| REVIEW OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009: ANNUAL ROCKS & MINERALS DISPLAY AND IDENTIFICATION The meeting started promptly at 7:30 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Three new members were introduced and unanimously accepted by Club members present at the meeting. Ron Strathmann handed out the new members kit to the new members. The amount of minerals and rocks displayed was unbelievable and overwhelming - there was actually too much to try to identify and classify. The bulk of the materials were brought by Ron Strathmann, who helped everyone to identify materials. Mike Serino brought an identification kit and instructed people on how to use it for scratch tests, magnetism, specific gravity, etc. Many members brought their books for further aid in identification. There were many discussions, and even disagreement, on some items, but that is part of learning to identify these items. Members and guests were flabbergasted at the quantity, quality, and beauty of many of the materials. Many of the items displayed were from Calfornia, but many others were from other parts of the United States. Many other items were from various parts of the world. |
| SIERRA PELONA ROCK CLUB REVIEW of RECENT CLUB ACTIVITIES ___________________________________________________________________________ |
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| REVIEW OF SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009: FIELD TRIP TO THE GREENHORN MOUNTAINS The weather and temperatures were great on Oct 24 for a trip to the mountains. Eleven of us eventually joined up at the meet spot for the 20-minute drive to the quarry. Thankfully the wild grass and shrubs were not a problem since flora was getting ready for winter. Among the debris (float) and on the wall many deep pink to light lavender pieces were found suitable for cabbing and sphering and much glass clear gemmy pieces were found that are facetable . We only spent about three hours there which was enough time to fill bags and buckets although the wall was still reluctant to give up its treasures since quartz is harder than steel. The hard rock mining was still a challenge. Late afternoon the winds picked up blowing in mountain clouds causing the temps to drop rapidly. Many of us collecting large pine cones well over a foot in length as well. Once again, however, deer and quail hunters were abundant as well. Overall though, it was a good time. A long drive for quality material, but worth it nonetheless. Shep Koss - FTC - Sierra Pelona Rock Club |
