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DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
IN THIS ISSUE The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral
Society (MDGMS) is a nonprofit
Backyard Buzz . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 organization. The objectives of this
California Corner (State Rock). . . . . 3 society are:
From the Field (Ord Mountains). . . . . 2 • To collect and study minerals
Monthly Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 and rocks.
Program Presentation (Bio). . . . . . . 4 • To disseminate a general
Show Scoop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 knowledge of the science of
Trip Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 mineralogy and allied subjects.
Workshop Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • To provide opportunity for the
exhibition and exchange of
specimens.
When we change our clocks MDGMS Officers 2007
Spring forward… Fall back… President Gene Haines
Vice-President Nicolette Grill
On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush Secretary Linda Ellston
signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Treasurer Janet Wentz
Under the new law, Daylight Saving Time
begins three weeks earlier than previously, Board of Directors
on the second Sunday in March. DST is John Bird, Peggy Haines, Donna
extended by one week to the first Sunday in Patterson, Kemp Root, Norm Sheppeard
November. The new start and stop period
begins March 2007. Board Meetings – 6:30 p.m.
Jan 3, Apr 3, Jul 3, Oct 2
Meetings/Workshops
1 hour
1st Friday (7:00 p.m.)
on Meetings:
Workshops: 3rd Friday (6:30 p.m.)
March 11th Dark Months:
Location:
July, August
25647 W. Main Street,
Barstow, CA 92311
March 2nd Meeting
Program: Geology of Calicos (Lecture)
Presented by Ren Lallatin
ATTENTION: The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Hostess: Dian Hare & Leslie Walker
Society 2007 show dates have been moved Door Prizes: Gene Haines
forward one week to avoid the Thanksgiving
holiday. The new dates will be Friday, Annual Membership Dues
November 30, 2007 for setup and Saturday and Dues are PAYABLE IN JANUARY
Sunday, December 1 and 2, 2007, for the show.
The President has written letters to our Adults: $20.00
dealers to see how many would be interested Juniors: $10.00 (10 to 18 years)
in returning on the new date. There has also
been an increase in rental of the recreation Editor: Peggy Haines
center and advertising which was passed on to E-mail: genpeg@mscomm.com
our dealers. More information will be Phone: (760) 256-0595
available at the meeting. Website: www.mdgms.org
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 1 of 7
DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
FROM THE FIELD
by Gene Haines
Ord Mountains (February 17, 2007)
Our trip to Ord Mountain for Buddseye Rhyolites began with a calm and balmy
summer-like day even though we are in the winter month of February. Our caravan
consisted of six vehicles and nine people. We exited I-40 East on the Dagget exit and
went southeast approximately 18 miles following Dian Hare on Ms. Toad’s wild ride.
Although the road is maintained fairly well, it is still a bit bumpy in many places.
We met the Searchers (from Anaheim) rock
club members at the power line and left their
campsite heading up to the original Grandview
Gold mine. Our thanks go to Danny Watts for
introducing us to Beth Pelfrey and their
offering to do a co-op fieldtrip, many thanks.
We were looking for Orbicular Rhyolites that
some people call Birdseye, Buddseye, and
Bugeyes. We found a variety with a range of colors and
distinct patterns. There were whites, grays, and the most
sought after orange. As you can see by the picture some
specimens are covered with densely populated eyes. Some of
the eyes are absolutely target round, others are shaped
like teardrops, and others are stretched and squiggly.
Carl and Linda Ellston found a small piece sticking out
above ground but when Carl dug it out it was well over 50
pounds. We think there is a sphere in their future. This
particular Rhyolite is not porous as is some but is quit
gemmy once polished.
As usual, Danny had the find of the day with a spectacular specimen of Rhyolite
which included thin veining of silver in it. Despite the fact that Shadow wasn’t with
him to guide him to this rock. Shadow will probably begin his Rhyolite sniffing
training this week. The Haines’ happened upon Dian and Leslie on the way home, they
had stopped to rescue 3 perfectly round gourds growing
by Creosote. Holding true to their father’s tutelage
they left some behind to help nature in the future.
The day was absolutely perfect and was 73
degrees at 11:00 with a gentle breeze, not wind. We
had a stunning vista of Lucerne Valley as well as the
San Bernardino Mountains including some snowcapped
ones near Big Bear. In this instance the answer is
YES to the question “Is the view worth the climb?”
For those members who missed this opportunity we hope
you can partake of future fieldtrips and may they be
as pleasant and enjoyable as this one was.
RHYOLITE
A very felsic (acidic) volcanic igneous rock that is the extrusive form of granite.
The minerals that make up rhyolite are quartz, feldspar, mica, and hornblende.
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 2 of 7
DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
CALIFORNIA CORNER TRIP TALK
March 2007 Field Trip
STATE ROCK by Peggy Haines
SERPENTINE
by Peggy Haines Place: To Be Announced
Date: March 17, 2007 (Saturday)
I n 1965 California became the
first state to designate a State Rock.
Serpentine was a natural choice because
it contained California’s principal
deposits of chromite, magnesite, and
cinnabar.
UPCOMING TRIP TO TONOPAH
Located throughout California, this
rock-forming mineral can be found in Be sure to contact Rob Stapp if you are
many metamorphic and weathered igneous interested in going to collect Turquoise
rocks, most commonly peridotite, or Variscite in the Tonopah, Nev. area
amphibolite, and pyroxene from the in May/June this year. You have to take
earth's mantle. It is also often rich the initiative to call Rob so he knows
in other metal ores, including chromium, you are interested. Fees at the mines
manganese, cobalt, and nickel. are running about $50 per head per mine
and until he knows who is interested he
can’t plan and we have to have a minimum
Most serpentines are opaque to
number to go or we can’t go. Prices are
translucent with a hardness of 2.5 to
subject to change. Help Rob help us
4.0. All are microcrystalline and are
(phone # (760) 252-1450). Our last
never found as single crystals. Colors
trips to the turquoise have been most
range from white to grey, yellow to
successful.
green, and brown to black, and are often
splotchy or veined. The surface often
has a shiny or wax-like appearance and a
slightly soapy feel. Serpentine is
usually fine-grained and compact but may
be granular, platy, or fibrous in
appearance.
Serpentines can be found worldwide;
Afghanistan, Canada (Quebec), China,
Cornwall, France, Italy, New Caledonia,
Norway, and the United States (northern
California). Where they form a March Birthdays
significant part of the soil is
unusually high in clay. 01 Mar – Dorothy Oberg
08 Mar – Beth Pinnell
Serpentines are used in 12 Mar – Katie Boyd
building materials, 13 Mar – Bob Wheeler
gems, ornamental 14 Mar – Johnny Rout
carvings, as railway 19 Mar – Peggy Haines
ballasts, and the 20 Mar – Bob Depue
asbestiform types find
use as thermal and electrical Birthstone: Aquamarine
insulation. Flower: Daffodils
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 3 of 7
DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
PROGRAM PRESENTATION (BIO)
by Ren Lallatin
Our speaker for March is Ren Lallatin. The topic is the Geologic Story
of the Evolution of the Calico Mountains and Calico Hills. This will
be a non-technical DISCUSSION of the geologic history of the Barstow
region for the last 20 million years. I enjoy questions and group
participation and use a lot of humor in my presentation style. It’ll
be a lot of fun!
Education:
• MA Antioch University, Seattle, WA 1997 Ecological Education Design
• BS/BA Evergreen State College, WA 1987 Geology/Geophysics
Work Experience:
• Volcanic Geology in Hawaii – Evergreen Sate College, WA
• Graduate and undergraduate courses in Geology, Ecology, Native American Studies,
Eco Psychology at Antioch University and Evergreen State College
• Consultant in Ecological Education, Bellevue, WA
• Currently a Geologic Consultant – Calico Early Man Site
WORKSHOP WRAP
by Peggy Haines
February 16, 2007
Gene Haines presented a hands-on “Rock Identification” class with over 100
various specimens of rocks, minerals, and fossils. He shared his excitement,
enthusiasm, and fascination with all who were there. Norm and Tricia Sheppeard brought
their visiting family members to workshop night. The grandchildren assisted Gene with
handling samples and with questions.
Danny Watts mounted the replacement blade on the clubs 8” trim saw. Janet Wentz
spent a good part of the evening slicing specimens from Hector and rocks that she and
Katie Boyd purchased at the Victorville show. John Bird utilized the Genie to shape
and polish a Calico Silver Lace cabochon.
Dian Hare and Kemp Root worked up a sweat straightening up our workshop area.
They managed to sort through, move, and organize the area some. Once again we can see
the table tops. There is still a lot of work to do for the library and the workshop
making them both safe and functional. The rest of the cleanup is scheduled for a later
date in March.
Bill Depue and Tricia sorted through rough rock that has been in the workshop
area for some time. They determined what belonged to Diamond Pacific and what was for
the club.
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 4 of 7
DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
BACKYARD BUZZ
by Tricia Sheppeard
Janet Wentz is the proud owner of a Ford Escape, four wheel drive. This is
wonderful that so many of us are getting four wheel drives.
Norm and Tricia Sheppeard had Norm’s daughter, husband and three grandchildren
visit for a few days—we even celebrated Christmas 2006 using the Two Foot High
Clothespin Reindeer that LaVon Rippetoe made a number of years ago for the club auction
and Tricia won it. Norm’s daughter and family live 6 or so hours away and so Christmas
was a little late. They attended the Friday night workshop and the children made it
through most of the rock identification program. All three children polished rocks one
afternoon and so did son-in-law who made an onyx mushroom.
Norm and Tricia’s friends Nina and Dale Meek’s son, daughter-in-law and grandson
visited a week from Tennessee. We took them to the Petrified Palm and had a half day
rock trip and then returned to our house and they each got to polish some of their
rocks they had found – common quartz, jasper and petrified palm. Each did a great job.
Nina and Dale’s son, David polished a stone from one of the slices of Jasper Norm cut
for him. He found a redheaded woodpecker image in the rock and it actually remained
after he polished his cab.
The Haines and the Sheppeards went to the Indio Date Festival and Fair on
February 19th to see the Gem Show and take in the sites. Johnny and Sally Rout are also
members of the San Gorgonio Mineral and Gem Society as well as ours. They had put in
some displays and we wanted to give them support as well as check out the San
Gorgonio’s show at the fair. Their’s is a 10 day affair with the Fairgrounds opening
at 10:00 a.m. but they have to have club members for coverage for their show until
10:00 p.m. quite an undertaking. They have 100 cases for display and many of them are
entered in competition. Johnny won second place and $60 for his category. He entered
his exquisite handmade rock hammer honed out of railroad spike, buckle, bolo, sphere of
Silver Lace Onyx as well as several other knives, buckles and bolos. They also
displayed the case similar to the one they put in our show of his marvelous buckles,
knives and bolos. Susan, Johnny and Sally’s daughter, also displayed a case of her
exquisite drawings in colored pencil on howlite – some of you may remember them tucked
in amongst Johnny and Sally’s Barstow case. There were a lot of beautiful cases.
Bill Depue took the Haines and Sheppeards prospecting to a long lost site of
agate nodules off of Fort Irwin Road that has been protected by a turtle fence for the
last 15 years or more. It is on the West side of the road before you drop down the big
turns to Butler Onyx. The hike is at least a mile from the road and took us 45 minutes
to walk. Bill showed us the site and then told us all these grand stories of how
plentiful the nodules and agates U S E D TO BE and how they just backed up their
pickups and rolled these big nodules and agates in – he said that was 40 or 50 years
ago. The nodules are imbedded in matrix as hard as cement. You can see all the
tremendous sledge hammering and chiseling they have done over the years. Gene found
two very large halves of two different nodules that have dark blue Botryoidal in them.
This is a hard rock mining operation and it has been worked hard over the years. You
need several heavy tools to bust out the nodules from the matrix and the mountain has
had a lot of years of pounding. Bill had a warning ticket on his windshield when we
returned. It seems we aren’t supposed to park on the shoulder of Fort Irwin Road and
since the area is picked over, you have to walk considerable distance, carry heavy
equipment and climb a steep hill, perhaps it doesn’t matter that it is so inaccessible.
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 5 of 7
DESERT DIGGINS
Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society Newsletter
____________________________________________________
SHOW SCOOP – MARCH 2007
2-4 - COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA: Show; Gem Faire Inc.; Orange County Fairgrounds/Bldg. 10,
88 Fair Dr.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson,
(503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com.
3-4 – ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA: Monrovia Rockhounds; Los Angeles County Arboretum &
Botanical Garden; 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Aracadia, CA; Hours: 9 - 4:30 both days; Jo Anna
Ritchey; Email: j.ritchey@verizon.net ; Website: www.moroks.com.
3-4 - VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: 45th annual show, "Ventura Gem Show"; Ventura Gem & Mineral
Society; Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun.
10-4; free admission. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities, our spinning wheel,
grab bags, and a new special kids’ raffle for mineral and fossil collections. There
will also be demonstrations of lapidary arts and exhibits from wonderful private
collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, lapidary work, and a dazzling fluorescent
mineral display. Donation award prizes and a silent rock auction will be held
continuously throughout the show. 15 dealers in fossils, minerals, lapidary equipment,
slabs, etc., will be on hand, along with a country store featuring flea market items,
used books and magazines, and plants. For further info (or to enter a display),
contact Jim Brace-Thompson, publicity chair, (805) 659-3577; jbraceth@adelphia.net.
See our web site at www.vgms.org.
9-11 - VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA: Tailgate; Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club; Stoddard
Wells; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; contact JoAnn Beall, (760) 217-2628.
9-11 - DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA: Show; Gem Faire Inc.; Del Mar Fairgrounds/Exhibit Hall,
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact
Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com.
10-11 – PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Pasadena Lapidary Society’s 49th Annual “Tournament of
Gems”; San Marino Masonic Center; 3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108; Hours:
10 – 6 Sat, 10 - 5 Sun; (626) 355-6964 or (626) 914-5030.
16-17 - SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA: Orange Belt Mineralogical Society; Western Regional
League Ballpark; 6707 Little League Drive; Hours: Fri, Sat. 9 a.m. to dusk; Sun. 9 – 4;
Al Carrell (951) 961-5988; Emma Rose (951) 288-6182; Lyle (Pappy) (909) 887-3394.
23-25 - BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA: 5th annual show, "Indoor and Outdoor Rock and Gem
Rendezvous"; San Joaquin Valley Lapidary Society; Kern County Fairgrounds, 1411 S. P
St., corner of S. P and Belle Terrace; Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission;
Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; sphere making, cabochon making, silversmithing, wire
wrapping demonstrations, hourly drawings, raffles, spin the wheel of fortune, silent
auction, Trading Post, U.S. and international dealers, rocks, fossils, gems, rough
rock, dichroic glass making lapidary equipment, beads, beading supplies; contact Lewis
M. Helfrich, 2225 River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93305, (661) 872-8230; e-mail:
lewsrocks@netzero.net; Web site: http://heartostone.com/jewelrycreations.
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 6 of 7
MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2, 2007
Meeting called to order by President Gene Haines at 7:08 p.m. Salute to the flag.
There were three guests; Mike Mazock from Del City Texas, Lyn Monds, and Alma Merritt.
One new member was introduced Glen Greenlee of Barstow. Happy Birthday to our February members.
PROGRAM: Nicolette Grill provided a video entitled “A Trip to Newberry Springs” by Huell Howser.
It turned out to be quite the comedy and was enjoyed by all.
MINUTES: January’s minutes were approved as written with the exception of: LaVella Tomlinson was
not the door prize winner of the Mexican Geode, it was Linda Ellston.
OLD BUSINESS: Beth Pinnell was not available to give the outgoing treasurer’s report. Gene
reminded everyone that Janet Wentz is still collecting annual club dues. Once again Gene asked
if anyone is interested in being the Newsletter Editor. Tricia Sheppeard asked if Katie Boyd
needed assistance with setting up the library. Katie is waiting on more shelves.
NEW BUSINESS: The Victorville club will be going to Jasper Hill on February 10th. If anyone is
interested in going Gene will check to see if Barstow’s club can tag along. The February 16th
workshop will be a rock identification class and the equipment will be available for those
wanting to work on items. We need to know who will volunteer to help with the annual Gem and
Mineral show. Nick Beall suggested during the Barstow show we manage the kitchen as it can be
very lucrative. There are many issues to consider. On Tuesday evenings there is a great show
called Cash and Treasurers which is worth watching. Gene taped a segment on Sunstones that was
interesting. Dave Walker donated a large New Mexico Sagenite piece to the club. It can be
sliced for the June auction and club display. We are trying to get more classes in conjunction
with the monthly workshops. Bob Menelly gave an Intarsia class a couple of years ago. If you
are interested in giving a class or want to learn something in particular sign-up sheets will be
available. Tricia is trying to get the city to confirm our show dates with no luck so far.
Janet has $40.00 from last month that someone left for their dues, she doesn’t know who. Janet
bought a new 4-wheel drive vehicle, a Ford Escape. Leslie Walker asked if our club enters the
fair. The fair runs for 10 days around May 14th and she will be the point of contact if anyone
is interested in putting in a club display. Sandy Wagner said she has a large jewelry case to
donate she obtained from J.C. Penney’s. Norm Sheppeard said if we are planning on selling at the
Victorville tailgate we will need volunteers, Janet can work Saturday.
FIELD TRIP: February 17th trip to Tehachapi is changed to an unknown destination. Some upcoming
shows are: March 9-11 - Victorville Tailgate; March 10-11 - Pasadena Gem and Mineral Show; March
23-25 - Bakersfield Gem and Mineral Show; April 28-29 – Antelope Valley Gem and Mineral Show; May
– Valley Springs Pow-Wow. We have the option of setting up to sell at the Antelope Valley
tailgate. Danny Watts will have his Toybox trailer available for whoever wants to work. Space
prices vary depending on booth size. Rob Stapp is coordinating a trip to Tonopah in May. We
need a minimum of 12 people. He is looking into the possibility of going to a Variscite mine as
well as the Turquoise mine. You can contact him at stapplab@aol.com.
DOOR PIRZES: Door prices were provided by Norm Sheppeard. Winners were Nicolette Grill (Fossil
Shell Sphere), Charlotte Robinson (Spheres of Snowflake Obsidian, Tiger Iron, and Sodalite), John
Bird (Tiger Eye Sphere), and guest Mike Mazock (Rainforest Jasper Heart).
HOSTESS: Goodies were provided by Katie Boyd and Tricia Sheppeard. There were cakes, candies,
cookies, ice cream, vegetables with dip, and coffee and punch. The table was decorated with a
colorful valentine theme and a variety of lovely polished heart shaped rocks scattered about.
CAB OF THE MONTH: There was a tie for cab of the month. Rob Stapp won with a Calico Lace Onyx
cabochon with a diagonal Turquoise inlay and Danny Watts with a Jasp-Agate from Hector.
SHOW AND TELL: Danny Watts brought Chinese Oyster sphere and Jasp-Agate slice from Hector. The
Tomlinson’s had lovely Mookite. The Sheppeard’s had material gathered from the Cady’s and Hector
II. Gene shared items purchased during his trip to Quartzsite. Dian Hare had a Sand Dollar,
Birds Eye Rhyolite from Sedona, and Bloodstone from China Lake. Also available for viewing were
local flora, Rainbow Obsidian, Petrified Palm, Flint, Selenite and Quartz Crystals from Arkansas.
ATTENDANCE: There were 2 guests, and 29 members in attendance. Meeting adjourned 8:58 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Linda Ellston, Secretary
MDGMS Barstow, California / March 2007 / Page 7 of 7
