THE BACKBENDER’S GAZETTE
Volume LIIII ----- Houston Gem & Mineral Society ----- February 2024
Jasper!
Table of Contents
Click a Table of Contents Entry to jump to that article.
Club Information
Permission to use material originating in this newsletter is given freely providing that credit is given to the author and the source. Every article published in the BBG is edited for grammar and content. No flaming is allowed.
BACKBENDER’S GAZETTE SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Articles are due on the 15th day of the month before the date on the BBG issue.
Copy is due for the next issue by the 15th of this month. Email content to editor@hgms.org
President's Message
by LT Wilcox
Those who attended our first general meeting of the year understand that we are looking at an ambitious year ahead. It’s already February and we are just getting started! As we continue to work on a clear budget for the club as a whole, we are also doing a lot of brainstorming for the years ahead.
We are actively looking for volunteers to help us with ideas to improve the club and we will be moving forward with as much as possible this Spring! We are also on the lookout for those who would like to help as volunteers for committees, sections, field trips, and more!
Our Program “Jeanean Slaman” and Education “Maggie Manley” committees are on the hunt for classes throughout the year and speakers for our general meetings!
If you have a presentation you’d like to give at the general meeting related to each of our sections’ topics let your section chairman know!
If you are interested in teaching please contact Maggie “even if it’s not “Gem & Mineral” related. We are looking into branching out into more of the “Maker space” topics and if we can relate it to one of our current section topics, even better!
Scott Singleton, our web committee Chair and Show Chair, and Sigrid Stewart, our newsletter editor and assistant Show Chair, a have asked for content to be made for the web, such as articles, short videos, and anything else you’d like to share! If you are working on something interesting, take a quick picture of it and let us know what you are working on! Sigrid has already been hard at work on short videos for our social media accounts. Keep an eye out for those!
Our first field trip of the year has already started to take shape, as I understand. More info will be coming soon! Our monthly newsletter is a great place to find out what’s happening around the club! There is so much already in the works that I can’t list it all here, you’ll have to stick around to find out!
IT Security Tip of the Day: Phishing & Email Scams
‘Phishing’ is when criminals use scam emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information.
As some may already know email has its drawbacks and a major issue is a tactic called Phishing. I’ve had my first run-in with someone trying to impersonate me requesting gift cards from members. If at any time you suspect an email doesn’t look right and you question the topic, verify who the original sender of that email is! Just because it has a familiar name attached to it, doesn’t mean it’s the same person. Check the original email it was sent from and if you don’t recognize it, more than likely it’s not who you think it is.
Check out Upcoming Shows and Volunteer News (Clear Lake Show)!
Vice-President's Message
Jeanean says she is waiting on replies about the February talk. Watch your eBlast!
Section News
Beading – Second Saturday, 12:00 PM
Always bring beading mat, scissors, wire, wire cutter, round nose and needle nose pliers, thread, and beading needles if you have them.
- The February 10th meeting will feature an embroidered heart pin for Valentines Day.
- The March 9th meeting project will be announced soon.
NOTICE: Do you have a bracelet or necklace that needs restringing? The Beading Section will carefully restring your piece at an hourly rate of $15.00 + materials. Contact Beading @HGMS.org to make arrangements. All funds will go to the Beading Section.
Gemstones and Faceting – Second Thursday, 6:30 PM
Our next meeting will be February 8th at 6:30 pm.
- We will look at using a refractometer to identify gemstones, the locations of Montana Sapphires and using an electric meter to improve cutting accuracy!
Lapidary and Silversmithing – Third Monday, 7:00 PM
The next meeting will be on Monday, February 19 starting at 7:00 pm. For the first meeting of the year, we will introduce all new members and plan what the group would like to work on during the year. Our January meeting was cancelled due to the freeze.
- Silver castings were made at the 2023 Show from the wax molds made and invested during a Lapidary meeting.
- Come pick up your casting and Tony will review how to finish off your cast piece.
Email Lapidary@hgms.org if you have questions.
Day Light – First Wednesday, 1:00 PM
The Daylight Section meets the first Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3 PM.
The next meeting of the Daylight Section is Wednesday, February 7th at 1 PM. We will be making Alcohol InK Coasters. There will be a charge of $5.00 per participant to cover supplies. Depending upon the number of participants, we will make 4 or 6 coasters each. These would make a great gift. You can find out more information about this project at: https://persialou.com/diy-
Mineral – Third Wednesday, 7:30 PM
February 21st at 7:30pm will be our first hybrid meeting. Yes, the Mineral Section is going back to the clubhouse! Steve Blyskal will present a program on Celestine, its formation and location. Come see Minerals! Bring yours to show. Refreshments will be served.
The link for the Zoom meeting is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4517997588?pwd=SnZjckZBTnRMbHRxZitScE9WU3RWUT09
Paleontology – Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM
The next meeting is Tuesday, February 20th at 7:30 pm. Mike Dawkins and Neal Immega are going to present a warm up for the upcoming field trip to the Pennsylvanian fossils sites NEAR Brownwood State Park, covering corals, brachiopods, bivalves, and bryozoans for a start. It is up to Mike, but field trip participants will likely drive through Lometa, the best urchin site in Texas.
This brings up the other part of the meeting, where you can prepare an urchin from Lometa. Bring a used toothbrush. Neal will supply acid and urchins.
Zoom link for the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86053771923?pwd=ek5lNlk5SGFYNjN6U29ONU4xVElyQT09
or
Meeting ID: 860 5377 1923
Passcode: 826994
If you’d like to join the Paleo Section email list, send an email to hgmspaleosection@gmail.com and ask to be added.
Youth, First and Third Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Mostly we will be working on cabochons.
Shop and Building News
Texaco Slab Saw problem – Neal found that Texaco would not cut a brick!! He found that the set screw on the drive shaft had come loose. He put thread locker on it and it should never come loose, again. [ that is what the package claims] Thanks, Neal!
No Freeze Damage to the Club House
This is primarily due to some good person who did a professional wrap of the outside pipes (aka Neal Immega). Also, he set the heat on 70 to get enough heat in the drafty attic to keep the pipes from freezing and dripped the water from several faucets. Neal was most concerned with the pipes above the lecture room. Actually, the libraries were his primary concern.
Drill Press Mess – How about cleaning the drill press and floor after you use it???? Also, note the little broken drill in the chuck and the big broken drill left on the base???? Come on, try to follow the rules you learned in kindergarten – pick up after yourself!
You do not want Neal to go through the security camera logs, find out who did it and revoke their shop access. Come back and clean up please.
Repair to Foredom Mounting Plate
Neal replaced the surface plate that holds up two foredom flex shafts. It was broken during the daylight section drilling class. PIC under News from Neal
Lapidary Shop Water Controls
Neal replaced the blue valves with stainless steel ones. Both of these are aquarium air control valves but they seem to work with water. The blue ones get gummed up with hard water deposits and are difficult to adjust. Steel is better. He has ordered two 6 way valves to finish off the grinders. PIC under News from Neal
Air Abrasive Room Lights
Neal has added a head mounted lamp to the air abrasive room. It really lights up your work. Please try it out. The lamp uses a USB-C fitting for recharge and it is on the wall behind the air tools.
Volunteers Needed!
Save the Date: The Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society Show is February 24-25, 2024, at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas. Mark your calendars to volunteer in the HGMS booth to promote the 71st HGMS Gem and Mineral Society Show in November 2024.
This is a great time to demonstrate your skills in faceting, beading, wire wrapping, and rock identification. We give the kids petrified wood. The parents get HGMS flyers and opportunities to win a door prize.
Volunteer shifts start Saturday February 24 at 9:30 a.m. to help set up, and work until 2:00 and the second shift 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, come from 9:45 until 1:30, second shift 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. after the booth is packed up to take back to the Club.
The Show Volunteers get free access to the Show. Parking is free. The Pasadena Convention Center has a concession area for lunch and snacks. This event allows HGMS volunteers to enjoy each other, too.
Field Trip News
Save the Date: Fossil collecting field trip to Brownwood, Texas, the weekend of March 16-17. The main event, with multiple locations, will be on Saturday with some possible collecting on Sunday morning. This is a great area for well preserved Pennsylvanian age fossils.You will be responsible for your own food and lodging.
Please email Mike Dawkins at field_trips@hgms.org if you are interested in going. This trip is open to all members of HGMS. More details will be sent out later to those that respond.
Education
Class: TEXTURED RING CLASS – Metalsmith /Jewelry Shop
Instructor: Carmen Fraticelli
Date: Sunday, February 11th from Noon to 5:00 PM
Cost: Member Cost $85.00; Non-Member Cost $100.00
Description: Learn to make and texture a set of stacking rings from scratch.
——————————————————————————————————
Class: BEADED BEZEL ON YOUR CABOCHON in Center Classroom
Instructor: Maggie Manley
Date: Sunday, February 18th, from Noon to 4:00 PM
Cost: Member Cost $45.00 ; Non-Member Cost $55.00
Description: Learn to create a beaded bezel on on one of your own cabochons.
To see details of the classes or to register for classes, go to the HGMS website
E-mail: Classes@HGMS.org to request classes, different days and times for future classes or with class preferences, or if you wish to teach a class.
Jaspers!
photographs by Steve Blyskal
Many rockhounds regard jasper as a sort of inferior agate, at least until they pay premium prices for a beautiful specimen or slab of rough. Much of the information I will cover in the article comes from a great book in the HGMS library, Agates and Jaspers, by Ron Gibbs, but you can’t check it out until I return it! It contains many definitions and even prices as of 2009. Other great information can be found at various internet sites.
Jasper has been known by many different names since ancient times and was utilized by the Egyptians, Sumerians, Greeks, Romans and others. Two stones in the high priest Aaron’s breastplate mentioned in the Bible may have been jasper. It is popular for metaphysical purposes and there is much information of that source available. It is easy to find since people are selling it! Be aware that many New Age practitioners call any rock they use a crystal, which jasper is not.
“Chert” has often been used as a general term for both flint and jasper. Flint forms in nodules or beds in sedimentary rocks and so do many jaspers. A better characterization for rockhounds would be to call both agates and jaspers variants of chalcedony, which is defined as cryptocrystalline quartz, silicon dioxide or SiO2. For lapidary uses, both take a good polish, they are often colorful with interesting patterns, and they are hard enough to cut and polish or tumble, around Mohs Hardness 7. By definition jasper is also opaque. Both break with a conchoidal fracture with a dull or waxy luster since fractures cross over thousands of microscopic quartz crystals. Quartz crystals, when fractured, have a glassy or vitreous luster.
In Agates and Jaspers Ron Gibbs defines jasper as particulate matter cemented by silica. The sediments can be from common sedimentary cycle weathering, chemical precipitation or igneous ash tuffs or flows. The silica comes from the weathering of rock containing silica and some organic sources, and possibly directly from ash falls. Soft sediments like ocean bottom silt can be cemented by silica from volcanic ash or the breakdown of diatoms or sponge spicules. You could say that all jaspers result from sedimentary processes as long as you are willing to call volcanic ash flows sedimentary! The patterns in some jaspers are due to turbulence in ash flows as they are deposited. Weathering, metamorphism, metasomatism (the introduction or removal of chemicals by fluids) or brecciation due to tectonic activity with re-cementation. They can literally be any color, although red and brown are common.
The subsequent crystallization of the silica cement does not form the fine needles seen in agate due to the high percentage of the particulate matter. Different particulates can give the jaspers in the process of forming, which need to be subjected to heat and pressure to form hard rock, their color, but so can contaminates in silica-saturated hydrothermal fluids or post-formation recrystallization or staining. This can happen with wood, bone, coral, and other organic substances, which can be regarded as jaspers; petrified wood can be very fine grained and lose all appearance of wood grain or its detail may be preserved.
Basically, Chalcedony consists of microcrystalline quartz.
Agate consists of microcrystalline quartz that is semi-transparent or translucent.
Jasper consists of microcrystalline quartz that is opaque.
Jaspers and agates can also grade into one another in the same rock or exist very close to each other; a jasper can have streaks of translucent agate, and an agate can have opaque streaks of jasper. Many lapidaries get around this fact by calling such rocks “jaspagate.”
Agates form in vesicles or cracks in other rocks, such as basalt gas bubbles, faults in rhyolite or sedimentary limestone vugs or replacing organic material in sediments. Jaspers have been found in nodules and cracks, thunder eggs and as massive rock. At the Kokernot o6 Ranch near Alpine, Texas, I have observed agate and jasper nodules in the same basalt, still attached to the local basalt formation. In this case, vesicles in the basalt were possibly filled at different times and subjected to different fluids containing silica from ash and weathering of rhyolite. They may have also been altered at a later time.
What are some popular jaspers? Fine-grained porcelain jaspers are formed from fine-grained claystone or volcanic ash cemented by silica and subjected to metamorphism, metasomatism, tectonic activity and weathering.
The “fine jaspers” are all porcelain jaspers, extremely fine grained and able to take a fine polish:
Imperial Jasper (Zacatecas, Mexico)
Bruneau Jasper (Bruneau, Idaho)
Morrisonite (Malheur County, Oregon)
Willow Creek Jasper (Eagle, Idaho)
Blue Mountain Jasper (Blue Mountains, Oregon)
There are literally hundreds of jaspers and many variations known, due to slight differences in deposition of particulates and cementing fluids and subsequent metamorphism, for example Imperial Jasper, Green Imperial Jasper, Spiderweb Imperial Jasper, Royal Imperial Jasper, etc., all found in nearby localities in a small area. Some jaspers are named for their appearance, including color and geometric and natural-appearing features, some for their localities and some out of purest imagination.
Some common types of jasper aren’t really jaspers at all.
- Dalmation jasper, common in West Texas, is an igneous rock composed of white or tan feldspar with black dots of hornblende.
- Ocean Jasper, found in Madagascar, may be a silicified rhyolite and in some cases is more of an agate.
- Bumblebee Jasper or Agate is a fumarole material from an Indonesian volcano, Mount Papandayan. The yellow and orange are from arsenic minerals.
- Leopardskin Jasper is a spherulitic rhyolite, as are other orbicular rhyolites called jaspers.
Do we have local jaspers? Yes, there is a red jasper found in the gravels of the Brazos, Colorado and Trinity Rivers. I hope to find out more about this jasper and its composition and source.
I believe jaspers are a fascinating subject on which little research has been done and potentially a very rich source of material to talk about. And cut! I expect to write several future articles on jaspers.
References:
https://www.gemstones.com/gemopedia/jasper
https://rocktumbler.com/blog/what-is-agate-jasper-chalcedony/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasper
All photographs by Steve Blyskal
Mineral Families
SCFMS President 2024-2025
Chips and Chatter Newsletter, February 2024
At the January meeting of the Pleasant Oaks Gem & Mineral Society, there were questions concerning minerals coming in different colors, specifically why is it that Amethyst is considered to be Quartz? If you have been around Rockhounding for some time, you have probably found information about Mineral Families, but it may not be obvious to those new to Rockhounding. There are Mineral Families, but not all Mineral Families are the same. Some Mineral Families have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties but members of the family may have different colors. Other Mineral Families have similar chemical composition, very similar crystal structure, and similar physical properties, yet members of the Mineral Family have differing colors.
Let’s look at two examples. First, let’s look at the Quartz Family. Some of the members of the Quartz Family are Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz, and others. They all have the same chemical composition, Si02 (Silicon Dioxide) arranged as tetrahedra. All members have the same Mohs hardness (7), streak (white), fracture (conchoidal), specific gravity (2.64), etc. The crystal structure, however, may have differing trace elements caught up in the crystalline matrix which causes a color difference that leads to differing names. In Amethyst, the purple color is caused by a few of the Silicon atoms being replaced by Iron atoms with a plus three valance that have been irradiated. Yellow Quartz is called Citrine. It is not yet fully understood what causes the yellow or light smokey color. The predominant theory is that the yellow color is caused by irradiated aluminum atoms substituting for silicon atoms. Yellow Quartz can also be created by heat-treating Amethyst which causes the plus three valance state Iron to be changed to plus 2 valance state Iron creating sub-microscopic inclusions of hematite in the quartz. The hematite crystals are responsible for the yellow color. Rose Quartz is the pink to red variety of Quartz. Rose Quartz is found in a massive form, rarely as crystals. Like Citrine, the color source is still being debated. One theory is that the color is caused by atoms of Silicon being replaced by Titanium, Iron, and Manganese. However recent studies have found microscopic fibers of Aluminum Phosphate in the crystal, and there is growing evidence that these may be the source of the coloration.
The second example is the Garnet Family. An idealized chemical formula of the Garnet Family is A3B2(SiO4)3. From this, we can gather that Garnets are Silicates (SiO4). From there, it gets a bit difficult. One group of the Family includes the varieties Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartine, and Grossular, which have the chemical formula of [Mg,Fe,Mn]3Al2(SiO4)3. The brackets indicate the garnet may include Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), or Manganese (Mn). Varieties in this group will always have Aluminum (Al) and silicate radicals (SiO4). The second group of the Family includes Uvarovite, Grossular, and Andradite and has the chemical formula Ca3[Cr,Al,Fe]2(SiO4)3. Again, the brackets indicate the garnet may have Chromium (Cr), Aluminum (Al), or Iron (Fe). Varieties in this group will always have Calcium (Ca) and silicate radicals (SiO4). To add more confusion, those listed so far are the more common varieties.
Now let’s examine the members and the colors for a few of the major Mineral Families:
This list could go on (and on, and on), but this covers many of the main minerals used by facetors. Just trying to describe the micro-crystalline varieties of Quartz (Agates, Jaspers, etc.) would take up a whole book.
References: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Mindat.org, https://www.mindat.org/
Pictures: All pictures from Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/.
Pictures used under license CCA 2.0, CC-SA 3.0 or CC-SA 4.0
From the Desk of the President of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies
From the February 2024 AFMS Newsletter
Kīlauea Heating Up Again?
Issued Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 4:41 AM HST
Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. However, increased earthquake activity and inflationary ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit began occurring during the early morning hours of January 31, 2024, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is raising the volcano alert level/aviation color code for Kīlauea from ADVISORY/YELLOW to WATCH/ORANGE due to this activity.
At this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption; the activity may remain below ground. However, an eruption in Kīlauea’s summit region, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and away from infrastructure, is one potential outcome. Patterns of earthquake activity and ground deformation are concentrated south of the caldera region. Any new eruptive activity could occur in or near Halemaʻumaʻu crater or the region south of Kīlauea caldera, within the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
HGMS Board of Directors Meeting
Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2023
| Board Member | Section Board Member | ||
| X | President – LT [Logan] Wilcox [LT} | X | Beading – Maggie Manley [MM] |
| X | 1st Vice President – Jeanean Slamen [JS] | X | Day Light – Fred Brueckner [FB] |
| X | 2nd Vice President – Sarah Metsa [SM] | X | Gemstones & Faceting – Randy Carlson [RC] |
| X | Treasurer – Sharon Halton [SH] |
X | Lapidary & Silversmithing – Richard Good [RG] |
| X | Secretary – Daniel Rodriguez [DR] | X | Mineral – Ray Kizer [RK] |
| X | Past President – Nancy English [NE] | X | Paleontology – Mike Dawkins [MD] |
| X | Web & Show – Scott Singleton [SS] |
Key Takeaways:
- The following people were approved and seconded to be removed/added to our banking information: – on page 3
- Sharon Halton as Treasurer to be added as Signatory.
- Nancy English to be removed.
- Heidi Shelly to be removed.
- Daniel Rodriguez to be added as Administrator.
- Cancel debit card for Noor Lakhani
- Each sections banking statements from end of year per accountant (via Nancy) have been asked for ASAP – on page 2
- Address issue with members unable to pay membership dues through Apple products.
– on page 2 - Address concern with updating insurance policy. – on page 2
Meeting Statistics:
- Zoom Meeting called to order by President LT Wilcox at 7:35 PM
- A quorum was present? ☒ Yes ☐ No
- Non-Voting Members in attendance: Nancy English & Scott Singelton.
- None ☐
President’s Comments:
LT extends gratitude to attendees and welcomes them to the new year. The opening includes an invitation for brief comments, particularly encouraging new members to share their thoughts and inquiries.
FYI – Approval of Minutes:
Nancy takes the lead in providing updates on the approval of meeting minutes, mentioning minutes will be provided from both November and December within the month.
Old Business from minutes
Clyde McMeans’ recent purchase of the club trailer for $2000 and the subsequent plan to sell its contents are discussed, with a clear agreement on revenue allocation, going back to the club’s general fund; with the funds being deposited in December. Updates on club keys distribution and additional keys for shop supervisors are discussed by Sharon Halton. Unique identifiers for shop equipment, particularly for insurance purposes, are part of an ongoing project on the Safety and Policy committee’s agenda for 2024. Concerns related to recent renovations, including a load-bearing wall and attic weight, are raised, while members offering to seek professional opinions, with Maggie Manley mentioning she would contact an architect/engineering acquaintance for further evaluation regarding the load capacity and potential pricing as needed.
New Business
The board engaged in a strategic discussion about the club’s goals for the year. This includes plans for membership growth through targeted outreach committees, involvement with various institutions, and discussions on integrating new technologies and programs. The VP’s responsibilities, budget updates, and ensuring respectful treatment of members are highlighted. Additionally, Nancy E mentioned each section will need to provide their end of year banking statements as soon as possible. Two members experienced issues with paying their club dues, with Jeanean S pointing out the issue seems to relate to Apple products and HGMS’s online mobile site.
Michele Marsel will start doing the e-Blast starting January 1, 2024. Sarah Metsa will continue to post on Facebook for publicity.
Jeanean Slamen reports that the program for January’s General Meeting will be a continuation by Sigrid of an earlier program that she presented last year.
Board Members New Business
Several concerns from board members are raised, ranging from an outdated website to issues with dues payment using Apple products. Discussions around Dropbox usage, corporate solutions, and the creation of checklists for board member responsibilities are initiated.
Treasurer’s Report
Sharon Halton presented the Treasurer’s Report, noting missing items and apparent budget discrepancies. Noor’s invoicing details are discussed, emphasizing the proposed monthly payment arrangement. VP Jeanean provides a detailed breakdown of the budget, addressing the need to accommodate a 20% increase in insurance rates.
Motion(s)
Multiple motions are passed unanimously, involving significant updates to account information for HGMS banking accounts. Changes align with the current board structure, with new administrators and signatories appointed. Nancy English proposes moving on to the motions regarding updating our club banking info.
Sharon Halton makes the first motion for the Chase Bank Accounts to remove and add signatories, Daniel Rodriguez seconds the motion, motion passes – none abstaining.
- Checking ending in 7598
- Remove Nancy English as Admin and Signatory; close debit card ending in 5958
- Remove Heidi Shelley as Admin
- Cancel Debit Card issued to Noor Lakhani (I do not have the card #)
- Add Daniel Rodriguez as the Admin
- Add Sharon Halton as a signatory
- Issue a debit card to existing signatory Sarah Metsa (no change to signature authority)
- Savings ending in 5510
- Remove Nancy English as Admin and Signatory
- Remove Heidi Shelley as Admin
- Add Daniel Rodriguez as the Admin
- Add Sharon Halton as a signatory
- No change to existing signatory Sarah Metsa
Motion passes unanimously at 9:24pm
The same motion is taken for our Prosperity bank accounts. Sharon Halton makes the motion to remove and add signatories, Daniel Rodriguez seconds the motion – the motion passes, none abstaining.
Prosperity Bank
- Checking ending in 8888
- Remove Nancy English as Admin and Signatory
- Remove Heidi Shelley as Admin
- Add Daniel Rodriguez as the Admin
- Add Sharon Halton as a signatory
- No change to existing signatory Sarah Metsa
The same motion is taken lastly for our Live Oak bank accounts. Sharon Halton makes the motion to remove and add signatories, Daniel Rodriguez seconds the motion – the motion passes, none abstaining.
Live Oak Bank
- Business Savings ending in 5947
- Remove Nancy English as Admin and Signatory
- Remove Heidi Shelley as Admin
- Add Daniel Rodriguez as the Admin
- Add Sharon Halton as a signatory
- No change to existing signatory Sarah Metsa
Motion passes unanimously at 9:29pm
Motion passes to update account information for all existing HGMS banking accounts by adding Sharon Halton and Daniel Rodriguez and removing Nancy English and Heidi Shelly, none abstaining.
Committee Reports
- Safety/Policy Committee (Nancy English):
Discussed plans to provide Pathfinder, the insurance broker, with load-bearing weight for the attic.
Equipment lists and ID numbers for the Insurance Policy Rider for HGMS equipment are being worked on by Richard Good.
Jeanean continues to work with Shop supervisors to create a Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Membership Committee (Sarah Metsa):
- Statistics Report for December EOY membership counts per Beverly.
- New membership counts for December 2023 (3) singles, (2) couples.
- End of year total membership (240) single, (122) couples, (78) youth.
- Scholarship Committee (Mike Sommers):
- Show Committee (___):
- Statistics Report for December EOY membership counts per Beverly.
Section News/Problems to Report:
- Beading Section (Maggie Manley):
- Day Light Section (Fred Brueckner):
- Gemstones/Faceting (__):
- Lapidary/Silversmithing (Richard Good):
- Mineral (Ray Kizer):
- Paleo (Mike Dawkins):
- Youth (Beverly Mace):
Dates of Note
| Description | January | February |
| Board of Directors Meeting via Zoom (1st Tues) @ 7:30 pm | 1/2/2024
|
2/6/2024
|
| General Club Meeting (4th Tues) Hybrid @ 7:30pm | 1/23/2024
|
2/27/2024 |
| Description | ||
| January | February | |
| Beading (2nd Sat) @ 12:00pm | 1/13/2024 | 2/10/2024 |
| Day Light (1st Wed) @ 1:00pm | 1/3/2024 | 2/7/2024 |
| Gems/Faceting (2nd Thurs ) Hybrid @ 6:30pm | 1/11/2024 | 2/8/2024 |
| Lapidary/Silver (3rd Mon) @ 7:00pm | 1/15/2024 | 2/19/2024 |
| Mineral (3rd Wed) @ 7:30pm. | 1/17/2024 | 2/21/2024 |
| Paleo (3rd Tues) Hybrid @ 7:30pm | 1/16/2024 | 2/20/2024 |
| Youth (1st and 3rd Sat) from 10a – Noon | 1/6/2024
1/20/2024 |
2/3/2024
2/17/2024 |
Adjourn
Sharon Halton moved to adjourn the Board of Directors Meeting. LT seconded the motion and it passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 PM.
Daniel Rodriguez, Secretary
HGMS General Meeting Minutes
by Daniel Rodriquez
President LT Wilcox called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm. There were 16 attendees present and seven online. No guests attended.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
President Wilcox commended Jeanean Slamen for her contributions to the ongoing 2024 budgeting effort. He committed to transparent communication about the club’s progress and outlined a variety of ideas for outreach programs to attract new members:
- increased field trips,
- engagement of homeschooler groups and their families, and the VA to attract veterans
- raffles, auctions, and sales for fundraising,
- expansion of class offerings,
- the potential integration of 3D printers and CNC machines capable of working with lapidary material
- a potential monthly Kids Day to engage students in educational activities related to the club’s areas of interest.
He reported hearing from enthusiastic members from all Sections interested in turning ideas into reality.
COMMITTEE/SECTION REPORTS
Steven Blyskal (Minerals Section) announced plans to begin hybrid meetings starting in February.
Maggie Manley (Education Committee) provided detailed updates on upcoming classes and workshops (details available on the website.)
Steve Blyskal and Sigrid Stewart, on behalf of the Show Committee, outlined plans for demos, videos, and more coming to HGMS social media.
OLD BUSINESS
Steve Blyskal discussed his online efforts on the Facebook group Texas Rockhounds to raise awareness of HGMS activities among those who share our interests.
Daniel is working with our insurance, regarding our machine’s coverage.
Improved ventilation for the shops will be investigated once the budget is completed. Not only will better ventilation be important for existing shops, but necessary for any future 3D printing as well.
President Wilcox asked for the status of end-of-year financial reports from each section. Neal from Paleo, Steve from Mineral, and LT on behalf of Faceting mentioned having their reports completed and turned in. However, after some discussion, it was concluded that the reports would have to be submitted again. President Wilcox stated he would follow up with the sections are a later time to request the reports.
NEW BUSINESS
President Wilcox announced that the club will be acquiring a number of donated Microsoft 365 licenses at no cost through Microsoft’s non-profit program. Once these accounts are acquired they will be available to Officers, Committee, and Section chairs for club use.
2024 will see a focused effort to increase video content for the social media channels we now possess, as well as discussions with local social media influencers who are active in topics related to HGMS interests.
Neal Immega requested and received support for selling duplicate books from our library through the Info Booth at the annual show.
Sigrid Stewart reminded attendees that the Tyler, TX show, sponsored by the East Texas Gem and Mineral Society, would be held January 27th-28th.
The next Zoom Board of Directors meeting will be Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
The next Hybrid General Meeting will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Show and Tell:
Neal Immega highlighted two items from the library, the book Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals of Big Bend by Cindi Sirois Collins and Asher Elbein and a new mineral magazine issue with a feature article about fluorite.
Steve Blyskal showed items from the Fredericksburg show he recently attended: a double-terminated crystal from Travis County with a middle sulfur inclusion, agates from Turkey, an epidote specimen from Enchanted Rock (when you could legally collect, he noted), a calcite crystal from the Mariposa mine in Terlingua a fluorescent pink calcite specimen and a drusy quartz cluster.
Drawing: Debby Seid won a gold-wire tree with jade clusters at the branch terminals.
Refreshments were provided by Debby Seid.
Adjournment: Jeanean Slamen moved to adjourn at 8:08 pm; Steve Blyskal seconded the motion. It passed with unanimous agreement and no abstentions.
Program:
President Wilcox introduced the speaker, member Sigrid Stewart. Sigrid presented a talk on meteorites and famous impact craters across the world titled “Fire from Heaven” and received appreciative applause from the audience at the conclusion of the talk.
Upcoming Shows
Williamson County Gem & Mineral Show
02/17/2023 – 02/18/2023
Sat. 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sun. 10:00 – 4:00pm
San Gabriel Park Community Center
445 E Morrow St, Georgetown TX 78628
https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsonCountyGemSociety
Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society Annual Show
Sat. 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sun. 10:00 – 5:00pm
Pasadena Convention Center,
7902 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena TX.
Support our sister club!
Dallas Winter Bead & Jewelry Show
AKS Bead & Jewelry Shows
02/23/2024 – 02/25/2024
Fri. and Sat. 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sun. 10:00am – 4:00pm
Grapevine Convention Center,
1209 S. Main Street, Grapevine TX
AKS Bead & Jewelry Shows in Dallas (February 2024)