JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

NEWSLETTER Of Mineral Societies OF THE JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Member of: American Federation of Mineral Societies 2018 SCFMS ANNUAL CONVENTION MAY 5-6, 2018 LUBBOCK, TX LUBBOCK G&MS 60TH ANNUAL SHOW! Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 1501 Mac Davis Lane INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Front Page / Annual Convention 2. South Central Federation Information 3. Letter From The Editor 4. AFMS Land Use Policy/Code of Ethics 5. SCFMS-Lubbock G&MS Annual Show 6. Annual Show Continued 7. Annual Show Continued 8. Advance Registration Form 9. Application to Exhibit 10. Legal Minute 11. Legal Minute Continued 12. Bench Tips by Brad Smith 13. Bench Tips Continued 14. Organizational Shows

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 02 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION OF MINERAL SOCIETIES, INC. 2018 SCFMS OFFICERS President: Roger Burford 225-400-3719 scfmspresident@gmail.com Executive V-P: Jerrold Simpson 361-877-3073 jsimpsonclaims@live.com Secretary: Elizabeth Burford 225-620-3810 eliz.r.burford@gmail.com Treasurer/Web Master: Don Shurtz 469-688-2821 don.shurtz@gmail.com Exec. Secretary/BEAC: Kimberly Brannon 225-620-5174 kimberlyarts@hotmail.com AFMS Endowment Fund Raffle And Nominating Committee: Joyce Speed 214-337-9446 llispeed2@gmail.com SCFMS Endowment Fund Com. Treasurer: Shiara Trumble 281-463-7954 Shiara.trumble@sbcglobal.net Past President: Walter Beneze 806-797-5832 walt@lubbockgemandmineral.org PURPOSE *To promote popular interest and education in the various earth sciences, in particular those hobbies dealing with the art of lapidaries and the science of minerals, fossils, as well as their associated fields. *To cooperate with educational and scientific institutions or other groups engaged in increasing knowledge in the earth sciences. *To cooperate with or become members of similar Federations in the United States and elsewhere. *To assist in the formation of earth sciences societies in localities where public interest justifies their formation. E-MAIL ADDRESS CORRECTION AND CHANGES It is each members responsibility to send your email address corrections to the SCFMS Editor: Susan Burch, scfmseditor@yahoo.com NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY DUPLICATION Material in this Newsletter may be duplicated for noncommercial purposes providing full credit is given. For Commercial use, the individual author(s) must be contacted for their approval. A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR THE FINAL DEADLINE, ETC. For each newsletter the deadline is the 10th of the following months: January - March - May - July- September and November. Although, the Editor may chose to adjust the deadline due to circumstances. As a reminder! Shop hints and tips that are used in this Newsletter, have not been evaluated for safety or reliability by myself. Please use caution and safety when trying out any new idea. Please, if you have something urgent give me a call, but send newsletter content via email. ANNUAL SHOW 2018 The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society, Lubbock, TX will host the South Central Federation of Mineral Society s Annual Show in conjunction with their calendar and plan to be there for that show. ANNUAL MEETING The Federation annual meeting will be held on May 5, 2018, 1 p.m. ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION SCFMS WEB-SITE: WWW.SCFMS.NET PLEASE KEEP YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS UP TO DATE - CONTACT SUSAN BURCH, EDITOR, WITH ANY CHANGES. Newsletter Editor: Susan Burch 10911 Holly Springs Dr. Houston, TX 77042 (936) 615-5397 scfmseditor@yahoo.com

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 03 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Communication is one of the most important ingredients of a well managed and successful club/federation. Good communication ensures that the club/ federation operates efficiently and effectively and without this essential ingredient, the club/federation cannot achieve its full potential. Where communication breaks down in a club/federation, people do not know what is happening The perception of a closed shop may be formed, which can damage the club/ federation and hinder volunteers from becoming involved. Susan Burch, SCFMS Editor The SCFMS bi-monthly newsletter is one of the most important avenues of communication the federation has. Thank you to all who have contributed to the newsletter in the past two years I ve been editor. I look forward and appreciate all you will do in the future. Without input from our officers and members, a newsletter basically turns into a shell. Let s keep ours meaty with good info. With that said, I ll keep this issue short and sweet with the necessities. First of all, we never like to let go of a good thing, but we must say goodbye to Walter Beneze as our club president. He has done a spectacular job while in office and we will miss him. Secondly, I d like to welcome Roger Burford as our new president for 2018 and his lovely wife Elizabeth (Liz) as secretary. Thank you two for stepping up for these positions. It would be difficult for any club/federation to function without the many volunteers who make things happen. When only a few are involved the burden can be overwhelming. You can help out even if it s taking a small part and supporting others. Please, show your appreciation to all those who have a part in making our federation great!

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 04 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 AFMS LAND USE POLICY *1. Adherence to the AFMS Code of Ethics assures compliance with most statutes and regulations governing collecting on public lands and encourages respect for private property rights and the environment. Clubs are urged to read the AFMS Code of Ethics in at least one meeting every year, to publish the Code frequently in the club newsletter, and to compel compliance on club field trips. *2. Individuals and clubs are urged to write their elected representatives and land use management agency supervisors regarding issues of rule making, legislation and enforcement affecting field collecting of minerals and fossils. *3. Individuals and clubs are urged to join and support activities of the American Lands Access Association (ALAA), a sister organization with responsibility for advancing the interests of earth science amateurs with legislatures and land use management agencies. *4. The AFMS will receive a report from ALAA at its annual meeting. *5. The AFMS endorses the principle of multiple use of public lands as a guarantee of continuing recreational opportunities. *6. Wilderness and monument designations are inconsistent with the principle of multiple use. In view of the vast amount of public land already designated as wilderness and monuments, future such designations should be minimal, taking into account the increased demand for recreational opportunities, including rockhounding, created by a growing population. *7. In furtherance of the principle of multiple use, the AFMS believes that laws, regulations and rules established by relevant governmental authorities should be designed to allow freest possible access to all public lands, coupled with minimal restrictions on the recreational collection of minerals, fossils, gemstone materials and other naturally occurring materials. *8. A right to collect minerals and fossils on public lands should be protected by statute. *9. The AFMS urges its members to work with any or all government authorities to achieve a good working relationship in order to improve the Public Image of recreational collectors. AFMS 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.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 05 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society would like to announce the 60 th Anniversary of our club! This year we will also host the South Central Federation of Mineral Society s Annual Convention. Saturday May 5 th and Sunday May 6 th, 2018 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane Lubbock, Texas. www.lubbockgemandmineral.org www.scfms.net www.visitlubbock.org Saturday, May 5 th 10am 6pm Sunday, May 6 th 10 5pm Continued on Page 6.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 06 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Continued from Page 5. The Editors and Webmasters Breakfast will be on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., registration is due by April 15 th, 2018. The SCFMS annual meeting will be on Saturday at 1 p.m. There will be an awards Banquet at 7 p.m. Registration is due by April 15 th, 2018. A cash bar will be available. We will have a Rolling Rock Club meeting on Sunday at 8 am. The deadline for registration of competitive cases will be April 1 st, 2018. The show will feature Vendors with Jewelry, Loose Stones, Rough, Cabs, Slabs, Geodes, Beads, Gemstones, Mineral Specimens, Crystals, Fossils, Spheres, and Lapidary Tools. Hourly door prizes. Drawings for two grand prizes, one for Kids and one for Adults. Numerous display cases and large rocks in our rocks you can touch area! Our kid s area will have games and grab bags, and we will feature our new fluorescent tent with rocks that glow in the dark. Proceeds support the LGMS (501(c)(3) organization), and scholarships in the Earth Sciences at Texas Tech; Web site: www.lubbockgemandmineral.org SCHEDULE FOR SCFMS CONVENTION & SHOW Lubbock, Texas. May, 2018 Friday, May 4th 8:00 a.m. Club Setup begins, Civic Center Exhibit Hall 12:00 p.m. Dealer set up begins, Civic Center Exhibit Hall 4:00 p.m. Exhibitor set up begins, Civic Center Exhibit Hall Saturday, May 5th 8:00 a.m. Editors & Webmasters Breakfast, Civic Center Terrace Suite 9:00 a.m. All Exhibits must be in place 10:00 a.m. Show Opens 1:00 p.m. SCFMS Annual Meeting, Civic Center Terrace Suite 6:00 p.m. Show Closes 6:30 p.m. Social hour - cash bar available, Civic Center Terrace Suite 7:00 p.m. Awards Banquet, Civic Center Terrace Suite Continued on Page 7

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 07 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Continued from Page 6. Sunday, May 6 th 8:00 am Rolling Rock Club Meeting, Civic Center Exhibit Hall 10:00 am Show opens 4:45 PM Drawing for Grand Prizes 5:00 pm Show Closes All events will be at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock. All event registrations and payments are available online at our website www.lubbockgemandmineral.org DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH-APRIL 2018 NEWSLETTER WILL BE MARCH 10, 2018

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 08 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society Credentials and Advanced Registration Form Federation Club or Society Name City State/Zip Name/Address of: Chairperson/Delegate Alternate Editor Webmaster URC Judge Exhibitor Member/Other Admission and Event Fee s: Event Number of People Cost Total Show Admission (both days) $7.00 Breakfast $20.00 Banquet $35.00 Deadline for advanced registration is April 15 th, 2018. No Refunds After April 25 th, 2018 Total Amount Enclosed $ Please include remittance with this form, make checks payable to: Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society Mail completed forms to: LGMS, Attn; Walter Beneze 4204 45 th Street Lubbock, Texas 79413

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 09 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Mail Application To: Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society ATTN: Walter Beneze PO Box 6371 Lubbock, Texas 79493 QUESTIONS? Contact: Walter Beneze walt@lubbockgemandmineral.org Submit 1 form per exhibit. This form may be duplicated as needed LUBBOCK GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY SCFMS SHOW AND CONVENTION May 5 th & 6 th, 2018 APPLICATION TO EXHIBIT Print legibly - Information provided below will be used on all documents NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE ( ) CLUB AFFILIATION DIVISION EXHIBIT CLASS if Non-Competitive, check here Consult AFMS 2018 Uniform Rules with updates at www.amfed.org/rules/rules.htm GROUP (circle one): Master Advanced Novice Junior Society Jr. Society If Junior, give date of birth For competitive exhibits, the exhibitor must sign below with this understanding: I hereby submit my application to exhibit and attest that all material displayed is my own property. For lapidary or jewelry, all work was accomplished by me. I am a SCFMS member in good standing. Signature: For competitive exhibits, an officer of the exhibitor s society must sign below: I attest that the above named exhibitor is a member of the Signature Office Held A limited number of club cases will be available first come, first served. Check one: I will need to use a club case (size 2 x2 x4 ) or I have my own case, size: Depth Height Length ************************************************************************************************************ Application form must be postmarked by April 1st, 2018. Exhibits Must be set up by 9am, May 5 th ; judging starts at 11AM.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 10 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Continued on Page 11.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 11 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Continued from Page 10.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 12 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 BENCH TIPS BY BRAD SMITH MOBILE FLEXSHAFT STAND A handy mobile stand for your flexshaft can be made easily and quickly from the base of an old swivel office chair. You can find these chairs being thrown out at office buildings and schools. I just asked the custodian in my building to set one aside for me. To separate the chair from the wheeled base, simply remove the spring clip from the center bottom. I use a small screwdriver or a pair of pliers. To make the stand, you'll need two pieces of threaded galvanized steel pipe and a pipe fitting from a hardware store. The first length of pipe is 3/4 inch diameter to fit the hole in most chair bases. The second piece is a length of less expensive 1/2 inch pipe. The total length of the two pipes should be five feet. I used a two foot length of 3/4 pipe and a three foot length of 1/2 pipe. They are joined together by a pipe fitting called a 3/4 to 1/2 reducing coupler. PATINA RECIPIES Sometimes it's fun to explore some new patinas. If this appeals to you, here are a couple web sites that have ideas particularly for copper and bronze. The first is The Science Company at http:// www.sciencecompany.com/do-it-yourself-patina-formulas- W12C672.aspx with plenty of formulas for a variety of colors. And there are more formulas at Tim McCreight's Brynmorgen Press web site at http://www.brynmorgen.com/resources.html Small quantities of chemicals for making your own patinas are available from The Science Company at http://www.sciencecompany.com/ Patina-Chemicals-Patina-Book-C672.aspx If you prefer to buy the patinas ready for use, one of the best sources I've come across is Sculpt Nouveau at http:// www.sculptnouveau.com/ Don't miss all the instructional pdf's on the site and be sure to take a look at the videos showing how to use the products at http://www.youtube.com/ sculptnouveau LOCAL METALS SOURCE Local companies that use sheet metal typically have barrels of scrap copper, brass and aluminum sheet that they save for recycling. The shop owner/ manager will usually let you go through it to select the shapes and thicknesses you want. Prices vary but will generally be close to the wholesale per-pound scrap value. For me at this time, that's $3 per pound for copper. I've found it's much cheaper to buy metal this way than ordering from a catalog. There are no shipping charges, and you'll be supporting a local small business in your community. Remember to bring your work gloves if you try this. Also useful is a thickness gauge. When I asked if they had any 14 gauge, they didn't know. Turns out they measure the thickness of copper by its weight per square foot. Continued on Page 13.

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 13 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 Continued from Page 12. MINI DRILL PRESS If you find yourself drilling a number of small holes for your work, you might want to look at the small, inexpensive drill presses now available. They take up just minimal space on your bench and are always ready to give you nice straight holes. Some models even have a variable speed control. I've been very pleased with a lowpriced one that's been well-used in my classes for over a year. Because these machines are only a foot high, they're limited as to the size of workpieces that can fit into the machine and the size of the drill bits you can use. But I've had no problems with drill bits up to about 3/16" (4.5mm), even drilling steel. The machines are sold by a number of companies. If you do get one, be sure to buy a spare belt because they are generally not available at local hardware stores. LASER WELDING A question came up recently about how to solder some jump rings to hold blue topaz briolettes onto a necklace. We've all heard about ways to do some soldering close to a stone, and some of us have sized a ring without taking the stones out of their mounts. We've used wet paper towels, garnet sand, cooling gels, and my favorite of suspending the stone in a dish of water. All techniques bank on the principal of using a small, hot flame to do the job quickly before the stone gets hot enough to crack or change color. But each job is somewhat of a gamble. Some stones are hardy and some are frail. Jades and jaspers will generally take some heat, but I'd never chance it with the likes of topaz or opal. Trying to shield a stone from the torch is always a betting game, and sometimes you lose. If soldering something close to a stone is too risky, perhaps it's time to consider a no-heat method like laser welding. Most jewelry stores have laser welders these days, and the cost of having it done is quite affordable. They used to have problems doing silver, but now seem to do it routinely. I've used a local shop twice recently, once for a piece with little emeralds that a "friend" asked me to repair and for a second piece where I needed a safety catch and didn't want the torch heat to expose all the solder lines again. Please include the following attribution with each publication: See all Brad's jewelry books at: Amazon.com/author/bradfordsmith wmbenlbk@gmail.com, brgem.min.input@gmail.com, shiara.trumble@sbcglobal.net, don.shurtz@gmail.com, kimberlyarts@hotmail.com, Sdalemiller@sbcglobal.net

SCFMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 14 JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018 SCFMS ORGANIZATIONAL SHOWS MARCH 30-APRIL 1, 2018 Chihuahuan Desert G&MS Alpine Civic Ctr. APRIL 14-15, 2018 ABILENE, TX Central TX G&MS Abilene Civic Ctr. North 6 th & Pine APRIL 28-29, 2018 WACO, TX Waco G&M Club Extraco Events Ctr. SCFMS SHOW MAY 5-6, 2018 LUBBOCK, TX 60 TH ANNUAL SHOW Lubbock G&MS Lubbock Civic Center Thank You!! To those that made this issue possible. Walter Beneze Kimberly Brannon Brad Smith May 26-27, 2018 FORT WORTH, TX Fort Worth G&MS Will Rogers Mem. Center JUNE 30-JULY 1, 2018 GRAPEVINE, TX 61 st Annual Show Arlington G&MC Grapevine Convention Ctr. 1209 S. Main. St. Let the editor know if you don t see your show listed.