April Newsletter

MEETING:  The March meeting of the Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club will be held at 7:30 PM March 19, 2009, the third Thursday of the Month, at the Mideast Division maintenance building meeting room of Vulcan Materials on Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem.

 PROGRAM: Our program for May will be presented by Lil Shade, a Forsyth Gem & Mineral Club member demonstrating the technique use in wire wrapping.

 Wire wrapping is a technique which involves wrapping wire around gemstones or cut stones to make rings, pendants, etc.

 I

Refreshments:  Refreshments for the month will be provided by the Knox’s & Jacobson.   

The Club will provide cups and napkins for the refreshments. Those volunteering to provide refreshments need only provide sufficient drinks, ice, and snacks, such as, cookies, cakes, crackers, or donuts.

Please see Hazel Goode to volunteer.  

If you enjoy the refreshments, please be prepared to take a turn in furnishing them.  NOTE: if you volunteer to bring refreshments, please do so. If, however, you are unable to attend for whatever reason, call Hazel Goode, Lowell Baker, or Arvil Marion.

                                                 Dates To Remember:

 August 22, 2009 Annual Club Picnic 

September 11-13, 2009, The Thirty-eighth Annual Gem and Mineral Show. As information to those that are not already aware, the theme mineral for the 38^th Show, in honor of our club president is barite. So start thinking about all those barites you have hidden away to proudly display at this year’s Show.

                               DON’T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS
 

                                                      Gem Show Update

Two hundred and fifty pounds of geodes have been ordered.

The banner space has been reserved and the banner is being updated.

                                                       Membership List

Please add the following returning members to your new membership list:

 Glenda Besana-Ostman and Family                                     Glenn Kirk and Family

 Returning Member:

Jeff Schlottman and Family

                                                                 WORDS OF CAUTION
                                                                                        by
                                                                        John M. Wright, RPG

AFMS Conservation & Legislation Chairman Back in October 2008, I planned to write about “Conflict 
Stones” sometimes better known as “Blood Stones”, but decided that the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act
was a much more immediate problem. My “crystal ball” indicates that by the time this article appears the Omnibus
Package which also includes the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act will more than likely be history
and I can move on to other matters of concern that you will probably appreciate more since it’s just an advisory and you
will not be asked (heaven forbid) to exert yourself to do anything. Numerous items are banned from being imported into
the United States, i.e. cocaine, opium, etc., but I want to concentrate on things that pertain to us rock hounds. Most of us 
are well aware that importing ivory or ivory products into the United States has been banned for a couple of decades. 
Until recently there were very few restrictions on importing gemstones, precious metals, or fossils, if these properties 
were declared, documented properly, and the appropriate tariffs paid. Well, this is quickly changing as the Hollywood 
crowd has suddenly decided that the methods used to mine and manufacture jewelry items are cruel and inhumane 
(yet they are more than quick, ready, and proud to ware exquisite jewelry when in the limelight).  They also want to 
apply the same rules being forced on us here in the United States to fossils obtained in others areas of the world. In 
2002 restrictions were placed on importing gemstones and minerals from Myanmar (which used to be Burma) because 
of the inhuman way in which the people were being treated by the country’s military regime. The 2002 restrictions were 
changed to a complete total ban effective October 1, 2008. This ban means that gemstones and jewelry items originating 
in Myanmar (rubies, sapphires, jadeite, etc.) can no longer be imported into the USA even if the actual jewelry was made 
in another country. Items falling within this restriction must have documentation proving they were obtained prior to the 
implementation of the law or that the origin of the item was other than Myanmar. Since approximately 90% of the 
world’s gem quality natural rubies come from Myanmar this law is effectively going to shut down their availability in 
the United States. Yangon gem sellers dismissed the sanction against their government as a symbolic gesture 
unlikely to have much impact on their lucrative trade.  "Our buyers are almost all from China, Russia, the 
Gulf, Thailand, India and the European Union, and we can barely keep up with their demand," said Theta 
Mar of Mandalar Jewelry, a store in the museum gem shop located in the capitol of Myanmar.

The thing you need to be aware of is that efforts are well under way in the US Congress to have these same 
restrictions placed on a variety of gemstones and minerals from other countries in the world. I wonder how many of
us still have the receipts for the jewelry items we purchased many years ago that might fall into the restricted
categories. At the present this will not be much of a problem unless you travel out of country and happen to
take along some of your jewelry or maybe find some really outstanding buys you can’t live without while abroad.
Coming back into this country could present a real challenge.

I’ve often heard that an elephant is a mouse built to government specifications and now with the current trend 
towards political correctness, I fully expect to see these efforts at restricting gemological imports grow into a real
monster. Will these embargos which penalize our citizens in order to punish other governments with whom we
disagree work? Not really – just like the restrictions on rubies from Myanmar, with the Americans and a few
European consumers out of the picture, buyers from other countries will be more than happy to take advantage of a
great opportunity. Who will loose? Unfortunately, we Americans citizens will.

    The following article was sent to John Wright, SFMS member and AFMS Chairman of the Conservation &
Legislation Committee. John thought this was important enough that all of our members should be made aware of
the problems they could encounter when rock-hounding in National Forests. Permission was granted by Dr. Madden
to use his well written article, which is typical of a number of other similar cases being adjudicated in the SFMS area
at the present time

                                                                         THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU

 On November 1, 2008, my fiancee, Dori, and I were criminally charged with collecting Staurolites on U.S. Forest Service land. Local collectors have been going to this location to collect Staurolites for over 30 years. Our friends, Tonya and Barry, informed us of the location in Blue Ridge. We visited this area four (4) times in the summer and fall of 2008. The Staurolites we found on the surface were mostly poor quality. However, just a few inches under the surface using a scraper we found much better quality ones. We used hand tools including a scraper and a small pick. I feel we were very careful not to damage the site. We did not dig more than 6 or 7 inches and completely filled in our holes and raked the dirt to ensure the site looked undisturbed. On November 1, 2008 Officer Mike Tipton of the USFS approached us. We did not attempt to hide ourselves because we had no idea we were doing anything wrong. He stated he had set up a video camera at the site and had been watching us. This was very alarming to us. I assured him if he had approached us that first time and explained that the Forest Service did not wish us to collect here, we would have politely left and never returned. He will attest to the fact that we were cooperative. He even complimented us stating we were “not like most of the individuals he deals with.”

 Officer Tipton approached us and asked us what we were looking for. We told him we were looking for Staurolites. He did not know what Staurolites were, but informed us we needed a mining permit to dig for any type of mineral. He told us any Staurolites we find are government property. Next he confiscated our scraping tools, knap sack and bucket. He separated us and read me my Miranda rights. At this point he asked me if I would allow federal agents to search my home in Rome for any other federal property. When I said “no” my interview was over. Evidently he tried to obtain a search warrant, but was unsuccessful. Officer Tipton repeatedly inquired as to whether we sold rocks. I told him I have never sold minerals and Staurolites have only intrinsic value. In the past there have been locations in Blue Ridge

(Hackney Farm) that have allowed individuals to collect a bucket of them for $5.00. On January 11, 2009, Officer Tipton gave us a courtesy call. He stated we are being charged criminally with 261.9(a) destroying a natural feature or property of the United States ($250.00 fine) and 261.9(b) removing a natural feature or property of the United States ($250.00 fine). These are criminal misdemeanor offenses and can result in a criminal record. I strongly feel the section we are being charged under is both vague and does not address the important point that we were collecting minerals. Mineral collecting is generally allowed on most U.S. Forest Service lands including public domain lands and acquired lands. Unfortunately, each individual Forest Service can now make the rules (on acquired lands) dictating the rules for rock hounding and Georgia has one of the most restrictive policies. Under this charge it appears we are vandals or even worse thieves. I told Officer Tipton I was considering going to court. Five days later when I received my ticket it had doubled to $400.00 for each offense for a total of $2000.00. 

In conclusion, I feel strongly we took the utmost care to treat this land with care. We spent at least 15-20 minutes each time to leave the ground looking undisturbed. I feel the Georgia State Forest Service is treating mineral collectors like criminals. Mineral collecting has in the past been considered a wholesome and educational activity. In other states, the USFS has been much more responsive to working with mineral collectors and even encourages collecting. I am saddened that the Georgia State Forest Service is now considering it a criminal offense.

 Thank you for the time you spend considering this matter.

 (Signed) Robert Madden, M.D.

The Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. April 2009, Lodestar Page 11 

Editor’s note:  It is hoped that the good Doctor will retain legal council and not only defend himself in a court of law, but initiate legal proceedings against this division of the Forest Service on not only constitutional grounds, but everything else imaginable.  In my experience, useless bureaucrats do not like their fiefdom to be subjected to scrutiny or the light of day. 

Perhaps they can be brought to justice!

                                                                     No Free lunch

There was a Chemistry professor in a large college that had some Exchange students in the class.  One day while the class was in the lab the Prof noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter.   The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back.  He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.

In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, “Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"

The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. "You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground.   The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn.   When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming.   When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence.   They get accustomed to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side.   The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat; you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.

Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught.   Soon they go back to eating the free corn.   They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.

The young man then told the professor the a t is exactly what he sees happening to America.  The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. While we continually lose our freedoms... just a little at a time.

One should always remember "There is no such thing as a free lunch!"  Also, "You can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself."

Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government "help" is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends.  If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut.

                                              GLENDON QUARRY Standard Minerals/R.T. Vanderbilt Co.

                                                                                   Saturday, MAY 2, 2009

Twelve FGMC members were fortunate enough to be included in the recent field trip to the Glendon Standard Minerals quarry to collect pyrite.  While the mine has not been worked in the last six months due to a stockpiled pyrophyllite, there was still plenty of pyrite to be found.  However, since very little material had been moved around recently, many crystals close to the surface had a rusty coloration in the surrounding pyrophylite.  This made it easy to avoid damaging a large number of cubes. This rust was also caused problems for metal detectors to the point they were borderline useless.   

                                                                                    Thanks

Those that attend Dixie Mineral Council field trips owe Jim Stroud and Ken Reed a vote of thanks in resolving a potential problem dealing with liability insurance procured from a party other than the Southeast Federation. If they had not been successful, we would have been excluded from future Dixie Mineral field trips.

                                                         The Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club May Field Trip

             We’ll be heading to South Carolina, more specifically to the Diamond Hill Amethyst site, on Saturday, May 23^rd.  We have received permission from the owner for the Club to have access on that day.  We’ll be digging for amethyst, smoky quartz, and white milky “skeletal” quartz.  We can start at sun-up, and dig as long as we wish (till dark).  Appropriate tools are digging implements, possible chisels/hammers and (of course!) plenty of water and sunscreen.

 Maps and details will be provided at the upcoming May meeting, or can be received by contacting Jeff at (704) 758-5190 or Jeff@Crystal-Perfection.com

                                                              The Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club will host the 
                                                                                                DMC Field Trip For June
                                                                                    8:00 am -12:00, Saturday, June 13, 2009
                                                                           Vulcan Materials Company’s Morganton Quarry
                                                                                          Morganton, Burk County, N.C.

Children: Over 12 years old can attend if supervised closely by parent or guardian. Must wear appropriate safety gear.

No Pets

TRIP: Vulcan Materials Company’s Morganton Quarry

COLLECTING: This quarry has several rock types, which include augen gneiss, chlorite biotite gneiss, amphibolite, and pegmatite. The following collectable minerals have been found at this location: garnet, golden beryl, black tourmaline, apatite, sphene, feldspar, biotite and muscovite books, and siderite. The majority of these minerals are found in the pegmatite zones. Garnets are almandine variety and have been found up to silver dollar size. However, the majority of them are 1/8” to 1/4” in diameter imbedded in the pegmatite. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This is an operating mine. All persons attending the fieldtrip will be required to sign a hold harmless agreement, take 15 minute hazardous training, and wear the required safety gear at all times. This includes a hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. We will meet at the quarry office at 8 a.m., sign releases, receive instructions on boundaries and safety, and be lead into the collecting area.  We must leave the quarry by 12 noon! In addition, all persons are asked to stay away from the quarry walls. There is plenty of material loose on the quarry floor. VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE QUARRY ON THIS TRIP and parked until leaving.

BRING: Hard hat, safety glasses, rock hammer, and something to carry and wrap samples.

DIRECTIONS AND WHERE TO MEET: 
We will meet at the quarry at 8:00 am and be allowed to collect until 12:00. Quarry’s phone number (828)437-2616.

Directions: From Interstate 40, take Highway 18 North at exit 105.  At the fourth traffic light, turn right on Fleming Drive.  Continue to end of road at Route 64/70 (dead end at Bi-Lo Food Store).  Turn left on Route 64/70, travel under the railroad bridge. Immediately after crossing under bridge, at the Viscotec plant, turn right on Kirksey Drive.  Make another right on Quarry Road.  Quarry entrance is 1/4 mile off Quarry Road.

Vulcan Materials Company, Causby Quarry Road

Morganton, NC 28655

(828) 437-2616

Drive Time: This location is approximately a 1-½ hour drive from Winston-Salem, NC. 

Contact:  Jim Stroud, if you have any questions concerning the fieldtrip.

phone: 336-744-2940 e-mail address: stroudj@vmcmail.com

mail address: PO Box 4239 Winston-Salem, NC 27115

 "Field trips are open to all members of associated clubs of the DMC program of the SFMS Field Trip Committee and to all members of SFMS member clubs who have provided their membership with liability insurance.  Because of insurance requirements, members of the GENERAL PUBLIC are NOT invited on this or any DMC program field trips!"

                                                  JULY DMC Program of the SFMS Field Trip Committee
                   An Official Field Trip of The Mobile Rock and Gem Society, Mobile, Alabama and The Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club

                                                                      HOGG MINE, LAGRANGE, GEORGIA - FEE SITE
                                                                   Friday, July 3, Saturday July 4 & Sunday, July 5, 2009

WHERE:  The Famous Hogg Mine and the Quartz Crystal Mine outside LaGrange, in Troup County, GA

WHEN:     Friday July 3, 2009 at the Crystal Mine.  Campers and vendors set up at the Hogg Mine but there will be no digging there.  Saturday July 4, 2009 at Hogg Mine.  Sunday July 5, 2009 at Crystal Mine.

COLLECTING:  On July 3rd and July 5th, there will be digs at the Quartz Crystal Mine for crystals.  (some that rival Arkansas in quality)  There will be a backhoe digging there prior to Friday and Sunday digs, exposing new material.  On July 4th, there will a Rock Swap and dig at the Hogg Mine for star rose quartz,  aquamarine and tourmaline.  A backhoe on site will be doing some digging just prior to the event.

TIME:  Sign-in is from 9:00 to 10:00 at Smiths Corner Store, 1231 Bartley Road, LaGrange, GA 30233 each morning to sign release, pay fee and get the ticket which is necessary to get through the gate.  (DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO MINE - MUST HAVE TICKET). 

FEE:  Adults - Discounted price of  $17.00 each day.  Children under 18 are free.

DIRECTIONS:  From Exit 13 on I-85 in LaGrange, GA, go south approximately 2.2 miles on Hwy 219, also called Whitesville Road.  We will be meeting at Smith's Corner Store, (The CITGO on the Left) 1231 Bartley Road, at the intersection at Whitesville Rd. and Bartley Road, to sign in.
 
WHAT TO BRING:  Pick, shovel, rock hammer, chisels, scratching tools, screen, buckets, gloves, and of course plenty of water, but extra clothes and boots might be useful if it's muddy.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION:  There is a Port-a- Potty on site.  Delicious BBQ plates, drinks and ice cream will be for sale.  On July 4th, vendors will be set up selling minerals and anyone interested in setting up a table, tent or booth or tailgating is welcome to do so at no additional charge.  Campers and vendors can set up on Friday, July 3rd at the Hogg Mine but there will be no digging at the Hogg Mine on Friday.  The Quartz Crystal Mine will be open that day and anyone who gets in early can do some digging there by contacting Rodney Moore by email at sio2ga@bellsouth.net.  To arrange for free camping at the Hogg Mine, contact Rodney Moore by email at sio2ga@bellsouth.net.  Visit www.digforcrystals.com for directions, map, pictures, and to have any questions answered about camper access, pets, etc.

WHERE TO STAY:  Nearby LaGrange, GA offers many hotel choices.  We can get a special daily rate of $49.50 a room for two people at the Days Inn on Hwy 219, about two miles from the meeting place.  Their telephone number is 706-882-8881.  Just mention that you're going on the field trip to the Hogg Mine.  Local state parks offer a full range of camping options and there are also private campgrounds in the area.
 
CONTACTS:  The site manager is Rodney Moore.  Please follow the Code of Ethics to preserve our relationship with our host. 

Trip Chairman:   Larry Landry  maryloulandry@aol.com or 251-653-8459 or 251-591-5682

 "Field trips are open to all members of associated clubs of the DMC program of the SFMS Field Trip Committee and to all members of SFMS member clubs who have provided their membership with liability insurance.  Because of insurance requirements, members of the GENERAL PUBLIC are NOT invited on this or any DMC program field trips!"

                                                             Show News:

JUNE 19, 20 & 21: ASHEVILLE GEM FEST 2009 Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

  Asheville Gem Fest is a FREE gem and mineral show featuring quality dealers from across the nation, fun activities for the entire family, informative speakers and more! Don’t miss the kids’ activities located outside on Pack Square or the several chances to win a breathtaking mineral specimen.

 On Saturday, June 20, there will be two featured speakers. At 1:00 pm, Dr. Robert Lauf, PhD, will speak on Radioactive Minerals and at 3:00 pm Dr. Arvid Pasto, PhD, will present Fluorite. Both lectures are free of admission. The Colburn Earth Science Museum will also be open admission free all weekend, and their legendary silent auction will be back, bigger and better than ever before.

Colburn Earth Science Museum  *  2 S. Pack Square at Pack Place  *  Asheville, NC  28801  *  828/254-7162 phone    828/257-4505 fax  *  http://www.colburnmuseum.org

                                                                      Memorable Quote

                                                        Meeting Minutes:

The Forsyth Gem & Mineral Club met April 16, 2009 at 7:30 at the Mideast Division, main division office conference room of Vulcan Materials in Winston-Salem, NC.  Dick Hartz, Treasurer, presided with 16 members and 1 visitor present.

The program was presented by Dick.  He showed a National Geographic video titled “Splendid Stones.”  Jim Stroud provided the video.

The door prize was won by Jim McCreery, who chose a piece of malachite & chrysocolla.

Refreshments were provided by Trey Caldwell and the Hartzs.

The business meeting covered the upcoming field trips and the article about fossils.

Respectfully submitted,
Betty Hartz (for Chris Ketner)

Nature’s Treasures: the monthly newsletter of the Forsyth Gem and Mineral Club.
President:          Lowell Baker -----766-5919                                
Vice-President:  Jim Stroud---------744-2940
Secretary:         Chris Ketner ------769-3553
Treasurer:          Dick Hartz --------699-8929
Hospitality:        Hazel Goode ------761-0326  
Editor:               Arvil Marion

Return  address:                                                          First Class Mail

FGMC

P. O. Box 21414

Winston-Salem, NC 27120