Borrego Rock and Gem Club
Meeting Minutes, 13 February 2010
1. The January meeting minutes were accepted as recorded.
2. The Treasurer reported that after paying our annual insurance ($216), and allotting $350 for a new large cutting blade, there is $633 in our BRAG account. Dues run January to January. If you want to pay your yearly BRAG dues, make your check out to ABDNHA, and put BRAG membership on the check.
3. Last month’s field trip was to the tourmaline mine at Lake Henshaw. Six bags of mine mix were purchased and all who sifted through the mix found gems. After sorting out our precious gemstones, we had lunch at the Roundup restaurant on site. Lots of found treasures were exhibited at the BRAG meeting. Pink, green, black and multi-colored tourmaline was passed around and admired. Charlie Wilson found an exceptional dark green tourmaline at the dig and shared that with the membership.
4. The field trip planned to Quartzite for the annual Gem and Mineral Show was rained out. We can try again next year.
5. The next field trip is scheduled for February 27-28, 2010. This trip will be to Pebble Terrace, near Palo Verde and the Bradshaw Trail. We will be looking for beach rocks, fossilized algae-bearing rocks, and invertebrate fossils. Paul Remeika will be in attendance for assistance in interpretation of the findings. This trip will stop at a local rock shop for a visit. And Bob Veborg will pre-run the trip, and locate camping areas for those wishing to camp or RV. The location is also close enough to Borrego to day-trip.
6. Bob V. has located and ordered a new 18-inch blade to replace the worn blade in our large rock saw.
7. Bob V. led a discussion of the television show, Meteorite Men. This is a show about collecting meteorites. The show is appearing on the Science Channel. Check it out. Web page link: http://www.meteoritemen.com/.
8. Jackie Williams, a Borrego elementary teacher, has asked BRAG to conduct a presentation on scientific methodology, more specifically on the Mohs hardness scale for her class. Wyatt King has volunteered to conduct the presentation, assisted by Linda Gilbert. The presentation will be developed and scheduled soon.
9. The gem of the month is amethyst. Many examples of both cut and uncut stones were passed around the table. Next month’s gem will be aquamarine.
10. The next meeting is Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Nature Center.