MSA newsletter

President’s Message Chris Whitney-Smith

Inside this issue:

President’s Message 1

Officers/committees 2

Arizona Mineral Collector 4

MSA Meeting Info 4

Mineral of the Month 5

October Program 7

Getting to know ...Bob 8

Getting to know … Joanne 12

Membership Info 12

Website Mineral 13

Terra Mineralia 15

Schloss Freudenstein Cast. 16

In the Field 17

October Field Trip #1 19

October Field Trip #2 20

Coalition Field Trip 20

Raffle Items 21

Silent Auction Items 22

September Meeting pics 23

Upcoming Shows/Events 30

Quartzite Show Info 30

Getting to know ...Mardy 31

Earth Science Day 33

ASU-Earth Space Exp. Day 35

The Rockhound Record MINERALOGICAL SOCIETY OF ARIZONA W W W . M I N E R A L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y A R I Z O N A . O R G

Volume 73, No. 9 October 2014 Alice LaBonte, Editor

Explore <> Share <>

Collaborate

Please help us Explore new

field trip adventures …

Share your ideas & sugges-

tions to improve our club

and Collaborate with each

other at meetings & shows.

September program presented by Doug Duffy on

the “Lapidary Arts” was a packed house. Doug

gave a fun and step-by-step educational tour of

how to create cabs, slabs, spheres and more. He

delighted us further by filling two tables with his

beautiful rough and finished lapidary material. In

Doug’s heyday, he shared that he could craft a cab

from rough to jewelry setting ready in 2.5 minutes!

Well done and Thank you Doug!

Every October, MSA will strive to offer a program

related to and in honor of our founder Arthur L.

Flagg who founded Mineralogical Society of

Arizona in 1935. Arthur was president for the first

15 years and newsletter editor for the first 17

years. His fire and enthusiasm for our hobby made

MSA the great organization that it is today. Please

check out MSA website to read current and the

first 20 years of the Rockhound Record. Arthur’s

biography and several photos of MSA’s Mineral

Collection are also available on our website.

For our October pro-

gram, the great Bob

Jones will present a

tailored version of the

program he debuted at

Open House for Best of

Best Mineral Collec-

tions in Arizona at Uni-

versity of Arizona Min-

eral Museum in Febru-

ary 2014. Bob’s pro-

gram talks about the

origins of minerals in

the Southwest and how A. L. Flagg and MSA

played early roles in Arizona Mineral History.

After Bob’s program, stick around for Silent

Auctions, Mineral Raffles for Adult, Junior &

Visitors, Buy/Sell/Trade Event, Fellowship &

Refreshments. Please bring any minerals, lapi-

dary, rocks or jewelry you would like to sell or

trade to next meeting. Based on success of the

previous meeting, the varieties of minerals to Buy,

Sell or Trade has improved significantly.

Arizona State Fair “Dreams Delivered”;

October 10th-November 2nd 2014 located at

Arizona State Fairgrounds; 1826 W. McDowell

Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Betty Deming has presented a mineral exhibit at

Arizona State Fair on behalf of MSA for years

and we need to turn out and support our hobby

for it to remain relevant & exciting to new gen-

erations. I encourage everyone to visit these fun

exhibits. As a teenage Rockhound growing up

in rural Eastern Arizona, it was a thrill exhibit-

ing my mineral collection at Greenlee County

and Arizona State Fairs and I hope you will too.

Delivery of exhibits is on October 6th. Thank

you Betty for all you continue to do for our

hobby at AZ State Fair! For detailed infor-

mation, please visit https://azstatefair.com/.

https://azstatefair.com/

The Rockhound Record Volume 73, No. 9

Page 2

2014 Officers and Committees

President: Chris Whitney-Smith

[email protected] (602) 405-1502

Vice President: Mike Williams


Secretary: Dawn Boushelle


Treasurer: Lynne Dyer


Newsletter Editor: Alice (Margie) LaBonte


Mineral Curator: Chris Whitney-Smith


Print Newsletter Distribution: David Lay

[email protected]

Hospitality/Door Prizes: Bob Holm

(623) 247-1325

Club Field Trip Coordinator:

Joey Philpott Jr. [email protected]

(602) 828-9298

Field Trip Leaders:

Julie Massey [email protected]

(602) 882-0411

Dawn & Don Boushelle [email protected]

(602) 403-3031

Coalition Field Trips: Betty Deming


Membership: Dawn Boushelle


Refreshments: Maria Nichols

(480) 636-1251

Statutory Agent: Terry Dyer


Webmaster: Patti Polk

[email protected]

Board of Governors:

Julie Massey (2014) - Charles Krog (2014)

Terry Dyer (2015) - Don Boushelle (2015)

Bob Holm (2016) - David Lay (2016)

Dr. Ray Grant (Past President)

President’s Message - continued

EDITOR’S CORNER

Got an editorial idea or want to see an article about your favorite mineral?

Then let us know. We are always open to new content ideas from our members. Just

remember, we usually run a tight deadline, so the sooner we hear from you , the better.

Once again, thank you for your support. ~ Alice (Margie) LaBonte

2nd Annual Earth Science Day Gem &

Mineral Show at Mesa Community Col-

lege: Saturday, October 18th (10AM-4PM): MSA is invited to participate and

MSA members are needed to help with the

club booth. Stop by and help us and if you

have material with labels we can use on the

spinning wheel, please bring it to the meet-

ing. Earth Science Day will be a fun and

educational day (see the activities in this

newsletter). We will set up the spinning

wheel and will need some volunteers to

help man it for the day. This is a good

way for us to connect with the public and

find new members. Earth Science Day

event replaces the Family Day event,

which was held at the Arizona Mining and

Mineral Museum every October. Please

contact Chris Whitney-Smith to volun-

teer. SAVE THE DATE: December meeting is

our Holiday Jamboree, Thursday, Decem-

ber 11th at 7:00PM in Father Owen Room

at Franciscan Renewal Center. We will

have election of 2015 officers, a great

meal, fellowship, and fun prizes so you

don’t want to miss it! Also, MSA Junior

Thumbnail Competition, so juniors, get to

work for opportunity to win some great

prizes and awards! Arthur Flagg & MSA

originated Thumbnail collecting as a

hobby for the children of MSA and it is

only fitting MSA Juniors are continuing

the proud TN competition legacy. 43th Annual Flagg Gem and Mineral

Show; January 9th-11th 2015 “Arizona

Gold” at Mesa Community College—NE

corner of US 60 & Dobson Road, Mesa,

AZ. FMF will also have a Junior Thumb-

nail Competition with Flagg Show Bucks

redeemable for minerals at FMF booth for

juniors who exhibit, so juniors keep

collecting. Remember it’s Free!

Free parking

Free admission

Free stuff for the kids

Hope to see you there!

61st Annual Tucson Gem & Mineral

Show; February 12th-15th 2015

”Minerals of Western Europe”

is opportunity for juniors to exhibit at

the biggest Gem & Mineral Show on

Earth! Juniors should have received

good evaluations and feedback from

MSA & Flagg Show TN competitions

and be ready to compete at TGMS.

MSA junior members have scored first

place at TGMS show last two years in

their respective categories. Chloe Main

won 1st place for her miniatures and

Harris Kominiski won Best of Show

2014 for his TN collection. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for

November 13th meeting! Dick Zimmerman will present a great

program on Septarian Nodules and

Geodes. Visiting Mineralogists & Rockhounds,

please get in touch with us!


Page 3

President’s Message - continued

A.L. FLAGG

THUMBNAIL MINERAL COMPETITION

FOR JUNIOR MEMBERS

ATTENTION JUNIOR Members,

A.L. Flagg Thumbnail (TN) Mineral Competi-

tion will be at our December meeting. See the

rules below. Great prizes for every Junior

member who enters, so start looking for those

TN’s!

Rules

Each junior member can enter 10

thumbnail specimens.

They must be in thumbnail perky boxes.

They must be labeled as to what they are

and where they are from.

Juniors can collect specimens, trade for

them, buy them, use specimens handed

out at the meetings.

They will be judged on presentation

(label completeness and neatness) and

what the specimens are.

The competition will be held at the

December 11, 2014 meeting of

MSA and prizes will be awarded.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

September 2014 Meeting!!!

Heidi Bitter of Tempe

Andrew McDonald of Scottsdale

Steve Pegler of Scottsdale

Nathan Scholten (father) of Scottsdale

Harrison Scholten (son) of Scottsdale

Angelica (Angie) Trevino of Chandler

QUALITY MINERAL DONATIONS

WITH LABELS NEEDED

See Mike Williams or Chris Whitney-Smith.

Mineralogical Society of Arizona is a non-profit organization and will gratefully

acknowledge your significant In-Kind Dona-

tion with a TAX Deduction Letter. All indi-

viduals making In-Kind donations to our non-profit organization may claim a tax deduction

based on the fair resale value of the items

donated. It is the contributor’s responsibility

to determine this value.

Your contribution to Mineralogical Society

of Arizona is fully deductible for tax purposes

to the extent allowed by the current tax laws.

If you have any further questions, please con-

sult your tax advisor.

Thank you again for supporting Mineralogi-

cal Society of Arizona!

NAME BADGES READY FOR PICKUP:

THANK YOU

September Meeting Donors:

Dana Slaughter

Phil Richardson

Dr. Carleton Moore

Joey Philpott Jr.

Arizona Mineral Collector – Number 171 By Dr. Raymond Grant


Page 4

Two years ago I wrote about corundum in

this column. Here is a little update on the

two corundum localities in Mohave County.

One is the Ruby No. 1 claim near Kingman,

where there are corundum crystals in mica

schist. The color of the crystals is darker

gray, no rubies there. Since I wrote the col-

umn, Frank Burns has polished a few of

these crystals for me. They all show some

chatoyancy and one shows a weak star. I

have not been able to get a good photograph

but I included a couple of photographs to

give you the idea.

The other locality is the “blue, red, and

white material in a pegmatite dike with an-

dalusite” from the Grand Wash cliffs, Red

Lake district, Mohave County. F.W. Gal-

braith, 1947, first listed it in the second edi-

tion of Minerals of Arizona. I found some

more information about its location at the

MRDS site of the United States Geological

Survey (mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/). The loca-

tion is given as 113.76413W and

36.34694N or section 34 north, range 14

west, section 14 in the Grand Gulch Bench

quadrangle topographic map. This is on the

Arizona strip about 35 miles or so south of

Interstate 15 not far from the Nevada bor-

der. This area is really remote and I have an

idea that I might never get there, even

though I would love to collect some red,

white, and blue corundum.

Another place to look if you are in that

same area is the Hummingbird claims that

are on the north side of Virgin Peak and

almost on the Nevada state line about 12

miles south of I 15. These may be same as

the Bachman Mica claims (T38N, R16W,

sec. 31) that are in a file at the Arizona Ge-

ological Survey. There are beryl crystals

reported up to 15 inches and this is the only

chrysoberyl occurrence in Arizona. Yellow

to greenish-yellow tabular striated crystals

of chrysoberyl have been found there.

If you know of any other localities where

corundum may be found, let me know.

Corundum crystals from Ruby No. 1 claim, Mohave County, polished by Frank Burns.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Ray Grant

MSA Meeting Location, Dates, and Times

REMAINING 2014 MEETING DATES

& TIMES:

October 9: Father Owen room -7:30

pm.

November 13: Padre Serra room -7:30 p.m.

December 11: Father Owen room -7:00 p.m.

Franciscan Renewal Center:

5802 E. Lincoln Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Arrive 7:00 PM – Meeting at 7:30 PM

“Padre Serra” Room in Piper Hall

“Father Owen” Room in Halle Building


Page 5

Mineral of the Month – Mimetite By Dr. Ray Grant

Mineral of the Month for October is Mimetite.

It is lead arsenate chloride. It is in the apatite

group of minerals and very similar to Pyro-

morphite and Vanadinite. These three lead

minerals are all hexagonal and occur as pris-

matic to acicular crystals or botryoidal masses.

That makes it difficult at times to identify

which mineral you have. Color is the tool that

most of us can use. Mimetite is usually yellow

or yellow-orange, Vanadinite is usually red

and Pyromorphite is green or brown. This

means of identification will work most of the

time; just remember there are exceptions.

There are many Mimetite localities in Arizo-

na. Almost every Wulfenite occurrence in

the state also has Mimetite present. The best

Mimetite is from the Rowley mine. Other

localities with good specimens of Mimetite

include the 79 mine and the Mammoth

St. Anthony mine. When I first went to the

Rawhide mine in Mohave County there was

Mimetite everywhere and you could collect

flats, the last time I was there, I could hardly

find any Mimetite.

Members are invited to bring one sample from their

collection of the mineral of the month and give a

brief story about where they collected it or some-

thing about the specimen.

Mimetite, 8.9 cm, Congreso-Leon mine, San Pedro Coralitos, Chihuahua

Mexico. The Arkenstone collection; Jeff Scovil photo.

Mimetite, 3.3 cm, Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Oshikotot Reg.,

Namibia, Africa. Jim Gibbs collection; Jeff Scovil photo.

Mimetite, 4.5cm, Pingtouling, Liannan

Guangdong, China. FMI collection;

Jeff Scovil photo.

Mimetite, 4.3 cm, Tsumeb mine,

Tsumeb, Namibia, Africa. Scott Rudolph

collection; Jeff Scovil photo.

***Unknown minerals

for identification can

still be brought to

the meetings.***

Mineral of the Month – Mimetite - continued


Page 6

Mimetite & Wulfenite, 9 cm, Ojuela mine,

Mapimi, Durango, Mexico.

Chris Whitney-Smith collection & photo.

Mimetite & Wulfenite, 5.2 cm, Red Cloud mine,

La Paz County, Arizona. Chris Whitney-Smith

collection & photo.

Mimetite, Arizona-Indiana mine, Marana, Pima

County, Arizona. Les & Paula Presmyk collec-

tion; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

Mimetite & Wulfenite, 3.4 cm, Rowley mine,

Maricopa County, Arizona. Chris Whitney-Smith

collection & photo.

Mimetite,

Rawhide mine, Mohave County,

Arizona. Dr. Ray Grant collection

and photo.


Page 7

October Program – “Origins of Mineral in the Southwest” Presented by Robert “Bob” Jones

For our October program, the great Bob

Jones will present a tailored program for

MSA that he debuted at Open House for

Best of Best Mineral Collections in

Arizona at University of Arizona Mineral

Museum in February 2014.

Bob’s program talks about the origins of

minerals in the Southwest and how

A. L. Flagg and MSA played early roles in

Arizona Mineral History.

In the 1950s and 1960s MSA’s Phoenix

Gem & Mineral Show at the Arizona

State Fairgrounds was the biggest show

in Arizona. A dealer at our show told the

Tucson club about the show so they

decided to enlarge theirs which started in

1955.

In 1961 TGMS invited Paul Desautels to

bring a Smithsonian exhibit and that trig-

gered their growth and in 1972 they in-

vited Dr. Peter Embrey to come from Eng-

land, all expenses paid. In 1958, MSA’s

Phoenix Gem & Mineral Show featured the

“Crown of the Andes” which brought in

about 50,000 visitors, a number still not

exceeded by the TGMS Main Show.

Bob is an MSA Milestone Life Member,

MSA President 1964, oldest living found-

ing member of MSA familial organiza-

tion Flagg Mineral Foundation. He is a

renowned collector, lecturer, author, Senior

Consulting Editor of "Rock and Gem,"

1992 inductee into National Rockhound and

Lapidary Hall of Fame, recipient of 1998

Carnegie Mineralogical Award, honoree of

mineral species name Bobjonesite.

The Crown

of the Andes

453 Emeralds

1500+ Carats

77 Ounces

13.5” High

6.25” Diameter

Photos courtesy

of Bob Jones

Bob Jones showing beautiful Azurite &

Malachite from copper mining town,

Clifton, Greenlee County, Arizona.

Bob Jones with A. L. Flagg on

Planetarium Dome UA Best of the

Best Open House February 2014. Photos courtesy of Chris Whitney-Smith


Page 8

MSA past president and current Milestone

Life Member Bob Jones was born and raised

in Connecticut. When he was about 9 years

old he took a school field trip Yale Peabody

Museum located in New Haven, Connecticut.

While visiting the museum he saw his first

fluorescent mineral display. He was so

intrigued with the minerals that his love for

mineralogy was born.

As a young adult, Bob worked a variety of

jobs – auto mechanic, mailman, steel rigger,

fireman and snowplow driver. During 1944 –

1946, Bob served in the Air Force with the

509th Composite (Atomic Bomb) Group.

Once he received his degree in education, he

moved to Arizona and began to teach in

elementary education.

In 1959, Bob moved to Arizona after he grad-

uated with a MS in Science from New Haven

Teacher’s College (now known as Southern

Connecticut State University). He taught 2nd,

4th and 8th grade. As an 8th grade teacher,

Bob taught Geology, Earth Science, Biology,

Health, Chemistry and was study hall supervi-

sor.

In 1968 Bob became a member of the MSA.

He’s also a member of:

The San Diego Gem and Mineral Society

(Life Member)

New Haven Mineral Society (Life mem-

ber)

Quartzite Gem and Mineral Club

Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

(TGMS) - (Life Member)

Getting to know MSA Milestone Life Member - Bob Jones by Alice LaBonte

Bob also served as board member for a vari-

ety of organizations:

Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum

Foundation (Life Member)

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts

(retired)

Mineralogical Record magazine

(retired)

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

(retired)

Kartchner Caverns State Park (retired)

TGMS Show Committee (40 years)

In the 1950’s and 1960’s MSA held the

Phoenix Gem & Mineral Show at the

Arizona State Fairgrounds. At the time it was

the largest show in Arizona. In 1958, MSA’s

Phoenix Gem & Mineral Show featured the

“Crown of the Andes” – an authentic royal

crown. Bob was integral in getting this

exhibit to Arizona, which ended up attracting

a record breaking 50,000 visitors. This num-

ber of show visitors has never been met or

broken, not even by the TGMS’s world

renowned show!

Bob has been awarded numerous honors

such as:

Carnegie Mineralogical Award (1998)

American Federation Scholarship Foun-

dation (2000)

Phi Delta Kappa – Outstanding Educa-

tor (1985)

Finalist – Silver Telly Award (1994)

Teacher of the Year (1978)

Bob also is currently involved with:

International Ambassador of Good

Will

American Federation of Mineral

Societies

Golden Bear – California Federation

Mineralogical Societies

Writing is also something Bob is heavily

involved with. He has written scripts

and/or videos for:

Smithsonian sponsored: “Gemstones

of America”

“Russian Gem Treasures” (also

hosted)

“Collecting Earth’s Natural Treas-

ures” (also hosted)

Helped produce: “Treasures of Tuc-

son”

“What’s hot in Tucson” (Co-host)

His published written work is extensive

and impressive:

1960 – 1972 Rocks and Minerals

magazine (writer)

1972 Rock and Gem magazine

(writer) – 1993 – present (consulting

editor)


Page 9

Fluorescent Minerals of Connecti-

cut (book - Master’s Thesis)

Nature’s Hidden Rainbows –

(Franklin/Sterling Hill) 1964

Fifty Year History of the Tucson

Gem and Mineral Show

The Frugal Mineral Collector (two

volumes)

Over 1800 articles in Rocks and

Minerals, Rock and Gem, and Lap-

idary Journal, Monde et Mineraux

and Rock and Gem (Chinese edi-

tion)

Articles in Mineralogical Record –

Mark Chance Bandy Collection

Friends of Mineralogy Report on

Educational Exhibits (The Grand

Reef Mine, The Mitch Gunnell Crys-

tal Collection, Ray Mine (written

with Wendell Wilson) and Mexican

Red Grossulars (written with Virg Leuth)

Researched and wrote on the collection

of Philip Rashleigh, Cornwall

Bob’s professional and volunteer commit-

ments have allowed him to travel all around

the world. He visited various European coun-

tries during the several trips he took there

either with his colleagues (R. Bideaux and

Marty Zinn) or with family:

Russia twice to collaborate with the

University of Moscow on the video

“Russian Gem Treasures”

South Africa with R. Bideaux

Columbian Emerald mines (with Jose

Vesga and Don Bachner)

Australia – Chrysoprase mine

Western Australia (with his wife Carol)

China – Guest of Government, speaker at

Getting to know MSA Milestone Life Member - Bob Jones - continued

Bobjonesite, North Mesa #5 mine, Utah

Photo courtesy of Bob Jones

the First International Gem, Miner-

al, Fossil Symposium (2004) – guest

visit to The Mineral Exhibition

(World of Minerals) – Geology

Museum – Beijing (2010)

Some of Bob’s favorite collecting sites

are:

Connecticut for pegmatite's

Apache mine

Rowley mine

Although Bob never became a formal

mineral dealer, he did however enjoy

collecting. He first started collecting

fluorescent minerals and then started

collecting copper and lead species. He

has since sold off most of his collection

and gave his remaining world-wide col-

lection to his son Evan.

Bob does belong to a unique group of

people who have had a mineral named

after them. “Bobjonesite” was discov-

ered on the North Mesa #5 mine in

Utah. It was discovered in some petri-

fied wood.

Currently Bob keeps very busy as he still

writes some monthly columns for Rock

and Gem magazine and acts as Senior

Consulting Editor. He has recently writ-

ten some book chapters, collaborated on

various books and contributed to various

state publications. He also stays involved

with his other interests – his love of old

cars and his family.


Page 10


All photos by Alice LaBonte


Page 11


Bob Jones book

collection. Photos

by Alice LaBonte

The Rockhound Record Volume 73 No. 9

Page 12

Getting to know MSA Milestone Life Member - Joanne Hesterman by Alice LaBonte

MSA Milestone Life Member and member

of The Maricopa Lapidary Society Joanne

Hesterman has always loved rocks. Growing

up in Oregon didn’t prevent Joanne from rock

hunting. She regularly collected agates from

the beach – even as young as 3 years old.

When she grew up, she became a science

teacher where she taught in both Oregon and

Arizona.

When Joanne moved to Arizona, she taught at

Central High School, North High School and

Estrella Mountain Community College. She

instructed in a variety of sciences such as

Biology, Earth Science, and Geology.

When the now defunct Arizona Mining and

Mineral Museum (AMMM) was open,

Joanne taught wire wrapping classes, worked

at the gift shop and even volunteered as an

outreach instructor. She traveled around

the state of Arizona, teaching students

about rocks and minerals. She was heavily

involved with AMMM for over fourteen

years – until the museum was forced to

close.

Joanne has had several rock and mineral

collections displayed at the Arizona State

Fair. Why she even won “Top in Educa-

tion” for one of her collections. One of her

state fair collections was called “The

Quartz Family Tree”, which she created

every inch of her display.

Joanne has had the privilege of visiting

various mines and collecting sites through-

out Arizona, especially many people’s

favorite – Rowley Mine. She loves to

collect all types of rocks and minerals,

agates, fossils and lapidary specimens.

Joanne never misses an opportunity to

visit rock and gem shows when she trav-

els. Why, when she travels back to Ore-

gon this October, you can be sure she’ll

be making a stop at the 34th Annual

Portland Regional Gem and Mineral

Show.

When not traveling, Joanne is a regular

volunteer at the Arizona Science Center.

What does she do at the Arizona Science

Center? She has a rock and mineral table

to teach kids about the properties of

rocks and minerals. She’s been volun-

teering there for a few years (since

AMMM closed) and will continue to

share her love of rocks and minerals

with her students.

Joanne Hesterman at MSA

November 14, 2013 meeting;

Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

The closed Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum.

Photo by http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2014/01/lawmaker-seeks-to-reopen-arizona-mining-and-mineral-museum/

Membership Dues and Information

If you have not already mailed your dues

to the treasurer, please bring it to the next

meeting. You may also mail it to Lynne

Dyer at the following address:

Lynne Dyer,

Treasurer

P.O. BOX 30031

Mesa, AZ 85275-0031

DUES/RATES:

Families & Couples - $20.00

Single Adults - $12.00

Junior (Under 18), Honorary and MSA

Milestone Life members are Free.

MSA Legacy Life members are Free

after the initial payment.

*ID Name Badges Are Available*

For information about purchasing a Life

Membership based on your age, please

visit our website:

www.MineralogicalSocietyArizona.org

and click on “MSA Club” tab.


Page 13

Mineralogical Society of Arizona Website Home Page Mineral Photo by Chris Whitney-Smith

The Mimetite pictured on Mineralogical Society of

Arizona’s website home page is a classic example

of Gem Mimetite from the famed "Gem Pocket" at

Tsumeb. Found in just one small pocket in 1971, these

rare Mimetite are highly sought after and are considered

the finest examples of the species in the world.

Mineral Photographer: Jeff Scovil

Jeff is a world famous mineral photographer, author,

and lecturer. He is Associate photographer for both

Rocks & Minerals and The Mineralogical Record and

recipient of the 2007 Carnegie Mineralogical Award.

Jeff is an MSA Milestone Life Member and MSA

President 1985 and 1991. Jeff’s contribution of this

gem Mimetite photo for MSA’s website was the inspi-

ration for webmaster Patti Polk’s overall website color

and design.

This Mimetite is part of Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher’s

collection currently located in Switzerland. The vast

majority of Dr. Pohl’s collection is on exhibit at Terra

Mineralia on the campus of Technische Universität

Bergakademie Freiberg, Saxony (translated from Ger-

man as Freiberg University of Mining and Technology).

This is a small German University of approximately

6000 students. Freiberg University was established in

1765 by Prince Franz Xaver, regent of Saxony, based

on plans by Friedrich Wilhelm von Oppel and Frie-

drich Anton von Heynitz, and is the oldest university

of mining and metallurgy in the world. The chemical

elements Indium (1863) and Germanium (1886) were

discovered by scientists of Freiberg University.

Freiberg University of Mining and Technology is a

Technical university with 6 faculties (Mathematics and

Informatics / Chemistry, Biology and Physics / Geosci-

ence, Geoengineering and Mining / Mechanical Engi-

neering / Material Sciences / Business Administration

and Economics. All classes (Bachelor, Master, PhD)

are without tuition fees; students pay only a registration

fee of about 70 € per semester.

Mineral Collector: Dr. Erika Pohl-Stöher

Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher is a Saxon-born Swiss Lady who

collected minerals for more than sixty years. Dr. Pohl

is a biologist and cosmetics heiress and one of the

world's best known contemporary mineral collectors

and in all probability, is the world's most famous female

collector.

Dr. Pohl made a permanent loan in 2004 of her collec-

tion of 80,000 world class specimens to Freiberg Uni-

versity of Mining and Technology. Dr. Pohl’s collec-

tion is regarded as one of the most valuable and signify

Dr Erika Pohl-Stroher signs the deed of charity 2004.

Photo courtesy of Terra Mineralia.

cant private collections in the world. Her collection is open to the pub-

lic at Terra Mineralia in the historic Schloss Freudenstein Castle in

Freiberg, Saxony. As a mark of respect to Dr. Pohl, she was awarded

the honorary title of a Senator of the Freiberg University of Mining and

Technology. The addition of Dr. Pohl’s collection to Freiberg Univer-

sity, clinched Freiberg as the world's largest mineral collection totaling

over 340,000 specimens.

Thank you Jeff Scovil and Anna Dzietzki, Head of Terra Mineralia

Mineral Collection in Freiberg, Saxony for taking me on this fantas-

tic journey and helping MSA discover the rich pedigree of our incredi-

ble website Mimetite!

Mimetite, 1971 Gem Pocket, Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Namibia, Africa.

Dr. Erika Pohl-Stöher collection; Jeff Scovil photo.


Page 14

Mineralogical Society of Arizona Website Home Page Mineral Photo - continued

Photo of Campus of the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany

Photo Credit: Robert Porter c/o Wikipedia

Map for Freiberg University TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany

Source: Google Map for Freiberg University TU Bergakademie

Freiberg, Germany. Malachite, D.R. Congo, Africa.

Photo courtesy of Terra Mineralia.


Page 15

Terra Mineralia, Freiberg, Saxony - By Durant Imboden

In the early 2000’s, Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher--an 88-year-old cosmetics heiress who lived

in Switzerland--was looking for a way to

keep her vast collection of minerals intact for

future generations to enjoy. Harvard Univer-

sity wanted to buy the more than 3,500 min-

erals, gemstones, and meteorites that she had

assembled over six decades, and Dr. Pohl

was on the verge of accepting the offer.

Luckily for the town of Freiberg in Dr. Pohl's

native Saxony, George Unland--Saxony's

finance minister, and a former rector of the

Technische Universität Bergakademie

Freiberg--came up with an alternative pro-

posal: Dr. Pohl would make a permanent

loan of her collection to the TU-Bergakademie, which would ensure that the

minerals were "reasonably accommodated."

After a search, a new home was found for

the collection in Schloss Freudenstein, a

crumbling castle on the edge of Freiberg's

city center. The Schloss was renovated,

with the mineral exhibition being given

three floors and a new entrance in the cas-

tle courtyard. Terra Mineralia opened in

2004 as one the largest and most modern

museums of its kind in the world.

What you'll see:

Terra Mineralia is a collection of more

than 3,500 objects that range from geodes

to gems to meteorites. The exhibition is

designed as a "mineralogical journey

around the world," with visitors moving

from continent to continent as they explore

the collection.

The museum also has exhibits on the

cultural role of gems, minerals in every-

day life, and the science behind the color

and appearance of minerals and gem-

stones.

When to visit:

Terra Mineralia is open daily (except for

a handful of holidays). Hours are 9 a.m.

to 6 p.m. The museum recommends al-

lowing two to three hours for your visit,

although you can enjoy the high points in

an hour or less.

Guided tours are available.

For detailed visitor information, see the

museum's bilingual Web site at

www.terra-mineralia.de.

Display cases in Terra Mineralia, with Freundenstein Castle's columns and vaulted

ceiling as a backdrop.

The museum castle courtyard.

All photos source:

www.terra-mineralia.de.

http://tu-freiberg.de/vereine/stiftu/pdf/R38_Seite4.pdf

http://europeforvisitors.com/germany/saxony/freiberg.htm

http://europeforvisitors.com/germany/saxony/schloss-freudenstein.htm

http://www.terra-mineralia.de/


Page 16

Schloss Freudenstein Castle, Freiberg, Saxony By Durant Imboden Source: http://europeforvisitors.com/germany/saxony/schloss-freudenstein.htm

Schloss Freudenstein Castle, or Freudenstein

Castle, has been around in one form or another

since 1168, when a Otto the Rich built a fortress

to protect Freiberg's silver mines.

The current Renaissance palace was completed

in the late 1500s as a McMansion upgrade to

the earlier castle, which had been the residence

of a duke and the birthplace of two prince-electors of Saxony. Over time, Freudenstein

Castle became a kind of hotel for visiting digni-

taries and a venue for aristocrats' weddings,

christenings, and hunting parties.

In 1711, Tsar Peter I of Russia stayed at

the Schloss twice while learning about

mining in Freiberg, but from the late

18th Century until a 20th Century resto-

ration, the castle was used for such pur-

poses as an orphanage, a prison, a mili-

tary depot, an army hospital, a granary,

and a coffee-roasting facility.

Today, Schloss Freudenstein houses the

Freiberg Mining Archives and the

world-class Terra Mineralia museum.

You'll also find a Schlossrestaurant

with an outdoor café in the castle court-

yard.

For more information about Freuden-

stein Castle, visit Schloss-Freudenstein.net. In the meantime, here

are several photos to whet your appe-

tite:

Schloss Freudenstein Castle restaurant's outdoor tables.

A footbridge leads across the moat and into Schloss Freudenstein. Schloss Freudenstein Castle is at the northwestern corner of

Freiberg's town center.

Photo credit: http://europeforvisitors.com/germany/saxony/schloss-freudenstein.htm

http://europeforvisitors.com/germany/saxony/schloss-freudenstein.htm


Page 17

In the Field By Joey Philpott Jr., Field Trip Coordinator

Hello MSA members, this is your field trip

coordinator. I wanted to let you all know

that there are big field trip plans ahead for

balance of 2014. First off, is the calendar I

made of all the scheduled MSA trips so that

it will be easier for you to plan your trips.

Some months will have multiple trips sched-

uled. Other months will only have one,

mainly during holidays and show months.

We will also have a few overnight weekend

super trips planned. These will be trips that

are far from Phoenix. These trips will have

multiple localities to explore and more time

to spend at each location. There will also be

trips with an emphasis on our junior mem-

bers, to help them learn and build their col-

lection and collecting skills in an environ-

ment surrounded by knowledgeable mem-

bers. Trips this year will range from easy to

difficult, to cater to the capabilities of all the

members.

The Field Trip Leaders (Julie Massey, Dawn

& Don Boushelle) and I want to address

some of the opportunities we have to im-

prove from past field trips to make future

trips safer and more fun for everyone.

If you are going to be late to the

meeting point, please call the Field

Trip Leader. We will let you know

who is leading the trip in the news-

letter with their contact info.

When leaving the meeting place take

note of the lead/tail vehicle and the

vehicles directly in front and behind

you. Let’s look out for one another

and make sure we all get their safely.

We are going to try and have a set

“Break/Show & Tell” time on our

trips. This will help us get a feel for

how everyone is doing and will assist

newer Rockhounds in identifying the

minerals in the area.

There will be a Sign-In and Sign-Out

sheet on the lead vehicle. Everyone

will Sign-In at the meeting location

and Sign-Out when they leave to

help Field Trip Leader ensure every-

one gets home safely.

Please be safe and refrain from

rolling/throwing rocks near other

members. Keep an eye out above and

below you.

TRIP REPORT - San Carlos Peridot,

Saturday, September 13, 2014

We had 11 adults and 2 juniors attend this

trip. The weather was perfect and the

Peridot was everywhere … what more

could you ask for? Members found Peri-

dot, Epidote and some minerals yet to be

identified. We all met up at Basha’s and

were lead on a short drive to the Peridot

claim by claim owner Steven Joey. Eve-

ryone enjoyed the scenery and was eager

to swing the first rock hammer. After

Steven gave a brief group meeting dis-

cussing the collecting rules, we were off.

The first major find was by one of the

juniors who discovered a large Peridot.

Some of the members used the smash

everything that looks promising method

(myself included), while others used the

patient sit and sift method. There were a

few more great finds throughout the day.

I saw a few nicely sized Peridot and some

great matrix pieces. As members com-

pleted their collecting, they stopped by

and chatted with Steven about his jewelry

and the life of a miner. Everyone left

with their bags full and smiles on their

faces.

Peridot from MSA Field Trip

Peridot Mesa 9-13-2014;

photo by Joey Philpott Jr.

Peridot Mesa (Olivine Outcrop),

9-13-2014; photo by Karen Nychay.

MSA Field Trip Members at Peridot Mesa


MSA Field Trip Members at Peridot Mesa

9-13-2014; photo by Joey Philpott Jr.


Page 18

In the Field - continued

Tom LaBonte at Peridot Mesa 9-13-2014;

photo by Karen Nychay.

MSA Field Trip Peridot Mesa 9-13-2014;

photo by Joey Philpott Jr.

MSA Field Trip Karen & Joe Nychay at Peridot Mesa

9-13-2014; photo by Joey Philpott Jr.

MSA Field Trip Members at Peridot Mesa,



Page 19

October MSA Field Trip #1 Saturday, October 11th, 2014

Queen Mine Tour, Bisbee, Arizona.

(For members of MSA, FMF & ESM.)

FIELD TRIP LEADER: Joey Philpott Jr.

PHONE #: (602) 828-9298

RSVP Required due to 25% Deposit.

***MSA will advance 25% Deposit to

secure scheduled tour.

***MSA Members to reimburse Field Trip

Leader Joey Philpott for 25% Deposit be-

fore taking tour.***

TOUR RATES: (taxes are included).

Prices subject to change.

$13 Ages 13+

$5.50 Ages 4-12

Free Ages 3 & Under

MEETING DATE:

Saturday, October 11, 2014

MEETING TIME: 11:00AM

***Arrive No Later than 11:30 AM to get

outfitted for mine train ride.***

***Tour Starts at 12-Noon***

DIRECTIONS to MEETING PLACE:

(3.5 hours from Phoenix)

Bisbee Visitor Center

478 Dart Road

Bisbee, AZ 85603

Directions from Tucson - approximately

90 miles

Interstate 10 East to Exit 303, Highway 80

- Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee

Highway 80 east approximately 49 miles

to Bisbee

After the tunnel, take the 2nd exit - Histor-

ic Old Bisbee exit. Exit right.

The Queen Mine Tour driveway entrance

is 50 feet straight ahead. Parking is availa-

ble at the tour.

Show up in Bisbee early to check out a

cradle of Arizona mining history and then

head over to Queen Mine Tours around

(11:00AM & No Later than 11:30AM) to

check-in and get outfitted in hard hat,

miner’s headlamp and a yellow slicker and

descend into the Queen Mine at High

Noon to head underground and back in

time. Tour guides are retired Phelps

Dodge employees and will lead MSA

group 1,500 feet into the mine and recount

mining days, techniques, dangers and dra-

ma. ALL ABOARD!

Learn more about Queen Mine Tours at:

http://www.queenminetour.com/

NEAREST TOWNS: BISBEE,

TOMBSTONE, BENSON, TUCSON

All images and photos source: http://www.queenminetour.com/

http://www.queenminetour.com/


Page 20

October MSA Field Trip #2 Sunday, October 26, 2014

QUARTZ – Diamond Point, near Payson.

For members of MSA, FMF & ESM.

FIELD TRIP LEADER:

Dawn & Don Boushelle

PHONE #: (602) 403-3031

RSVP: Please RSVP to Field Trip Leader

MEETING DATE:

Saturday, October 26th, 2014

MEETING TIME:

ARRIVE: 9:00 AM

DEPART: 9:30 AM

DIRECTIONS to MEETING PLACE:

AUTO ZONE

109 E. Highway 260

Payson, AZ 85541

1st LOCATION:

MINERALS: Doubly terminated Quartz

crystals

DRIVING: moderate

SITE TERRAIN: easy/moderate

MINERAL EXTRACTION:

easy/difficult

2nd LOCATION:

MINERALS: Fossils and Agate

DRIVING: easy

SITE TERRAIN: easy

MINERAL EXTRACTION: easy

NEAREST TOWN: Payson, AZ

PRECAUTIONS FOR AREA:

Deep holes

TOOLS TO BRING:

Rakes, Hammer, Chisel

Diamond Point Sign near Payson.

Chris Whitney-Smith photo. Quartz, Diamond Point, near Payson.

Bill Yedowitz collection; Chris Whitney-Smith photo

Mogollon RIM near Diamond Point North of

Payson. Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

October Coalition Field Trip - Agate Saturday October 25, 2014

On Saturday October 25, 2014 rhe Payson

Rimstones Rock Club will be hosting a coali-

tion field trip for agates.

We will meet in the Bashas parking between

Bashas and Taco Bell at 9am.

We will leave there at 9:15 to our location. Pat has done a detail memo I will hand out at

Bashas

***High clearance is need as it is rough

after the Houston Mesa road for a short

distance.***

We will be driving into the Childress Stock

Tank area. There is lovely material all

around the tank area and it is easy walking.

Remember to bring lots of water,

snacks, hats, long sleeve shirts, gloves.

***Watch out for snakes at all times.*** Bring chairs for catching up with old

friends. WEAR you club name badges …

meet new friends Any questions call: Lynne Wheeler 928-978-4062

Photo courtesy of Lynne Wheeler


Page 21

October 9, 2014 Meeting Raffle Items

JR RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE: Cuprite , Morenci mine, Morenci, Greenlee County, Arizona.

Chris Whitney-Smith donation & photo. Ex. Joey Philpott Jr.

ADULT RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE

Wulfenite & Mimetite, Rowley mine, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Ed Davis donation; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.


Page 22

October 9, 2014 Meeting Silent Auction Items (Bring Cash/Checks and be prepared to BID)

Malachite, Paoli, OK.

Donated by Dr Carleton Moore;


Azurite, Malbunka Copper mine, Areyonga

Northern Territory, Australia. Dana Slaughter

Donation; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

Mimetite & Wulfenite, Rowley mine, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Ed Davis Donations; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

Sphalerite, Chihuahua, Mexico.


Mineralogical Record complete set 1979, donated by

Dr. Ray Grant; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.


Page 23

September 11, 2014 MSA Meeting

Chris Whitney-Smith with Chloe Main

Junior Grand Prize Raffle Winner, MSA Meeting

9-11-14; Mike Williams photo. Chris Whitney-Smith with Ed Nichols , Raffle Winner,

MSA 9-11-14 meeting; photo by Mike Williams.

After Program Fellowship & Refreshments, MSA 9-11-14 meeting;

photo by Mike Williams. Certificate of Commendation to Marc Fleischer for

his photographic contributions to MSA in 2013;



Page 24

September 11, 2014 MSA Meeting- continue

Chris Whitney-Smith with Chloe Main,

Raffle Winner, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;

Mike Williams photo.

Chris Whitney-Smith with Dominick Diana,

Raffle Winner, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;


Chris Whitney-Smith with New Member & Silent

Auction Winner Heidi Bitter, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;

Mike Williams photo. Diane & Dr. Carleton Moore, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;



Page 25


Field Trip Coordinator Joey Philpott Jr reviewing 2-field trips

per month plan with members & Chris Whitney-Smith,

MSA Meeting 9-11-14; Mike Williams photo.

Chris Whitney-Smith presents Certificate of

Appreciation to September Program Presenter

Doug Duffy, 9-11-14; Mike Williams photo.

Hospitality & Raffle Chair Bob Holm

searching for Winners, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;


Chris Whitney-Smith with New Member and

Raffle Winner, Harrison Scholten,



Page 26


Lapidary & Turquoise Display for Show & Tell, 9-11-14 MSA Meeting;

Chris Whitney-Smith collection and photo. Lapidary Arts Program Material, Doug Duffy

Collection, MSA Meeting 9-11-14;


Lapidary Arts Program Material, Doug Duffy Collection,


Lapidary Arts Program Material - Doug Duffy Collection - MSA Meeting 9-11-14 - Mike Williams photo.


Page 27


Member Alan Korwin enjoying refreshments,


Packed House for Dough Duffy's Lapidary Arts Program,


Raffle Winner Diane Moore &

Chris Whitney-Smith, 9-11-14 MSA Meeting;


Packed House for Dough Duffy's Lapidary Arts Program,



Page 28


Refreshments Chair Maria Nichols with nice spread of

goodies, MSA Meeting 9-11-14; Mike Williams photo.

Sell & Trade Minerals, 9-11-14 MSA Meeting;


Sell & Trade Jewelry, 9-11-14 MSA Meeting;


Sell & Trade Minerals, 9-11-14 MSA Meeting;


Richard Holle Gieger Counter & Minerals,

9-11-14 MSA Meeting; Mike Williams photo.


Page 29


Sell & Trade Minerals, Chrysoprase, Tom LaBonte & Dr. Ray Grant,

9-11-14 MSA Meeting; Chris Whitney-Smith photo.

Shirley Cote & Dough Duffy,


Turquoise Mineral of Month for Show & Tell,

MSA 9-11-14 Meeting; Mike Williams photo.


Page 30

Upcoming Shows and Events

October 10, 11, 12, 2014

BUCKEYE, ARIZONA

West Valley Rock & Mineral Club - 1st Annual Helza Rock’n Gem & Min-

eral Show

Helzapoppin Rodeo Arena

802 N 1st St. (Miller Rd.)-Buckeye,

AZ 85326

Show Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all

three days

Contact: Larry - 623-208-3230

October 11-12, 2014

SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA

Huachuca Mineral & Gem Club 40th An-

nual Show

Cochise College; 901 N. Colombo Ave.

Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4

free admission

jewelry, minerals, beads, lapidary sup-

plies, raffle, fluorescent display, geode

sales and cutting

Contact: Maudie Bailey, (520) 378-6291 email: [email protected]

Website: huachucaminlandgemclub.info

November 8-9, 2014

LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA

Lake Havasu Gem & Mineral Society

Annual Show

Lake Havasu Community Center; 100

Park Ave.

Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4

adults $2, children (under 12) free

Contact: Sue Kirk, (928) 302-1531

email: [email protected]

Website: www.lakehavasugms.org

November 15-16, 2014

PAYSON, ARIZONA

Payson Rimstones Rock Club Annual

Show

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Event Center -Hwy. 87 at Mile Marker 251

Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4

adults $2, children (under 12) free

Contact: Margaret Jones (928) 970-0857 email: [email protected]

October 18-19, 2014

SEDONA, ARIZONA

Annual show and sale; Sedona Gem &

Mineral Club

Sedona Red Rock High School; 995

Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.

Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $3,

children (under 12) free; indoors and

outdoors, more than 40 dealers, display

room, Arizona and unusual rock and

mineral exhibits, Kids' Corner, raffle,

minerals, agates, gemstones, copper,

jewelry, lapidary tools and supplies.

Contact Bill Schwartz, (928) 821-3900

E-mail: [email protected] October 31 - November 2, 2014

BLACK CANYON CITY, ARIZONA

Rock-A-Rama 38th Annual Gem &

Mineral Show

High Desert Park, 19001 E Jacie

Lane, Black Canyon City, AZ - Exit

242 or 244, watch for signs

Fri & Sat 9-4, Sun 9-2

Free Parking and Admission

Website:

http://www.highdeserthelpers.org/eve

nt/rock-a-rama-3/

Desert Gardens Rock, Gem and Mineral Show- January 1, 2015 through February 10, 2015 - Quartzsite, AZ

DESERT GARDENS HOLDINGS,

LLC SHOW GROUNDS

1055 Kuehn Road - Post Office Box

2818 Quartzsite, AZ 85346

This is an invitation to visit the Desert

Gardens Rock, Gem and Mineral

Show. Begins January 1, 2015 and

runs through February 28th. Most

vendors remain until February 10th.

Since 2000 Desert Gardens has been

home for 100’s of vendors selling

1,000’s of rocks, gems and minerals to

daily visitors, wholesalers and among

each other. We are the Largest Show in

Quartzsite, Arizona, one of the Largest

in the United States and feature vendors

from around the world.

This season over 200 vendors representing

10 Countries will display their talents and

products. Visitors will witness many intri-

guing and inspiring specimens.

FREE admission, acres of parking, re-

strooms and showers. Full hook-up RV

spaces, 25' x 35', are available for

$25.00/night includes electricity, sewer and

water. Dry camp is $8.00/night.

Early Reservations? Great idea.

After a long day - Your Site is Your Night

Enjoy the stars, grill your favorite meal,

Light a fire and share the experiences of the

day.

Oh, and Have fun!!!!

Best to reserve a space for one or a group,

please mention this invitation letter.

Hoping to hear from you.

Dennis E. Kuehl - General Manager

[email protected]

February 13 - 15 Desert Bloom ATV Rally

- For information go to five2produc-

tions.com

http://www.lakehavasugms.org/

http://www.highdeserthelpers.org/event/rock-a-rama-3/

http://www.highdeserthelpers.org/event/rock-a-rama-3/

http://five2productions.com/

http://five2productions.com/


Page 31

Getting to know friend of MSA – Mardy Zimmermann Written by Alice LaBonte

Mardy Zimmermann, Vice President and

Outreach Coordinator for the Earth Sci-

ence Museum (ESM), has been a founding

member of ESM since 2011. ESM was

formed after the closure of the Arizona

Mining and Mineral Museum (AMMM) in

2011, through the efforts of the friends,

volunteers and employees of AMMM.

One of the educational programs that

AMMM had was an outreach program that

traveled outside the valley, teaching chil-

dren about rocks and minerals. When

AMMM closed, Mardy was passionate

about keeping this outreach program alive.

She immediately created an outreach pro-

gram for ESM - “there is no cookbook or

recipe for an outreach program that [can

replace] a museum”, so she wanted to bring

the museum to children.

ESM was formed as a 501c3 non-profit

organization and Mardy was adamant about

“moving to get the outreach program going

the next year (2012).”Although ESM out-

reach wasn’t designed to “replace”

AMMM’s outreach, but to provide earth

science outreach programs locally – in the

valley. Her philosophy was that “if kids

couldn’t come to us, we need to go to them

– for free.”

Mardy’s vision didn’t stop at just providing

pretty rocks and minerals for kids to look at,

she wanted to supply teachers with accurate

earth science tools and “to promote meeting

and exceeding state standards” in the earth

sciences.

In the first year of ESM’s outreach pro-

gram (2011/2012), Mardy (with the help

of ESM Chair of Science Advisory Com-

mittee, ESM founding member and MSA

Milestone Life Member Dr. Ray Grant)

developed the outreach kits, presentations

and the rock and mineral specimens. Mardy

wanted the rock and mineral specimens to be

of a particular size – small enough to fit into

the palm of a child’s hand. Mardy felt that

this would allow for easier learning. She

also “insisted on having identical specimens

as the presenter”, to give kids a good idea of

how to identify properties.

Mardy wanted to design egg carton supplies,

to help students create their own mini collec-

tions and other classroom supplies to help

teachers create “science centers” to be used

as educational resources. ESM’s egg carton

program was not a new program. It was an

extension of the egg carton activity that was

a fixture at the Flagg Gem and Mineral

Show, held every January at Mesa Commu-

nity College. Having an ESM egg carton

program – an opportunity for children to fill

an egg carton with minerals, to build their

very own mini mineral museum – will allow

ESM to reach schools, communities and

science fairs. This is consistent with

Mardy’s vision of ESM reaching children,

who may not otherwise get the opportunity

to learn about the earth sciences.

Correct properties, appropriate for all grade

levels and free for schools were all qualities

Mardy wanted to duplicate from AMMM’s

outreach program. Since Arizona school

funds have been drastically slashed, teachers

are limited in resources when it comes to

teaching about the earth sciences. Mardy

doesn’t want to discourage any learning

opportunity, which is why ESM’s classroom

outreach programs are free!

When ESM does present to a school, they

leave the teaching kits as a school resource.

Most are left in the school libraries, so that

“every child has a chance to learn about

earth sciences”, says Mardy.

ESM’s outreach programs have become so

popular, not only because of the learning

service they provide, but also because of the

accuracy of the information. Well estab-

lished organizations and educational sys-

tems have contacted Mardy to mentor them

in creating their own earth science pro-

grams. Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

(TGMS), rock and gem clubs and other

science centers have asked Mardy to proper-

ly train their instructors, provide mineral

kits and materials for their own programs.

She presented her ESM outreach programs

to Arizona teachers, community leaders and

newly formed earth science centers. All

these groups want to duplicate what Mardy

has been able to successfully create in a

short 3 years.

Why does Mardy feel that ESM outreach is

so important - because elementary school

teachers don’t have adequate materials or

books to teach about the earth sciences.

Arizona schools have continuously ranked

low on science testing. Many science pro-

grams are lectures and textbook reading.

ESM educational programs are hands-on

learning, where kids get excited.

Mardy helping a student “wrap” their egg

carton during a school science fair last

year. Photo by Alice LaBonte

A student during ESM’s egg carton program

last year. Photo by Alice LaBonte

ESM at the ASTA conference in October

2013. Photo by Alice LaBonte


Page 32

Mardy starts her programs by teaching the

fundamentals of the nature of rocks and min-

erals. She finds that the basic standards are

somewhat faulty. She teaches the scientific

process of rocks and minerals – elements,

then minerals, then rocks. She “attacks the

topic from the beginning, in a scientific

framework.”

ESM educational programs are so successful

that they are branching more into middle

schools. More middle schools are requesting

that ESM visit their schools and Mardy is

making sure her programs are developed to

accommodate middle school standards. She

wants the students to know rock and mineral

properties, the chemistry behind them and to

use larger specimens while building problem

solving skills. She also introduced fluores-

cent minerals into these programs.

ESM’s outreach goal is reach students across

Getting to know friend of MSA – Mardy Zimmermann - continued

the state. Their educational programs are

expanding into Pinal County and the Payson

area. ESM also educates home schooled

children, families and adults when they visit

community events, public libraries, muse-

ums, geology clubs, community centers and

organized groups (ie. scouts).

Last year ESM made the important decision

to reach out directly to Arizona science

teachers by attending the Arizona Science

Teachers Association (ASTA) conference

held in October. Last year’s ASTA confer-

ence allowed ESM to give teachers access to

their programs, vision and goal. Teachers

gained a firsthand view of the teaching kits

and materials. It was extremely important to

help increase the program’s visibility. ESM

will again be attending the ASTA conference

this month.

ESM has been the recipient of a Staple’s

grant two years in a row. The grant money

has helped ESM’s outreach program main-

tain some level of self-sufficiency. Mardy

uses the money to buy books, mineral spec-

imens and to help cover the cost of market-

ing materials.

ESM outreach educational programs

reached more students, organizations and

events during the last fiscal year, than the

previous fiscal year. They presented to over

4,428 students and 3,800 adults, families

and non-school groups. Their word-of-mouth concept has been helpful in getting

ESM outreach into the communities. Mar-

keting, attending more educational events

and keeping key connections active to sci-

ence and education links will help expand

ESM and hopefully help them create an

actual brick and mortar museum. Nothing

can replace AMMM, but as far as Mardy is

concerned, that’s not going to stop her

teaching kids about rocks and minerals.

A student participating in ESM’s egg carton program

during a local school science fair last year. Harvey Jong (ESM President) and Mardy Zimmer-

mann at an Arizona science teacher event

hosted at the Phoenix Zoo last October. .

ESM education outreach teaching kit.

Earthsciencemuseum.org

“There is no cookbook or recipe for an

outreach program that [can replace] a mu-

seum” - Mardy Zimmermann, ESM Vice

President of Education & Outreach Coordi-

nator

All photos by Alice LaBonte

http://earthsciencemuseum.org/


Page 33

Earth Science Day - Earth Science Museum Saturday, October 18, 2014

Photos courtesy of Alice (Margie) LaBonte

Earth Science Museum (ESM) is sponsor-

ing Earth Science Day on Saturday, Octo-

ber 18, 2014 at Mesa Community College,

Physical Science Building.

Earth Science Day is in conjunction with

Earth Science Week, an annual world-wide

celebration of the geosciences.

This year’s theme is “Earth’s Connected

Systems” and ESM has a full day of fun

activities for everyone.

Admission, parking, planetarium show, lec-

tures, demonstrations and activities are free!

Schedule of events are from 10 AM to 4

PM:

10:00 – Earth Science Day opens

10:15 – Planetarium Show – seating is lim-

ited and free tickets should be picked up at

the information table.

11:00 – Lecture – Lightning and Thunder-

storms in Arizona. This lecture provides a

brief overview of our current knowledge of

the lightning discharge and then presents the

long-term patterns of cloud-to-ground

lightning strikes across Arizona. Long-term

patterns of hourly lightning are presented

which show the movement of lightning

activity across the state from the highest

terrain around noon to the desert lowlands

at dusk.

11:30 – Activity – Geomodels: This cut-and-paste activity involves building models

to learn about the rock and water cycles,

crystal forms, and prehistoric creatures.

12:30 – Planetarium Show – seating is

limited and free tickets should be picked up

at the information table.

1:00 – Lecture – Geological Events in the

News. Volcanic eruptions in Iceland and

Papua New Guinea; lava flows threaten

homes in Hawaii; earthquakes rattle Cali-

fornia… Learn what’s behind these recent

news headlines and if are they connected.

1:30 – Activity – Demonstrations of the

different types of volcanoes and earth-

quakes

2:30 – Planetarium Show – seating is

limited and free tickets should be picked

up at the information table.

3:00 – Lecture/Demonstration – Creepy

Crawlers. Halloween is coming up, and

creepy crawlers, such as spiders, worms,

and snakes, are part of the scary celebra-

tions. See these creepy critters up close

and learn about their life cycles and role

in the biosphere.

From 10 to 4 – Various clubs from

around the Phoenix area will host popu-

lar activities, such as the egg carton col-

lections and spinning wheels. For one

dollar, kids can build a collection of 12

rock, mineral, or fossil samples in an egg

carton, while there will be a small charge

to spin to win assorted prizes. In addi-

tion, there will be a free dig for fossils

activity along with free mineral samples

for kids and teachers.

http://earthsciencemuseum.org/produc

ts/Earth_Science_Day_2013

http://earthsciencemuseum.org/products/Earth_Science_Day_2013

http://earthsciencemuseum.org/products/Earth_Science_Day_2013


Page 34

Earth Science Day - Earth Science Museum Saturday, October 18, 2014 - continued


Page 35

ASU’s Earth and Space Exploration Day Saturday, October 25, 2014

FROM:

ALICE LABONTE, EDITOR

MINERALOGICAL SOCIETY OF ARIZONA

P.O. BOX 30031

MESA, AZ 85275-0031

Mineralogical Society of Arizona

Founded 1935

A Non Profit 501(c)(3) Organization

Purpose: To promote popular interest and education in Earth Sci-

ence, and related fields (Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, and

Lapidary arts). To foster a fellowship among individuals interested

in Earth Science and enable our members to better identify materi-

als we collect, and how to display or further process these materials.

To teach all generations about rocks, minerals, fossils, and what can

be done with them, and be collaborative in community of groups

with similar interests to our Society.

Meetings: 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of

the month, September through June. Please

refer to MSA website www.MineralogicalSocietyArizona.org

for meeting location, dates and times.

Dues / Rates

Families & Couples - $20.00

Single Adults - $12.00

Junior (Under 18), Honorary and MSA Milestone Life members - Free

MSA Legacy Life members are Free after the initial payment.

For information about purchasing a Life Membership based on your age,

please visit our website: www.MineralogicalSocietyArizona.org and click

on “MSA Club” tab. Reprinting permission granted with proper credit given.

www.mineralogicalsocietyarizona.org

Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies

www.rmfms.org

American Federation of Mineralogical Societies

www.amfed.org

http://www.mineralogicalsocietyarizona.org/

http://www.mineralogicalsocietyarizona.org/

http://www.rmfms.org/

http://www.amfed.org/

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