Mineral Locality Symposium

Minerals of the Mojave Desert

Saturday, October 22, 2011
Lectures & Field Trip, See below for Registration and Lodging information

Sunday, October 23, 2011
Field Observations: High clearance vehicles required. Tentative localities:
Blue Bell Mine, Otto Mtn., Halloran Turquoise District, Cady Mts.

Sponsored By
Sponsored by Southern California Chapter Friends of Mineralogy in conjunction with
the Gem & Mineral Council of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Desert Studies Center
Field station of the California State University (CSU)
http://biology.fullerton.edu/dsc/
Located between Barstow and Las Vegas at Soda Springs in California (60 miles east of Barstow, eight miles southwest of Baker ). To reach the Center, take I-15 (the Mojave Freeway) to Zzyzx Road. Drive south on Zzyzx Road four miles to the Center. Zzyzx Road is unpaved for most of its length, but is graded and should be driven slowly.

Saturday:     Tentative Lecture & Activities Schedule

9:00 am        Registration

10:00            Welcome ̶ Dr. William Presch, DSC Director

10:15            Mojave Desert ̶ A Brief Stratigraphic & Structural History    

10:30            The Blue Bell Mine ̶ Dr. Robert Housley

11:15            Soda Lake Salt Production ̶ R. Fulton, followed by walking tour of the salt works

12:00             Lunch Break

1:00 pm         Minerals of the Mohawk Mine ̶ Robert Reynolds

1:30               Minerals of Otto Mountain, Baker ̶ Joe Marty

2:00               1,000 Years of Mining History: Halloran Turquoise ̶ Robert Reynolds

2:30               Afternoon Field Trip Otto Mountain. Silent Auction upon return.

6:30               Banquet at the Desert Studies Center

7:30               Evening Keynote Speaker ̶ Dr. Kampf: "California – Treasure Trove of New Minerals”


Synopsis: More new mineral species have been discovered in California than in any other state. With 14 new species approved in the last few years, the number now stands at 135, greater than the nearest competitor, New Jersey, which has 76. California’s geological diversity is responsible for its great mineralogical diversity. While New Jersey’s large number of new species is principally from the remarkable Franklin/Sterling Hill deposits, California boasts a large number of deposits with unusual mineralogies. This program will highlight California’s top 12 deposits (or types of deposits) for new minerals, with special emphasis on the most active current sources in the Mojave Desert.

Reply to this notice - indicate your intent to participate (Bob Reynolds -rreynolds220@verizon.net).

Second Notice will call for advance registration (approx. $75) for meals (L & D Saturday/B Sunday), bunk and showers. Bring your own bedding and toiletries. (Registration $50: Saturday & Sunday – meals but no bunk). There is no self-contained camping at the Desert Studies Center. Registration is limited. Bring snacks and beverages for field trips.

Options: Motels in Baker, CA (Bun Boy, 760-733-4363; Wills Fargo, 760-733-4477)
Motels in Barstow (50 miles west)