Borrego Rock and Gem Club
Meeting Minutes, 14 May 2011
ABDNHA Library
A BRAG meeting was held at 10:00 AM on May 14, 2011 at the ABDNHA meeting room.
1. There were thirteen members in attendance at this last meeting before summer break.
2. The treasurer’s report was read by Jim. We presently have a positive treasury balance. There are no large planned purchases at this time.
3. A field trip to the Lepidolite Mine was conducted in April. There has been recent mining activity at the mine, and most of the large boulders that were observed during previous trips to the mine are no longer present.
4. Bob distributed samples of Obsidian, (Apache Tears), that he had tumbled, giving the Tears a smooth, polished surface and a nice feel. There were enough stones that each member could have one to take home. Bernie said that she found the stones some time ago in Arizona.
5. Bob is investigating the potential and cost to add a chain to some obsidian pieces and putting them up for sale. The sales would be added to the Club’s treasury balance.
6. Members are urged to watch the slab saw action when using same. The blade can come loose from the arbor and stop turning. If this happens, stop the saw, unplug the electrical cord, and tighten the arbor set screw.
7. Linda Gilbert gave an update on the progress of the giant land tortoise project being conducted by the ABDSP Paleontology Society. The tortoise has been moved to the paleontology lab in two very large parcels, and is being painstakingly worked by Linda, John Strong, and other volunteers. The removal of the matrix is going forward quickly, as nine volunteers have expressed a desire to work on the project.
8. The May gem of the month is emerald. Louie brought several nice examples to the table, and discussed the attributes of emerald. Thanks, Louie.
9. This month’s field trip will be on May 28, 2011. Bob will Email specifics prior to that date. Bernie discussed some field trips that we could do in the Borrego Springs area. Bob talked about a possible trip to the Eagle Mine.
10. We continue to have some donated rock and gem equipment that can be sold, and proceeds will go to the club treasury through ABDNHA. If anyone knows of a potential buyer for the equipment, contact Bob. There has been some response to ads placed on line, but no buyers yet. Bob suggested that the price be lowered on the equipment to stimulate interest. There were no dissenters to this idea. It was also suggested that the on line ads be expanded to Palm Springs and other Southern California areas.
11. Some reference books are presently missing from the BRAG library. If you have them, please return them to the library shelves when you are finished.
12. The next meeting will be on October 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the ABDNHA meeting room. Guests are welcome to attend.
13. The BRAG Club website may be visited at
http://www.abdnha.org/bragclub.html
14. Happy summer to all!