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HELL’S CANYON GEM CLUB Serving the Valley for

P.O. BOX 365 68 YEARS

LEWISTON, IDAHO 83501

PURPOSE OF HELLS CANYON GEM CLUB, INC. The purpose of this nonprofit, social club is to promote the rock hound hobby by providing opportunities for the collection, working and displaying

of gems and minerals, as well as educational programs in the field of geology.

MEETINGS: 2nd Friday of each month Business Meeting: 6:45 pm VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Dues: Adult (per person) $15.00; Junior (under 18) Free with a responsible adult membership.

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Randy Squires 208-413-1806 2nd Year Trustee Ted Havens 509-780-2871

Vice President Jerry Northrup 208-743-6944 1st Year Trustee Jerry Lindstrom 208-582-2056

Secretary Lola Collinsworth 509-254-7482 1st Year Trustee Tom Blimka --

Treasurer Mary Lou Northrup 208-743-6944 Federation Director Jerry Northrup 208-743-6944 Past President Bruce Borgelt 208-935-0806 Federation Delegate Mary Lou Northrup 208-743-6944 2nd Year Trustee Barbra Jo Biggers 208-446-4184 WSMC Representative

HELLS CANYON WEBSITE: http://www.hellscanyongemclub.com WEBMASTER: Rick Westerholm: hcgemclub@yahoo.com

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--OUR MEETING PLACE--

To get to the meeting location for the Hells Canyon Club, go south on 15th Street in Clarkston. 15th turns into Scenic Way and goes up the hill. Scenic Way turns into Appleside Rd. Continue south on Appleside Rd to where it turns and becomes Reservoir Rd. The Grange Hall is located at 2220 Reservoir Rd, at the junction of Reservoir Rd, 6th Avenue and 22nd Street. Additional parking is available in the Church parking lot across 6th Avenue.

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Feb.minutes Hells Canyon Gem Club

• TREASURER REPORT PASSED AS READ

• MINUTES PASSED AS READ

• MOTION MADE AND PASSED FOR THE LEASE TO GO THROUGH WITH THE GRANGE WITH APPROVAL OF THE ATTORNEY ON OUR PAPER WORK.

• MOTION MADE TO PAY AND CONTINUE OUR CRYSTAL CLAIM

• FIELD TRIPS---

• OPAL DIG AS SOON AS RANDY GETS PERMISSION. WILL CONTACT MEMBERS WHEN HE GETS THAT.

• MADRAS OREGON --A GROUP INTERESTED --JUNE 25-28

• NORTHWEST ROCKHOUND RETREAT SEPTEMBER 7-13

• ROCK HOUND OF THE YEAR CHAIRMAN KEN RAEHE NEEDS HELP

• SHOW AND TELL OBSEDIAN AND FIRE AGATE

• SILENT AUCTION $193.

• SHORT MEETING CELEBRATED MARY LOU AND JERRY NORTHRUP 50TH ANNIVERSARY ===========================================================================

Quiz #1 What is Spalling?

Quiz #2 What does friable mean? Answers on last page

Lies the Internet Told You – The Top 11 Toxic Minerals

Clickbait-style lists have long circulated throughout the internet regarding the dangerous effects of a variety of mineral

species – unfortunately these lists are often riddled with inaccuracies. We’re here to clear up some of that misinformation.

Our primary list here will be minerals that are reported to be toxic because they contain toxic elements, but there will be

some special mentions of other types of toxic risks at the end!

Disclaimer: our goal here is clear up some rampant fear-mongering, but any substance in significant doses or in specific

situations can be very dangerous – even water can be deadly if consumed in significant quantities, and it will definitely kill you

if you try to breathe too much of it! As a general rule, don’t eat your mineral specimens, don’t grind them into powders and

snort them, don’t cook them and inhale their vapors, and please don’t look for any other ways to put them into your body.

They just don’t belong there. Keep minerals out of reach of pets and children. And wash your hands – it’s just good hygiene

anyway.

11 . Fluorite

Fluorite (CaF2) is a mineral that is listed as being dangerous because it contains the

element fluorine, which by itself can be some nasty stuff. However, when fluorine

is bonded with calcium, it has entirely different properties than fluorine by itself.

To better understand this, let’s take a little detour and talk about the mineral halite

(NaCl – sodium chloride). Sodium (Na) is a highly reactive alkali metal that forms

flammable hydrogen and caustic sodium hydroxide when it comes into contact with

water – in short, it will burn you if it touches moisture on your skin, eyes, etc.

Chlorine is a toxic gas that attacks the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. However,

when deadly sodium bonds with toxic chlorine to form halite, we end up with table

salt, a compound that we frequently add to food.

Fluorite from Rogerley Mine

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Similarly, fluorite does contain fluorine (which is some nasty stuff) but when fluorine is bonded with calcium, it has entirely

different properties and does not inherently carry the risks of elemental fluorine.

10 . Pyrite

Pyrite (FeS2) is a relatively common mineral, often colloquially known as

Fool’s Gold because of its brassy appearance. Pyrite is included on lists of

toxic minerals because it might contain small amounts of arsenic.

Yes, pyrite can contain some arsenic, but since pyrite is not soluble in water

or hydrochloric acid it poses no risks when handled.

An important thing to understand is that for any substance to be harmful, it

must have bioavailability. Bioavailability is a term used to describe the

degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into a living system. A

substance with high bioavailability can be readily absorbed into your body,

whereas a substance with low bioavailability cannot be.

With many minerals, bioavailability will depend on the solubility of a

mineral. Most material that has solidified (crystallized) has done so in a way

that results in a stable, non-reactive substance. Minerals that aren’t stable

tend to easily break down and often don’t survive very long. Solubility

requires a fluid, and when considering potentially toxic minerals, the two most important fluids to consider are water

(perspiration and saliva) and hydrochloric acid (stomach acid). Minerals that are soluble in water are a possible risk when

handling the material, whereas minerals soluble in hydrochloric acid are a possible risk if the material is ingested.

9 . Galena

Galena (PbS – lead sulfide) is often listed as a toxic mineral because of its lead content.

However, when lead is chemically bonded with sulfur, we find a highly

insoluble compound – lead sulfide is virtually insoluble in water, and only

very slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid.

While we’re here, let’s talk a little more about the toxicity of lead. It’s

common knowledge that lead is toxic, but that is a concept that has come

from the ban of lead oxide. Metal lead isn’t banned at all! There are many

nuances to chemistry that we don’t have time to explain in depth in this

article, but it is important to realize that an element in itself isn’t toxic –

toxicity is complicated and is very specific to what kind of reactions can

happen when any element at any given oxidation state interacts with

anything else. One thing is pretty straightforward though: if a stable

substance doesn’t dissolve, it has a low chance of being able to react with

anything, thus it cannot create any change that might interact with the

human body.

-I like dad jokes but I don’t have any kids. I guess that makes me a faux pa.

-How does a mathematician lecture their child? “If I told you n times, I’ve told you n+1 times……”

-A sign at a music shop: “Gone Chopin. Bach in a minuet.”

-A couple years ago my therapist told me I had problems letting go of the past.

-I used to think the brain was the most important organ. Then I thought, look what’s telling me that.

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8 . Stibnite

Stibnite (Sb2S3 – antimony sulfide) is listed because of its antimony content, but

again it is nearly insoluble and poses no risk.

For some technical talk, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes chemicals

in terms of LD50, which is a number that measures the dose needed to kill 50% of

individuals. This number is measured in the weight of chemical per unit weight of

body tissue (usually this is in milligrams per kilogram or mg/kg).

The CDC lists studies of the LD50 of elemental antimony in rats being between 900 and 20,000 mg/kg, which roughly translates

to 90 to 2,000 grams (~0.2 to over 4 pounds) of antimony in a 220 pound human (though please note that different animals

can have different sensitivities to a substance). Long story short, it would likely be difficult for a human to ingest that much

stibnite to begin with, and, with a very low solubility, it is unlikely it would remain in your system long enough to release

enough native antimony to cause any ill effects.

7 . Hydroxylapatite

Hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH) – calcium hydroxide phosphate) is mentioned

on lists of toxic minerals because it is the same material as bone and,

supposedly, if you ingest it, it will cause blockages by depositing bone in your

arteries.

This is just utter hogwash. Hydroxyapaite, also called hydroxylapatite or

apatite-(CaOH), is soluble in hydrochloric acid but will break down into calcium

ions and phosphoric acid, both of which exist in your body naturally. (Fun fact:

phosphoric acid is the ingredient in some sodas that give it a tangy taste.) If

you were to ingest large amounts of hydroxyapatite, you may find yourself with

a case of kidney stones, but to fear your arteries turning into bone is

completely unnecessary.

6 . Coloradoite

Coloradoite (HgTe – mercury telluride) makes the list for containing both mercury

and tellurium.

This compound is not soluble in water or hydrochloric acid and poses no risks to

handling. It’s also a particularly rare mineral that you’re not likely to happen across

accidentally.

There is another risk we should discuss though – mineral dusts. When looking at

solubility and resulting bioavailability of minerals, the first concern is the

introduction of large quantities of the material into the body (i.e . ingesting 4

pounds of stibnite). However, there is a more innocuous way for minerals to enter

your body and that is through your lungs. Since the lungs do not flush themselves

out as regularly as the digestive tract, minerals can be trapped in the body for longer periods of time which gives them more

time to dissolve. Dusts also have more surface area that larger chunks of material, which allows chemical reactions to occur

more easily. These things coupled together mean that material inhaled into the lungs could dissolve over time and cause

serious health concerns. (See more about risks related to inhalation below in our special mentions.) Do NOT breathe your

minerals!

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5. Hutchinsonite

Hutchinsonite (TlPbAs5S9 – a lead/thallium-bearing sulfoarsenide) appears on lists for

containing both lead and thallium.

Again, hutchinsonite is a mineral with very low bioavailability, since sulfoarsenides and

sulfoantimonides are relatively insoluble.

Other thallium minerals with a higher solubility may certainly pose a risk for thallium

poisoning (we seriously don’t recommend anyone try being poisoned by this, it’s pretty

awful), but hutchinsonite is not the thallium mineral to be afraid of.

4 . Cinnabar

Cinnabar (HgS – mercury sulfide) is another mineral that is regarded as a toxic mineral

because it contains an element regarded to be dangerous by itself – mercury.

However, like galena, the elements in cinnabar are bonded together – inorganic mercury

sulfide is virtually insoluble.

Another risk we should discuss is reactions instigated by heat. Like many minerals, cinnabar

can decompose thermally, meaning that if you were to cook it at a sufficiently high heat, it

will break down and may release toxic vapors. Grinding these minerals can also cause similar

risks, likely because of local heating caused by friction. Do not heat your minerals, as heat may cause reactions with dangerous

byproducts! However, this does not mean that it is harmful to physically handle a specimen of cinnabar. Do NOT cook your

minerals and absolutely do NOT inhale their vapors!

3 . Orpiment

Orpiment (As2S3) and its cousin realgar (As4S4) are cited as being even more dangerous

than arsenic because of the associated sulfur.

We call hogwash on that because when arsenic is chemically bonded with sulfur, it is far

less soluble than native arsenic.

Orpiment is slightly soluble in water (i.e . saliva and perspiration), so it should be handled

with care, but it is not necessary to be terrified of this mineral. Wash your hands after

handling it, and consider using gloves to avoid skin contact.

Realgar, on the other hand, is not soluble. However, with exposure to sunlight, realgar can alter to pararealgar, which forms a

dusty coating and can be dangerous if inhaled.

2 . Arsenopyrite

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS), like pyrite, receives its terror because of its arsenic content.

This time, there is most certainly arsenic in the chemical composition, but like pyrite,

arsenopyrite is not soluble in fluids related to the human body and is not dangerous.

However, we’ve included this higher on the list because here is another factor to be very cautious

with. There are rumors of arsenopyrite with a white coating that turned out to be a soluble

arsenate, which would be very toxic! Minerals can react with other factors in the environment

before and after they come into your possession – if your mineral has a crust, coating, powder, or

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other substance associated with it, that may be an indication that some chemical reaction has occurred. If you find an

unknown substance, do not put it into your body!

1 . Chalcanthite

Chalcanthite (CuSO4 · 5H2O – a hydrated copper sulfate) is one of the few minerals that

appears on these lists that is definitely worth some concern – this one could actually kill

you.

This mineral is very soluble in both water and hydrochloric acid, which readily releases

copper that can then be absorbed by the body and, in large enough quantities, could

cause copper poisoning. The good news is that one of symptoms of ingesting chalcanthite

is vomiting – one of the first things your body does with chalcanthite is try to spit it right back out. The bad news is that the

LD50 for chalcanthite is 30 mg/kg in rats, so roughly 3 grams or 0.1 ounces) in a 220 pound human. It is recommended that

you seek medical attention if you ingest chalcanthite, but the easiest method to avoid copper poisioning from chalcanthite?

Do not let it get into your body!

We hope this has cleared up some of the common misconceptions about mineral toxicity – the important take away is that

the toxicity of a mineral has everything to do with how it’s handled. You do not need to fear minerals. If you practice

common sense and take proper precautions, every mineral is absolutely safe! Stay smart, stay educated, and live on to

enjoy the beauty of these natural works of art.

(This is technically the end of this article, but for any of you with a burning curiosity to learn more, we’ve included some special

mentions below!)

Special Mentions: Inhalation!

A number of minerals have been listed as toxic for risks associated with inhalation of fine particles. The following minerals

carry a risk that is quite a bit different from solubility, as the concern is not one of chemical reactions, but of physical damage

created by fine particles.

It is important to realize that inhalation of any particulates is not healthy (smoke, air pollution, etc.), and this is no reflection on

the danger of a single mineral in particular. If you are handling minerals in a situation where you are creating mineral dusts

(lapidary work, for example), it is recommended that you wear a dust mask, or use a liquid component such as water or oil to

keep the dust created by grinding from spreading in the air. These precautions are a good practice regardless of what material

is being worked. Dust can also be a concern for those who work in mining or collect minerals themselves in the field – again, if

you are working in a dusty environment, protect yourself and your lungs by using a dust mask or respirator.

-I just love the way the Earth rotates. It really makes my day.

-I have an inferiority complex but it’s not a very good one.

-I went to the doctor yesterday and he reckons I’m paranoid. I wonder who else he’s told.

-Communism jokes only work if everyone gets them.

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Asbestos

Asbestos itself is not a single mineral, but a name used to describe a number of minerals when

they occur in a fine, fibrous form (crocidolite, chrysotile, tremolite, riebeckite, and actinolite are

just a few examples).

The danger of asbestiform minerals comes only when particles of them are inhaled – don’t inhale

these specimens and you are at no risk.

Erionite

Erionite, another “mineral” that is actually a group of minerals, appears on lists because of

its fibrous nature, which reportedly can result in mesothelioma.

Like any other mineral, don’t inhale it! Further, erionite is an uncommon mineral that most

people are unlikely to ever encounter.

Quartz

Quartz (SiO2 – silicon dioxide), like asbestos, shows up on a few lists due to risks related to

inhalation.

Inhalation of quartz dust can cause a disease caused silicosis – however, quartz itself is

remarkably durable (unlike asbestiform minerals) and most people are not likely find

themselves in a situation where quartz dust is any risk. Handling a quartz crystal itself will

not cause any damage (unless perhaps someone chooses to hit you with it), but use caution

when cutting and polishing quartz, or when collecting minerals in a dust-heavy environment.

Phenakite

Phenakite (Be2SiO4 – a beryllium silicate) is mentioned on lists for its toxic beryllium

content.

Silicates are notoriously insoluble, and phenakite is no exception. However, many beryllium

minerals are often cut and polished into jewelry, and those engaging in lapidary work should

be cautious of inhaling the dust from these minerals.

The journey of 1000 miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

Q. Where do rockhounds like to relax? A. In a rocking chair.

Q: Where do rocks sleep? A: Bedrock.

Q: What do you do with dead geologists? A: Barium.

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Special Mentions: Radioactive Minerals!

Torbernite (Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O) makes the list for its uranium content.

Radioactivity is a very complex subject we really don’t have time to delve into here,

but if you’re interested in that topic, send us a message to let us know and we’ll look

at addressing it in another article! For now, we’ll issue the standard caution: don’t

eat them, wash your hand after handling them, and store them in an area with good

ventilation and away from your regular daily activities.

K-Feldspar

Potassium feldspar, or K-feldspar, is a term that refers to potassium dominant

feldspars, and are included on lists because they are radioactive.

We still aren’t going to get into radioactivity in this article, but we will mention a few

fun facts here:

First: potassium is well known for its radioactive isotope often referred to as K40.

However, potassium feldspars are no more radioactive than a banana, which also

contains potassium!

Second: potassium feldspars are one of the most abundant groups of minerals on earth.

Third: here’s a mind-blowing spoiler to leave you with: the EARTH is radioactive! That radioactivity is one of the key sources of

heat on our planet and part of the reason our planet is habitable.

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Northwest Rockhound Retreat

Monday September 7, 2020, and ending on Sunday September 13, 2020 OMSI camp at Hancock Field Station about halfway between Antelope and Fossil, Oregon

The time has come to prepare for the big fall event. This means getting registered for the Retreat on Labor Day week. We will again be at the OMSI camp at Hancock Field Station. This is a weeklong event of learning and sharing. Following is information about the event and a registration form. If you have any questions please feel free to call me or E Mail. Remember this is a first come first served affair and the first 50 that register gets in. If more than fifty register, I will put you on a waiting list and each year due to health and or Economic conditions, some must withdraw and then we start down the waiting list to fill their opening. Those that are left on the waiting list will get their money refunded and will also get an early notification for the following year. Here is the opportunity to hone your skills to an even higher level and maybe even learn some new ones. Come and join us for a great week. Please send registration in as soon as possible because we must let the camp know by June if we have enough to go. That means at least 20.

We are all back at work and putting the pieces in place to make our Retreat at “Hancock Field Station” West of Fossil, Oregon, become a bigger and better annual event. The timing is the same as last year, starting on Monday September 7, 2020, and ending on Sunday September 13, 2020. The cost to the attendee will be $325.00 for room and board, $50.00 for workshop fee and if you desire a guided one-day trip to the Fossil Beds, it will cost you $35.00. If you take the full package, that will be $375.00 for a one-week vacation. What a deal. You should not miss this. If you must have an Electric RV hookup (no

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water or sewer, see below for space availability), there will be a $15.00 charge for the week. Provide your own cord.

The Agenda outline looks like this:

• Monday, Arrive after 3PM and get settled in your temporary home, then join a Spaghetti Feed at 6:30PM.

• Tuesday, All day in the Workshop of your choice and an evening program.

• Wednesday, Trip to Fossil Beds or Workshop activities with an evening Swap Session, no selling.

• Thursday, Workshop activities all day with an evening program session.

• Friday, Workshop activities all day with an evening program session.

• Saturday, Workshops all day with an evening session of feedback from you as to what you want next year. A “Show and Tell” session from the Workshops and concluded with an oral auction of donated items.

• Sunday morning, Have breakfast, clean your cabins and give fond farewells till next year. Workshops available - based upon signup:

• Lapidary

• Silver smithing (Maximum of Eight)

• Metal Techniques - Maximum of Eight)

• Basic and advanced Intarsia – (Minimum of Four)

• Wire wrapping

• Beading

• Doublets & Triplets – (Maximum of Eight) If you need additional info, please call Walt Butler at 503-702-5743. or Email at waltercbutler@comcast.net

NOTICE

Due to the fact that this property is in the middle of a National Monument, we are subject to much closer scrutiny than other properties. We have gone through a lengthy process and here are the parameters that we will work with this year. Our group is the only one that is allowed to bring RV’s on the property so we have a privilege no other can get.

• NO PETS. Exceptions will be made for service animals, but they must be registered with me 45 days prior to the event so that I can notify the camp Manager within 30 days. No animal waste may be left on the OMSI or NPS property. Animals may not be allowed to run loose.

• Smoking is prohibited. If a group participant chooses to smoke they need to first check in with the Manager to find a designated space, and the smoker is responsible for cleaning up and packing out all cigarette butts.

• Alcohol. Alcohol is permitted, but must be consumed in moderation and under control. Guests must dispose of all alcohol containers offsite from Hancock Field Station.

• Earliest arrival time is 3pm. Hancock Field Station staff are cleaning and preparing the site from the previous group and are not able to accommodate early arrivals. Because of this, group participants arriving before 3pm will be asked to leave and come back at the appropriate time.

• Housing and RV’s. OMSI will provide privacy curtains for use in the larger a-frame cabins upon request. There is a maximum of 10 partial hookups for RV’s. Six will be used by Instructors leaving only 4 RV’s for use by participants and those must be under 26 feet..

This means that if you plan on bringing an RV, the first 4 under 26 feet will be allowed. All others will be assigned cabins for the program.

We must have a minimum of 20 people register to make it all happen with a maximum of 52. Please send registration in as soon as possible because we must let the camp know by June if we have

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enough to go. That means at least 20. Help us keep this great activity going. Registration is first come, first served.

The “Swap Session” is a place to swap materials, arts, crafts, rocks or anything that someone else might want. No money will change hands, just goods.

HOW TO GET TO THE RETREAT

From Lewiston, take highway 12 west toward Portland and I-84. Take I-84 exit 137 toward State route 19/Arlington/Condon. Stay on 19 for 37 miles through Condon to Fossil, right turn on Oregon 218 then 17 miles to Hancock Station turn-off. Turn right on the narrow rock and dirt road and follow for about ½ mile to the camp. If you like GPS coordinates for Hancock Station: 44 55’11.04”N, 120 25’30.19”W

Landline Emergency Number to Camp -- 541-489-3233

More information and registration form at this link Rockhound Retreat

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Obsidian field trip you might be interested in 2020 Glass Butte Knap-in, Glass Buttes, Oregon --- . 2019 Glass Buttes Knap-inYouTube

Obsidian types--- mahogany, red, sheen, gold, black, fire, rainbow, purple(depending on how you define them)

Saturday, March 21 st Sunday March 29th

Host Rocky Male

Special Note and Reminder – The Glass Buttes Knap-in is held on Federal Land managed by the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM). The BLM does not permit commercial activity or organized events. This is an informal gathering of people with a

common interest. As a condition of using the Glass Buttes area the knappers provide sanitation facilities (Porta-Potties). The

cost of these Porta-Potties is not insignificant and historically, one or two knappers have gone out on a limb and spent their

own money up front to rent them. Donations from those attending will help ensure that we will be able to meet our

commitments to provide sanitation facilities and keep in the good graces of the BLM! Donations are absolutely voluntary but

please donate if you can. And pack out your trash!

YouTube--- spalling a very large obsidian rock

And Come PREPARED! While two of the last three years have seen moderate to good weather, those of us at the 2011 GB

Knap-in experienced some tough conditions. Not bad enough to keep away the hardiest of the knappers but tough

nevertheless! As always it will be primitive camping. bring what you’ll need and plan to pack it out as well. Porta-Potties are

the only amenities that will be provided.

To see a checklist of useful items to bring go here: Glass Buttes checklist

A further reminder. There are specific rock collecting guidelines for collecting in the Glass Buttes area. The regulation

promulgated by the BLM can be seen here: Glass Buttes Handout (scroll down)

Also, if you have other interests in all the other aboriginal skill sets: food/fire/water/tanning/cordage/herbs/basketry/etc., etc.,

etc. - this is one of the best for networking/sharing/learning. Again, the weather is THE wildcard for this event.

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Point of contact is Rocky Male(rockylmale@yahoo.com). Rocky will be providing the Porta-Potties (and firewood) so keep him

in mind when the donation bucket goes around.

Directions:

Get to Glass Buttes by driving to the Central Oregon Highway. Hwy 20 and the driving to milepost 77. A dirt road goes south

towards two volcanic peaks, Little Glass Butte is on the east and Big Glass Butte is on the west. The main camp is

approximately 2.9 miles south of Hwy 20

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2020 GEM SHOWS(Partial list, see--- http://northwestfederation.org

March 27, 28 & 29 Fri. 10-6 Sat. 10-6

Sun . 10-4

Rock Rollers Club of

Spokane WA

Spokane County Fair & Expo Center

N.404 Havana at Broadway Spokane Valley WA

Randy Sadberry 509-589-1301 rksadberry (at) gmail.com

www.rockrollers.org

April 18 & 19 Sat. 10-5 Sun. 10-4

Lakeside Gem and Mineral Show

Benton County Fairgrounds 1500 South Oak Kennewick WA

Larry Hultrom rockhound132 (at) charter.net

509 308 8312

April 10-12 Fri 9 – 6

Sat 10 – 6 Sun 10 – 4

2020 NFMS Annual Gem Show

Ogden, Utah

Weber County Fairgrounds 1000 N 1200W

Ogden, Utah 84404

Margie Miller 385-205-9187 gemshow (at) goldenspikegem.org

www.goldenspikegem.org

May 16 & 17 Sat 10 - 6 Sun 10 - 5

Bitterroot Gem & Mineral Society

Ravalli County Fairgrounds First Interstate Center Hamilton, MT 59840

Darci Rainey darci_rainey (at) outlook.com

June 18 – 21 Thurs - Sun 9 - 5

Prineville Rockhound Pow Wow

Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main St . Prineville, OR

Janice Van Cura janicevc (at) peak.org 3448 NW Covey Run Road

Corvallis OR 97330

June 25 - 28 Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-6 Sun. 9-6

Madras Rock, Gem & Mineral Show

Jefferson Co . Fairgrounds Madras, Oregon

http://madraspowwow.rocks/

Sept 12 & 13 Sat . 10 – 5 Sun . 10 – 5

Marcus Whitman Gem and Mineral

Society

Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Community Center Building

831 Orchard St., Walla Walla WA

Jack L Edwards, cell 509-520-1182 email: jcedwards.2019 (at) gmail.com

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Quiz #1 What is Spalling? 1.--Stone tools were usually made by starting with a flake created by spalling or striking a larger stone in such a way as to cause the flake. Stone tools are easy to use but take a bit of practice to create. The method of making the flint tools that our Stone Age ancestors would have used is known as flint knapping

Flint is a sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of quartz – the word cryptocrystalline indicates that although flint is made up of small crystals, their structure is so fine that they are imperceptible to the naked eye.

You certainly wouldn’t know it to look at a piece of flint because it is very smooth and almost resembles glass or porcelain in texture.

While the technique of shaping stone tools has taken its name from shaping flint, the technique can be used on a range of stones, most notably obsidian. The characteristic that is common to all knappable stones is that they must fracture in a predictable, conchoidal (con·choi·dal) manner when struck. This creates the rock fragment called a flake.

The word conchoidal describes the shape of the fractures produced when a rock is struck and broken. The word comes from the ancient Greek word for a mussel because the curved surfaces created by the fracture of flint resemble a mussel shell. YouTube video of creating flakes by spalling--demonstration of spalling

2.--Concrete spalling is a condition wherein your concrete develops a series of scales or large concrete chips. The spalled surface appears to crumble away from the surrounding concrete. Spalling is generally caused by carbonation of the concrete where carbon dioxide reacts to chemicals within the concrete.

3. --Spalling in mechanical weathering. Spalling is a common mechanism of rock weathering, and occurs at the surface of a rock when there are large shear stresses under the surface. This form of mechanical

BOULDER BUSTER Volume #55 Issue #3, 2020

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weathering can be caused by freezing and thawing, unloading, thermal expansion and contraction, or salt deposition. In the context of mining or geology, spallation can refer to pieces of rock breaking off a rock face due to the internal stresses in the rock; it commonly occurs on mine shaft walls.

Quiz #2 What does friable mean? Friability (FRY-ə-BIL-ə-tee), the condition of being friable, describes the tendency of a solid substance to break into smaller pieces under duress or contact, especially by rubbing. The opposite of friable is indurate. Substances that are designated hazardous, such as asbestos or crystalline silica, are often said to be friable if small particles are easily dislodged and become airborne, and hence respirable (able to enter human lungs), thereby posing a health hazard. Tougher substances, such as concrete, may also be mechanically ground down and reduced to finely divided mineral dust. However, such substances are not generally considered friable because of the degree of difficulty involved in breaking the substance's chemical bonds through mechanical means. Some substances, such as polyurethane foams, show an increase in friability with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as sunlight.