Associated with the American Federation of Mineral Societies |
[Frequently Asked Questions] |
Associated with the Southeast Federation of Mineral Societies |
|
Associated with the American Federation of Mineral Societies |
[Frequently Asked Questions] |
Associated with the Southeast Federation of Mineral Societies |
Question:
How do we get an application to join the Georgia Mineral Society?Answer:
"GMS Membership FORM"DUES FOR NEW MEMBERS:
(Single, Couples, Family) are $25.00 per Society year.
($20.00 + $5.00 initial processing fee)
RENEWAL DUES ARE $20.00
(due 12 months from the date of joining)REINSTATEMENT DUES for expired memberships are $25.00
($20.00 + $5.00 reinstatement fee).FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ARE FOR THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY INCLUDING CHILDREN RESIDING WITH PARENTS. CHILDREN 16 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER ARE CONSIDERED JUNIOR MEMBERS.
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE AND MAIL TO:
THE GEORGIA MINERAL SOCIETY, INC.
P.O. BOX 15011, ATLANTA, GA. 30333-5011
Question:
I have been contemplating the purchase of a large plaque with four extremely large separate trilobites encased in sediment. I'm concerned about the authenticity of the piece because the man who is selling them has several large plaques with 3-4 trilobites. These have come from Morocco. Are these trilobites easily faked? The Better Business Bureau has no information on this company.Answer:I appreciate all your help in advance,
The authenticity of Moroccan trilobites has been a subject of debate for many years. Although one can certainly acquire genuine fossils from Morocco, one can also be the victim of "overly prepared" fossils. One way to tell if they are fakes is to rub the specimen with an alcoholREPLY:
prep pad. If it's real, no color should come off on the pad. They often use shoe polish to color the fake casts. You obliviously need to ask permission before you touch their specimens with anything other than your hands. Another way to tell a fake is to look at the matrix immediately surrounding the fossil. Does the texture look any different from the other matrix? Is it rougher or smoother? These could be signs that the trilobite was added to the plate and the matrix prepared around it (using ground up matrix and glue) to make it appear genuine.Look at the entire piece under magnification. If you suspect any irregularities, do not buy the specimen, no matter what the price! If it's
too inexpensive to pass up, it's probably fake. It's it expensive, and it turns out to be a fake, you've made a very bad investment, but hopefully
learned a valuable lesson. Buyer Beware!
Thank you so much for this invaluable information. Your help has proven that the trilobites this "gentleman" is selling, are in fact, fakes. MyQuestion:
brother purchased a trilobite from the guy last weekend. We just tested it and color came off the piece. I'm going to demand the money back.
I love to collect crystals and stuff, needless to say, I won't be buying from this dealer anymore! Warn others!I'm surprised that this particular dealer sold you a fake. Be careful how you "demand" your money back: I'd hate for him to accuse you of slander. He may say the trilobite was colored to create a stronger contrast with the matrix. Regardless, you have the right to purchase specimens that are not "enhanced" or altered. Next time (if there is a next time) I'd ask him if they have been treated in any way. If he says "No" and you find out otherwise, you have a strong case against him.
I'm no expert on trilobites. Let me give you the url for an incredible web site devoted to the wonderful world of trilobites. The guy who runs the site, Sam Gon, is quite the expert, and you may want to contact him with your questions.
I hope you access the site: it's a beauty: http://www.trilobites.info/index.html
And don't ever worry about bothering us with your questions. Education is what we're all about!THE GEORGIA MINERAL SOCIETY
I am the editor of the newsletter (Chip & Lick) of the Miami Valley Mineral & Gem Club, Inc. in Fairborn, Ohio. Last month at our meeting one of our members brought in a display of micromounts. He found a lot of information about micromounting on your club's web site.Answer:I was wondering if I could get permission to use some of that information in our club newsletter. I would have sent this request to the Micromount Section Chair Dr. Dave Babulski, but I couldn't find his email address on your site.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Becky Dobbs
Editor
Miami Valley Mineral & Gem Club, Inc.
Please feel free to use material from our web site. We ask that you give credit to your sources: either GMS, the author of the material used, or the author of any linked material you may include. We would be happy to establish a reciprocal newsletter relationship with your club. Carolyn Daniels at <newsletter@gamineral.org> is the editor.Thanks for your interest,
William G Waggener, President GMS
How do you know that the chemical you are about to use is safe or dangerous? How do you find out what safety precautions you need to take when using this chemical? If you know the name of the chemical compound that you are using, click on the link below to take you to the CDC's Chemical Safety Cards to find out how to safely handle this chemical.
A more concise guide with Chemical Names, synonyms,
and trade names with
links to First Aid Procedures
Online
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Question:
Oxalic acid is highly poisonous and can be absorbed through the skin. Also, using HOT oxalic acid leads to fumes which can be breathed in, not to mention one should not use the container again for anything BUT this purpose. Please follow the following link for a more comprehensive discussion on the use of toxic chemicals to clean mineral specimens!
How do I clean Fluorite specimens from the field trip to the Ballard Mine outside Sweetwater, TN.?Answer:
Cleaning up our fluorite specimens I put some of the pieces in a hot solution of oxalic acid for about 5 to 15 minutes to remove some of the iron oxide staining. Although I was concerned that some of the carbonate material wouldn't make it, everything seemed to hold up. I was a able to remove much of the iron oxide from the pieces, even from the delicate drusey stuff sprinkled on the fluorite.Question:
(Another response)
You might want to mention that cleaning most Fluorite in hot water will ruin the luster!
Muriatic acid is highly dangerous if it comes in contact with your skin or you breathed in the fumes! One should not use the container again for anything BUT this purpose. Please follow the following link for a more comprehensive discussion on the use of toxic chemicals to clean mineral specimens!
Hi everybody at GMS,Answer:
I was wondering if could get same help from your club? I'm a 28yr old (Rockpup) trying to get started into wonder field of rock collecting, and was wanting to know if somebody could tell me how to clean up a slab limestone with a bunch of fossil's in it? But not to damage the fossil!
To clean up a slab of fossils, first you have to determine the nature of the fossil replacement. If the fossils are silicified, a scrubbing with a weak solution of muriatic acid would help clean them up. If they are calcified, this will desolve them. To determine the nature of your fossils, pick out your worst specimen and place a drop of acid on the worst fossil. Do this outside near a hose. If the fossil bubbles, rinse well with water and scrub gently with a toothbrush, soap and water. You can use dental tools to chip the rock away from the fossils. If the fossil doesn't bubble, try adding one quart muriatic acid to a gallon of water in a plastic container and soaking. Again, try your worst specimen first. Acid is dangerous, read the labels and follow their precautions. These tips are very general and may not fit the needs of your particular specimen. For best results, take your fossils to a rock club meeting and someone there can visually check what you have and give you better advice.Question:
(Another response)
What kind of rocks are you cleaning? Carbonates will desolve quickly in undiluted muratic acid, but if I am trying to put a polish on calcite/aragonite I use full strength. If you are trying to leach out an iron stain, a weak solution over a longer period of time works better. Experiment with a poor quality specimen until you get the result you want, and then try it out on a good one. Your procedure seems to be OK, but a face shield would be better than a mask. Most face mask will pass acid vapors. One thing that I like to do is soak my specimens in water for at least as long as I intend to leave them in the acid beforehand. This way the acid is not absorbed into cracks and deep into porous rocks where it can leach out later. As far as your disposal plans, I leave my acid in the bucket and reuse it as long as possible before equalizing it (I use solid cave onyx) and then I simply poor it out on the lawn and wash it in with a hose. Basically, when you neutralize an acid you create a salt. Never hurt my grass and as far as I know, unless you're cleaning something weird, it contains no heavy metals. This stuff is used to clean concrete, so you can also equalize it on those stubborn oily spots in your driveway. Be sure you keep the acid bucket covered if you plan to leave it unattended, and in a spot where children can't get into it if you are soaking stuff for any length of time.
Help! I desperatly need to know how to dissolve concrete from inside a 1" PVC conduit. Can you help me PLEASE?Answer:
Depending on where you are, battery acid is probably the most readily available thing. The problem is getting it to the concrete in the pipe. Once it is through cooking, he would need to rinse out the sand and gravel that remained and do it again until he got through the concrete. The problem with that method is AAA, always add acid first. Straight hydrochloric acid would be the best thing. The stronger the acid, the faster it will work, but the more difficult it will be to work with safely. Also, a long piece of heavy rebar would be handy in between soaks to bust up the semi-disolved concrete. As far as I know, most PVC is impervious to acids. Concrete is only a small percentage cement so it will be a slow process unless the concrete was made with limestone. Hope this helps.
Question:
Don't understand reason to join in order to get site info, please advise?Answer:
I need your advice and help. I am trying to find some nice bright gold color mica flakes.I have looked for them for several years, but I can not find a source. I have had a little bit from a friend on a couple occasions. I have seen glasss fusings with them quite often, but the people and instructors say they do not have any, and can not find any either.Answer:
Most of the micas available commercially are muscovite. It does occur as light brown to golden color. Phlogopite is a mica with light golden brown color. It is available through science material suppliers as specimens. I have seen very pretty phlogopite in the Atlanta area at various construction sites. Most folks do not collect this material. If your intended use is non-commercial, you may wish to email Jim Flora through the SFMS web page and request a want ad describing your search. Meanwhile, I will be happy to keep my eyes peeled for new exposures.Question:W G "Bill" Waggener
past president GMS and SFMS
Can you tell me if there are any gem mines in Northern Georgia?Answer:
I am not aware of any commercial gem mines in North Georgia. We are prevented by our GMS Internet policy from giving out information on non-commercial gem mines in Northern Georgia but I can tell you that there are a bunch of commercial ones just across the border in North Carolina.Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the Franklin area.
For a complete list of mining activity around Franklin,
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/frmst_gemmining.html--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASON MOUNTAIN MINE & Cowee Gift Shop (The Johnson's Place) http://www.masonmtnmine.com/
This Mine is a favorite of the Georgia Mineral Society because of your ability to buy buckets of true local (native) gem dirt (You can also get enriched buckets of beautiful native rhodolite garnets, kyanite, pyrope garnets, and quartz along with other added gems.) Assistance to beginners and "old timers". Shaded flume, clean restrooms, gift shop and snack bar. Open seven days a week, April 15- November 15, 8-5. 5315 Bryson City Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. 828-524-4570.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHEFFIELD MINE - A Native Star Ruby & Sapphire Mine located in the Cowee Valley of Western North Carolina. Home of the "Honkers"! ( A Honker is a Ruby or Sapphire that weighs 30 carats or more!) They also have enriched buckets for those who want a "sure find". (The enriched buckets contain either cabochon cutting material, semi-precious facetable stones, fossils, emeralds and even buckets that contain all of the above.) They assist both the experienced Rock Hound and Beginners too! Great Family outing and you just might take home a valuable piece of North Carolina! 2 Covered Flume Lines, Clean Restrooms, Gift Shop, and Snacks available - And the tranquility of the Water Lilly filled pond with a Fountain is thrown in at no charge. Open 7 days a week from April 1st through October 31st from 9 am to 5 pm. Group Rates are available. There is a $1 Discount for all members of a Rock & Gem or Rock & Mineral Club - (must present some form of Club Affiliation - badge or card). 1-828-369-8383 385 Sheffield Farms Rd., Franklin, NC 28734.
www.sheffieldmine.com ruby@sheffieldmine.com
For gold panning in Georgia, the city of Dahlonega would be the location you should head for. This city, located in north Georgia, was the largest gold producing region in the United States until the big gold strikes in California. It was also the location of a U.S. mint.
(1) Consolidated Gold Mine - Underground Tour and Gold Panning - tour lasts about 45 minutes, $10 for adults ($8 per adult for a group of 20 or more).
(2) Crisson Gold Mine - Panning (coarse gold) and examination of a working stamp mill - $9.00 per person.
(3) Dahlonega Courthouse Gold Museum - History of gold mining in the north Georgia area. Exhibits of gold, artifacts, movie, and a complete collection of gold coins from the Dahlonega mint. $2.50 per adult ($2 per adult for a group of 15 or more). http://www.ngeorgia.com/parks/dahlonega.html
Some helpful links:
http://members.tripod.com/~goldpanner/index.html
http://goldmaps.com/east.html
Question:
Me and my family are about to take a trip to Franklin NC. To do alot of gem mining my father owns CGI a gem cutting and designing company. But anyway i was wondering if you knew where i could find out where to find geos in FRanklin area. Or in GA. I thank you very much.
Answer:
If I was going to Franklin, I would go to the Mason Mountain Mine out on highway 28 and ask the owner how much he would charge to let the whole family go up the hill behind the sluice and dig in the actual Rhodolite Garnet mine. My other favorite place is the Mason Mine out by the airport where you get nice barrel shaped sapphire crystals that are a pretty lavender color. Both of these are natural gemstone mines and native to the Franklin area. Have fun! Jim Haege, GMS Member
Question: What
can I expect to find in the area that I live in and is there any one particular
place in mineralogy I should concentrate on as a beginner.
Hi, I've recently started to pursue a long time interest in geology and mineralogy, and quickly discovered how confusing a lot of it can be to a complete novice. A couple of books that I read dealt mostly with minerals found mainly in mid-western and western states and said very little about the Southeast and what types of minerals are common here. I came across your web-site and have found it to be extremely helpful on a few questions I had and was wondering, if it isn't too much trouble on your part, if you could answer a few others I have.Answer:
I live in the city of Chatsworth in NW. Georgia, in a mountainous region. To the untrained eye, it would appear to be a geologically rich area as the are many large, accessible, granite outcroppings in the area, along with many mountains streams and waterfalls that have eroded away much of the sediment to reveal many fascinating rock formations. Along with older roadcuts that are decades old, there is a recent, large roadcut nearby between Ellijay and Chatsworth that is less that five years old, and I am also close to Carter's Lake, which is formed by Carter's Dam (of which I have heard, but am not quite sure, is the largest earth dam this side of the Mississippi River), so I have an opportunity to prospect an area where an entire side of a mountain has been blasted away.
I suppose one of my questions, then, would be, what can I expect to find in the area that I live in and is there any one particular place in mineralogy I should concentrate on as a beginner.
Another question I could use some help on is the basic setup of equipment a beginner should take into the field. Being new at this, I'm not sure I should be going into the woods with acetic and hydrochloric acid as one of the books I read suggested.
And a final question, I am particularly fascinated by geodes, yet can't find much information on them on the internet. Are they a common occurrence for this area, or a rarity? And if they can be found here, how are they recognized?
Thank you for your time and for providing an informative web-site for people like me who are just getting started in this.
I to was new at this just a few short years ago. I found it most helpful to start associating with other rockhounds and joined a couple of Gem and Mineral clubs. They have meetings once a month where they usually have a speaker give a presentation on some aspect of our hobby (the Rome club would be closest to you.) and field trips to collect minerals and fossils. Send me your address and I will be happy to send you a newsletter. To collect crystallized mineral specimens, most commonly you have to find rock with wide cracks and/or holes in it where the crystals can grow. Lots of crystals are more durable than the rock they formed in and can be readily found by digging in dirt near the surface. Just because there is a large fresh outcropping of rock does not mean there are crystals there. Some folks collect "Micromounts" which are tiny crystals that can only be readily seen with a microscope and these specimens can be readily collected at such sites when no other crystals are present. Don't get me wrong, we go collect at plenty of road cuts, but if I had kept a rock from every one I've checked out, I could finnish filling the basement. You might could find some micromounts at Carters Dam, but that is about it. It is also a dangerous place to try and collect. Also dangerous are the old talc mines on the Chatsworth side of Fort Mountain. Besides talc, you can find coal left from the miners and if you got really lucky some galena and pyrite. This is outside the mineshafts in the tailing piles, do not go into the shafts and get permission from whoever owns the property now before going up there. Like I said, the easyist way to get into this is join a club, we will take you to realitively safe places to collect where we already have permission from the property owner and you can also get a better idea of what interest you. As far as field equipment, a rock hammer, chisel, bucket, newspaper and writing utensil will suffice for now. Of course, if you need to dig a hole you will need a pick and shovel. I never carry acid in the field. If it looks interesting and nobody can identify it, I take it home and check it there. Speaking of home, before you get into rock collecting, you need to figure out where you are going to put the darn things. Other than the talc mines and some chert and flint nodules, the area around you isn't that great for collecting minerals. Lots of fossils to your west, though. As far as geodes go, they can be found in the fossil bearing rocks to your west as well. We go on a couple of digs just to collect geodes every year. They are most easily recognized as white circular shapes in the gray country rock, or round rocks loose in the soil or in creeks. You might also want to visit the weinman mineral museum. They are at 411 and I-75. Well, hope this helps. --Jim Haege
Question:
Hope that you can at least provide me w/information. About 35 years ago, on one of our many visits to Stone Mountain, my husband and I purchased little "fairystone" crosses that we wore as necklaces . He still wears his, and unfortunately, I lost mine this year. I have searced the web without any replys. I don't know where/or how to go about finding a source for these precious little crosses. Any information that you could provide would be most appreciated.Answer:
Thank you.
Those little "fairystone crosses" are also called "fairy crosses". Their scientific name is "staurolite" from the Greek: stauro meaning cross, and lite, from lithos meaning stone. It also happens to be the state mineral of Georgia! Though you may occasionally find these for sale in tourist shops, your best bet is going to be rock shops, gem and mineral shows, rock collectors or dig your own. You can dig your own at the Hackney Farm in Blue Ridge, Georgia. There is a gem and mineral show coming up this month: November 17-19 at the Cobb County Civic Center that will be sure to have them.Question:
Most of us in the Georgia Mineral Society have a good supply of staurolite in our personal collections, though the perfect crosses you refer to are much harder to come by (and certainly more difficult to part with). --Anita Westlake"I read your answer to a question concerning fairystones with great interest. But you made no mention of Fairstone State Park in Patrick County, Virginia which is the main place to find the staurolites or Fairystones." --Joe Davis
We are searching for information and maps showing mineral deposits and also precious metal deposits in western Ga. The area we are now prospecting is around Buchanan, Bremen, and Tallapoosa. Need info. concerning what gemstones are found in this area as well as sources we can obtain showing these minerals in their rough state. Would appreciate knowing if you have available any topo maps of that area and surrounding counties. If not, do you know how we could get one? If you arn't able to help us in these areas, we would appreciate it if you could refer us to another source. We visit your state about once a month to prospect and always enjoy being there.Answer:Thank you for your help,
Topo maps of Georgia can easily be obtained from the Geologic Survey office in downtown Atlanta. I think they are located on Butler Street. (I tried looking them up in the phone book and never found them). Or, you can go to the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) Website at: http://geology.usgs.gov/index.shtml and click on "Search USGS". Follow the links to the maps and then Georgia. --Anita WestlakeQuestion:
I just have a question about gold. What kind of rocks will gold be found in. Like granite, pyrite, metamorphic, igneous, etc.Answer:
Thanks
Gold in minute amounts occurs in almost all pyrite and almost all rock types. The reason for it being found in so many rock types is that gold deposits are most commonly formed by hydrothermal action, which means that super-heated water flows into cracks in existing rocks and leaves gold behind in those cracks which solidify to form veins, usually in association with quartz or sulfide minerals like pyrite. If you are looking for a rock type to find gold in, often times gold deposits underly "banded iron formations". Rather than studying geology long enough to determine where you might find those rocks, most gold finds are highly published and there are clubs that have maps and access to land you can work or you can check with your local government geologic survey and get a map of the gold bearing regions in your state.Question:
You might also consider that lots of gold is discovered miles away from the rock it was originally in. These are called "placer deposits" and consist of gravel and old stream beds. So, gold is where you find it! Good luck and I hope this answers your question!Jim Haege
Subject: looking for aggregates.Answer:
I am looking for some landscaping aggregates. the only thing i have to go by is their trade names, western sunrise, gemstar, royal gorge, arctic rainbow, miramack, carnation pink, rotten granite. i am trying to find out where they are mined. any help would greatly be appreciated.
Well, well! This is a tuffee! This sounds like name brands off the bags of the materials. The pink stuff is probably rose quartz mined out west. The rest I couldn't hazard a guess. Lots of folks, including Georgia Marble, who have their own bagging facilities import and also purchase from other quarries (like us) stone that they can bag when their own facilities stone production plant is down or just to add to their product line. Those names had to come from somewhere, probably off a bag or line item sales sheet. To find out where they are mined, they will have to find the bagging facility or retailer and ask them. There are no standard types of landscaping aggregates, just like Georgia Marble calls their stuff different names depending on what they are selling it for (same marble)! Wish I could be more help!Question:
I have a nine year old that has insisted that he is going to be a paleontologist since he was three. He knew then what that was and till this day he insist that is still what he wants to do with his life. We are planning our vacation for this summer. I feel that he is old enough now to actually take into the field. However we arnt the richest people and going to colorado or other northern or western locations is out of the question at this time. I would like to know if there are any public sites or reasonably priced Trips where he could possibly take a piece of history from the ground and possibly keep it. I think that itAnswer:
would solidify his conviction to this field. It is never too early to pick your destiny. can you help?By the way I have looked for the past three weeks at web sites trying to find information on sites within the southeast. This includes calling the natural history museums who all tell me that site information is strictly confidential. Your site is the first one that has given me any viable information or even included a way to contact you.
Thanks!!
As a policy of the Georgia Mineral Society, we do not give out information on non-commercial collecting location over the Internet. I have information on two commercial mineral location on our web site and I am about to add information on a third location. No fossil locations yet! Generally speaking, some of the better fossil locations in the southeast can be found in limestone quarries. The only problem is that most quarries do not let in individuals who are not associated with some sort of group. (It doesn't hurt to ask!) I don't know where you live but your best bet is to join your local Gem and Mineral Society and attend their field trips to collect fossils. The Georgia Mineral Society has a Fossil Section(special interest group) which goes on there own field trips beyond the society's trips. You may be able to find such a focused group in your area. Museums and universities sometimes have junior Paleontologist programs. Fernbank Science Center here in Atlanta, GA has such a program.Question:
The students of Brockett Elementary School in Tucker would be honored to invite a member from the Georgia Mineral Society to speak at our school. The program is called the Distinguished Lecture series. Under the auspices of the Media Center and Parent-Teacher Association, each month a special guest is invited to share his or her knowledge, experience and insight with a group of elementary school students. The 40 minute presentation is usually divided between a short talk and a question period. The talks are held in the Media Center, and are attended by about 70 students. The date and time vary to fit the speaker's schedule. I am lining up speakers for January, February, March and April. My question is: Can you recommend someone who would like to speak at our school? Someone who could bring a collection of fossils, meteorites and/or minerals would be perfect. The kids would be extremely excited and delighted - and I think the speaker would enjoy it just as much.Answer:
Please call or e-mail me at your convenience.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Yes, GMS does have a number of qualified persons who enjoy giving mineral/fossil programs. I will pass your request on to them by e-mail or at our next meeting.Question:
hi i am in the 8th grade and i was wondering if you could send me all of your info about the georgia minerals Kyanite and Barite because i have to do a very large report and all of the books in the school library are gone and i just moved where i live and don't know where a public library is. Please send me the info a/s/a/p if possible... the report is due on tuesday, nov. 24 1998... thanxAnswer:
You need to learn to use an Internet search site. We are not a library either and do not keep detailed mineral information. We rely on some of our members to answer questions posed by the public.Question:Member response: hi emma.
kyanite and barite are very different minerals. barite is a barium sulfate consisting of one part barium, one part sulfur and four parts
oxygen. Barite is mined in Cartersville, GA and is used in drilling muds. When drilling holes for pilings in soft loose soils, the drill operators place barite mud in the hole. The barite is very heavy and keeps the hole open when the drill is pulled out. When the pile is placed in the hole, it pushes the mud out. Many docks and bridges in swampy areas around the coast were built in this way. Barium also has medical uses and is used in the manufacture of glass and paints. Barite also forms beautiful blue, green, yellow and golden brown crystals and is highly valued by mineral collectors. Kyanite is much harder than barite and is an aluminum silicate, consisting
of two parts aluminum, one part silicon, and five parts oxygen. There are two other common minerals that have the exact same chemical composition (Andalusite and Sillimanite) as kyanite. They are given a different species name because they crystallize differently than kyanite. Kyanite crystals are very special because they are harder crosswise than they are lengthwise. in other words, a knife drawn down the length of a crystal will leave a scratch, but if you draw it across the crystal, it will scratch the knife. Kyanite was mined in north Georgia around the state line north of Young Harris and also at Graves Mountain, which is near Lincolnton, GA.
Graves Mountain is a famous mineral collecting site and our club goes there a lot. Kyanite is used in ceramics like those used to make spark plugs. It also forms beautiful blue crystals. Most libraries in GA are part of a system. I'm sure you will need more than
this for your report. Ask your librarian if she can get another library to send you a book. Encyclopedias will also reference these two minerals. If you need more information about their importance in our state, look up the number for the Geologic Survey under Georgia state government and ask to speak to a Geologist. They are all nice folks down there and should be happy to help you.
Subject: Savannah AreaAnswer:
We home school our three children in Savannah, Ga and we are recently studying a unit on Geology, to include rocks and gems. Could you suggest any museums, attractions or related geology sites that we could use as a field trip. Preferably within two-three hours of Savannah.Thanks for your help,
Right off the top of my head would be a trip to Clemson, SC to their new Museum.Question:Department of Geological Sciences
Bob Campbell Geology Museum at Clemson University
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 5:30, starting October 6, 1998; no charge.
http://www.eng.clemson.edu/~bdavies/museum_top.htmAs far as field trips, you could go to a quartz mine in Antreville, SC Skeletal quartz - Amethyst can be found there. This could be kind of expensive since you are non collectors but Mr. Browning might be understanding and let you in at a reduced rate. Worth a call! All the information on contacting him is on our Commercial sites link.
http://www.mindspring.com/~gamineral/commercial-sites.htm
You might want to contact the local "Rock Club" in Savannah.
Savannah Lapidary Club
4405 Paulsen Street
Savannah, GA 31405Contact: Roy Myrick
(912) 738-3526
Meetings: 2 nd Thursday
Savannah Science Museum
4405 Paulsen Street
Savannah, GA
Could you tell me where one might go to look for diamonds in s.c, n.c or ga.? I would like to find a place where you can look and some place that is set up for it. Thanks for any help.Answer:
Unfortunately, the closest place that is "set up" to look for diamonds is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas at Crater of Diamonds state park. Diamonds have been found in all three states you mentioned, but nowhere in particular. Most were stumbled on by accident. The rest were found in gold miners pans as they worked alluvial deposits where the diamonds were trapped and concentrated along with the gold. This is due to their weight being higher (specific gravity) than other stones. Rubys and Sapphires can be found the same way. Unfortunately, the geology that creates gold has no relationship to the geology of diamonds which are found in kimberlite pipes similar to the one in Arkansas. You could spend the rest of your life hunting diamonds around here and never find one. I didn't have much better luck in Arkansas. If precious stones other than diamonds interest you, you should take a trip to the gem mines in Franklin, Canton or Spruce Pine, NC.Question:
MY FAMILY WAS WANTING TO TAKE A FIELD TRIP TO GRAVES MNT. I'M HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME REACHING THE CARETAKER TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS AND SIGN RELEASES.Answer:I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP AS FAR AS NAMES, PHONE #, ADDRESS, ETC. YOUR HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
As a stated policy of The Georgia Mineral Society, we do not give out non-commercial mineral location information over the internet. If you want to find out that information, you can pick up a copy of the August 1998 issue of Rock and Gem Magazine and read Jim Haege's article on Graves. In it he gives the contact information with phone numbers. Unfortunately, the published phone number was wrong. The person to contact to gain permission for Graves is the caretaker, Junior Normand. He can be reached at (706)359-6237 at his garage. He does NOT let collectors in on Wednesdays(his day off) and on Sunday. You will need to go to his auto repair shop to sign a Combustion Engineering liability release. When coming from Washington GA on SR 378, you will turn left(North) at the first road on your left past the Lincoln county line sign. Drive about 11/2 miles to Junior Normand's Garage on your right. You can't miss it. I wouldn't arrive before 9 am. Be sure to give him $5.00 or so per person if its just you and a few others. We usually give him $3.00 per person because we have over 60 people attend our field trips.Question:You and your family could join GMS and go with us to Graves Mountain this fall in December. So far this year, GMS members have had at least 5 opportunities to travel to Graves Mountain to collect specimens. GMS
Dear Georgia Mineral Society,Answer:I was wondering if the following minerals are found in Georgia or the surrounding states. Serpentine, Calcite, Feldspar, Jasper, nephrite, Gneiss/schist, Basalt, Jadeite, and Rhyolite. If so were they are found. The Reason I want to know this is because I am into the art of Japanese Viewing stones, the correct name is"Suiseki".
Any Information would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,
Ryan, I to am interested in Suiseki, however, due to Georgia's climate, collecting these stones here is very difficult. I would estimate my rock collection to be at about 2 tons now, yet I have not found any stones I would consider appropriate for viewing stones. The reason for this is our wet climate tends to weather most rocks leaving them iron stained or otherwise in need of enhancement. Suiseki stones are supposed to be completely natural with the exception of the saw cut for the bottom, so this leaves out a lot of rock around here. Besides the jade, most of the rocks you mentioned are available in Georgia. However, instead of looking for certain types of stones it would probably be more productive to look in places where unaltered rocks can be found. I would begin with a trip to the north Georgia mountains. Many of our hiking trails are in national forest where you can legally collect stones and these same trails cross mountain streams and lead up to rocky outcrops where natural unaltered stones that are weather resistant can be found. A good map would help in finding areas where these trails are close to roads so you won't have to pack out your stones so far. If you are still interested in finding certain types of stones, look under state government in the phone book and give the geologic survey in Atlanta a call. They have maps, ect. that should be helpful. The forest service should have some good maps as well. Good Luck! Jim HaegeQuestion:
Dear Sir,Answer: #2:I would like to thank you for the information provided on your web site. I'm very interested in both fossil collecting and panning for gold. But before I get started I would like some more information. Regarding both, what are the laws about collecting and/or panning
? Where can a person do these activities in the north Georgia area ?
The "Gold Club" out of Dahlonega and by joining GMS. As a web policy, GMS does not give out noncommercial collecting locations over the internet. After joining GMS, you can go on fossil field trips with the club, go to the main meeting and meet members interested in fossils, and every three months you can go to the Fossil section meeting where you can find the REAL fossil collectors. GMS
How does one "cash in" the gold found ?
Don't know but try the link below. GMS
Do you know of any books or videos related to these subjects that might help me ?Georgia sites related to Gold Prospecting. GMS
http://members.tripod.com/~goldpanner/I thank you for your time,
Richard, you can pan gold and collect fossils anywhere in Georgia with permission of the property owner. You may also do both on national forest property, as long as you are "surface collecting", which basically means you need to work with hand tools and fill your holes when you're done. Also leave the trees alone. Unfortunately, you will probably never find enough gold by panning to need someplace to cash it in. In order to find a reasonable amount of gold, you will need a rocker, sluice box or a dredge. Last I talked to the crop of engineers a three inch dredge does not require a permit. Dredging is illegal in all trout streams. The best place to dredge would be on property leased to a gold mining association. This will cost several hundred dollars to join plus a rather steep monthly due for quite some time until yourQuestion:
membership is paid. While it will never replace the excitement and joy of finding your own nugget, the investment in a dredge and membership will easily purchase you a fine nugget at a gem and mineral show. If you still wish to pursue panning, you may fee pan in the wild at Blackburn Park in Aurora, or you may contact the Georgia Geologic Survey in Atlanta and purchase bulletin # 100. It has an excellent map of the gold belt in Georgia, and you can try your luck in areas where roads cross creeks inside or just downstream of the belt. Before attempting this, go to your local library and get a couple of books on gold prospecting so you know where to look in the streams.If you really want to be successful panning gold, I would go to the Consolidated Mine or some of the others in Dalonega where you can get a pan of dirt for a dollar that is guaranteed to have gold in it. By your fifteenth pan, you will understand why I quit panning. It's twice as hard in the wild!
As far as fossil collecting, there are many locations in the northwest and southern parts of the state. Our club has many trips to these areas where you can collect and learn about the fossil bearing rocks in our state. The geologic survey also has publications on this subject. There are many productive readouts where you can legally collect in the Ringgold area, as well as Rome and Lumpkin. The best way to get started is to join a rock and mineral club in the area and come to a few meetings and field trips and learn from the folks who have been in it awhile. This will also reduce your initial investment in the hobby as you can easily get started with just a rock hammer and chisel. Hope this helps. Jim Haege
Dear Sir:Answer:I am looking for a financing source that will accept gemstones as collateral. Please let me know if you could refer me to someone.
Thank you.
I don't have a clue about this one! GMSQuestion:
My grandmother (Ruth Seward Miller Matsinger Chapman, b.3/17/1910) tells me that her grandfather, Robert Miller was an inventor in Mount Holly Springs (PA?) who made the countries what we believe to be the first set of false teeth and early dental instruments in the US out of kaolin. Robert Miller would have been born sometime around, say 1880-1890. SheAnswer:
also tells me he came to Georgia, found and owned a kaolin mine her (later losing the property). I was wondering if you might have any suggestions or historical information relating to kaolin mines in Georgia that might lead me to further information relating to my g-ggrandfather.Any information would be greatly appreciated.
We have forwarded your question to few of our members who may have some information to help you out. GMSQuestion:
Several of my rockhound friends and I are planning a collecting trip in a week or so into NE/North central GA . We would appreciate if you might provide information into collecting areas for gems and/or interesting minerals.Thanks much. Regards,Answer:Ps. Membership dues are on the way.
A stated GMS policy is not to give out non-commercial collecting site information over the internet. The best thing for you to do is to attend a number of our field trips, section meetings, and the monthly general meeting. At these functions, you can make friends with other rock hounds with similar collecting interests.Question:A commercial site in north Georgia that you might try is a farm that allows you to collect staurolite. The cost is $10.00 a car. The place is called Hackney farm and the owner is Steve Hackney (706)258-2203 The farm is located off SR 515/ US76 about 1 1/2 miles south of the McDonalds in Blue Ridge, GA. Turn right(west) onto Bullen Gap road(off of SR515/US76) and keep barring right for 7/10 of a mile. As you come up a hill, his drive way goes off at a 30 degree angle to the right with a chain across it. . It is unmarked and may be closed by a cable in which case you have a 0.4 mile hike to the site. There is a mail box directly across the street from his drive numbered 652. Mr. Hackney also has another entrance to his property but you will have to get those directions from him. This is a classic Stauolite location. I have had a lot of luck screening the stream with a 1/2 screen or smaller if you want smaller crystals. GMS
Reply:
" We did the Hackney site this past weekend. We didn't have a screen full without finding at least a small handful. Found 2 nice Maltese crosses, a nice handful of St. Andrew's and excellent single blades. I
happened to meet Steve and he gave me a new phone number:""Hope this helps. See you at the digs. Regards"
I'm taking a trip to Seattle, (actually Everett) Washington and would like to find a contact name there with an E-Mail address if you have oneAnswer:
Everett Rock & Gem Club
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/3085/Washington State Mineral Council
http://www.mineralcouncil.org
Washington State Mineral Council
Member Clubs and RepresentativesBoeing Employees Mineralogical Society Bob Pattie, 206-226-3154
Evergreen Rock Club Fred Williams, 206-525-4974
Federal Way Gem & Mineral Club Keith Ray, 206-854-1303
Gingko Mineral Society Claude Johnston, 509-884-3188
Grays Harbor Geology & Gem Club Ken Nelson, 360-289-0263
Issaquah Valley Rock Club Mike Tanaka, President,206-392-7858
Kitsap Mineral & Gem Club Stan Brooks, 360-377-5713
Lakeside Gem & Mineral Club Martin Casto, 509-582-8077
Magnolia Gem & Mineral Club Marjorie Olene,206-784-7607
Maplewood Rock & Gem Club Bud Lischke, 206-365-5312
Marysville Rock & Gem Club, Inc. Ed Lehman, 206-334-6282
Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club Bob O'Brien, 360-856-5215
North Seattle Lapidary & Mineral Club Dave Eckert, 206-367-0775
Northwest Rockies Family 4-H Club Stu Earnst, 360-856-0588
Pend Oreille Rock & Gem Club Roger Hallowell,509-292-2457
Port Townsend Rock Club Gladys Mulford,360-797-7044
Puyallup Valley Gem & Mineral Club Jim Robson, 206-833-1743
Shelton Rock & Mineral Society Bill Barron, 360-427-0387
Snohomish Lapidary Club Glenn Morita, 206-337-0385
Skagit Rock & Gem Club Dave Britten, 360-755-0741
Southern Washington Mineralogical Society Jasper Brown, 360-423-2711
Washington Agate & Mineral Society Chuck Miller, 360-943-1168
Wilbur Gem & Mineral Club Jean Angstrom, 509-647-5627
Yakima Prospectors Association Larry Dean, 509-457-6380
Yakima Rock & Mineral Club Bill Snell, 509-837-5329For further information about club meeting location and time contact the nearest club in your area. GMS
Why do you not show the E-mail addresses of those officers who have them? It seems to us that it would be preferable to show the E-mail address instead of home address and telephone number? Is there something we are missing??Answer:
Your missing a lot because our Menu page has a big E-mail icon on it. If you place your cursor over it the "text only" prompt shows "Click for the GMS e-mail Table" When you do click on the icon you get all the officers e-mail address who have them. But that's not all, if you click on the GMS People button on the menu page, you get another menu page to access the Executive Board, Show Committee, and all the Committee Chairs. On those three screens you will see in the far right an "@" symbol. Clicking on an "@" will bring up a mail to composition window to send your comments to that person. So you see, we have e-mail addresses all over the place. I am going to put a title on the e-mail icon to help in understanding what it does. Thanks! GMS Webmaster
Dear GMS ---Answer:I was sent a copy of your e-mail bulletin, visited your site, and thought it was tremendous.--Congratulations ! However, back to my point. -- your stated purpose may not have been all that well concocted---"We are a completely volunteer organization, etc." Seems to me that it is too exclusionary, and precludes all but youth and Society Members. What about the general public--adults and seniors who may be nascent Rockhound ?
Did I read that wrong ?Best wishes,
Elmore Easter,
Stamford(CT)Mineralogical Society
Good afternoon Elmore,Thank you for your interest in the Georgia Mineral Society. Webmaster Jim Flora works very diligently to keep us up-to-date, and sometimes a little ahead. Our web presence has expanded our audience from the Southeast to the world. We welcome comments and suggestions and have received our share from many quarters.
"OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE: To Educate the Youth of the State and the Members
of this Society in the Field of Earth Science"In my opinion, the stated purpose of the organization clearly indicates the focus of the Georgia Mineral Society. I feel that we don't have the resources or the energy to attempt the education of everyone. However, in practice, the interested general public is included in learning and sharing. Our web site promotes electronic public access to many types of Earth Science information and other NEAT STUFF.
Field trips and meetings require commitment to legal liability and the good of the Society. Becoming a active member shows commitment and follows the Society's stated purpose. As partial fulfillment of this purpose, members may (and do) voluntarily participate in monthly GMS General Meeting programs, public and private school classroom activities, Science Olympiad competition, garden club programs, public library programs, and teacher education programs.
Our two free annual Gem and Mineral shows allow the general public to view, learn, and acquire specimens and knowledge. And Seniors not only participate in our many activities; they share the wisdom, stability and perspective of experience with us all. Our seniors enrich our lives. As you can see, our practices do not exclude anyone.
An organization must have focus to accomplish meaningful goals. The balance is always to choose attainable goals which have as much impact as possible. Since 1935, the focus of the Georgia Mineral Society is Education. I feel that the Society, through its members, continues to work to Educate as many individuals and groups as possible. I am proud to be associated with the Georgia Mineral Society.
Thank you for allowing me to reflect on our role as a contributing group to society. Such reflection often happens at just the occasion of questions as now. We need to be aware of where we came from and where we are going. This exercise helps me to look from a different perspective.
Thank you again for your input. When you come to Atlanta (everyone does eventually), please let me know. You are invited to join us for whatever function is current and appropriate: General Meeting, Section Meetings, Shows, or Field Trips.
William G Waggener
President of Georgia Mineral Society
My husband and I attended the Georgia Mineral Society Holiday Show on Friday December 7. We made a purchase that day and also registered for a door prize. Friday night I received a telephone call telling me that I had won a door prize. The person telephoning was unable to say what the prize was. We returned on Saturday to pick up the ring that we had purchased a stone for and had mounted and to pick up my door prize. Fortunately, we had to make the trip to pick up the merchandise or we would have wasted considerable time and gasoline to have just gotten the door prize. However, now that I have this "prize", I want to know more about it. Unfortunately, the dictionary didn't help me. Can you? What I have, according to the individual who presented me with my prize, is: "hydrated zinc arsenate in a matrix of iron oxide (lamonite)". He said, "the piece is from a silver mine (either Ojeula or Ojuela mine) in the village of Mapimi, Durango, Mexico."Answer:Question number 1:
Since this glob (?) is an arsenate, is it safe to handle?
Question number 2:
I am unable, in my geographical dictionary, to locate the name of the mine so that I know what spelling is correct, what is it?
Question number 3:
Who and why would someone collect this piece?
Thanks for the info. We enjoyed the show and, since we live in East Cobb, will look for the show that the society does in the spring in Cobb County
Your door prize is a adamite (Zn2(AsO4)(OH)) on limonite (FeO(OH)). The specimen is definitely safe to have in your home. The main healthQuestion:
hazard from any arsenate (arsenic oxide) comes from breathing dust from a pulverized mineral or from eating dust on the sample. If you handle the specimen, wash your hands afterwards to avoid accidently eating dust by, say handling food after handling the rock. In this mineral form, there is very low risk of becoming sick from contact with this specimen. I would be lying to say that there is no risk, but you would have to try to actually do bodily harm to yourself with this sample. Many copper specimens are far more hazardous. Copper sulfates, for instance, are water soluble and can be easily ingested.The specimen comes from the Ojuela Mine, a silver mine located about 6 miles southeast of the town of Mapimi, which is located in the northeast part of the state of Durango. Let me know if you need more information. This mine has a rich history, Spaniards began mining silver
there in 1598! The ore occurs in veins in ragged limestone cliffs in the area making it a scenic collecting location.Adamite is a mineral that forms beautiful stubby little crystals. They generally have a high luster and are colorless, yellow, green, and even
purple. With the dark brown matrix, they are quite pleasing to look at. They are commonly found with other equally beautiful minerals like
hemimorphrite, calcite, smithsonite, and others. They are beautiful and that's reason enough for me. Under an ultraviolet light some adamite will fluoresce making them more interesting. Finally, I like to think of minerals in the same way that I think of photos in a scrapbook, they remind me of places that I've been, the collecting trip where I found it, the person that gave it to me, the mineral show where I bought it, or the friends that I was with when I found it. For you, perhaps knowing something about the mineral or the mine from which it came and its history
will make this specimen of value to you. Each rock has a story to tell, a story about its geologic past, about how it was mined, about how it got
from the mine and into your collection. This makes each rock a conversation piece. I have thousands of these geologic conversation pieces
in my house. Friends come over and ask about the rocks lying around the house and I tell there story. This is one of many reasons why I collect minerals.Julian C. Gray, GMS Mineral Section Chair
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Geology
Georgia State University
I work at the National Brick Research Center and I have a question about a raw material. I was wondering if you knew or knew where I could find the age of alluvial clay found in central Georgia. Thanks,Answer:
I assume you are referring to the alluvail clays that are/were mined for brick and tile mfg. in the Ocmulgee River (& tributaries) floodplain on the south side of Macon.Question:These deposits are generally considered to be Quaternary/Holocene in age (ie., younger than Pleistocene.) This would make them younger than 10,000 years old (using the conventional date for the boundary between the Pleistocene and Holocen.) However, I am not aware of any detailed radiometric studies that would give a numerical age. So, it is entirely possible that some of the alluvium could contain deposits that are somewhat older - possibly Pleistocene? in age. It is certain that they are much younger than the nearby commercial kaolin deposits.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you need any additional info.
Bruce O'Connor, PhD
Ga. EPD, Geologic Survey
Can you refer me to anybody that knows a bit about the material from Graves Mtn, in particular the hematite. I was there a few months ago and we picked up some hematite that shows iridescence. My question is.... what exactly CAUSES the iridescence? Is there anybody you know that you could pass me on to? Really curious about this....thanksAnswer:
The property of iridescence in most opaque minerals is most commonly caused by the bending of light waves at the microscopic level. The hematite forms millions of tiny platelets which are actually very small crystals on the surface of the mineral. The light is refracted (bent) and creates different colors depending on the organization of the crystals and the wayQuestion:
they are stacked or layered. While a study of light and light waves would also suggest this, I have been told by experts that this is absolutely incorrect. I have only two proofs to my theory: 1. When you wet a specimen, the color darkens or disappears alltogether.(The water fills the voids between the platelets thus producing a new surface) 2. When you attempt to wipe off the colored portion from the surface, the color appears to be reddish brown (the streak color of hematite) instead of green or blue, ect. Of course, I've been wrong before. I could confirm all this with an electron scanning microscope, but I don't happen to have one in my back pocket.Jim Haege, GMS Member
To Whom it may Concern,Answer:
Would you be able to send me some information over the internet about the soil makeup of Georgia. This would be of big help.
A general answer to such a question is no simple feat. The soil makeup depends on the underlying bedrock, the local climate, topography, and local vegetation, to name a few. Your best bet to getting a more concise answer might be to contact the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service at the University of Georgia/Athens. They have a website (www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/ga/gasoil/gasoi.htm), or you can contact them by phone at 706-546-2278. They may know the best places to look for the information you need.Answer:Doug Daniels, geologist
The soils in Georgia are like most areas, they vary greatly with their age and parent rock. The other main factor that determines soil type is climate. Since we have a wet, mild climate which supports an abundance of plant life, most of our surface soils contain large amounts of organic matter and our referred to as loamy. Most of our sub-soils are high in aluminum and iron due to the leaching process of acidic water produced by the same abundant rainfall and plant life. Our subsoils are mostly made up of clay minerals (hydrous aluminum silicates). Young soils derived from granite and gneiss rocks are sandy. As these same soils age, they become more clay like. Soils derived from schist are usually clayey, while soils derived from limestone always have a naturally high iron content but can be both clayey or sandy depending upon the amount of silica in the parent rock, and again, the soils age. Most of Georgia's northern soils are vary old and thus arises our cliché "Red Georgia Clay". The color is caused by the high iron content. Soils around coastal areas tend to be vary sandy. So, you see, we have a great variety of soils, the make-up of which is largely determined by what part of the state you are standing on. You would also be vary likely to find almost all of the same soils in North and South Carolina, as well as Alabama and VirginiaQuestion:Jim Haege, GMS Member
Can you refer me to anybody that knows a bit about the material from Graves Mtn, in particular the hematite. I was there a few months ago with Jose S., and we picked up some hematite that shows iridescence. My question is.... what exactly CAUSES the iridescence? Is there anybody you know that you could pass me on to? Really curious about this....thanksAnswer:
The property of iridescence in most opaque minerals is most commonly caused by the bending of light waves at the microscopic level. The hematite forms millions of tiny platelets which are actually very small crystals on the surface of the mineral. The light is refracted (bent) and creates different colors depending on the organization of the crystals and the way they are stacked or layered. While a study of light and light waves would also suggest this, I have been told by experts that this is absolutely incorrect. I have only two proofs to my theory: 1. When you wet a specimen, the color darkens or disappears alltogether.(The water fills the voids between the platelets thus producing a new surface) 2. When you attempt to wipe off the colored portion from the surface, the color appears to be reddish brown (the streak color ofQuestion:
hematite) instead of green or blue, ect. Of course, I've been wrong before. I could confirm all this with an electron scanning microscope, but I don't happen to have one in my back pocket. Jim Haege, GMS Member
Hello, I have just visited your pages for the first time --they are great -- I am a amateur rock hound and do my collecting mostly around Ga. I have on my property here in Ga some crystals that i was wondering if I could get some info. on. They look to have quite a bit of calcite inclusions and some are very pink like a milky rose quartz. I am not exactly sure what the inclusions are. I would really love to know more about them and wondered if your group would interested in some specimens. I live in Griffin Ga. and would love to hear any info. you may have on this. Thank you so much! SusanAnswer:
Hello, Susan. Always pleased to meet another rockhound! I am sorry I can't be of much help in identifying your crystals. Have you checked their hardness? If they are harder than a piece of steel they are probablyQuestion:
quartz. There is rose quartz in your area. Calcite doesn't last very long out in the weather, so if you found these crystals on or near the surface in the dirt, there should be small voids or holes on the surface of the
crystals where the calcite has weathered away. The best way to get something identified is to take it to a geologist or rockhound. If there is a college in town with an earth sciences class, someone there can probably help you. You might also call the local rock quarries. I work at a rock quarry and we have two geologist on staff. The closest rock club to you should be the Cotton Indian Gem and Mineral Society. Their next meeting will be March 4th at 7:30pm at the Bethel Methodist Church on Fairview Road near Stockbridge. For more information on their club you can contact Lowell Bailey at 706-646-3065. If you still can't get any help, I will be happy to try and identify it for you, but you will have to send it to me. Oh, and we are always interested in new specimens.Good Luck!
Jim Haege
GMS Member
Cobb County Gem and Mineral Society Field Trip Chairman
I am a new member with little field experience. I joined the society in hopes to learn just what type of equipment is useful for the field. Am I still welcome to come despite the fact that all I have is a rock hammer? Do you have any advice as to what I should try to pick up beforehand, or can I wait to see what others have?Answer:
Thanks
My dad found a strange rock near where he works. It looks like green crystals on and imbedded in what appears to be granite. Some of the green crystals appear to be melted and pitted (???). Also some of the granite looks burned and very porous because of the heat. I filed down some of the reddish brown areas and saw blobs of shiny metal exposed. Could it be a meteorite? Also, the crystals can't be scratched by a metal file and when cracked they break like volcanic glass. If anyone there could give some feedback on what this might be, please reply this message.Answer:Here is a scanned photo of this rock:
http://www.mindspring.com/~tallcool1/dadsrock.jpgThanks
When trying to identify a rock, the location where it was found is very important. This rock is more than likely furnace slag. Slag was frequently used as roadbed material for dirt roads and railroads. In this case, the location is important because if it is indeed furnace slag and from the Atlanta area, it could very well be what is known as Confederate. Produced in blast furnaces during the civil war, it is not a true rock or mineral but does have significant historical value. Glass from iron smelting is also frequently florescent in short-wave ultraviolet light due to the use of the mineral fluorite as flux in the smelting process. If your sample was found near an old roadbed or railway or in a creek downstream from one, you may want to check the history of the area to see if there was a furnace nearby at one time and when it was in operation. Your picture was very good. Nice scanner. Your sample is to green to be a meteorite. Almost all meteorites with green color have it in only small spherical spots that are blobs of the mineral olivine called chondrules.Question:
Hope this helps!
Jim Haege, GMS club member.
Do you know what the Blue Rocks are at the place call Blue Rocks located on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. They are light Blue.Answer:
Any info would help.
Haven't got a clue! You need to contact a Gem and Mineral Society in that area of the state. GMSQuestion:
I'm new to the internet and I'm looking for information. I belong to the Kern County Mineral Society in Bakersfield, California. Our junior division is looking for a list of all of the different states' official rock, mineral, gemstone, and fossil. California's are: rock - serpentine, mineral - gold, gemstone - Benitoite, and fossil - Sabre-tooth cat. If you know of a list or can supply Georgia's designations, please E-mail me.Answer:
Georgia's designations are the following:
rock = NO State Rock! They could not decide between granite and marble. Therefore, it was decided not to have one.mineral = In 1976, staurolite was named the official state mineral. Georgia has a wealth of minerals, among them staurolite crystals, popularly called "Fairy Crosses" or "Fairy Stones". Particularly abundant in north Georgia, the distinctively twinned, crossed crystals have been collected for generations as good luck charms
gemstone = In 1976, quartz was chosen the official state gem. It is common in Georgia in a wide variety of colors. The resolution making it the state gem cited two particular forms: the amethyst, which is mostly used in jewelry, and the clear quartz, which, when faceted, resembles the diamond.
fossil = In 1976, the shark tooth was designated the official state fossil. Probably one of the most sought after fossils by amateur collectors, the shark tooth is a relatively common fossil in the Georgia coastal plain. In fossil form, the shark tooth can be traced back 375,000,000 years. Fossilized shark teeth are found in a range of colors from the more common blacks and grays to whites, browns, blues and reddish browns.
GMS
I joined your society last Feb., but have not been put on yourAnswer:
Email Broadcast List. Would you please add me to your Email Broadcast List.
You have to include your e-mail address on your application for GMS membership. The membership Vice- Pres. will then include your "E" address when she updates me as to your new membership.Question:
We have just sent in our membership. What are the next field trips and where?Answer:
After you are a verified member by our vice-president in charge of Membership, we will put you on the Society's mailing list and our e-mail notification broadcast list. Each month, on or about the 10th, you will receive the field trip write-up on the following month's field trips. This will give you a three week head start in planing for next month's activities. The "non electronic" enabled membership will not receive their "Tips and Trips" newsletter until the first of the month.
Your GMS website is terrific. I'm a former president of the Boston Mineral Club, and someday I'd like to get our own website going. Do you
supply most of the content, or do your club members submit material? Are you specially trained in computers, or is this your frst website
endeavor?Paul Gilmore
Andover, MA
GREAT WEB SITE!!!!! Best club page on the net. When I get the Delaware Mineralogical Society's page up yours will get the first award.JAMES COLGAN
Delaware Mineralogical Society, Inc.
Very impressive WebPages. I enjoyed it immensely.
Darrin Moon
Webmaster, Tarheel Gem and Mineral Club
Just want to compliment you on the website you did for the Georgia Mineral
Society. I look at a lot of sites for business, and yours is most pleasurable.Thanks
Paul
Your site is awful. Get a better web designer or something. This is coming from a person who designs web pages for a living. Really, do you need little dogs running around?? The page is not even designed for different sized monitors and the frames are awful. Either your webmaster should take a refresher course in HTML, or get a good program to help them out.
I am very disappointed in this page, as it has the potential to be good. Fix all the dead links too!
Sincerely,
Robert m. Mason
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