The Cochise County Rock

Monthly Newsletter of the Sunsites Gem & Mineral Club

www.cochisecountyrock.org

“Finding and Grinding Rocks in Cochise County, Arizona since 1962”

August 2006

This slim summer issue edited by Paul McKnight

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August Field Trip

On Saturday, August 12, Bob and Barbara Fenner will lead us to the ghost town of Stein, New Mexico to collect some dentritic rocks. Dentrites are those beautiful dark patterns on a rock that resemble ferns and other plants. They are not fossils. They are mineral deposits left behind after hot mineral-bearing water has invaded a layer of rock. Meet at 8 am at the Safeway parking lot in Willcox. We will leave at 8:15.

July Field Trip Report

It was a dark and stormy morning when 5 carloads of rockhounds started out for the meeting point at the Safeway parking lot in Willcox on Saturday, July 29.

It was still raining as we left for our collecting site. By the time we arrived and began picking up Chinese picture writing rocks (porphery) the rain was tapering off and soon stopped. This left us with a perfect overcast, cool day for our activities. Actually, the rain had washed out some good material. The rocks were plentiful and a good time was had by all. There are several pictures from the trip on our web site.

Next Meeting is September

We have a tradition, going back to the ‘60s, of not having meetings during the summer.

Dues are due. $10 for individual and $20 for family. Please mail your check to Sunsites Gem & Mineral Club, PO Box 87, Pearce, AZ 85625.

Upcoming Regional Events

August 26-September 4 Agate 2006, Apache Creek, New Mexico. Yonis Lone Eagle is back from Iraq and will be leading rockhounds from several states on multiple field trips for Agate, Jasper, Bloodstone, and other interesting rocks. You can come for a day or a week. The final day is usually a journey to Silver City for the annual rock show there.

October 14-15 Huachuca Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show. At the Elks Lodge on Willcox Avenue, Sierra Vista, AZ. Free admission & parking; live demonstrations, educational displays, rocks, jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils, equipment, lapidary supplies & more. Contact Larry at 520-459-5211.

Club Officers for 2006

President Don Hammer 520 384-3105

Vice-President Paul McKnight 520 824-4054

Secretary Jeannine Paterson 520 826-1649

Treasurer Larry Edgett

Delegate at Large Sue Bishop 520-586-2312

Club Calendar

August

12 Field Trip to Stein, New Mexico. Meet at Safeway parking lot in Willcox at 8 am for an 8:15 departure.

September

3 Board Meeting

11 Regular Meeting

16 Field Trip possibly for fluorescent rocks

October

1 Board Meeting

9 Regular Meeting featuring fluorescent minerals by Barbara Fenner

21 Field Trip possibly an archaeological site

November

5 Board Meeting

13 Regular Meeting

18 Field Trip

December

3 Board Meeting

11 Christmas Party