THE HOUND’S HOWL - aikengmfs.orgaikengmfs.org/HH_200910.pdf · Gemstones of The Bible ... my call for help in sharpening the cracker blades. ... from Prairie du Chien to Milwaukee

TTHHEE HHOOUUNNDD’’SS HHOOWWLL

AIKEN GEM, MINERAL and FOSSIL SOCIETY

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

VOLUME 47, NO.8 OCTOBER 2009

Prez Message

It’s time to get outside again. The leaves will be changing soon, the nights are getting cooler. The days are becoming more pleasant. Look through this Hound’s Howl for details about upcoming digs. Please go on a dig and have some fun. Remember the new folks in the club. When you see them during a dig, stay with them until they know what to look for and most of all,

teach them to be safe. Remember to take photos. The next Show Committee meeting is on October 8

at 7:00 in Augusta at the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center across the street from University Hospital Emergency Room. Please get involved and help this year’s show be better than ever. Come and volunteer. If you think of anything that might make the show better, please tell me or one of the other Show Committee members.

I would like to propose that we have an education committee. We should try to sponsor a Saturday training class or two. What can you teach? What would you like to learn? The primary purpose of the club is education.

Please talk to folks about your hobby. There are so are many aspects that it covers; we have something for everyone. Encourage new folks to come to a meeting and join the Society.

See you at the October 9 meeting.

Regards, HermanHermanHermanHerman

In This Issue. . . 2 – Member News; SEED; Many Thanks; Show Meeting 3 – Program Review; Stately Fossils; Trivia Vug; Websites 4 – Field Trips 5 – M.A.G.M.A. Field Trips; Geology Field Camp; Minutes 6 – Rock ‘n’ Read; Mineral Fakes; Geology.com 7 – Hardness Kit; Drilling Holes in Agate; Diamond Blades 8 – Safety; Tips 9 – Post-It-Page

October 9 Program

Gemstones of The Bible

Our welcome once again to Kim Cochran, mineral and fossil educator, sincere friend, and long-time supporter of the hobby and the clubs in the Southeast. Kim will present a program “Gemstones of The Bible” and relate their significance in ancient times – notably the symbolism of the 12 gems of

Aaron’s Breastplate and the 12 Foundation Stones of the New Temple of Jerusalem. Biblical references will include Exodus 28: 15-20 and 39:10-13, Revelation 21: 18-21, and Ezekiel 28:13.

Bring your knowledge to this special program and learn more about a fascinating subject.

Plan to attend!

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November 13 Program

Our pre-holiday silent auction is your time to sort through hobby possessions and decide what you would like to offer for sale. And to buy – you may find something unique for a holiday gift. The June auction netted some nice returns for both the members and the club.

Auction forms will be sent with the November newsletter and by email – 80% Seller/20% Club or 100% to Club. Meet in Room 212, sellers arrive at 6:30 so there is time to set up and fill out your forms.

Hound’s Howl – 2 October 2009

Member News

Welcome New Members

Mark Barnes and Kaneez Rizvi and Muhammad Ali, Mohsin, and Zahra

Aiken

Alexandra Mai Bennett Daughter of Patti and Mike Bennett

Born on May 14

Happy October Birthdays

Wayne OBryant – 6th

Maurine Resch – 11th Herman Kunis Jr. – 21st

Ray Ireland – 24th

� Happy Anniversary

Carl and June Pohlman – October 10

Serve Your Club in 2010

This December we will elect a new president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

Margaret Ritter and her nominating committee will be asking some of you in the next month to consider applying your time and talents to lead your club in another successful year.

Fortunately, there are many in the membership who will support your endeavors as an officer and work with you to keep the club vital and responsive to new ideas.

A description of the responsibilities of each office will be sent by email with this newsletter. Consider serving, and contact Margaret at 649-7745 or [email protected] with your offer to serve.

With no hesitation, Steve Hutto answered my call for help in sharpening the cracker blades. It was decided that a Dremel with

grinding stone attachment might do the job before trying a larger stone, and it worked beautifully. Steve had all the apparatus for enjoys shop activities as a hobby. In addition, he offered to make new Plexiglas shields for the original ones were badly scratched and one could barely see the cracking operation. His wife Jo and Conrad Hamilton visited also, and we enjoyed reminiscing about their recent field trips.

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AIKEN-AUGUSTA 2010 SHOW MEETING

Thursday, October 8 @ 7 p.m.

Georgia Radiation Therapy Center 821 St. Sebastian Way

(across from University Hospital ER)

All members who are interested in planning the next show and wish to contribute their talents for its

success are cordially invited.

We meet on Saturday morning, October 17, at 8:30 for set up at USC-Aiken Student Activities Center; the public arrives at 10:00. Some of us will begin setting up on Friday afternoon so the next morning will not be so rushed. Those who offered to man the booth are Gail Wilkinson, Chris Glass, Herman Kunis, and Shellie Newell; another person is needed for there will be a new display on radioactive minerals using the club Geiger counter purchased in the last year.

If you can help, even for only a few hours, please contact Barbara by October 9, 649-0959, [email protected].

Help make our 21st year at S.E.E.D. the best ever!

October 2008 Hound’s Howl- 3

“Stately Fossils”

The last Ice Age was devastating for the Wisconsin fossil record, especially in the central and northern parts of the state. Fortunately, the area

from Prairie du Chien to Milwaukee remained relatively unscathed with fossils in abundance; one of these, Calymene celebra, a large trilobite with a distinctive triangular cephalon and large circular node, is a signature

fossil for the Silurian period and the state fossil

The fossils are found in limestone and dolomite formed in shallow water and in reef formations 400-430 million years ago when Wisconsin was about 30º south of the equator. The best location is Silurian Wauwatosa Reef in the Niagara Dolomite Formation. Other locations are in

Ozaukee County along the banks of the Milwaukee River and along the Menomonee River.

Source: Stately Fossils, a Comprehensive Look at the State Fossils and Other Official Fossils by Stephen Brusatte, 2002. Published and available from Fossil News, 1185 Claremont Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80305. Image from Paleontological Research Institution, www.priweb.org

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Trivia Vug from R. J. Harris, “Master of Spermology”, CPRMC • The largest oil-producing field in the lower 48 states is in Taft, California. • Isotelus rex is the largest known species of trilobite. It was found in northern Manitoba and measures about 28 inches long. • A hogback is a narrow ridge with steeply inclined sides of nearly equal slopes, formed by differential erosion of steeply dipping rock units. • It takes 200,000 pounds of copper to build one Trident class nuclear submarine. • A crystal that has grown in a rock during the process of metamorphism and which has not developed its characteristic crystal faces because of space limitations is called a xenoblast. Sources: History Channel, Geology.com, fossil-facts and finds.com via Franklin County Rockhounder May 2009 and Strata Gem 9/09 --from Rock Buster News, April 2009

Show ‘n’ Tell Review

The September meeting was one of the liveliest this year – much to see from summer digs, workshops, and travels added to the enthusiastic conversation and delicious refreshments.

Those showing off prized possessions made at William Holland were Buddy Applewhite with soapstone carvings; Wayne Parker with well-executed silver work; Gayla DeBose with jewelry she made by wire braiding and weaving; and Herman with pendants of blue lace agate and amethyst, blue topaz ring, and earrings all from the Intermediate Silver class he attended.

Jack Seech brought trays of his faceted stones; field trip finds were brought by Gail Wilkinson (pink, smoky, and milky quartz from Hogg Mine), and Steve Hutto displayed amethyst from Jackson’s Crossing and Diamond Hill, Crabtree emeralds, iridescent hematite, and marine fossils from the Ashley River. Patti Bennett brought her new “treasure” too – Alexandra Mai. (If anyone was missed in the write-up, the editor’s apology. More photos on our website: www.aikengmfs.org)

Websites +World’s Largest Cave, Song Doong, in the Vietnamese jungle, concerns the discovery of what is purported to be the world’s largest cave. It is no less than 262 X 262 feet and is at least 2.8 miles long. See <http:// news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090724-biggest-cavevietnam.html>. The cave was known to locals but was thoroughly explored by scientist from Britain and Viet Nam in April 2009. View the images shown on this National Geographic web site. +ITMCA (International Thumbnail Mineral Collectors Association), is a new site this year at <http://thumbnails.crocoite.com/>, and somewhat of a work in progress. You may wish to join the Google group for discussions and member contacts or the Thumbnail “Ning” Network to add your own content. See What’s New, Articles, and Images. --by Wendell Mohr, Rockhounder editor, Sept. 2009 issue

Hound’s Howl-4 October 2009

Nantahala Talc and Limestone Quarry Hewitt, North Carolina

October 10 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Nantahala Talc and Limestone Quarry, Hewitt, North Carolina (in the beautiful Nantahala gorge). WHAT: Banded pink, gray and yellow marble, calcite, dolomite, pyrite, travertine and talc. All young people under 18 must be with an adult/parent at all times. This is a working quarry with high unstable walls so everyone must stay away from the walls. SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Hard hats and safety glasses are required. Sturdy shoes, gloves, and appropriate outer clothing. Collecting is possible rain or shine. SPECIAL CONDITION: You must be a member of a club that is affiliated with American Federation of Mineralogical Society's regional societies: CFMS - California Federation; EFMLS - Eastern Federation; MWF - Midwest Federation; NFMS - Northwest Federation; RMFMS - Rocky Mountain Federation; SCFMS - South Central Federation; SFMS - Southeast Federation. University groups can attend with prior notice. WHAT TO BRING: Buckets and containers, rock and crack hammers, picks, sledge hammers, and flat and pointed chisels. We will drive into the large quarry and park on a mid-level bench. Bring a lunch and water; there are no restroom facilities. One can drive about ¼ mile to the quarry office for "relief", if necessary. WHERE TO STAY: Check out : Andrews; Bryson City; Cherokee; Robbinsville; and Murphy for motelsand campgrounds. DIRECTIONS: Meet at 9:00 AM at a Roadside Park/Rest Area on US-74 at Hewitt and proceed as a group to the nearby quarry. From the West: From the intersection of US-19 business and US-74E at Andrews drive ~ 12 miles east on US-74E to the park/rest area on the left-hand (north) side of highway (just past the bridge over the Nantahala River). From the East: From the intersection of US-19business and US-74W at Bryson City drive ~17.5 miles west on US-74W to the roadside park on the right-hand US-74E to the park/rest area. FOR ONLINE INFORMATION AND PICTURES OF THE QUARRY: http://www.mcrocks.com/page11.html CONTACT INFO: Mike Streeter – Email: [email protected] Phone: (828)667-8290

Clarification

In the September Hound’s Howl, reference to a fossil oyster collecting site in Georgia was published. Since then, it has come to your editor’s attention that this is a Wildlife

Management Area and no collecting is permitted. A sign is posted to that effect, and those who violate this mandate will be prosecuted.

For a map of the Yuchi WMA: www. georgiawildlife.org/regions/region3 _maps.aspx

Find “Yuchi” and click on” Line.”

Taylorsville, Kentucky Lower Kentucky River

October 17-18 An Official Field Trip of The KYANA Geological Society,

Louisville, KY(HOST) An Official Field Trip of Aiken GMFS

COLLECTING: Saturday the 17th to a series of road cuts in the area of Taylorsville, Spencer County, Kentucky Upper Ordovician fossils. The stratigraphic section ranges from the [Eden Fm - older name based on faunal assemblage Caster,Dalve,& Pope 1955 or the Kope based on Lithology Martin 1975] up through the Liberty or Bull Fork Fm. A good reference for these fossils is Cincinnati Fossils, An Elementary Guide to the Ordovician Rocks and Fossils of the Cincinnati, Ohio Region, by R.A. Davis, Publication 10, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, 1720 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone [513] 621-3889. The primary formation is the McMillan or Grant Lake, or the Maysvillian Stage . Most of the fossils will be loose, very little digging is required. There are about 100 different fossils in these units. One can expect to find with some diligence 25 different fossils. There are many varieties of brachiopods, bryozoans, pelecypods, gastropods, along with corals, cephalopods, rare finds include trilobites, edrioasteroids, and a very rare cyclooystoid was found here a couple of years ago. DIRECTIONS: Meet atTaylorsville State Park on Saturday morning. Highway 155/55 runs north south through the town of Taylorsville, turn east on to highway 44, take highway 44 to highway 248, take highway 248 east to the entrance of Taylorsville State Park, turn south on Park Road, pass the Park Office and to the covered picnic shelters, park here. If you go too far you will end up at the Possum Ridge Boat Ramp. Plan to leave the meeting area at 9:00 AM EST. We will be collecting along highway 44 and perhaps highway 155. If you arrive early please do not collect these stretches of highway. At a time yet to be determined, we will break from collecting and join KYANA Geological Society at our Annual Picnic at one of the covered shelters. It is a pot-luck with KYANA providing the meat [ham & turkey] and the drinks. You are not required to provide anything, it is our treat! For the afternoon we will either continue to collect the Taylorsville area or travel to the Frankfort area and collect in the Middle Ordovician, Lexington Limestone along the valley of the Lower Kentucky River [very pretty]. The KYANA Fossil Study Group has been investigating this area for the Ordovician trilobite Isotelus sp. WHAT TO BRING: [hammer, chisels, goggles, wrapping materials, buckets, sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses. You can access our website http://kyanageo.org/ and see some of these fossils and more. ►Sunday we be touring the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Meet in the Parking lot behind the building at 10:00 AM EST. If you intend to visit the Interpretive Center [recommended], do not pay the parking fee it is included in the admission fee. WHAT TO BRING: A shoulder bag or knapsack for carrying snacks, water, dry socks, extra pair of shoes, camera in watertight container, walking stick, sun glasses, sun hat, bug spray, sunscreen. This will be a fairly strenuous tour and will involve crossing the river bottom on algae covered rocks with up to two feet of water and some current. The surface of the Falls is dry beyond this point, and the variety of fossil corals exposed is astounding along with large silicified snails and other fossils. Bring a scale or a form of measurement, some of the coral heads are really big. No restrooms. This tour is dependent on the river level. Directions at http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/ The camping rates at Taylorsville Lake vary from $15-$28. Charles Oldham, KYANA Field Trip Chairman.[502] 241-8755 [email protected] ( prefer to communicate by e-mail). The only fees are admission to the State Park & perhaps a $2.00 parking fee. Any questions, feel free to contact me!■ ►

October 2009 Hound’s Howl – 5

M.A.G.M.A. Field Trips

Diamond Hill Mine, Antreville, S.C. November 14-16 Fee: $15/day

● Crabtree Mine Thanksgiving Dig!

November 28-30 Fee Dig: $25/day; $40/2 days; $50/3 days

For information: www.magmarocks.com at the "mine sites" link.

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Geology Field Camp for the Self-Destructive, in Four Parts

By Bob Jarrett Part I: Introduction

If one is over 62 years of age, the Georgia Board of Regents allows taking college courses tuition free. You can guess the rest: some nuts will accept anything “free”. Other costs are definitely unfree. May 24th found me in a well-used van loaded to the ceiling and driven by Dr. Hassan Babaie headed for Georgia State University’s 2009 geology field camp at Dillon, Montana for six weeks. Dillon is one hour South of Butte. Dillon’s altitude is about 5100 ft. above sea level – 4100 higher than Atlanta.

The first stop was for eight hours of brake repairs at Chattanooga, less than two hours into the trip. I should have known that old = issues. On the other hand, “free” is a strong attractor.

Geology field camp is the opportunity to see, feel, and smell how many earth and mineral forming and modification processes work together – in the nude. But you have to go to places like Montana, where the people are as nice as Georgians, and vegetation is sparse to none. Earth’s “bones” are visible.

You, too, have probably heard of Georgia geologists who went out and came back as botanists, -- because they went mad trying to find the rocks.

What did I learn? First, “free” is pretty expensive counting all the new gear, food, lodging, lab fees, and souvenirs. Then, there were the days of travel to and from Montana and daily hours to/from work sites. At my age, I do well at voluntary comas, so travel time isn’t much of a problem. Third, if all of Mother Nature’s hills and valleys we clambered up and down were flattened, Earth would be double its current diameter. Fourth, the only stable rocks are the ones we did not step on. Fifth, the world is paved with either pointy rocks sticking up so you can’t step on them or smooth rocks on loose gravel and sloping down. Sixth, the only flat (or shady) spot is on some other hill. Seventh, water is too heavy to carry and too

necessary to not carry. Eighth, the Frying Pan study area is aptly named for heat and dryness; so why aren’t all those rattlesnakes pre-fried and ready to eat??

Distant scenery is magnificent everywhere. Sagebrush, juniper and mountain mahogany flourish beautifully across the mid-distance.

Cow plop, sheep marbles, and creeping, sharp cacti in the near range serve to keep people upright despite gravity’s constant call.

The second installment will get more nitty and less gritty. --from Tips and Trips, Georgia MS, October 2009

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September Meeting Minutes

Herman Kunis, president, opened the meeting at 7:15 p.m. with 15 members present and 4 guests welcomed. ● The June minutes were not reviewed/ approved because they had not been published in the newsletter. ● The current treasury balance was reported by acting treasurer, Barbara F. She also reminded members that election of new officers will take place at the December meeting. Herman asked Margaret Ritter to chair a nominating committee for preparation of a slate. ● Shellie Newell reviewed current program line-up with a possibility of a spring program on digital photography of minerals by Ken Kipnis for both Augusta and Aiken club members. ● Herman reviewed field trips noted in the newsletter. Barbara reported that Glenn Williams told her no collecting was allowed at the “Oysters in Georgia” site published in the September Hound’s Howl (copied from Rocky Trails). A sign is posted at the area – offenders will be prosecuted. ● SEED preparations were noted by Barbara. Sharpening of the geode cracker blades is needed; Steve Hutto has a bench grinder that may work. Garry Graves sharpened the large geode cracker used at the show. Those who contributed giveaway specimens were Jack Seech and Jim Stoops. Gail Wilkinson, Chris Glass, Herman and Shellie volunteered to man the booth. ● 2010 Show update by Herman reported dealer contracts were sent and one responded. March 2011 dates have been reserved for the Casino. Display chairman Gayla Debose announced that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

prizes will be given in 3 categories – technical, aesthetic, and children. ● The business meeting was adjourned at 7:45. ● Door prizes were contributed by Yates Donnan, Steve, and Herman; tickets were distributed by Jim and Stephanie Bennett was the caller. Attendees devoured delicious refreshments brought by Shellie and Chris. A lively Show&Tell by Wayne Parker, Buddy Applewhite, Herman, Gayla, Steve, Jack, and Gail topped off an enjoyable evening. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fenstermacher, Acting Secretary

Hound’s Howl – 6 October 2009

Rock ‘n’ Read

The September/October issue of Rocks& Minerals is into gold again – concentrating on the Colorado Quartz Gold Mine in Mariposa County, California and the Eldorado Mine in Ouray County, Colorado. The two articles are comprehensive, as always, with outstanding photos, some colorful history, and a special interview with Lance Barker, Colorado Quartz Mine owner.

Major gold nugget finds is the focus of Collector’s Note by Robert B. Cook; a 116-ounce treasure, “El Chicharron,” found in 2003 by a miner in Colombia was sold at the 2008 Denver Show. Analyses indicate it is 935 fine (93.5%gold by weight.

The northeast is not left out with the “History and Geology of the Chateaugay Mine, Lyon Mountain, New York,” Included is a discussion of previously unreported minerals besides the well known magnetite ore.

A recap of last year’s micromounting events was presented in an article by Quintin Wight; a report from the Seventh Annual Winter Micromounter’s Gathering in Dowling Park, Flordia hosted by Aiken members Ed and Martha Cunningham was noted.

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Mineral Fakes By Bill Shelton, Tucson GMS

For twenty-plus years, I have been reading, finding and discussing fakes. One of my earliest memories involves a native silver/copper in a small central cavity within an agate that was Ron Bentley’s piece. He did not know it was a fake when he obtained it (as a youngster) but this and other pieces ultimately led to the article in Mineralogical Record that all collectors should read (and pay attention to). See Dunn, et.al., 1981. The Mineral Record indexes about 25 related articles for 1970 – 1994 as well. By the way, the cover of the Min. Rec. (Vol. 12, No.4) has silver on it – a mineral recently suspected of being faked in several major pieces. Synthetics and the use of similar materials (like smoky quartz for topaz) seem to be a major problem in the gemstone industry. As a potential consumer, be very careful when you buy amber, jade and turquoise. Generally, mineral collectors see less of this than gem enthusiasts but there was a large quantity of amethyst that was sold as genuine from Vorkuta, Russia (in the Urals) and later was disclosed as synthetic and continued to be sold as such for several years. The material looks somewhat close to real crystals and has amethyst and citrine coloration. Many pieces have a peculiar base that may assist in detecting them. Recent zircon crystals on matrix are being sold as genuine but many sources agree they too are fakes. It seems to me that they look pretty unlikely compared to real specimens, unlike the amethyst

from Russia. A lot of malachite recently was sold and later said to be made of ground up malachite and glue (nothing new about glue being used in fakes). Deception is nothing new – Sinkankas (1972) has 24 pages on mineral specimen fakes and deceptions covering nearly 125 different minerals that may be involved. It would be worthwhile to obtain and read both his comments and the Dunn, et.al. article to help one become more familiar with some of the past practices utilized in creating fakes and fraudulent specimens. This has been a more or less common problem for a very long time. It should be noted that some very old classic specimens residing in museum collections have been proven to be fakes. Your close examination of pending purchases is a wise decision. It is a common practice to offer little bornite samples at shows for children to buy – this is to encourage them to develop an interest in the hobby. Since they are also not what they seem to be, I wonder how this may affect future collectors. The synthetic bismuth and created copper samples are also similarly utilized. What can we say about the smoky quartz from Arkansas? It is produced by radiation and should not be sold as genuine. Recently, large Chinese turquoise appeared – there are some questions about their veracity tool. But perhaps the number one problem to be aware of is glue. It is sometimes easily detected but not always. The practice of disguising repairs and attaching crystals to matrix is unfortunately too common. We, the collectors, are far too trusting and easily taken in by fakes. Those with computers may refer to various websites that deal with this topic. Caveat emptor. References (please read them): Dunn, P.j., Bentley, R.E. and Wilson, W. E. 1981. Mineral Fakes in Mineralogical Record, Vol. 12, Number 4, pp. 197-219. Sinkansas, John. 1972. Gem and Mineral Data Book --from Rock Talk, November 2008

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Geology.com

Raven Maps are the most beautiful state wall maps that I have ever seen. They show the elevation and relief of a complete state through a skillful use of vibrant colors and topographic shading. Maps are available for individual

states, the Conterminous United States, North America, Mexico and the world.

Google Earth can be a great program to use in the classroom for both lecture demonstrations and student

investigations. Google has a getting-started page with links to a number of resources. Google maps provide another opportunity for interactive learning.Google maps of impact craters, San Andreas Fault, selected plate boundary features, state high points, sea level rise.

http://geology.com/news/category/south-carolina.shtml

October 2009 Hound’s Howl – 7

Build Your Own Hardness Kit By Don Peck, Canaveral MGS

Hardness is usually the first actual test that a field collector makes to identify an unknown. Usually, a scratch with the tip of a knife blade is the extent of the testing, but we can do better.

It is fairly easy to collect suitable small pieces of the first nine minerals in Mohs’ Scale of Hardness. The pieces can be small crystals or cleavage blocks. As long as they have smooth flat surfaces that can be scratched and points with which to scratch they are useful. A compartmented box, even an egg carton, can be used for storage.

A short length of stiff copper wire, sharpened on one end, is useful also. With a hardness of about 3.5 it substitutes for a penny (which since 1984 is not copper). So, your thumb nail at 2.5, the copper wire at 3.5 and a knife blade at 5.5 provide good estimates of hardness; but for actual determination one should use the minerals that Frederick Mohs proposed nearly 200 years ago. Editor’s Note: If you have access to a faceting machine, you can facet a point on the minerals of the Mohs scale and glue them on dowel rods. -- --From Chips & Deposits, May 2009 via Canaveral Moonstone, June 2009

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Drilling Holes In Agate Slices

Equipment: You will need a sturdy drill press that will turn fast, about 10,000 rpm. Don’t use the new Dremel drill press as they flex too much. The old metal ones are good, also the Foredom drill press is good. I use an old Dunmore. Your drill press doesn’t have to cost a lot. I purchased a metal drill stand at a yard sale for $2.00 and mounted my Black & Decker rotary tool in it, and that also works well. Do not buy the Covington gem drill to drill agate, as it goes too slow. It is meant for soft stones, not hard rock like agate.

Drill Bits: I start with a small hole. If it needs to be bigger, I ream it out. It is much easier to drill a small hole than a big one. I start with a 1.4 diamond bit, then I ream it out with a 1.8 triple ripple diamond bit - this bit is fluted and tapered. I only use it as a reamer. Coolant: I use Kingsley Tool Cool to keep the bit cool. You will need a shallow container to hold the stone to be drilled and the coolant. I put a thick wood backing under my stone so that the bit does not puncture my container as the bit comes through the back of the stone. Put just enough coolant in the container to cover the stone.

The Method: Now, here is the secret. Use light

pressure and a rapid up and down motion. This will keep the diamonds on the bit cool and lubricated. Too much pressure and you will fry your bit or break your stone. If you do not go up and down fast enough, you will burn the bit up. You will find there is a rhythm to it, and within a few slabs, you should be onto it.

Yield: I get 8 to 12 holes out of my 1.4 mm bits, and about 100 holes with the 1.8 mm triple ripple bit. Remember, this bit is just used as a reamer, not as a drill bit. I use the Kingsley North bits - their cheap ones - if you can call them cheap ! --Tip by Steve - on LA-Rocks, May 2008 via Calgary Lapidary Journal, Oct. 2009

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How Do Diamond Blades Work?

Diamond blades don’t really cut like a knife, they grind. During the process, individual diamond crystals are exposed on the outside edge and side of the rim. These exposed surface diamonds do the grinding work. The metal matrix locks each diamond in place. Trailing behind each exposed diamond is a “bond tail” (also called a comet tail), which helps support the diamond.

While the blade rotates on the arbor shaft of the saw, the stone is pushed into the blade. The blade begins to grind (cut) through the stone, while the stone begins wearing away the blade.

Exposed surface diamonds score the stone grinding it into a fine powder. Embedded diamonds remain beneath the surface. Exposed diamonds crack or fracture as they cut, breaking down into even smaller pieces. Hard dense rocks cause the diamonds to fracture even faster. The stone also begins wearing away the metal matrix through abrasion.

Highly abrasive rocks will cause the matrix to wear fast allowing new layers of diamond to continue cutting. This is the purpose of periodically “dressing” the blade with an abrasive block. -- from Graves Tech Notes (Author unknown); via Low Country Diggings, Sept. 2009

Editor’s note: found this 4-1/2 inch Turbo Diamond Blade, Wet & Dry for $2.61 on www.tool-sale.com

. . .

Hound’s Howl – 8 October 2009

Clean Up Your Act – Safely, Please By: Ted Reith, AFMS Safety Chair

The lovely, sparkly, near pristine

specimens many of us ‘collect’ at rock, gem, and mineral shows hardly ever are found in

that condition in Nature. Those who collect ‘in the wild’ will have some cleaning chores in front of them, whether planning to sell those specimens, or add them to a personal collection.

In almost any venture, simple is better than complex, and less hazard is better than more. However, if you truly know the specimen you have and the nature of the surface contaminant, then by all means use complex cleaning methods with hazardous chemicals (if that is the needed methodology), but do so safely.

An important key to any cleaning is to know your specimen and know its contaminant. This means to know each in terms of Mohs’ hardness and chemical make-up. Hardness will guide one in mechanical cleaning options, while the chemistry will dictate specific cleaning materials.

Cleaning methods, from simple/safe to complex/\less safe, may be outlined as follows: • Soak in or clean under running water, using a bristle brush. • Same as above, but add a cleaning agent, such as household detergent, to the water. This will help ‘wet’ the surface contaminant and allow it to be flushed away more readily. • If appropriate, use a brass brush (Mohs 3.5 – 5) or steel dental pick (harder). This is where knowledge of the base mineral hardness is useful. The tool needs to be harder than the contaminant, but less hard than the base material. Of course, test on an obscure area first to confirm suitability.

One very interesting cleaning option I saw is to use Soft Scrub® cleaner (ground calcium carbonate in a detergent base) and a battery powered toothbrush. To give credit, the following link provides an excellent write-up: <www.homepage.mac.com/rasprague/PegShop/ extras/ brush/brush.html>.

Use equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners (good for more fragile specimens) or small sand blasters to remove tough scale on minerals, while following all manufacturer use and safety recommendations.

Use an acid/water solution for those known, hard-to-remove contaminants. Oxalic acid and

hydrochloric (Muriatic) acids are typically used for cleaning of quartz. Both are available in hardware stores. Another useful link for specific procedures using acids is at: <www. rockhounds.com/rockshop/john_betts/clean1.html>.

The proper care and handling of acids can be accomplished using applied knowledge. The hazard associated with any acid is a function of the acid type and its concentration (%strength in water). If you put milk on your corn flakes this morning, and used oil & vinegar on

your salad for lunch, you just ate two acids. Milk contains lactic acid, and vinegar is a dilute (5%) solution of acetic acid.

Several notes are appropriate regarding the two acids frequently used in mineral cleaning. Oxalic Acid: Though classified as a weak organic acid, it is much stronger than acetic acid. Its primary hazard is skin irritation, with greater hazard if taken internally by mouth or breathing (classified as a poison).Recommended protective equipment includes gloves, apron, goggles, and respirator when used in poorly ventilated areas. Full MSDS info at:<www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/o6044.htm>. Muriatic Acid: AKA Hydrochloric acid – an extremely strong mineral acid with serious safety concerns. Severe

damage can result from tissue or eye contact. Inhaling the fumes or ingestion may be fatal. I’ve used this myself but wore butyl rubber gloves and apron, face shield, and used outdoors on a non-windy day to minimize inhalation concerns. Typically available commercially from 20–38% concentration you

MUST add the acid to water if dilution is needed, never add water to acid. MSDS: <www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/H3880.htm>.

When using any acid, note that spills or solutions remaining after use should be neutralized with an alkaline material. Some fairly common household items to do that would include soda ash, lime, or baking soda. How do you know when you have enough neutralizer? You can use the old high school chem lab stand-by–litmus paper. Or, get some red cabbage at the grocery, and use the juice as an indicator. At pH 2 (acid), it will be red; at pH 12 (alkaline), it will be greenish-yellow. At neutral pH of 7, it’s blue. --Ted’s Safety Corner in A.F.M.S. Newsletter, June, 2009

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Tips

Cleaning Petrified Wood – To remove clay and ferrous oxide from the surface use Mr. Clean. Do not use oxalic acid as it darkens the specimen. --from T-Town Rockhound, 3/9 via Pick&Pack, July 2009

To tumble soft material that is hard to polish, start with the second coarsest grit. Fill the tumbler ¾ or 7/8 full so the stones will roll and not fall. About ¼ the normal amount of cerium oxide polishes better than the usual polishes --from Owyhee Gem via Pick&Pack, June 2009

Get more out of your tumbling by adding specially shaped stones to your regular stones. Hearts, crosses, and elongated triangles made by cutting a rectangular slab across the diagonal are some of the possibilities. --from Quarry Quips via Pick&Pack, June 2009

October 2009 Hound’s Howl – 9

October 9 Program Gemstones of The Bible

presented by

Kim Cochran

Room 212, Science Building – USC-Aiken 7:00 – Business meeting

Refreshments – Sharon Sterrett and David Dunlap

FIELD TRIPS ���� ���� Oct. 10 @ 9 a.m., Hewitt, N.C., Nantahala Talc Limestone Quarry - SFMS ���� Oct. 17-18, Taylorsville, Kentucky. DMC ���� Nov. 6-8, Diamond Hill, Antreville S.C., M.A.G.M.A.

EVENTS �Oct. 2-4, Graves Mt. Dig and Swap � Oct. 2-4, Dallas, N.C. – Gaston Co. GMC show, Gaston Co. Park, Hwy. 279 � Oct. 3-4, Lexington, Ky. – Rockhounds of Central Kentucky show; KY National Guard Armory, 4301 Airport Rd. � Oct. 16-18, Franklin, N.C. – Leaf Looker’s Gemboree, GMS of Franklin, Macon Co. Comm. Bldg. � Oct. 16-18 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville GMS, Kerbela Temple

� Oct. 16-18 – Taylorsville, N.C. – Carolina GM Rock Swap/Show, Western Piedmont MGS, Taylorsville Lions Club Fairgrounds

2009 Refreshments/Program January 9 Sarkanys/Rockhound Jeopardy February 13 Kathleen Wallis / Durham Fossils March 6 Gayla DeBose / Show Case Preparation April 10 Beth O’Rear_/_Specimen Cleaning May 8 _Joan Jewett /_Amethyst Digs June 12 _Donnans /_Silent Auction July 11 (Saturday) Tellus Museum Summer Excursion September 11 Shellie & Chris / Summer Show & Tell October 9 Sharon Sterrett / Kim Cochran November 13 _Fenstermacher_/ Silent Auction December 11 @ 6:00 Holiday Dinner Meeting Election / Gift Exchange

AGMFS Officers and Committees Pres.: Herman Kunis Jr. (706) 855-7357; <[email protected]> V.P.: Shellie Newell, (803) 663-7752 Sec.: Barbara Headrick (706) 855-1928;<[email protected]> Treas.: Jack Seech (803) 202-0997; <[email protected]> Ed.: B. Fenstermacher (803) 649-0959; <[email protected]> 118 Ashwood Drive, Aiken, SC 29801-5154 Field Trip/DMC: OPEN Stamp Chairman: Sarah Jolley Librarian: Bill Reid (803)644-2988 Membership: OPEN Webmaster: Patti Bennett (803) 648-7215; <[email protected]> Federation Liaison: B. Fenstermacher USCA Liaison: B. Fenstermacher

THE AIKEN GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SOCIETY new/renewal (please circle) 2009 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Current Date:____________

NAME:____________________________________DOB mo/day______ SPOUSE’S NAME:___________DOB_________ ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________Anniversary date:________ CHILDREN’S NAMES (those who are active in the club):_____________________________________________________ HOME/WORK PHONE:____________________________E-MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________ Do you wish to receive newsletter by e-mail? (circle) No Yes If yes: by Word _____ or pdf_____

DUES: ���� FAMILY-$20.00 ���� SINGLE - $15.00 ���� STUDENT - $2.00 ____________ grade/age

_____________________________school MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: AIKEN GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY SEND TO: Herman Kunis, AGMFS President Treasurer’s Use: 4433Pierwood Way cash:________ check #: __________

Evans GA 30809 amt:________ date:________

Hound’s Howl Aiken Gem, Mineral & Fossil Society P.O. Box 267 Aiken, SC 29802-0267

FIRST CLASS MAIL

October 2009

Program: Oct. 9

Gemstones of The Bible By Kim Cochran 7:00 p.m. USC-Aiken Science Building, Room 212

The Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society operates as a non profit, educational organization affiliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc., the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies, Inc., and the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. The purpose of the Society is to stimulate interest in collection of gem and mineral materials and fossils and to impart knowledge of lapidary work, mineralogy, paleontology, collecting and classification of minerals and fossils, and the application in the art so greater pleasure may be derived from these activities. The Society meets at 7:00 p.m., second Friday of the month, in Room 212 of the USC-Aiken Science Building located in the University complex on University Parkway in Aiken. The annual dues, payable by December 31, are $20 for a family membership, $15 for a single adult membership and $2 for a junior member. The Hound’s Howl is published ten times a year by the Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society. An annual subscription is $9.00. Unless it is otherwise noted, permission is granted to reprint material from this bulletin for non-profit usage provided the sense or meaning of the material is not changed and proper credit is given to the club and author. Material written by the editor will not always have a by-line. The Society’s web page www.aikengmfs.org gives more information about the history of the club, the annual show, field trips, and community projects.

No Kiddie Korner