May 2017 Meeting Notes

Seven members and one potential new member attended. We were treated to two 20 minute lectures. Local resident and collector, Richard Condan, spoke about Indian artifacts, history and his own collecting experiences in the immediate area of the Worship Center and Big Brook. He spoke about tumbling and lapidary work that he has done over a 20-yr period and brought a number of polished stone specimens, some loose and some in cases. Also, Ken Jasko did a lecture on Egypt geology based on a trip he took recently. He provided background on the limestone blocks and red granite used to build the Pyramids, and the high fossil concentration (up to 40%) in the limestone. Nummulites and other foraminifera and colonial organisms were mentioned as the major constituents of the limestone, which owes its high calcite content to those organisms. Many outstanding pictures of inside and outside the Pyramids, Aswan Dam, Nile River and other places of interest nearby were shown. And in context, Ken mentioned that the Pyramids are the world’s only surviving Wonder of the Seven Wonders of the World. We had our first installment of “Mineral Mayhem”, a concept KC came up with, for raffling off selected specimens for one dollar per chance, or six for $5. A handsome calcite rhombs sample from Bound Brook / Chimney Rock Quarry was raffled off and Justin won. Thirty dollars were made for the treasury, not a bad start! Every meeting one specimen will be raffled. Also, KC mentioned that he will be periodically bringing specimens for sale at the meetings. Dave Shapiro briefly re-iterated our decision to remain with the WordPress site, but with only seven members attending, he will mention again at June Meeting if more people attend. Ken mentioned that the treasury was same from previous meeting at around $500, but a recent mineral sale, membership dues and proceeds from the Mineral Mayhem should increase the Treasury to around $700. Lastly, we decided to have an additional June meeting.