Rhodochrosite

Volume 59 Issue 4
Rhodochrosite
A P R I L 2 0 10
www.wgmsks.org
Quarry quips
WICHITA GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY
Rhodochrosite was named in 1800 from the Greek rhodokhros, “of rosy color”. It is a
manganese carbonate that belongs to the calcite group. Rhodochrosite commonly forms in
hydrothermal veins associated with silver, copper, and lead sulfides. It occasionally occurs
in pegmatites. In Argentina in the ancient 13th century Inca silver mines, rhodochrosite
forms stalagmites and stalactites. Rhodochrosite is also known as Inca Rose, Rasberry
Spar and Manganese Spar. It comes in variety of shades from bright red to soft shades of
pink and opaque forms with swirling patterns of pink and white. Rhodocrhosite can be
found in many locations, including Argentina, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, Romania, Russia,
Japan, Canada and the USA.
Sweet Home Mine,
Alma, Colorado
The Colorado and South African Rhodochrosite mines produce specimens which many consider the most beautiful of all minerals. They
occur in blood-red, transparent to translucent, perfectly shaped rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals. Rhodochrosite became the official state mineral for Colorado in 2002 after the Platte Canyon High
School made the proposal based on the fact that the Sweet Home
Mine near Alma, Colorado produces the highly prized and rare red
crystals which are found only in a few places on earth.
The most common form of Rhodochrosite is opaque with high contrast pink
and white “bacon pattern” sections. Pieces cut from a stalactite formations
often have concentric rings. These specimens are carved into figurines or
shaped into jewelry. In Butte Montana, Rhodochrosite is so abundant that it is
mined as an ore of manganese.
Translucent forms, like that found in the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado are highly sought
after by collectors and can be faceted. Due to the softness of the stone (3.5 - 4.5) and the
perfect cleavages it is difficult to facet. The gemstone is sometimes set in jewelry, but it is
sensitive to heat acid and shock so extreme care and gentleness must be used in both
setting and wearing the gemstone.
The Incas, who called it Inca Rose, believed that the stone was the blood of their former
kings and queens.
Sources:
Rock and Gem by Ronald Louis Bonewitz
http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/rhodochrosite.htm
http://www.acstones.com
http://crystal-cure.com/rhodochrosite.html
Photos:
Barbara Smigel @ http://www.acstones.com/
Mineral Photo Database @ http://www.dakotamatrix.com/
Member of the Rocky
Mountain Federation of
Mineralogical Societies
Rhodonite, another pinkish stone, is
often confused with rhodochrosite
because the base color is similar, but
most rhodonite used for jewelry
purposes contains black manganese
oxides while rhodochrosite is banded
with white.
Affiliated with the
American Federation of
Mineralogical Societies
2009 - 2010 Officers
Board of Directors
President ............................. Patti Ballou................................... 316-722-7913
jimpattib@yahoo.com
Vice-President ................... Don Atherton .............................. 316-685-2725
datherton6@cox.net
Secretary ............................. Susan Bannon .............................. 316-689-8256
Treasurer ............................ Sandy Whiting ............................. 316-744-8848
hoglips@aol.com
Membership ........................ Ardis Cruz ….............................. 316-218-0250
ardis.cruz@cox.net
Editor ................................... Carolyn White... ......................... 316-250-6182
carolyn.white1@cox.net, editor@wgmsks.org
Field Trip .............................. Joe Cruz……….……….….…316-218-0250
Publicity................................. Leo Heidebrecht........................ 316-260-4591
leomar@cox.net
Show Chair .......................... Gene Maggard........................... 316-742-3746
gandpmaggard@wildblue.net
Finance ................................. Open……………………………………….
Director 2010 ....................... Paul Radiel ................................. 316-777-4174
Director 2011………...…...Peggy Maggard……………….316-742-3746
Director 2012……………..Jim Ballou……………………316-722-7913
Appointed Officers
Cheer ..................................... Alice Piper ................................. 316-264-7273
Curator.................................. Greg Weisbrod .......................... 316-686-1810
Federation Rep ................... Bill & Janet Smith ...................... 620-296-4652
beetlebill@kanokla.net
Gifts ..................................... Paul Radiel .................................. 316-777-4174
Historian .............................. Mary Clough .............................. 316-943-1785
Hospitality ........................... Debbie Winton .......................... 316-841-8773
cwinton@pixius.net
Insurance/Property……... Peggy Maggard ........................... 316-742-3746
gandpmaggard@wildblue.net
Junior Leader ........................Elizabeth Hixon.........................316-651-0054
ebeth.horselover@gmail.com
Librarian ............................... Jim Yanda …............................. 620-455-2419
oxford@oldwiz.net
Registered Agent……….... Alice Piper …………………..316-264-7273
Webmaster…………..…..Diane DeGood………………..316-794-8391
Dues:
Club Year September 1 - August 31
Adult Membership ................................................................................. $10.00
Junior Membership (13-17) .................................................................. $ 5.00
(must have adult sponsor)
Quarry Quips Subscription ONLY ..................................................... $ 8.00
Please send dues to: WGMS Treasurer,
c/o Ardis Cruz, 712 W Harry, Andover KS 67002-8734
Our Annual show for 2010 will be:
April 23, 24 & 25
Tri-State Treasures
About our Club
The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,
tax-exempt, educational organization. Our purpose shall be exclusively
educational and scientific; (a) to increase and disseminate knowledge of
the earth sciences pertaining to minerals, gems, rocks, artifacts, and
fossils and similar subjects; (b) to promote and perpetuate knowledge
of the lapidary arts; © to encourage field trips to study the earth sciences, particularly of geology and mineralization in place and (d) to
encourage greater public interest and education in gems, fossils and
minerals, cooperating with established institutions in such matters.
The Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. meets the fourth Sunday of
each month at 2:00 p.m. in Room 101, Geology Building, Wichita State
University. - Except - January (Anniversary Party); April (Annual
Show); August (Picnic & Auction). (November and December meetings
are subject to University holiday closings.) Times and locations to be
announced/published. WGMS does NOT offer classes or workshops.
Board meetings are held on the Monday preceding the General meeting
at places announced and/or printed in the Quarry Quips, the official
bulletin of the Society. ALL members are urged to contribute material
for publication in the Quarry Quips, the deadline for ALL articles is
the Friday following the General meeting. All articles should be submitted by e-mail to: editor@wgmsks.org or snail mail to:
Carolyn White
2225 N. Fountain
Wichita KS 67220
Club mailing address:
Wichita Gem and Mineral Society Inc.
PO Box 1464
Wichita KS 67201-1464
Web Address: www.wgmsks.org
The Quarry Quips is published monthly by the Wichita Gem & Mineral
Society, Inc. Articles printed in this newsletter are the experiences
and/or opinions of the individuals submitting them, they do not
necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Wichita Gem & Mineral
Society or the editor. We are not responsible for their authenticity,
safety, or reliability. Caution and safety should always be practiced
when trying out any new idea. Articles written without a byline are
written by the editor.
Copyright © 2010 Wichita Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.
Except for items that are specifically copyrighted by their authors, other
societies may use material published in the Quarry Quips
provided
that proper credit is given to the Author (if author is a WGMS member
it will be so noted in the byline, please include this “WGMS member”
in the byline) and the Quarry Quips, and the sense or meaning of the
material is not changed.
Exchange Bulletins Welcome
Page 2
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
From the President
By Patti Ballou
This is an exciting month as all our hard work for the past year sets the stage for another great
show. This year is extra exciting because we are also hosting the RMFMS annual convention - this is
the regional version of WGMS and we all belong.
Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself to members from other clubs in our region. They will usually wear a
vest or shirt designating the club they belong to - and usually a name tag. All clubs are given the opportunity to send 2
voting representatives to the convention and 2 alternates. By the way, the president of RMFMS is our member Bill Smith
and the treasurer is our member Gene Maggard.
I hope all members get a chance to attend at least one day of the show - and help out that day so you can get into the
show free and fully participate in our success. The show would be pretty boring to me if I did not volunteer.
Any member who has not volunteered can still come any day and look for me. I always need extra people for
emergency fill in and giving people breaks during the day. If you can come Friday we really need you!! We have extra
grab bag and rock pile sales that day and need extra people to help with the school programs upstairs. Call my cell at
316-617-5688 if you have any questions or want to volunteer.
On Sunday we will be giving our annual donation to WSU for the scholarship fund. This is the most important part of the
show for me. It is what makes all the hard work worth it and keeps me coming back.
After the show our focus will shift to elections in June. The nomination committee will be scouting for members they
think have potential to serve as an elected or appointed officer. Contact Jim Ballou if you have any questions or talk to
any current officer to find out what is involved. Jim's number is 204-5981.
You should not think you need to know all about WGMS or a specific office to serve as an officer. There are many
members who have served and relied on experienced members for assistance. I was one of them! I am glad someone
recognized me as a potential officer and asked if I would serve. I have held several offices over the years and enjoyed
each one.
The elections are in June but the new officers do not start their new duties until September. This gives you 3 months to
pick the brain of the outgoing officer, review any documentation they have about the office and make your own
notes. Outgoing officers and other members are always there to help along the way too.
The best part about people taking on new duties is the ideas they bring to the office and the club. Here's a couple of
examples:
• Carolyn White has taken the newsletter to a new level. We already had an award winning newsletter when she took
it over. She has added more pictures, does monthly research so she can publish an article about a stone or mineral
of interest to the members and sends out a draft to officers to review. All great ways to make the newsletter more
interesting.
• Don Atherton currently serves as Vice-President. He recognized that the equipment we had available for club
programs or events was not sufficient for our needs. He researched and priced equipment, then convinced the
board to purchase new sound and video equipment.
• Lyle Koerper is our set up chair for the show and stays involved in the publicity with Leo Heidebrecht. Lyle brought
the idea to the board several years ago to set up at the Garden Show in March to publicize the club and the show. It
is a lot of work but it really has helped and has raised the level of recognition in the community. He used a lot of
volunteers to set up, man the booth all weekend, talk to people and tear down at the end.
I got a little long winded but this is such an important time of year! Let's all enjoy the show and help make it a success. When a member of the nominating committee talks to you don't immediately say no! Talk about what you can do
- not what you can't do. There are lots of fulfilling positions in our club - give one a try..
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 3
Membership News
Member Birthdays
By Ardis Cruz
Please welcome our new members and add their
information to your directory:
April:
Estep, Mike
BD: 4/7
Jerry
BD: 10/13
13125 E. Glen Creek St
Wichita, KS 67230
316-733-6457
jerry.estep@sbcglobal.net
Joined 3-2010
Greep, Diane BD: 10/11
9000 Warren
Wichita, KS 67217
316-722-3636
dgreep@sbcglobal.net
Joined 3-2010
Vick, Debbie
BD: 5/28
1805 W Fulton #312
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-838-1327
dlvick@live.com
Joined 3-2010
Wingo, Michael BD: 4/25
626 Myrtle
Newton, KS 67114
316-283-1377
thundercrackerx2@aol.com
Joined 3-2010
New Address:
Jim Berends
736 N.
St. Chemical
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-200-5537
jhbjade@yahoo.com
02
Jim Ballou, Vi Lundquist
05
Debbie Lancaster
07
Jim Huenergarde, Mike Estep
08
Vi Mack, Crissy Vitkus
11
Rachael Walker
13
Georgia Pollard
14
Jack Simmons, Alan Snider
15
Carolyn White
16
Debbie Winton
23
Ruth Weishaar
24
Elsie Vawter, Nelson Schmidt
25
Michael Wingo
26
Allene Boston-Aylward
28
Joe Cruz
03
Velma Collins
11
Rachael Walker
22
Sean Carver
23
Arleta Seery
24
Ramona Lingafelter, Sally Henning
25
Gary Moore
27
Charity Walker
28
Barbara Hoppins, Debbie Vick
May:
New phone number: Bob & Nancy Hicks: 918-895-2367
With Deepest Sympathy our club
mourns the loss of another long time
club member. Nola Nelson passed
away in March. Nola was a member
since February of 1981 and a Life
Member since 2001.
Field Trips
By Joe Cruz
Clarification to March Issue of Quarry Quips
The cover article stated that the mineral chalcedony is a
form of silica, composed of the minerals quartz and
moganite. It is more accurate to say that chalcedony is a
cryptocrystalline quartz. Moganite is another little recognized form of silica that is believed to occur in varying
degrees in many, if not most chalcedonies. This occurrence of moganite, and even the existence of the mineral
is only now being more widely recognized.
Cryptocrystalline quartz is quartz in which the crystals
are microscopic in size and thus is always opaque or
translucent. It occurs in a huge array of colors and
patterns and, like crystalline quartz, occurs in many
locations
Chalcedony is a translucent or semi-translucent cryptocrystalline quartz, which may be patterned (agate) or
uniform in color (blue, green, pink, black, white, etc.).
Page 4
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
The field trip scheduled for March
was cancelled due to bad weather.
Future trips:
•
April – See page 7 for the article about the RMFMS
Selenite field trip on Monday, April 26th
•
May – Cowley County State Lake – If the weather is
good we’ll camp overnight, and fossil hunt, picnic and
have a good time being outside after this long winter.
•
June – Medicine Lodge area. In the past we have
found fossils, agates and quartz.
Reminder - Always call me to RSVP at least a week prior
to any field trip you plan to attend so that we know how
many are coming and know who to contact should we
have to cancel.
Joe
218-0250
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Election Time
Programs
By Don Atherton
By Jim Ballou, Nominating Committee Chair-
Election Time? Yes ladies and gentlemen it is that time
again. As the Nominating Chairman this year, I just
wanted to send a request out to all of you.
As your Nominating Committee members start making
their way around, asking about your being able to serve as
an officer, please keep something in mind. This is going to
be a very difficult year for filling our officers positions. We
have a number of members that need a break, and will
NOT, be willing to fill a position as they have in the past. If
you were to look back at the past few years of officers
positions and see who has been stepping up and volunteering their time, you should be able to understand their
need for a break. As many of you know Patti and I will be
moving sometime this year. So we won't be taking a
position this next year either.
So the time is here. If you've enjoyed being a WGMS.
Member, and have an interest in the club being able to
continue into the future, volunteer. Yes, it will take up
some of your time to meet, and help plan activities. It will
mean that maybe you'll have to record that show you want
to watch. But believe me, the fellowship, and the interest
in a common hobby that you share with each other as
members and officers make it worth while.
The Year Ahead
The program for the March meeting was presented by
Gene Maggard, Show Chairman, with each of the show
committee members s explaining what they are
responsible for and what needs if any they need before
the show. It appeared that all categories are well represented by each committee member and that we will
have another excellent show this April.
Thanks to all those making sure that the show will be
presented with great representation of the club. Thanks
also to the RMFMS for having their convention and
show with us this year.
Show and tell:
• Curly Clough presented some of the minerals he
and Mary were able to obtain from the Nancy Jane
mine near Picher, OK before it flooded. The galena
crystals were outstanding.
• Dale Beverly showed us rock of amethyst that he
picked up from a road in Tanzania, Africa. He also
showed an aquamarine crystal and a large crystal of
green beryl that he found in Kenya, Africa.
• Lisa Scheibmeir showed some chalcedony she
found in Kansas.
• Horace Patterson brought some of his polished
petrified wood that was very pretty and interesting.
• Jerry Simmons showed some copper sulfide wood
and azurite nodules that were very nice.
You Might be a Rockhound if…
...you think road cuts are built as tourist attractions
General Club Meetings
Apr 23-25
May 23
Jun 27
Jul 25
Aug 21
Sep 26
WGMS Gem & Mineral Show
Cessna Activity Center
WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101
WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101
WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101
Saturday, Rock Swap & Auction
Community of Christ Church
WSU Geology Bldg, rm 101
...you describe your vacations by the rocks you
brought home
2 pm
2 pm
2 pm
Community of Christ Church
Community of Christ Church
Location to be announced
Community of Christ Church
Community of Christ Church
Community of Christ Church
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
...your PC screen saver features pictures of rocks.
...you find rocks when you empty your pockets at night
...you gave rocks, tumblers or rock tools for Christmas
2 pm
Board Meetings
Apr 19
May 17
Jun 21
Jul 19
Aug 16
Sep 20
...the rock pile in your garage is over your head
7 pm
7 pm
7 pm
7 pm
7 pm
...you can find Quartzite on a map in less than 5
seconds
...when someone mentions Franklin you think New
Jersey instead of Ben
...you can pronounce molybdenite on the first try
Via Feb 2010 Sedonia Red Rocking News. This list was written
by GM Editors email swap group. Contributors included Mel
Albright, Richard Busch, Betty Commean, Dan Imel, Bob Keller
and Paul Kline.
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 5
Show Report
2010 Show Committee
By Gene Maggard
Greetings, SHOWTIME is here. I hope to see most of you
on Thursday, April 22 at 8am , at the Cessna Activity Center
for setup, and then again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
as we all work hard to staff the show, make the show a
success, and most important, have some fun doing it.
After you are signed up to work, if for any reason you cannot
keep your scheduled time(s), please let Patti Ballou or
myself know at the earliest possible moment. It does not
take very many “no-shows” to really make a burden on the
rest of us.
Now is the most important time to publicize the show.
Spread around as many show flyers and discount coupons
as possible. Let your friends and acquaintances know about
the show. Members publicizing the show is one of the greatest generators of attendance. Attendance for the show is
critical for two reasons. First, it generates attendance revenue. Second, it attracts business for our vendors, who are
paying us to be allowed to display at our show.
Are you aware that the WGMS show is also the RMFMS
convention for 2010? RMFMS being the Rocky Mountain
Federation of Mineralogical Societies. While at the show
you will probably see quite a few strangers with various
colors of rock club vests on. These will mostly be out of
town RMFMS members from other clubs. Feel free to
welcome them and strike up conversations. You will find
them to be a great bunch of people and this will be a great
opportunity for you to meet other people from other areas
that share the same interests in our hobby.
Have a great show and lets all work together to make this
the best WGMS show, ever.
~Show Admissions Reminder~
Free Admission is available any day of the show to all
WGMS members or other people if:
• You are working at the show or have helped with set-up
the day before.
• You have made a substantial donation or contribution to
the show.
• You are a Life Member. (It would be helpful to the
Admissions people if you would wear your Life Member
name tag.
• You have been issued a Complimentary Admission
Wichita Gem & Mineral Show coupon with your name
listed as guest and signed by a current WGMS member.
The yellow Complimentary Admission coupon is available from the Admissions or the Show Chairperson.
• You have a blue Membership Guest Coupon with your
name listed as guest and signed by a current WGMS
member. (The admission cost will be collected by the
Treasurer from the WGMS member). The blue Membership Guest Coupon is available from the Admissions or
the Show Chairperson.
Page 6
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
Note: Additional people are needed to serve on the Show
Committee.
If you are interested in any way, please call
Gene Maggard, show chair, at 742-3746.
Ideally we’d like to have 2 people in each
spot.
Don’t know what you’d enjoy helping with?
That is ok, pick one. Next year try something else! Some
one already assigned to the area you are interested in?
That’s ok too. We like to share!
Current Show Committee Members
Chairman
Gene Maggard
316-742-3746
Admissions
Peggy Maggard
316-742-3746
Announcer
Lisa Scheibmeir
Jim Ballou
David Hardin
316-687-1183
316-722-7913
316-946-0008
Demonstrator
Debby Moore
316-524-6001
Editor
Carolyn White
316-250-6182
Electrical
Greg Weisbrod
316-686-1810
Ray Adams
316-942-7006
Gem Hunt
David Hardin
316-946-0008
Grab Bags
Carolyn White
316-250-6182
Junior Rock Pile
Alan DeGood
316-794-8391
Membership
Ardis Cruz
316-218-0250
President
Patti Ballou
316-722-7913
Publicity
Leo Heidebrecht
316-260-4591
Pat Clough-McCombs
Mary Clough
Carolyn White
Susan Bannon
316-210-7380
316-943-1785
316-250-6182
316-689-8256
Hospitality
Debbie Winton
316-841-9576
Security
Tony McClaflin
785-489-2248
Set Up
Lyle Koerper
316-722-7115
Silent Auction
Mary Clough
316-943-1785
Patti Ballou
316-722-7913
Diane DeGood
316-794-8391
Alice Piper
316-264-7273
Dealers
Fluorescents
Education Day
Secretary
Volunteer Coord
Webmaster
Wheel
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
RMFMS
Selenite Crystal Collecting Field Trip
April 26, 2010
RMFMS and Wichita Gem and Mineral Society (WGMS) are leading a field trip to collect selenite crystals at the Great
Salt Plains, Oklahoma, dig area, in conjunction with the RMFMS convention and Wichita Gem and Mineral Show. The
trip is scheduled for Monday, April 26, the day after the convention/show ends. The dig area is open to the public and
anyone can dig for these crystals. What RMFMS and WGMS leaders will do is meet the field trip group at the dig site
and provide advise and assistance for successful digging. This group is limited to attendees of the convention and
show.
Detailed information about the trip will be provided at the show to those who sign up for the field trip. Critical information
that attendees need to know in advance are:
• The dig site is about a 2.5 hour trip from the south side of Wichita (about 135 miles).
• There is a small town located nearby, Cherokee, Ok, which has any facilities needed for food, lodging, fuel, etc.
• RV Camping is available right off the main street.
• To dig these crystals your equipment needs include sun protection, round nosed shovel, water for both washing
crystals and drinking, lunch, containers for your finds, and a change of clothes.
Diggers will be coated with salt, sand and clay when they are done, and will want a change
of clothes so that at least their clothes are clean for the trip away from the dig. Some extra
water for washing up would also be good. A garden sprayer works really well for washing
the crystals loose from the sandy matrix. Sometimes the dig hole will develop water in the
bottom, and some people use a small can to splash the crystals loose. Some people like
to use flats for storing their crystals. Others just use a bucket. Either works fine.
The most desired crystal is clear with a distinct reddish “hourglass” form in the middle of the crystal.
The hourglass is formed from sand and clay inclusions. These are the will known “hourglass
selenite crystals” for which the dig area is famous. The individual selenite blades can be up to 8
inches long, but most are shorter. Occasional clusters are found, and rarely, spectacular larger
clusters.
This should be a fun trip (weather permitting) and will provide an opportunity to find a somewhat different mineral than
can normally be found in most areas. The crystals are abundant and everyone should be able to find plenty. The only
problem could be weather, it being well into the thunderstorm/tornado season for Kansas and Oklahoma. This could be
your
chance to see one or our Great Plains twisters. Let’s hope
not.
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 7
Tri-State Mining History
By Carolyn White
The Tri-State Mining district extends from southwestern Missouri across southeastern Kansas and encompasses Ottawa
County, Oklahoma. There, lead ore, (primarily galena), and zinc ore, (primarily sphalerite) occur in subsurface rock formations, and were dug in shallow or deep mines. The Oklahoma mines tended to be deeper than others of the Tri-State.
Average mine depth was 237 feet, but some extended down to 458 feet. Concentrating mills separated crude ore into its
constituent lead and zinc, and the waste products chat and tailings . The ores were then smelted and made ready for
manufacturing. Lead was used for plumbing pipes, for linings in airtight containers, in paint, and as bullets and shot, and
zinc for galvanizing wire and sheet iron, for roofing and stove boards and also dyeing and fireworks.
The first ore deposits were discovered in Missouri in 1838, Kansas in 1870 and Oklahoma in 1891. The largest ore
strike occurred in 1913 in Pitcher, OK.. Production peaked between 1918 and 1941. During the life of the district, over
4,000 mines produced 23 million tons of zinc concentrates and 4 million tons of lead concentrates. Between 1908 and
1950 the tri-state district production topped $1 billion.
Mining was generally done underground using “room and pillar” methods where
room shaped areas are mined and pillars are left for support. Rooms were opened
up for the full height of the ore, with pillars 20-50ft in diameter, spaced to support the
roof, usually 30 - 100 feet apart. About 15 percent of the ore was left for pillars.
Many of the rock layers that were mined were also aquifers (water bearing formations). Water often came into the mines from these formations. Between 1920 and
1945 , more than 36 million gallons were pumped from the mines every day (enough
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/mining to cover one acre of ground with water 110 ft deep).
Mining was a dangerous occupation that took its toll on the men who worked in its depths. Accidents, explosions and
collapses happened so frequently that they were accepted as routine. Those who didn’t suffocate in the poor air or die in
a mining accident often died early from silicosis, also referred to as “miner’s consumption”, a condition caused by
breathing crystalline silica dust.
By the mid 1940s many of the abundant deposits had been mined out and the Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore Producers
Association lobbied Congress for economic assistance to continue mining the marginal ore deposits remaining in the
district. While they were not successful in that effort the Strategic Minerals Act of 1949 did provide a subsidy which paid
mining companies a subsidy for tonnage produced regardless of ore content. Some feel that this provided an economic
incentive for the slabbing, gouging and sometimes complete removal of the support pillars that occurred when the mine
reserves were depleted. By the 1960s most of the mines had shut down. Eagle-Pitcher, the last of the lead mines in
operation ceased production in 1967.
In the early 1980’s the US Bureau of mines in cooperation with state geological surveys studied the physical hazards of
the old mining areas. They identified nearly 1500 open shafts and almost 500 subsidence collapse (sink-hole) features
in the Tri-State. Nearly 600 hazards were found in and around Galena, many in an area known as “Hell’s Half Acre.
Lead, zinc and cadmium leached from mine waste contaminated ground water. Run-off moved the contaminants into
streams and rivers. Wind blew fine metal bearing dust into the air, spreading the contaminants to nearby non-mining
area. Radon gas was detected in the air around Galena. The US Environmental Projection Agency’s Superfund helped
to pay for some of the clean up efforts in Galena. Clean up continues at several other mining sites in the region.
Sources:
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/T/TR014.html
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/T/TR014.html
http://www.historicjoplin.org/?tag=lead-mining
http://www.grandlakevisitor.com/picherminingfield
http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/features/x489012962/John-WatsonWebb-City-Mo-lead-mining-center-of-the-states
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/mining/
Page 8
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
Chat Pile in Baxter Springs
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/
entries/T/TR014.html
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Learn More about Mining in the Tri-State District at
the WGMS Show: April 23, 24 and 25
Photos by Lyle Koerper
Featured Exhibits will include crystal and mineral specimens from
the Tri-State Mineral Wing of the Joplin MO, Museum Complex.
See also what WGMS members and others have collected from
the historic Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri mines, and from
throughout the world.
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 9
WGMS is looking good at
the 2010 Lawn Flower and
Garden Show
Page 8
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Meeting Minutes
By Susan Bannon
The Wichita Gem & Mineral Society Board of Directors met March 22, 2010 at 7 pm.
In attendance were: Patti Ballou, Jim Ballou, Carolyn White, Paul Radiel, Peggy Maggard,
Gene Maggard, Don Atherton, Leo Heidebrecht, Ardis Cruz, Joe Cruz, Susan Bannon and guest
Lisa Scheibmeir.
•
•
•
Paul Radiel moved the minutes be approved. Peggy
Maggard, Director, seconded the motion. Motion
passed.
Gene Maggard, Show Chair, moved that another key
to the lock box be purchased since the Secretary
and the President are each supposed to be in
possession of one. The one for the President was
not passed on to Patti Ballou because it couldn't be
found. After some discussion, Paul Radiel,
Director, seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Ardis Cruz, Membership, submitted applications for
membership for the following: Debbie Vic, Diane
Greep, Jerry Estep, Mike Estep and Michael Wingo.
Gene Maggard moved the applicants be accepted. Paul Radiel seconded the motion. Motion
passed.
•
Sign up sheets for Show workers will be at the
General Meeting Sunday.
•
Don Atherton, Vice President, said the program for
May would be "Yellowstone" from "How the Earth
was Made". For show and tell he asked that the
membership bring an item they purchase at the
Show. If you didn't purchase anything from this
show, then bring a favorite item that you purchased
from a past Gem and Mineral Show.
•
Gene Maggard said he, Peggy and the Koerpers
would be going to South Dakota in May for a rock
swap, rock show and several field trips. If you are
interested in joining them for a field trip into or
around some mines, contact them for information.
•
Leo Heidebrecht, Publicity, said he had covered the
air craft employees and TV stations lately. There
would be a sticker on the front page of the Wichita
Eagle this year. He had contacted some magazines.
•
Majestic Stone will have a booth at the show this
year.
•
We donate $ 1750 to an endowment at WSU after
the Show.
•
Rockhound of the Year patch and plaque will be
given this year at the Show.
•
Nominating Committee of 5 members is being
formed.
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
General Meeting
President Patti Ballou called the meeting to order at 2 pm
in the Geology Building at WSU on March 28, 2010.
•
Upcoming Shows: Casper, WY May 28-29; Siloam
Springs AR; Scottsbluff, NE
•
President Patti Ballou thanked Lyle Koerper for organizing our booth again at the Wichita Garden Show.
•
Koerpers and Maggards are going to the Swap at
Rapid City and will be participating in some field trips
there. If you'd like to join them, contact them. You're
welcome to join them there.( May 15th and 16th )
•
President Patti Ballou gave Delbert Ebersole a patch
to go on his vest for his passed recognition for
"Outstanding Service Award".
•
Patti announced members of the Nominating
Committee as: Jim Ballou, chair, Peggy and Gene
Maggard, Carolyn White and Susan Bannon. Patti
encouraged members to volunteer. There are a
good number of positions to be filled this year. Contact any member of the Committee.
•
Patti Ballou has been contacted by a lady who needs
to depose of her father's rock collection and
equipment. If you're interested, contact Patti.
•
Ardis Cruz, membership, asked that if you've
changed your phone number &/or address, let her or
Carolyn White know. There are several members
that are hard to contact.
•
Ardis Cruz announced there were 56 members
present and 2 guests Both guests received door
prizes. Dale Beverly received a doorprize. Lyle
Koerper received a badge prize.
•
If you'd like to donate a doorprize, please give it to
Paul Radiel or Ardis Cruz.
•
Ardis asked us to sign a "Thank you" card to Wichita
Eagle for the plastic bags they donate to the Show
and for doing such a fine job advertising our Show.
•
Watch for information in the Quarry Quips for a May
field trip to Cowley County Fishing Lake," said Joe
Cruz, Field Trip Chair.
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 9
• Alice Piper, Cheer, said Nola Nelson had passed.
She'd been a member since 1981.
• Debbie Winton, Hospitality, said she needs volunteers
for refreshments in May. Please call her if you can
help.
Show Committee Report
Don Atherton, Vice President, introduced our Show
Chair, Gene Maggard. Gene introduced various
members to explain their role at the Show and how the
membership could help and volunteer.
Setup, Lyle Koerper Thursday, April 22nd
• 8 am - We'll need members to help set up tables for a
number of stations Please come and help, if you
can.
• 10 am - We'll start putting paper on the tables that
need it. Some vendors prefer to cover their own
tables.
• 12 pm - We'll start on setting up the educational area
upstairs and the fluorescent display room.
• 3pm - Member display boxes may be set up Try not
to crowd your display box. That makes for a better
display and visitors seem to enjoy them more. If you
need a case for display, contact Lyle Koerper.
Hospitality, Debbie Winton:
• A sandwich lunch will be provided Thurs. for a $2.00
donation.
• Thursday evening the club puts on a covered dish
dinner Please come and each adult please bring a
covered dish for the big feast. Also, bring your own
service. Thank you. This is fun. We put on the
feast to show appreciation to our vendors.
Admissions, Peggy Maggard:
• Blue Tickets: should have guest and member's
names on them. The member will pay for the ticket
later if it is used at the Show.
• Yellow Tickets - are complimentary - contain name of
recipient and name of member that issued the ticket.
• If school groups come in Sat., children and 1 adult
may enter free.
• To help with Announcing, call Lisa Scheibmeir.
• Electrical is done by Greg Weisbrod.
• Fluorescent Room - Ray Adams is in charge and
sets it up - If you have any rocks to add let Ray know.
Page 12
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
Don't forget to sign up to help with the booths specially
set up for kids:
• Gem Hunt - David Hardin - $ 1.50 - you get to search
through a rock mixture for sapphires, emerald,
rubies, etc.
• Grab Bags - Carolyn White - for a $ 1.50 you get a
pretty little cloth bag with a necklace, a shark's tooth,
and several minerals, identified, and rocks.
• Rock Pile - Alan DeGood - for $ .50 you can fill up a
given paper bag with choices you've made from the
rock pile. Some kids take over an hour to fill their
bag !!!!
• Spin the Wheel - Alice Piper - for $ .50 you can spin
the wheel and claim the minerals in the section the
pointer lands on. This booth is a favorite of children
and adults. The specimens (minerals, fossils, rocks,
jewelry, etc ) on the wheel are donated by club
members. What do you have that you can contribute
to the spin the wheel?
Membership Table, Ardis Cruz:
If you volunteer here, you: sit there to welcome those
who come up to the membership table, give out information about our club and its various activities, accept
dues, and answer questions about our Show and our
club.
Friday, Education Day, Patty Clough/McCombs and
Mary Clough, with the aid of member volunteers teach
identification of rocks. Approximately, 700 students are
expected this year. We have openings, if you know of a
youth group who'd like to schedule a time.
Security, Tony McClaflin, is in charge of Security. If you
can volunteer to stay all night at the Show that would be
great.
Bring along friends in the club. Bring games and food.
Have a party, a sleep over, or curl up with a good
book. The only duties are to polish display cases glass,
make sure all people leave at the right time and no one
enters that shouldn't. Check all doors to make sure they
are locked before the last members leave for the night.
Some members sleep in campers outside in the parking
lot so you and your friends have help nearby, if
needed. Members will start coming in early (7 - 8) and
your job will be Over. You can shower there if you which
or you can go home, get cleaned up and come
back. Volunteer for 1 or more nights.
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Silent Auction, Mary Clough:
Silent Auctions last about 15 min. This year, there will be
some special items you can bid on all day Sat. or Sun.
These special auctions are of particularly fine items and
don't end until about 4:30 each day. -- If you have something to donate, please bring it -- rocks, minerals, jewelry
from rocks, findings, rock magazines, etc
Volunteer Coordinator, Patti Ballou:
She will send out schedules to each volunteer so you'll
know when and where you are expected to work. She
will, also, have a work book schedule of the Show
somewhere near the Silent Auction Booth.
Demonstrators
Debbie Moore is the demonstrating coordinator.
Dealers, David Hardin
David has secured a wide variety of dealers and demonstrating dealers for our show.
Publicity, Leo Heidebrecht:
Leo has coordinated the distribution of more than 10,000
coupons to publicize our show.
Paul Radiel asked that if you see a nice slab at the Show
let him know.
Money from the Show supports our club and this year
we're giving $1750 to our WSU Scholarship Endowment.
One of our members, Bill Smith, is also President of the
Rocky Mountain Federation comprised of many clubs
within 12 states. (Of course, our club is a member.)
Our club has volunteered to host the Federation Show
this year. So our show has the distinction of being this
year's Federation Show. That adds to our Show:
• Awards Banquet
• Delegates Meeting
• Editor's Breakfast.
President Patti Ballou thanked
Gene Maggard, Show Chair, for all
the hard work and long hours
he has put into this Show.
Q U A R RY Q U IP S
Show Calendar
For a more complete list of all shows go to:
http://www.rockngem.com/showdates.asp
or refer to a copy of Rock & Gem Magazine.
APRIL 2010:
16-18--ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN: Annual show; Mount Clemens
Macomb Gem & Lapidary Society; Roseville Recreation Center,
18185 Sycamore; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-4; adults $3, students
$1, children under 12 free; contact Jacqueline Swain, 20719
Wendy Ln., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, (313) 469-7868; email: jacswain018@aol.com
23-25--WICHITA, KANSAS: Show; 57th annual show; Wichita
Gem & Mineral Society; Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George
Washington Blvd.; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $1; annual Rocky Mountain Federation meeting; contact
Gene Maggard, 8318 S.E. Hwy. 77, Leon, KS 67074-9026, (316)
742-3746
30-2--HOUSTON, TEXAS: 2nd annual show, "Houston Fine
Mineral Show"; FineMineralShow; Embassy Suites Hotel, near
The Galleria; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; more than 50 dealers;
contact Dave Waisman, P.O. Box 8543, Spokane, WA 99203;
Web site: www.finemineralshow.com
May 2010:
1-2--LUBBOCK, TEXAS: Show; Lubbock Gem & Mineral Society; Lubbock Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln.; Sat. 10-6, Sun.
10-5; adults $4, students (6-12) $2, children under 6 free with
adult; contact Archie Scott, 2709 Belvedere Rd., Levelland, TX
79336, (806) 894-1584; e-mail: archie.scott73@yahoo.com; Web
site: http://lgmstx.org
7-9--McPHERSON, KANSAS: 18th annual McPherson Gem &
Mineral Club Sale and Swap; McPherson Gem & Mineral Club;
McPherson 4-H Bldg., 710 W Woodside; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 8-6, Sun.
10:30-3; free admission; contact Jim Nutter, 1611 Jody Ln.,
McPherson, KS 67460, (620) 241-2433
14-16--ENID, OKLAHOMA: Annual swap; Enid Gem & Mineral
Society; Oakwood Mall, 4125 W. Owen K. Garriott Rd.; Fri. 10-8,
Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-5; contact Stan Nowak, (580) 484-2785; e-mail:
snowak48@yahoo.com
29-30--FORT WORTH, TEXAS: 59th annual show, "Fabulous
Fossils"; Fort Worth Gem & Mineral Club; Will Rogers Memorial
Center, Amon G. Carter Exhibit Bldg., 3401 W. Lancaster; Sat. 96, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, seniors $4, children under 12 free; contact
Steve Hilliard, (817) 925-5760; e-mail: fwgmc@embarqmail.com;
Please send show information to editor@wgmsks.org
W IC H IT A G E M & M I NE R AL SO C IE T Y ~ W IC H I T A, K S
AP RIL 20 10
Page 13
Non Profit Org
US Postage Paid
Wichita, KS
Permit No 127
WICHITA GEM AND MINERAL
SOCIETY, INC
QUARRY QUIPS
TIME VALUE
DO NOT DELAY
Carolyn White, Editor
2225 N. Fountain
Wichita, KS 67220
editor@wgmsks.org
www.wgmsks.org
April Meeting:
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
WGMS Rock & Mineral Show
April 23, 24, 25
Cessna Activity Center
2744 George Washington Blvd
Page
Club Business
«Name»
«Name 2»
«Address»
«City State zip» «Sort Field»
Page
Special Interest
2
About Our Club
11
Rock Show / Swap Meet Calendar
5
WGMS Calendar
7
RFMS Selenite Collecting Field Trip
4
WGMS Field Trips
5
You might be a Rockhound if...
WGMS Meeting Minutes
8
Tri-State Mining History
4
Membership
9
Learn More about mining at WGMS Show
4
Member Birthdays
10
Garden Show—WGMS Booth Photos
2
Officers
6
WGMS Show
11-13