WGMS Show Display Case Reservation - About Us 12 QQ.pdfWGMS Show Display Case Reservation ......

WGMS Show Display Case Reservation

Exhibits provided by WGMS members are a very important feature of our yearly show. If you can provide an

exhibit and/or need a case, please fill out this form and return to: Lyle Koerper, 1644 Valleyview Ct., Wichita,

KS 67212, or Bill Smith, PO Box 311, Hardtner, KS 67057-0311.

The club has many cases of different sizes available. Eight new lighted cases are being built. Please provide

complete information below, if possible by April 1. Use back if necessary.

____ I will provide ____ show exhibits, and have my own cases, size_________________.

My exhibit(s) will be _____________________________________________________.

____ I will provide ____ show exhibits, but need cases.

____ Wichita (unlighted) cases will be OK (Size: 30”W, 24”D, 3 H front 5” H back).

My exhibit(s) will be ____________________________________________________.

____ I will provide ____ show exhibits, but need WGMS lighted cases.

My exhibit(s) will be and each will require space as indicated.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name ______________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________ email__________________________________

Exhibits must be set up Thursday and remain in place through 5 p. m. Sunday.

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

LYLE KOERPER

1644 N VALLEYVIEW CT

WICHITA , KS 67212-1243

Qu

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Volume 61 Issue 2

FEB 2012

www.wgmsks.org

Member of the Rocky

Mountain Federation of

Mineralogical Societies

Affiliated with the

American Federation of

Mineralogical Societies

The Mica Group Lawrence H. Skelton

Wichita Gem and Mineral Society

Sixty years ago when I took Latin 1 at Central High School in Evansville, Indiana,

we learned a little poem that began “Mica mica parva stella” which in English is “Twinkle

twinkle little star.” The word “mica” is from the Latin “micare” meaning to shine, glitter, or

twinkle. Interestingly, its name in the Germanic/Scandinavian languages is “glimmer”

which in English also refers to a glittery or shiny object. The mica group which consists of

37 different minerals is part of the larger phyllosilicate family. “Phyllo” is from the Greek

word “phyllo” meaning “leaf ”) which refers to the leafy character of the other family mem-

bers (think of the thin-layered Greek pastry “phyllo”).

The mica group ranks among the most common

minerals of the earth’s crust comprising 4.5% by volume

of the crust. World production for 2009 was 315,000 tons

of scrap and sheet mica. The major producers of sheet

mica are: Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Brazil,

Belgium and India in that order. The main scrap/flake

mica producers are: Canada, PRC and India. The United

States in 2010 produced 53,000 tons of scrap mica. Do-

mestic sheet mica production is small because it is neces-

sary to hand pick it from pegmatite deposits.

Most mineral collectors are familiar with muscovite, biotite, phlogopite and lepi-

dolite. All members of the family generally occur as many-layered, platy forms and their

common character is the ability to be split into layers as thin as 0.00025 inches (0.00635

mm). Mica family members chemically are hydrous aluminum silicates combined with two

or sometimes three members of the periodic table 1a or 2a alkaline or alkali earth metals

such as lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, cesium or in tobelite, the ammo-

nium ion.

Muscovite, a reflective white or silver mineral, is the variety with the greatest num-

ber of commercial uses. The leading domestic use is as a component of joint compound used

in dry-wall (sheet-rock) finishing. Dry ground is used as an extender in the paint industry

and as an extender and filler in plastics. It is used to prevent lost circulation in oil and gas

well drilling mud. The rubber industry uses mica as a filler and as a mold release compound

and it acts as a binder and provides some glitter in roofing paper and asphalt shingles. Since

the use of asbestos has been banned for health/environmental reasons, mica has been used

by the automotive industry in brake linings and clutch plates. It has a decorative use in wall-

paper, concrete, stucco and tile contributing a shiny or glittery surface. Sheet mica is used in

the electric and electronic industries because of its dielectric or non-conductive ability. Wet

ground mica is used in personal cosmetics to provide the “glisten” in lipstick, nail polish,

etc. and finds a somewhat similar use in the pearlescent paints favored in the auto industry.

The chromium-bearing muscovite, fuchsite, when included in quartzite forms the green

decorative stone aventurine.

(continued on page 7)

Margarite. Photo by Amber Skelton.

Specimen from author’s collection.

Board of Directors

President ........................ Tony Giardina...................... 316-214-8227

[email protected]

Vice-President .............. Peggy Maggard…................. 316-742-3746

[email protected]

Secretary .................Monica Turner-Williams…...…..316-744-1568

[email protected]

Treasurer ....................... Sandy Whiting ..................... 316-744-8848

[email protected]

Membership ..................Susan Bannon ....................... 316-689-8256

Editor ............................ Carolyn White....................... 316-250-6182

[email protected], [email protected]

Field Trip ...................... Lyle Koerper .………….…316-722-7115

Publicity......................... Leo Heidebrecht................... 316-260-4591

[email protected]

Show Chair .................... Gene Maggard...................... 316-742-3746

[email protected]

Finance ............................ Bob Haines……………...316-683-9021

[email protected]

Director 2012……...…..Naomi Matney.…….……316-265-2665 Director 2013…………..Ardis Cruz……...………316-218-0250 Director 2014…………..Don Atherton…………..316-685-2725

Appointed Officers

Cheer .......................…Debby Moore………………316-558-0883

Curator..................... Greg Weisbrod .......................... 316-686-1810

Federation Rep......... Bill & Janet Smith .................... 620-296-4652

[email protected]

Gifts .............................. Paul Radiel ............................ 316-777-4174

Historian ....................... Mary Clough ......................... 316-943-1785

Hospitality .................... Debbie Winton .................... 316-841-8773

[email protected]

Insurance/Property…. Peggy Maggard ..................... 316-742-3746

[email protected]

Junior Leader ................Elizabeth Hixon.....................316-651-0054

[email protected]

Librarian ......................... Jim Yanda …....................... 620-455-2419

[email protected]

Webmaster…………..…Diane DeGood……...…..316-794-8391

Dues: Club Year September 1 - August 31

Adult Membership ................................................................................. $10.00

Junior Membership (13-17) .................................................................. $ 5.00

(must have adult sponsor)

Quarry Quips Subscription ONLY ..................................................... $ 8.00

Please send dues to: WGMS Treasurer, c/o Susan Bannon, 11825 E 1st St N, Wichita KS 67206-2732

Our Annual show will be:

April 20, 21 & 22 2012 Rocky Mountain Minerals

The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,

tax-exempt, educational organization. Our purpose shall be exclusively

educational and scientific; (a) to increase and disseminate knowledge of

the earth sciences pertaining to minerals, gems, rocks, artifacts, and

fossils and similar subjects; (b) to promote and perpetuate knowledge

of the lapidary arts; © to encourage field trips to study the earth sci-

ences, particularly of geology and mineralization in place and (d) to

encourage greater public interest and education in gems, fossils and

minerals, cooperating with established institutions in such matters.

The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. meets the fourth Sunday of

each month at 2:00 p.m. in Room 101, Geology Building, Wichita State

University. - Except - January (Anniversary Party); April (Annual

Show); August (Picnic & Auction). (November and December meetings

are subject to University holiday closings.) Times and locations to be

announced/published. WGMS does NOT offer classes or workshops.

Board meetings are held on the Monday preceding the General meeting

at places announced and/or printed in the Quarry Quips, the official

bulletin of the Society. ALL members are urged to contribute material

for publication in the Quarry Quips, the deadline for ALL articles is

the Friday following the General meeting. All articles should be submit-

ted by e-mail to: [email protected] or snail mail to:

Carolyn White 2225 N. Fountain Wichita KS 67220

Club mailing address:

Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc. PO Box 1464

Wichita KS 67201-1464 Web Address: www.wgmsks.org

The Quarry Quips is published monthly by the Wichita Gem & Mineral

Society, Inc. Articles printed in this newsletter are the experiences

and/or opinions of the individuals submitting them, they do not

necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Wichita Gem & Mineral

Society or the editor. We are not responsible for their authenticity,

safety, or reliability. Caution and safety should always be practiced

when trying out any new idea. Articles written without a byline are

written by the editor.

Copyright © 2011 Wichita Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.

Except for items that are specifically copyrighted by their authors, other

societies may use material published in the Quarry Quips provided that

proper credit is given to the Author (if author is a WGMS member it

will be so noted in the byline, please include this “WGMS member” in

the byline) and the Quarry Quips, and the sense or meaning of the

material is not changed.

Exchange Bulletins Welcome

Page 2 QUA RRY QUI PS WI CHI T A GE M & MI NER AL SOCIE TY ~ W ICHIT A, K S FE BR UA RY 201 2

2011 - 2012 Officers About our Club

QUA RRY QUI PS WI CHI T A GE M & MI NER AL SOCIE TY ~ W ICHIT A, K S FE BR UA RY 201 2

Membership News

Programs By Peggy Maggard

February WGMS 2012 Program-Tools from the Earth

Our program for February 26 will be Terry Pow-

ell, an archaeologist and owner of Tools from the Earth.

He makes replicas of prehistoric tools for use in muse-

ums, gift shops and individual collectors. Terry has a

master’s degree in anthropology from Southern Illinois

University and worked as an archaeologist for 30 years

before forming his business.

He will have many examples on hand so you can

see and feel what a prehistoric tool was like. You might

say his business came from his curiosity about if and how

well the tools actually worked.

Terry tries to use the same materials to make his

replica that was used to create the original tool. Some-

times he has to get creative if he can’t find a particular

material. He tries to find a substitute that would have

been available to the tool maker.

Please add the following new member to your directory:

Stephen L Albers BD: 4/29

5719 E. Skinner

Wichita, KS 67218

316-682-5280

Don Atherton

Outstanding Service Award.

Lloyd Folger George Mack

Ann Radiel

Vyonne Mack

Paul Radiel

Claude Matney

Sarah Murphy

Mary Clough

Auction Fever

Joshua Hixon receives his

5 year pin

Welcome new Life

Members!


WGMS Meeting Minutes By Monica Turner-Williams, Secretary

Tony Giardina brought the January general meeting and Anniversary Party to order. There were no changes to the minutes.

Gene Maggard asked for volunteers to sign up for show duties and a meeting is scheduled before the Feburary board meeting.

Peggy Maggard introduced the current President of the Rocky Mountain Federation, Delane Cox, as a special guest. A moment of silence was observed in memory of members who have passed in 2010. Stanley Ayers, John Lolley, Curley Clough, and Elsie Vawter were honored. Peggy Maggard presented the Outstanding Service Award to Don Atherton.

Susan Bannon awarded plaques to the Lifetime Mem-bers. They are: Lloyd Folger, Sara Murphy, Claude Mat-ney, Paul & Ann Radiel, George & Vyonne Mack, Mary Clough, and Jim Miller. Ann Ebersol was given her 20 year star. Sally Henning, Josh Hixon, & Merle White were awarded their 5 year member name badges. Susan reported that 52 Members and 9 Visitors were present.

Member Door Prizes:

Gene Maggard – Cats eye pendant with chain

Claude Matney – Pink Agate Belt Buckle

George Mack – Agate Bolo

Badge Door Prizes:

Lloyd Folger – Brazilian Agate Bolo donated by Radi-els

Debbie Moore – Victoria soapstone with chain do-nated by Radiels

June Koeper – Agate Bracelet

Visitor Door Prizes:

John Gingrich – Woodland Ranch Plume

Wayne Cox – Agate piece

Elizabeth Gant – Jasper Belt Buckle

Leo Heidebrecht and Lyle Koeper asked for members to volunteer to promote the Gem and Mineral show at a monthly flea market. Contact them directly for more infor-mation.

Cake and drinks was served before the auction began.

Meeting and Anniversary Party adjourned at 4:09 pm

The January board meeting of the Wichita Gem & Mineral

Society was called to order January 16, 2012 by Presi-dent Tony Giardina. Carolyn White, Susan Bannon, Tony Giardina, Ardis Cruz, Don Atherton, Naomi Matney, Leo Heidebrecht, Lyle Koerper, Bob Haines, Gene & Peggy Maggard, Monica Williams, and guest Mary Clough were present.

Susan Bannon made the motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting Ardis Cruz seconded, motion passed.

Peggy Maggard outlined the upcoming programs.

Susan Bannon submitted a new member application for Stephen Albers. Gene Maggard made the motion to ap-prove, Leo Heidebrecht seconded, motion passed. Dis-cussion about possible changes to membership applica-tion to better reflect what members could contribute to the club and identify ability and interests. A committee was formed to look into this. Leo Heidebrecht, Susan Ban-non, Mary Clough, and Ardis Cruz volunteered.

Lyle Koerper reported on upcoming field trips.

Febuary 18th – Joe and Ardis Cruz museum and shop

open house

March 16-18 -- Rocky Mountain Federation Meeting, Albuquerque, NM

April 28th – Oklahoma Salt Flats near Cherokee, OK

May 26th – Bill & Janet Smith Museum, Hardtner, KS

and nearby Kansas Prairie Hunt

June & July – to be announced: Oklahoma rose rocks, Eastern KS fossils

Fall – to be announced: Western KS fossils

Carolyn White reported that our website needs to be up-dated. Details and costs were discussed Gene Maggard made the motion to purchase a web designer program for unlimited number of pages for a three year term costing $7.49/month. Bob Haines seconded and motion passed. Carolyn White also updated the board on current status of the printer copier. It has been jamming frequently and a service request will need to be placed. Discussion on possible replacement and other options followed.

Leo Heidebrecht reported about the progress and plans of having a table at a local flea market to promote the club and show.

Lyle Koerper made the motion to nominate Ray Adams for lifetime membership status, Gene Maggard seconded, motion passed. Susan Bannon made the motion to nomi-nate Jim Miller as a lifetime member, Monica Williams seconded, motion passed. General discussion about Rocky Mountain Federation Meeting.

Lyle Koerper – Kansas Representative

Tony Giardina and Bill Smith– Delegates

We need volunteers to bring snacks for

the social hour following the meeting.

Please contact Debbie Winton at :

316-841-8773 or [email protected]


Show Report

By Gene Maggard, Show Chari

Note: Additional people are needed to serve on the Show Committee.

If you are interested in any way, please call Gene Maggard, show chair, at 742-3746. Ideally we’d like to have 2 people in each spot.

Don’t know what you’d enjoy helping with? That is ok, pick one. Next year try something else! Some one already assigned to the area you are interested in? That’s ok too. We like to share!

Current Show Committee Members

2011 Show Committee

Chairman Gene Maggard 316-742-3746

Admissions Peggy Maggard 316-742-3746

Announcer Lisa Scheibmeir 620-727-5590

Dealers David Hardin 316-946-0008

Demonstrators Debby Moore 316-524-6001

Electrical Greg Weisbrod 316-686-1810

Fluorescents Scott Norton 316-258-7954

Gem Hunt David Hardin 316-946-0008

Grab Bags Carolyn White 316-250-6182

Hospitality Debbie Winton 316-841-8773

Junior Rock Pile Alan DeGood 316-794-8391

Education Day Pat Clough-McCombs

Mary Clough

316-210-7380

316-943-1785

Security Tony McClaflin 785-489-2248

Set Up Lyle Koerper 316-722-7115

Silent Auction Larry Skelton 316-722-1267

Special Exhibits OPEN

Special Programs Peggy Maggard 316-742-3746

Volunteer Coord Ardis Cruz 316-218-0250

Wheel Marci Fleeker 316-262-8392

President Tony Giardina 316-214-8227

Membership Susan Bannon 316-689-8256

Publicity Leo Heidebrecht 316-260-4591

Secretary Monica Williams 316-708-3488

Webmaster Diane DeGood 316-794-8391

Editor Carolyn White 316-250-6182

Showtime is almost here. You can sign up for work

times at the Feb. meeting. Remember, we need all the

help possible for setup on Thursday, April 19. If you

have a special place that you would like to work, talk

with the Chair of that activity.

Out show theme this year is “Rocky Mountain Minerals,”

so if you have any interesting mineral specimens for the

Rock Mountain area it would be appropriate to show

them in your display case. If you have any “great” ones

let me know and we might put them in our Special Ex-

hibit case.

Exhibit reservation forms will be available at the Feb.

meeting and you will probably also find one attached to

this newsletter. Reservations are due by April 1.

Show Committee Meeting

Monday Feb 20 , 7pm

Community of Christi Church

3500 S. Web Rd.

RMFMS News:

RMFMS Show March 15-18, Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque Treasures of the Earth (TotE) Gem and Mineral

Show, Mar. 16, 17, 18, 2012 at the NM State Fairgrounds in

the Creative Arts Bldg. Over 40 dealers. Minerals, fossils,

jewelry, books, junior table, raffles, silent auction, live wolf,

door prizes. Friday is Dollar Day. Admission Sat., & Sun.

$3, under 13 free! Fri-Sat 10-6, Sun. 10-5.

AFMS News:

Multi-Federation Field Trip by Doug True, Chair

The next multi-federation field trip is scheduled for

June 13-15th 2012. We will have four (4) trips to

collect petrified wood in the Twin Springs area south

of Ontario, OR. We're planning on collecting wood in

the Grassy Mountain area, Hoodoo Basin, several

white plume areas and others.

dtruefossils@ yahoo.com


Don’t Miss Stay-Indoors Field Trip

By Lyle Koerper, Field Trip Chair

Ladies “Wowed” by

Rock Presentation

By June Koerper

Saturday, February 18, is a stay-indoors field trip to the

home of Ardis and Joe Cruz, 712 W Harry St., Andover.

Stop by anytime from 10 a. m. to 2:30 p. m.

This can be a good lesson in mineral and fossil identifica-

tion. Ardis and Joe will have their Fossil Museum open,

and will display some of the materials they acquired re-

cently when they purchased the inventory of a rock shop.

Yes, many items will be for sale, but a purchase is not

required.

Remember, the address is really east of Wichita -- west

of Andover.

I was asked if Lye and I would give a program on rock-

hounding for the WOW (Women of the World) Club of

which I am a member. I was a bit apprehensive about the

interest these ladies would have in learning about rocks.

But 31 members and two guests attended the January 10

meeting. We had a good time telling about the specimens

we showed along with the articles Lyle had written from

“Rock and Gem” magazine. We also showed wire

wrapped cab pendants.

We came away feeling we had wowed the ladies with

rocks. And, a number accepted show flyers with enthusi-

asm.

Member Bulletin Board A spot where members can post announcements, items wanted or for

sale. First come, first serve, priority to new items. (text only)

Contact Carolyn at [email protected] or 2225 N. Fountain,

Wichita, KS 67220

Beading Bee, Wednesdays 4pm - ?, Marci

Fleeker’s house, 2166 S. Topeka,

262-8392, Bring your own project

General Club Meetings

Feb 26 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Mar 25 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Apr 20-22 WGMS Show

May 20 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Jun 24 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Jul 22 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Aug 25 Community of Christ Church 12:30 pm

(picnic and auction)

Sep 23 Rock Swap (Saturday) location and time to

be announced

Oct 28 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Nov 18 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Dec 16 WSU Geology Bldg, Rm 101 2 pm

Board Meetings

Feb 20 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Mar 19 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Apr 16 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

May 14 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Jun 18 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Jul 16 Gene Maggard’s House 7 pm

Aug 20 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Sep 17 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Oct 22 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Nov12 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Dec 10 Community of Christ Church 7 pm

Field Trips

Feb 18 Open House at Joe and Ardis Cruz 10 am - 2:30 pm 712 W Harry, Andover KS

Mar 16-18 Rocky Mountain Federation Meeting and

Show in Albuquerque, NM

Apr 28 Cherokee, Oklahoma Great Salt Plains State Park (about 110 miles)

May 26 Hardtner, KS, Bill and Janet Nature Museum (rated 5 star) and an afternoon of rockhounding on nearby ranch land (about 100 miles)

Remember, don’t hesitate to contact any WGMS member for ideas about rockhounding vacations, day trips, etc.

The Year Ahead


The Mica Group by Lawrence Skelton - Continued from cover

One would expect that such a useful mineral would be highly esteemed in ancient cultures

and archeological evidence shows that it found uses throughout the world. Native Ameri-

cans of the Hopewell Culture made mirrors and cutouts in forms of human hands, ser-

pents, bears, bird talons, etc. from sheet muscovite mined in North Carolina or Virginia.

Sheets of mica were used as grave linings for high-ranking members of the tribe. The

Hopewell people flourished from about 100 B.C. to 500 A.D. and were centered in present

Ohio; extended from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. From around 800 to 1500 A.D.,

the Mississippian Culture thrived from Oklahoma (Spiro) to the southeast Atlantic coast

and north to the Cahokia area near East Saint Louis, Illinois. Like the earlier Midwestern

Hopewell, these people also were mound builders who made muscovite effigy cutouts and

mirrors. Farther south, the Mayan people began building a temple (now called Rosalila) at

Copán, Honduras in 570 A.D. Recent research has found that the red paint covering

Rosalila was charged with crushed mica that would cause the paint coat to glitter in

sunlight. Sheets of muscovite mica have been found in the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán, Mexico. The use of mica

is far older in the Old World: mica mirrors, probably imported from Egypt have been found in the Sudan in East Africa

in burial sites dated to around 3000 B.C. and beads, pendants and mirrors appeared in pre-dynastic times in Egypt. Pen-

dants and necklaces decorated with mica have been found in Egyptian Middle Kingdom (2133 -1567 B.C.) excavations.

In China, mica was being used for windows of lanterns during the Three Kingdom Dynasty (231 – 581 A.D.). Vitruvius

(ca. 80 – 15 B.C.), a Roman architect and engineer, wrote that as early as 100 B.C., mica was used to glaze windows on

the south side of buildings in order to use solar heating during the winter months. Later, during the Second Century

(A.D.) the first greenhouse on record was constructed for a Roman emperor by using sheets of mica as a roof. In ancient

times, varieties of mica were burned, ground and used for medicine by Indians, Greeks and Romans and biotite yet to-

day finds use in today’s “New Age” medicines.

Mica minerals form in the monoclinic crystal system and exhibit perfect basal cleavage. The crystals which of-

ten form in stacks are referred to as books and are usually hexagonal or diamond-shaped in outline. Hardness ranges

from 2 to 3 in most species (margarite is 3.5 to 4.5) and specific gravity ranges from 2.7 to 3.1, again depending on the

species. Crystal plates are elastic with exception of margarite which is brittle. If a flat cleavage surface of any of the

group is struck with a blunt instrument such as the round end of a ball peen hammer, a six-rayed percussion figure or star

will be created. The color varies by species, and luster is vitreous to pearly. Thin plates of mica are elastic and will return

to a flat condition after bending

Mica nomenclature is complicated. New species of minerals are described (from “approaching 2,000” in John

Sinkankas’s 1964 Mineralogy to “approximately 3,000” in Klein’s and Hurlbuts’s 1985 edition of Dana’s Manual of

Mineralogy. At present, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) recognizes 4,714 different minerals. The

IMA’s Commission on New Minerals Nomenclature and Classification is the present ultimate authority on the topic and

researches old names as well as naming newly discovered minerals. Like many “naming committees” the IMA has its

“lumpers” and “splitters” who make recommendations based on new discoveries and how physical and chemical charac-

teristics fit pre-existing mineral names. For example, in 1999, the mica mineral biotite was redesignated from being a

separate species of the mica group to being a series or subgroup of the micas: the Biotite - Phlogopite series which in-

cludes phlogopite, siderophyllite and eastonite. Chemical analysis of a new specimen of a previously known mineral

may reveal additional components not present in other samples. Example: the replacement of an aluminum atom with

boron changes the time-honored muscovite [KAl2(Si3Al))O10(OH,F)2] to boromuscovite [KAL2(Si3B)O10 (OH,F)2 .

When boron replaces the one aluminum thus changing the chemical structure of a molecule of muscovite, a new mineral,

boromuscovite, is formed. Fuchsite, a mica usually considered to be a green muscovite contains

three chromium atoms which replace two aluminum atoms found in muscovite which also loses

its fluorine atom. For that reason, some mineralogy texts classify it as a separate mineral al-

though IMA considers fuchsite to be a variety of muscovite. Roscoelite is similar to muscovite

but contains a vanadium and a magnesium atom in lieu of one of the aluminum atoms present in

muscovite. Lepidolite, a scaly (hence the name from the Greek “lepido” meaning “scale”) mica

that occurs in pegmatites contains lithium in its composition as does polylithionite, trilithionite

and zinnwaldite. Differing amounts of lithium and absence or presence of other elements creates

different minerals though all are members of the mica group. These few examples show what is

meant by the opening sentence of this paragraph that mica nomenclature is complicated.

Muscovite Twin. Photograph by

Amber D. Skelton. Specimen

from author’s collection.

Schist. Photo by

Amber Skelton.

QUA RRY QUI PS WI CHI T A GE M & MI NER AL SOCIE TY ~ W ICHIT A, K S FE BR UA RY 201 2 Page 8

Rocks are mixtures of minerals and some of each of the three categories of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and

metamorphic) may contain one or more members of the mica group. In granite, the most common visible dark mineral is

a mica of the biotite series. Muscovite is less common but may be present. Muscovite may occur in large, thick sheets

(books) in pegmatites. A biotite member also may be present in granodiorite, quartz diorite and diorite and is a common

accessory mineral in monzonite. Muscovite occurs in the metamorphic rocks: slate, phyllite and schist. Its crystals are

usually microscopic in the first two but provide the silky luster seen on foliation or cleavage surfaces. Biotite is found in

schist and gneiss. Phlogopite, though less common than biotite, sometimes occurs in impure marble. Muscovite occurs in

sandstone both as detrital flakes washed in with quartz grains from the weathering of granite, schist, etc and as authi-

genic mica formed in place, usually from illite, a clay mineral of the mica group. Muscovite forms in an oxidizing

(shallow) environment in generally neutral (neither acidic nor caustic) solutions.

The most common representatives of the mica family are: muscovite, paragonite, glauconite, lepidolite, biotite

and zinnwaldite. Paragonite may be difficult to distinguish from muscovite since the only difference is sodium in lieu of

potassium in paragonite’s composition. All may be collected. In addition, margarite, a brittle mica often occurring with

emery in New England may be collected. Glauconite and illite (mentioned above) are classified as “interlayer deficient

micas,” referring to their crystal structure. Glauconite forms in shallow, stagnant, marine water and may be found in the

form of small, green pellets or blobs in limestone, siltstone, sandstone and shale. Zinnwaldite is a iron-lithium mica

formed hydrothermally in some granite and in tin or topaz-bearing pegmatites. It may be pale violet, yellow to brown or

dark gray. Muscovite and biotite can be found in granite and pegmatite in New England, North Carolina, Colorado and

Southern California. An uncommon botryoidal form of muscovite called “Ball peen muscovite” occurs in some pegma-

tites in Branchville, Connecticut and elsewhere in New England. Sericite is a fine-grained, silky-sheen muscovite pro-

duced by hydrothermal alteration of feldspar or other minerals. The variety of color and habitats of the mica group min-

erals offer an opportunity for a specialized collection.

True Micas

Aluminoceladonite

Boromuscovite

Celadonite

Chromphyllite

Ferro-aluminoceladonite

Ferroceladonite

Muscovite (& var. Fuchsite)

Nampingite

Paragonite

Roscoelite

Tobelite

Annite

Aspidolite

References Cited

Aston, Barbara G., Harrell, James A., and Shaw, Ian, 2000, “Stone” in Nicholson, Paul T.and Shaw, Ian, eds., Ancient Egyptian Materials

and Technology. Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press, 673 p.

Ford, William E., 1932, A Textbook of Mineralogy with an Extended Treatise on Crystallography and Physical Mineralogy, 4th. Edition.

New York, John Wiley & Sons, 851 p.

Hurlbut, Cornelius S., Jr., 1952, Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy, 16th Edition. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 530 p.

Klein, Cornelis and Hurlbut, Cornelius S., Jr., 1985, Manual of Mineralogy (after James D. Dana), 20th Edition. New York, John Wiley &

Sons, 596 p.

Kraus, Edward H., Hunt, Walter F. and Ramsdell, Lewis S., 1959, Mineralogy – An Introduction to the Study of Minerals and Crystals, 5th

Edition. New York, McGraw-Hill, 686 p.

Sinkankas, John, 1964, Mineralogy. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 585 p.

Spock, Leslie E., 1953, Guide to the Study of Rocks. New York, Harper & Brothers, 256 p.

List of mica group minerals from: http://www.galleries.com/Mica_Group

Presently Acknowledged Members of the Mica Group

Brittle Micas

Chernykite

Margarite

Anadite

Bityite

Clintonite

Kinoshitalite

Interlayer Deficient Micas

Brammalite

Glauconite

Hydromuscovite

Illite

Wonesite

Biotite

Eastonite

Ephesite

Hendricksite

Lepidolite

Masotomilite

Montdorite

Norrishite

Polylithionite

Phlogopite

Preiswerkite

Siderophyllite

Mica, Hexagon Crystals.

Photo by Amber Skelton Speciment

from Author’s collection

http://www.galleries.com/Mica_Group


Show Calendar

For a more complete list of all shows go to: http://www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp

or refer to a copy of Rock & Gem Magazine.

February:

9-12—TUCSON, ARIZONA: Annual show; Tucson Gem & Min-

eral Society; Tucson Convention Center; 260 S. Church Ave.;

Thu. 10-6, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; adults $10, seniors and

active military $8 on Fri., children (14 and under) free with adult;

2-day tickets $17 ; contact Show Chairman, PO Box 42588, Tuc-

son, AZ 85733, (520) 322-5773; e-mail: [email protected]; Web

site: www.tgms.org

10-12—KIRKWOOD (ST. LOUIS), MISSOURI: Annual show;

Cabin Fever Productions Inc.; Kirkwood Community Center; 111

S. Geyer; Fri. 4-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $3, seniors and stu-

dents $2, children freecontact Bruce Vick, (618) 973-7222; e-mail:

[email protected]; Web site: www.cabinfeverprod.com

18-19—GEORGETOWN, TEXAS: Annual show; Williamson

County Gem & Mineral Society; Community Center; San Gaberial

Park; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, students $1, children (under

6) free; contact Wanda Reynolds, 2100 Magazine St., Austin, TX

78727, (512) 461-0084; e-mail: [email protected];

Web site: www.wcgms.org

24-26—GOLDEN, COLORADO: Annual show; Denver Gem &

Mineral Guild; Jefferson County Fairgrounds; 15200 W. 6th Ave.;

Fri. 10-6; free admissioncontact Joseph Payne, 2900 S. Platte

River Dr., Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 762-2616; e-mail:

[email protected]; Web site: denvergem.org

25-26—PASADENA, TEXAS: Annual show; Clear Lake Gem &

Mineral Society; Pasadena Convention Center; 7902 Fairmont

Pkwy.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, students $1, children

(under 12) and all Scouts and leaders in uniform free; Scout merit

badge assistance, contact Ben Duggar, 2109 Laughing Gull Ln.,

League City, TX 77573, (281) 316-6710; e-mail: saildug-

[email protected]; Web site: www.clgms.org

March:

8-11—DEMING, NEW MEXICO: 47th annual show and sale;

Deming Gem & Mineral Society; SWNM Fairgrounds; Raymond

Reed Blvd.; Thu. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission;

contact Maurice Crawford, 713 W. Spruce PMB 726, Deming,

NM 88031, (575) 546-0056; e-mail: [email protected]; Web

site: dgms.bravehost.com

23-25—LOVELAND, COLORADO: 51st annual show, "Fossils

and Quartz"; Fort Collins Rockhounds; The Ranch, Larimer

County Fairgrounds; McKee Bldg., 5280 Arena Circle; Fri. 4-8,

Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $4 (3-day pass $7), students (12-18)

with ID $1, children (under 12) free contact David Halliburton,

2506 Pear Court, Fort Collins, CO 80521, (970) 493-6168; e-mail:

[email protected]; Web site:

www.fortcollinsrockhounds.org

29-1—ADA, OKLAHOMA: Annual show; Ada Gem, Mineral &

Fossil Club; Pontotoc County Agri-Plex; Main Bldg. #1, northeast

corner of state Rte. 99 (U.S. 377) and the Richardson Bypass (state

Rte. 1 & 3); Fri. 8-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; free admission; contact

Ed Vermillion, PO Box 782, Purcell, OK 73080, (405) 527-6431;

e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.freewebs.com

Member Birthdays

February:

01 Ray Vitkus, Seth Krystalyn

02 Ruby Moore

07 Charles Casey

11 Scott Norton

14 Dr Jerry Simmons

18 Patti Schrag

21 Nancy Marr

22 Aileen Wilson, Jim Nutter

23 Michael Sader

24 Roger Pollard

27 Rodney Kroemer

March:

01 Mary Skelton

05 Edward Hakenholz

06 Ann Radiel

09 Susan Bannon

10 Jackie Kohl

15 Mary Ridgeway

18 Kristen Walker, Eric White

20 Sherrie Lawhon

21 Dana Shannon

23 Brittany Miller

25 David Hardin

26 Amber Skelton

27 Bob Oliver

29 Kris Super, George Mack

30 Matthew Warren

TUMBLER TIPS

Vaseline can be used around the rim of a tumbler before

anchoring the lid to get a tight seal and an easily remov-able lid.

Use enough filler materials to keep the rocks from knock-

ing together. Suggested filler materials are whole grain oats purchased from any feed store, ground up corn cobs, rubber bands (which can be used and re-used), and plas-tic pellets.

Be sure to have a lot of small stones and a variety of sizes

for good abrasive action among the stones. The smaller stones help abrade the centers of larger materials.

When finished with polish let the stones soak in a 50/50 so-lution of vinegar and water.

Via Pick-Hammer News, February 2012 Via Pineywoods Rooter, June 2000

http://www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp

http://www.tgms.org

http://www.cabinfeverprod.com

http://www.wcgms.org

http://www.fortcollinsrockhounds.org

WI CHITA GEM & MI NERA L

SOCI ET Y , INC

QUARRY QUIPS

Carolyn White, Editor

2225 N. Fountain

Wichita, KS 67220

[email protected]

www.wgmsks.org

Quarry Quips Article Deadline: Friday, March 2nd Send articles to Carolyn White. Contact information at top of page.

Material in this newsletter may be used if proper credit is given.

TIME VALUE

DO NOT DELAY

Page Club Business Page Special Interest

2 About Our Club 5 RMFMS / AFMS News:

6 Calendar - WGMS Events

6 Field Trips

4 Meeting Minutes 9 Gem Show Calendar

9 Member Birthdays 6 Member Bulletin Board

3 Membership Cover The Mica Group

2 Officers

3 Programs

5 Show Report

«Addressee»

«Address 1»

«Address2»

«City», «State» «ZIP»

Next Meeting:

Sunday, Feb 26th, 2pm WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101

Next Field Trip:

Feb 18 Open House at Joe and Ardis Cruz

See page 3 for a complete calendar of WGMS Events

WGMS Show Display Case Reservation - About Us 12 QQ.pdfWGMS Show Display Case Reservation ......

Documents

Transcript of WGMS Show Display Case Reservation - About Us 12 QQ.pdfWGMS Show Display Case Reservation ......