MWF News April 2021, Issue No. 601 Page 1

MWF News Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies

April 2021 - Issue No. 601 Web Site - www.amfed.org/mwf Member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies

President’s Message Reminders for Tax-Exempt Clubs

Susan Stanforth, MWF President Sandy Fuller, MWF Treasurer

Howdy, Howdy. Crocuses are starting to come Clubs that are officially registered with their up, which means one thing: Spring is almost here. And local state and have an IRS tax exemption letter are with Covid decreasing in cases plus required to file regular reports to maintain their status. widespread vaccinations, I think Failure to do so can result in revocation of their official rock hunting, in-person meetings, status and may result in fines to gain reinstatement. and rock shows may be right around Unfortunately, each state has its own set of rules the corner. governing nonprofit organizations within its jurisdiction. MWF will have our Spring Meeting on Zoom on April 10th (9 Federal IRS Form N-990 a.m. CST, 10 a.m. EST). I’m excited The IRS requires all tax-exempt organizations to see everyone from the State to file a Form 990 annually, regardless of income. Directors (and Assistants) to the Those organizations that normally have $50,000 or less Executive Committee Chairs. in gross receipts may file a N-990 postcard online, in lieu of the longer and more complex Form 990. The N- We want a report from EVERYONE – just a 990 form only takes a few minutes to complete, but small paragraph is fine. Even if you have little to must be done online. report, PLEASE tell what you have to offer to the MWF membership. Get that report to Donna by Not sure of your current status? The IRS has a April 1st. No, we’re not fooling!!! nonprofit organization look-up feature. If you can’t find your club in the active files, redo the search, Next on my agenda is the AFMS Convention in looking for inactive groups. Check with your state to Big Piney, WY on June 17-20. I’ve never been on a (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2)

What’s Inside?

Deadline Calendar ...... 2 Reminders for Tax-Exempt Clubs ...... 1 Give the Kid a Rock ...... 4 The Shah Diamond’s Interesting History ...... 4 How to Use Mini Miners Monthly ...... 3 Upcoming Events ...... 6 Please Tell Us Where and When! ...... 5 Which Saw, Wichita? ...... 5 President’s Message ...... 1 Worldwide Tumbling Contest Accepting Applications .... 3

Page 2 April 2021, Issue No. 601 MWF News

MWF OFFICERS President’s Message, continued

President: Susan Stanforth (Continued from page 1) 850 Palau Parkway Rockford, IL 61108 815-229-4009 Doug True field trip, but if what I hear is “true”, it [email protected] should be quite an adventure for Blue Forest Petrified Wood and the Fossil Fish dig, of course. And seeing all 1st VP: Catherine Clevenz 2nd VP: Debbie Hamilton 2544 Eastgate Road, #12 1818 Adlai Stevenson the regional people will be incredible. Toledo, OH 43614 Springfield, IL62703 419-340-5276 217-685-6750 Part of my job description is to visit Midwest [email protected] [email protected] clubs and shows. But I need an invitation, so please contact me for a fun visit. Also, I would be ever so Secretary: Donna Moore Treasurer: Sandy Fuller 25235 N. Illinois Highway 97 8845 Grange Boulevard grateful to receive your club newsletters. Add my Cuba, IL 61427 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 address to your recipient list. Fill my mailbox, folks!!!! 309-789-6501 651-459-0343 [email protected] [email protected] Our State Directors have finished their tally of club dues and I’m happy to report a 81% completion by the end of January. Iowa came out on top with Reminders for Tax-Exempt Clubs, cont. 100%, followed by Michigan with 95%. So, I tip my hat to Iowa State Director Timothy Hill and Michigan (Continued from page 1) State Director John Donker. And a giant thank you to determine if your organization needs to also file with Debbie Hamilton (2nd Vice President), as well as the state taxation entity. Treasurer Sandy Fuller and Webmaster Cindy Root, who had the massive job of entering the data, etc. State Registration Filing All of the states within the Midwest Federation I would love to hear how you do fundraising in boundaries require some type of registration update your clubs. Example: What is a Tricky Tray with the Secretary of State. All are annual except Iowa fundraiser? Anyone? Spill the beans. (biannual) and Ohio (every five years). A fee may be associated with this registration. Again, most states Another issue close to my heart is Field Trip have some type of lookup feature to help you determine Safety Guidelines. My local club has the amazing your group’s current status. Duane Cushing as our Field Trip Chairperson who always has the First Aid Kit ready to go. Charitable Solicitation Some states (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, How about your club? And what should be in Missouri, Ohio) also require registration with the state that kit? Do you know how to stabilize a broken arm or Attorney General in order to receive donations or deal with head trauma from a fall? Time to make sure conduct fundraising activities, if your total donations you have the knowledge to prepare for such an exceed a specified amount. The definition of inevitability. Better safe than sorry!!! We have MWF fundraising activities also varies by state. Lottery-type Safety Committee Chair David Rich activities are also often regulated by state governments. ([email protected]) and AFMS Safety It is your responsibility to stay current with state and Committee Chair Ellery Borow local regulations. ([email protected]) to consult, so contact them for expert advice. To find a quick overview of your state filing requirements, find your state on the website https:// www.expresstaxexempt.com/state-nonprofits/. Deadline Calendar

PLEASE NOTE: This article is not a definitive Entries for the National Youth Poster Contest statement on applicable state laws. Clubs are urged to sponsored by the North Lakes Academy Rockhounds become familiar with their local requirements and (Minnesota) are due May 1, 2021. For more consult with state or legal resources for more complete information, contact Michelle Cauley at information. [email protected].

MWF News April 2021, Issue No. 601 Page 3

How to Use Your Mini Miners Monthly (For Clubs Who Earned That Perk!)

Sandy Fuller, MWF Treasurer

Congratulations to the 89 clubs who submitted their 2021 MWF dues by January 15th. Midwest Federation officers appreciate your assistance in helping us complete our duties in a timely fashion. We are once again thanking you by sending you a free subscription to Diamond Dan’s monthly Mini Miners publication. New subscriptions will begin soon and, unfortunately, those who failed to make the deadline this year will see their subscription cancelled.

The club subscription will be sent to the club’s juniors program leader or bulletin editor (if an email address was provided), or to the club’s email address. Please look for your subscription (check your junk mail just in case), and then add the sender’s email address to your address book so future copies will arrive safely. If you submitted your dues on time and do not receive your emailed publication, please contact the MWF treasurer at mwftreas@rock -biz.biz.

A club may use Mini Miners Monthly in the following ways:

• Portions of each issue (no more than 2/3 of the content) may be reprinted for use by each club or society.

• Mini Miners Monthly material can be used in monthly newsletters, for club meetings, at shows, and with school presentations and other similar events. Small portions may be posted on the club’s website or blog, preferably in the members-only section.

There are some restrictions:

• Clubs may not distribute any issue in its entirety to anyone, by any means, including posting online, even in members-only sections of a website.

• Each and every page that is republished must include credit to “Diamond Dan Publications” and reference to the Diamond Dan website, www.diamonddanpublications.net.

• Any club wishing to distribute entire issues to members or others can arrange with Diamond Dan Publications to do so at a cost of $2 per recipient.

Fee subscriptions to Diamond Dan’s Mini Miners monthly are provided by a grant from our MWF Endowment Fund. Only the earnings of the fund are used to support special projects of the Federation.

Worldwide Tumbling Contest Now Accepting Applications

The Feather River Lapidary and Mineral tumbling-contest-drop-down2, which includes a link to Society, based in Oroville, California, is now accepting the complete rules and the application form. applications for its annual Worldwide Tumbling Contest. The entry fee includes the purchase and shipment to each entrant of three pounds of rough rock. This year’s rock is Burris Creek jasper from the First-place winner of the northern part of California’s Sacramento Valley. 2020 contest, when the year’s rock was lavic Deadline for application is June 1st. Tumbled jasper. rocks must be returned to the Society postmarked Aug. 15th or before.

More information about the contest can be found at https://www.featherriverrocks.org/show/rock-

Page 4 April 2021, Issue No. 601 MWF News

Give the Kid a Rock The Shah Diamond’s Interesting History

Michelle Cauley, Third-Grade Teacher By Emerald, a Geo Junior Member North Lakes Academy Rockhounds, MN Chicago Rocks & Minerals Society From the January, 2021 Pick & Dop Stick The geologic world is a fascinating topic to study. Rock enthusiasts have the extreme privilege to We do not know who found the Shah Diamond. share our interests and passions with the next The Shah Diamond probably is a Golconda diamond, generation. Throughout my years as an educator, mined in India. [Editor’s Note: , though, I have found that many who have passion for mined in a specific area of India, are named after the geology either aren’t sure how to share this passion, or diamond trading center in Golconda where many of have troubles with meeting children at their level. them were originally sold.] It was found before 1591, but we do not know the exact year. Most children who evince an interest in geology are excited about items they can see and hold People think it weighed 95 carats when it was and collect. Geology for a young child is meant to be found. It is now only 89 carats. hands-on and exploratory. Too many times I have seen adults hold rocks off in the distance to show children, The shape of the Shah Diamond is a long but never let them experience the specimen up close; octahedron. The diamond is polished on some sides or even more, they point out every interesting part of and has 15 facets. Some of the facets are still natural. the rock. The cut is called a table cut. It is a yellow tinted stone, and does not have any clouds or flaws. Children want the opportunity to explore for themselves. They want the opportunity to touch, hold, The Shah Diamond changed over time. experiment, and to see with their own eyes and ask Someone added a groove. The groove was to put it on a their own questions. cord that the Shah could wear around his neck. It also has engravings in ancient Persian. Allow children the tactile learning experience they crave, and you will be rewarded with a higher engagement level and stronger commitment to learning. Do not be afraid to put rocks in children’s hands, and do not be afraid of children breaking rocks. When at all possible, have specimens for them The Shah Diamond to look at that you aren’t afraid of them accidentally after cutting. Photo dropping. via Indianetzone.com.

When children are only given the chance to look at rocks behind glass, they learn quickly that this is a hobby only for adults; that they can’t be trusted yet to explore this amazing world we are learning and living in. It is unique because the names of three shahs are engraved on it. A shah was an emperor in ancient With this approach, yes, you might risk Persia or India. The shahs’ names that are engraved on breaking some specimens or a rock or two may fall and it are: Burhan Nizam Shah II 1000, Son of Jehangir crack – but you can’t make an omelette if you don’t Shah; 1051; and Kadja Fath Ali Shah 1242. break some eggs in the process. I guarantee you, those The years listed are from the Muslim calendar. In the kids will surprise you with how much they care when modern calendar those years were 1591, 1641, and they are given the opportunity to be responsible. So go 1826. on – give the kid a rock. Burhan Nizam Shah II was a Shah in [Editor’s Note: Illustrating Ms. Cauley’s point, Ahmendagar in India. Shah Jahan was a Mughal the other article on this page was written by a junior emperor who built the famous Taj Mahal in India. rock club member.] (Continued on page 5)

MWF News April 2021, Issue No. 601 Page 5

The Shah Diamond’s History, continued Which Saw, Wichita?

(Continued from page 4) Daniel Hogan, Vice President After Shah Jahan had the diamond, Nadir Shah took it Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society from the city of Delhi in 1739. Nadir Shah brought it From the February, 2021 Strata Data to Persia, now called Iran. Steven Wichita is a rockhound. He has been Czar Nicholas I of Russia got the diamond in gathering all kinds of beautiful rocks, geodes, and 1829, just a few years after the last engraving. Fath specimens. Now he has all these rocks of all different Ali Shah gave it to Czar Nicholas as a gift. Why would types and sizes, and needs to cut them into more someone give away such a big, clear diamond? A mob manageable sizes. One is too big to fit in the truck. of people in Tehran had killed the Russian Another is about the size of a suitcase. The geodes he ambassador. The Shah Diamond was a gift to calm wants to make into bookends. Several he wants to cut down the Russian czar. into slabs, and then cut those to make cabochons for his friends. The Shah diamond is now in the State of Russia. It is in a museum at the So, which saw do you need, Wichita? Kremlin in . As I always say, the right tool for the right job! Bibliography: Using the wrong tool can lead to disastrous results up Oldershaw, Cally. Firefly Guide to Gems, p. to and including serious bodily harm! So, before you 35. Firefly Books, 2003. start cutting, Wichita (YES! YOU!), finish this article Manutchehr-Danai, Mohsen. Dictionary of first and always use the proper PPE (personal Gems and Gemology, p. 425. Springer, 2000. protective equipment) associated with that job. Streeter, Edwin W. The Great Diamonds of the World: Their History and Romance, p. 232-236. G. Bell & Sons, 1882. Erlich, Edward and Hausel, W. Dan. Diamond Deposits: Origin, Exploration, and History of Discovery, p. 68, 2002.

Please Tell Us Where and When!

Cindy Root, MWF Webmaster

While I appreciate the changes in events or contact information that people send me for the MWF website, much of the time I don't know what you're AGA Machinery Co. wire saw. Photo from talking about. If you send me a change for a calendar againdustry.com. listing, please remember that I don't know what month your event takes place. On many occasions I have to go In mines and quarries you will have boulders through each month until I find the event you want that can weigh several tons. They’re too heavy for that changed. This makes me crabby. The same is true Ram 1500 you just bought, so we need to cut them when you send me a change or correction for your down. club's page. Unless it's obvious from the club name, I won’t automatically know which state your club is So the first saw we are looking at is a wire saw. in. So please remember to give me the state or month, The wire saw is a large motor on a track system that depending on what changes you need made. There are turns a large wire (although it’s more like a chain to those other than me who will be very appreciative. me) that has segments with cutting edges. The wire is

wrapped around the boulder with the track leading [Editor’s Note: Definitely including the newsletter editor and the MWF secretary!] (Continued on page 7)

Page 6 April 2021, Issue No. 601 MWF News

Upcoming Events

MARCH CANCELLED EVENTS: Eastern Indiana Gem & Geological Society’s show in Richmond; annual show of the Association of Earth Science Clubs of Greater Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri; Geodeland Earth Science Club’s show in Macomb, Illinois; annual show of Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois (ESCONI) in Wheaton, Illinois.

APRIL CANCELLED EVENTS: Lincoln Gem & Mineral Club show in Lincoln, Nebraska; Summit Lapidary Club’s and Akron Mineral Society’s annual show in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Chippewa Valley Gem & Mineral Society show in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club’s show in Wyoming, Michigan.

MAY CANCELLED EVENTS: Cincinnati Mineral Society’s annual show in Sharonville, Ohio; Heart of Wisconsin Gem & Mineral Society show in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Events may be cancelled on short notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to contact the host club before traveling to an event, to be sure that it is still scheduled.

Date and Time Organization Place Contact

March 26-28 Rock Hobby Club Machinist Auditorium, 12365 St. Roy Hurlburt, Fri 4-8, Sat 10-7, Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO [email protected] Sun 10-5

April 10-11 Rockhounds of Central and The Venue, 2882 N. Dinneen Street, Rita Winter, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4 Southern Illinois Decatur, IL [email protected]

April 10-11 Southern Illinois Earth Marion City Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Mike Chontofalsky, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 Science Club Drive, Marion, IL [email protected]

April 24-25 Miami County Gem & County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Dewey Buck, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4 Mineral Club Road 25A, Troy, OH [email protected]

April 25 Black Hawk Gem and Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 David Malm, Sun, 11-5 Mineral Society Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA [email protected]

May 6-9 Kalamazoo Geological and Kalamazoo Expo Center, 2900 Lake, Wrifton Graham, Mineral Society Kalamazoo, MI wrifton@ greatlakesgeneralstore.com

May 7-9 Central Missouri Rock and Knights of Columbus Hall, 2525 Mary Wozny, Fri noon-7, Lapidary Club N. Stadium Blvd., Columbia, MO [email protected] Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4

May 8-9 Cuyuna Rock, Gem & County Fairgrounds, 2000 SE 13th St., Sharon Smith, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4 Mineral Society Brainerd, MN [email protected]

May 14-16 Tri-State Gem & Mineral Joplin Historical & Mineral Museum, Christopher Wiseman, Fri & Sat 9-5, Society 504 S. Schifferdecker, Joplin, MO jmc-cwiseman@ Sun 9-3 sbcglobal.net

May 15-16 Parma Lapidary Club Soccer Sportsplex, 31515 Lorain, Steve, Sat & Sun, 11-5 North Olmstead, OH ParmaLapidaryClub@ gmail.com

May Issue Submission Deadline Is April 7th!

MWF News April 2021, Issue No. 601 Page 7

Which Saw, Wichita?, continued (There Are a Lot of Options)

(Continued from page 5) away and downhill from the stone. As the wire cuts, the motor is pulling away along the track, pulling the wire eventually through the stone. A water supply is fed into the groove for lubrication, and keeps everything as cool as possible. The machine rotates 180 degrees so that you can cut vertically, horizontally and diagonally.

Now, for the stone that’s about the size of a suitcase – let’s use the drop saw on that. It looks just like your everyday miter saw except it only cuts at 90 degrees and is a lot bigger! It also uses a water feed, which will help get this behemoth cut down to a more manageable size. The weight of the saw works its way down through the stone. It is great for cutting stone into Ring saw photo via Gemini Saw Company. manageable blocks.

Now we want to cut those blocks into quarter- The trim saw is a smaller version of your slab inch slabs for our lapidary friends. This is where the saw. Many are water cooled, but some are oil cooled. slab saw comes in. These saws consist of a stationary Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (I blade and a carriage system that are enclosed in a metal mean it!). The small blade can make straight cuts case. The carriage system consists of a vice to hold the quickly and you can rough out a shape in a short time. stone and a rail that allows the carriage to be fed With practice, you can hone in your detail and get a through the saw. very nice looking preform.

There are two types of feed systems, gravity and The ring saw and the scroll saw are both very power feeds, although you rarely ever see a gravity similar. These saws are great for very fine detail work feed anymore. Gravity feeds use weights to pull the and minimizing loss of material. The blades are carriage through the saw. Power feeds use a threaded completely covered in diamond grit so they can screw that pushes the stone through the saw. Many are literally cut in any direction: forwards, backwards, direct drive with a small electric motor; others are sideways, slantways, you name it. Beautiful tight pulley driven with a worm gear. (I use and prefer the curves are no problem here. latter, but that is for another time.) You can also pierce pieces with a special blade These machines use a cutting lubricant to keep you can add on later. Just drill a hole, feed the blade everything cool and cutting properly. At this point I through and start cutting. These are water cooled and could go off on a tirade about using water, oil, diesel cut much more slowly. Impatient cutters will break fuel, etc., but that will take forever, so I will leave that blades pretty easily. rant for another article. At each pass, the carriage can be precisely moved another quarter-inch (or whatever So, there you have it. What saw is the one you you desire) to get clean consistent slabs. need? You should know a lot more after reading all of this. The right tool will get you the best results every The slab saw is also fantastic for cutting those time. With proper usage and care, it should last you a geodes! Steven can easily cut his to make a nice pair of lifetime. I know that Steven will have a lot of saws. He bookends! has a lot of rocks.

Now we want to take those slabs and cut them (Steven Wichita is a fictional character. Any to make some cabochons. We have a few choices. The resemblance to an actual Steven Wichita is purely most common will be the trim saw, but you also have coincidental. Now, in case he does exist and has all the choice of using a scroll saw or a ring saw, too. Let’s those rocks and all these saws, then he is obviously a look at these. really cool dude. )

ValeriePage 8 J. Meyers, Editor April 2021, Issue No. 601 MWFNon News Profit Org Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies U.S. Postage [email protected] PAID Post Office Box 13456 Fiatt, IL Overland Park, KS 66282-3456 Permit No. 1

Photos by Steven Craig Dumortier of a trip to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Pictures via the Facebook page of Show-Me Rockhounds of Kansas City.