Desert Messenger

32 www.DesertMessenger.com December 16, 2015 two is in the structure, physical properties, and visual appearance of the stone. Macrocrystalline is described as individual crystals visible to the unaided eye, while cryptocrystalline varieties are considered dense aggregates of crystals visible only under high magnifi cation. Both varieties have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and a conchoidal fracture, which means the stone fractures equally well in any direction. The tendency of quartz to fracture con- choidally is what makes it an ideal stone for knapping into tools like points and arrowheads. The cryptocrystalline varieties are either translucent or opaque and are colored by the minerals and other primary components present with the quartz during its forma- tion. The most easily recognized and most common of this type of quartz is common white quartz. In this case, it is microscopic particles of trapped gas, liquid, or both which disperse the light and reduce the transparency of the quartz, giv- ing it a milky white glassy appear- ance. Other varieties of crypto- crystalline quartz include Agate, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Chryso- prase, Onyx, Sard, Chert, Flint, and Jasper. The wide variety of colors and patterns arise from the mix of minerals within the solution as the rock forms. For example, reds and yellows are created when iron ores and iron oxides are present with the quartz as it is forming. On the other hand, macrocrystal- line quartz varieties tend to be transparent. The most common macrocrystalline varieties are clear quartz (also known as rock crystal), amethyst, citrine, ametrine, smoky quartz, and rose quartz. Trace amounts of other minerals produce color within the crystals as they ROCKS FROM PAGE 15 form, as in the purple of amethyst or the golden color of citrine. Well- formed specimens of crystals are often called "points". Clear quartz points may also contain inclusions. Examples of inclusions in mac- rocrystalline quartz varieties are tourmaline or rutile, and chlorite or hematite in crystals often called phantom quartz. There are many instances where both macro and cryptocrystalline varieties of quartz are found together in the same stone. Examples of these are agates or jaspers with crystal vugs, druzy agates, and also geodes. Here in our geologically rich little corner of the Sonoran Desert, we are fortunate to have many vari- eties of quartz that can be found locally. One of the most popular places for collecting beautiful clear rock crystal specimens is just south of Quartzsite at Crystal Hill. Crys- tal Hill is located in the Livingston Hills within the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and is the only area within the refuge where rock col- lecting is permitted. Both macro and cryptocrystalline varieties of quartz can be found in the Livings- ton Hills, as well as tourmaline and pyrite. There are many other loca- tions around Quartzsite for collect- ing agates, jaspers, chalcedony, and other varieties of quartz. For maps and information on Crystal Hill and other local collect- ing sites, visit RocksInMyHead. We have a great selection of local quartz crystal, agates, jaspers, and chalcedony as well as other great rocks, minerals, fossils, and gem- stones, plus everything you need for your rockhounding, prospect- ing, and lapidary adventures. We are located at A37 in Rice Ranch. We are open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, and online at www. RocksInMyHead.com. Our phone # is 605-376-8754. Hope to see you soon. Happy Prospecting. spirit. To do this means to cut out all the "busy-ness." It means tak- ing the time to breathe. It means sitting quietly and seeking seren- ity wherever you can fi nd it. And LISTENING -- not only to yourself but to everybody (and everything) around you. (These are messages from the universe.) And, doing things that inspire you, like read- ing inspirational and spiritual books, listening to the music of the masters, and walking or biking in nature. There is one piece of music that absolutely DOES IT for me: "The Swan" by Saint Saens. I have a re- cording with Yo Yo Ma on the cello. When I play that piece of music, it takes me to another place -- a place of such bliss that it is truly awe- some. That one piece of music is reason enough for me to be alive! P.S. Niki's toenails are really lavender, not purple... ~*~*~*~*~*~ If one advances confi dently in the direction of one's dreams, one will meet with a success unex- pected in common hours....Thoreau ~*~*~*~*~*~ Jane's book is WANDERINGS: Liv- ing the Ordinary Extraordinarily (Stories from the Road). For an update on Jane's travels and writ- ing, visit her website (janefi nley. com) and/or read "Traveling with Gypsy Jane" and "Poems from the Road" in The Desert Messenger (desertmessenger.com) beginning March 5, 2014. GYPSY FROM PAGE 12 DEADLINE : WED. DEC . 30 TH for the Jan 6 th edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com • Old Costume Jewelry • Old Fountain Pens • Silver & Gold Coins • Sterling Silverware • Gold Filled Jewelry • Old Watches • Gold & Silver Jewelry Any Condition • Gold Nuggets • Dental Gold BUYING Hi Ally Swap Meet ~ Front Row Main St., Quartzsite blind draw scramble with one new twist. All players 75 and older, were able to tee off from the closer tees. That format seemed to work well for most teams. Winning team for the day was David Swindell and Jerry Taylor who fi red a 37. Due to an odd number of players, Jim Mathews and Jerry Taylor teamed up to shoot a 2nd place score of 38. Three teams tied for 3rd place by turning in rounds of 39. Those teams were Cletus Winkler & Rob- ert Webb, Russ Leininger & Joe McWIlliams, and Harvey Gibson & Chester Henry. Biil Toner and Dean Harrington had a good round of 40. From top to bottom there was just a 6 point spread in the scores for the day. Special award for long drive was won by LeeRaye Christner and there was a 3-way tie in the men's long drive between Chester Henry, Joe McWIlliams, and Pete Lilly. Closest to the pin on hole #8 was Jerry Taylor and closest to the pin on #9 was Cletus Winkler. Our next tournament at Rainbow Acres is Dec. 18 at 10:00. We always welcome new players as guests to our tournaments. GOLF FROM PAGE 30

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