Canaveral Moonstone February 2016 Vol. N No. 2

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Canaveral Moonstone

Presidents Corner

January and February is a time when we get a dramatic reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Florida. It may get chilly but we do not get 2 feet of snow!!

As I said last month, this is the time, early in 2016, to plan to attend all our meetings and parties and volunteer to personally support CMGS. The most challenging opportunity at this time is our need for a Show Chairman. Even though the Show is 10 months away, a lot of preparation is underway now. Contact me if you are available

to help. We have some excellent facilities at the Henegar to practice or de-velop our lapidary skills. I urge you to make frequent use of these facilities. Open Shop is usually scheduled for Monday evening and

Saturday morning. Beading is usually scheduled for Monday after-noon and evening. Our members volunteer and teach classes throughout the week on a variety of schedules. SFMS has announced the classes that are scheduled for 2016. The

list is included inside. Make your plans now. At our March CMGS meeting we will have our drawing for our CMGS scholarships for two of our members. We will also have a third scholarship provided by the SFMS.

Don

Exchange Bulletins are Welcome

(All material may be copied unless otherwise noted if credit is given)

The Dead Line for the March Moonstone is February 20, 2016

The URL for CMGS web site is: http://www.canaveral-mgs.com/

Feel free to send me articles or pictures of your creations for the

newsletter at shannonb787@gmail.com

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The Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society (CM&GS) is a registered Florida not-profit-corporation approved by the Internal Revenue

Service as a tax exempt , organization under Internal Revenue Code section of Florida 501 (c) (7) for the following purposes:

1. For the preservation, support, and promotion of the hobby of Mineralogy and its various forms of allied activities and earth scienc-

es.

2. To dedicate ourselves to the furtherance of the hobby through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and other helpful infor-

mation among ourselves and other like organizations.

3. To further the education of members and the general public of the hobby by programming talks, discussions, motion pictures, field

trips, and the staging of shows and exhibitions.

4. To maintain an active affiliation with the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies and to participate in Federation activities

to the fullest extent possible.

Goals and Objectives

5. To promote the spirit of cooperation and fellowship among the membership.

6. To increase our knowledge of rocks and minerals and to explore the mystery and wonder of the earth.

7. To actively encourage members to attend educational classes, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations.

8. To stimulate interest in the earth sciences within the community by providing scholarships to worthy students at all educational

levels.

9. To provide the necessary equipment and resources to enable members to develop their interests.

10. To enjoy our hobby and Have Fun!

Affiliations

The Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society is a member of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies (SFMS) and the Ameri-

can Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)

Meetings and Dues

Meetings are the First Wednesday of each month (except August) at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, Flori-da. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. Visitors are always welcome! Dues are $20.00. Junior Member dues are $2.00.

* Monday Beading Classes are 1PM—4PM and 5PM— 7:30 PM Monday Open Shop 6PM—9PM

February 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Beading Class

& Open Shop*

2 3 Monthly

Meeting 7PM

4 5 6 Open Shop

9AM—12PM

7 8 Beading Class

& Open Shop*

9 10 11 12 13 Open Shop

9AM—12PM

14 15 Beading

Class & Open

Shop*

16 17 18 19 20 Open Shop

9AM—12PM

21 22 Beading

Class & Open

Shop*

23 24 25 26 27 Open Shop

9AM—12PM

28 29 Beading

Class & Open

Shop*

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Mineral of the Month – Rhodochrosite By Dave Jacobson This month we will take a look at a colorful mineral called Rho-dochrosite, MnCO3, manganese carbonate. Rhodochrosite typi-cally occurs in hydrothermal ore veins of, silver, zinc, copper and lead sulfides. It is found with other manganese minerals. It sometimes occurs in pegmatites. Some associated minerals are calcite, rhodonite, fluorite, spessartine garnet, pyrite and many sulfide ore minerals. It is used as a minor ore of manganese, if there is enough ore to economically mine. It is also considered a semi-precious gemstone Rhodochrosite is also sought after by mineral collectors, as it makes an attractive spec-imen in the collection. It is a fairly common mineral, with fine material found in many locations around the world. A few of the sites noted for good material are: Sweet Home Mine, Alma Park, Colorado; American Tunnel, Silverton Colorado: The zinc mines of Franklin, NJ; Cornwall, England; Tsumeb, Namib-ia, Africa and Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. The aforementioned sites are just touching on the list of where good material has been found. Rhodochrosite is in the hexagonal crystal system. The most com-mon material can massive, granular, reniform, crusts in rounded and botryoidal shapes. The most common crystal forms are rhom-bohedrum’s and scalahedrons although crystals tend to be ra-re. The crystals can range from transparent to translucent. The color ranges from red to pink, white yellow and brown. The mas-sive material sometimes occurs with pink and white band-ing. Specific Gravity is 3.5. Hardness is 3.5 to 4. Streak is white. Fracture is uneven. Rhodochrosite takes its name from the Greek, rhodon meaning “rose” and chros meaning “color.” This is in reference to the beautiful red color of the mineral. The following reference materials were used in preparing this article: A Field Guide to Rocks And Minerals by Frederick H. Pough. Mineralogy For Amateurs by John Sinkankus. Simon & Schusters Guide to Rocks And Minerals. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks And Minerals Amethyst Galleries Mineral Gallery on the Internet at http://mineral.galleries.com

Gems, Crystals, & Minerals byAnna S. Sofianides , George E. Harlow and George W. Robinson, Ph. D. Gemstones Of The World by Walter Schumann

Editors Notes By Shannon Byrd Join us on February 3rd for our regular monthly meeting. Remember to bring in your newest creations for show and tell. Bring your favorite snack to share with the group. The mineral of the month will be Rhodochrosite, bring in samples if you have them. Please send your favorite recipes to Pegatha at mempkm@me.com for the CMGS cookbook. Our raffles have been a lot of fun and continue to raise funds to send 2 lucky members of the club to William Holland or Wildacres each year. Thank you to those that participate and those that continue to donate items for the raffle.

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Monthly Bench Tips

By Brad Smith

"Bench Tips for Jewelry Making" and "Broom Casting for Creative Jewelry" are available on

Amazon

www.BradSmithJewelry.com

SHARP KNIVES FOR CUTTING MOLDS

Cutting molds is easier and more precise with a sharp blade. A new Xacto blade is sufficient

for cutting RTV molds but is usually not sharp enough for vulcanized rubber. For that it's

best to use scalpel blades available from most jewelry supply companies.

The #11 blade is triangle shaped, and the #12 is hawksbill shaped. I find the hawksbill is par-

ticularly nice for cutting the registration keys of the mold.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

USE YOUR THUMB

When using multiple bits in a Foredom, we often have to deal with several different shaft

sizes - the usual 3/32 inch burs, the larger 1/8 inch shafts sizes and of course the many differ-

ent sizes of drills. For some reason I really dislike having to turn the key multiple times to

open or close the jaws of the hand piece chuck.

So I have two ways to speed up that task. For opening up the jaws, I just remember "four", the number of turns I have to

make to open the chuck just enough from the 3/32 bur shaft size to the larger 1/8 bur shaft size.

For closing the jaws around a smaller shaft, there's a neat trick. Hold the new bit in the center of the open jaws of the chuck,

put your thumb lightly onto the outer toothed collar of the chuck, and gently start up the Foredom. As the chuck turns, it will

naturally tighten the jaws around the bur shaft or the drill bit. Then all you have to do is a final tightening with the key.

Web Sites Resources

SFMS Workshops: http://www.sfmsworkshops.com

American Federation of Mineralogical Societies web site is at: http://www.amfed.org

Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies Website at: http://www.amfed.org/sfms

The URL for CMGS web site is: http://www.canaveral-mgs.com/

Your CMGS Board of Directors has enthusiastically approved Honorary Memberships for four of our long time members in recognition of their exemplary dedication and service to our Canaveral and Mineral Society. They are:

Fran and Warren Collins

Herrick and Barbara Jeffers

Thank you for all of your contributions to our club. It’s members like you that make this club a wonder-ful place to learn and make friends.

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January Meeting- January 6, 2016

The meeting was called to order by President Don McLamb. He led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

We welcomed guests and new members Romy Roberts, Tambra Asbury, Dave and Shirley Insalaco, Christine Schuller, Brian

Riordan, Tom Backhaus. Welcome all!

Don notified members that there are a few Gem and Mineral Shows coming up in Pinellas County, January 8,9,10, Tomoka Gem

and Mineral Society's show is January 16, 17 in Deland and the Central Brevard Gem and Mineral Show will take place at Kiwanis

Park on February 6th and 7th. Don mentioned that Pete Deis donated a Gem Hunter's Guide book to our library. Thanks so much

Pete!

Don asked that we keep Bonnie and Alvin Ray in our thoughts and prayers as health issues have been a priority for them. They

graciously donate the space at Dolly's Picnic every year through Palm Bay Recreation.

The December meeting notes were accepted and Liz Ritter gave the Treasurer's report. It was a busy month as deposits are re-

quired for our various activities for the entire year are due.

Kathy Burnette stated we now are 180 members strong!! Dues for the year are due and if not paid by the March meeting your

name will be taken off the rolls for the year.

Don thanked all for the hospitality goodies given.

Mark Jackson gave the educational report. He stated the class schedule book is in the house and new classes are starting up in the

new year. Don reminded members to not be discouraged on the longer listings of popular classes. People sometimes have prior

commitments when their name comes up and cannot make the class.

Shannon Byrd asked folks to let her know if you are not receiving the Moonstone either by internet or mail.

Don stated that there are 42 dealers already signed up for our Parade of Gems show in November! He is working on early com-

mitments. Bea Dietz mentioned that maybe we could try a children's table once again after having some experience as a club

member elsewhere. She asked that club members save their odds and ends while cabochoning to share in treasure bags for the

children. The silent auction for club member scholarships for SFMS workshops winners this month were Shirley Insalaco, a tur-

quoise pendant, Chuck Vincent, an agate slab and Mitch Abram, a cut of leopard skin jasper.

Master Cabochonist, Art Delaurentis stated he will bring in his award winning case for all to see how that competition works.

Dave Jacobson sent out an email about the upcoming year budget. Let him know if you are not receiving his notices.

Show and Tell brought arts from several members. Haydee Hernandez brought in some antler beads and examples of peyote

stitch, herringbone straight and spiral examples. Art DeLaurentis brought in some picture jasper, ring and pendant of turquoise,

Bigg's jasper, and polychrome jasper from Madagascar. Shannon Byrd showed various rings of turquoise from different locations.

Dave Wayment brought in some bolo work of turquoise, Leslie Wayment shared her gem tree forest with polished gem bases. Bill

Harr showed his gift jar of minerals from Maine and also a nice chunk of turquoise. His casted orchids are always unique. Tom Say-

lor showed he recent work in chain maille, rings and pendant of Caymonite. Don McLamb showed a piece of turquoise he acquired

in Park City, Utah. Thanks all for sharing !!!

After a break of refreshment those of us left all settled in for a very informative presentation of Turquoise (Mineral of the

Month) by Bea Deitz. Miss Bea lived and worked in Cripple Creek, Colorado for a number of years. The town is mostly known for

Gold fines but a nice brown matrixed turquoise is mined there also. She gave us a contact of Bad Boys of Cripple Creek who she

personally knows but she explained that one should not " dig" on their own in mining country as claimers take their claims very

seriously. Bea ended her presentation with sharing a piece of turquoise with everyone! Thanks Bea!!!

Rock on!!!!Respectfully yours, Denise Jackson, secretary

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Upcoming Gem and Mineral Shows

February 6 & 7, 2016 Central Brevard Rock & Gem Club 30th Annual Show Rocks Gems & Jewelry Saturday; 10am to 5pm Sunday; 10am to 5pm Location: Kiwanis Island Recreation Center 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road Merritt Island, fl 32952

February 28, 2016 The Villages Gem & Mineral Society 4th annual Brilliant, Bright & Bedazzled Show Gems - Minerals - Fossils - Jewelry Artists - Loose beads made of clay, paper, resin & hand blown glass - Jewelry supplies - Findings - Basket Weaver - Wood Sculptures - Glass Fusion - Sea Shells - Gemologist - Silver Smith - Faceters - Rough - Slabs - Chains of various materials and designs sold by the foot and many more vendors. Door Prizes every hour. 10:00am to 4:00pm; FREE ADMISSION Sea Breeze Regional Recreation Center 2384 Buena Vista Blvd. The Villages, Fl 32162

March 4,5,6, 2016 The Suncoast Gem & Mineral Society www.SGAMS.COM 46th Annual Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show & Sale Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, 14K Jewelry, Exhibits, Beads, Door Prizes, Gem Mining, Silent Auction, Grand prize

Fri & Sat 10:00am to 6:00pm, Sun 10:00am to 5:00pm

Admission $5, Free Parking

Minnreg Building 6340 126th Ave North Largo, FL 33733

September 23-25, 2016 Jacksonville Gem & Mineral Society Rocks, Gems, Jewelry and More Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM Morocco Temple, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, Florida 32224

November 12 and13, 2016 Canaveral Mineral & Gem Society 43rd Annual Parade of Gems Dealers in lapidary, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry and gemstones. Demonstrations; Grand Prize; Hourly Silent Auctions; supplies for hobbies and crafts and related activities. Show Times: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Location: Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 Admission; $5 Donation Contact: Don McLamb, CMGS President & Acting Show Chairman

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Time for 2016 Membership Renewal

Membership fees for are due by Jan 1st, - Dues are $20.00. Junior Member dues are $2.00

Checks should be made payable to the "Canaveral Gem & Mineral Society" and sent to the Membership

Chairman, Kathy Burnette 554 Veracruz Blvd Indialantic, FL 32903 or given to Kathy at a meeting. Those

who joined Oct. 1 or later are paid through 2016.

Class Information

Mark Jackson is coordinating our class schedules for 2016. Teachers/volunteers are being lined up for sever-

al classes.

When you are contacted for a class, please respond to the instructors and let them know if you are available

for the class as soon as possible so that they can offer class to others on the list. Also please contact your in-

structor if you will not be able to attend the class after you commit to being there. Many of the classes have

long waiting lists and this would allow someone else to attend and you can stay on the list for another time.

If you are interested in Kumihimo or Peyote Stitch Bead Weaving contact Haydee Hernandez at 321-727-0201 and she will work it into the beading class schedule for you.

Club contacts

President: Don McLamb, 570 Seabreeze Dr ., Indialantic, FL 32903, (321) 723-2592

Vice President: Nancy Stark, 1610 Sutschek St NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907, (321) 726-9784

Secretary: Denise Jackson, 320 Arcadia Ave., Melbourne, FL, 32901, (321) 373-5133

Treasurer: Liz Ritter , PO Box 500827, Malabar , FL 32950, (321) 544-2036

Bulletin Editor: Shannon Byrd, 2225 Ladner Rd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907, (321) 541-7230

Education Chairman: Mark Jackson, 320 Arcadia Ave., Melbourne, FL, 32901, (321) 373-5133

Corresponding Secretary: Kitty McLamb, 570 Seabreeze Dr ., Indialantic, FL 32903, (321) 723-2592

Board of Directors

Alfred Lightsey: One-Year Term, (321) 676-0795

Freda Hull: Three–Year Term, (321) 425-0847

Roy Deere: Two-Year Term (321) 725– 9179

Mark Heathman: One-Year Term (321) 253-2856

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Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society, Inc.

P.O. Box 1597, Melbourne, FL 32902-1597

Bulletin Editor

Shannon Byrd

2225 Ladner Rd NE

Palm Bay, FL 32907

Email: shannonb787@gmail.com

The Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society meets the First Wednesday of each month (except August) at the

Henegar Center, Melbourne, Florida. The time of the Meeting is 7:00PM . Visitors are always welcome.