CRACK ‘N CAB

This month we have a special guest from P.R.I. to enlighten us about the geological past. Dr. Judith Nagel-Myers will present a discussion on the local paleontological history of our area! Dr. Nagel-Myers is a very respected member of the Paleontological Research Institute as its Collections Manager. Her educational accomplishments and personal experience is more than extensive. She received her Master of Science in 2002 and PhD in 2006. Dr. Nagel-Myers, a native of Germany, earned both degrees at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany. A more detailed, abridged biography and the website reference to P.R.I. is on pg 7. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn about our geological/paleontological history from a very learned and knowledgeable special guest. See you at the meeting.

Gem & Mineral Society of Syracuse, Inc. P.O. Box 801 , Syracuse, NY 13201

Volume XLIIIVolume XLIIIVolume XLIIIVolume XLIII Issue 4Issue 4Issue 4Issue 4 May 2013May 2013May 2013May 2013

JUST HOW OLD IS OLD, AND HOW OLD IS OLDEST?

Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue: Pres’s Message 2Pres’s Message 2Pres’s Message 2Pres’s Message 2 Speaker Profile 2Speaker Profile 2Speaker Profile 2Speaker Profile 2 Sale & Auction 2Sale & Auction 2Sale & Auction 2Sale & Auction 2 Meeting Minutes 3Meeting Minutes 3Meeting Minutes 3Meeting Minutes 3 Show Cmte Rpt 3Show Cmte Rpt 3Show Cmte Rpt 3Show Cmte Rpt 3 Trips/Shws/Pgms 4 Trips/Shws/Pgms 4 Trips/Shws/Pgms 4 Trips/Shws/Pgms 4 Officer Nomins 4Officer Nomins 4Officer Nomins 4Officer Nomins 4----5555 Topic of Month 5Topic of Month 5Topic of Month 5Topic of Month 5 Jr. Rockhounds 5Jr. Rockhounds 5Jr. Rockhounds 5Jr. Rockhounds 5----6666 Rock Doc 6Rock Doc 6Rock Doc 6Rock Doc 6 Bulletin Exchge 7Bulletin Exchge 7Bulletin Exchge 7Bulletin Exchge 7 Bench Tips 7Bench Tips 7Bench Tips 7Bench Tips 7 AFMS News 8AFMS News 8AFMS News 8AFMS News 8 Poetic Notes 8Poetic Notes 8Poetic Notes 8Poetic Notes 8 EFMLS News 9EFMLS News 9EFMLS News 9EFMLS News 9 Contest News 9Contest News 9Contest News 9Contest News 9

THE PROGRAM FOR MAY 20TH IS:

Invertebrate Fossils from the Devonian in the Hamilton Group Presented by

DR. JUDITH NAGEL-MYERS,

Collections Manager from the Paleontological Research Institute

The photo at left is a view of the pillow-breccia outcrop, covering approximately 1 meter squared, central part of the eastern sector of the Isua Greenstone Belt, Greenland from <www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301926803000962>. The photo at center is (e): Eurada gneiss at type locality near Eurada Bore, where a ~3480 Ma zircon age was obtained from sample MN 10 by Kinny (1987); length of photo ~60 cm. Photograph courtesy of Pete Kinny from <www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S01662635 07150362>. The photo at right is Common Name: Acasta gneiss, Time Period: 4.0-2.5 bya, Age range: approx. 4.0 bya, Key Localities: Slave Geological Province, Northwest Territories, Canada from <paleobiology.si.edu/geotime/main/evidence/arch_03.html>. NOTE: these photos were NOTE: these photos were NOTE: these photos were NOTE: these photos were rotated (left, center) or elongated (right) to fit in the space provided.rotated (left, center) or elongated (right) to fit in the space provided.rotated (left, center) or elongated (right) to fit in the space provided.rotated (left, center) or elongated (right) to fit in the space provided.

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President’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s MessagePresident’s Message

May May May May 2012012012013333:::: Spring is finally here and we are in full swing with our field trips. We recently had a trip to Alden Creek for fossils and had great success. Be sure to watch for future field trips posted on our web site and plan for attending the ones of interest to you. We have tried to accommodate as many of your requests as possible for field trip locations. Again, if you have suggestions for locations for field trips, please let one of the field trip committee members know. We are planning a trip to Sangerfield for trilobites and other fossils this May 18th. See the web site for more info on this, and many other trips planned, and be sure to join us. We are closing in on our show date. Please sign up at this club meeting to volunteer for a job duty at the show as we can use as many volunteers as possible to prevent any one volunteer from having to work excessive hours at any given post. It is your participation that makes our show and club successful. The Club Board has decided to give a dolomite specimen out to a club member for a specified donation to the AFMS Scholarship Fund. Look for more information from the Club to be provided in the June/July-August newsletter(s). I look forward to seeing everyone at the next club meeting on May 20th and please plan time to assist us at the show as it is as much your show as any other member and is dependant on your help to succeed.

Ray Highbrown,Ray Highbrown,Ray Highbrown,Ray Highbrown, Club PresidentClub PresidentClub PresidentClub President

Program Speaker ProfileProgram Speaker ProfileProgram Speaker ProfileProgram Speaker Profile

From <From <From <From <www.museumoftheearth.org/research.php?www.museumoftheearth.org/research.php?www.museumoftheearth.org/research.php?www.museumoftheearth.org/research.php?

page=702670/cv_nagelmyerspage=702670/cv_nagelmyerspage=702670/cv_nagelmyerspage=702670/cv_nagelmyers>>>> Judith Nagel Judith Nagel Judith Nagel Judith Nagel----Myers, Myers, Myers, Myers, Collections ManagerCollections ManagerCollections ManagerCollections Manager Paleontological Research InstitutePaleontological Research InstitutePaleontological Research InstitutePaleontological Research Institute Since 2008, Dr. Nagel-Myers is PRI’s Collections Manager. She deals with the day-to-day tasks of collection work. She is also in charge of the development and implementation of PRI’s collections database found at the website: <www.pricollectionsdatabase.org>. Most recently, she focuses on the NSF grant-funded curation of the Zinsmeister Collections, which comprises Cretaceous to Eocene fossil faunas of Antarctica. As part of the dissemination of the results of this grant, she created a

virtual exhibit on the fossils of this collection of Antarctic mollusks, which will be launched in the course of this fall. She is a native German and received her PhD in Geology /Paleontology from the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany. Research Focus: Dr. Nagel-Myers focuses on fossil marine mollusks. She is especially interested in their form and function and the circumstances of the evolution of their traits. The morphological evolution of species plays an important role in her research. She incorporates the relationships of species with habitat and climate as well as species with each other. Biotic interactions are another core area of her research. She studies identifiable traces in the fossil record (e.g., scars of healed injuries induced by crushing predators) and species traits (e.g., body size) through time. By using these kinds of data Dr. Nagel-Myers examines the structure and function of the communities, which are fundamentally shaped by the organisms and their interactions with their biotic and abiotic environments. The fossil record can provide insight into the response of not only of single lineages, but whole communities to climate change. Approaches like this are of growing interest since they can be applied to conservation related questions on community stability in the face of recent climate. BE SURE TO VISIT THE PALEONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND ITS MUSEUM OF THE EARTH AND TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GO TO <www.museumoftheearth.org>

Marie Cole Material Silent Auction & SaleMarie Cole Material Silent Auction & SaleMarie Cole Material Silent Auction & SaleMarie Cole Material Silent Auction & Sale

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer John Davis provided me with a notice at the recent board meeting that reads as follows:

+++++++++++++++ Start saving your money! Another Cole sale is coming! There will be many semi-precious stone beads, pearls, etc.., and all will be pre-priced. There will also be a silent auction of slabs & cutting material as well as mineral specimens. The sale/auction begins at 6pm on our meeting night [May 20th] and closes at 7pm. Don’t miss it!

Extolling Exhibitor EnthusiasmExtolling Exhibitor EnthusiasmExtolling Exhibitor EnthusiasmExtolling Exhibitor Enthusiasm

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer Once again this year the time has come to present our exhibits in the gem show. I have already had some pledges for display cases [approx. 12] and have availability for up to 20 more cases. Please e-mail me at <editor@gmss.us> and make a request for a case [or two] and please indicate what you will be exhibiting. The theme for this year is “Classic Rocks”. Send Send Send Send your request soonyour request soonyour request soonyour request soon as the tentative deadline as the tentative deadline as the tentative deadline as the tentative deadline for prefor prefor prefor pre----selection is the June 17selection is the June 17selection is the June 17selection is the June 17thththth club meeting. club meeting. club meeting. club meeting.

MAKE A REQUEST AND SHOW OFF YOUR BEST!

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MeetingMeetingMeetingMeeting(s)(s)(s)(s) Minutes Report Minutes Report Minutes Report Minutes Report

Executive Board MeetingExecutive Board MeetingExecutive Board MeetingExecutive Board Meeting; [; [; [; [5555////7777/1/1/1/13333]]]]:::: There were [12] club/board members in attendance at the May 7th meeting. The field trip for May 18th at the Rose Rd. location is canceled because of turkey hunting season. This trip will most likely be rescheduled for sometime in June. The trip for Sangerfield and Sheds, NY will be a car pool trip. Please meet on May 18th at Shoppingtown Mall @ 8:30am in the far rear parking behind the rescue hounds building. The June 15th car pool trip for minerals at the Harrisville and Rose Rd. Pitcarin, NY has been moved to June 22nd. Please note all these changes on page 4 of this newsletter. If you have any questions please call Dick Lyons at 672-5328. The dolomite that was returned to us from Dr. Steve Dr. Steve Dr. Steve Dr. Steve ChamberlainChamberlainChamberlainChamberlain is at best count right now at about 100 pieces. The board has decided to sell off some of the smaller labeled and tested specimens for $10.00 each and make a donation of the proceeds to the AFMS Scholarship Fund. The board must first review, analyze and then decide which specimens will be made available to club members in the very near future. We will probably have this sale during the Club Picnic in August, look for further details to follow. The show committee is having signs made for proper directions to and around the SRC Arena location. They are also putting last minute touches on the final arrangements. There will be small blue flyers available at the club meeting, please come up to the table and pick some up to put them in various business locations in the area that you think would be helpful in promoting the show. A Graves™ lapidary machine, with the board’s approval, is being ordered for our future workshops and classes. We are looking for experienced equipment safety monitors to sign up for some September classes. Any request for information or expression of interest should be directed to Joanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne Suchon at 672-3904. The youth program of Junior Rockhounds is having soapstone carving at the clubhouse Saturday, May 11th. Remember the worknight meeting is fast approaching. June 17th is worknight for show preparation; filling straws for the straw draw, making lanyards for club members who work the show. Every little bit of help that can be offered will be appreciated. Please write on your calendar that August 4th is our club picnic. Be sure to save the date.

General General General General Club Meeting Club Meeting Club Meeting Club Meeting [[[[4444/1/1/1/15555/13]:/13]:/13]:/13]: There were [47] people at the auction night meeting, a great turn out to be sure. There were so many auction items, from beads to minerals to lapidary machines. I, myself, really had to look over my choices carefully. One thing that was overlooked at our auction meeting was that the subject of refreshments to bring for our next club meeting. I have signed myself up to bring cheese and crackers. If anyone is interested in attending any of the show committee meetings you are always welcome to attend.

We would like to continue to encourage all club members to sign up to help out with the July 13th and 14th show. We will require much needed help with security, ticket booth sales, and with our club booth. On May 18th the fossil field trip to Sangerfield and Sheds, NY will be a car pool trip. Please meet at 8:30am in the parking lot back behind the rescue hounds building. Contact Dick LyonsDick LyonsDick LyonsDick Lyons [672-5328] for further information. Dave Millis (a.k.a. ‘The Rock Doc’)Dave Millis (a.k.a. ‘The Rock Doc’)Dave Millis (a.k.a. ‘The Rock Doc’)Dave Millis (a.k.a. ‘The Rock Doc’) will have a workshop on the making of gem trees and alternately the making of mica butterflies and pendants from 3-5pm just before the next club meeting on May 20th. Respectfully submitted,Respectfully submitted,Respectfully submitted,Respectfully submitted, Joanne Suchon,Joanne Suchon,Joanne Suchon,Joanne Suchon, Club SecretaryClub SecretaryClub SecretaryClub Secretary

SSSShow Committee Meeting Activitieshow Committee Meeting Activitieshow Committee Meeting Activitieshow Committee Meeting Activities

from Joanne Suchon from Joanne Suchon from Joanne Suchon from Joanne Suchon The meeting started at 7pm, there were [9] people at the show committee meeting. There were some members who attended that were not on the committee and they offered their ideas and their help at the show. We always ask that you sign up to help out at the show for the areas in need of the most help. The areas that require the most assistance are: ticket booth sales, the club booth, and floor/door security. Your participation and effort is critical to the success of our show. It was also discussed and determined that the food/drink provided will be the basic offering served at the concession stand upstairs from the show. There are other possible thoughts of a food cart downstairs within the show floor area. There is talk of the show booth being placed this year at the bottom of the stairs in a prime location. We all thought this was a better fit so that if the general public had any questions or problems it would be easy to find. As always, please remember all members of the club are always welcome to attend any meetings that we have. After all, if you don't attend your voice won’t be heard and great ideas will never get used.

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer

It is important to note that committee and executive board meetings are open to any and all club members wishing to attend. In general the board meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the clubhouse. Please feel free to contact any board member to get information on meeting schedules and locations.

May 2013 CRACK ‘N CAB Vol. XLIII No. 4

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Field Trips and Program EventsField Trips and Program EventsField Trips and Program EventsField Trips and Program Events

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ GMSS GMSS GMSS GMSS 2013201320132013 Field Trips & Shows Wish List Field Trips & Shows Wish List Field Trips & Shows Wish List Field Trips & Shows Wish List For any additional For any additional For any additional For any additional specific specific specific specific information information information information

and travel arrangements and travel arrangements and travel arrangements and travel arrangements contact contact contact contact Dick Lyons (672Dick Lyons (672Dick Lyons (672Dick Lyons (672----5328)5328)5328)5328)

These are some planned suggestions for some upcoming field trip excursions. We will most likely resume sometime in late March or early April depending on the weather. More details will be made available as they are made available.

PlPlPlPlannedannedannedanned 2013 Field Trips 2013 Field Trips 2013 Field Trips 2013 Field Trips ((((Distance & Approx. Time Distance & Approx. Time Distance & Approx. Time Distance & Approx. Time ffffrorororom Shoppingtownm Shoppingtownm Shoppingtownm Shoppingtown))))

MAYMAYMAYMAY 1 1 1 18888:::: RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 13RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 13RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 13RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 13 Sheds, NY Fossils 23 miles ½-1hr. [from Shoppingtown] AND Sangerfield, NY (Cole Hill Road) Fossils 43 miles 1+hrs. [from Shoppingtown] JUNEJUNEJUNEJUNE 22222222:::: PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGEPLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGEPLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGEPLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE Harrisville & Rose Rd. Pitcarin, NY [CAR POOL] Calcite, Wollastonite, Unakite, green & purple Diopside, Titanite, Albite, and blue apatite JULY 2JULY 2JULY 2JULY 22222----31:31:31:31: Dave Millis ‘The Rock Doc’Dave Millis ‘The Rock Doc’Dave Millis ‘The Rock Doc’Dave Millis ‘The Rock Doc’ will plan a trip to the Bancroft, Ontario area for a small group of interested members and then stay for the show mentioned below. AUGUST 1AUGUST 1AUGUST 1AUGUST 1----4:4:4:4: Bancroft, Ontario – 50th Annual Gemboree [CAR POOL] Various Material 246 miles about 4½hrs. OCTOBER ??:OCTOBER ??:OCTOBER ??:OCTOBER ??: Walworth Quarry Open House 1200 Atlantic Ave. Selenite, Dolomite, Fluorite, & Sphalerite Crystals 84 miles 1½hrs. [October]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For information on places/times to meet for car pool trips contact Dick Lyons [672-5328] or ask for more details at a club meeting prior to the trip.

Field trips can be arranged at anytime if a group of club members are interested. Contact Dick with any helpful suggestions. Please indicate your commitment to a certain field trip or show attendance event so that specific travel (and possibly lodging) arrangement can be confirmed.

PlPlPlPlanneanneanneannedddd 2013201320132013 ShowsShowsShowsShows

(For Additional Information Contact Dick Lyons)(For Additional Information Contact Dick Lyons)(For Additional Information Contact Dick Lyons)(For Additional Information Contact Dick Lyons) 5/5/5/5/31313131 ---- 6/26/26/26/2:::: EFMLS Convention & Suffolk Club Show; Plainview, NY. Check the EFMLS website link from the GMSS website under ‘affiliations’

6/1 6/1 6/1 6/1 ---- 6/ 6/ 6/ 6/2222:::: Wayne County Club Show; 320 S. Main St. Newark, NY (former St. Michael’s School) 8/8/8/8/1111 ---- 8/ 8/ 8/ 8/4444 50th Annual Gemboree; Bancroft, Ontario 8/8/8/8/10101010 West Springfield, MA Show at the Big E 8/8/8/8/24 24 24 24 ---- 8/25 8/25 8/25 8/25 St. Lawrence Club Show; Madrid, NY 10/??10/??10/??10/?? Rochester Show; Monroe Co. Fair & Expo. Center

GMSS GMSS GMSS GMSS 2013201320132013 Meeting Programs Meeting Programs Meeting Programs Meeting Programs

���� June: June: June: June: Can it be that worknight has come upon us so fast! Yes, I know it’s hard to believe but worknight 2013 is here! There is always so much to prepare and do to put on the great show that we offer every year. Let’s be sure we find the time to help out this year. If you can’t participate in the worknight meeting then perhaps pledging to help at the show itself would be an option. Please remember to try and give some time, effort, and talent to producing a successful show for 2013! ���� July: July: July: July: It’s time again to put on the great GMSS annual gem show. This year the theme is ‘Classic Minerals from Around the World’. We will be presenting our show at the SRC Arena once again and it promises to be a spectacular event for the summertime (and for the year!) We, as always, need your support for the show preparation and also participation in very important task positions. Be sure to pledge your show support at an upcoming meeting and also be sure to attend the Worknight meeting in June. Let’s have a great show this year. ���� August: August: August: August: The time has come for our annual Club Picnic at the Erie Canal Park in Camillus, NY. Look for more details in upcoming newsletters. This year we will have the sale of the Dolomite specimens from the Cicero location. Be sure to save the date of August 4th and come to the picnic prepared for fun, frolic, good food, good company and great memories.

Club Executive Officer NominationsClub Executive Officer NominationsClub Executive Officer NominationsClub Executive Officer Nominations

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer Every year in May the current slate of officers are presented to the membership for nomination in accordance with our club by-laws. This year’s slate is as follows:

PRESIDENT � RAY HIGHBROWN VICE-PRESIDENT � RICK MOORE

SECRETARY � JOANNE SUCHON [open] TREASURER � LOU BUDELL

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS � BILL VIEL [open] SHOW CHAIRPERSON � DICK LYONS

WEBMASTER � RICK MOORE NEWSLETTER EDITOR � KEITH GILMER

Each position can receive a nomination for a viable candidate; however Bill VielBill VielBill VielBill Viel has served the two year commitment to his post and cannot serve another con’t on pg 5con’t on pg 5con’t on pg 5con’t on pg 5 ����

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���� con’t from pg 4 con’t from pg 4 con’t from pg 4 con’t from pg 4 consecutive two year term. Also Joanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne Suchon has indicated that she would step down if another viable candidate were to be nominated and accept that nomination. Lou BudellLou BudellLou BudellLou Budell, (Treasurer), Rick MooreRick MooreRick MooreRick Moore (Webmaster), and Keith GilmerKeith GilmerKeith GilmerKeith Gilmer (Editor) have unspecified term limits to their positions but can still have viable candidates nominated for their officer positions. It is a very important and necessary responsibility for all club members to participate in this process and to those few would consider the option to serve in one of these positions to attend this meeting to have a voice and opinion in the functional operation of our club and our annual gem show.

Topic of the MonthTopic of the MonthTopic of the MonthTopic of the Month

from Rick Moorefrom Rick Moorefrom Rick Moorefrom Rick Moore The "Topic of the Month" is a new feature that ties content from the club's newsletter with content on the web site to present detailed coverage of a topic of interest to club members. Typically, the newsletter will contain one or more relevant pictures in the banner. There will also be a short article with an introduction to the topic. The article will contain a link to a page on the website where you will find a more detailed introduction to the topic. The web page will also include links to other online sources of information about the topic. This month the topic will be presented by Keith GilmerKeith GilmerKeith GilmerKeith Gilmer and followed up by me on the website.

from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer In doing some basic research in a very short time I have followed Rick’s suggestion and obtained some reference information from the WikipediaWikipediaWikipediaWikipedia website <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_rock#Oldest_terrestrial_ material>. The following is the information about three instances of rock formations that are among the very oldest in the world: The Isua Greenstone BeltIsua Greenstone BeltIsua Greenstone BeltIsua Greenstone Belt is an Archean greenstone belt in southwestern Greenland. The belt is aged between 3.7 and 3.8 Ga, making it among the oldest rock in the world. The belt contains variably metamorphosed mafic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The occurrence of boninitic geochemical signatures offers evidence that plate tectonic processes may be responsible for the creation of the belt. The presence of pillowed basalts indicates that liquid water existed on the surface at this time. The Narryer Gneiss TerraneNarryer Gneiss TerraneNarryer Gneiss TerraneNarryer Gneiss Terrane is a geological complex in Western Australia that is composed of a tectonically interleaved and polydeformed mixture of granite, mafic intrusions and metasedimentary rocks in excess of 3.3

billion years old, with the majority of the Narryer Gneiss Terrane in excess of 3.6 billion years old. The rocks have experienced multiple metamorphic events at amphibolite or granulite conditions, resulting in often complete destruction of original igneous or sedimentary (protolith) textures. Importantly, it contains the oldest known samples of the Earth's crust: samples of zircon from the Jack Hills portion of the Narryer Gneiss have been radiometrically dated at 4.4 billion years old, although the majority of zircon crystals are about 3.6-3.8 billion years old. The Narryer Gneiss Terrane is adjacent to the northernmost margin of the Yilgarn Craton and is abutted on the north by the Gascoyne Complex metasedimentary and metagranite orogen. The Narryer Gneiss Terrane also includes parts of the Yarlarweelor Gneiss which abuts to Nabberu Basin metamorphic sequences of the Bryah-Padbury Basins, where it is present as discontinuous slivers of metamorphic rocks, pelites, metaconglomerates and gneisses caught up within regional strike-slip oblique thrust faults. The Narryer Gneiss in this far-eastern region may form the basement to the 2.0-1.8 billion year old Proterozoic rocks, and the unconformity surface may be preserved within the thrust sheets. The Narryer Gneiss Terrane is divided into four major rock sequences (Myers 1990); the Dugel Gneiss, Meeberrie Gneiss, Manfred Complex, and unassigned polydeformed leucocratic gneisses and metasediments. The Acasta GneissAcasta GneissAcasta GneissAcasta Gneiss is a rock outcrop of Hadean tonalite gneiss in the Slave craton in Northwest Territories, Canada. Located on an island about 300 kilometres north of Yellowknife, the Acasta River rock deposit, believed to be 4.031 to 3.58 billion years old, is the oldest known intact crustal fragment on Earth. Found in 1989, it was named for the nearby Acasta River east of Great Bear Lake. The Acasta outcrop is found in a remote area of the Tlicho people land settlement. It is the oldest known exposed rock in the world. Learn more about this month's topic at the club's web page: <gmss.us/community/geology/articles/oldrocks>

Junior RockhoundsJunior RockhoundsJunior RockhoundsJunior Rockhounds News News News News and Events and Events and Events and Events

ffffrom rom rom rom Tim HartTim HartTim HartTim Hart Mother Earth Rewards those Who Persevere Our two early season Herkimer diamond field trips had lower than expected attendance due to cold and wet weather predictions. Those who did attend despite the forecast, found an abundance of treasure. At the Ace of Diamonds Mine we found lots clear Herks, most in Matrix, as well as a few free-floating diamonds that popped out of rocks that were broken down with sledge or crack hammers. The nice part about wailing away at the hard rock (dolomite) was that your body heat melted away the chill of the off & on rain showers we experienced. Those of us who found more of these sparkling, 18-sided, quartz crystals shared con’t on pg 6 con’t on pg 6 con’t on pg 6 con’t on pg 6 ����

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���� con’t from pg 5 con’t from pg 5 con’t from pg 5 con’t from pg 5 them with our fellow rockhounds. Dick Lyons walked away with a nice 2½ inch long crystal in matrix (diamonds still attached to the rock) as a thank you for his kindness in transporting us there and back home. A father and two young sons who are new to our club & rockhounding, weathered the cool conditions like seasoned veterans. They were well rewarded with a handful of Herks & a nice matrix piece for their perseverance on this April Fool’s Day trip. On the April 20th field trip to Crystal Grove Diamond Mine in St. Johnsville, NY we had had less than pleasant weather conditions forecasted again. This time we managed to dodge the predicted showers and were more than well rewarded for our “hard core” determination. Some of our crew worked on the 3-4 foot high wall of rock, while most of the rest of us went through the tailings & sifted through the dirt banks. Regardless of which approach to mining our gang pursued, everyone was having a great time harvesting a bounty of Herks (mostly in matrix). When you first start Herkimer diamond hunting one can feel at a loss for what to do and what you’re looking for. My first 6 or 7 years of rockhounding didn’t prove too successful. Remembering that on the 20th I tried to assist others. When I was lucky enough to find a lot of Herks in matrix, they were shared with other club members and some first-time rockhounds from PA and a family from down-state. I noticed there was an older woman sitting in a wheel chair at the top of hill that overlooked the mining area. Shortly after noticing that woman, Mother Earth offered me a really nice, 1 inch Herk with a 2nd diamond growing on its back. They were attached to a small chunk of drusy quartz (loads of tiny quartz crystals, all massed together). I really liked this find, but a little voice in the back of my mind said, “give it to lady in the wheel chair”. To make a long story short, that lady joyfully received the twin Herk and we both experienced a lot of happiness. Much as we all want to bring home a lot of treasure, it’s good to remember that the happiness we share with others is treasure too. So next time the weather forecast isn’t all the great for one of our field trips, think twice before you “bail out” on the trip. All of us, who were brave enough to deal with poor weather forecasted for those 2 fieldtrips, were extremely well rewarded.

Notes of Club InterestNotes of Club InterestNotes of Club InterestNotes of Club Interest

from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer from Keith Gilmer The ‘Member of the Month’ feature will be offered again in the June edition of the Crack ‘n Cab for your enjoyment. Until then, take care. Refreshments for the May club meeting will be provided by Joanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne SuchonJoanne Suchon, Ray HighbrownRay HighbrownRay HighbrownRay Highbrown, and Dorothy GilmerDorothy GilmerDorothy GilmerDorothy Gilmer.

Words from ‘The Rock Doc’ Words from ‘The Rock Doc’ Words from ‘The Rock Doc’ Words from ‘The Rock Doc’

from Dave Millisfrom Dave Millisfrom Dave Millisfrom Dave Millis

Field trip to Bancroft, Canada, 2013Field trip to Bancroft, Canada, 2013Field trip to Bancroft, Canada, 2013Field trip to Bancroft, Canada, 2013 Leader: Dave Millis, Rock DocLeader: Dave Millis, Rock DocLeader: Dave Millis, Rock DocLeader: Dave Millis, Rock Doc This is my last field trip as leader. The reason follows. Last year I went on one trip on my own. I dug garnets at Roxbury, Connecticut and apparently was very successful. As most of you know I collected 2865 garnets in 3 hours. What you may not know is that I was totally exhausted and went to bed as soon as I got home. My stamina is gone. So, this trip to Canada is my farewell to digging and hello to staying home and making things with what I have. Dates: l am going up on July 22nd and will stay until the 31st. Collecting starts after 4pm on Monday the 22nd. There are many sites to choose from and whoever is there can choose by consensus. I will make recommendations. Camping and lodging: Camping will be available the first week; I will be staying at the Bancroft Campground in Birds Creek. The phone number is 613-332-3673. Birds Creek is about 4 miles north of Bancroft. There are other campgrounds in the immediate area. Lodging is more difficult but you should be OK the first week. The Bancroft Rock and Mineral Show begins August 1st and reservations are difficult then. Use the Internet to find lodging and alternate campsites. The weekend: Two events usually happen. The local club has a one-day minerals-only show in town and we usually schedule a trip to the Marmora Quarry on the other day. I hope that works again. The Marmora quarry trip is free but safety equipment is required including � hardhat, safety glasses, hard toe shoes, safety vest, and you would be foolish not to have work pants and gloves. Crossing the border: It is easier to get into Canada than to get back home. A driver’s license will get you in but you need an enhanced driver’s license or a passport to cross back. Rocks can be taken across the border in any quantity we are likely to collect; no dump trucks please. Items that you purchase are duty-free up to a limit. If you stay in Canada for 48 hours the limit is $400 per person in the car. So, for two people the limit is $800, regardless of who bought what. That being said, staying away from the 5 ‘fires’ also makes it easier to clear customs. The 5 ‘fires’ are: firearms, firewater, firesticks, fireworks, and firecrackers. If you are bring a pet you must have a current rabies vaccination certificate. Certificates are good for 1 year. You are permitted to bring radioactive mineral specimens back with you but you may spend a few hours clearing customs. Better deal would be to trade them with a local club member. Sites: Numerous apatite sites exist, with Bear Lake and a nearby site being the best. These sites also produce titanite, hornblende, biotite and feldspar crystals. Other crystals we can collect are zircon, diopside, tremolite, fluororichterite, beryl, schorl, garnet, and some radioactive minerals. There are also a number of sites that produce cutting material the most common being a lot of feldspars exhibiting “sheen” including silver, blue, and multi-colored. There are also massive nice looking minerals such as pink calcite, pyrite, etc. Also abundant and present at most sites are Fluorescent Minerals. There are many more sites than days to collect.

Vol. XLIII No. 4 CRACK ‘N CAB May 2013

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Bulletin ExchangeBulletin ExchangeBulletin ExchangeBulletin Exchange

GEMSTONE PHENOMENA GEMSTONE PHENOMENA GEMSTONE PHENOMENA GEMSTONE PHENOMENA BY KRISTIN LOLMAUGH BY KRISTIN LOLMAUGH BY KRISTIN LOLMAUGH BY KRISTIN LOLMAUGH Special optical effects, known as phenomena, exist in some gemstones. They are part of the nature of the material and are caused by the effects of light itself within the piece. These effects are not due to the gem’s basic chemical and crystalline structure, but to the interaction of light with certain inclusions or structural features within the gem. It takes skill to bring out the special effects when working with these gems. Chatoyancy comes from the French phrase for "eye of the cat," because the reflection exhibits a single bright band of light across the surface of the gemstone and forms a cat's eye. This radiance is caused by inclusions of bundles of parallel particles of fibers of another mineral inside the gems. This phenomenon is commonly seen in cabochons in chrysoberyl, tourmaline, rainbow obsidian, and tiger’s eye. Asterism is derived from the Greek word for "star" and is a type of chatoyancy that exhibits a six-pointed star when cut into a cabochon or other round shape. This "star" is created by the presence of dense inclusions of tiny rutile fibers. This is commonly referred to as "silk" by gemologists and lapidaries. The rutiles are aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star displayed on the surface and create a range of opacity in any stone in which they are present. The most popular star gems are star ruby and star sapphire, but the star can also be found in rose quartz, garnet, spinel, chrysoberyl, diopside, and many others if cut correctly. Iridescence, from the Greek word for "rainbow," is an optical effect where colors on the surface of the gemstone appear to change with the angle from which it's viewed. Iridescence comes from multiple reflections within two or more transparent or semi-transparent layers. Light enters the top layer and "bounces" around between the layers. It can be found in fire agate, rainbow moonstone, pearls, rainbow obsidian, ammolite, and sunstone. Labradorescence is a type of iridescence. It comes from repeated, microscopically thin layer (lamellar) twinning in Labradorite feldspar. One of its most notable characteristics is that the twinning is quite specifically oriented within the crystal, making the iridescent display highly directional. It can be seen clearly in its namesake, Labradorite. Opalescence is named after the gemstone which displays its properties the best: the opal. It refers to a particular pattern in the play of colors within a stone. Similar to iridescence, opalescence is created by the reflection of light within the stone material, and its dispersion out of alignment with its entry. Opals are created of multiple spheres of silica, which trap light as a raindrop does, "bouncing" around inside and exiting to create a rainbow. Some other gemstones exhibiting opalescence are agates, milky quartz, rainbow moonstone. Aventurescence, from the Italian word for "chance" or accident, is unlike the other phenomena which diffract or scatter light. Aventurescence is a consequence of reflection. When inclusions of another mineral are present, and are of a highly reflective nature so that they act as tiny mirrors, the gem sparkles and glitters. The term shiller, is

also sometimes used to describe this glow. The most common reflectors are copper, hematite, and mica. taken from ‘The Rockhounder’ newsletter, taken from ‘The Rockhounder’ newsletter, taken from ‘The Rockhounder’ newsletter, taken from ‘The Rockhounder’ newsletter, May 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 edition

Bench TiBench TiBench TiBench Tips and Techniques ps and Techniques ps and Techniques ps and Techniques

from from from from Brad SmithBrad SmithBrad SmithBrad Smith I've enjoyed making jewelry in gold and silver for about 15 years and have been teaching classes for the Los Angeles and Santa Monica adult school systems since 2002. It's important in class to highlight shortcuts that improve quality and save time, so I've accumulated quite a few bench tips that people seem to like. I've been active over the years in my local rock club, so I thought it would be good to share these tips with other clubs.

------------------------------------------------------------ DRILL PRESS VICEDRILL PRESS VICEDRILL PRESS VICEDRILL PRESS VICE: : : : A drill press vice is a versatile tool to hold a work piece securely and in precise alignment. It reduces the risks of working with high power motors, use of larger drill bits, and higher heat generated in the operation. The vice can be clamped to the drill press table if needed and is quite handy for bench use to hold things for sawing or riveting. You can find them at stores that carry machine tool supplies. My feeling is that the best ones are made from steel. And I like the ones with V grooves cut into the jaw plates to help hold a punch straight up or to hold a rod horizontal. To find a supplier, search on "vise" or "drill press vice" at micromark.com; use-enco.com; smallparts.com; grizzly.com; or sears.com

--------------- DENTAL GOLDDENTAL GOLDDENTAL GOLDDENTAL GOLD: : : : You might think that a couple pieces of dental gold would be valuable, but if you only have a small amount, it can be a problem. You might think you could melt it and roll out your own sheet. However, the trace metals that dental gold contains to make it a good material in your mouth cause it to crack if you try to forge it or roll it out as a sheet. Sending it to a refiner is expensive for small amounts of metal, so a reasonable alternative is to try incorporating it into your jewelry. If you have enough material to do a casting, that's probably the best use for dental gold. If not, try melting it on a solder pad and while molten, divide it into small pieces with your solder pick and then flow the metal again to make little gold balls for use as accents on your designs.

More BenchTips by Brad Smith are atMore BenchTips by Brad Smith are atMore BenchTips by Brad Smith are atMore BenchTips by Brad Smith are at < < < <groups.yahoo.com/group/BenchTipsgroups.yahoo.com/group/BenchTipsgroups.yahoo.com/group/BenchTipsgroups.yahoo.com/group/BenchTips>>>> orororor <<<<facebook.cofacebook.cofacebook.cofacebook.com/BenchTipsm/BenchTipsm/BenchTipsm/BenchTips>>>>

May 2013 CRACK ‘N CAB Vol. XLIII No. 4

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AFMS NewsAFMS NewsAFMS NewsAFMS News

Be sure to visit the AFMS website to find useful information and their newsletter. You can find the link from our website under the ‘about’ tab then the ‘affiliations’ tab or just go to: <www.amfed.org>

Having FHaving FHaving FHaving Fun: Junior Activities un: Junior Activities un: Junior Activities un: Junior Activities by Jim Braceby Jim Braceby Jim Braceby Jim Brace----Thompson, Jr. Thompson, Jr. Thompson, Jr. Thompson, Jr. Activities ChairActivities ChairActivities ChairActivities Chair Take Full Advantage of Resources for Kids Take Full Advantage of Resources for Kids Take Full Advantage of Resources for Kids Take Full Advantage of Resources for Kids The AFMS offers a free Badge Program via Future Rockhounds of America to help local clubs guide their pebble pups and junior members through 20 areas of our hobby, rewarding them with colorful badges along the way. (See www.amfed.org/fra/fra_badge.htm). I continue to en-courage each and every local society with a Federation affiliation to take full advantage of this free program. It can be used in a group setting during monthly club meetings or to guide individual kids in an independent study or home-schooling sort of way. But this is far from the only resource available to you! I encourage you to follow the example of Steve Veatch, who oversees juniors in the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and the Lake George Gem & Mineral Club. Steve seeks out and uses every possibility for involving kids. For instance, he encourages them to write articles and poems for publication in their local society newsletters, and many end up in the Rocky Mountain and American Federation bulletin contests. He’s helped his society’s juniors get published in scientific journals and uses other resources, like the National Park Service’s National Fossil Day art contest, science fairs, the Science Olympiad at the University of Colorado, and more. Like Steve, let’s all seek out every resource available to help fan the interests of kids in our societies. There are the wonderful Diamond Dan activities and publications (www.diamonddanpublications.net), the Mineral of the Month Club, activities via Earth Science Week (www.earthsciweek.org), and more. You’ll also find earth-science related activity books and kits in stores catering to teachers or in mail-order businesses like Edmund Scientifics or Wards. Check ’em all out—and then, have fun!

AFMS Code of EthicsAFMS Code of EthicsAFMS Code of EthicsAFMS Code of Ethics � I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without the owner’s permission. � I will keep informed on all laws, regulations of rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them. � I will to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect. � I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas. � I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind - fences, signs, buildings.

� I will leave all gates as found. � I will build fires in designated or safe places only and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area. � I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc. � I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock. � I will not contaminate wells, creeks or other water supply. � I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use. � I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others. � I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and Will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found. � I will cooperate with field trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas. � I will report to my club or Federation officers, Bureau of Land management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes. � I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources. � I will observe the “Golden Rule”, will use “Good Outdoor Manners” and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public “image” of rockhounds everywhere. taken from the AFMS Newsletter, taken from the AFMS Newsletter, taken from the AFMS Newsletter, taken from the AFMS Newsletter, May 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 edition

Poetic NotesPoetic NotesPoetic NotesPoetic Notes

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer REFLECTIONS OF ALLERGY SEASON:REFLECTIONS OF ALLERGY SEASON:REFLECTIONS OF ALLERGY SEASON:REFLECTIONS OF ALLERGY SEASON: CAN IT BE THAT SPRINGTIME’S HERE? NO SNOW OR BITTER COLD TO FEAR. BUT WITH THE SPRING COMES ALL THAT GROWS, THE POLLEN‘S BLOWING HEAVEN KNOWS! FOR THOSE OF US WHO ITCH AND SNEEZE, THE PERPETRATOR’S IN THE BREEZE, WE SUCK IT UP AND TOUGH IT OUT, WITH BUDS AND BLOOMS AND FLOWERS ABOUT. AS SPRING GIVES RISE TO ALL ITS GLORY, FOR WE WHO SUFFER IT’S THE SAME OLD STORY, WHEN SUMMER APPROACHES WE ALL CAN RELAX, AS THE POLLEN SUBSIDES AND LESSENS ATTACKS. OUR THOUGHTS TURN THEN TO MATTERS OF FUN, TO FROLIC AROUND AND SOAK UP THE SUN, SO QUICK THEN THE AUTUMN WITH UNIQUE OFFENSE, OFFERS NEW CHALLENGES WITHOUT A PRETENSE!

Vol. XLIII No. 4 CRACK ‘N CAB May 2013

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EFMLS NewsEFMLS NewsEFMLS NewsEFMLS News

Be sure to visit the EFMLS website to find useful information and their newsletter. You can find the link from our website under the ‘about’ tab then the ‘affiliations’ tab or just

go to: <www.amfed.org/efmls>

Visit A ShowVisit A ShowVisit A ShowVisit A Show from Matt Charskyfrom Matt Charskyfrom Matt Charskyfrom Matt Charsky June:June:June:June:

1111----3:3:3:3: EFMLS Convention & ShowEFMLS Convention & ShowEFMLS Convention & ShowEFMLS Convention & Show hosted by the Island Rock-hounds and Suffolk Gem & Mineral Club. Smithtown, NY EFMLS Meeting; Friday, May 31 Convention runs from 5/31 - 6/3 Gem show runs from 6/1 - 6/2

8888----9:9:9:9: 2013 Orange County Mineral, Gem, Jewelry, Fossil Show & Swap sponsored by the Orange Co. Mineral Society. Museum Village, 1010 Rt. 17M; Monroe, NY

July:July:July:July:

13131313----14: G14: G14: G14: Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse present the em and Mineral Society of Syracuse present the em and Mineral Society of Syracuse present the em and Mineral Society of Syracuse present the 47474747thththth annual GEMWORLD gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry annual GEMWORLD gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry annual GEMWORLD gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry annual GEMWORLD gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry show at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga show at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga show at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga show at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NYCommunity College in Syracuse, NYCommunity College in Syracuse, NYCommunity College in Syracuse, NY

September:September:September:September: 28282828----29:29:29:29: 49th Annual Atlantic Coast Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show hosted by the Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore. Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD Also be sure to check pg 4 for the listing of Planned 2013 Shows as they will be group field trip opportunities.

Behind Closed doorsBehind Closed doorsBehind Closed doorsBehind Closed doors by Ellery Borow, EFMLS Safety Chairby Ellery Borow, EFMLS Safety Chairby Ellery Borow, EFMLS Safety Chairby Ellery Borow, EFMLS Safety Chair We live in a country that often airs its dirty laundry for the world to see. We tend to focus news reports (and even our video games) on war, violence, crime, the taking of life and so on. We often tend to hide the best news on the back pages, behind closed doors, or just not talk about it at all. Well, I’m sorry to say that these safety articles tend to follow that same convention. We write about accidents, falls, hear-ing loss, foreign bodies in the eye, and so on. Well, what I’d like to do with this article is throw the safety doors open wide and illustrate the good news about safety. Imagine, if you will, a trip to collect rocks that-goes something like this: You gather the family and load the truck with collecting tools and supplies. You have a pleasant drive to the dig site. At the collecting area you catch up with other club members and spend the morning making find after find, some of which are treasures indeed! Everyone takes a break at noon for a great picnic lunch. While sitting on a comfortable rock you note a nice crystal right by your foot - a

crystal that really deserves to be in your collection what a day! You have several chats with your fellow collectors about sharing information concerning the best places to dig. At the end of a wonderful day of collecting, everyone packs up their tools, trash and treasures, and then loads up truck. You thought you’d found so much that the kids would have to be tied on top of the truck fenders for the ride home. (A place they really like to ride). But, oh well, you somehow manage to find space for the kids in the jump seat behind the drivers seat. You get home after another pleasant drive. Once home and unloaded you find yourself tired but not too tired. You start going through your finds and doing some preliminary cleaning. One rock begs to be windowed to see what is inside. You perform some quick lapidary work and are amazed with your new treasure. This has been a good day, a good day indeed! Gee isn’t that a boring story! Everything goes right! And that, dear reader is the reason for safety! Before that good day, the truck was checked / serviced, safety gear (boots, gloves, safety goggles, etc.) was gathered, and the weather forecast, roads and route were checked. On the day of the trip food was safely prepared and stored; safety gear was utilized in all the collecting effort; and rules of the area ob-served. The lapidary equipment had its guards in place and all safety measures were observed. There were no injuries because everyone was prepared, thoughtful and careful. All those safety precautions make a good day but also a boring day. Maybe that’s why good news often does not make the front pages. Still, boring is good when you have nothing but pleasant experiences during a day of collecting -- no injuries, no accidents, no reason to break out the first aid kit, no dust in the lungs. Yes, I’ll take boring every time --- except for an occasional great crystal quietly hiding by my foot. Let’s make our collecting boring -- and safe. taken from the EFMLS Newsletter, taken from the EFMLS Newsletter, taken from the EFMLS Newsletter, taken from the EFMLS Newsletter, May 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 editionMay 2013 edition

Rock Tumbling ContestRock Tumbling ContestRock Tumbling ContestRock Tumbling Contest

from Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmerfrom Keith Gilmer For a few years now club member Mark GrasmeyerMark GrasmeyerMark GrasmeyerMark Grasmeyer has been the sole entrant from our club to the rock tumbling contest sponsored by the Feather River Lapidary and Mineral Society of Oroville, CA. For those of you who may be interested in this contest the details can be found at: <www.featherriverrocks.org/shows/events/rock-tumbling-contest>. I have, in past editions, placed some articles about this contest for interest and information purposes. Mark is once again participating in this event. Hopefully he will do well this year. I encourage you to visit the website just to see what the contest is all about. Who knows, we may gather a contingent of GMSS members to partake in the contest and maybe we could have a WINNER! In any case please give Mark your support as he is representing the GMSS.

P.O. Box 801P.O. Box 801P.O. Box 801P.O. Box 801 Syracuse, New York 13201 Syracuse, New York 13201 Syracuse, New York 13201 Syracuse, New York 13201

First Class Mail MayMayMayMay 20 20 20 2011113333 Time Dated Material

Crack ‘N Cab

The newsletter of the Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse, Inc.Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse, Inc.Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse, Inc.Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse, Inc. Eight persons organized the Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse in 1951. Since that time it has grown in membership to include adults, families, and young folk. The Society was incorporated in 1969 under the name. The objectives of the Society are to stimulate interest in mineralogy, paleontology, and the lapidary arts. Individual interests include collecting, identification, and display of minerals and fossils, and many aspects of jewelry design and fabrication. The monthly meetings stimulate the social and educational factors. Frequent field trips provide collectors with opportunities to find specimens as well as to enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise and potential friendships. The Society meets on the third Monday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Clubhouse at Shoppingtown Mall on the 2nd floor next to Sears, (Except in July, August, & December). Visitors are always welcome.Visitors are always welcome.Visitors are always welcome.Visitors are always welcome. Annual membership dues: Single Adult - $6 Junior - $3 Family - $9 Honorary Life Membership - $3 For more information write to the Gem & Mineral Society of Syracuse, P.O. Box 801, Syracuse, New York 13201.

Officers 20Officers 20Officers 20Officers 2011112222----2020202011113333 President President President President Ray Highbrown Ray Highbrown Ray Highbrown Ray Highbrown 627627627627----0208020802080208 ViceViceViceVice----President President President President RiRiRiRick Moore 834ck Moore 834ck Moore 834ck Moore 834----7442744274427442 Treasurer Lou Budell Treasurer Lou Budell Treasurer Lou Budell Treasurer Lou Budell 673673673673----1891189118911891 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Joanne Suchon 672Joanne Suchon 672Joanne Suchon 672Joanne Suchon 672----3904390439043904 SergeantSergeantSergeantSergeant----atatatat----Arms Arms Arms Arms Bill VielBill VielBill VielBill Viel 444488888888----6666353535356666 Show Show Show Show Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Dick LyonsDick LyonsDick LyonsDick Lyons 672 672 672 672----5328532853285328 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Librarian Steve Albro 607-756-2298 Sunshine Cathy Patterson 480-8907 Refreshments [to be decided] EditorEditorEditorEditor Keith Gilmer Keith Gilmer Keith Gilmer Keith Gilmer 307307307307----1283128312831283 5682 Williamson Pkwy. Cicero, NY 13039 E-mail: editor@gmss.us WebmWebmWebmWebmaster aster aster aster Rick MooreRick MooreRick MooreRick Moore E-mail: webmaster@gmss.webfactional.com

Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at:Visit us online at: http://www.gmss.us http://www.gmss.us http://www.gmss.us http://www.gmss.us Permission is hereby granted to reprint material contained in the Crack ‘N Cab if proper credit is given to the author, if known, and this bulletin.