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

"The Materials Known as Gemstones"

by Paul F. Hlava

Unlike most materials, gemstones are prized for beauty first; all other properties are of secondary interest. Other materials are chosen for various applications because they are strong or weak, hard or soft, insulating or conductive, transparent or opaque, et hoc genus omne. In defining gem and gemstone, I will show that some properties, such as hardness, durability, cleavage, etc. are also considered important. These definitions also introduce properties such as rarity and high cost or intrinsic value. By discussing the BIG seven (the more precious of the gemstones – diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, opal, and pearls – or DERSTOP), I will show how arbitrary is our consideration of these other properties compared to the all important property of beauty. A brief mention of other gemstones will illustrate the many varieties of beauty desired by people.

Crystal form is a property of the "rough" gem material which, unexpectedly, often carries over into the shape of the polished gemstone. The shape of the original crystals and the desire to waste as little of this most valuable material as possible are mostly responsible for the creation of the standard round brilliant cut of the diamond, the emerald cut of the emerald, and the ovals of ruby and sapphire. I shall mention where history has also played a part in determining these gemstone shapes.

I will discuss the distinctions between natural, synthetic, and simulated gemstones. Because natural gemstones (mined from the Earth, then ground to shape and polished) are so valuable and pricey, people (some with honorable intentions and some not) have been working to make lower cost substitutes. There have been many successes. Synthetic gemstones (also known as lab-grown, "cultured", etc.) are medium- to low-cost materials of the correct chemical composition and physical properties. Simulants may look like a particular gemstone but are inexpensive to cheap (in all ways) substitutes for the "real" thing.

I will end with general guidelines to the properties one should consider when purchasing a gemstone.

It seems to be a rough year for our club in losing valued members. We have lost another.

Judith DeMark passed away August 27, 2009. Ray and Judith joined the club in 1972.

I feel that this is a great loss to the DeMark family and our club. My heart goes out to the family.

John D. Reinert

The 2009 State Fair is well on its way. The entries were few, but were well put together. I would like to thank the members that gave up their time to put the displays together and fill in with some of their specimens. I'll name the people as I compile a list. I don't want to leave anyone out. The weekend volunteers did great job on the first weekend, which was good, for mostly being new members.

I'm looking forward to this month's trip to the Zuni Mountains with Jane Bardal. See you there.

John D. Reinert

On August 22, 2009, 47 AGMC club members met on NM state road 75 east of Dixon for a trip to the Harding Mine. We were met at the parking lot by Jesse Kline and Gilbert Greigo (the mine caretaker for UNM). Mr. Greigo gave a talk on the history of mining at this mine and about his family's part in the mining and preservation of the site as an outdoor classroom. This mine site is one of the largest and most diverse pegmatite in the US.

We then proceeded into the mine cut itself where some started collecting, while about a dozen of us followed Jesse Kline to the top of North Knoll for a lesson in pegmatite geology. With the whole mine exposure in front of us, there was much arm waving, pointing and questioning about what was in front of and surrounding us. I came away with three nuggets of knowledge stuck in my mind. First is that the rocks that form the "top" of the ridge over the pegmatite are older than the rocks underneath, the second is that the pegmatite is 1.5 billion years old., and the third is that the pegmatite probably crystallized out of solution in about 1000 years (a blink of the words eye).

There was much spirited collecting and many minerals identified by Mr. Greigo, Jesse Kline, and by club members familiar with this site. The following list is the minerals I saw collected: quartz (crystals and massive), optical calcite, spodumene, beryl, lepidolite, rose muscovite, microlite, green microcline (amazonite), microcline and shorl tourmaline. There were probably 5 or 6 other species collected that I did not see.

About lunch time we returned to the parking lot (a short walk) to have something to eat and discuss the various finds. Some then went back for another look at the dumps and some left for home. Some excitement soon ensued when "Old George" the pygmy rattlesnake crawled out of a collapsed adit near the trail to check out the action. After a quick look at the goings on he retired back to his cool den (I have seen the same snake in the same place on previous trips). By two thirty all but a couple of us diehard collectors signed out and went toward home.

The weather was glorious with a temperature of 82 degrees, with a light breeze, great collecting weather. A good time was had by all, and some great specimens collected. A great THANK YOU to Gilbert Greigo and Jesse Kline for their assistance in making the field trip more enjoyable and to UNM for allowing us access to this world class collecting site.

Jim Hill

The August Junior Club meeting was attended by 13 Jr. members. The class began with a big CONGRATULATIONS!! to our newest Rockhound – Alex Osterloh. Alex has completed six activities in the AFMS merit badge program. If you would like more information about the AFMS and their merit badge program, visit their website at www.amfed.org.

Next, the class reviewed the Junior Mineral Identification Test kits they had brought with them – Jim explained the different components that make up the kits, and also how they are used. This included the different hardness minerals and how to test with them, how to do a streak test, and an explanation of the reaction of some minerals to a weak acid solution.

The class then separated into groups, and each group was given a box with 6 different mineral specimens in it. The challenge, using their mineral test kits, was to put the specimens in order from the softest to the hardest.

Finally, the mystery mineral was passed out to the class, and their assignment for the September meeting is to identify the yummy candy colored nuggets using their mineral identification test kit.

Earlene

President John Reinert called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. and introduced guests.

Hank Miller, on behalf of Kathy Lawicki, asked for volunteers to sign up to bring refreshments to the meetings for the next six months.

Brian Anderson talked about the field trip on August 22^nd to the Harding Mine and said that about 40 people attended. The September field trip is to the Zuni Mountains and will be lead by Jane Bardal. Paul Hlava will lead a tour of the Turquoise Trail in October.

Michael Johnson still has a name badge for Ed Clark that needs to be claimed. If anyone wants a name badge, please contact him.

John Reinert said that entries to the state fair must be brought September 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th. Also, please volunteer to set up the club’s booth on those days. Those who volunteer to man the booth will receive free parking and a ticket to the fair for the day they work.

Mike Potts announced a trim party at his office on September 12^th.

Paul Hlava spoke about the Treasures of the Earth show, April 9 through 11, 2010, in the Creative Arts building on the fairgrounds. He talked about the layout of the building and passed around a diagram.

Marcus Price said that Paul Hlava will be the speaker at the meeting following the fair. He then introduced Ernie Hawes, who gave a very informative presentation on faceting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. for refreshments and door prizes.

Submitted by Janey Johnson, Secretary

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

The AGMC sponsors the rock and mineral displays and disseminates information about our club and hobby.

We will be manning a table in the Creative Arts Building for the three weekends of the fair. Sept. 12-13, 19-20, and 25-27.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jane Bardal, 999-9918

For the September junior meting we will continue with the theme of August. We will practice labeling specimens, filling out the box labels, and making journal entries. Then we will start a unit on stone age tools and art and perhaps plan a field trip to Petroglyph Park.

Earlene and Jim

"The Materials Known as Gemstones"

by Paul F. Hlava

(see page 1 for abstract of talk)

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

leader: John D. Reinert

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

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

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

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

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

You might call this "Rocks and Stuff along the Turquoise Trail" as we will spend most of our time there. This is a road trip with a lot of arm waving that will take us past a number of different kinds of rocks and mines. We’ll start with stops in Tijeras Canyon to look at Precambrian gneisses and granites, Permian redbeds, and younger lamprophyre dikes. Then up highway 14 past various sedimentary rock exposures and a stop at the old gypsum (alabaster) quarry. On past more sedimentary rocks and a number of igneous rock intrusive complexes, with stops here and there to look at and/or collect some rocks and more arm waving.

The trip will end about 2 to 3 PM. If the weather is bad, we will try on Oct. 31.

See next month's News Nuggets for the rest of the details.

Paul Hlava, hpf1@qwest.net or 255-5478

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

I might change my mind tomorrow.

Check out Sept 26^th in the "Upcoming Events in the Southwest" section for two events occurring in and around the Albuquerque area.

Thank you Pat and Todd Brown for the info on the Enchantment Insulator Club Show, and Janey and Michael Johnson for the Natural History Museum field trip info.

This is great; the number of articles, classified ads, event postings, etc. is way up from previous years. People are starting to use the News Nuggets for its intended purpose of getting information to club members. Keep um comin!

Also, I have returned to the work force on a near full time basis (yes, there are still jobs out there). So the Nuggets may be coming out a day or two later than in the past. Any articles that I receive well before the deadline (which is the second Monday of the month at noon) will help minimize delays in publication.

Also, also, please read the 23 Feb 1970 article in the "A Long Long Time Ago in AGMC" section and keep it in mind as we start the process of establishing a new board of directors for 2010.

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Judy DeMark (wife of long-time club member Ray De Mark) passed away.

As I’m sure a lot of you in this Club know, Judy De Mark, beloved wife and long-time life partner of Ray DeMark, passed away on Thursday, August 27, after a long, heroic battle with cancer. To the end, Judy and Ray kept up the good fight, but events finally overtook them. A well attended, sad/happy memorial and gathering of long-time friends and family to celebrate Judy’s life was held at their house on Saturday, September 5.

Judy was born in Weston, West Virginia in 1941, but grew up in Orlando, Florida. Judy and Ray met there in 1963, and married (whirl-wind-like) three months later. Judy traveled extensively with Ray while he was on active duty with the US Navy (I’ve heard a lot of the stories while Ray was on duty in the Mediterranean, and Judy and Ray’s adventures together in that area). Ray and Judy were married for almost 46 years, a long time in anyone’s book! She received her PhD. in history from UNM, and taught at Central NM Community College (CNM), NMSU, and then at the University of Northern Michigan in Marquette, MI for 8 years.

Ray and Judy have one daughter Kimberly [Kim] who currently resides with her husband Eric and young son Daniel (the light of Judy’s life [other than Ray] in recent years) in Denver, CO. Kim was in Albuquerque for the final three weeks of Judy’s life, Kim did an absolutely great job of supporting Judy and Ray during this very difficult time. Kim is spunky and full of "piss and vinegar", just like her folks (go figure)!

Ray, Bruce Owens, myself, Al and Betty Tlush, and their friends David and Katrina from Vancouver, BC, Canada area took a road/collecting trip to the Blanchard Mine on Saturday, Sept. 12. It was a fine outing, and the kind of activity with friends that will help Ray to recover and move on after this major loss.

Ray is the Keynote speaker at the New Mexico Mineral Symposium in Socorro this year (Nov 13-15). He will summarize the talks that he has given each and every year of the Symposium since it started (founded 30 years ago by Ray and Pete Modreski in 1979). Let’s all remember how much Ray and Judy have done for this club, and the whole rock and mineral thing in general, and turn out in force at the Symposium to honor and support Ray, and hear another outstanding presentation by my long-time friend, mentor, and partner (who, as I’ve observed multiple times, starts each day with the mantra: "Another day in which to excel").

Mike Sanders

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July 1954 newsletter-

Announcing field trip - ALL ABOARD for the gala 4^th of July week-end field trip and visit to Durango, Colorado as guests of the Four Corners Rock Club of Durango….Field trip in and around the beautiful countryside of Durango and FEATURING a ride on the famous old narrow gauge railway…. The day will be spent (if you choose) digging in an old Indian ruin. You can have artifacts you unearth. Bring your shovels. The TRAIN RIDE on the old narrow gauge to Silverton…. Your cost for this trip will be $2.26 per person, round trip. There are limited motel accommodations available. If you require a motel, let us know your needs at least two weeks in advance. Reservations will be made for you. All motel reservations will be accommodated on a first come-first served basis.

23 Feb 1970 News Nuggets

Ask yourself, "What have I done during the past year that has been of any benefit to the Club? What would become of our Club if every member had done exactly as I have done? How many times have I been absent when I could have been present without great effort? Am I going to continue in the same old way or am I going to become active in the Club? Is it right for someone else to do all the work, and for me to expect an equal share of the benefits? Should I not earn my way rather than just belong?"

Wayne E. Fisher – (AGMC President in 1970)

Submitted by Dave Moats

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This section is for the not for profit exchange of goods and services between club members (cars, boats, rocks, minerals, tools, equipment, -------- anything). For profit (stock in trade) items will not be published.

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

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

247-1533

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

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

For Sale: Drill Press, floor model, Central Machinery #39955, 3/4" chuck, 1 1/2 HP, 4" stroke, 10" throat, barely used, $200. Jay Penn 883-4195

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Blue Sapphire the September Birthstone

The striking deep blue of a quality sapphire is reminiscent of a cloudless night sky. Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection. This legend, as well as the belief that the ten commandments were inscribed upon tablets made of sapphire, gives September’s birthstone a royal place among gemstones.

Named after the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning blue, sapphires have long been a favorite among priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. These gemstones are prominent among the British Crown Jewels, and Prince Charles chose this as the engagement stone for his fiancée, Princess Diana.

In ancient times, sapphires were thought to be protective against envy, and even against poisoning. A common belief was that a venomous snake placed in a sapphire vessel would rapidly die! Ground to a powder, the blue stone was believed to cure colic, rheumatism and mental illness, and to strengthen eyesight.

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Corundum is found in every color of the rainbow, with red being designated as ruby and all other hues Sapphire. But the most prized color of Sapphire is a rich, deep blue. Corundum is second only to the diamond in hardness, making it a durable gemstone for setting into jewelry. These gemstones were mined as early as the 7th Century BC from India and what is now Sri Lanka. They are found today in Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Madagascar, and the United States. Large specimens of corundum crystals are rare, although the 563-carat Star of India can be seen in the American Museum of Natural History. This is the largest and most famous of star Sapphires, which are cut to reflect light from inclusions within the stone, revealing a bright six-legged star pattern.

A gift of Sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness. As nourishing to the soul as gazing up at the sky on a summer day, this brilliant blue gemstone is truly a heavenly choice!

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How to Drill Holes in Rock

Drill small holes into rock with these simple instructions. The drilling process is the same whether you are working agate, slabs, gemstones, jade, marble, or just about any other type of rock.

Start with a diamond drill bit. Diamond bits for making small holes cost less than $2.

Diamond bits are meant to be used wet. The bit doesn’t need to be in a lot of water, just enough to wash away the rock mud and keep the bit cool. The easiest way to accomplish this is to do your drilling in a bin or tub of water. A butter dish works well. Another way of keeping the stone wet is to have a drip system continually dripping water on the point you are drilling. Or, you can have someone with a spray bottle stand next to you and squirt the point of contact with water.

Once you start drilling use light pressure and let the bit do the work. The harder the rock the longer it will take, be patient, you are actually grinding away the rock. Periodically raise the drill to let fresh water under the bit. If you slam the bit back down on the rock, you will knock off the diamonds, making your bit useless.

Drilling is best done with a drill press and clamping the rock to the table. This will help insure you aren't getting the bit crooked in the hole and breaking it. It can be difficult to figure out how to secure an odd shaped stone but is generally worth the effort unless you are drilling a short hole. Modeling clay might work?

By following these suggestions your bits should give you maximum life.

Safety issues: Keep water at the point of drilling, not slopping all around. Don't touch the drill motor with wet hands. Wear shoes. Use a double insulated drill motor or check that the ground wire is continuous with an ohm meter. Use a GFCI protected plug whenever using electricity around water. It won't save you from a mild shock but it will save you from a shock that will kill you.

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Some More Surefire Signs You're a Rockhound

The severe sunburn acquired on your last vacation was a one inch wide strip of skin at the gap between the tail of your shirt and the top of your pants.

You bring a catchers mitt and a hand lens to a rock fight.

You've fabricated a backpack for your dog.

You receive a letter from the county informing you a landfill permit is required to put anymore rocks on your property.

You've been found guilty of trespassing. The judge sentences you to hard labor breaking rocks. You fall to your knees and beg him, "Please, your honor, let it be at a pegmatite!"

When they haven't seen you for a week, the rock shop owners send you get well cards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Katonak (505) 898-5592

tkatonak@comcast.net

26--Albuquerque, NM: The NM Museum of Natural History Field Trip: Geologic Hike at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument,

9a.m.-4p.m. 

Explore the geologic past of this National Monument jewel at the southeastern base of the Jemez Mountains with local geologist Kirt Kempter.  The tour will include a three-mile hike (round trip) along the Canyon Trail, providing spectacular views of slot canyons, tent structures and culminating with a broad vista of the surrounding area.  Participants will learn about the volcanic history of Bearhead volcano, active nearly 7 million years ago and responsible for many of the unique deposits now sculpted by erosion in the Tent Rocks area.  Bring appropriate attire and water: lunch and snacks will be provided.  The trail has many narrow passages on irregular terrain, climbing approximately 700 feet in elevation.

  Cost: $50 (members receive a 10% discount)

  Must pre-register; call Tish Morris at (505) 841-2882

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

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

No one contacted me about this one! Was it too tough? Send me your answers and get recognized in this column!

What is the name of the mineral? Selenium (Se) or native selenium

What is the origin of the name? Named for the moon (Greek)

What mineral is similar in the way it was named? Tellurium named for the Earth (Greek)

What metal does it contain? None

What non-metal does it contain? Selenium

What other minerals might occur with it? Uranium and vanadium minerals, or fumarole minerals like native sulfur.

What other mineral might it be easily confused with? Velvety psilomelane for one.

What is it mined and used for? Selenium

What is the metal used for? Alloys, photocopier toner, electronics, medicine. Although selenium is poisonous it is essential in some enzymes and you get your selenium from nuts (especially Brazils), cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. It has been found to attack malignancies so is becoming important in the fight against cancer.

What plant has an affinity for this mineral? Astragalus sp. for the most part.

What is the nickname of that plant? Locoweed

What affect does the plant have on animals that eat it? Lack of coordination, seizures, birth defects, etc. Interestingly, selenium, tellurium, and arsenic all cause "garlic breath" in folks exposed to these poisons. It is a very sensitive "test". If you have garlic sweat or urine you've had a much larger dose!

Do you have some in your collection? No

In NM –

In the USA –

In the World –

The Game Plan – I will describe a mineral and you have to guess/decipher/research the name of the mineral and the answers to the other questions. You will benefit most if you do not ask others for the answers but work it out for yourselves. When you have decided on the name Email me at hpf5@qwest.net and let me know your guesses by copying the questions below and answering them. I have gotten very few responses, folks. EMAIL me! I have been gratified by folks responding that they WORK at these minerals. Good, that IS the idea. This way you learn about them. Good luck and have fun.

Last year I discussed minerals and rocks that are used as gemstones. This year I think I’ll work on minerals with metallic and sub-metallic lusters.

This month’s MM is a less common mineral formed in high temperature veins. It can be found as coarse sized crystals (isometric-dyploidal like pyrite). It is often massive or granular and sometimes colliform. It exhibits seven distinct cleavage directions, 3 from cubic cleavage and four from octahedral cleavage. It is opaque with a metallic luster, the color is white or light steel gray. It has a black streak. Sp. Gr. = 6.1 to 6.9, H = 5.5 - 6.

What is the name of the mineral?

What is the origin of the name?

What is the (no longer official) name of the semi-metal poor variety?

What was the variety used for?

What metal does it contain?

What semi-metal does it contain?

What other minerals might occur with it?

What other minerals might these two easily be confused with?

What is it mined and used for?

What is the metal used for?

What is the semi-metal used for?

Do you have some in your collection?

In NM – In the USA – In the World –

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