With summer here, the Flatirons Mineral Club swings into action.  Paul Boni and his crew have a field trip just about every other weekend this summer.  The monthly programs on the second Thursday continue in June and July.  The annual picnic will be in August, plus the Jr. Geologists will be meeting each month.  Be sure to check out all of these great programs in this newsletter. 

Happy collecting to everyone, and bring those special finds to the towel show this fall.

The June board meeting will be held on Monday, June 7, at Alex Cook's residence in Boulder.

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June Club Meeting - Thursday, June 10

This month’s program will be a presentation by William Atkinson, of the CU Geology Department, on the use of blowpipes in the analysis of mineral specimens.  This is a technique anyone can use with simple equipment to apply the “flame test” to help determine the species of a mineral specimen.

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Jr. Geologists - Thursday, June 17

Do you know how to tell a fossil brachiopod from a clam?  Or an ancient snail from an ammonite?  The Jr. Geologists learned how during May’s program.

 In June, the Jr. Geologists will learn about reading topographical and geological maps.  The meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 17.  Contact Dennis Gertenbach at gertenbach1@worldnet.att.net or for more details.

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Field Trips

Paul Boni

Kammerzell's Gold Claim, Central City CO

June 12

Trip leader to be determined. Call Paul Boni for information.

Gold and small pyrite cubes

Vehicle; any

Our own Larry and Flo Kammerzell own a placer gold claim in the Central City area and have graciously agreed to allow us to pan for gold. The date is 
flexible to  allow for optimum water flow in the ephemeral stream. If the water is not flowing, we can't use the gold pans. A mine dump on the claim yields 
small pyrite cubes (< 1/4 "). Bring your own gold pan and a film can or other small container for your gold. If conditions allow we will try to have sluice and 
share the proceeds. Most of the gold found is "dust", but occasional pinhead sized nuggets are found.

Special precautions: The Central City area is literally undermined with old mine workings. Mine shafts and air vents can be anywhere and are never marked. 
They are usually fatal if one falls in. Participants will not be allowed to wander and children must be kept right next to parents. We cannot be flexible on this. 
As long as we remain by the streambed there is no problem.

Calumet Iron Mine

June 19 and 20(?)

Trip leader Bill Reid

The famous Calumet mine is a source of beautiful epidote. Also available are quartz crystals, uralite (actinolite pseudomorphs after diopside), magnetite, 
garnet, and small (but gemmy) sapphire. The hike to the mine is strenuous and not for the very young, old, or physically challenged. Good hiking boots, 
lots of water, eye protection, hard hats, and etc, will be required. The outing is strenuous enough that most people rarely want to do it a second day. Yet to 
be  determined: a possible second day at another, nearby site.

Creede CO

Trip leader; Paul Boni

July 3-5 ... 

Sow belly agate, quartz crystals, amethyst, pyrite, etc...

This trip is still in the planning stages, but we are going. Please if you have information about the area call Paul Boni and help us plan.The Creede area is 
an old and famous mining district. Mine dumps often have amethyst, wire silver (not so often as we would like!), sow belly agate, and other goodies. Last 
year an operation opened up on one of the mine dumps as a fee dig. If I remember correctly, they were charging by the pound, whatever you collected. I 
don't have the fee at this time but am working on it. There are also sites nearby which yield quarts crystals,  agates, fossils, and other neat stuff. We will 
spend the long holiday weekend in the area and some can stay a couple extra days if they wish. Camping, motels, and RV parks are available.

The Contin-Tail show

August 12-15

Mt Antero (Aug 14)

Aquamarine, smoky quartz, microcline, topaz, phenakite.

Trip leader; Paul Boni

The Contin-Tail Show is one of the highlights of the year. If you have never been, you should try to make it. It is a rock and mineral show, similar to all the 
other shows one can attend ... except that is held out of doors and includes a lot of rockhounds who dig and sell their own stuff. It's a lot of fun, a gorgeous 
mountain setting, with everything a rockhound could want. The show is held at the Buena Vista rodeo grounds. Camping at the rodeo grounds is free and 
there are porta-potties in good numbers. Motels and restaurants are available in town and the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is just down the road. Nearby 
collecting sites include Ruby Mountain, calumet iron mine, a brachiopod site south of Salida, and others.

Mt Antero: We will have a collecting trip up Mt. Antero on Saturday, Aug 14. Meet in front of the concession stand at the rodeo grounds at 7 am sharp. It's 
early but there is no other way. The weather can close in very quickly and afternoon thunderstorms are not to be ignored up there. Low range 4-wheel drive 
is required. The road is a moderate and technical 4-wheel drive road. If you have problems with altitude and narrow roads with steep drop-offs, this trip is not 
for you. Good hiking boots (absolutely no sneakers!), hardhats, eye protection, rain gear, proper clothing, jacket or parka, food and water are required. 
Children must stay with parents at all times. Participants must be in good physical condition.

McCoy, CO

Sept 11.

Trip leader; Dennis Gertenbach

Fossils; crinoids, brachiopods, gastropods, and others

This is a famous locality for the above-mentioned fossils. Crinoid stems can literally be found by the sack full. But you don't need that many anyway. The 
point is that this is a site where anybody and everybody can find fossils. Preservation quality of these fossils is very good and a few pieces belong in every 
collection. This  is a great trip for the kids! The site is usually hot. Lots of water, hat, and sunscreen are a good idea for this trip.

Trips unscheduled as of this writing: The following are trips that will happen this summer, but have not yet been scheduled. We are working on other field 
trip ideas and will announce them when the details are worked out.

Lien Quarry

Trip Leader; Connie Hauser

Calcite Crystals.

The reason that this trip is yet unscheduled is that the quarry operators have not hit a seam of calcite crystals lately. The plan is that when they do, they 
will call Connie and Connie will call all who are interested. The field trip will then be on. Please leave your name and phone number with Connie if you are 
interested. Lien Quarry calcite crystals are often UV fluorescent.

Caribou Silver Mine

Trip Leader; Ray Horton

Ray has spoken with Tom Hendricks who has graciously agreed to allow us to pick over the mine dumps at the famous Caribou Mine. The main attraction 
here is the chance to find wire silver specimens. Other mine dumps attractions are always things like quartz and pyrite crystals and specimens of ore 
minerals. This is a beautiful site and well worth the trip, even if just for a pick nick lunch! At this time we do not have a firm date with Mr. Hendricks. Make 
sure you check out the June newsletter for further information.

Kremling, CO
Trip Leader; Bill Eeds
Fossil wood

Bill has found a site that yields a very nice petrified wood with a black interior and tan rind. For the lapidaries in the club, it takes a nice polish. For the wood 
collectors, this material shows good grain and knots. At this time we have not set a date for this trip.

Hans Peak, CO
Trip Leader; Melinda Thompson
Quartz Crystals

 This is a beautiful site, for the scenery alone! There is also buried treasure in the form of clustered quartz crystals. Anyone can find quartz here! The site is 
at timberline and there is a little bit of a steep narrow road. Low range 4-wheel drive is required. I'm sure we can arrange a ride to the top for those who do 
not have a proper vehicle. That, of course will depend on how many need a ride.

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Denver Museum Events
 

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has some interesting events scheduled in the next few months.  Here are some highlights:

Messages in Stone, Dr. Vince Matthews, Colorado State Geologist, US Geological Survey.  Book sale and signing. Thursday July 22, 7:00 PM, Ricketson
 Auditorium, $10 member, $13 non-member.  Learn about the unique geology of Colorado’s most treasured and dramatic landscapes, with specific
examples of Colorado’s geologic diversity and its impact on humans—through water and economic resources—and on geologic hazards.

Regional Geology of the Western United States, Dr. Bob Raynolds, research associate, Earth Sciences Department. Class, Thursdays, Aug 5-19,
6:30-8:30 PM, El Pomar Space classroom, $60 member, $70 non-member.  Examine the geological evolution of western North America with emphasis on
the plate tectonic influences and regional geological forces that have sculpted the landscape, including forces ranging from the San Andreas Fault to the
Yellowstone Hot Spot to the Rio Grande Rift Valley.  Come to learn more about Colorado’s setting in this array of regional geological phenomena.

Pawnee Buttes Geology Bus Trip, Saturday, Aug 21, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, $50 member, $75 nonmember.  Join Earth Sciences research associate Dr.
Bob Raynolds on a bus trip that takes you back into the Oligocene and onto the high plains where a huge plume of dust blew in and draped the area in a
natural sarcophagus for millions of critters.  Search for modern badgers and fossil rabbits.  Ages 8 and up.  Bring sack lunch, and meet at the museum.

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From the Library

Ray Gilbert has volunteered to take over the club library.  The library will move to his home in June, and will be open for business in July.  With over 400
books, the library has a book on just about any subject of interest in the earth sciences. 

A new list of the books, videos, CDs, and magazines in the library will be available later in June.  If you would like a copy, either e-mail Dennis
Gertenbach (gertenbach1@worldnet.att.net) for an electronic copy or pick up a printed copy at the club meeting in July.

Please Bring In Your Library Books At The June Meeting!!

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Denver Museum Free Dates

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, with the assistance of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, offers free museum admission to Colorado 
residents on a number of days throughout the year. 

Remaining dates for 2004 are: Sunday, August 29, Wednesday, September 8, Wednesday, November 3, and Sunday, December 12. Free admission 
applies to the museum only—IMAX & the Planetarium will still charge.

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Online Mineral Database

Here is an excellent online database of minerals and mineralogy that some of us have been using lately--it's got lots of info on many topics--check it out:
 http://www.mindat.org

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Gold Dust Extractor

Gerry Naugle

There is a brand new type of water-vortex extractor at Charlotte's house for use by BVSD teachers, students and our FMC members [joint project].   Club members expressed a lot of interest in this device when it was demonstrated at the May club meeting. If you go gold panning this summer and keep your black-sand after your panning, you can screen it and then extract the fine flour-gold out of it easily at Charlotte's on a Wednesday evening or a weekend evening (call ahead).  Extractor is indoors, away from mosquitoes.

Gerry Naugle has instructions on the "tips & techniques" of getting the super-fine material out of black and tan sand, and the club has a few new 'sniffer bottles' available for anyone who needs one (which is nearly required: $2.50) when working with this super fine material.  Note: Black sand donations gladly accepted ...the club general treasury gets 50% and the FMC scholarship fund gets 50% of any of the proceeds from those activities.

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Flatirons Mineral Club Fall Show Report

Alex Cook, Show Chairman 

Plans are well under way for the annual Flatirons Mineral Club Show which will be held at the Boulder Elks Lodge November 19-21. Enthusiasm is running at a high level among the members of the committee charged with running the show ever since they started meeting early this year. At the May meeting John Hurst, dealer chairman, announced that he has already signed up nine dealers, which is the number for which we have room. Anyone else who applies will be on a waiting list. This year it was decided to place dealers only in the main ball room, leaving the club room for displays and various activities such as seminars and classes of various kinds. John has already laid out a floor plan with the assistance of Hallie Cook.  A dark room will still be available for displays and demonstrations of fluorescent minerals.

 This year once again we hope to have several demonstrations of activities such as faceting, gold panning and wire wrapping, among other things. If you would like to make up a display case, be sure to contact Paul Ralston as soon as possible, because he has only a limited number of cases available and they will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Shirley Mehta is in charge of ticket sales, but we need someone to back her up in this capacity, so volunteers would be appreciated. We expect to have some very nice door prizes, and although we have quite a few items available, we are always happy to accept donations from our club members or dealers to augment our supply. We look forward to Carol Codrescu working once again as our youth chair. We had a lot of activities aimed at children last year, including the fishpond, wheel of fortune and sand pile, and hope to have more this year. Emily Epstein has been very active in providing publicity for the show, both in publications and on the web. We have fliers available and would appreciate anyone who would be kind enough to distribute them wherever possible.

The next meeting of the mineral show committee will be at Charlotte Morrison’s house Tuesday, July 13 and will be devoted mainly to preparing signs under the guidance of experienced sign-master Gerry Naugle. Gerry has promised that this year’s signs will be firmly anchored so as not to repeat the sad saga of the loss of our “old prospector” sign which we think is somewhere in Kansas after last year’s windstorm.

In the meantime, we would like to emphasize that this show is a club affair and there is no reason why every one of us should not pitch in and help. Last year’s show was a resounding success because everyone was there to assist. If you would like to work on the committee, please come to the meetings and we will be glad to give you a job.

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Mt. Antero Aquamarines

Gerry Naugle

Click on the highlighted HTML link below, it takes you to their "Mt. Antero page", then click on their link to the "Bill Hutchinson Photos".  Also, from 
their home page there is a link to just "Aquamarines".  Click on that link and it takes you to two of "Bill's Best Aquas" (which) just happen to be for 
sale, $$$$$

http://www.buenavistagemworks.com/antero/antero.htm 

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Geodes for Sale

Flatirons Mineral Club Members:

My wife and I owned the House of Art store in Gunnison for 25 years. When we retired we ended up with a supply of whole geodes that we had 
purchased over the years. They are mostly from Chihuahua, Mexico.  There are 1600 pounds of hollows from 3" to 8" with a few larger. 1300 pounds 
of solids 4-5''. We used for bookends mostly. 700 pounds popper 3" and under and 640 pounds of red skins 4-8" mostly used for bookends. We also 
have 800 pounds of Colorado wood, blacks and brown in color, 280 pounds of misc. cutting material, A 27" Vibro-lap, 9 pounds of tin oxide, 133 pounds 
of 80 grit, 40 pounds of 400 grit, 50 pounds of corundum polish powder. We also have 568 pounds of septarians from Utah. We would like to sell all and 
can make you a good offer if you would be interested. If there are any questions or you need an inventory list let us know.  Thanks for your time 

Hugh & Nancy Pressler

305 S. Iowa

Gunnison, Co 81230

970-641-2121

hpress@adelphia.net 

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Upcoming Events, Nearby & Elsewhere

June 3-6 – Westminster Mall Rocks.  Mile Hi Rock & Mineral Society, 28^th Annual Gem and Mineral Show.  Westminster Mall, 88^th & Sheridan, Westminster, CO.  Dealers, displays, demonstrations.  Jewelry, minerals, rocks, stones, lapidary equipment supplies and information.  Contact: Jennie Baldwin, Brighton CO, 303-659-7630.

June 5 -- The NAJA Metal Arts Supply and Denver Jewelry Academy will be hosting an open house on Saturday, June 5th from 9:00am - 6:00pm. DJA instructors will be giving demonstrations throughout the day. Examples of both student and instructor work will be on display. Plan on dropping in for a preview of our upcoming workshops and courses. Refreshments will be served. DJA Location: 6810 N. Broadway, Unit L, Denver, Colorado 80221-2827. www.denver-jewelry-academy.com

June 5 -- Saturday, June 5, the next "Dinosaur Discovery Day" public tour day at Dinosaur Ridge. 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; future tour dates are July 3, Aug. 7, Sep. 4, and October 2.  Each will be preceded by a pancake breakfast, 9-11 a.m.  For more info see  http://www.dinoridge.org/activity.htm

June 18-20 - International Gem & Jewelry Show. Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 E 58th Ave, Denver, CO. 301-294-1640, fax 301-294-0034, info@intergem.net.

June 19-20 - Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show. Phil Long Expo Center (1515 Auto Mall Loop, I-25 & N. Academy exit), Colorado Springs, CO. Info: Ruth Cook, 719-632-9686.

June 19-20 - 2004 Wyoming State Gem & Mineral Society Show, hosted by Rex Young Rock Club. Rendezvous Center, Hwy 26, Goshen Co. Fairgrounds, Torrington, WY. Theme: "Platte River Treasures", Displays, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, Raffles, Dealers, Grab Bags. Western History Artifact Exhibit: The Influence of Rocks on Early Native Americans. Black light exhibit, wire wrapping, faceting, flint knapping. Sat. 9–8, Sun. 9–4. Programs: Sat.: Slide show on the Grand Canyon, 10 a.m., WSMGS Delegates Meeting 2 p.m. Sun.: Field Trip: 8 a.m. $2 per day, kids under 12 free.

June 26 - Cripple Creek Park and Recreation Dept presents: An Outdoor Geoscience Adventure: The Cripple Creek Mining District is one of the most interesting geologic regions in the country. In this field-oriented program, you will learn about area geology and explore Cripple Creek’s mining history. Part of the day will be spent hiking through an active mining area where modern and historic mining coexist. Be prepared for lively discussions and lots of fun as you explore and discover the mining history of the gold camp. A local geologist and several field prospectors will be your guides. You will explore old mining sites and examine rocks along the trail. Historic mining techniques will be discussed in detail along with a review of the archaeology of mining and miners. Be sure to bring your camera, plenty of film, and be prepared to take excellent pictures of the old buildings and mines that remain along the trails we will hike.  9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., June Hack Community Center in Downtown Cripple Creek. $30 includes all materials, transportation, box lunch, and beverages.  Call Cripple Creek Park and Recreation at 719-689-3514 for more information.

July 19-20 – Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Show, Rushmore Civic Center, Rapid City SD

Aug. 12-15 - 21st Annual Contin-Tail, sponsored by Colorado Federation of Gem & Mineral Societies. Rodeo Grounds, Buena Vista, CO. Colorado's largest outdoor gem & mineral show. 200,000 square feet of Rocks, Minerals, Beads, and Jewelry.  Free to the public.  Fluorescent display demonstrations.  Food concession sponsored by the Buena Vista American Legion. Info:  303-709-4212 or e-mail the Federation.

Check our own web site for additional events, and further details: http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/fmc/fmctk.htm

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Minutes of the Board Meeting, May 10, 2004

Emily Epstein, Secretary

Present: Paul Boni, Alex Cook, Emily Epstein, Dennis Gertenbach, Ray Gilbert, Ray Horton, Gerry Naugle, Terry O’Donnell, Trick Runions, Melinda Thompson, Lew Yoder

Paul Boni reported that he is still working to line up field trips. Ray Horton is still trying to arrange a trip to Caribou, and it is still uncertain whether we will be able to go to Stoneham this year.

 Emily Epstein asked about upcoming meetings.  In deference to members’ worries about West Nile, the July meeting will be at the Senior Center rather than in the park. Ray will check with the senior center about the use of a torch—she may have to demonstrate on the patio. Emily will update the website, get the word out, and notify the speaker. If we have to have the lampworking part of the presentation outside, we’ll have mosquito repellant on hand. The August picnic will still be in the park. September’s program will be a presentation on micromounts by Bill Harrison. November is our annual towel show and December is the holiday party, leaving only October unscheduled. Various board members suggested possible programs. Gerry Naugle presented the treasurer's report. The Club is still solvent. Two-thirds of the dealer spaces for the show have been reserved and paid for. There was a brief discussion of badges. The decision made at in March stands—we will not order special blanks, but purchase badges in batches in June and December. Having gone over the books, the income from the silent auction, and the projected income from the show, Gerry sees no need to raise dues this year. The rest of the board agreed.

Dennis Gertenbach and Melinda Thompson have been working on new member packets. Trick Runions will compile a list of items to be included. Board members should send ideas to him.

Paul Boni reported that there are no new developments in the North Table Mountain situation. He recommends keeping track of it through Bob Loeffler’s website. Emily will add a link to the club’s website.

Dennis reported that the next Junior Geologists’ meeting will be May 27th at his house. The theme will be fossil identification. The April meeting, on crystal growing, went well, and a good time was had by all. Charlotte Morrison spoke on crystal identification. The program is going well. Children are encouraged to bring their parents. FMC is one of the few rock clubs in the area with special programming for children. Dennis and his wife will be moving to Lakewood, so we need to find a new place to hold it.

Since the Gertenbachs are moving, we also need someone to take over the library. Ray Gilbert volunteered. Dennis has been working on a list of titles in the library, which he hopes to finish before moving. When it is complete, it will be added to the club’s website.

Dennis reminded the board that the Denver Show is coming. People need to sign up to volunteer at the show and at the club table. Charlotte Morrison will be the contact person for the club table. The board also decided that we should have a club case. Dennis will fill out the form to arrange it.

Dennis has received an e-mail from some people in Ohio who will be vacationing in Colorado in July. He recommended a book by Bob Dorrs. Several other board members receive similar queries from time to time. Discussion ensued.

Gerry reminded the board that we still need cloth bags for grab bags. He then went on to describe the fine gold extractor that he had recently bought. He plans to make it available to club members and to teachers and student in the school district. If the club can get funding, he will sell it to the club at cost. Gerry will write a grant proposal to the Denver Council.

Ray Horton has 2 copies of Taylor’s Guide to Geology of Colorado. The board voted to purchase them from Ray at cost. They will either be given to program speakers in lieu of dinner, or sold at cost to club members.

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Updated 7/12/04