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Strata Gem Tooele Gem & Mineral December 2004
The Presidents Message
Out November meeting had about 15 people there. It's always slow after the people start heading south.
Remember our meeting next month is at our Christmas Party. I hope you all got your newsletter on the party. If not it's in the paper again.
Make your reservations at least by the 10th of December. Members are free, guests pay $11.00.
Remember it is time to pay our dues, so we can bring our books up to date.
I'm sending my best wishes to all and wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas. Hope this finds everyone in good health.
Good Luck and Good Health to Everyone. Your President Ruth Smith
Tooele Gem & Mineral Tooele Senior Citizens Center November 11, 2004
The meeting was called to order by President Ruth Smith every one was welcomed. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved the treasurers report was read and approved. Ruth thanked everyone who supported her as president during these last two years.
The Christmas party will be December 18th, our next regular meeting will be in January.
We need to pay our yearly two hundred dollar contribution to the Senior Citizens Center for the use of the building. We need to up date our membership list/directory to reflect our current membership. Henry will need a check for enough money to reserve the pavilion for our steak fry next summer.
Melva Scott won the door prize & the meeting was adjourned. We will have a slide show and treats. Ruth Smith will bring the treats for our January meeting.
Minutes submitted by Larry Wilson Secretary
How Does A New Mineral Get “Approved”? Author unknown. Reprinted from CGMS News May 2004
The creation of an international authority for the purpose of controlling new minerals and their names appeared to be essential in the eyes of numerous mineralogists in order to avoid the then existing confusion in this field. Until 1959 when the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) was created, there were no strict rules regulating the definition of new mineral species. New names were created by researchers themselves, with all possible risks arising from erroneous or incomplete descriptions, or from using already existing names. Michael Fleischer (1961) thus notes that out of 583 new minerals recorded between 1940 and 1959, 106 appeared to be identical to already existing minerals, 97 were mere varieties and 60 descriptions were incomplete. As a result, 46% of the species were of dubious validity.
Another good example for the confusion in the nomenclature is illustrated by cordierite: this mineral has received 23 different names belonging either to local varieties, or to species with only slight differences in the chemical composition or physical properties. Moreover, there existed no guarantees as to the conservation of the type material, which made all subsequent comparisons with new material hazardous.
The IMA was established in 1959 and its Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names (CNMMN) was entrusted with the control of the new species and their nomenclature. The first meeting took place in Copenhagen, in 1960, where the functioning rules of the association had been defined. In 1962, during the meeting held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the members of the Commission attending the meeting expressed their first vote: the new international system of approval of new minerals was thus inaugurated by the mineral roquesite.
The present functioning rules of the CNMMN are the result of successive conventions, continuously improved and adapted according to new analysis techniques. We may quote the successive works of Hey et al (1961), Fleischer (1970), Donnay and Fleischer (1970), Mandarino et al (1984), Nickel and Mandarino (1987), Dunn and Mandarino (1988), as well as a later adaptation by Nickel (1996).
The executive committee of the Commission consists of a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary, elected by the members of the Commission and entrusted with the following well-defined tasks: · the chairman is responsible for all matters concerning new minerals and their nomenclature; · the vice-chairman deals with proposals of disregard, redefinition and revalidation of minerals; · the secretary functions as a link between the subcommissions with the task of reorganizing mineral groups (amphiboles, micas) and is charged with administrative duties for the Commission.
Besides the officials, the Commission consists at present of 29 national delegates representing the following countries: the Republic of South Africa, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.
Criteria For The Definition of a New Mineral
A mineral can be described as a solid, inorganic and crystallized substance having a well-defined chemical composition and physical properties. It is the result of a terrestrial or extraterrestrial geological process, with no intervention of man. Metallurgical slags and chimney deposits are therefore not considered as minerals.
A new mineral must necessarily have a chemical composition and crystallographic properties which are different from those of the already existing species. As stated by Nickel (1996), a very slight variation in the chemical composition may justify a new species, provided that a minor element stabilizes the structure, or that its presence in a certain site causes structural modifications linked to its charge or to its different size. One the other hand, an element may partly substitute another, but this must not necessarily result in major structural modifications. In this case, the chemical varieties are designated by only one mineral name accompanied by a chemical adjective; for example: nickel-pyrite.
The problem of minerals having the same chemical composition, but crystallizing in different systems is more delicate to solve. According to the case, either two different minerals will be distinguished [ex: pyrite (cubic) and marcasite (orthorhombic), diamond (cubic) and graphite (hexagonal)] or only one single species, ex.: analcime, having cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, etc., polymorphs, epending on minor variations in the ordering of the cathions Al and Si in the structure. Some polymorphs and polytypes (compounds characterized by a different periodicity in the stacking of layers) are designated by an only name of species followed by a structural suffix. Ex: heterogenite - 2H and heterogenite - 3R; lepidolite - 2M1 and lepidolite - 3T.
Procedure for the Validation of a New Mineral
A mineralogist who wishes to have a new mineral officially recognized, should submit a proposal to this effect to the chairman of the CNMMN. He should fill in a type form for this purpose, indicating the following indications: · the proposed name for the new mineral (this point will be discussed more in detail below); · the precise geographic occurrence: country, province or state, locality, mine, or the geographic coordinates in case toponymic references are lacking. Additional data to be mentioned here are the geological context, para genesis and associated minerals; · the chemical composition accompanied by the formula, as well as by the method of analysis; · crystallography: system, class, space group, unit-cell size, volume, number of formula units per unit cell (Z) and x-ray diffraction powder diagram; · the crystal structure, when permitted by the morphology of the crystal’ · the macroscopic description and physical properties: morphology, crystal size, color, luster, fracture, cleavage, hardness, measured density, calculated density; · optical properties. A different form is filled in, depending on whether the mineral is transparent or opaque; · Non-opaque mineral: isotropic or anisotropic, uniaxial or biaxial, optical sign, indices of refraction, 2V angle, dispersion, pleochroism, absorption, orientation with respect to crystallographic axes; · Opaque mineral: color in reflected light, internal reflections, isotropic or anisotropic, bireflectance, indices of reflection measured under different wavelengths; · other data: thermal behavior (thermogravimetric and differential analysis, infrared spectrum, fluorescence under UV light), magnetism, radioactivity; · conservation of type material: place of conservation (necessarily a recognized national collection); · relationship to species; · bibliographic references.
Choice of Name
The problem of the choice of a name for a new mineral deserves a more detailed discussion. In the first place, the name should be sufficiently different from the already existing minerals (indeed, langba nite and langbeninite may give rise to confusion just like smithite and smythite).
Homonyms will be distinguished by adding the first name to the surname of the chosen person: youngite and brianyoungite; melonite (after the mine Melones in California) and melonjosephite (after Joseph Mélon). Care should also be taken that a name deriving from a language such as Chinese or Russian is not too difficult to pronounce by someone of Latin or Anglo-Saxon origin (ex: przhevalskite or xiangjiangite). In any case, a transliteration into the Latin alphabet should be provided. It is however, also true that such names as vandendriesscheite or haapalaite must be equally arduous for Asiatic readers.
Via AFMS Newsletter 11/04
Trivia
· A rat can last longer without water than a camel. · A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
from GOLDEN SPIKE NEWS 3/01 via The Glacial Drifter 4/04
Natural Resources And Your Christmas Tree
Adapted from an article by Doug Jones, Student, Department of Geosciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology and Virginia T. McLeinore, Economic Geologist. New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources Quiz Listed below are some items often associated with a Christmas tree and some raw materials that are used to make these items. In the blanks write the letters of some of the raw materials used to make each item on the tree. Refer to the Key for some possible answers. Christmas Tree Items 1. Star__ 2. Trce__ 3._____ Ornament hangers 4._____ Electrical wire 5. Light bulbs_ 6. Wire insulation_____ 7._____ Ceramic Ornaments__ 8. Plastic ornaments___ 9._____ Electricity____ 10. Glass ornaments___ 11. Paint__ 12. Tree Stand_ Raw Materials a. Sulfur b. Trona c. Lead d. Mica e. Petrochemicals, oil, natural gas f. Aluminum g. Potash h. Iron i. Silica j. Vermiculite k. Clays l. Silver m. Manganese n. Pumice o. Nepheline syenite p. Limestone q. Copper r. Phosphates s. Lithium t. Titanium u. Rare-earth elements v. Tungsten w. Wood x. Feldspar y. Coal z. Water Key: 1. Star: f, l, q 1. 2.Tree: a, g, r, w, z 2. Ornament hangers: f, h 3. Electrical wire: q 4. Light bulbs: x, i, k. o. b, v 5. Wire insulation: e, n, p, w, j, x, b 6. Ceramic Ornaments: x, i, k, o, b, h, q, c 7. Plastic ornaments: e 8. Electricity: e, y, z 9. Glass ornaments: x, i, o, b, h, q, e 10. Paint: e, d, k, s, t, m, u 11. TreeStand: h, f
RESOURCES With the excitement of Christmas, the last thing on our minds is the natural resources that bring such pleasure to this holiday season. The lights, decorations, glitter on greeting cards, and wrapping paper add to the excitement of the holidays. Perhaps the image of the Christmas tree is the most memorable of all Have you ever thought about the raw materials that bring together this image? The majority of these raw materials were furnished by the mining and petroleum industries.
Some people drive tot he forest to cut Christmas trees. Most Christmas trees are grown on tree farms. Like all crops, the trees are grown with fertilizers. About half of the world’s production of phosphates and potash go into fertilizers, of which the sampling trees receive a share. Surface and ground water resources are also needed for the growth of the trees.
Strands of tiny lights have replaced candles on the trees, adding to the list of minerals that bring holiday cheer. The wires are made of copper; the insulation and wall plug are formed by the combination of petrochemicals with pumice. limestone, marble, vermiculite, silica, feldspar, or trona. The glass bulbs contain feldspar, silica, clay. nepheline syenite, and trona; filaments in the bulbs are made of thin conductive strips of tungsten metal which comes from the minerals scheelite and wolframite.
The glittering tree ornaments are made of ingredients similar to light bulbs, and also contain borate and metals such as iron, copper, and lead The star at the top of the tree could be made from either aluminum, silver, or copper. The ornament hangers and tree stand also are typically a metal alloy containing iron or aluminum. Colorful paints and glazes used to decorate the ornaments are based on petrochemicals, mica or clay, and are pigmented with ingredients such as lithium found in spodumene, titanium in rutile, manganese in pyrolusite, and rare earth elements in bastnesite and monazite. The papers and woods that the paints are applied to commonly contain clay as an additive or filler.
Well over 20 different raw materials are use to create a decorated Christmas tree. And what about the natural resources that g into the gifts, or the electricity to light the tree? WOW! AND, don’t forget the steel saw used to cut down your Christmas tree!
(From Lite Geology, Winter 1992 by New Mexico Bureau of Mines & Mineral Resources via Mineral Information Institute. Denver, Colorado and on the Internet at www.mnii.org.)
via T-TOWN ROCKHOUND 12/02
Opal By Keith Tucker from StoneChat, 1/03
From a facetor’s point of view opal is not a favorite stone as only two types are really suitable for this.
Opal is a non crystalline mixture, being hydrated silica. It is considered to be a “hardened jelly”. With a chemical composition is SiO2nH2O it has the same chemical make up as quartz with the addition of the small quantity of water (nH2O) - anywhere between 1% and 21% by volume, although precious opal tends to be maximum 10% - this precludes crystallization.
Generally found filling seams in rocks or coarse sandstones and clays, opal permeates and solidifies creating veins. Occasionally It may be found as botryoidal deposits and even as stalagmitic formations and, also, unusually, as fossils.
There are four basic types of precious opal:
Of the four varieties above, only the fire opal and the water opal lend themselves readily to faceting, whilst all four varieties are regularly seen as cabochons. In the case of cabochons, the oval appears to be the preferred choice of cut, but the stone may also be cut as a baroque in order to conserve precious material. Fire opal when faceted produces an “amorphous” appearance unlike crystalline faceted stones.
Opal has a hardness of 5½ to 6½, an S.G. OF 1.98-2.20, and a refractive index of 1.44 and 1.46. Fire opal may be less, down to around 1.37. It is singly refractive with no cleavage or birefringence. Streak is white, and fracture conchoidal or irregular. How does opal account for its play of color? This lies in the structure of the material. Opal is composed of thousands upon thousands of tiny spheres laid out in a series of lattices piled layer upon layer above one another. The size of the spheres vary according to the color they exhibit, but are of the order of 0.001 mm in diameter.
Perhaps an analogy to describe this would be to imagine a fish tank with a bottom layer of marbles laid out in rows with all marbles touching their adjacent neighbors. Place another similar layer on top of the first layer and keep repeating this until the tank is full. The resulting block portrays the structure of opal. The play of color occurs as a result of interference patterns of light passing through or into the structure and being reflected or refracted from it.
Different sizes of spheres account for the different interference patterns and the play of color is therefore like that of an oil slick on water changing to reveal different colors as the position of the eye changes. This play of color is termed iridescence, whilst opalescence is the pearly appearance caused by short wave reflections.
Because of its unique structure, opal should not be immersed in anything but cold water, and cleaning fluids should be avoided. Immersion in water can sometimes refresh an ailing stone, by replacing the dried out water content.
All this is fine, but where does opal come from? It is a very well known fact that our cousins in Australia are sitting upon what must be the best deposits in the world. The mining areas of Coober Pedy, Lightning ridge, Andamouka, and White Cliffs are all familiar names to us, to name but a few. Yowah Homestead is the home of the Yowah nuts – small pebbles about the size of a walnut, similar to a geode, where the opal is restricted to the core or veils surrounding the core, but not breaking surface. I will not therefore attempt to comment on the glory of these regions, but rather leave this to Australians and hope someone there may follow through with more articles of the outback and their famous mines.
Other regions of the world mining opal include, but are not restricted to The U.S.A., Zimbabwe and South Africa, where dendritic opals are also mined, Brazil, Mexico (fire opal) and Honduras. In Europe, Czechoslovakia reigned supreme until Australian production took first place in the late nineteenth century, it now produces relatively little commercial opal.
Opal is the birthstone for October, but regrettably carries a superstition that it is the bearer of bad tidings. A great pity when it has such beauty.
Via THE ROCKCOLLECTOR 2/04 Spencer Opal
MIKE BALDWIN: Spencer, Idaho, population 38, is home to one of the largest opal deposits in the United States. Two lost deer hunters discovered opal in this area in 1948 and the first claim was filed in 1952. Today there are four commercial opal companies there. Though white is the most common color around the world, Spencer miners find rare red, pink and blue opal.
The primary formation of the Spencer opal mines is a rhyolite and obsidian flow filled with gas pockets. The secondary deposit is a solution of silica and water, trapped within the rock and released by a series of geysers. As a result of several eruptions over a period of time, the opal is found in layers. Most of the layers are very thin. These thin layers, hydrothermally deposited inside hollow geodes, produce some extremely high quality precious opal which is very transparent with great color intensity. Opal is brittle, heat sensitive, and it scratches or breaks easily. Some varieties even self-destruct through loss of water. Even with these delicate qualities, opal remains as a precious gemstone, due to its unsurpassed beauty.
The word opal is derived from the Roman word “opalus” and the Greek word “opallios”, meaning “to see a change of color.” The Greek word was a modification of the ancient Indian Sanskrit name for opal, “upala.” which meant “precious stone.” To combine the derivatives of the opal name, opallios upala, would yield the meaning, “to see a change of color precious stone.” Opal has been a treasured gemstone for centuries. Romans adored the opal as a token of hope and purity. Greeks thought that opal yielded foresight and prophecy. Arabs thought that it was a gift from heaven, and Asians viewed it as sacred.
Opal is the most colorful of all gems. The flashes of iridescent color seen in an opal change dependent upon the angle from which the stone is viewed. The value of an opal is determined by the intensity and distribution of these flashes of color. Crazing [internal cracking] may occur in opals if they are removed from damp conditions and allowed to dry too quickly. Crazing may also take place from vibration, such as during the cutting and polishing of specimens. A very gradual drying process over months, or sometimes even years, can sometimes stabilize a stone and allow it to be cut and polished. Opals which show a play of color are called precious opals and those that do not show a play of color are called common opals. Gems are cut from both precious and common opal. The most desired opal is the black opal, which has a dark blue, dark green, or black background and a strong play of color. White opal [white, yellow, or cream] with a strong play of color is also highly desired, followed by Mexican fire opal, hich is a transparent or translucent orange-red common opal.
The Spencer Opal Mines are located in Southeastern Idaho, about 70 miles north of Idaho Falls along I-15, 70 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, and 80 miles south of Dillon, Montana. The mines are not open to the public daily, but there are several times throughout the year when you can dig [for a fee]. For more information about the mines and digging times, call 208-374- 5476 [May-October], 928-859-3752 [November-April] or email Info@SpencerOpalMines.com .
References: 1 Idaho’s High Desert Hides Opal; http://www.opalstore.com/news_1.htm; November 5, 2003. 2 Headquarters of the Original Spencer Opal Mine; http://www.SpencerOpalMine.com; November 5, 2003. Information gathered for educational purposes under the provisions of the “Fair Use Act of 1976”. Second image courtesy of gemstoneworld.com; First image courtesy of facetgems.com. Images used for educational purposes under the provisions of the “Fair Use Act of 1976.”
From MAGS Rockhound News, 12/03 Via THE ROCKCOLLECTOR 2/04
Stabilizing Soft Turquoise with Sodium Silicate By Ed Ashton
In September’s 1993 Lapidary Journal, June Culp Zitner reported that Rock Rustlers (Minnesota Mineral Club) had a recipe for hardening chalk-soft turquoise. Thanks both to June and the Rock Rustlers for information that allowed me to add just one more method to stabilizing Turquoise. After several times through the process I will tell you how I use the process with great success.
Step 1: Use a quart wide-mouth canning jar. Soak pieces of soft and chalky turquoise in a solution of sodium silicate (water glass and water at a 50/50 strength. The pieces should not be larger than 2” in diameter. Be sure all pieces are covered. Soak the material from 7 to 10 days. Step 2: Dry in the sun for 10 days. I place a piece of waxed paper on a sunny windowsill; it works well. Step 3: Use a 2-quart pyrex bowl, place a 1-inch layer of sand in the bowl. Lay a layer of the soaked material on the sand so they don’t touch. Add another 1-inch layer of sand on top of the first layer of materials. Repeat until all the material is covered with sand including the last layer. Step 4: Cure by baking in the oven starting at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. Turn the oven up to 225-250 degrees for another hour. Then turn the oven off. DO NOT open the door. Allow it to cool slowly overnight and you are ready to work the material.
HINT: Buy the Sodium Silicate at your drug store. Get the near quart bottle size, which will cost about $6.00 (probably more in 2004) for the quart. Used over and over it will cure a bushel of turquoise. As long as you pack the material in sand it will not be liable to cracking. You can also bake the material in sand in a coffee can or baking pan.
From “Rock Chips” 8/04 via Sedona Red Rocking News 9/04. Via The Rockcollector 10/04
Safety First by Bill Klose, AFMS Safety Chair
Holiday Safety
The Holiday Seasons seem to come earlier every year, so it is appropriate to review some of the safety tips that are associated with them to keep our members, their families, and collections safe.
Smoke Detectors - Make sure that there are a minimum of one in each bedroom and one at the top of the stairwell. Test each one or replace the battery to ensure they are operational.
Food Preparation - Properly thaw out (in refrigerator or under cold eater-not air thaw), wash and cook meats and prepare other foods IAW package instructions. Do not leave cooking food unattended. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible in approved airtight containers. Do not leave out at room temperature.
Fireplaces and Wood burning Stoves - Check for cracked mortar, check the operation of the damper and the spark screen on the roof. If you burn soft or green wood or have a build up of soot or creosote, have the chimney cleaned. Do not have combustible material within three feet of the fireplace or stove.
Evacuation Plan - Implement and practice an emergency home escape plan.
Heaters - Inspect the heating system and change filters. Have your system serviced annually. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Extension Cords - Use UL or CSA approved cord, preferably the type with an ON/OFF switch and overload protection, or a remote or foot operated switch. Do not exceed the rating (WATT) or outlet capacity of the cord. Keep the cords clear of walking areas and do not cover with rugs, packages or other items that could cause them to overheat. Inspect for damage or frayed wires prior to using and replace if required.
Gift Wrapping Paper and Boxes - Dispose of wrapping paper and boxes immediately in the trash or recycle bin. Due to the highly flammable nature of these materials and high burning temperature (due to additives) do not burn in fireplaces or wood burning appliances.
Smoking - Ensure all cigarettes and matches are completely extinguished before discarding. Before going to sleep, check all furniture and waste bins for smoldering embers.
Drinking - Drink in moderation or use a designated driver.
Christmas Trees - The National Safety Council states that there are over 400 residential fires and 40 deaths each year involving Christmas Trees. To avoid tree fires, consider an artificial tree that is fire resistant and if lighted, UL approved, or a live tree that can be planted outside after the holidays. If you decide on a live tree, pick one that is fresh and not dried out. Check the tree for insects and shake or blow out before bringing indoors. Xmas Tree Farms may color the trees prior to shipping, so check the tree for dried out spots, leaves falling off, or dry branches that snap when bent. Pick a tree that is not to tall for the room, leaving space for ornaments and that will be well clear of walking areas and heat sources. Cut off the trunk 1 to 2 inches from the base of the tree at an angle and place in a sturdy, water holding tree stand. Keep the stand continuously filled with water containing a mixture of two cups of Karo syrup, two pinches of Epsom salt, one teaspoon of Boraxo, two ounces of liquid chlorine bleach and one teaspoon of chelated iron for each two gallons of hot water to ensure that the tree stays waterlogged (more than 800% of a live tree) and fireproof. Tie the tree to the wall or ceiling with a wire or nylon cord to prevent it from being knocked over. After the holiday remove the branches and use in the garden over the mulch for protection of your plants from the cold. Do not burn the tree in the fireplace.
Tree and House Lights - Check lights for broken sockets and frayed wires and replace if required or if the string is over 5 years old. Outdoor lights burn hotter than indoor, so only use them outside. Indoor lights are not waterproof and should only be used indoors. Do not exceed the WATT rating of the lowest rated string or extension cord when connecting together (usually no more than three). Turn OFF lights when going out or retiring for the night. Do not use lighted candles on trees. Do not use light strings on artificial trees, but light with spotlights or floodlights that are placed a suitable distance from the tree to avoid the lamps heat. Remove outside lights as soon as the season is over to prevent damage from the weather.
Ornaments - Use flame resistant ornaments. Place glass ornaments or those with small parts out of reach of small children and pets. Do not use popcorn chains or candy on trees when small children are present to avoid their climbing into the tree for them. Use approved step stools or ladders to reach high places when trimming the tree or installing outside decorations. Do not use cellophane as it can not be made fireproof. Use an approved flame retardant on cotton batting, paper decorations, and Santa suits.
Candles - Burn candles in sturdy containers away from combustible materials and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave candles burning when you are not in the room.
Have a great Holiday Season and New Year.
Via AFMS Newsletter 11/04
Crystal Clear Cave
Not all caves are dark and creepy. A cave in Spain sparkles like diamonds. Geologists or scientists who study the earth’s rock and soil, discovered the cave in an old silver mine.
The cave is actually a giant geode (jee-ohd), or a hollow rock lined with crystals. The sparkling space is the largest geode ever found. Most geodes are about the size of your fist. This geode is large enough for ten adults to fit inside it! The cave’s crystals are made of a glassy material, called gypsum (jip-suim). The crystals are so clear, you can read a newspaper through them. Some crystals in this geode measure seven feet. That’s taller than either of the two Spanish scientists, who found it.
Scholastic News Zone via SCFMS Newsletter 12/01 Via Golden Spike News Dec 2002/Jan 2003
The Christmas Party
When: December 18, 2004 Where: The Elks Lodge (Behind the Tooele Post Office) Time: Friendly Hour at 4:00 PM Dinner at 5:00 PM
Choice of Shrimp or Sirloin Steak Dinner. With Baked Potato, Roll, Salad and Cake.
For reservations call:
Preserve A Snowflake
Lightly spray a glass slide with a clear acrylic sealer. When the spray has dried take your slide outside and “catch” a snow crystal. Lightly spray the slide again with the cold spray until the surface is moist. Let it dry. Get a good view of your crystal under a microscope.
(Adapted from http://www.its.caltech.edu/ atomic/snowcrystals/preserve/preserve.htm) Via T-Town Rockhound 2/04 |