THE 768th MEETING
OF
THE MINERALOGICAL SOCIETY
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

ANNUAL INSTALLATION BANQUET
and MEETING

Saturday, January 19, 2002
at the
Oak Tree Room
1150 East Colorado Blvd, Arcadia, Ca.

Featuring a Talk by

Bob Jones
on
Kartchner Caverns

ANNUAL BANQUET
by Cathy Casey

The Annual Banquet of the Mineralogical Society of Southern California will be held on Saturday evening, January 19, 2002. The location will be The Oak Tree Room, at 1150 East Colorado Blvd., in the City of Arcadia. It is located in the same building as Coco's Family Restaurant, on the SOUTH EAST corner of Colorado and Michillinda, in the first block South of the 210 Freeway. The Oak Tree Room occupies the East end of the building, and has a separate entrance from Coco's Restaurant. There is ample self parking at no additional charge.
   
The Banquet begins with a social hour from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a no host bar available so that you may purchase alcoholic beverages if desired. This will be available all evening. The serve-your-self Buffet dinner begins shortly after the social hour. The cost of the entire meal is $30.00 per person which includes all tax and gratuity. The meal will include an all you can eat full salad bar, and buffet dinner that includes Prime Rib, Salmon, Chicken Breast, Rice and Potatoes, Vegetables and Dessert bar, as well as coffee, tea or soft drink.
   
Reservations can be made by calling [(626) 358-7628] or emailing Cathy Casey (caseyscurios@earthlink.net) NO LATER THAN Sunday January 13, 2002. You may pay at the Banquet or mail me a check made payable to M.S.S.C. PLEASE make your reservations by the 13th! 
   
I look forward to seeing you all there. The privacy of the location, and high quality of the food served last year were prime considerations in the decision to again have the Banquet at this location.
   
After dinner there will a brief business meeting, the installation of officers, and the presentation of awards.

BANQUET SPEAKER

If you missed Bob Jones great talk at the Pasadena Show on the Kartchner Caverns in Arizona here is your second chance. His discussion will include information on the five minerals to found there, including one apparently new mineral.. As most of you know Bob Jones is the Senior Consulting Editor for Rock and Gem magazine. More information on the tours to the Caverns is provided in this Bulletin. 

2001 PASADENA SHOW
SHOW EXHIBIT AWARD WINNERS

TROPHY WINNERS

Stan Hill Trophy - Bob Weaver

Gus Meister Trophy - James and Dawn Minette

Kristalle Trophy - Erik Rose

INSTITUTIONAL

Theme - Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
Non Theme - Pasadena City College, Geology Dept.

DEALER

Theme - James and Dawn Minette
Non Theme - Wayne and Donna Liecht, Kristalle

NON DEALER

Theme - Bob Weaver
Non Theme - Susan Weaver

JUNIOR

Non Theme - Erik Ross

SHOW PROGRAMS

Bob Housley
   
All our speakers this year, as also in past years, presented excellent programs. Every one of them provided unique information that was very interesting to hear, and well worth trying to remember. I am glad I had the job of introducing the talks because that way I got to listen to all but one. I did have to miss the one on jade presented by the Geoliteracy Society because of a conflict.
   
Our first talk Saturday morning was by John Sinkankas who spoke on "The History of Mineral Illustration". Until hearing this talk I had no idea there was so much interesting history related to the subject. John started by showing the first known crystal drawing from the 15th century and as he progressed wove in information on historical paper making and printing methods along with the gradual evolution of concepts of what constitutes a mineral or a crystal. The original figures from Hauy for example really brought out the excitement associated with the discovery of the constancy of interfacial angles in crystals.
   
Then right after lunch Ken Gochenhour treated us to a first hand account of the recent discoveries at the Cyro-Genie Mine. These are possibly the biggest gem mineral finds in the last 50 years in Southern California and all the drama of struggle to open the mine and the excitement of the big discoveries really came through in the talk. Just imagine the thrill after working for months and only finding so-so stuff to be down on your stomach in mud and see one huge pink tourmaline after another in front of you.
   
On Sunday morning Wayne Leicht returned to a historical theme and talked on "The History of Crystallized Gold". Since most gold shows no external evidence of crystallinity, recognition and understanding of the rare samples which do was again a long and interesting process. Wayne documented this with a selection of quotes and illustrations from the old literature. He then finished by discussing recent finds of crystallized gold in California.
   
Finally on Sunday afternoon in a change of pace Bob Jones told us about new parts of Kartchner Caverns that are currently being prepared to open for the public. The slides were spectacular. Many formations are colored in various shades of red, pink, and brown, and none are damaged. Although discovered about forty years ago this cave has only been open and known to the public for a few years. In contrast to most caves known to the public it is a living cave where formations are still growing. In the work to open it to the public every effort is being made to protect this delicate environment and the exotic creatures that inhabit it. Tours to the unopened parts can be arranged by contacting Bob at suejones@wans.net.    

IMPRESSIONS

by Walt Margerum
   
If you missed the show shame on you, because it was a great show. I was very impressed by the displays of California minerals. They demonstrated that great specimens have been produced in the state, and more importantly that they are still being produced. 
   
The Cryo Genie mine tourmalines shown by Ken Gochenauer were spectacular, and he told me there were more to come. Bill and Elizabeth Moller's display of self collected minerals was very impressive, but it gave me mixed feelings. Firstly there was sadness that many of their collecting areas are no longer available, but secondly also hope in that some of them still are. Bill told me that this was what he wanted to say. He also said that he wanted to tell a certain well known MSSC member that minerals do occur in sizes greater than 1 millimeter. No Sugar he doesn't mean you.
   
I could go on for pages describing the exhibits, but I won't since if you were there you saw them for yourself, and if you weren't my descriptions wouldn't do them justice. I do want to comment on one of the dealers. Imperial Consolidated Mines had beautiful garnets that they are getting from Imperial County in an area that had not been a previous producer, showing that perseverance can still result in great finds. 
   
I want to compliment Jim Schlegel on the great job he did, and to congratulate Carolyn Seitz for volunteering to chair the 2002 show. 
   
For me the best part of the show was being able to meet old friends, and to make new ones. Therefore I will close the same way I opened. If you missed the show shame on you, because it was a great show. 

FROM THE EDITORS DESK

This is the start of my second year as your Bulletin editor. I hope you have been satisfied with the Bulletin, as I have done my best to make it interesting and useful. I do have one complaint. If you go through all of last years Bulletins you will notice a dearth of member input. Aside from Bob Housley and myself there was input from only four other members. That is an average of one input every three months. I know some of you know how to write, and have things to say. THIS IS YOUR BULLETIN. It needs your input. I am more that willing to provide assistance in preparing inputs. Let's make this the year that the members decided to get active and support the Bulletin. 

DUES ARE DUE

For those of you who have not yet renewed your MSSC dues for 2002, they are now due. Please send payment to:

Treasurer
MSSC
P.O. Box 41027
Pasadena, CA 91114-8027

Or better yet, pay in person at the Banquet. Dues are $15 for an individual, $20 for a family, and $5 for students under 21. It's easy to renew by mail. 

BLM FIELD TRIPS FOR 2002

The Bureau of Land Management and Buena Vista Museum of Natural History have initiated a program of earth science field trips to points of ecologic, geologic, paleontologic and historic interest throughout central California. These trips are designed for persons of high school age and older. It is not necessary to have a technical background to attend or benefit from the trips. These field trips are recommended for teachers and many of them can be taken for in-service continuing education credit through California State University Bakersfield. Each trip includes a full spectrum of environmental and land management topics. A field guide is prepared for some of the field trips which include maps and directions which can be used by anyone for self-guided investigation of the geology along the field trip route. 
   
For most field trips, the registration fee is $10.00 per person per day. Email Sherry Pauley bvmnh@sharktoothhill.com or Gregg Wilkerson Gregg_Wilkerson@blm.gov if you are interested in any of the field trips.
   
February 15-18, 2002 Death Valley This is a 2 and 1/2 day field program. We leave Friday afternoon and go to Trona Pinnacles and Ballerat on our way to Stovepipe Wells Campground. Saturday is spent at Mosaic Canyon, Scotty's Castle, Racetrack Playa, Ubehebe Crater and Titus Canyon. We camp Saturday at Furnace Creek. On
Sunday we go to the Visitor's Center, Harmony Borax Works, Ryan, Dante's View, Franklin Wells Hectorite Mine, Shoshone fossil trackways and Tecopa Hot Springs.
   
April 5-7, 2002 Mother Lode The Southern Mines. This 2 and 1/2 day field conference is centered in Jamestown, California. On Friday we go to Jamestown and have an afternoon visit and lecture at the Sonora Museum. Our base of operations is at the Jumper Mine near Jamestown. On Saturday we have a tour of the Columbia and the Hidden Treasure Mine, Moaning Caverns, Calaveras Limestone Quarries, Amador County Museum and the Kennedy-Argonaught mine in Jackson. We return to Sonora in the evening, On Sunday we see a 10-stamp stamp mill at Groveland, Coulterville Museum and Mariposite outcrops, La Grange, Hornitos and the California Mines and Mineral Museum in Mariposa
   
May 31-June 2 , 2002 Point Sal This is a 3-day field conference. A four-wheel dive vehicle is required. On Friday we go to Vandenburgh Airforce Base to view the Point Sal Ophiolite. Friday night is spent in Lompoc. On Saturday we go to Point Sal by way of the Celite Diatomaceous Shale Quarry in Lompoc and the Lompoc Museum. We camp at Point Sal State Beach on Saturday night. Sunday is a hike from the beach to Point Sal. We return to Bakersfield Sunday evening.
   
October 5-6, 2002 Panoche and Tumey Hills This is a 2-day field conference. Leaving early Saturday morning, we set up a base camp at the edge of the Tumey-Panoche Hills Wilderness Study Area. Saturday afternoon will be spent in reconnaissance for plesiosaur and mosasaur sites within a radius of 3 miles of base camp. Reconnaissance work will continue on Sunday afternoon. We return to Bakersfield Sunday evening.

SCFM PHOTO PROJECT

As was mentioned in the November Bulletin Gene Reynolds has agreed to head a Southern California Friends of Mineralogy project to produce a set of poster boards on California minerals that can be exhibited at various local museums and educational institutions. This project is now getting underway. However, the logistics as originally announced seem unnecessarily complicated.
   
Gene is currently only asking that either 35 mm slides or print negatives of California minerals be submitted directly to him. Gene will then have these pictures printed or duplicated and promptly return the originals. Those of you whose pictures are chosen for exhibit will be given full credit.
   
This is a great opportunity to do something worthwhile and receive good recognition for it."

KARTCHNER CAVERNS

For a limited time you are invited to a private "hard hat" tour of the breathtaking "Big Room" cave trail, currently under construction at world famous Kartchner Caverns State Park. The non-profit Friends of Kartchner Caverns State Park are offering a limited number of "invitation only" private tours. Come experience the wonder of the "Big Room". These tours are not open to the public.
   
Your enchanted evening will include:
o a private cave tour of the Big Room, lead by knowledgeablepark staff personnel.
o exclusive after hours use of the world-class Visitors Center
o complimentary showing of the film "Discovering Kartchner Caverns" in the state-of-the-art movie theater
o use of the spectacular special events Ramada area featuring breathtaking views of canyon vistas and the Huachuca mountain range
o catering and entertainment options available
o tax-deductible Donation: $150 per person
o for more information visit the Web Site at www.friendsofkartchner.org, or read the article in the January 2001 issue of "Rock & Gem"
   
The tours will be on Friday afternoons between 12:00 Noon with the last tour leaving not later than 3:00 PM. Photography will be allowed in the Big Room for personal use only during pre opening tours. No photography will be allowed in the caverns once the Big Room has been opened to the public. If you are interested contact Bob Jones (480) 585-3350 or email at suesjones@wans.net. 

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MEETING

The meeting was called to order by president Dave Smith at 7:30. The first item of discussion was the Show and the consensus was that it had gone well. Ron Thacker summarized some of the results from the dealer survey, which were also quite positive. Dave then reminded people to sign up for our Banquet on January 19th, and I reminded them also of our scheduled Board meeting January 13th at Janet Gordons home.
   
It was then moved by Bill Besse and seconded by Charlie Freed that we elect the slate of officers and directors previously nominated in November. This motion passed unanimously. All business being concluded Dave then introduced our speaker for the evening,Tony Kampf, who talked on our current understanding of pegmatites. 
   
This talk was an eye opener for me. I found that much of what I thought I knew about pegmatites was way out of date. Tony discussed the various ways pegmatites are currently described and explained. To begin with pegmatites are basically igneous intrusions and as such their overall morphology is largely determined by the rocks which are being intruded. Here in Southern California they take the form of dikes. In Brazil, intruding highly deformed rocks, they take much more complex configurations themselves.
   
There is the useful distinction between simple, zoned, and complex pegmatites, where the complex ones show evidence of hydrothermal alteration of the earlier formed minerals.   

Then there is a major division based on chemistry, which in turn correlates with the large scale geologic situation. Lithium rich pegmatites such as we have here in Southern California are associated with aluminum rich granites and subduction zones at plate margins, whereas phosphorus rich pegmatites are associated with aluminum poor granites and mid continental spreading centers. Besides its scientific content the talk was also illustrated with some impressive world wide pictures of pegmatites and pegmatite minerals.
   
After the program and the door prize drawing the meeting was adjourned at 9:35.
   
Respectfully Submitted by your Secretary, Bob Housley
   

    
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY
   
1, 2, 3 Redlands, CA . Southern California Micro-Mineralogists
37th Annual Pacific Micromount Conf. 
San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane 
Beverly Moreau (714) 577-8038; E-mail: bcmoreau@4dnet.com 
Web Site: http://www.mineralsocal.org/micro/  
   
15-24 Indio, CA. San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society 
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival; 
Gem & Mineral Bldg (on the Fairgrounds) 
46-350 Arabia Street 
Hours: 10-10 Don Grisham (909) 795-7289 
   
MARCH
   
1-10 El Centro, CA Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society 
Imperial Valley Expo & Fair 
Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 4-10; Fri. through Sun. 10-10 
   
2-3 Arcadia, CA Monrovia Rockhounds, Inc. 
The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, Ayres Hall 
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 
Hours: 9-4:30 both days 
Show Chairman: Jo Anna Ritchey (636) 359-1624 / j.ritchey@verizon.net  
Publicity Chairman: Kris MacFarland 
   
2-3 Ventura, CA Ventura Gem and Mineral Society 
Seaside Park (Ventura Co. Fairgrounds) 
10 West Harbor Blvd. 
Hours: Sat 9-5 Sun 9-4 
Jim Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577 / jbraceth@juno.com