From the President's Pen
by Jim Hutchings

If you are not a subscriber to the Rock and Gem magazine, I would encourage you to take a look at an edition or two I'll bring to the meeting. As Bob Jones points out, they are about the only periodical left in the industry that caters to the rockhounds/lapidaries. Since most of you joined the Roseville Rock Rollers to "learn" more about rocks and minerals and the lapidary arts, I would bet that you would find this magazine a major resource. I mention this, because Rock and Gem is going way out of their way to meet the needs of the modern rockhound and gem and mineral societies.  

People ask me how I know so many details about rocks and minerals. While I have attended some college courses, my main stock of information comes from rock and mineral shows, talking to vendors, rock and mineral seminars, (such as those at Tucson and the CFMS shows), and the Rock and Gem magazine. Bob Jones is an incredible resource and writes at least one, sometimes two articles a month on some aspect of mineralogy and geology. Bob writes in a manner that allows the average rockhound to understand the subject, but also throws in enough technical stuff to hold the interest of the geologist and mineralogist. Bob Jones won't be with us forever, so it is wise to take advantage of his incredible knowledge base while he is glad to share it. The Rock and Gem also lists the upcoming shows across America, including ours, and for free! They also have an on-line list of gem and mineral societies and their contact information. This would be handy if you are spending time on vacation in another part of the country and would have time to stop in at one of their meetings.  

Another periodical is the Mineralogical Record. This magazine is a little above the average rock hounds area of interest, but is a coffee table type magazine and goes into great depth on a region or specific mineral. Every aspect of chemistry and crystallography are discussed on the minerals of that region or mineral type. It is also a little pricey and only comes every other month. 

(Topaz Mt., Utah) 

You may notice in the minutes that the RRR will be hosting a 2009 CO-OP field trip to Topaz Mt. While the date is not firm yet, we are looking at April, possibly around Easter break. You might want to put a note in your calendar to consider some vacation time to get to this very interesting site. I am hoping to cover a two weekend period to allow for folks to meet on either weekend, and spread out during the week also.  

This trip would be a major investment for most of you coming from the Central Valley. It would take about 10 to 12 hours driving time to get to the site, and may require a day and half travel time for those with RV's who drive the exact speed limit. There will be a list of accommodations in Delta Utah, about 45 minutes from the Topaz Mt. site. There are several hotels, and a good size RV Park in town. Camping is permitted up to 14 days on the BLM land in and around the mountain. I will be camping in the "Cove" in the heart of the mountain. 

We will be chasing the elusive Red Emeralds, Champagne colored Topaz crystals and crystal clusters, and spend at least one day out at the Dugway Geode (thunder egg) beds. The Red Emerald zone is in a precarious place high up on the hill, surrounded by loose talus and is not suitable for young people, nor fragile folks. There are topaz collection sites at the base of the hill for those who may not be willing, or able, to scale the side of the hill.  

This will be a Mega Trip for those who are game. If you are camping at the Mt., you will need to be fully self contained as there is no water or campsite services of any sort. The road is paved all the way to the last mile into the cove area, and 2 wheel drives can make it in all the way. The weather is goofy at that time of year, and can be freezing cold or blazing hot!  

We wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible to give you plenty of time to ask questions, prepare for time off, and get excited about this site. I have been there about eight times, and chased the emeralds for about ten days in 100 + heat during one trip, two days after it snowed 1/4 of an inch. There is a great deal of information on-line about Topaz Mt. and there is a great little book with excellent pictures modified with directions to the various collection areas for some of the other exotic mineral specimens found in the mountain. See you at the meeting in November!