Gemstoners Up-coming Events
Affiliations and Links
Children of all ages are always welcome to attend our monthly meetings. They must be accompanied by a parent or another adult member.
Some of the items that you will find interesting are:
1. Talking with the members before and after the meeting.
2. Viewing the minerals and lapidary items brought each meeting.
3. Listening to and participation in the monthly talks from experts.
4. Trading and receiving specimens of rocks and minerals from local and other locations.
5. Going on the monthly events with other members and your parents to collect, observe nature and the different geological areas.
6. Enjoy the website and read about the club, it's history.
X- DANA SYSTEM OF MINERALOGY
by Robert Pedersen
The-Dana System of Mineralogy is a system where minerals are identifed, locations in the world, properties etc. of every know mineral.
One of our club members, Robert "Bob" Pedersen has taken the Dana system and updated it. He has added the new minerals each year since 1995, about 100 new minerals a year for the past 15 years and included them in an Excel file called X-Dana
He has given permission to put the file on our website for all to use and download.
This is a wonderful addition and he continues to add the new minerals yearly to X-Dana
You can open the file with Microsoft Excel or get a program from Open office.org
Click on the above file to view or download.
Show Information 2019
Click on Show-Contract.pdf next to this box for printable Vendor Application if you would like to be in the show. Contract will have all pertinent information on it. Print out and fill in blanks, mail to address on top right of contract.
Kingman Academy Of Learning
3420 North Burbank Ave
Kingman, AZ 86409
Jan 14> Tues> Board Meeting @ 5:30PM, followed by the General Meeting @ 6:30PM. The Speaker tonight will be Jim Collis, Archaeologist and recently retired from BLM. Jim's talk should be interesting to everyone, covering explorations above the water and below. He found the oldest ship wreak in North America, and on land, the old salt trail in Arizona. Come ready to ask questions and be educated.
Jan 16> Thurs> A trip to Quartzsite during the annual Pow Wow. There are hundreds of vendors that converge on Quartzsite during January and February, but the Pow Wow is when most are present. There is much to see and the little town is crowded, so patience is helpful. Quartzsite is about 3 hours from Kingman. We will meet at the Power House at 7:15 AM and leave at 7:30.
Jan 21>Tue> Mineral Study Group, 6:30PM @ Ed's home. Contact Ed @ 757-8228.
Feb 8> Sat> We are going to Golden Shores for desert roses and selenite crystals. This is on paved road until you get to the site, but 2WD is adequate. Meet at the Power House @ 7:45, we leave at 8AM.
Feb 11> Tue> Board Meeting @ 5:30PM, followed by the General Meeting @ 6:30PM.
Feb 18> Tue> Mineral Study Group meets at 6:30PM @ Ed's home. Contact Ed @ 757-8228.
Feb 22> Sat> Burro Creek area. There is much to find in this area. 4WD. Meet @ Bashas @ 7:45, we leave at 8AM.
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Dealers who will be in our 2020 Show:
Maillestorm Designs- Sandy Amazeen- Rough & finished stone, Minerals, Fossil & Meteorite specimens, Jewelry Supplies.
EarthStone Jewelry- Cal & Anita Stroud- Handmade Opal, Rock, & Dichroic Glass Jewelry.
Grounded Lifestyles- Nicole & David Lavoie- Shungite, Auralite 23, Super 7, Tumbled Stones.
Holley's Wire Works- Holley & Chris Mousley- Wire wrapped Jewelry, Cabs, Slabs.
Redneck Rocks- Teel- Cabs, Silver set Jewelry, Boulder Opal, Unique cabs for Jewelry making.
CDS Limited- Char Sangick- Rough Stone, Slabs, Cabs, Jewelry & much more.
Artful Expressions- Gayle Schnell- Hand crafted Jewelry
Grandpa Don's Rockhouse- Minerals, Specimens, Lapidary information, Articles.
Walter Johnson Minerals- Walter & Cathy- Minerals, Specimens, Jewelry, Books, Lapidary.
C & C Bizarre- Cecil & Candy Newell- Beads, Stone Beads, Cabs, Jewelry, Handcrafted Artwork.
Rockhounding 101
Survival:
1st Aid Kit-Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Cactus, sharp rocks, stinging or biting bugs are constant.
Spare Tire-Always have a regular spare tire, aired up, and the tools to change it.
Full Tank-Always start the Field Trip with a full tank of gas. Most of our day trips will leave some in the case emergencies.
Food & Water-Always have water, at least a gal. Bring something to eat or snack on, you know your needs better than anyone.
Know your Heat Tolerance-Know your limits, do not go by someone else's abilities or limitations in the heat.
4WD- Always assume you will need 4WD and good clearance. Most of the places we go are off road, through sandy washes and up rocky inclines. Dealerships do not always outfit your 4WD vehicle with good off-road tires, check that your tires can bear the weight of a loaded vehicle over pointy rocks.
NOTIFY TRIP LEADER if you are going to leave the group. Do not leave this to others. The trip leader is responsible for everyone on the outing.
Tools for Collecting:
Rock hammer, Chisel, small Shovel, Saftey Goggles- A hammer is paramount. A regular hammer will work, but, the preferred tool is a rock hammer with a striking face on one side and a pick on the other. Estwing is a tried and true brand. A chisel is important, and in a pinch, a sturdy screwdriver will do the job. A small shovel is not necessary, but can come in handy. Depending on how much effort you want to exert a full size shovel is good, a regular pick is handy, and a good long pry bar, pointed on one end and flattened on the other, can really be useful. Safety goggles can save your eyes from the chips that fly off of the rock you are beating.
Bucket or Bag- A 5gl or 2gl bucket will work, a bag or an old backpack is easier to carry. Just know what you can handle and do not rely on others to pack your rocks back to your vehicle.
Spray Bottle-This is very handy to see what you just picked or dug up. It is also good for a quick cool down, clean your hands, etc.
Hat & Gloves-The hat can provide shade for your face and block the sun from your eyes as you search for rocks. A good pair of leather gloves will prevent small cuts and abrasions, cushion the blow of a hammer or chisel, and help eliminate blisters and splinters.
Fun Facts to Know and Tell:
Never lay your hammer (or anything else) down and walk away from it with the thought you will find it again. Painting part of it with a loud neon color will let people know it is yours when they come across it.
Don't pile "your" rocks and walk away. On the rare chance you locate the spot again, your rocks may not be there. No one is going to take them on purpose, but things look different in nature to others. Someone will think they just "lucked" onto a great find. When your bucket or bag is full, go and empty it and then return to collecting.
A whistle can be a life saver. It can summon others or help locate a stray.
Always be at least 10 minutes early to departure time at Field Trips. If the stated time is 7, be there at 6:45. This is the time to sign in and any last minute changes or info is given at this time. Always know who the Trip Leader is.
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