Welcome to Stephanie Reisenbuchler who will be writing the club articles for the Splash. Any news you have for publication should be directed to Stephanie.
WELCOME!

​Summer Fun- Rock Collecting By Stephanie Reisenbuchler

​Although the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club is not having regular meetings during the summer, there are ongoing open shops for members that have participated during the year and purchased the necessary shop stamps and passed the club safety requirements.  Summer is a great time for adventures and many members whether they are snowbirds or live here year-round enjoy rock collecting (hounding).

Arizona designated turquoise as the official state gemstone in 1974.  Turquoise is an opaque mineral, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. In Arizona (as well as other locations around the globe), turquoise often is found near copper deposits. 

Arizona designated petrified wood as the official state fossil in 1988.  This petrified wood is what remains of large conifers that grew in the warm, wet, and seasonally dry climate of Arizona during the Triassic (about 250 – 210 million years ago). The most famous petrified wood deposits can be found at Petrified Forest National Park located north of Interstate 40 east of Holbrook, Arizona.
Rock collecting is prohibited at the national park. Several reviews from the web have reported that Dobell ranch just 3 miles from the national park has plenty of petrified wood to be dug or just picked up. There are pieces ranging from a few ounces to several tons. Pictures taken show small pebbles to large stumps with lots of variety in size, colors (rainbow and reds). Some have crystal formations imbedded in the rock. Reported prices are $28 a 5-gallon bucket. Contact Rhonda Dobell phone numbers 928-524-2628 or 928-245-9010. They are open 7 days a week. The ranch is down an unpaved but accessible road. It is reported rock samples are lying everywhere. Samples can be purchased which have already been collected.

In Arizona, there are over twelve million surface acres of federal public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  The BLM has several districts in the state.  Subject to federal restrictions, recreational rock hounding is allowed on much of the public lands managed by the BLM.

Accordingly, rock- hounders should check - in advance - with the applicable BLM district. In addition, certain lands may be subject to mining claims that may preclude certain rock hounding activities. Website: www.blm.gov/basic/rockhounding

Specially Designated Rock hounding Sites

In addition to other rock hounding opportunities on BLM-managed public lands, the BLM has certain specially designated rock hounding areas. 

​These areas include:
  • Arizona:  Round Mountain Rockhound Area (Safford District)
  • Arizona:  Black Hills Rockhound Area (Safford District)

A big thanks goes to Doug Williams for writing our Splash articles for the past year. Your articles were professional, insightful and full of great information and you are a pleasure to work with.
​THANKS!

​​​April 2019 SPLASH by Doug Williams


BEST JOB IN THE ROCK & GEM CLUB = “FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR”

BEING:   A field trip coordinator is very rewarding experience for the individual and it is also one of our club’s most important volunteer positions.  The person who serves as field trip coordinator gets to lead a ‘day trip’ which takes people to interesting AZ locations they might have never seen before. The individual who steps up to the challenge of field trip coordinator gets to fulfill their ambition to be the ‘boss’.  You would be in charge of a small ‘rock hounding’ group (8 to 12 people) and their day’s activities and itinerary.  YES, just like a tour guide, you would first research interesting places for rock and mineral collecting, obtain the permit, collect the minimal club charge for field trips and then assist the group in their day’s search for rocks and minerals.  Specifically, those rocks which a lapidary artist would enjoy cutting and polishing! 

BECOMING:  A field trip coordinator insures that you will meet lots of interesting people and make many new friends.  How? Just by taking a positive attitude and enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow ‘rock hounds’.   The really cool part is that YOU get to plan the destination, the locations, the itinerary timing, where we meet and the car pools, plus you choose where we get to stop for lunch!  Imagine a lovely drive to FLAGSTAFF, KINGSTON, SEDONA, BISBEE, GLOBE (you name it) where you’ll be the director for the entire FIELD TRIP.  Actually it’s quite easy, first you’ll want to think about which specific rocks and minerals your group will be going after.  And the best part is that YOU get to choose WHERE the group goes.  And that’s wherever you like since YOU are in charge!  Have fun, and be a true leader. 

YOU MAY HAVE GUESSED:   Currently we are in a bit of a ‘dry spell’ in terms of field trips.  That’s because no one has stepped up to be the club’s field trip coordinator.  What about YOU?  Wouldn’t you find it fun and exciting to be the person who determines the trip’s destination?  Don’t be afraid, the field trip groups are a joy to experience.  Think about the satisfaction of “giving back”.   Maybe you’ve been waiting for that special opportunity to help your neighborhood rock club. 
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REQUIREMENTS:  You must have a PHD is GEOLOGY (Naaaah, just kidding!!!)  All you really need to do is join the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM and SILVER CLUB and want to have FUN and meet new FRIENDS.  Our 200 club members are a wonderful source of information on local collecting spots.  In fact, as an incentive to any new member who signs up and then volunteers as FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR we will waive your first year’s membership fee of $25.  We’ll see you at 10 a.m. on April 15th at the monthly meeting in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club.    

March 2019 Splash Article by Doug Williams

How’s Your ROCK COLLECTION Coming Along?  

So, you went to Tucson and visited The 65th Annual Tucson Rock & Gem Show and now you’re ready to become a ‘rock hound’ and start your own rock collection.  Well, here’s the information you’ve been waiting for . . .

HOW TO START:  A ‘rock hound’ is an amateur collector of rocks and minerals.  It’s not too difficult to become one, (just pick up a rock!) 

WHICH ROCKS TO COLLECT:  Most rock hounds spend their spare time looking for unusual rocks.  Arizona is actually one of the best places in the world to find interesting rocks. And then later these ‘rock hounds’ end up collecting all the related rocks from the area where they live.  The stuff is actually laying all over the ground and you don’t even have to dig holes to find them.   

WHERE TO FIND ROCKS:   While you can start your collection in your own back yard, the best results are usually found in dry stream beds or areas where erosion has revealed unusual rocks.  Attractive stones, rocks and gems can be found anywhere cuts have been made in the earth i.e.; construction sites, quarries and ditches.  We have a wealth of a rock hound’s paradise right here in our Arizona desert and mountain spaces.  
   
REALIZE IT’S A UNIQUE COLLECTIBLE:  Rocks are earth’s ‘one of a kind’ natural sculptures and treasures formed in the rough over thousands of years in a combination of fluid, heat and pressure.  The best part is that YOU get to choose which ones to pick up and put in your personal collection.   

ROCK COLLECTING TOOLS:   A geologist’s hammer, a pair of gloves, a plastic bucket and a magnifying glass are the basic tools needed.  The hammer has two sides, a blunt end and a pick end.  It can be used to break off rock specimens and trim them to display size.  It’s best to wear safety glasses when hammering rocks to protect your eyes.

COLLECTING AND DISPLAYING ROCKS:  When you have your favorites sorted out, it’s a good idea to keep a record of when and where you found them.  Rocks don’t require any special treatment.  You can wash them in cold water and clean them with an old toothbrush.  Even an egg carton can be used to display your collection. 
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HOW TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:  Sun Lakes has one of the oldest and largest clubs (nearly 200 members) it’s called the ROCK, GEM & SILVER CLUB.  We started 47 years ago, back in 1972, meeting at 10am every third Monday of each month in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club (October through May).  And since we are always seeking new members, your first meeting is FREE!  Then it’s only $25 for the whole years’ membership. Lots of pictures and details are available at our web site http://wwwslrgs.com
C U @ our next ROCK CLUB meeting at 10 a.m. on March 18th.

February 2019 Splash Article by Doug Williams

​We’re LUCKY to be close to TUCSON!

Why?  Because the world’s largest gathering of ROCK SHOWS happens this month!

What’s it called?  Collectively, it’s known as the “TUCSON GEM SHOW”

How long does it last?  Two Weeks: February 1 - 17  

It's More Than One Show!  Actually it’s a massive accumulation of 43 different ‘satellite shows’ at dozens of locations around Tucson.  Most of these ‘Early’ Shows are open to the public with free admission!  All are precursors to the “Main Show” which is the last show and held at the Convention Center February 14 – 17, 2019.  Don’t miss this one, it’s the granddaddy of them all; the 65th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® presented proudly by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society.

History:  Tucson’s “Gem Show” evolved from humble beginnings in 1955.  A small group of brilliant ‘Rock Hounds’ interested in mineral knowledge and appreciation decided to have a ‘gem show’.  Committed to geology, mineralogy, lapidary, and allied earth sciences they believed it was the first show of its kind to assemble hobby enthusiasts, curators, professionals, and the public for discovery and discussion of rocks, gems & minerals.  It was held at a local elementary school with a 25 cent admission.  The show eventually settled at Tucson Convention Center where it remains today (65 years later) and is still hosted by Tucson Gem & Mineral Society volunteers. In short, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®  is the largest, oldest and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world!  Visit their website: http://www.tgms.org/show/   

​Perspective:  All of the 43 ‘Satellite shows’ (which precede the “MAIN SHOW”) are vying for the attention of the 55,000 visitors who show up in Tucson during the first two weeks of February and spend over $120 million dollars!  Unquestionably, it’s the biggest ‘show’ of its kind anywhere on Earth.  Part trade-show, retail extravaganza, museum exhibition, cultural festival, it’s a ‘World Class’ premier experience unmatched by any other. 
 
Summary:  It’s also a wonderful opportunity for YOU to drive down the I-10 and enjoy exploring multiple shows featuring gems, minerals, crystals, beads and fossils, finished jewelry, lapidary supplies and equipment, and books for rock-hounds and hobbyists. 
 
Chronological List:  See all show names, addresses, websites, & maps here http://www.tucsongemshows.net/ 
 
Of the 43 shows listed, here’s just 3 to consider visiting . . .
 
1.   JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show:  This 800 booth gem show draws buyers from all over the world.  International wholesalers, manufacturers and designers of jewelry, gem dealers, and stone cutters, showcasing new designs and new ideas. 

2.   22 Second Street Mineral, Fossil and Gem Show:  350+ dealers offering an appealing balance of minerals, gems, fossils, dinosaurs, meteorites, jewelry, beads, and art. 

3.     Miner’s CO-OP Rock Show: Buy direct from 50 dealers with old timer knowledge!  More than a show, a community of rock hounds in Marana, AZ at the Mike Jacobs Sports Park.

The Sun Lakes Rock, Gem, & Silver Club  Invites you to our February 18, meeting at 10am in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club.

January 2019 Splash Article

Picture
What are YOU going to make?
 
Doug Williams





That’s the first question you’ll want to think about when you join the SUN LAKES ROCK, GEM & SILVER CLUB.  Will it be a RING? a BRACELET? a NECKLACE? a PENDANT? a BELT BUCKLE? a FETISH BEAR? a STAINED GLASS?  EAR RINGS?  GOURDS?  PRECIOUS METAL CLAY?  Maybe some stringing of BEADS or WIRE WRAP Jewelry?

After you determine WHAT you want to make you’ll need to decide WHICH of our 27 CLASSES to take so as to learn the processes involved.

LAPIDARY:   Many of our new comers like the class LAPIDARY 1 where you’ll learn to cut ‘rough’ into slabs and then into cabochons from which to feature in your own jewelry creations.  Or, LAPIDARY 2 to learn how to form the Native American design of FETISH BEARS.  Another lapidary class is STONE HANDLES where you’ll cut and polish your selected stone for a letter opener handle.  Other classes under the Lapidary banner are MINERALS & MINERAL I.D, and ROCKS & ROCK I.D. and after you’ve learned all about minerals and rocks you’ll want to go out on a FIELD TRIP to gather your own collection.   OPALS and FACETING round out the eight different classes available within the Lapidary category.

SILVER:  Also in demand are the SILVER 1 and 2 classes where you will learn how to solder Sterling Silver in the making of ‘bezels’ on ‘plate silver’ to form rings, bracelets and pendants.   Or maybe you’ll want to try LOST WAX 1 & 2 which show you how to create your design from a wax model into a mold and finally into a ‘casting’ from the molten metal.   Another very popular class is SILVER WIRE where you’ll be taught how to ‘weave’ strands of wire into your very own bracelet.   Also offered is an INLAY class where you’ll cut and polish semi-precious stones to fit into specific openings in a sterling silver ring or bracelet.  COPPER is also offered as a crafting class.  PRECIOUS METAL CLAY i.e.; PMC 1 and PMC 2 offers the easiest method of forming sterling silver jewelry.   PMC is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper mixed with an organic binder and water for use in making jewelry.  It can be shaped just like any soft clay.  After drying, the clay is ‘fired’ in a kiln where the binder burns away, leaving the pure metal. 

GLASS:  Here the club offers 3 separate classes; STAINED GLASS, DICHLORIC GLASS, & FUSED GLASS, all of which are entertaining methods to create wonderful glass projects.

CREATIVE CRAFTS:  In this category the club also offers 3 fun classes:  GOURDS, BEADING and WIRE WRAP JEWELRY. 
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Overall, the club teaches beginners, intermediates and advanced students via an enjoyable experience in the creative processes described above.  See it all by coming to our first 2019 meeting at 10am on Monday, January 21 in the NAVAJO ROOM of the Sun Lakes Country Club.

​December 2018 Splash Article

WHAT MAKES A GEMSTONE SPARKLE ?
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Now that you’ve completed your prerequisite LAPIDARY ONE course, it’s time to move up the GEM LADDER to FACETING!   

So, what’s a FACET?   A Facet relates to the word FACE, which is ONE of the flat polished “faces” of a FACETED gemstone like a genuine diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, topaz or other less expensive gems like a man-made ZIRCON.  Can you tell the difference between a real diamond and a zircon?  (Most people cannot!)

In Lapidary ONE you learned how to take a ‘rough’ rock and cut a flat bottom with a rounded top (CABACHON), and now it’s time to learn how to cut FACETS onto a FACETED GEMSTONE.  Did you know it’s just as easy to cut and polish FACETS as it is to make a cabochon?  So, what’s the difference?  The difference is the SPARKLE.  Also note that Gem stones which sparkle are highly prized and usually more valuable that a cabochon.  Cabochons are shaped and polished smooth, but with a faceted gemstone, you actually CUT each and every FACE on the stone.  One of the most common cut is the ROUND BRILLIANT CUT with 57 or 58 FACETS!  These polished facets give the final gem its extraordinary beauty and high flashes of brilliance = hence the SPARKLE.

OK so how do I sign up?  Just show up at the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB meeting at 10am on Monday, December 17 at the Sun Lakes Country Club NAVAJO ROOM. It’s easy and the best part is you’ll be making new friends from over 200 members in our club.

There are FOUR SIMPLE ELEMENTS to cutting facets . . .
  1. A piece of natural or man-made crystal to cut (your instructor will help you obtain) 
  2. A faceting machine (the Club’s Phase One shop has the machine)
  3. Abrasive disks to do the cutting and polishing (ditto above)
  4. A person to set and hold the machine (the Club provides the instructor and YOU are the student!

Faceting methodology consists of mounting a gem crystal on a metal dowel, (dopstick), which fits into a quill, then rigidly addressing the H.A.I. (Height, Angle, Index) triangle with the faceting machine, and touching the locked-in-place crystal to abrasive laps in two sequential operations, faceting first the top (called the “crown”) and then the bottom (called the “pavilion”).
  • HEIGHT: controls the depth to which the facet is cut and this enables a faceter to establish even, uniform rows of same sized, same depth facets.
  • ANGLE: establishes the plane upon which each facet is cut because optics and performance is so dependent on each facet (s) possessing just the right amount of plane or slant.
  • INDEX: refers to the placement of the facets around the shape or outline i.e., a round brilliant cut stone, like most diamonds, shows eight main facets when viewed straight down in “plan view”.

That’s all there is to cutting your own FACETED GEM STONES! ​
November 2018 Splash Article

We’re BaaAAAACK!

Yes, we are back for another year!  The Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club is very excited to begin our 2018/2019 season!  Our next meeting will be on Monday November 19, at 10 a.m. in the NAVAJO ROOM of the Sun Lakes Country Club (phase one). In case you’re wondering, Membership is open to any resident of Sun Lakes who wants to learn about or practice the creative activities supported by the Club.

How much will Membership cost me?  Just $25 bucks and that’s for the entire 2018/1019 season!!!  Membership is limited to residents and lot owners of the Sun Lakes Community who are current in their payment of the established yearly Club dues ($25).  Such individuals shall be known as members in good standing.  Enrollment in Club sponsored classes, participation in other Club functions, and use of Club facilities are limited to members in good standing who have signed our Wavier of Liability, and are current in their payment of established class and activity fees.

What’s the purpose of this club?  The Club’s purpose is to provide volunteer educators and craft persons an opportunity to educate and develop fellow club members’ artistic abilities and knowledge in a variety of crafts for their personal enjoyment and enrichment.  (all while making new friends!)

General meetings: are held each month from October through April on the third Monday at the Sun Lakes Country Club.  During this “Active” period we have classes that educate our members in the arts supported by our workshops.  BEST KEPT SECRET OF SUN LAKES:  Our Open Shops are available throughout the year in all of our communities with monitors available to answer questions or help solve problems as our members practice the skills that were obtained through our classes.  We welcome any and ALL visitors to our General Meetings to see what our Club offers and speak with our instructors and craft chairpersons. There you’ll meet many new friends from over 200 members and you’ll discuss one on one with each of the professional instructors who teach our classes. 

Our Classes: Lapidary, Silver Class, Precious metal clay (PMC), Lost Wax, Stained Glass, Dichroic Glass, and Gourds.
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Want to check it out?  Just go online to https://www.slrgs.com/ and read all about it, you may even want to click on the pictures to really get an eyeful.  And then just come on over and join in the fun for FREE at our next meeting.  When? Monday, November 19 at 10 a.m. in the Navajo Room at the SUN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB. ​

October 2018 Splash Article

Trendy or Traditional TURQUOISE?

Trend Alert!!!  Okay, I’m sure there is someone - somewhere who doesn’t like turquoise.  But for the rest of us, (like nearly 90%) it doesn’t matter which you prefer, trendy or traditional: TURQUOISE JEWELRY  never goes out of style here in the Valley of the Sun! 

For further inspiration, just turn to the stars!   If you're a woman who always opts for the most minimal outfit you can find, you're in good company — you have just found your dream accessory in turquoise.  Kate Blanchett, Sofia Vergara and Eva Mendes are just a few of the Hollywood celebs who have rocked turquoise statement necklaces on the red carpet in a glamorous, modern way.   Even the cowgirls and hippies, they all love Turquoise.  Just the color alone lifts one’s spirits and makes you feel calm and happy!  Why? Because turquoise is a color you just can’t ignore.  Maybe you’re a refined jetsetter (albeit retired) with a taste for stunning jewelry?  Try some trendy or traditional Turquoise and it will heighten your spirit and bring out your inner creative self!

Which brings us to a short commercial . . .YES, the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB will help YOU learn all about cutting rocks (LAPIDARY CLASS) from the ‘ROUGH’ into ‘SLABS’ and then into ‘CABS’ and then actually filing, bending, fitting, soldering and polishing your own TURQUOISE  into a ring, pendant or a bracelet in the SILVER CLASS!

All you need to do is come to our October 15th meeting at 10 am in the NAVAJO ROOM of the Sun Lakes Country Club.  It only costs $25 for a WHOLE YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP in one of the largest and we think the very best club in all of Sun Lakes!  We currently have OVER 200 Active members = which is a perfect way for YOU to meet new friends and satisfy your inner creative self (or did I say that already?)   

From the jewelry of the ancient Persians to the Navajo necklaces favored by Georgia O’Keeffe, turquoise has been growing in fashion popularity over the centuries.  A spate of celebrity sightings this year and some recent designer treatments suggest that this may be an “in” moment.  Although it was long associated with royalty in Asia and the Middle East or with Southwestern American tribes, its reputation has mostly been that of a stone with gorgeous color and intriguing matrix.  And today with all its color and texture TURQUOISE is luring jewelers who are drawn not only to its versatility but to the way it plays with other jewels.  Want to go way out?  Try turquoise and diamonds set in 14 karat gold for the quintessential ULTIMATE look of posh and understated elegance. . . 
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C U @ 10am in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club on Monday October 15, 2018.  You’ll see how very exciting this club is for all the new comers!

September 2018 Splash Article

​World’s Most Expensive Opal

In the beautiful world of OPALS - not all rocks are created equal.  Pictured above is ‘THE VIRGIN RAINBOW’ a lovely little specimen valued at just over $ONE MILLION DOLLARS!  It was found in Australia in 2003 by John Dunstan in an area of desolate desert laid waste by countless years of earth-scorching heat – sound familiar?  While opals can be found all over the world, experts agree that 95% of the world’s opals come from Australia.

HOW DO THEY GET THEIR COLOR?  Opals come in a variety of different colors and they can reflect every single color of the rainbow!  White opals are the most commonly found and black ones are the rarest.  ‘Play of color’ is a term coined to describe the unique multidimensional color display of more precious opals.  Those with the most intense and diverse ‘play of color’ are also the most expensive and prized.

HOW ARE THEY FORMED?  Opals are formed when water from rain seeps down into crevasses in the rock.  After the water evaporates the silica that is left behind dries out and hardens into precious opal.  (of course, this process takes about 5 million years). The colors you see in an Opal are due to millions of tiny silica spheres of different sizes.  These spheres refract light and cause the beautiful spectral colors.  The spheres have to be just the right size and of a uniform nature to create enough color for our eyes to see.  As one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world, these unique gems look beautiful on rings, pendants, earrings, brooches, as well as watches in many different settings.

OPAL is OCTOBER’s Birthstone:  Are you aware that metaphysically opal symbolizes purity and hope?  It is also regarded as a protective stone and rumored to keep the wearer from harm while bestowing prophetic powers.  September is a great time to consider an OPAL for yourself or a loved one born in OCTOBER.

OK, so how do I get the jewelry?  Well that’s the easy part, all you have to do is come to the SUN LAKES ROCK & GEM CLUB’s first meeting of the 2018/2019 season on Monday October 15th at 10am in the NAVAJO ROOM of SUN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB (Phase One).
  
There you’ll meet many new friends from our over 200 members and you’ll discuss one on one with each of the professional instructors who teach our classes.  Be sure to meet Ron D’Angelo, phone = 883-9715, email = opalhound@outlook.com who will tell you all about his classes for cutting and polishing OPALS.  And soon you’ll be fabricating your very own OPAL ROUGH into a lovely CABACHON which will become the centerpiece of your newest Jewelry design hand-made in .925 STERLING SILVER or solid 14Karat Gold if you’re really flush!
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We look forward to welcoming YOU as our 201st member to join the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB!!!

August 2018 Splash Article

                                 “LADIES LOVE LAPIDARY” (cutting/polishing ROCKS)

You’re kidding right?  Well, many folks believe that only guys cut rocks - - but that is NOT the case! 
Indeed the LADIES of the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB really do love LAPIDARY! 

Also did you know that the ROCK CLUB has THREE (3) fully equipped CRAFT SHOPS?   As reported by the club Treasurer, Gail Wilder “We are very fortunate to have three air-conditioned WORK SHOPS – ONE located in OAKWOOD, ONE in COTTONWOOD and ONE in SUN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB (phase one)”.  No matter where you live in Sun Lakes, any club member can participate in ANY of the three “OPEN SHOPS”.  All you have to do is be a current year member of the SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB, complete a specific CLASS and purchase an OPEN SHOP stamp for your membership card. 

Listed below are the “OPEN SHOP” Times: (AM = 9am - noon, PM = 1 to 4pm)

Mondays:         AM @ PHASE ONE = Lapidary, PM = Opals/Lapidary 
                         PM @ COTTONWOOD = Lapidary
​                         PM @ OAKWOOD = Silver 

Tuesdays:        AM @ COTTONWOOD = Silver, PM = Silver/Lost Wax
                         PM @ OAKWOOD = Silver/Lost Wax

Wednesdays:  AM @ COTTONWOOD = Fused/Dichroic Glass, PM = PMC
                        PM @ OAKWOOD = Lapidary II/Bears, PM = Lapidary

Thursdays:      AM @ COTTONWOOD = Silver, PM = Silver/Lost Wax
                        PM @ OAKWOOD = Silver/Lost Wax

Fridays:          AM @ PHASE ONE = Lapidary, PM = Faceting
                       AM @ COTTONWOOD = Dichroic Glass, PM = Lapidary
                       PM @ OAKWOOD = Stained Glass


A recently completed LAPIDARY RENOVATION features brand new FORMICA COUNTERTOPS, DRAIN PLUMBING, COVERED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS and a WATERPROOF BACK WALL COVERING.  Special thanks to the IRONOAKS HOA FACILITIES DEPARTMENT represented by Chris Roberts, Freddy Medina, Gloria Montano, David Camacho, Dustin Melgaard, Don Stephenson, Dane Roberts, Chris Brown, and Mike Terry. 

WHO MADE IT HAPPEN?  SUN LAKES ROCK GEM & SILVER CLUB LAPIDARY CHAIR – MIKE STEGINA and his instructor/monitors JOE LOMBARDO and STUART DAVIS are to be congratulated for a JOB WELL DONE!

Check us out on our website at www.SLRGS.com 

​We look forward to seeing you at our first 2018/19 meeting on October 15 at 10 a.m. in the Navajo Room of the SUN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB.

Pictured Here:
LINDA SHANAHAN, GAIL WILDER and ‘NITA’ METZBOWER (left to right)
All three of whom are enjoying their “OPEN SHOP” privileges with NEW ARBORS for cutting and polishing at the OAKWOOD SHOP.