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Rock Talk No. 164 / February 2021 Entering the ’80s… Message from the President —Bob Cole, February 1983 This is a story about 4 people named Everybody, Some- body, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Every- body’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

It was voted to disallow smoking at the meetings in January 1983.

This unidentified gentleman is wearing the vest that members made beginning in 1979. Green—the color officially selected—fabric was available from the club at $3.12 per The club produced a show from its first year. Originally held yard, with approximately one yard at the Ft. Pierce Community Center, it moved to the Port St. needed for the vest. The pattern Lucie Community Center, then to the National Guard Armory, could be borrowed. (Needless to say, and finally settled into the St. Lucie County Civic Center in the club had a few seamstresses in its midst!) An official club patch, 1982. The show was called the Magic World of Gems and designed by Nataly Nijinski, was in its early years and was a successful venture that adopted and available for $3.10 and relied on club members as volunteers. a rockhound patch was $1.10. ROCK TALK-February 2021 1 CLUB DIRECTORY President’s Message President: Joe David 321-749-2195 ello Members of St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Club, Vice President: Robert Hanson 561-866-0763 I hope this newsletter finds you well. Plans for our 44th Annual Secretary: HJewelry, Rock and Show are in full swing. Show dates are Friday, Kathy Jenkins 954-397-1314 10/29 with noon set-up; Saturday and Sunday, 10/30-31 are the Show Treasurer: dates. If you haven’t been contacted by Bobbie Richards, do give her a call Roni Welton 485-1795 so you can participate in this great show—her number is (772) 475-5593. Directors: Contracts will be going out soon. If you know of any vendors that might Judy Morrison 336-3749 Marilyn Papendick 781-7348 be interested in the show or if you as a member want to participate in the Hannah Pollack 249-6440 show as a vendor, please contact Bobbie Richards. You can make this a Membership/Registrar: Great Show! We will need your help with getting our Save The Date post- Gail Hardman 206-661-4656 cards out into the neighborhoods around where you live. After talking Building Coordinator: with the Civic Center, they had a Craft Show recently and had 6,000 people Susan Ivy 217-7161 come through the show. That would be a great number to see to come to Show Chair: Bobbie Richards 475-5593 ours. Finance Committee Chair: On another note, we have a few 2- day workshops that we are working Jon DeRidder 678-2100 on to have between July 15th and August 15th for our members—more Librarian: Volunteer Needed info coming about that in the next few months! Raffle: Our Annual Jewelry Contest will culminate at our show and we are look- Don Theobald 334-5346 ing forward to having all our members participate in that contest. That Sunshine: would be an awesome display of talent! Lisa Palmer 321-698-1735 We have temporarily stopped giving out our William Holland Scholar- Newsletter: Debra Goodrich 971-1511 ship. If the show does well, we might be able to have a drawing at our Webmaster: Christmas Party. We will also be setting up new rules for the William Hol- Joe David 321-749-2195 land Scholarship with everyone that is a paid member of our club getting Roni Welton 485-1795 a ticket in the drawing and we’re considering starting a Volunteer Of The Facebook: Year that would be announced at our show in October. As of this writing, Roni Welton 485-1795 the country has reached 10% of vaccinations being given to everybody, so Donations/Used Equipment: it is looking like by the time our Show comes around we will be closer to Charles Viereck 971-5566 Meri Jo & Don Theobald 334-5346 being normal in our workshop and classes will start filling up. Workshop 462-6597 The new schedule for session 2 is on the web, where you can also sign Club Website up. Class descriptions are on page 8, with the schedule on page 9. http://www.slcrockandgem.org The budget will be voted on at the February meeting and, just as a side St. Lucie County Rock & Gem Club note, next year’s budget will be voted on in November of this year. See you Founded February 1978 at the zoom meeting on Sunday, February 28 at 12:30 pm. Annual Dues: $ 40.00 Member SFMS & AFMS Joe David, President 321-749-2195 JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING (SEE AGENDA, PAGE 7): Sunday, February 28 at 12:30 PM ☛ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334128843?pwd=SjdxVk1tc0J Monthly Membership Meeting: RN1o1M0ZQeEZ1cHhOZz09 4th Sunday, 2 PM White City Methodist Church on Meeting ID: 813 3412 8843 Midway Rd. and Oleander Ave. ☛ Passcode: 618855 ☛ ROCK TALK-February 2021 2 Meeting Minutes JANUARY 24, 2020

The meeting was called to order by Joe David at REGISTRAR REPORT 1:10 PM Teachers that attended the meeting were asked if Officers present: Joe David-President; Robert Han- they will be continuing in Session II. son, Vice President; Roni Welton-Treasurer; Kathleen Susan Ivy, Kathleen Jenkins, Roni Welton, Don & Jenkins-Secretary Meri Jo Theobald all responded yes. Members at large: Don Theobald, Debra Go- NEWSLETTER REPORT: odrich, Lisa Palmer, Bobbie Richards, Janis Snape, February 15, 2021 will be the deadline for the Susan Ivy, Hannah Pollack, Jack & Juanita Fisher, Jon Newsletter. Deridder, Robert Hanson, Mary Thomas, Laura Kay Darville. WORKSHOP REPORT: A motion was made to approve the minutes to Susan Ivy reported. the 11/22/20 Board meeting. Cameras – Susan Ivy will investigate the outside 1st –Roni Welton, 2nd – Hannah Pollack cameras. Motion carried. Back Door – Waiting for quotes and Debra will A motion was made to approve the minutes to send her the specifications that were drafted. the COVID-19 Protocol Meeting 12/6/20. Susan will provide at the next meeting what 1st –Roni Welton, 2nd – Robert Hanson needs to be done at the shop. Motion carried. Action: Outside Camera proposals for the February TREASURER’S REPORT: meeting. Roni Welton gave the Financial Report for the end Back door proposals pending of 2020. See attached. Items needing to be done in the shop. COMMITTEE REPORTS RECORDS MANAGEMENT: SHOW COMMITTEE: Bobbie Richards discussed Records Management. Bobbie Richards discussed the first show commit- The Position for Records management needs to tee meeting. be filled. This will be tabled until a person agrees to Susan Ivy suggested letting everyone know they oversee records management. can volunteer their time. Bobbie Richards discussed the website and its MEMBERSHIP REPORT: shortcomings. Kathleen Jenkins reported. A committee will be put together to upgrade the It was recommended from the Direction Planning website and getting a Webmaster. Susan Ivy and Committee that a telephone tree be established Kathleen Jenkins volunteered to help. to call past members. Lisa Palmer, Debra Goodrich, A motion was made to investigate upgrading the Meri Jo Theobald, and Kathleen Jenkins will make website and having a Webmaster the phone calls. 1st – Bobbie Richards, 2nd – Roni Welton Action: Phone tree to be set up and a zoom Motion carried. meeting to discuss. Action Item - investigate upgrading the web- USED EQUIPMENT site and having a Webmaster Pin Polisher will be added to the silent auction. Due Date - February Meeting

ROCK TALK-February 2021 3 DIRECTION PLANNING COMMITTEE Motion carried. 10 yes – 2 No Bob Hanson reported he had a meeting with Hannah Pollack and Meri Jo Theobald will be the Kathleen Jenkins and Joe David just to discuss chairs of the committee for recommendations to the direction of the committee. The following was the Board regarding the scholarship for 2022. discussed: SE FEDERATION JUNIORS PROGRAM • The main goal is to grow the membership. No one got back to Joe David regarding their • Send Postcards to past members: “We Miss You” Juniors Program. • Develop membership awareness with t shirts, cups, etc. Bob Hanson knows of a company HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS that if we can get it onto our website, the club Marcia Robart, Hannah Pollack, and Jo Baker have does not have to worry about the logistics of the status of Honorary Members. the purchases. The company handles it all. There is no reference in the records that show • A phone tree will be developed to call past what the guidelines are or the criteria for being an members. Honorary Member. Bob Hanson will follow through with 1, 2, 3. A motion was made that a plaque be made and Kathleen Jenkins will follow through with #4. the names of the Honorary be put on the plaque. 1st – Kathleen Jenkins, 2nd – Roni Welton FINANCE COMMITTEE: Motion carried. The Finance Committee will be comprised of John Deridder-Chair, Roni Welton-Treasurer, Joe LATE FEES FOR MEMBERSHIP David, and Michael Stout-Advisors. Late fees for unpaid dues was discussed. This may John Deridder discussed CDs vs. other types of be an option for 2022, but not 2021. investments. It was a consensus that it be 50/50: 50% to CDs, A motion was made adjourn the meeting @2:50 50% to other investments. PM. Action: The CD coming due will be 50%-to- 1st – Bobo, The Cat, 2nd – Roni Welton 5-month CD and 50% into bank account and Motion carried. John will report at the February meeting the Finance Committees recommendations. Respectively Submitted, Kathleen Jenkins, Secretary SUMMER WORKSHOP CLASSES Joe David discussed summer workshop classes when the shop does not have any classes. These would be short 2-day workshops @ $150 each. Options: ☛Have a website to sell your Don Theobald - Fusing creations? Have a Tax ID#? You can Laura Kay Darville - have a listing on the Member News Joe David - Intarsia page of the club website! Submit WILLIAM HOLLAND SCHOLARSHIP A discussion was had, and various options dis- your name, business name (if cussed. applicable), business URL, and a few A motion was made to suspend the Scholarship words listing what you sell to Roni for this year. 1st – Debra Goodrich, 2nd – Kathleen Jenkins Welton ([email protected]).

ROCK TALK-February 2021 4 MEETING AGENDA-February 28, 2021 Steve Scales has Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance been busy… Call Roll/ Quorum

Minutes Approval: Meeting, January 24, 2021 Treasurer’s Report 1. January Financial Report 2. Proposed 2021 Budget

COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Show (Bobbie Richards) 2. Registrar 3. Status of the Description of the classes & Class Schedule for the Website, Roni Welton, Debra Go- odrich for the newsletter 4. Newsletter (Debra Goodrich) 5. Workshop (Susan Ivy) a. Camera proposals for workshop. b. Back door proposals the workshop. c. Items needing to be done in the shop. 6. Membership (Kathleen Jenkins) 7. Records Management (Bobbie Richards) Members were asked to volunteer 8. Auditing Committee 9. Direction Planning for 2021 & steps to increase membership. 10.Finance Committee (Jon Deridder)

OLD BUSINESS / STATUS OF THE ITEMS FROM PRIOR MEETINGS Status of the items from prior meetings 1. Honorary Plaque Status 2. Joe David – Update on the State Organization’s Ju- niors Program guidelines.

NEW BUSINESS 1. Proposed 2021 Budget

ZOOM MEETING LINK https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334128843?pwd=SjdxVk 1tc0JRN1o1M0ZQeEZ1cHhOZz09 Meeting ID: 813 3412 8843 Passcode: 618855

ROCK TALK-February 2021 5 hat’s p n he orkshop Wello club members! U I Tuse it—we reallyW need to keep up with things on a I would like to bring to your attention day-to-day basis. Hsome details about the workshop. Because These kinds of findings are often repeated during I am the first one in on Monday mornings, I have the course of the session and I’d like everyone’s help found some things of concern. to keep this place in the best shape possible and Last Monday I came in to find the workshop ready for each following member’s use. We can do overhead lights on, the door to the chemical closet better. Please help treat this place with kindness and (which accesses the inventory) standing open, attention. and the coffee pot still filled with coffee and used If you have any concerns or requests regarding grounds in place. The coffee has to have been there the workshop please call or leave a note in the Mon- for a while because there was mold floating on top. day morning workshop folder. This club is home away from home for so many of Many thanks, us, and it’s my job to help keep it in the best shape Susan Ivy 772-217-7161 possible by offering reminders to those of us who

Registration Open: Session II Classes CENTRIFUGAL impressions. The use of the torch is not mandatory Students learn how to use wax patterns and cen- knowledge, but will come in handy to do annealing trifugal casting equipment to turn molten silver into and some . jewelry. Equipment is supplied, but you must purchase OPEN WORKSHOPS your own silver and other supplies on an as-needed There is no teaching in an open workshop, but partici- basis for each project. pants are encouraged to share ideas and knowledge CHAINMAILLE WORKSHOP in their various endeavors. Intermediate working Experienced members who have previously complet- knowledge of any equipment used is required, with a ed chainmaille classes or are already familiar with how workshop steward determining that level. to weave chainmaille are welcome. No formal instruc- SILVERSMITHING tion is offered, but a workshop leader is available for Basic techniques and tools used are taught in order to assistance. construct a project from start to finish. Students will FACETING learn how to solder and use equipment for polishing Learn the basics of faceting—transforming a rough by creating a bezel-set in . stone into a finished gem. No prerequisite skills are All tools are provided for the beginner or you may needed. Stones may be purchased in class or you may bring your own. Silver is for sale in the workshop or bring your own. you can provide your own. INTARSIA VACUUM CASTING Learn to cut and shape small pieces of rock and glue Explore this process from start to finish—how to shoot them together to form intricate scenic or geometric a mold to make a wax pattern and make a wax tree patterns. Bring whatever slabs you have to get started. with the investing process, followed by the casting Working knowledge of cabbing is required. process with silver, , or , and finally METALSMITHING how to cut your castings from the tree to finish the Explore how to use a rolling mill and the art of textur- project. All metals can be purchased in class or you can ing copper or silver by using items like crinkled paper bring your own. Everything else is supplied. and leaves (and, of course, your imagination!) to make

ROCK TALK-February 2021 6 The club looks forward to offering additional classes later in 2021. 2021 CLASS SCHEDULE SESSION I / MARCH 15-MAY 8

9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM Open Workshop S. Ivy MONDAY Limit 5 9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM

Open Workshop Chainaille Workshop K. Jenkins R. Welton TUESDAY Limit 5 Limit 5

9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM

Open Workshop Silversmithing/Open Workshop K. Jenkins D. Theobald

WEDNESDAY Limit 5 Limit 5 9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM Centrifugal Casting S. Shaw THURSDAY Limit 5

9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM

Cabbing/Open Workshop Vacuum Casting/Open Workshop Introduction ot Faceting

FRIDAY J. David J. David C. Viereck Limit 5 Limit 5 Limit 5 9 AM-12 N 1 PM-4 PM 7 PM-1O PM Metalsmithing/Open Workshop Intarsia/Open Workshop J. David J. David SATURDAY Limit 5 Limit 5

C L A S S F E E S ALL CLASSES $65.00 * * * * Walk-In Rate $15.00 with Instructor Approval Please confirm space availability with instructor before arriving. Because of the current conditions we have added Open Workshop opportunities to several of our classes. You MUST CHECK WITH THE TEACHER AND get approval before you come to the class unless you are enrolled. Fee is still $15. You must be a current member in order to enroll in classes. Teachers may make kits available to students, but these do not have to be purchased. Students may bring their own materials based on project requirements.

I N S T R U C T O R ’ S P H O N E N U M B E R S Joe David 321-749-2195 Stu Shaw 285-3755 Charles Viereck 971-5566 Susan Ivy 217-7161 Don Theobald 334-5346 Roni Welton 485-1795 Kathleen Jenkins 954-397-1314 ROCK TALK-February 2021 7 obbie Richards, Show Chair, led the our record keeping easier and streamline meeting on January 19, joined by our operation. Roni anticipates that Square BKathleen Jenkins, Debra Goodrich, will be operational for us by February 15-28. Roni Welton and Joe David. Participants are excited about the possibil- The first topic was an acknowledgement ity of sending the entire vendor packet elec- that COVID-19 is of primary concern in be- tronically, have it resident on our website ing successful in our annual show event. for vendor access and via snail mail when Along with CO- necessary. This will VID is the willing- require a look at ness of vendors website capabil- to sign on, volun- ity and perhaps teers’ willingness enhancement to participate as or re-design or vendors or work- a separate show ers and the econ- website. The West omy’s strength Palm Club oper- to support sales. ates their website The absence of with these fea- any of these could put our event at risk. tures and it is very nicely done. A conversation with MidFlorida Event Center will be scheduled for the month of SHOW CALENDAR February to gain information on the out- 1. The top priorities are website capabili- look of their COVID operations for 2021 to ties and the use of Square to accept pay- assist us in planning. ments. The operational structure of the show 2. “Save the Date” cards will be updated workforce will be the Chair, Sub-commit- and sent to members and vendors and other tees (5-7 people – including advisors), and entities 3/1-3/15. Teams with advisors. Bobbie will layout 3. Vendor Packet distribution due out by the structure in more detail to enable all 4/1-4/15 with a preview by sub-committee members to see where they can fit in as a 3/20. show volunteer. The longer view is to build a strong membership base that has show This year we may have tables for children experience so that in subsequent years the and adult classes. This may encourage mem- structure becomes stronger and more flex- bership and class participation and enhance ible. our bottom line. We will be looking for Roni Welton then provided an update on teachers to put these classes together and the use of Square as the electronic payment run them through-out the show. mechanism for vendors to purchase space, A discussion of vendor feedback was tables, and advertising space in our show shared and a thank you mailing and feed- booklet. Accomplishing this would make back request form will be sent post-show.

ROCK TALK-February 2021 8 News from the Federation e are with all other member clubs that also finished jewelry and polished often belong. At the present time there cabs and faceted stones, too. Wasked are about 30 members, so that You could be a vendor as well by why we pay dues to belong to the means each club is organizing contacting Jerri Heer at 419-344- Southeast Federation of - one trip every 30 months. Totally 9999 or [email protected] if you ogical Societies. The SFMS is our doable, don’t you think?!?! At the are interested. There are cabins regional rockhound connection, next SFMS meeting I will gather for rent in the park as well as RV bringing together over 70 rock more details on how we could join and tent camping sites available. and gem clubs and mineral and the group if we wanted to. The campground website is www. fossil societies from 10 states. Our The next meeting will be in musicliveshere.com. association with the SFMS reaches March and held in conjunction Meri Jo Theobald beyond our club and immediate with the 3rd Annual Rockhound SFMS Assistant State Director area to the regional level and even Round Up and Old Fashioned South Florida Region on to the national level. One excit- Rock Swap at the Spirit Of The ing benefit is the ability to belong Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, to a sub-group called the Dixie FL. This happens the weekend of The Lodestar (the Federa- Mineral Council. This group orga- March 12-14, 2021. Many vendors tion newsletter) is available nizes field trips around the coun- come from the states represented to anyone who would like to try and to belong to it you must in the SFMS and swap rocks and learn more. Please email Deb- be a SFMS member. Your club stories. You’ll literally find a ton of ra Goodrich at dagworks@att. would be responsible for organiz- rock and rough and inspiration net—she will gladly send you ing a field trip on a rotating basis for your next projects. There is the latest issue!

There is an ex- 12 – 6 for the rest of this month. hibit in the Palm The other event is the Martin County Open Studio Room at Har- Tour. This tour is open to everyone, it is free, and you bour Bay Plaza can visit any studio out of the 21 which will run studios during the weekend of through the March 6 & 7 from 10-5 each day. end of Febru- There are tour booklets with ary. There are 5 maps available around Martin artists with their works on dis- and St. Lucie Counties, and if play, one of which is me, Laura Kay Whiticar-Darvill. you wish to have one, just call My jewelry is on display there in two display cabi- me. I am stop #3 and will have nets. You can stop by my jewelry and my Dad’s to see it any Wednes- paintings on display. It is day – Saturday from really a fun event to attend, and you can enjoy art work from many talented local artists. Dot Galfond is the glass artist and has fantastic glass !! (Studio #13 is not avail- able during the tour).

ROCK TALK-February 2021 9 MoiraLynn’s Gems

Rocks and Gems of Florida by MoiraLynn Mefein

espite rumors to the contrary, Florida has a jewelry or other accessories. significant variety of rocks and minerals, as Florida also has minerals that can, based on their Dwell as its more famous fossils. Yes, many of Mohs’ scale ratings, be used in jewelry, accessories, the State’s rocks are a bit mundane, compared with and home décor. Each of the following has a rating the fancies found in other areas. And admittedly, we of at least 5.0. Fluorapatite (“phosphate rock”) is are not known for AAA-rated, gem-quality minerals, found in brown, gray, and bluish gray colors, as well but we do have interesting and beautiful specimens as both black and white. We also have pyrite, of interest to both collectors and jewelry designers. , staurolite, and . ROCKS It isn’t surprising that a state with more than 8400 It may be a sur- miles of coastline lists sand, gravel, and clay as its prise to learn that the most common rocks. Additional native rocks include Queen Conch, seen sandstone (which includes some quartz), limestone, in in many tourist and other sedimen- shops, sometimes tary rock formations. produce pearls in var- Various forms of ious shades of , quartz occur natural- as well as magenta Queen Conch/USFWS ly in Florida, includ- and a light golden color. ing several colors of , along with the Florida is also known for its . Although flint rock known as black occurs throughout the world, it has been chert. Quartz/FGS heavily harvested. Several years back I was informed Perhaps the most well-known rock in Florida is that Florida’s black coral is now protected, so any- coquina, a natural aggregate of the exoskeletons of one using it needs to be able to document that they many different tiny animals and shells, some intact, acquired it before the ban on harvesting occurred. but more often broken. See our upcoming article on However, I have – at this time – found no informa- coquina to learn more about this fascinating, useful tion as to whether the coral is still protected. (and extremely sharp) rock. FLORIDA’S STATE GEM MINERALS The is Many of Florida’s Florida’s official State Gem, softer minerals share although it is not native to a long history of Florida. The State selected industrial uses. These the moonstone in 1970 to include anhydrite, honor the successful 1969 dolomite, and gyp- mission to the moon. Moonstone/FL Dept. of State sum. An additional Sources: Florida Geological Survey, soft mineral, , is Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of occasionally used in Calcite/FGS State, US Fish & Wildlife Service ROCK TALK-February 2021 10 MoiraLynn’s Gems (continued) and Beading Tools, Part 1 t seems safe to say that people who spend a lot of time laughed a while back when I started seeing ads for creating, such as the members of our club, learn an expensive foot-grooming tool designed to do Iearly on that it is especially important to the same thing!) select the correct tool for each task at hand. , of course, also came up. Several people However, there are times when the preferred mentioned using jewelry pliers for home dental tool is not available, or when the situation is so work, citing the fact that the pliers are smaller urgent that it is impossible to wait for the than the hardware sort. People also seemed proper instrument. to find our smaller pliers especially handy as With that in mind – what is the odd- a replacement for broken zipper pulls. est thing you have ever done using your One avid gardener mentioned that he lapidary, beading, or other jewelry tools? had found his jewelry saw, with its fine (Please send your thoughts to Debra for use blades, an ideal tool when trimming fragile in later newsletters.) stems. I posed this same question as a discussion/pro- One lady mentioned, with a laugh, that she had gram when I was a member of another rock/gem club. tried using her flexible-eye beading needles for embroi- The answers were thought-provoking, to say the least. dery – but never got it to work, because the was so As might be expected, several of the answers involved flexible that it would not penetrate the fabric, just bent the very versatile Dremel. At least two people had used and warped. the machine’s grinding wheels to smooth the edges of So I ask again – what are your odd uses for your lapi- broken teeth. One had groomed her husband’s toenails dary, beading, and other jewelry tools? using the rough sandpaper wheel. Another had used Tune in next issue for an article about things that are the fine sandpaper to remove callouses on her feet. (I not tools for our trade, but perhaps should be. : Unique, and A Day’s Drive Away his lesser-known form of is found only in of the last two dig-your-own mines in the area. It has , and the original vein is still yielding been owned by the previous locals, the Johnson Family, Tgood stones. since 1965. Tom and Ginger Johnson inherited the mine The stones, which range from very from his parents, and plan to continue its operation, pale pink to a ruby-like purplish , and availability to the public, for many years to come. also come in a lavender color easily Granddaughter Savannah, only 4, is already mistaken for . When they able to identify many stones straight from were first found, they were thought Grandpa’s mine. to be a “form of garnet.” The location, which is open to har- Later study revealed that Rhodolite dy souls year-round, is officially the is a blend of almandine (1/3) and Cowee County Gift Shop and Mason (2/3) garnet. Mountain Mine, making it easier for The first known mention of rho- Rhodolite in Matrix, Macon County, NC/ visitors to differentiate from several dolite is in an article by A. M. Field, of Photo: Wikipedia Commons non-dig-your-owns that are located in Asheville from 1893 in his report on gem the area. The mine also offers up rubies, mining in North Carolina. He notes that the stones were , and , as well as some spectacular first found on Mason Mountain, NC. The site is now one quartz. Preview the site at http://masonmtnmine.com

ROCK TALK-February 2021 11