Pebble Press November 2015 Page 1

Next Executive Meeting Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE BOARD

Richmond Gem and Mineral Society’s

PEBBLE PRESS For November 2015

NEXT GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, November 24, 2015

6:45 pm start

PROGRAM

Lake Missoula and the Ice Age Flood

SHOW & TELL

Purple Coloured Rocks

REFRESHMENT TABLE

If your last name starts with the following letter, then it is your turn to bring a finger food or other type of snack for the refreshment table:

L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, & Z

Workshop Calendar November to December 31st 2015

David Bell Moving to Vancouver Island

Congratulations to our President David Bell who has found a new home on Vancouver Island. May he find a Rock Club as good as ours or better to join. With David moving away, our vice-president, Anthony Young will take on the President’s duties. We are a better club when we work together, so please give Anthony your support.

Mark Your Calendar!

Our Christmas Social will be on Tuesday, December 22.

The Lapidary Studio has been closed by the City of Richmond for Maintenance

The existing ventilation system and water piping systems do not meet current code requirements. We are hopeful that the work to correct these issues are done soon so that we can get back to enjoying our creative time at the workshop.

To help minimize the costs to the City, we have decided to upgrade the existing lapidary arbors to use bubblers for supplying water to the diamond wheels. We will also be responsible for providing a proper cage for the storage of additional one pound propane cylinders.

Membership News

Darlene Howe It is that time of year again. I will be sending in our membership fee to the BC Lapidary Society (BCLS). The BCLS is our umbrella organization that organizes province wide events like the May long weekend’s Ren-dezvous, various field trips, the annual Rock and Gem show in Abbotsford and the week long summer camp. BCLS also provides us with 3rd person liability insurance which insures we can use our lapidary studio. They require our money by December 31st. The infor-mation sent will be used in the provincial directory. Therefore it is important that we have your correct infor-mation, please let me know if you have any changes to address, e-mail, or telephone number. Just e-mail me. Also if you haven’t paid your membership fee for this year but want to renew, just e-mail, phone me, or mail your money to me. I can then get you a receipt and

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Pebble Press November 2015 Page 2

General Meeting

Month

Executive Meeting

Tuesday the 24th November Tuesday the 17th. 7:00 pm

Tuesday the 22nd December Tuesday the 15th. 7:00 pm

Tuesday the 26th January Tuesday the 19th. 7:00 pm

Tuesday the 23rd February Tuesday the 16th. 7:00 pm

Tuesday the 22nd March Tuesday the 15th. 7:00 pm

FUTURE MEETING PLANNER 2015 - 2016

Nature Park Presentation Sunday, November 15, 2015 By George Howe It was not a free ride at the Roll the Dice Game, if you wanted to win that polished stone or mineral specimen, then you had to correctly answer the skill testing question. Apparently, the questions were not that hard since we gave out almost every prize in the box. Over 400 visitors attended our club’s presentation and most people told us that they enjoyed their visit. Our demonstrations were well attended and received high praise from our guests. We even split the Donation box 50/50 with the Nature Park and received $209.00 to help cover the costs associated with this event. Harley and Livia were not able to attend, but their Showcase of Fraser River Rocks was a hit with the locals. Arn and Sharon also had a previous engagement but provid-ed great rock and mineral specimens used in our Rough, Slab, and Mineral Showcase. Eugenia K., George H., Darlene H., Annie C., Joan T., and Trapper, provided polished thundereggs, and handcrafted earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces for the Hand-crafted Item Showcase. Joan T., Gerry H., and George H. made jump rings, cut pieces of silver to use for ear-rings, and rings, created textures on silver, and even made a silver dome. Jean M. had her ear to the grinding stone working the Genie and impressing the crowd with her knowledge and skills. Ross W. was providing detailed information on the minerals that were shown on the large screen. Lui P. was eager to get back to carving and was talking up a storm with the admirers of his completed works of art. Linda B. was working her fingers to the bone wire-wrapping cabochons for pendants and earrings.

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Executive Positions 2015-2016

President David Bell

Vice-President Anthony Young

Secretary Jan McRobb

Treasurer George Howe

Program Chairperson Livia Waterson

Show Chairperson Lisa Kew

Workshop Chairperson Lui Porc

Ways & Means Chairperson Linda Boyce

Field Trip Chairperson Harley Waterson

Publicity Chairperson Natalie Helmstetter

Librarian Kay Eichacker

Pebble Press Editor Eugenia Kurganska

Social Convenor Bellamy Ho

Membership Chairperson Darlene Howe

Senior Delegate Sharon Hamelin

Past President Bob Gregory

Non-Executive Positions

Contact at Large Darlene Howe

Intermediate Delegate Darlene Howe

Junior Delegate Arn Hamelin

Workshop Assistants George Howe Tom Braund

Membership Assistant Dorreh Jahanshahi

Ways & Means Assistant Joan Turrell

Club Events

membership card ready for the November meeting. All unpaid members will be removed from our list by December 31 and the Pebble Press will no longer be emailed to you. As I wrote last month, I will miss those of you who decide not to renew but wish you all the best in your new adventures.

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Pebble Press November 2015 Page 3

Annual Rock & Gem Shows 2015 For details go to www.bclapidary.com

British Columbia Lapidary Society’s Wagonmasters’ Fieldtrips Spring and Summer 2015

February 27 & 28, 2016

MAPLE RIDGE LAPIDARY CLUB

March 12 & 13, 2016

HASTINGS CENTRE ROCK-HOUNDS

April 16 & 17, 2016 COURTENAY GEM & MINERAL CLUB

For detailed and updated information go to: www.bclapidary.com

or contact Harley Waterson at 604-590-3289 ALWAYS CALL THE TRIP LEADER THE DAY BEFORE TO EN-SURE THE TRIP IS GOING, AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER CHANGES.

Remember to wear layered clothing to be able to adjust to weather conditions at the location, bring a lunch and water on all field trips. En-sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. As always, US rockhounds in good standing with their clubs are invited to join our field trips! For something different, check out the field trips offered on the Washington State Mineral Council web site at: Washington State Mineral Council

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015

Gill Road - Fraser River Rock – Agate, Jasper, Petri-fied Wood

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2016

Jesperson Bar— Agate, Jas-per, Petrified Wood

January 3, 2016 Hamilton Bar - Fraser River Rock - Agate, Jasper, Petri-fied Wood

February 7, 2016 Anderson Bar - Fraser River Rock - Agate, Jasper, Petri-fied Wood, Potential Jade

February 28, 2016 Yale Bar - Fraser River Rock - Agate, Jasper, Petri-fied Wood

March 6, 2016 Peg Leg Bar — Fraser River Rock - Agate, Jasper, Petri-fied Wood, Potential Jade

Darlene H., Rhonda W., Lisa K., Grace E., Natalie H., and Sunny Y. were interacting with our guests by hosting the Rock Identification Game, the Roll the Dice Game, and the club’s information table. David B., David L., and Annie C. shared their time at various demonstration sta-tions providing their knowledge and skills and giving other members a chance to get some refreshments and that essential break. Angela made us feel at home providing our members with coffee, tea, and cookies. Angela made sure that the Kinsmen Pavilion was opened on time, acted as a greeter and looked after the Donation box. I would like to thank Gerry Hall for his assistance in helping with the pre-setup of the display cabinets and to again thank the members who arrived early and helped with the set-up and stayed late for the clean-up. It was greatly appreciated. If I have not mentioned your name, please forgive me and let me know.

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Citrine November birthdays are associated with two gems: Citrine and Topaz. The warm color of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it's believed to be a healing gemstone.

Pebble Press November 2015 Page 4

Birthstone of The Month (credit to earthsky.org )

The word ‘topaz,’ birthstone for the month of November,

comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “fire.” And in an-

cient lore, the topaz could be used to control heat. It was

said to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as

excessive anger. As medication, topaz was used to cure

fever.

Topaz occurs in a range of magnificent colors – blue, pale

green, varying shades of yellow, pink, red, brown and

even black. Pure topaz itself is a colorless stone. Red and

some pink topaz get their colors from chromium that is

substituted for aluminum in the crystals. But most other

colors occur due to minor element substitutions and de-

fects in the crystal. Some colors are unstable and can fade

away; for example, brown topaz mined in Siberia can be

bleached by sunlight. In other stones, color changes can be

induced by heating. High energy irradiation and moderate

heat treatment of colorless topaz can transform it to blue

gemstones.

Chemically, topaz is known as aluminum silicate fluoride

hydroxide. Because of strong chemical bonds within this

mineral, topaz is the hardest of silicate minerals. Topaz

gemstones occur in a large variety of sizes, from tiny crys-

tals to large rocks. The biggest uncut stone, a specimen

found in Brazil weighing almost 600 pounds, is on display

at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

A famous cut topaz in history is found among the crown

jewels of Portugal, a magnificent yellow stone weighing

12 ounces.

This gem, with its lively fire, clarity, beautiful colors and

hardness is ideal for jewelry such as clips, necklaces,

brooches and bracelets. Pure topaz, when brilliantly cut,

can be often mistaken for a diamond. Because of its rarity,

topaz is an expensive gem. The most valued and rarest

color is red. Imperial topaz-sherry colored varieties of

brownish-yellow, orange-yellow and reddish brown-are

the most popular topaz stones and command high prices,

as do pink colored stones. Light blue and pale yellow to-

paz are of less value, but are nevertheless stunning in

beauty.

Brazil is the largest producer of topaz, the most notable

source being the Minas Gerais region. Gems are also

found in Russia, the Ukraine, Pakistan, Scotland, Japan

and Sri Lanka. In the United States, the gemstones have

been found in Colorado and California.

During the Middle Ages, the topaz was used mostly by

royalty and clergy. A 13th century belief held that a topaz

engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the

goodwill of kings, princes and magnates.

Topaz was once thought to strengthen the mind, increase wisdom, and prevent mental disorders. It was thought to guard against sudden death. Powdered topaz added to wine was used to prevent asthma and insomnia. A cure for weak vision called for immersing the stone in wine for three days and nights, then rubbing the liquid on the eyes.

Pebble Press November 2015 Page 5

The following list of field trips are for the fall and winter season of 2015. All club members are invited to attend. Due to insurance reasons, we ask that all field trip at-tendees be paid-up club members. Most of the trips are going rain, or shine. If there is snow, stay home. Trips are typically 2-3 hours of collecting, and you are welcome to continue hunting. For food, it would be good to bring some snacks such as granola bars, or some hot beverages on cold days. For clothing layer up and bring some rain wear just in case it starts to rain. Hik-ing boots with ankle support are recommended, do not wear street shoes, runners, and other soft shoes without ankle support or tread for walking on slippery rocks. October 18, 9:00AM Sunday. Power Station quar tz crystals. This location is just east of Bridal Falls. This trip includes a strenuous hike, so is intended for people in good physical condition to make it up the overgrown trail. Tools required are small sledge, hammer, chisels, plus you can pick through rubble. Meeting place is the “Ranchers” coffee shop in Bridal Falls, which is attached to the Shell gas station just off the highway. Be there prior to 9:00AM to meet the trip leader, Trevor Christie. Contact info is: bcrockhunter@yahoo.ca 604-794-3668 November 8, 9:00AM Sunday, Gill Road bar , on the Fraser River near Chilliwack. This trip is to collect Fra-ser River materials such as jasper, agate, serpentine, and anything else we can find. This is an easy trip, we can drive cars close to the river bar, and is an easy walk to col-lect materials. For tools bring a squirt bottle with water, and something to carry your treasures. This site has smaller cobbles versus other river bars upstream. The meeting place is the Rosedale Traditional School, 50850 Yale Road Rosedale. ( From highway #1, use An-nis road exit, head north, turn right on Yale road….you will be close ) Trip leader is Trevor Christie http://www.mapquest.ca/#e847eab3c4b01ffe42e8e280 December 6, 9:00AM Sunday: Jesperson Bar , on the Fraser River near Chilliwack. Similar to the above Gill Road bar, just a different location. Same materials, same tools, easy access. Meeting spot is the Mt Cheam School, 9895 Banford Road in Chilliwack http://www.mapquest.ca/#a84dbe99d5dffb0b51a79e7d

January 3, Sunday, 9:00AM, Hamilton Bar , Fraser River near Agassiz. We will be looking for the same mate-rials and tools as the above two field trips. This has a short walk from the spot where we park the vehicles. Meeting spot is the Esso Station at 2406 Hot Springs Road. This is the intersection where Highway 7 meets the road to Harrison Hot Springs. Leader is Trevor Christie http://www.mapquest.ca/#c4367cefbef09e17a516c603 February 7, 9:00AM, Anderson Bar . This is Far ther upstream, and therefore has larger cobbles than those downstream from Agassiz. Anderson Bar is near Boston Bar, so the meeting place is the FasGas station in down-town Boston Bar. Again, Fraser River materials, includ-ing a potential for Jade. Usual tools, layered clothing and footwear to keep warm. You’ll need to get up early to get to Boston Bar for 9:00AM. Trevor Christie is again leading this trip. February 28, Sunday, 9:00AM, Yale Bar . This is a Fraser River gravel bar that is typically only accessible for a short time during low water in the winter. Larger cob-bles. This is sometimes a tricky gravel bar to walk, so not recommended for those who have difficulty walking on rough slippery gravel bars. This is also farther up-stream, and is approx. 20 minutes drive east of Hope. In case there is snow on this bar, we may change to another location. Gathering spot is the Ranchers coffee shop in Bridal Falls. Trip leader is Harley Waterson, harleyw@telus.net 778-979-0300 March 6, Sunday, 9:00AM Peg Leg bar in the Fraser River near Chilliwack. This is an easy access location, smaller sized cobbles. Again, Fraser River materials. The gathering place for this trip is the IGA parking lot, 9700 Menzies Street in Chilliwack. ( Use Vedder road exit from the freeway, go north ) http://www.mapquest.ca/#d24d24d80b5f87c2442ab47c Leader is Trevor Christie. As always, members from the US clubs are welcome to join the BC Field Trips, and we are also able to join up with the Washington State Mineral Council trips as well. Check out their trips at: https://mineralcouncil.wordpress.com/

Wagon Master Field Trip Report, November 2015

Pebble Press November 2015 Page 6

Minutes of the October 27th, 2015 General Meeting

Meeting called to order at 6:55 pm by David Bell Welcome to new members

Minutes: Chair moved to accept minutes as posted in Pebble Press Sec. GH. Passed Correspondence: None

Vice-President’s Report: Rockhounders available Treasurer’s Report: Audit completed by Lisa K, Bob G, and Annie C. Enve-

lopes need filling out to track incoming money. Bank Balance $14,218.91 Annual. Show Acc $1,5000.00 Balance $3,032.21 Cash in hand $25.65 Auditors Report Review of treasurers records. Record reconciled more regu-

larly (monthly). Thanks to GH for being treasurer to society.

Program Report: Next month: Lake Missoula and the Ice Age Flood Show and tell – purple rocks

Show Chairperson’s Report: Table price as before, LK will do forms on line and bring to

next meeting. There will be one entrance. Info at door. Contact Jennifer re

display of fluorescent rocks Nature Park November 15 at 11.00am. Be there at 9.00 to

set up. Ad in Leisure Magazine.

Workshop: Lui has had operation. Will be off for several weeks. He

would appreciate phone calls. Workshop shut down for repairs and upgrade to standards.

Awaiting engineers report. Mechanical electrical vents not up to standards. Problem

with water system for grinders piping not adequate. Solu-tion- use bubblers. Would need second sink. Need propane tank storage and steel safety cage. Rent paid will be credited next year.

Ways & Means: Please support the raffle. Field Trip Report: Fraser gravel bars for next 3-4 trips. November 8th Gill Road Bar Dec 6th Jespersen Bar, just past Chilliwack- drive to bar.

Bring squirt bottle.

Publicity Report: No report

Librarian Report: Kay is having operation on ear.

Pebble Press: If you are not getting an email copy of the Pebble Press contact Eugenia Kurganska at ekurganska@hotmail.com

Social Convenor: Thanks to Lisa for help.

Membership: DH at the hockey game

Senior Delegate Report: BC Lapidary society Award to Ross Weston. Adam Kelliher has photo in BC Lapidary calendar. Nov. 7-8 Delta Show at Community Centre. Summer Camp- Exploration. Find own campsite.. Rendez-

vous at Hope.

Art Coordinator: Meeting 14th November (Sat) 9-12 + lunch. President’s Report: Dave will be moving to the Island. Old Business: Richmond Nature Park, Sunday, November 15. We require vol-unteers to help do demonstration and promote the club. We also require members to provide 1 or 2 items for display including handcrafted jewelry, polished rocks, cut slabs and rough. New Business: GH Motion at executive meeting to give a life membership

to Trapper for his years of service to the society. GH pro-posed. AH seconded. Passed. Congratulations to Trapper.

LB announcement-Laurene Hilton passed away 2 weeks ago.

LB proposed motion to donate $50.00 to BC Lapidary Soci-ety in her memory. Seconded AH. Passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm Show & Tell: Arn and Sharon showed Kingman mine turquoise, both sta-

ble and unstable forms. HW showed reconstituted turquoise from mine at Tonapah,

and white buffalo turquoise. Next Executive Meeting: Tuesday, September 17th. Next General Meeting: Tuesday, November24th

RICHMOND GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY Minutes of the General Meeting held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015