We all know that the SEMs are used extensively in mineralogy as well as other sciences these days, and have seen many of the spectacular pictures they can produce. This talk will explain their operating principles in simple terms so that everyone can understand how the high magnifications with great depth of field become possible. These explanations will be interspersed with selected images ranging from those of lunar samples to local minerals. Along the way requirements on sample size and preparation will be described. The techniques that allow SEMs to be used to actually minerals will also be described and illustrated. Although it is not so well known an SEM can even be used to obtain stereo images at high magnification. This will also be explained and illustrated. Viewing glasses will be provided.
by Bob Housley
Show Now is the time that all of us should be thinking about the Show, thinking about who we can tell, where we can pass out flyers, and about how we can help once the weekend arrives. Jim has done a great job putting it all together and we will have an outstanding group of dealers. Bill Besse has kindly taken over from Ron Pellar as exhibit chair. I know we have some truly spectacular exhibits to look forward to, so by all means mention the Show to anyone who might be interested.
SCFM Workshop The Southern California Friends of Mineralogy, Mineral Collectors Workshop held at the Desert Discovery Center in Barstow October 21st was a huge success. Sixty five registered participants plus speakers and organizers made it the biggest one yet, stretching even the generous facilities available. The talks were excellent and even familiar speakers had incorporated much new material into their presentations. I learned of several new localities to check out for field trips. One just west of Barstow produced some very nice looking barite and I am really looking forward to checking it out.
The Desert Discovery Center is an educational facility sponsored jointly by the BLM, The Barstow School District, and Barstow Community College. It has a number of interesting, well prepared, displays about the surrounding desert, including ones on the mineralogy and geology.
Following the program participants were invited to visit the Mojave River Valley Museum about a block away and were treated first to a very interesting short film on the biggest flood in recent geologic history, the one which produced the channeled scablands in eastern Washington, and then to a homemade mexican buffet dinner prepared by the staff. This small museum also has some exhibits that are well worth stopping to see. Both locations have good collections of literature on all aspects of the Mojave desert available for purchase.
Mohawk Mine On Sunday following the Workshop Bob and Sugar White and I led a field trip to the Mohawk Mine. Seventeen people signed up for field trip and despite the cold wind blowing fourteen of them showed up. With such a large crowd we divided up into two groups and the Whites led one group to the west dumps while I led the other to the east dumps. Somewhat to my surprise after all the collecting that has been done at the Mohawk before, I think everyone was able to find at least decent specimens of cuproadamite, hemimorphite, and conichalcite, and some people found other more exotic things. Although it was chilly everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.
by Bob Housley
One of our long time members and supporters, Sugar White, has received some well deserved recognition this summer. For those of you not familiar with it let me explain what the Micromounters Hall of Fame is. It was established in 1975 under the sponsorship of the Baltimore Mineralogical Society, which also hosts the well known Paul Desautels Micromineral Symposium each September. Since then only one or two people per year have honored by being inducted. This year the inductees were Georges Favreau of France and our own Sugar White. Sugar has an extensive micromineral collection and is very well known for her mineral photography and her “What’s New in Minerals” presentations. She is also know for her generosity in giving specimens to individuals and institutions and for volunteering her time in earth science activities. Following the ceremony she gave a presentation titled “Arsenate Localities of the Great Basin”.
As if the above were not enough Sugar was also invited to give two talks last week at a Symposium sponsored by; the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. One had the same title as the acceptance talk above. The other was titled “Minerals of the Mojave”.
The meeting was called to order by President Bob Housley at 7:40 p.m., October 13, 2000. Bob Housley opened the business portion by announcing that Ron Pellar has accepted employment on the east coast which required an immediate move, necessitating his resignation from the several positions he held. Bob then noted that nominations for officers are made at the October and November meetings and elected by plurality ballot at the November meeting. The Nominating Committee has proposed the following nominations: Dave Smith, President: Dan McHugh, Vice President; Janet Gordon, Treasurer; Bob Housley, Secretary. No nomination was submitted for Federation Director; Bill Besse was nominated to fill the remainder of Dave Smith's term as a Director for 2000-2001. Steve Shailer, Rock Currier and Ron Thacker were nominated for Director, 2001-2002 leaving one additional Director required.
Nominations from the floor will be received at the November meeting, after which the election will be held. It was noted that in addition to Federation Director and one additional member of the Board of Directors, there will be a number of vacant committee chairs.
Jim Schlegel reminded the members that our November show is now here and there are several unfilled time slots. Dave Smith will be telephoning members to fill out the required jobs, but members are urged to call Dave at 818-908-3071 or email him at dave_topaz@yahoo.com. Dealer spaces are virtually all reserved.
There will be a Board of Directors and Show Committee meeting November 5 at 2 p.m. at Jim Schlegel's home. All members are urged to attend.
The evening's speaker was MSSC member Dr. Janet Gordon who presented an intriguing and education talk and demonstration on different types of microscopes in mineral identification. Bob Housley and Sugar White brought additional specimens including at least one which may be a new mineral.
The guest door prize was won by Janet Brown, and the regular door prize was won by Fran Crutchfield. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. for refreshments.
Respectfully submitted by Ron Thacker, for the Secretary
The MSSC Board of Directors meeting was held at Charlie Freed’s home on Sunday, August 27, 2000. The meeting was called to order at 2:25 p. m. Board members in attendance were; Bob Housley, Charlie Freed, Dave Smith, Jim Schlegel, Dan McHugh, and Bill Besse.
The first item of discussion was the need for a current membership list. Bob said he would work with Ron Pellar to get a list of current members for distribution.
The issue of nominating a slate of officers for the elections in December came up. Bob said that, as Past President, Ron Pellar was chairman of the Nominating committee. He thought that Ron already had some ideas for the primary positions.
The next order of business was the August picnic, to be held the following weekend. Jim Schlegel said that he has some hospitality supplies, he said he will ensure that they get to the picnic. Janet Gordon had told Bob that she would be there by 10:00 am. She had also said that there would be access to the educational facilities with students to operate them for members to see. After some discussion, Bob said that he would post the picnic on LA Rocks.
The next item Bob wanted to discuss was an idea to co-ordinate common activities between the MSSC and Friends of Mineralogy, Micromineralogy, and Pacific Micromounts. A possible activity for co-ordination was a common location for paying dues for the various organizations.
The final item of discussion was brought up by Jim Schlegel who announced that he is resigning as Field Trip Chairman citing reduced time available for planning these activities.The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
ORDWAY’S MINERALSI just acquired several specimens from the collection/stock of Jim Bratt, former mining engineer at Chuquicamata, Chile (1960-1970). I have many kroenkites, a few rarities from that area and several superb atacamites from Copiapo. Also, I was at one of the bixbyite mines with the owner when he opened a pocket of fabulous bixbyite (xls up to 1.5 cm!). I bought several specimens, albeit a bit costly (or I would have gotten more!) These items, plus more, will be available at the Pasadena Show. Join the fun, see you there…………….Al Ordway |