- Cuyuna Rock, Gem and Mineral Society

Cuyuna Rock, Gem and Mineral Society
The Agate Explorer
December 2015
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 12th
Potluck meal begins at noon.
Bring one or more rock or
non-rock related white
elephant wrapped gift if you would like to participate
in the gift exchange.
Club Information
Meeting Place
Dues are due! $20 per family per year by January 1.
If your dues are not paid by February 20 you will no
longer receive a newsletter.
Election Results
President—a two year term Ed Opatz
Secretary—a two year term Joanie Hanson
3 Board Members at Large
Joan Guerra— a one year term
Sharon Smith—a one year term
Ed Walton—a one year term
New terms begin January 1, 2016.
Club Calendar
December 12—Christmas party potluck party. The meal
will begin at 12:00 noon, so please come anytime after 11:00
a.m. White elephant gift exchange—bring at least one
wrapped gift if you would like to participate.
January 9—12:30 Board Mtg., 1:30 Kids’ Program, General Meeting at
2:00, Speaker Ryan Eiden on his experiences as an Alaska gold miner.
February 13—12:30 Board Mtg., 1:30 Kids’ Program, General Meeting at
2:00, Speaker Jim Reed on fish fossil preservation.
Information subject to change.
Cuyuna Range Community Center
Directions
2 blocks north of stop sign at
Hwys. 6 & 210 intersection in
Crosby. Meeting in basement on
the 2nd Saturday of each month
at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Club Dues
$20/ family
Free /unaccompanied juniors
Membership runs
from Jan. 1-Dec. 31st.
Club Shop Days
will be the same day as
meeting days, starting at
10:00 a.m. If you wish to
attend, call Ed Opatz
at 320-250-1363.
Club Purpose
To foster an interest (& encourage
young & old) to study earth science,
enjoy the art of lapidary, hunting for
rocks, and semi-precious stones. We
also strive to use what we know and
acquire to further educate everyone
who has an interest in our hobby.
We are a not-for-profit organization.
difference between porphyry and porphyritic rock. This is based on field relations.
True porphyry according to this interpretation is an intrusive rock. Extrusive
(lava) rock may have a porphyritic texture
but it should be named porphyritic rock,
not porphyry.
Porphyry
Compiled by Harry Wagoner
Porphyry is a textural term for an igneous
rock consisting of large-grained crystals
such as feldspar or quartz dispersed in a
fine-grained feldspathic matrix or groundmass. The larger crystals are called
phenocrysts.
The adjective porphyritic now refers to a
certain texture of igneous rock regardless
of its chemical and mineralogical composition. Its chief characteristic is a large
difference in size between the tiny matrix
crystals and the much larger phenocrysts.
Porphyries may have invisibly small
crystals as in basalt, or crystals easily
distinguishable with the eye, as in granite.
Most types of igneous rocks display some
degree of porphyritic texture.
There are many different interpretations.
Sometimes it is assumed that porphyry is
granitic in composition while other
sources claim that composition plays no
role whatsoever. Some authors make a
Porphyry deposits are formed when a
column of rising magma is cooled in two
stages. In the first, the magma is cooled
slowly deep in the crust, creating the large
crystal grains with a diameter of 2 mm or
more. In the second and final stage, the
magma is cooled rapidly at relatively
shallow depth or as it erupts from a
volcano, creating small grains that are
usually invisible to the unaided eye.
The term porphyry is also used for a
mineral deposit called a "copper
porphyry". The different stages of cooling
lead to a separation of dissolved metals
into distinct zones. This process, which
occurs primarily when fluids are driven
off the cooling magma, is one of the main
reasons for the existence in the world of
rich, localized metal ore deposits. This
enrichment occurs in the porphyry itself,
or in other related igneous rocks or
surrounding country rocks. Collectively,
these type of deposits are known as
"porphyry copper deposits".
Rhomb porphyry is a volcanic rock with
gray-white large porphyritic rhomb
shaped phenocrysts embedded in a very
fine-grained red-brown matrix.
Are you interested in taking a wire
wrapping class? If so, please contact Ed
Opatz at 320-250-1363 or
opatz1@att.net. The fee will be based
upon how many people attend, but will
be kept as low as possible.
Book of the Month
Stromatolites: Ancient, Beautiful,
and Earth-Altering 1st Edition
by R. J. Leis (Author),
Bruce L. Stinchcomb (Author),
Terry McKee (Illustrator)
A colorful look at
3.5 billion years of
stromatolites,
peculiar structures
produced by primitive life forms that
lived over vast spans
of geologic time. At
once diverse,
attractive, and sometimes puzzling, fossilized stromatolites
are found worldwide in sedimentary
rocks—often presenting striking
patterns—where they grew in ancient
bodies of water that covered parts of the
earth billions of years before the dinosaurs. This reference presents a basic,
nontechnical account, along with 636
beautiful images of these most ancient of
Earthly collectibles. Stromatolites, and
the cyanobacteria that produced most of
them, were responsible not only for the
fossils themselves, but also, more
importantly, for the introduction of free
oxygen into the planet’s atmosphere.
Covering a diverse variety of stromatolites and the geologic objects that can
resemble them, this book is a delight for
stromatophiles as well as those curious
about the early Earth.
This book includes a piece on Bob
Weikert, who has been a vendor at our
show and has part of his collection for
sale (See the ad on another page in this
newsletter.)
Club member, Dave Moe, is collecting barite, rhyolite, and quartz crystals
at an undisclosed New Mexico location.
Barite
Rhyolite
Quartz crystals
Answers to test on page 5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Chert
Cinnabar
Albite
Quartz
Mica
Spinel
Gabbro
Zircon
Gneiss
Fluorite
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Apatite
Gypsum
Pyrite
Onyx
Diamond
Rubies
Coal
Scheelite
Garnet
Granite
Jewelry Making Tip
By Brad Smith www.BradSmithJewelry.com
State by State
Nevada
Making Filigree Wire
Making wire for filigree is quite simple. Take a double strand of 24-26 gauge silver
wire, twist it tightly, and then flatten it a bit. While the basics are straightforward, here's
a few tips that will quickly make you an expert with filigree.
State Mineral
Silver
Filigree looks best when the wire has a very
tight twist. The way I do this is to start with
dead soft wire and twist it until it breaks. It
always seems to break on one end or the other. I
like to use a screw gun, although a Foredom
also works well. Be sure to keep a little tension
on the wires as you twist. Then to get a real
tight twist, I anneal the wire and twist it a
second time until it breaks.
The final step in prepping the filigree wire is to
flatten it slightly with a planishing hammer or rolling mill. The amount of flattening is a
personal preference. I like to reduce the diameter about 25%. The wire will be quite stiff
at this point, so it's best to anneal it again before starting to make the filigree shapes.
Rockhound Terminology
J, K, & L
Japan Law Twin – Twin quartz crystals
joined in the same plane at an angle of
about 84 degrees.
Jet – A form of coal that can be polished
to look like black glass.
Jurassic – Geological time period that
stretches from about 200 – 145 million
years ago.
K-T Extinction (K-T Boundary Event) –
Approximately 65 million years ago, at
the end of the Cretaceous and just before
the beginning of the Tertiary, the fossil
record suddenly changes. At this time,
approximately three-quarters of all life
forms go extinct. The “K” refers to
Kreide, meaning chalk in German and
references the chalky sediment layer from
that time. The “T” refers to Tertiary.
Karat – Parts per 24 of pure gold in an
alloy.
Karst Topography – Geologic formation
shaped by the dissolution of a layer(s) of
soluble bedrock. The landscape is characterized by the presence of sinkholes,
caves, springs, and underground streams.
Kimberlite – Igneous rocks rich in
volatiles, normally forming pipes.
Knapping – The process of chipping
away at a stone (such as flint, agate, chert,
obsidian) to produce projective points,
knives, and other objects.
Laccolith – A mass of intrusive igneous
rock with a dome-shaped top and generally flat base.
Lapidary – A craftsperson who cuts and
polishes gemstones.
Last Chance Gulch – Location of significant gold rush in Helena, Montana.
Lava – The hot melted rock that flows
out of an erupting volcano. Inside the
volcano, the melted rock is called
magma.
Lava Tube – A hollow formation created
not by erosion but rather when molten
lava solidifies on the exterior but the insulation allows the interior to continue to
flow and empty creating a hollow tube.
Leaverite – Rockerhounder slang for a
rock that isn't worth carrying back home;
just leave 'er right there.
Lithophysae – Scientific name for a
thunderegg (Latin for ‘rock bubbles’).
Lithosphere – That portion of the Earth
comprising the crust and upper-most
portion of the solid mantle.
Locate – To mark the boundaries of a
claim.
Lodestone – A piece of magnetite, a
naturally occurring magnetic iron-oxide.
Loupe – A small hand-held lens.
Luster – The way a mineral shines
caused by reflected light. Various terms
such as metallic or resinous, bright or dull
may be used to describe the luster of a
mineral.(invertebrate fossils are regulated
differently than vertebrate fossils).
Iridescence – The play of colors on the
surface of a mineral like a film of oil on
water.
Island Arc – Curved chain of volcanic
islands in a subduction zone (Alaska’s
Aleutian Islands).
http://www.gatorgirlrocks.com/resources/
glossary.html
State Rock
Sandstone
State Gem
Black Fire
Opal
Sunshine Requests
If you know someone who
could use a little sunshine— birth,
illness, surgery, family death—
please contact Christi Higgins at
320-224-6650.
Oh, No! The Wizard is Stumped!
Harry Wagoner picked this up at the last
meeting in one of the free rock buckets,
and has been unable to identify it. Can
anyone help him? If so, call him at
218-927-9983.
Metaphysical & Healing Properties of
Gems, Minerals, & Crystals
Silver:
it is said that it is
revered as the
metal of the
"Moon Goddess," which is protective; it
can repel or destroy evil spirits; may be
used as an "oracular" metal since it was
"sent from the moon;" can be used at the
start of psychotherapy for enhancement;
it should be regularly exposed to the
moonlight to arouse and restore its powers; removes putrid flesh from festering
wounds; cleanses the blood, and aids in
its flow through the aortic valves; it is
said to provide relief for joint pains,
hoarseness, and irritating congestion of
the windpipe (asthma, croup, bronchitis,
cancer, or sore throats); prevents epileptic
seizures; an emotional balancer; relieves
stress and enhances mental functions .
http://www.rocksinmyheadtoo.com/
MetasLis.htm
Club members Doug (seen above), Mandy, and Landon Mitchell recently spent some
time in Michigan scouting our some Petoskey stone. See insert for a sample of their take.
December Rock Shows
4-6—SANTA BARBARA, CA: Gem
Faire Inc, Earl Warren Showgrounds;
3400 Calle Real; Fri. Noon-6 pm, Sat. 10
am-6 pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm; $7, 0-11
free!; Web site: http://www.gemfaire.com
4-6—HUDSON, FL: Withlacoochee
Rockhounds, Veterans Memorial Park;
Daily 9 am-5 pm; Adults $3, Students/
Teens $1, Under 13 free; Web site: withlacoocheerockhounds.com
4-6—EL PASO, TX: El Paso Mineral &
Gem Society, El Maida Auditorium; Fri.
10 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 10
am-5 pm; Free!; e-mail: gemcenter@
aol.com
4-6—MONTGOMERY, AL: Annual
show; Montgomery Gem & Mineral Society, Garrett Coliseum; Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat.
10am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm; $2, Students
& Children Free!; Web site: http://
www.montgomerygemandmineralsociety.
com/#!annual-gem-show
4-6—EDISON, NJ: Eons Expos, LLLP,
NJ Convention & Expo Center; 97; Fri. 5
pm-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 10 am-6
pm; $5; Web site: www.Eons-Expos.com;
contact Lowell Carhart, (804) 291-6357; e
-mail: LowellCarhart@yahoo.com; Web
site: www.Eons-Expos.com
4-6—MARIETTA, GA: Cobb County
Gem & Mineral Society, Jim Miller Park ;
Fri. 10am-6pm; Free! e-mail: mrperrine@gmail.com
5-6—BARSTOW, CA: High Desert Gem
& Mineral Society, Cora Harper Fitness
Center; Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. 10 am-5
pm; Free!; contact Danny Watts, (760)
373-1309
5-6—EDMONDS, WA: Maplewood
Rock & Gem Club, Maplewood Rock and
Gem Clubhouse; Sat. 9 am-6 pm, Sun. 10
am-5 pm; Free; contact Mike Collins, PO
Box 5657, Lynnwood, WA, (206) 7146861
5-6—LAKESIDE, CA: El Cajon Valley
Gem & Mineral Society, Lakeside Rodeo
Grounds; Sat. 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Sun.
9:00 am-4:00 pm; Free; Web site:
www.ecvgms.org
5-6—PINECREST, FL: Miami Mineralogical & Lapidary Guild, Evelyn Greer
Park; Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-5pm;
$4; Under 12 Free; www.miamigem
andmineral.com
11-13—NORCROSS,, GA: Mammoth
Rock Shows LLC., North Atlanta Trade
Center; Fri. 10 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-6
pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm; Adults + Seniors
$5., Under 16 Free!; www.mammoth
rock.com
11-13—COSTA MESA, CA: Gem Faire
Inc, OC Fair & Event Center; Fri. Noon-6
pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm;
$7, Under 12 free!; Web site: http://
www.gemfaire.com
11-13—NORCROSS, GA; Mammoth
Rock Shows LLC, North Atlanta Trade
Center; Fri. 10 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-6
pm; $4, Under 16 Free!; Web site: mammothrock.com
11-13—LONGMONT, CO: Flatirons
Mineral Club, Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building; Fri. 10-5, Sat.
10-5, Sun. 10 -5; $5, Children Free; Web
site: http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/
fmc/fmcshow.htm
12-13—FRANKLIN, TN: Mid-Tennessee
Gem & Mineral Society, Williamson
County AgExpoPark; Sat. 9 am-6 pm,
Sun. 10 am-5 pm; $4, Students $1, Children Free!; Web site: www.MTGMS.org/
show.htm
12-13—RIALTO, CA: Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, Across from City Hall;
Sat. 9 am-Dusk, Sun. 9 am-Dusk; Free;
Web site: obmsrocks.yolasite.com
18-20—SAN DIEGO, CA: Gem Faire
Inc, Scottish Rite Center; Fri. Noon-6 pm,
Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm; $7,
Under 12 free!; Web site: http://
www.gemfaire.com
Rox Box
A place to advertise
rock items to sell and
to inquire about items
to purchase.
The Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Society
accepts no responsibility for any dissatisfaction that may occur by either party,
seller or buyer. The Society does not
profit in any way by sales transactions.
Kids’ Corner
Composition of the Earth
It may seem like the Earth is made up of
one big solid rock, but it's really made up
of a number of parts. Some of them
constantly moving!
You can think of the Earth as being made
up of a number of layers, sort of like an
onion. These layers get more and more
dense the closer to the center of the earth
you get. See the picture below to see the
four main layers of the earth: the crust,
mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Crust
The crust is the thin outer later of the
Earth where we live. Well, it looks thin
on the picture and it is thin relative to the
other layers, but don't worry, we're not
going to fall through by accident anytime
soon. The crust varies from around 5km
thick (in the ocean floor) to around 70km
thick (on land where we live called the
continental crust).
The continental
crust is made up
of rocks that
consist primarily
of silica and
alumina called
the "sial".
Mantle
The next layer
of the Earth is
called the mantle.
The mantle is
much thicker
than the crust at
almost 3000 km
For Sale: ROC
brand 24" saw.
Needs new blade
(will allow cost
of blade off asking price) $2200
or best offer, can
deliver, located in
Milaca. Call John
320-310-7895.
deep. It's made up of slightly different
silicate rocks with more magnesium and
iron.
Tectonic plates
The tectonic plates are a combination of
the crust and the outer mantle, also called
the lithosphere. These plates move very
slowly, around a couple of inches a year.
Where the plates touch each other is
called a fault. When the plates move and
the boundaries bump up against each other it can cause an earthquake.
Outer Core
The Earth's outer core is made up
of iron and nickel and is very hot (4400 to
5000+ degrees C). This is so hot that the
iron and nickel metals are liquid! The
outer core is very important to earth as it
creates something called a magnetic field.
The magnetic field the outer core creates
goes way out in to space and makes a
protective barrier around the earth that
shields us from the sun's damaging solar
wind.
Inner Core
The Earth's inner core is made up of iron
and nickel, just like the outer core, however, the inner core is different. The inner
core is so deep
within the earth that
it's under
immense pressure.
So much pressure
that, even though it
is so hot, it is solid.
The inner core is the
hottest part of the
Earth, and, at over
5000 degrees C, is
about as hot as the
surface of the sun.
http://www.ducksters.
com/ sciencecomposition_
of_the_earth.php
For Sale: Rough rock; various size
pieces: Amethyst Sage Agate. $4/lb.
Blue Ice Polka Dot Agate $6/lb.
Picasso
Stone
$4/lb.
Nebraska Blue Agate $3/lb.
Nebraska Chalcedony $3/lb.
Call Ed Opatz 320-250-1363.
Geology and Mineralology Test
Test your knowledge of mineral and rock
names by putting one of the names listed below into each blank.
1. The geologist played poker, but wound
up losing his ___________.
2. The bar where mineralogists break the
Ten Commandments is called the ___ .
3. If we___ rocks, we'll all lose our teeth.
4. There are four ________ to the gallon.
5. "What shall we give Mike?" "Let's give
_____ new mineral for his collection!"
6. Fracture of the ________ column
usually results in paralysis.
7. All of the talkative geology students were
put in one row, soon christened the "______".
8. When Fred Zir was swindled of his
jewels, it was called the Great _______.
9. You sent her flowers? What a __________
thing to do.
10. If I don't get this _______, when someone
walks in he'll fall through to the basement.
11. The mineral that is the very symbol of
hunger. ____________
12. The con man tried to __mineralogists
with a fake ruby, but he got caught.
13. At the circus, a clown threw a fake rock at
another and got a ___ in his face.
14. Put Nick's book ____________ shelf
where it belongs.
15. A baseball player's favorite gem. ____
16. If a rube is a type of hick, does it
follow that hickeys are _______?
17. Says one hip geologist to another, "Hey,
that's really __________ man."
18. How to insult a geologist: look into his ear
and say, " I_________"
19. If you drop a rock on your foot while in
polite company, you should say "_____ all!"
20. Of all things, we must never take rocks for
____________.
Albite
Coal
Garnet
Mica
Rubies
Apatite
Diamond
Gneiss
Onyx
Scheelite
Chert
Fluorite
Granite
Pyrite
Spinel
Cinnabar
Gabbro
Gypsum
Quartz
Zircon
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/
index?qid=20080110030334AAWkHQE
Answers on page 2.
Cuyuna
Rock Gem & Mineral Society
Board Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2015
MSP – Agenda as amended
MSP – Accept the October Minutes as
published.
Treasurer Kevin Martini presented the
financial statements.
MSP – Approve payments and financial
statement.
New member Carol Russell would like to be a
food vendor at the 2016 show. She submitted
details for review. The board will discuss this
at the January meeting after checking with our
current vendor to avoid product duplications.
MSP – Place order for 10 display cases to be
constructed by Kevin Martini’s dad.
No information yet on the cost of a bus for the
Agate Symposium in Cedarburg Wisc July
2016. Could the club member who has ties to
a bus company please contact President Ed
Opatz.
Programs for January & February are set;
April meeting will be show prep and silent
auction.
Snow removal for this winter will be arranged
by Lisa H. The person who did it last year is
not available.
Nominations for the elections of President,
Secretary and 3 at large board members have
been received.
Cuyuna
Rock Gem & Mineral Society
Regular Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2015
President Opatz welcomed guests from
Outing and Crosby, and new member
Sandy, from St. Cloud.
MSP – approved agenda
MSP – approved October minutes as
published.
Treasurer – Kevin presented the
financial report. A copy is posted on the
bulletin board at the clubhouse.
Fieldtrips – Discussed the 2016 Agate
Symposium in Cedarburg, WI. July
2016. If we have enough people
interested in attending, the club would
pay a portion of the bus for members.
Symposium tickets and hotel fees would
be paid by the individual.
Jim Reed will give us an overview of
how fish fossils are preserved at our
January meeting. Some club members
who attended the fieldtrip to Wyoming
brought fossils home. This will be helpful for them and for those who hope to
collect them in the future.
If you are interested in information
regarding the Agate Expo for next
July in Cedarburg, WI,
go to the website at
http://www.agateexpos.com/
A silent auction was held during the
meeting.
Door prizes were awarded to Dolores S,
Eric T and William P.
MSP – meeting adjourned
Speaker Butch Goldenstein Spoke about
Michigan Petoskey stone, a coral fossil,
and how to collect and polish it.
Christmas pot luck party will begin at 11
a.m. with lunch at noon and our white
elephant gift game afterwards.
Next Board Meeting: January 9, 2016 12:30 pm
Kids Program - 1:00 pm
Regular Meeting: – 2:00 pm
Two volunteers were appointed as
MSP-Meeting adjourned.
Next Board Meeting: Jan. 9, 2017– 12:30 pm
Kids Program 1:00 pm
Regular Meeting: – 2:00 pm
election judges. The call for additional
nominees went unanswered. The
candidates were Ed Opatz for President
(unopposed), Joanie Hanson & Christi
Higgins for Secretary, Ed Walton, Joan
Guerra, Dick S and Sharon Smith ran for
3 director seats on the board.
Results:
President Jan. 2016-2018 Ed Opatz
Secretary Jan 2016-2018 Joanie Hanson
Director 1 Jan 2016-2017 Sharon Smith
Director 2 Jan 2016-2017 Ed Walton
Director 3 Jan 2016-2017 resulted in a tie.
Long straw drawn by Joan Guerra
resolved the tie.
December Birthdays
Tony Sibet
Meghan Foote
Karmer Keppers
Elaine Hawkinson
Mark Erickstrup
Dave Holmbeck
12/2
12/4
12/10
12/10
12/12
12/13
Carole Lepinski
Thomas Mirke
Ted Mork
Candyce Hesch
Sindy Soppelt
Ed Walton
Christi Higgins
Alex Kadler
12/14
12/14
12/20
12/20
12/23
12/25
12/25
12/27
December Anniversaries
Ted & Jackie Carsy
12/14
Bob Weikert, famous for his large polished slabs of Silkstone, Binghamite, Mary Ellen Jasper,
spheres and more (you may have seen him at our shows or Moose Lake) now in his mid 90's, is
retiring from the business. His daughter Patty Cronin (C-320-237-0214) or husband Joe (H-320
-983-2359) are selling his finished work, rough material, and equipment. (Foreston, near
Milaca) Call either of them for information or to arrange a time to see what they have.
It's beautiful stuff; pick up some great Christmas gifts!
Simple Magnetometer Design
You Can Build at Home in 10 Minutes
By John Betts
A local mineral collector in the New York area, Mel Pollinger, was showing me his
collection one day, when I noticed a simple device cobbled together from a drinking
straw and other parts. I inquired what it was. Mel demonstrated that it was a simple
balance with
a magnet in
one end.
When no
minerals are
near, it sits
still and
level. But if
you wave in
front of it a
magnetic
mineral like
pyrrhotite, it
will respond
by following
the mineral.
Mel gave me
a duplicate of
the device
that he had
lying around.
I use it
regularly and find it invaluable in detecting magnetic minerals, even microminerals.
Construction is simple:
1. Glue a magnet to one end of a flexible drinking straw.
2. Push a straight pin through the straw at the approximate balance point.
3. Find or build a support bracket with arms separated by less distance than the
length of the needle (so they will support the needle).
4. Place the straw/magnet/needle assembly on the support arms.
5. Adjust the flexible end of the straw to fine tune the balance (repositioning the
pin might be necessary).
Once the straw/magnet/
needle assembly are in
balance try waiving a
magnetic mineral up and
down in front of the
magnet end. Even slightly magnetic minerals will
invoke some motion in
the balance arm.
Butch Goldenstein, Club member, gave an
interesting presentation on Petoskey stone
during the November meeting.
*Someone to babysit the two Club tumblers. We have rocks to tumble for the
spinning wheel to get ready for next summer’s season.
*Someone to video Club meeting speakers. It would not have to be every month.
If we got more than one volunteers could
rotate.
Contact Ed Opatz at 320-250-1363 to
volunteer.
We’re on Facebook!
Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Mineral Society
This simple device,
along with streak plate,
hardness kit, and hand
lens will be all you need
to identify most common
minerals.
This article and others can
be found at Mr. Betts web
site: http://www.johnbettsfineminerals.com
This is a closed group, so you must ask
to join. After being approved you can
follow the members’ posts and add your
own information.
Marcia Opatz, Editor
Cuyuna Rock, Gem &
Mineral Club
P.O. Box 151
Crosby, MN 56441
FIRST CLASS MAIL
The Agate Explorer
December 2015
Official Publication of the Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Mineral Society
Members of AFMS & MWF
Notes from the President
I would like to thank everyone who voted at the election at the last meeting, and
thank everyone for allowing me to serve another term as president of the Club.
We are exploring the idea of having a day camp next summer for kids. Please contact any board member with ideas on this project. It could be a great way to promote
our love of rocks with our younger members. (It may include non-members too.)
At the last meeting Club member Joanie Hanson suggested that members take a few
minutes after every meeting to pick up and clean the Club house. If everyone pitches
in, even for five minutes, we would not have such as big job to do when we do a
thorough cleaning.
I remember meeting a newer member from the Brainerd area, but can’t recall the
name. This couple owned/managed a travel company. Since we are looking for a
bus company to take our group to Cedarburg, Wisconsin next July.
Ed Opatz
Club Officers
& Board of Directors
President: Ed Opatz
opatz1@att.net
320-250-1363
Vice-President: Lisa Hughes
lisamhug@yahoo.com
218-821-2729
Secretary—Sharon Smith
218-343-7037
Sharon@agatesrock.com
Treasurer: Kevin Martini
kjspumanti@yahoo.com
612-916-0485
Director: J oan Guer r a
Director: Dick Salzwedel
Director: Ed Walton
Newsletter Editor: Marcia Opatz
theisma@hotmail.com