Flatirons Facets

Flatirons Facets

Published by The Flatirons Mineral Club

Volume 44, No. 9 December 2002

Flatirons Facets

P. O. Box 3331

Boulder CO 80307-3331

Flatirons Facets is published monthly by The Flatirons Mineral Club. The deadline for submission of articles to Flatirons Facets is the 20th of each month. Permission is granted for reprint if credit is given to the publication and author unless specifically restricted.

The Flatirons Mineral Club is a non-profit organization, established March 9, 1957, and dedicated to developing and maintaining interest in all aspects of earth science and associated hobbies. The club meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:15 PM. We meet at The Senior Center, 9th and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO. Guests and visitors are welcome. Membership dues are $15.00 per year (beginning October of each calendar year). People interested in membership can contact the club either by writing to the above address or by attending one of the meetings.

Deadline for the January Facets is December 20.

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President's Corner

Evan D. Elliott

The December board meeting will be held on Monday the 9th, 7 pm at the Elliott's. We have some important business to discuss, such as the future location of our annual fall show, so all Board members should try to come.

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Membership Dues Are Due!

Memberships in our club all expire in October, when your annual dues ($15 per family) are due. So please send in your renewal now to our membership chair, Melinda Thompson, or renew at the December meeting. All who have not renewed by the end of the year will be dropped.

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December Meeting (Dec. 12)

Alex Cook

Annual Christmas Party!

OK, folks, it's that time of year again. Are you ready for our annual Christmas bash? Let's go out and get that gift to put on the table. Who knows what you may get when you open one of those exciting packages? Maybe a beautiful tourmaline necklace or a fancy faceting machine--well maybe nothing so exotic because the limit for a gift is set at not over $10.

Our Christmas party will be held at the usual time of 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, at the West Side Senior Center where we hold our regular meeting. Everyone is to bring a gift, preferably related to our hobby, such as a mineral, jewelry or a fossil (no, we are not talking about your husband, although you can bring him too). Everyone will receive a number which when drawn will entitle that person to select a gift from the table, open it and show it to everyone. After the first drawing, the second person has the option of either taking a gift from the table or relieving the first person of their gift, after which that person can either take another gift or take the gift away from one of the previous gift-receivers. Is that clear enough? Oh, and one more thing, if you have been relieved of your gift and get it back three times, you get to keep it. Now is that clear enough? If not, wait until the party and we will explain it to you. Guests are welcome, but be sure to bring a gift for each of your guests.

One more thing, and this is important. Everybody please bring some light refreshments such as cookies or cake or punch. We are counting on you. Thanks and y'all come and have a wonderful time.

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Field Trips

Paul Boni

Winter field trips are not scheduled far enough in advance for the newsletter, so please see the web page or call Paul Boni if the weather looks good, to see if there are any field trips coming up.

Also, Paul requests that if you would like to lead a field trip, to please call him and set it up. Why not try to make one of your own outings into an FMC field trip?!

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Annual Towel Show Awards

Paul Boni

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's towel show! It is interesting and fun to see the wonderful things that others have uncovered. I also enjoy showing off some of my own buried treasure. Such are the activities that our hobby revolves around and our club benefits greatly through the participation of its members. The following esteemed rock hounds will receive personalized ribbons with our hearty congratulations.

2002 Towel show awards go to:

Juniors:

Stefan Codrescu for Best of a Club Trip and Best of a Personal Trip

Tyler Threlkeld for the Ugliest Rock

Adults:

Barry Knapp for Best of a Club Trip

Shirley Mehta for Best of a Personal Trip

Harry Beal and Paul Boni for Lapidary and Jewelry Arts

Ellie Peevler for the Ugliest Rock

Melinda Thompson for the Best Towel

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Other Goings-on at Our November Club Meeting

John Hurst

What's all this about rocks? It was a perfect lead-in question from one of the cub scouts accompanied by den mother, Debbie Prewitt. The den troop from Longmont included Frank, Ken, Nate, Adam, Eli, and John (Logan couldn't make it). They were our November guests as part of the work on their Geology Merit Badge.

As if right on cue, a couple came in and started putting rock specimens out on two or three tables. It was a collection they had inherited and being novices, they asked the club members for help in identifying all their specimens. These rocks piqued the interest of our visiting scouts. Then club members arrived and started setting up all their field trip treasures on towels. It was fun to see the curiosity of these young men grow. Their first plunge into the world of rocks, gems and minerals was memorable and eventful. Charlotte Morrison made sure that each had a tumbled gemstone as a door prize and the couple with specimens to ID also gave each scout a barite rose from near Norman, Oklahoma. They will be working on their merit badge in December with FMC members Jeanne and John Hurst. Should any other club members wish to invite the cub scouts for a field trip or a home visit to view a collection, please contact Ms. Hewitt or John Hurst. Let's encourage these young men to learn more. It is how our hobby grows.

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Membership News

Melinda Thompson

Annual membership dues were due on October 1. Our club year runs October-October. The dues are $15.00 per family.

We have new membership cards this year. They will be available at meetings. If you have paid your dues, make sure you get a membership card. It might help if anyone questions your right to collect in the field. Because of postage costs, I will not mail cards except under special circumstances. Contact me if you need your membership card mailed.

I have heard that some members are not receiving their newsletter. If you know of someone who is not getting their letter, tell them to contact me. Use any of the addresses listed below. If you receive the e-mail letter and would like a hard copy, please let me know.

We have new members joining our club all the time. Please make them welcome. Personally invite them on one of our field trips or offer help with mineral identification. We need the help of all our members to have an effective club.

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In Memoriam - Joseph Backes

Carl Bird

The Flatirons mineral club has lost one of its members, Joseph Backes. Joe passed away on November 14, 2002. We remember Joe as one who was quiet but always willing to help. While unable to work this year, in prior years Joe helped set up for the show and worked at the children's wheel during the show. He volunteered for security at the Denver show and helped with admissions. On field trips, Joe liked to pick up any rock that was unusual and always carried his magnetic probe to check hardness and magnetic properties. He loved to walk, and would explore far from where the others were prospecting. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Irene, and to their family. The club has donated $25 from operating funds to the Scholarship fund in memory of Joe Backes.

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Club Officers for 2003

At the October meeting, the following people were elected by unanimous acclamation to serve as officers of the Flatirons Mineral Club for the next year.

President - Evan Elliott

Vice President (Trips) - Paul Boni

Vice President (Show) - Andrea Elliott

Vice President (Program) - Alex Cook

Secretary - Emily Epstein

Treasurer - Gerald Naugle

Directors - Ray Horton, Lew Yoder, Dennis Gertenbach

We thank these people for providing leadership to the club for the next year.

Our club could not exist without the efforts of a core group of people who dedicate their time in serving our club. The outstanding meetings, great field trips, and wonderful educational programs are the result of these volunteers.

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Denver Gem and Mineral Show Mini-Report - November 2002

Judy Knoshaug, Secretary pro tem

Last month's mini report mentioned that the show set a new attendance record of 11,345 attendees, including 8,785 paid admissions. The financial report for the show has been completed and reports a "profit" from the show of $30,338. Congratulations to all the volunteers who helped with the show in order to result in this "profit". This is the amount that will be turned over to the Greater Denver Area Gem and Mineral Council, sponsor of the show and an organization to which your club belongs, to be used for grants in the earth sciences area. Watch for future reports listing the various projects to which moneys will be contributed. Remember your club has a representative on the Show Committee and a Trustee to the Council. These individuals should be reporting to your club about the Show and Council.

The Show Committee is now considering a theme for the 2005 show. We would also appreciate feedback about the Sunday morning breakfast, which was to reward volunteers for working at the show. It is important that the volunteers realize how important and valuable they are to the show. If you have any ideas for a 2005 theme or ideas about the breakfast or some other way for the Committee to let the volunteers know how much they are appreciated, please inform your club representative or any member of the Show Committee. Thank you.

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Legislative Report

Dick Rodenburg

At 2:25 am in the morning on November 15, 2002,the House of Representatives without debate unanimously approved a $261 million per year for five years legislative grab bag of goodies, and sent it back to the Senate for final approval. The measure is called The American Wildlife Enhancement Act, S 990.

The congressman responsible for its passage was Rep. James Hansen, R-Utah. Although Hansen headed the House Resources Committee to which the bill was assigned after it passed the Senate in December 2001, he held no hearings on it. Instead, he kept it on a back shelf until 2:22 a.m. Friday, when he asked that the Resources Committee be discharged from further consideration of the bill and that it be placed on the calendar for a vote. Three minutes later - with some funding amendments, S 990 was on its way back to the Senate.

Lobbyist Mike Hardiman, who represents the American Land Rights Association (not to be confused with the American Lands Access Association or ALAA), says the most egregious section in S 990 is the one amending the Endangered Species Act. Specifically, S 990 creates a category called "species at risk," defined as any species identified by the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to be a "candidate species" for listing as endangered or threatened. Some $150 million a year would be allocated to enforce this new provision, mainly through land purchases by state government agencies and non-profit groups. Another $50 million a year will go for "shrub land and grassland" conservation (that is, acquisition). "Even worse," he adds, "grass and shrubs are defined as, well, grass and shrubs - and - areas 'historically dominated' by grass and shrubs - and - areas that 'if restored to natural grassland or shrub land, would have the potential to serve as habitat for endangered species, threatened species, or species at risk." In other words," he quips, "Just about every inch of America outside the Mojave Desert."

WorldNetDaily, November 19, 2002, and ALAA reports.

Rep. Scott McInnis, R-Colorado, introduced a bill in the closing days of the 107th Congress to set aside more than 58,000 acres of federal land as wilderness. The bill would establish nearly 50,000 new acres in Eagle County as the Red Table Mountain Wilderness. The bill would also expand three existing wilderness areas, Ptarmigan Peak, Raggeds, and Hunter-Fryingpan by about 8000 acres. Rocky Mountain News, November 19, 2002.

The once prolific Grace Mine north of Empire, Colorado is gearing up for another production effort. A partnership of some 100 investors under the names Transcontinental Minerals, Inc., and Consolidated Empire Mines, Ltd., and MR3, a California metals processing firm, plan the venture. Ray Heon of Evergreen, partnership spokesman, said some permits are yet to be acquired. The surface mine will employ 25 to 35 workers. Denver Post, October 31, 2002.

Kalispell, Montana- The U.S. Forest Service is asking that the sale of 14 million board feet of usable timber scorched during the 2001 fire season be exempted from legal appeal. Officials warn that bark beetles will infest the forest if the sale is delayed by lawsuits. USA Today, October 28, 2002.

And in Vancouver, Washington, Forest officials withdrew a proposed timber sale in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest after biologists raised concerns about the Larch Mountain salamander, a sensitive species found in the area. USA Today November 15, 2002.

There is friction between the Bush Administration's political appointees heading up the land agencies and experienced senior land agency employees who are being reassigned and/or forced to retire. BLM state directors posts are now vacant in at least 5 states, after 11 of 12 State Directors were replaced in the early days of the Clinton Administration and after more recent changes. About a dozen Forest Service regional foresters have been moved around. And Park Service Director Fran Mainella is overbearing and distrustful, say Jerry Belson, a Regional Director, and David Mihalic, Yosemite National Park Superintendent. An anonymous memo seeking an investigation into the personnel practices is being ignored by Interior Secretary Gale Norton. Denver Post, November 6, 2002.

Legislative Report 34. December, 2002

Dick Rodenburg reports on land and other issues of interest to the gem and mineral community.

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New in the Library

Dennis Gertenbach

We have received two copies of the symposium proceedings entitled "Gemstone Deposits of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region." The symposium was held September 7-10, 2002, and was sponsored by the Friends of Mineralogy, the Colorado School of Mines, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Sapphires, rhodochrosite, diamonds, emeralds, topaz, beryl, and turquoise are just a few of the minerals discussed.

Club members can check out this booklet, or any other library items. The library has many books and materials that will help you enjoy your rockhounding hobby even more.

If you are looking for a book on any rockhounding subject, contact Librarian Dennis Gertenbach and find out what you can check out from our library.

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Mineral and Dinosaur Identification on the Internet

Dennis Gertenbach

At this time of year, many of us take a second look at the specimens we collected during the year. Perhaps you have several minerals that you are not quite sure what they might be. The Internet has several sites to help you identify that unknown specimen.

At http://www.ironorchid.com/minerals/ you type in a few characteristics, such as color, hardness, and streak, at you get a list of possible minerals. Click on a mineral name, and you get a detailed description of the mineral and a photo.

The site http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/mineral_id/ takes you step by step, asking one question at a time. Based on the answers you give, you will be directed to a table with a description of minerals that might fit.

If some of the terminology needed to identify minerals scares you, such a streak, luster, or fracture, http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/rock4.htm will help explain what is meant by each of these terms. Crystal structures are also explained to help you with your identification.

Here's a site for the dinosaur enthusiast - a field guide to dinosaurs. At http://flood.nhm.ac.uk/cgi-bin/dino/, a site sponsored by The Natural History Museum in London, you can look up dinosaurs by era, location, name, and even their body shape. There is information about where they were found, what they ate, and even pictures of what they looked like.

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Coming Attractions

Dinosaur Discoveries at the Fossil Trace Golf Course-Open House Tours

Dinosaur tracks, palm fronds, and plant remains left nearly 68 million years ago will be on display for the public on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge will host an open house to give others a 'first-look' at these magnificent finds.

The tracks that have been found include those left by a dinosaur similar to the well-known Triceratops. Tracks of small lizards and a crane-like bird have also been found. Palm fronds preserved in sandstone paint a picture of a Colorado climate much different from the one we experience today. In addition to the track and plant impressions, the Fossil Trace location is an excellent place to view fossilized raindrops and learn about the area's clay-mining history.

T. Caneer, Friends of Dinosaur Ridge tour guide and advocate for the preservation of the tracks in Golden, says "The [Fossil Trace] site is an amazing find as it, in combination with Dinosaur Ridge to the south, gives a nearly complete picture for the Age of the Dinosaurs. At Dinosaur Ridge, tracks and bones are represented from about 150 to 95 million years ago. Here in Golden, the tracks and other finds represent the end of the Age of Dinosaurs, about 65 million years ago."

To get to the site, turn east off of 6th Avenue (Hwy 6) onto 19th Street in Golden. Parking is available by turning right just after the Stevinson Golden Ford on 19th St (one block). Admission is $1.50 per person (age 3 and under free). The program runs from 9 am to 4 pm. In the event of inclement weather, the backup date is Saturday, Dec. 14. For more information, visit the Dinosaur Ridge web site, http://www.dinoridge.org.

WIPS Annual Silent Auction

The Western Interior Paleontological Society will hold its annual silent auction Saturday, at 7 PM (6:30 for setup) at the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society building, 3690 S. Yosemite St, Denver (between Hampden Ave and I-225). See their web site www.wipsppc.com for further details.

Jewelry, Gem & Mineral Show

The 37th annual Jewelry, Gem, and Mineral Show sponsored by the Denver Gem and Mineral Guild will be held January 10-12, 2003 at the Lakeside Center Mall, Interstate 70 at Harlan St. Hours: Friday, January 10th - 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday January 11th - 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, January 12th - 11 am to 5 pm. The show will consist of gem, fossil, and jewelry dealers, and gem-cutting demonstrations by local artists. Our featured exhibit will consist of minerals from the four corner states. For further information call 303-783-0221.

Fourth Annual Cripple Creek School of Prospecting

Cripple Creek's mining heritage inspired this school, whose aim is to introduce geology, mineral deposits, and instruction in basic prospecting techniques. The class is designed to provide enjoyment to individuals and families as they explore Colorado's great outdoors. You will learn how to find rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils in the Pikes Peak region. Join Rich Fretterd, Loren Lowe, and Steve Veatch as they discuss the powerful geological phenomena that shaped the CrippleCreek Mining District. Rich Fretterd will share the results of his field investigations and discovery of new gemstone deposits in Teller County. Loren Lowe will focus on the nature of gold and placer recovery methods. Steve Veatch will share personal stories of his family's history in the mining district. Highlights include detailed instructions on how to file a claim, how to prepare specimens after you get them home, and a field trip to the Cripple Creek District Museum. A certificate of completion is awarded to all participants. This class fills quickly every year, so register early!

Date: Saturday, Feb 8, 2003, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Place: June Hack Community Center in downtown Cripple Creek.

Fee: $35 includes trip to the Cripple Creek District Museum and all materials. Take a walk to the many casinos for a gold camp lunch.

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Bulletin Board

Magazines - If you have hobby-related magazines, we can sell them at our next silent auction. Please save them next year also.

Lapidary Journal subscriptions, new and renew, will add to the club treasury if you pay Alex Cook. Your check will be your receipt.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has many interesting courses connected with their Paleontology Certification Program. For information about their spring program, call 303-322-7009.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has three free days in December for Colorado residents: Wed Dec 4, Wed Dec 11, and Sat Dec 15.

Club Directories are available. Pick yours up at the next meeting.

Mineral Identification - Bring your unknown mineral specimens to any monthly meeting. You will find several experts with years of experience to help with identification.

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Minutes of the Board Meeting, 11 November 2002

Emily Epstein, Secretary

Present: Paul Boni, Alex Cook, Andrea Elliott, Evan Elliott, Emily Epstein, Dennis Gertenbach, Dorothy Horton, Ray Horton, John Hurst, Steve Lubbs, Shirley Mehta, Charlotte Morrison, Gerry Naugle, Martha Ralston, Paul Ralston, Melinda Thompson, Brad Wilkomm, Lew Yoder.

The meeting came to order in the Blackeyed Pea restaurant at 7:30.

Evan Elliott expressed appreciation of the services of veterans.

Andrea Elliott reported that the show had been successful, and thanked club members for their efforts. A few dealers had expressed disappointment with sales. The Mall has informed her they will charge considerably more to have the show there next year, and the more desirable November dates are still not available. We will have to raise table prices, recruit more dealers, take a large loss, or not hold the show at the mall next year. Discussion ensued. It was decided that the first three options are not feasible unless we can obtain a date closer to the Christmas shopping season. John Hurst recommended a destination show. He said that some of the dealers were unhappy that there hadn't been enough advertising. Some of the shoppers mauled merchandise, and it was difficult to get assistance with maintenance and electrical problems. The board voted against having the show at the mall again at the new rate, but passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Andrea for her work on the show. Andrea will explore other venues and possibilities.

Melinda Thompson asked the board for a formal definition of "family" for the purposes of membership. After some discussion, the board agreed to define a family as 1 or 2 adults in one household and their minor children.

Evan presented a document that Gerry Naugle had compiled to shelter the scholarship fund, and formalize how the scholarship is administered. After lengthy discussion, it was decided that board members needed time to read the document closely, and would meet to vote to accept it as written or to table it for revision.

Gerry proposed putting some operating funds that are not immediately needed into a paperless certificate of deposit. The board approved unanimously.

The meeting adjourned shortly before the restaurant closed at 9 p.m.

Eleven members of the board convened at the Boulder Senior Center following the program on November 14 and voted to accept the scholarship document as written.

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Updated 1/12/04