Bulletin of the Mineralogical Society 
of Southern California

Volume 75  Number 4                                             April 2005

The 804th Meeting of The Mineralogical Society 
of Southern California

"A New Perspective 
of the Origin of Birds"

by Dr. G. Grellet-Tinner

Friday, April 8, 2005, at 7:30 p.m.
Geology Department, E-Building, Room 220
Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

Inside this bulletin

• April meeting
• Cerro Gordon Dump Dig
• Kid Rock Needs Your Help!
• Minutes of the March Meeting
• The 2005 Tucson Show
• Rock Concert to Honor Earth’s Oldest Mineral
• Mineral Trivia Question
• Calendar of Events
• New Crystals, Fresh at the Vent

April Meeting to be Eggciting

The speaker for the April 8, 2005, meeting will be Dr. G. Grellet-Tinner.  Dr. Grellet-Tinner is a former gem dealer whose interest in dinosaur eggs recently led him to complete a Ph.D. in paleontology.  What’s that got to do with birds?  Come to the meeting and find out!  It is impressive what can be learned by looking at eggs of different dinosaurs, ancient crocodiles, and early birds.  Dr. Grellet-Tinner is affiliated with the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California and the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Don’t forget to bring something for “Show and Tell” to the meeting.  What better month than April to bring specimens with potential for fooling the identification skills of our members?  Do you have a specimen with a foolish story in its past?  Or bring your favorite fake to share.  Field collected specimens are always eagerly welcomed whatever the month, as are your favorite new purchases.

Cerro Gordo Dump Dig

by Walt Margerum

The Lone Pine Gem and Mineral Society will be holding their annual Cerro Gordo Dump Dig on Sunday, June 26, 2005.  This is the only dig that will be held at Cerro Gordo this year.  The collecting fee is $5.00.  There will be more information in the June bulletin.

Kid Rock Needs Your Help!

by Janet Gordon

It’s time gear up for all those future mineral collectors who will be attending our show.  MSSC members are well trained at gluing samples to labels, and there is a need for some of that this year to be sure, but not as much as usual. 

Some new things were tried last year that were a great success.  It would be nice to continue them, and we can with your help.

First, the kids were ecstatic to have a big box of random tumbled polished stones from which they could pick one to add to their Kid Rock bag.  We are completely out of these.  They took every last one, and kids arriving late on Sunday missed out.  Do you have some to tumbled stones contribute so that we can fill a new box?

Second, we started a teachers’ give-away table.  Classroom teachers who were willing to sign in were offered one or two classroom-sized mineral specimens, mineral posters, and crystal model construction master copies. Last year’s teacher specimens were large cleavage pieces of selenite and clusters of quartz crystals, all big enough to be held up in the front of the classroom and be easily seen.  Informative labels were included with the specimens.  These were a big hit with the teachers, and we hope they remember to come to the show again and bring their students.  We gave away all the teacher materials that we had.  Do you have any large hunks of gypsum, calcite, quartz, fluorite, or other common mineral that would make good “show and tell” samples in the classroom?  Are they taking up space in your garage?  We have just the place for them.

Do you have posters or calendars with eye-catching mineral pictures that would be good for decorating classrooms?  Teachers would be thrilled to have them, even if they are out of date.

And, yes, labeled lots of mineral samples appropriate for gluing up as Kid Rock are always welcome.

Janet Gordon is happy to accept your kid rock offerings at any MSSC meeting.  She will also be at the Costa Mesa show on Friday, May 13, and would be glad to meet donors, who contact her ahead of time, there.  If neither of these options work for you, feel free to phone or e-mail her (see back cover) or send a message via the MSSC web page.

Minutes of the March Meeting

The 805th meeting of the Mineralogical Society of Southern California was held on Friday, March 11, in the Geology department at Pasadena City College.  President Bill Besse brought the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.

The evening’s speaker, Stephan Mulqueen, was then introduced by Jim Kusely.  Stephen presented a very interesting talk on the stratigraphy and evaporite mineral deposits of Searles Lake.  He discussed the history of mineral extraction from 1873 to the present, and gave an overview of present day solution mining operations, industrial mineral production, and mineral reserves for the future.

After the presentation a short business meeting was held. Walter Margerum announced that all MSSC members are invited to the annual Cerro Gordo dump dig to be held by the Lone Pine Gem and Mineral Society on June 26.  The meeting came to a close at 9:30pm.

Respectfully submitted for the Secretary by Walter Margerum

The 2005 Tucson Show

by William P. Moller

The Tucson, Arizona, Gem and Mineral Show presented its 2005 premier exhibit of gems and minerals at the Tucson Convention Center during February 10-13.  According to local TGMS participants, attendance was over 30,000 persons.  Foci of the conclave, which featured superb crystals and exceptional carvings and works of Chinese origin, were quality and variety.  Exhibitions in numerous display cases were arranged symmetrically across the huge viewing area, and the offerings of mineral dealers were localized on the east side of the exhibit hall, and those of jewelers and gem purveyors, on the opposite extreme.

The sales outlets numbered about two hundred and twenty, whereas special exhibits, included such offerings as an exquisite and enormous emerald from North Carolina (newly discovered), and Bill Larson and Gene Meieran presented  twelve tasteful cabinets of extraordinary birthstones in natural form.

In addition the exhibition offered an incredible necklace of kunzite designed by Paloma Picasso, daughter of Pablo Picasso, and another of sapphires belonging to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.  Steve Smale and Bill Larson each displayed exceptional exhibits of Chinese minerals, including spectacular crystals of cassiterite from Sichuan, China.  The major extraordinary presentations totaled nearly 50.  Individual guest exhibitors from throughout the world, including, sadly, only two from the MSSC, filled nearly 70 cases.  The Show was a presentation of enormous size and variety as well as exquisite beauty.

Minerals of China were highlighted among the dealers’ offerings with emphasis on pyromorphite, fluorite, and stibnite.  Curiously, little cinnabar was available, although it had been relatively abundant in years past.  Two MSSC-member dealers were in the main exhibit area:  Wayne and Dona Leicht of Kristalle, and Casey and Jane Jones of Geoprime.  Rock Currier, Jewel Tunnel Imports, saw service in another venue.

Several exceptional displays among the regular exhibitors merit special recognition.  These include the presentation of minerals crystals of a variety of species by the Mineralogical Association of Dallas, Texas; a display of vintage faceting machines under the name of the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum, Fallbrook, California; crystals displayed by Irv Brown of San Diego, California; superb tourmalines shown by Jessie Fisher and Joan Kureczka of San Francisco, California; and a remarkable orpiment cluster sitting on calcite from China displayed by Bill and Elizabeth Moller of Santa Barbara.

The main show was preceded by a reception in the evening of Wednesday, February 9, in the Copper Ballroom of the Convention Center.  Activities began with hors d’oeuvres and spirits and were followed by the Tucson Chinese Association of Lion Dancers presenting “Feathered Dinosaurs of China” under the direction of Bob Bakker.

Saturday night preceding closing of the exhibition, and also in the Copper Ballroom, saw a silent auction, the benefits of which went to various groups related to the science of mineralogy.  A photographic slide contest ensured.  This was punctuated by a tribute to the late Richard Bideaux, including the awarding of a memorial trophy to the winner of the “Best Arizona Mineral” owned originally by the venerated mineralogist.  Bill Moller was accorded that honor for his cuprite specimen.  The cuprite is a small cabinet-sized, maroon-colored piece purchased from Dick Bideaux 10 to 12 years ago.  Dedicated Arizona collectors consider it the second best cuprite ever to come out of the state.  It was found at the Old Dominion mine in Gila County and will be on display at the MSSC show in the fall.

Allen Young of Ely, Nevada, won the Paul Desautels Mineral Trophy, and he also captured the coveted Walt Lidstrom Momorial honors.  The former award was presented to the individual display of the finest crystallized mineral specimens entered in competition, whereas the latter recognized the outstanding single mineral specimen which was part of a competitive exhibit.  Joel Bartsch of the Houston Museum of Natural Science was accorded the Carnegie Institute’s Medal, and Charles Key became the recipient of the Bill Pinch recognition.

In addition to the incredible displays in the Convention Center, the “Tucson Show” included offerings of numerous and varied minerals dealers distributed among different motels and other facilities of the downtown areas of Tucson.  Chief among these were the Inn Suites, the Clarion Hotel-Randolph Park, the Smuggler’s Inn, the Ramada Limited, and the Mineral and Fossil Marketplace, all operated by Martin Zinn.  There over 400 dealers offered superb displays of extraordinary specimens.  An occasional surprising item may have been discovered, too, along the frontage road on the west side of the freeway.

We close with the admonition to our readers to go to Tucson in 2006 for the next Big Show, and if appropriate, participate.  These exhibitions are superb and certainly merit your attendance.  The next opportunity will be February 9-12, 2006.  Make your reservations NOW.

Rock Concert to Honor Earth’s Oldest Mineral

The University of Wisconsin-Madison will host “The Rock Concert: a Musical Exploration of Deep Time” on April 9, 2005, in honor of the oldest dated terrestrial object—a 4.404 billion year old zircon from Australia.  The concert will be preceded by the first public display of the zircon itself in the university’s Geology Museum.  Saxophonist Roy Nathanson has been commissioned to compose the theatrical concert and his band the Jazz Passengers will perform.

Mr. Nathason writes: “ I am writing a piece of text/music that lives in a world of time and materials informed by the zircon and its history.  Since I can only experience time subjectively, the narrative moves back and forth from my own history to geological history through the mythical character of Fromkin, my 8^th grade science teacher.  Similarly, the music plays with meter and relationship to pulse in an evolving way with a rhythm section comprised mostly of pitched rocks.  The rocks will be played live as well as triggered by a midi device and manipulated by desktop computer.  The Jazz Passengers will be playing their normal instrumentation of trombone, vibes, violin, bass, and this odd percussion set up.  The text will be orchestrated throughout the piece and augmented by Greek choral parts sung by this distinctly un-Greek band.”

See www.therockconcert.org for more information.

  Mineral Trivia Question-

Minerals often have nicknames, and diamond, “the king of gems” or “a girl’s best friend” is one of the better-known examples.  The question is: why are diamonds called “ice”?

Check your answer below.

Mineral Trivia Answer

One of the many superlative properties of diamond is its high thermal conductivity, which is about four times that of copper, an excellent thermal conductor.  Because of this thermal property, diamonds feel cool when touched to the lip, hence the nickname “ice.”  This is just one facets of diamond as described in the article of the same name by George E. Harlow and Rondi M. Davies in the latest issue (March 2005) of Elements.

Elements is a new periodical published jointly by the Mineralogical Society of Great Britian and Ireland, the Mineralogical Association of Canada, the Geochemical Society, The Clay Minerals Society, the European Association for Geochemistry, the International Association of GeoChemistry, and the Mineralogical Society of America.  This is a magazine the mineral collectors will want to keep an eye on, as it is designed to appeal to and be accessible to a wider audience than just the professionals in its sponsoring societies.  The authors of articles are instructed to cut out the jargon and communicate with students, scientists with related interests, and popular science writers.  To check out the first two issues of Elements go to www.elementsmagazine.org.

2005 Calendar of Events

April 2-3, Torrance, South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society, "Nature's Treasures," Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd., Hours: 10 - 5 both days, Omer Goeden (818) 383-9279, E-mail:  sageit@aol.com.

April 9-10, Hacienda Heights, Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Steinmetz County Park Recreation Building, 1545 S. Stimson Avenue, Hours: 10 - 5 both days, Paula Hess (562) 696-2270, E-mail:  rphess@adelphia.net.

April 9-10, San Diego, San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Rd., Hours: Sat. 9:30 - 5; Sun. 10 – 4, Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.

April 22-24 Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show-Spring, Holiday Inn-Denver Central, 8449 Brannock St. & Best Western-Central Denver, 200 w. 48^th Ave., Denver, CO, Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5, www.mzexpos.com.

April 22-23 Desert Symposium, Theme:  Mining History of the Eastern Mojave Desert, Desert Studies Center, Zzyzx, CA, with field trip April 24-26.  Dr. William Presch, CSU Fullerton, 714-278-2215, wpresch@fulllerton.edu.

April 23, Third Annual Sinkankas Symposium “Beryl” hosted by the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society and GIA at GIA Headquarters, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA.  Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for this event.   Fees-- $55 for SDMG members, past participants, early registration (by March 30); $75 for late registration (by April 18).  Payment covers continental breakfast, lunch, symposium and displays.  Make checks to S.D.M.G., include name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, and mail to Anne Schafer, 8473 Hydra Lane, San Diego, CA 92126-1854.  Attendance is limited and a sell-out is expected, so register early.  More information from Roger Merk at (619)281-1032 or merksjade@cox.net.

April 23-24, Bakersfield, Kern County Mineral Society, Kern County Fairgrounds, Hours: 10 - 5 both days, Michelle Sebresos (661) 809-4705.

 April 23-24, Lancaster, Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue H, Hours: 9 - 5 both days, Armin Nimmer (661) 945-5769.

May 7-8 Anaheim, Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Ave., Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4:30.

May 7-8, Reno, Nevada, Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Hours: Sat. 10-5. Sun. 10-4, Jennifer Rhodes (775) 356-8820.

May 7-8 Bishop, Lone Pine Gem & Mineral Society, Tri County Fairgrounds, Sierra St. & Fair Dr., Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun 10-4, Jeff Lines 760-872-6597.

May 13-15, West Coast Gem & Mineral Show, Holiday Inn-Costa Mesa, 3131 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, Fri. & Sat.  10-6, Sun 10-5.  www.mzexpos.com.

May 14-15 Newbury, Conejo Gem & Mineral Club California Gems and Minerals  Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd., Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5.  Bob Stultz 805-498-4220.

May 14-15 Yucaipa, Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 349 Oak Glen Rd., Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4, Lee Peterson (909) 794-0731 or res09ayd@verizon.net.

June 4-5 Glendora, Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre, Hours : Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4, Bonnie Birdwell (626) 963-4638 or YBidwell2@aol.com,

June 4-5, La Habra, North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society, Jubilee of Gems Show, La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., Hours: 10-5 both days, Don Warthen (626) 330-8974 or warthen@earthlink.net.

June 10-12, Roseville, CFMS & Roseville Gem & Mineral Blast, Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Blvd., (916) 630-1000, show web site: www.rockrollers.com/show.html.

Sept. 10-13, The weekend before the Denver Gem and Mineral Show, a mineral symposium on "Agate and Other Forms of Cryptocrystalline Quartz" will be held at the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado.  The symposium will be, Sept. 10-11, with optional field trips on Sept. 12 and 13.  The symposium is cosponsored by the Colorado Chapter of Friends of Mineralogy, the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, and the U.S. Geological Survey.  It will include two days of talks on the mineralogy, origin, and worldwide occurrence of agate and other forms of cryptocrystalline quartz, a welcoming reception and tour of the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum; a Saturday evening banquet; and information about self-guided field trips to Colorado mineral localities.  Registration will be $40; Contact Friends of Mineralogy, Colorado Chapter, P.O. Box 5276, Golden CO, 80401-5276, to register or to be put on a mailing list for further information.

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New Crystals, Fresh at the Vent

 
Paul Gordon photo

Visitors to Hawaii who hike across Kilauea’s largest caldera and wander off the main trail can enjoy seeing how sulfur crystals grow by vapor deposition at several the volcano’s active fumaroles. The crystals at this vent tend to be elongated in habit, but different shapes were found at other sites. The field view is about 0.5 m across.  Sorry, no collecting is allowed in Volcanoes National Park.