearly.

What is the name of the material?

What is the origin of the name?

What metals does it contain?

What non-metals does it contain?

What is it mined and used for?

What kind of treatment does this gem get?

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM –

In the USA –

In the World –

What is the name of the material? Eudialyte

What is the origin of the name? Good decomposing because it dissolves easily in acid.

What metals does it contain? Sodium, calcium, +/_ cerium, manganese, iron, zirconium.

What non-metals does it contain? Silicon (semimetal), oxyen, hydroxyl, water, and chlorine.

What is it mined and used for? Gem uses.

What kind of treatment does this gem get? Nothing but grinding and polishing. BTW - Eudialyte-bearing rocks are now being sold at various Tucson shows. Samples from the Kipawa complex are pretty common. Some rarer rocks from Greenland have exotic names like kakortokite and lujavrite.

Do you have some in your collection? You bet!

In NM – Point of Rocks

In the USA – NM, AR

In the World – Brazil, Canada (Kipawa complex! and 2 others), Greenland, Russia (Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula!), Sweden

Paul Hlava

September 7, 2008

NEXT MEETING: Monday, September 22^nd, 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.

Ray DeMark will speak at this month's meeting.

Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club

Jay Penn, Editor

PO Box 13718

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192