GOLD COAST MEETINGS

Management Committee Meetings- 2nd Tuesday of the Month

AGM Sunday 24th May - 11am start at the Club

Australian Facetors' Guild Gold Coast Region– 5th May 7.30pm 2nd June 7.30pm

4th August 7.30pm 6th October 7.30pm

contact Rod Turville on 55-394450 for further information

www.goldcoastlapidaryclub.com.au

Inside this Issue 1. Editor’s Photo of the month 2. Committee & general information 3. Presidents report; Business For Sale 4. April’s Birthstone 5. Caught by your Camera 5. 50th Anniversary Celebration 6. Upcoming Events, Birthday Wishes, Quote of the Month 7. My Aussie Backyard by R. Wakeham 8. Raffle Pendant & Trivia 9. & 10 Zebra Stone article 10. Extract from the 1966 Aust. Lapidary Magazine—re our 1st 12mths as a Club

April 2015 Issue 434

Monthly Newsletter of the Gold Coast Lapidary Club Inc

www.goldcoastlapidaryclub.com.au Members of Queensland Lapidary & Allied Craft Associations Inc.

80 Pacific Avenue, Miami. Queensland. PO Box 12, Nobby Beach, Queensland 4218 Phone: 5526 1190 Hon Patron: Ken Wilks

Ross Cochrane & Mike Sidmore manning the BBQ at the General Meeting

Gold Coast Lapidary Club Inc

Members of Queensland Lapidary & Allied Craft Associations Inc. 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami. Queensland.- PO Box 12, Nobby Beach Queensland 4218

Phone: 5526 1190

The Management Committee 2014-2015

President Wayne Schulz 55 961865 / 0417-961865 email: president@goldcoastlapidaryclub.com Vice President 1 Geoff Saunders 0407125567 Vice President 2 Ken Wilks 55 789419 Secretary Lenora Collins de Luthe 0402605935 Treasurer Daniel Renneberg 0409729676 Member Secretary : Wayne Schulz 0417-961865

General Committee Chez Siwka 55 799989 Jadwiga Siwka 5579 9989 Denis Burton 55 276488 Robert McGregor 55323469 Allen Frentz 5571 6436

Management Positions Snippets Editor: Deborah Ensor 0418 537234 Purchasing Officer Geoff Saunders 0407 125567 Club Curator Burt Last 0401355271 Senior Librarian Liz Nicholas Assistant Librarian Jadwiga Siwka 5579 9989 Raffle Coordinator Elena Sparks Show Co-ordinator Uta Sorenson 0424206610 Show Stall Conveners: Elaine Arch-Row & Pru Aguinaldo

Judges

Faceting - Robert McGregor Cabochons - Ken Wilks Carving - Allen Frentz Silversmith/wire work Lady Marie Howard and Jadwiga Siwka

Instructors & Workshop Times

Monday 10am to 3pm Cabbing Alex Toro 0411 805378 Monday 7pm to 9.00pm Evening Cabbing John Nelmes 0412 575995 Opal Cutting and Polishing Jason Neville 0433 691025 Tuesday 10am to 3pm Faceting Bert Last 0401355271 (every 2nd week) must have done basic faceting Cabbing Robert Keane 0417 141950 Bone Carving John Tonkin 55 3471121 Free Form Boats ( 1st and 2nd week of the month) Laurence Yannaccelli 55 772185 Wednesday 10am to 3pm Silver Jewellery/Wire Wrapping Marie Howard 0428 732276 & Jadwiga Siwka 55 799989 Robert Keane 0417 141950 Cabbing Denise Burton 55 276448 Faceting Chez Siwka 55799989 or 0407598755 Investing Book with Instructor Geoff Saunders 55 687616 / 0407 125567

Wednesday 7pm to 9.00pm Evening Basic Silver Jadwiga Siwka 55 799989 / 0419 756533 (A/I) Esther Shelley 0402 858208 Cabbing Mal Wanchap 55 798908 Thursday 10am to 3pm Cabbing TBA Silver/Casting/Cabbing Ron Barr 55 394737 Faceting Brian Brown 55 278552 & Lawrence Yannuccelli 55 772185 Casting Book with Instructor Geoff Saunders 55 687616 / 0407 125567 Friday 7pm to 9.00pm Evening Cabbing Ron Palmada 55 345701 Saturday 9am to 3pm Cabbing Alex Toro 0411 805378 Faceting George Tsakmakis 55 909470 Soap Stone Carving/Viking Chain Merv Scott 55 314576 (arrange with Merv)

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DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this Snippets Newsletter are not necessarily those of the members of the Gold Coast Lapidary Club Inc, fur-ther more neither the Committee nor the Editor are responsible for any liability arising from errors, omissions or mistakes contained in Snippets. Readers are to proceed carefully especially with respect to any technical information or advice, thus the Club and /or the Editor disclaim all liability.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

April 2015

We started the year a little slow but have since found our feet and have happy members en-joying their time at the club at the club. It is also good to be able to see the casting area now that we have put away most of the treasures found when we emptied the Cabbing room and equipment has found new homes or storage. The Cabbing room revamp is 90% complete with just a few adjustments here and there and I am pleased to hear good responses to the change and more open space. Some members are amazed that they get through the polish stage so quickly, but remember plenty of water, full use of the width of the wheel and if in doubt ask an Instructor. Bert our Curator likes a bit of barter and really appreciated a donation and would like to thank Laurence Yannuccelli, Jadwiga & Chez Siwka, John Morris, John Tonkin, Shirley Sunderland and Mal Wanchap for their generous donations of mineral specimens to the Club Display. Bert’s al-ways in for a swap or a sale out of his treasure trove so ask him if you think you have something he might like. Also the Club Challenge for 2015 is due in May and questionnaires are opposite the micro-wave, so please grab one and check your knowledge and support the activity. Our Annual Show and major fund raiser is coming up quite quickly and we need to start looking at availability of all members to run it. Work has been going on in the background how-ever with stall holder being notified and encouraged to get in early etc. We are now looking for members to supervise the rosters of the gates, BBQ, Raffle ticket deposits and a Kitchen Supervisor so please contact Wayne or Uta with your pet spot. The lists will be go-ing up first week in April. Raffle books will shortly be handed out to all members and we have again good prizes so they will be easy to sell. 1st Prize 9ct yellow gold handmade Beryl Pendant Total Valuation $1550.00 2nd Prize Dan Murphy $100 voucher redeemable from selected participants. 3rd Prize Celtic Design Solid 9ct Gold Ladies Ring valued at $235.00 The Club 50th being held on April 11th will be a catered function and we look forward to seeing members attend this milestone. I would like to thank Ann and Allen for holding back their travel plans to organise this function it is really appreciated. Well as you have read we have plenty happening and plenty coming up so please make yourselves available for assistance when the call goes out and continue to enjoy the Club as it provides for you. Wayne Schulz

Club President

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April’s BIRTHSTONE

Diamond The word Diamond is derived from the Greek word "adamas" which means "hardest metal" which reflect the property of the stone. The diamond is a precious stone or gem excelling in brilliancy and beautiful play of prismatic colors, and remarkable for its ex-treme hardness. This gem is a member of the Diamond (Carbon) family. It is the hardest substance known. The diamond as found in nature (called a rough diamond) is cut, for use in jewelry, into various forms with many reflecting facets, by which its brilliancy is much increased. The crystal structure of the Diamond, the April birthstone, is Isometric.

Today we have more choices than ever regarding colour. We have natural Fancy-color diamonds that, rare and truly an exotic gem of the earth. Diamonds that have hues of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green ranging intensity from faint to vivid and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. In fact, diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higher than a colorless diamond of equal size. Because fancy-color diamonds are very desirable, the color is sometimes introduced in a labora-tory. These are correctly called heat-treated diamonds.

The Koh-I-Noor Diamond

The Koh-I-Noor is a 106 carats diamond which was once the largest diamond in the world. Previously, it has belonged to various rulers in India; today it lies in the hands of the British royal family and is part of the Crown Jewels. Legend says that the diamond is 5000 years old and was referred to in Sanskrit writings as the Syamantaka Jewel. The British came across the gem when they conquered Punjab in 1849, and Queen Vic-toria received it in 1851. The stone was then at 186 carats as before this point, the dia-mond was not cut. Along with over 2000 other diamonds, the Koh-I-Noor was mounted on the Crown. Since getting into British hands, the Koh-I-Noor was used by Queen Victoria, Queen Al-exandra (wife of King Edward VII), Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. The diamond is only to be worn by female members of the British Royal Family. There is an alleged curse on the Koh-I-Noor that affects males who wear it (but females are immune). Since being in the possession of Queen Victoria, only women have worn the diamond. As of today, the Koh-I-Noor is on display in the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels. The Koh-I-Noor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian. It is believed that the name was first used by Nader Shah who took possession of the diamond in 1739. Prior to this date, the name Kohinoor wasn’t used. It is believed that the famous Darya-ye Noor diamond is the Koh-I-Noor's double. The Darya-ye Noor is said to weigh 182 carats. Both India and Pakistan claim the diamond should be handed by the British back to them.

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Look who forgot her walking stick, and had to make do with a paint

roller on a pole

Ilsa Morrone the Raffle first prize winner receiving her signed book at

the general meeting

CAUGHT BY YOUR ‘CAMERA ‘

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Peter Carroll receiving the 2nd prize of a lovely bracelet

If any member would like to share photos or even an article , please place them in the black box near the front door……….

Our Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Yes we are turning 50…… and what a celebration we are going to have.

WHEN April 13th; meet at 12.30pm for a 1pm start WHERE: at the Club Rooms COST: $15.00 Dress Code: Smart Casual Attire As this is a Club anniversary only Club Members are eligible to attend. (The Club is subsi-dising the cost of the function) The function is being catered by Shamar they catered for our Christmas function last year. It is Bring Your Own, although soft drinks will be available for purchase at the club on the day.

Deb’s Quote of the Month

It’s not what I have in my life, but Who I have in my life that

counts.

-Unknown-

UPCOMING GEM SHOW & FESTIVAL DATES

2015 Gem Show Dates– March thru to August April 3rd-6th GEMBOREE, Wimmera Events Centre, Dooen, near Horsham April 3rd-5th Warwick Rocks, Antiques & Collectables Fair—Warwick Show Grounds. April 13th; Our 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon—1pm onwards—at the Club Rooms (bookings essential) May 2-3 Redcliffe Gem Show Southern Cross Catholic College, Kippa-Ring QLD May 16-17 Lismore Gem Show Lismore Show Grounds NSW June 27 Gold Coast Gem Show Pizzey Park, 80 Pacific Ave, Miami QLD July 11 Caboolture Gemfest Caboolture Historical Village, Beerburrum Rd, Calboolture QLD July 11th-12th Hervey Bay Festival of Gems, Star of the Sea Catholic School, 39 Hughes Rd Harvey Bay July 18th-19th Townsville Gem & Mineral Show, Club Rooms, 96 Mooney St, Gulliver July 18th-20th 2015 Yowah Opal Festival, Harlequin Drive, Yowah, via Cunnamulla July 25th-26th Cairns Gem Festival, Club Rooms 129 Mulgrave Rd Cairns. July 30-August 2 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival RSL Club, Lightning Ridge NSW

August 1st Ipswich & Dist Lapidary Club Show, Ipswich Show Grounds Warwick Rd Ipswich August 1st Innisfail Club Gem Show, Club Rooms River Ave, Innisfail August 2nd Atherton Show, Club House, Racecourse Rd Toga TBA Anakie Gemfest, Anakie Central Queensland

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April Birthday Wishes to:

R.Bonner, Ann Frentz, G. Furniss, M. Hill, K. Jack, G. Leskys, J. Lippold, R. Meehan, M. Morel, B. Phillips, D. Ryan, S. Smith,

J. Sneddon, A. Watts,

The Gold Coast Lapidary Club wishes to express their sincere thanks to Michael Hart local MP, who has offered the facilities of his office for photocopying our Snippets Newsletter.

MY AUSSIE BACKYARD

“CINDY” the white Cockatoo sits high up in the tree, Looking down on “EDDIE” Emu fast asleep if you please.

A bush Kangaroo named “SKIPPY”, in the distance he did hop, After he just finished eating “FARMER BROWNS” barley crop “WILBER” The furry Wombat races through the long tall grass,

Frightening “SYLVIA” the graceful Swan as he dashes past. Not far away is “Kelly”, she’s a Koala you see,

All-day she sits in branches, eating lots of eucalyptus leaves. “PERCY” the Platypus is relaxing, swimming in the lake,

And down the bush track slithers “SAM” the red bellied Snake. “KENNY” the Kookaburra sits in a tree and laughs, Watching

“GERTIE” the Galah relaxing in a bath. “PENNY” the Possum shyly peaks, out of her tree top home,

While “Bugsy” sits outside his burrow, a Bunny Rabbit all alone. “TOMMY” Turtle wears his hat because the suns so bright, And

“OLLIE” Owl has just returned after flying through the night. “FREDDIE” Frog is happy playing in the big lily pond,

And overhead “RED” Robin sings a beautiful cheerful song.

R. Wakeham

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Sir Paul Howard has kindly donated this lovely wire wrapped

pendant with 4 faceted Czech crystals. I believe it will be

one of our raffle prizes for our next raffle.

Trivia Corner To perfect Hercule Peirot’s walk, actor David Suchet clasped a coin between

his buttocks. Celine Dion owns a golf course. Madonna was sacked from Dunkin’ Donuts for squirting customers with jam Winston Churchill was a druid In Saudi Arabia it is illegal for women to enter hospitals unaccompanied by

men 4% of the sand on Normandy beaches is made up of tiny metal particles from

the D-Day landings Queen Victoria had jewellery made out of her children’s milk teeth. Dolly Parton once lost a lookalike competition to a drag queen John F. Kennedy’s brain was removed during his autopsy and it is still missing.

THE 600 MILLION YEAR MYSTERY. The world of rocks and minerals has many puzzling and interesting areas for exploration but only a few of them have caused as much be-wilderment as a mysterious rock type found in the Kununurra district of Western Australia. The Rock is known as "Zebra Stone". Zebra Rock is a very attractive fine grained siliceous argillite (indurate siltstone or clay stone) with rhythmic patterns of red bands or spots contrasting sharply with a white background. As yet it is not known how the rhythmic and regular patterns were formed but it is known that the red portions are coloured by ferric (iron) oxide. Geologists have investigated Zebra Rock for the past 40 years without producing any valid expla-nation for its origin. It is realised that the rock poses an interesting problem of genesis. The origins of the rock may be based on one or more of the following explanations:- 1. Ripple patterns imposed on the rock during the deposition of sediment. 2. Slump structure formed while the rock was still in a plastic state prior to solidification. 3. Selective leaching and re-concentration of iron oxides and silica. The age of Zebra Rock has been placed at 600 million years in the Upper Proterozoic years or Pre-Cambrian period.

The only known deposits of Zebra Rock in the world have been found near Kununurra in the East Kimberley of West-ern Australia. The deposits are found in small reef outcrops of stratified clay stone or shale in the Randford Formation. Digging is difficult because of the shale surrounding the reef. The best implements to use for the extraction of the rock (if you are not adverse to hard work in high tempera-tures) are crow bars and picks.

The Zebra Rock is not formed throughout the whole reef but in small individual reefs which are spasmodically placed within the major reef. Individual pieces of Zebra Rock may appear as plain brown stone without any apparent patterns but when cut with a diamond saw they may show one of the many Zebra patterns. Most of the Zebra Rock can be cut with a hacksaw but a diamond saw does a better job and is more economical from a commercial point of view. Zebra Stone varies in hardness and quality, depending on the site from which it is taken. Some types are very porous and chalky with visible pitting faults and in different patterns whilst other specimens are dense with sharp rhythmical patterns. The best sites found to date are on a pastoral property near Kununurra. Stone from these sites is used in the local manufacture of jewellery and gift lines. DJAARU GEMS, in Coolibah Drive, Kununurra, will supply hand crafted goods made from Zebra Rock by Bill Withers, as well as supplying slabs or bulk pieces.

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The Rock is a fine collector's item and has many beautiful rhythmic patterns which vary considera-bly but the rock is too soft to polish. The DJAARU GEMS jewellery is made from fine grained Zebra Rock. Each piece is hand cut and rubbed and then is sealed with a hard compound to pre-vent the red iron oxide from wiping into the lighter coloured portions of the stone. If the reader ever visits Kununurra, then the opportunity should be taken to see the Zebra Rock at DJAARU GEMS. You may even solve the mystery of six hundred million years standing. With compliments of, DJAARU GEMS, Coolibah Drive, Kununurra, W.A., 6743

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An Extract from ‘The Australian Lapidary Magazine’ June 1966

The April meeting of the Gold Coast Lapidary Club finalized the first year’s operations. As a climax to the year’s activities, members showed cabochons cut during that period. Junior mem-bers, under the instruction of Mrs. Yvonne Hams, showed a high standard. The cutting room now boasts a double headed grinder, two double sanders and polisher and a trim saw. Excursions for the year included: Doon Doon, Tyalgum, Numinbah, Wood Hill and Pocket Rd. Individual groups visited: Redcliff, Murgon, Agate Creek, New England District, Ballina, Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Springbrook, Chillingham and the Jasper Farm. Barry Waters was transferred to Beenleigh and opened a new club there. Cutting classes are being conducted four times Members are exchanging specimens from other Australian and American enthusiasts . This is a wonderful way of extending collections and breeding goodwill between clubs. A charity night making jewellery for the Cooinda Appeal for Subnormal Children was held, the selling of which is to be combined with a display of rough and polished, at their fete in South-port on June 4. The new officers elected for the following year were: President, Mr. Ron Cronk: Hon. Secretary, Mrs. Madge Williams; Hon. Treasurer, Mrs. Colleen Mann. Retiring President, Albie Hams, won the coveted prize of a year’s subscription to the Aust. Lapidary Magazine for his entry of a huge piece of Doon Doon carnelian, displayed with a light at the rear, in our competition for the best rough collect. We thank you for the space provided us during the year in your interesting magazine.— Joy Cheslin.