21. Nearctica - Geology - Minerals And Gems - Gems a few sites are listed here for those interested in lapidary techniques. The Eclectic Lapidary. An online journal with articles on all aspects of http://www.nearctica.com/geology/mineral/lapidary.htm

Minerals and Gems - Gems Special Segments Butterflies of North America Conifers of North America Eastern Birds List of N.A. Insects Home Eastern Wildflowers General Topics Natural History Ecology Family Environment Evolution Home Education Home Conservation Geophysics Paleontology Commercial Organizations Return to Geology Main Page Photo courtesy of John Betts Fine Minerals Books About Rocks and Minerals There is a fine line between the enjoyment of nature and turning it into jewelry. Nearctica is concerned with nature in the raw, so to speak. Therefore only a few sites are listed here for those interested in lapidary techniques. Gemology and Lapidary Pages . John Miller. A great site for those who like, or aspire, to cut and polish gems. The site is rife with information including identifying gemstones, cutting and polishing them in all different styles, information about gems as investments, and a gallery of gem photographs. Highly recommended. The Eclectic Lapidary . An online journal with articles on all aspects of lapidary work. In addition the site has forums you can enter and a trading post. Delta Bravo . If you go crazy over natural emerald crystals, like I do, you will love this site with a gallery of incredible emerald crystals from Colombia. There are also sections on emerald mines in Colombia, their characteristics, and (if you are very well healed) specimens for sale.

22. Revrul67-139 pertaining to gems and minerals and give instruction on lapidary techniques; lapidary techniques and display collections of gems and minerals. http://www.taxlinks.com/rulings/1967/revrul67-139.htm

Internal Revenue Service Revenue Ruling TaxLinks.com sm Rev. Rul. 67-139 1967-1 C.B. 129 Sec. 501 IRS Headnote Gem and mineral clubs and a federation of such clubs may qualify for exemption from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 depending upon their forms of organization and methods of operation. Full Text Rev. Rul. 67-139 Depending upon its form of organization and method of operation, a gem and mineral club may qualify for exemption from Federal income tax as an educational organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or as a social club under section 501(c)(7) of the Code. A federation of such clubs may qualify for exemption from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Situation 1 .-Club qualifying under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The general public is invited to attend all club functions and participate in its programs on substantially the same basis as members. Receipts of the society are from membership dues and from the gem and mineral show. Disbursements are for office and club expenses. No salaries are paid; all services are performed by volunteers. Section 501(c)(3) of the Code exempts from Federal income tax organizations organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes whose net earnings do not inure to the benefit of any private individual.

23. Canadian Rockhound: Gemstone & Lapidary Links contains interesting and useful articles on gemstones, how they are cut, andhow they are graded. lapidary techniques are also discussed. Top of Page http://www.canadianrockhound.ca/links_gem.html

About us Contact us Services Back Issues ... Achate und Calcite http://meineseite.i-one.at/Achate/ This Austrian website focuses on agate and calcite. The Zenz collection of agates consists of more than 1500 pieces from all over the world. The site contains excellent photos of agate and calcite specimens, and a directory of agate collectors. AfriGemTec http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/g_debeer/homepage.html This South African website provides useful information on collecting and polishing gemstones, gestone rough, and slabbing. The site includes a picture gallery. Canadian Gemmological Association http://www.canadiangemmological.com Official home page. Click here for detailed information on courses, membership, and upcoming events. Edelsteine und Mineralien http://home.sunrise.ch/wipfgo/edel.htm Swiss-based website on gemstones and minerals. Gemmological Association of Australia http://www.gem.org.au This website contains information about the GAA, including membership, certification, contact information and more. Includes links to other gemmological associations around the world. Gemmological Association of Great Britain http://www.gagtl.ac.uk/gagtl/

24. Canadian Rockhound: Lapidary Clubs List of clubs in Canada with a lapidary focus. This page contains a list ofclubs in Canada that focus on lapidary techniques and crafts, such as stone http://www.canadianrockhound.ca/clubs/list_lap.html

About us Contact us Services Back Issues ... Museum Societies Lapidary Clubs This page contains a list of clubs in Canada that focus on lapidary techniques and crafts, such as stone polishing, wire wrapping, silver smithing, jewellery making and stone carving. These clubs provide and maintain equipment used in lapidary work. Most will offer workshops on a regular basis each month, and these are usually separate from the monthly meetings. Some lapidary clubs also organize field trips to collect minerals and fossils. - Brantford, ON - Calgary, AB Edmonton Tumblewood Lapidary Club - Edmonton, AB Hastings Centre Rockhounds - Vancouver, BC - Kingston, ON Kokanee Rock Club - Nelson, BC Lapidary Club of West Vancouver - West Vancouver, BC Maple Ridge Lapidary Club - Maple Ridge, BC - Medicine Hat, AB - Prince Albert, SK - Ottawa, ON - Port Moody, BC Powell River Lapidary Club - Powell River, BC - Regina, SK Rock of Ages Lapidary Club - Winnipeg, MB Top of Page Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Back Issues Junior Rockhound Resources Clubs ... Home

25. Default1 Explore lapidary techniques using a flexible shaft, diamond burrs and your No experience in lapidary techniques is necessary, but being familiar with http://www.mendocinoartcenter.org/PSS_Cart.35.LassoApp?category=178:Jewelry&feat

26. Faceting Books 2 This is a complete handbook of common materials used in the lapidary arts and informative text all demonstrate how lapidary techniques are done. http://www.jaderockshop.com/old pages/BK11.html

"STONE CUTTING" The Art of Gem Cutting - Dake Show how to buy the rough, cut the gems, choose equipment and use equipment. Easy, step-by-step explanations. Includes hundreds of tips and facts. Profusely illustrated. Newest edition. (soft cover) 96 pages Advanced Cabochon cutting - Cox (soft cover) 64 pages Cabochon Cutting - Cox Illustrations, photos, and detailed instructions will tell and show how to cut a cabochon. Everything to start you on your way to expert cutting. A book that will not leave you in the dark. Answers all the questions, from doping to setting the stone. (soft cover) 64 pages Introduction to Lapidary - Kraus The author provides in-depth information to help the reader determine just what will work best in a given area and which equipment is necessary to get started in a particular branch of lapidary. Covers all aspects of gem cutting including the how-to and the pleasures. Illustrated plus 16 pages in full color. (soft cover) 196 pages How to use Diamond Abrasives - Riggle This book covers the cutting of cabochons and small flats, using diamond abrasives. Subjects covered include trim sawing, slab sawing, grinding, doping, smoothing, polishing, equipment, accessories and supplies. Profusely illustrated with drawings, black and white and color pictures. This book will make it easy for you to learn how to use diamond abrasives to cut gemstones.

27. Professional Jeweler Archive: Crafted In The Round Michael Dyber uses ancient lapidary techniques to achieve modern results, as inthis 46.20ct. aquamarine and 52.85-ct. citrine. Photo by Robert Weldon. http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/2001/oct01/1001gn2.html

October 2001 Crafted in the Round Michael Dyber uses no dop sticks or faceting machines to create his finished gemstones and sculptures. The magic resides in his mind and hands Self-Made Man Dyber supplemented his artistic urges by working with his hands in other ways. For example, he is a licensed plumber and welder in his home state of New Hampshire. This practical experience helps him understand how to build the tools he uses to sculpt and polish his gems. Dyber Does Dishes Dyber Optic Dishes, usually placed on the back of the gem, increase internal light reflections and create unusual rounded features when the gem is viewed from the back. On the front, Dyber uses large facets through which you can peer into the gemstone to see the effects. Awards and Honors Michael Dyber, Ledge Art Studio, Rumney NH; (603) 744-2161, www.dyber.net. Michael Dyber uses ancient lapidary techniques to achieve modern results, as in this 46.20-ct. aquamarine and 52.85-ct. citrine. Photo by Robert Weldon. Photo by Sena Dyber. This suite comprises (top row, from left) a 37.70-ct. citrine, 42.10-ct. ametrine, 61.45-ct. citrine, (bottom, from left), 45.70-ct. amethyst, 43.40-ct. beryl, 51-ct. beryl and 55.10-ct. aquamarine.

28. Facet Junction the entries on creativity and excellence in lapidary techniques in faceting, technique he developed and knew it was time to expand my horizons. http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/1999/oct99/1099gn2.html

October 1999 Facet Junction America's gem artists compete at American Gem Trade Association's annual cutting match Judges evaluated the entries on creativity and excellence in lapidary techniques in faceting, carving, combinations, pairs and suites and objects of art. They chose 15 winners and awarded 14 honorable mentions. The judges were Larry C. Winn of AJS Enterprises Inc., Grand Junction, CO; Lainey Papageorge of Illumina Gallery, Atlanta, GA; and Robert Weldon of Professional Jeweler, Philadelphia, PA. Here are the winning designs, along with some of the artists' thoughts about their piece. Best of Show PHILLIP YOUNGMAN Los Osos, CA (805) 528– 4616 Brazilian topaz suite of nine gemstones totals 46.74 carats and features the opposed– bar cut "My message to retailers is the highest standards of gem cutting are also the easiest and most fulfilling to sell, whatever the material at hand. I hadn't seen Imperial topaz rough for several years. But last year at Tucson, I bought a large parcel, and some of the pieces screamed out to be a suite. It's like that with gemstones – sometimes they tell us what to do. I cut them in elongated opposed– bar style because the crystals lent themselves to this technique."

29. IGS Book Store - EBooks the major lapidary techniques in use among the world s gem cutters. wanted to become involved or improve your existing techniques - in lapidary, http://www.gemsociety.org/ebooks.htm

ISG Book Store eBooks - delivered on CD FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Note: You can receive $10 off any of these products, plus an additional 20% on everything else by joining the IGS. Membership is just $44 a year and offers you many benefits in addition to the discounts. Click here to learn more about the IGS. GEMS OF YORE By Fara Braid This book details the myths and lore of our precious gems. The author has referenced almost every ancient culture in this comprehensive work. Among the gems covered are pearl, topaz, ruby, sapphire, diamond, and more. It is well written and beautifully illustrated. HTML format, can be read by any browser. GEMS OF YORE Price: $12.00 - Free Shipping Quantity: Note: You can get Gems of Yore FREE with an IGS membership. Click here to learn more. BEYOND THE GLITTER By Gerald L. Wykoff GG CSM The famous work will make a professional level gemologist out of any participant. In book form, (now out of print), this title sold more than 40,000 copies and became recommended reading for gemology/lapidary people at the Gemological Institute of America and the American Society of Gemcutters. Not only does this new CD contain everything from the original book but you will also find new, updated sections, especially in enhancements and disclosures. If you want to be on a level of gemological expertise in a complex field without devoted the years of study, this is the way to go.

30. Antiquity Vol 74:284, 2000 Pp 380-387 - Margaret Sax Et Al. - The Introduction O Scanning electron microscopy provides an insight into the lapidary techniques ofthe ancient Near East. Engraved features on quartz cylinder seals have been http://antiquity.ac.uk/ant/074/Ant0740380.htm

Home About Antiquity Online archive Project Gallery ... Search Quick search Current Issue Terms and Conditions Notes for Contributors Subscriptions ... Access this article Volume: Number: Page: The introduction of the lapidary engraving wheel in Mesopotamia Margaret Sax , Nigel D. Meeks and Dominique Collon Department of Scientific Research, British Museum, London WC1B 3DG, England. Department of Western Asiatic Antiquities, British Museum, London WC1B 3DG, England. Scanning electron microscopy provides an insight into the lapidary techniques of the ancient Near East. Engraved features on quartz cylinder seals have been compared to those produced experimentally, leading to a radical reassessment of the date for the introduction of the engraving wheel. Keywords: scanning electron microscopy, cylinder seal, stone, engraving technique, wheel-cutting, replication Home Project Gallery News Online archive ... Reviews document.write('To cite this page use: '+window.location+'')

31. A Partial Listing Of Flatirons Mineral Club Meetings Board member Ray Gilbert demonstrated lapidary techniques on one of theclub’s AllIn-One machines, which are available for members to check out. http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/fmc/fmcmtgsago.htm

A partial listing of Flatirons Mineral Club Meetings January - FMC President Dennis Gertenbach demonstrated fossil preparation techniques. February - The February "Valentine" program for the Flatirons Mineral Club monthly meeting was an evening of awards and entertainment. Paul Boni had ribbons for the winners at the Towel Show in November. Stefan Codrescu was the only junior present and received two ribbons. If you were a Towel Show winner but missed the February meeting, see Paul for your ribbon. Over the years, our program chairman Ray Horton has become acquainted with our members and their various talents, so he arranged he arranged a Musical Showcase for our entertainment. Stefan Codrescu played the piano. Paul Lemieux gave selections on his saxophone, and Carol Codrescu, her flute. Edna Green, one of our senior members, brought her ventriloquist dummy "Granny" and they had a conversation that had us laughing with them. Carol had music for a sing-along, and Paul Ralston selected a song for a solo. Ray and Dorothy Horton and Joyce and Ray Gilbert served refreshments. March - Annual Silent Auction. Thanks to all who helped make this event a success!

32. Lapidary Museums, Exhibits, Rock Club Listings For USA, Canada, Australia, Europ Learn different lapidary techniques from these institutions dedicated to providinginstruction in the lapidary arts. Club Listings Europe http://www.inlandlapidary.com/user_area/default2.asp

Lapidary Saws Diamond Band Saws and Trim Saws Saw Blades For Band Saws and Trim Saws Shaper / Grinder Drum Grinder for Lapidary Diamond Drums Replacement Drums for Shaper / Grinder Accessories for Lapidary Equipment Brazed Core Drills Professional Grade Hole Saws Plated Core Drills Economy Hole Saws Sintered Diamond Wheels Professional Grade Wheels for Cabbing Machines Plated Diamond Wheels Quality Plated Wheels for Cabbing Machines Flat Laps Quality Diamond Disks for Flat Lap Machines Hobby Products Additional items for scale modelers and woodworkers Lapidary Resources Product Listing Shopping Cart ... Conditions of Use Cart Contains Items Total: $0.00 If you are looking for the diamond tools and equipment that Inland Craft makes for the stained glass hobby, click on the logo below. site last updated: September 19, 2005 Site Powered By: Museums, Shows, Clubs, Forums, and Other Listings Listings of locations with permanent, gem, and mineral exhibits and displays along with rock and lapidary related museums in the US and world wide.

33. Lapidary, Mineral, And Rock Resources For Beginning Collectors Learn different lapidary techniques from these institutions dedicated to providinginstruction in the lapidary arts. http://www.inlandlapidary.com/user_area/default4.asp

Lapidary Saws Diamond Band Saws and Trim Saws Saw Blades For Band Saws and Trim Saws Shaper / Grinder Drum Grinder for Lapidary Diamond Drums Replacement Drums for Shaper / Grinder Accessories for Lapidary Equipment Brazed Core Drills Professional Grade Hole Saws Plated Core Drills Economy Hole Saws Sintered Diamond Wheels Professional Grade Wheels for Cabbing Machines Plated Diamond Wheels Quality Plated Wheels for Cabbing Machines Flat Laps Quality Diamond Disks for Flat Lap Machines Hobby Products Additional items for scale modelers and woodworkers Lapidary Resources Product Listing Shopping Cart ... Conditions of Use Cart Contains Items Total: $0.00 If you are looking for the diamond tools and equipment that Inland Craft makes for the stained glass hobby, click on the logo below. site last updated: September 19, 2005 Site Powered By: Just Getting Started and Interesting Facts Rocks in the News Wonder what current rock, lapidary, gem, and geology related stories are in the news? Learn what's up in the world of rocks, gems and rock related science fields. Birthstones Did you know birthstones have changed over the centuries? What are your choices? What does your birthstone mean? How do you select a quality stone?

34. About Dale Cannon We both learned from each other, him flintknapping and I lapidary techniques.I realized that with the lapidary skills I had acquired, I could use stone for http://www.futureartifacts.com/about/

Flintknapping, Flintknapper, About Dale Cannon Home I started flintknapping in 1990 after finding an arrowhead with my brother. Finding the arrowhead had a large impact on me while I envisioned what the stone age life of the artist had been. I decided to try to learn how to flintknap. With the help of my brother showing me the basics, I started on a journey that I have continued on since. Traveling to knapping shows, seeking out the experts, I learned the art of flintknapping. I progressed from small arrowheads to larger blades in about three years using traditional percussion techniques. Then a rock hound sought me out with an interest in learning how to flintknap, after reading an article in the newspaper about me. We both learned from each other, him flintknapping and I lapidary techniques. I realized that with the lapidary skills I had acquired, I could use stone for handles instead of the antler and wood that everyone else was using. I wanted my artwork to stand out and be different. Upon making the change, I

35. GIA: Gems & Gemology: Guidelines For Authors developments in gemology and related fields (eg, new instruments or identificationtechniques, gem minerals for the collector, and lapidary techniques). http://www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/363/guidelines_for_authors.cfm

Home Friday, September 23, 2005 Printer-Friendly Page About GIA Education Gem Trade Laboratory ... How to Buy a Diamond Service Center Subscriptions Contact Us Request a GIA Education Catalog FAQ's ... Help Search Virtual Campus Student ID# Password Register Here Guidelines for Authors (updated May 25, 2005) Authors should use the following guidelines when submitting a manuscript to , or the paper may be returned unreviewed. If you have any questions about these guidelines, or any other aspects of your topic, please contact Editor Brendan Laurs by e-mail (blaurs@gia.edu), fax (760-603-4595), or phone (760-603-4503). More detailed suggestions for preparing articles on gem localities, synthetic gem materials, and pearls can be found on the Remember that these are general guidelines only. Your best source for appropriate topics is itself. Read the journal and consult the 20-Year Index (also on-line) to acquaint yourself with the breadth of material covered. is published in English worldwide; foreign-language versions are also published in certain countries (translations are performed by GIA). APPROPRIATE TOPICS publishes original articles on gem materials and research in gemology and related fields. Appropriate topics include (but are not limited to) colored stones, diamonds, gemological instruments and identification techniques, gem localities, gem treatments, gem substitutes (simulants and synthetics), gemstones for the collector, jewelry manufacturing arts, jewelry history, legal issues related to gemology, and contemporary trends in the trade.

36. GIA: Newsroom: News Release Details Named in honor of the renowned gemologist, author, and lapidary, the event will lapidary techniques, literature, history, and photographic techniques. http://www.gia.edu/newsroom/608/22650/news_release_details.cfm

Home Friday, September 23, 2005 Printer-Friendly Page About GIA Education Gem Trade Laboratory ... How to Buy a Diamond Service Center Subscriptions Contact Us Request a GIA Education Catalog FAQ's ... Help Search Virtual Campus Student ID# Password Register Here News Releases GIA Invites Public to Learn About Emeralds and Other Beryls pr Carlsbad . Presentations will cover a wide range of topics at levels suitable to novices as well as gem and mineral connoisseurs. Specimens of emerald and other beryl varieties, books on beryls, and hand-painted pictorials will be on display. A number of highly respected mineral and gem experts are scheduled to address the symposium, including Dr. George Rossman, a pr ofessor of mineralogy at the California Institute of Technology; Dr. William B. (Skip) Simmons, a pr ofessor of mineralogy at the University of New Orleans ; Si Frazier, and Meg Berry. They will cover theories on beryl formation, worldwide localities, crystallography, lapidary techniques, literature, history, and photographic techniques. pr ovided. Early registration is advised, as another sellout event is anticipated.

37. Saws And Grinders These lapidary techniques are now within the capabilities of everyone with thenew Diamond Laser 3000 Band Saw. The most difficult task of any saw is to cut http://www.amlap.com/alw/saws.html

AMERICAN LAPIDARY WHOLESALERS Saws and Grinders Home Page Books and Videos Cabochon Accessories Cabochon Supplies ... Jewelers Furniture We offer the complete line of Lortone saws and trim saws for the faceter and cabber alike. Tiny Trim Faceting Saw Well Built Quality. A 1/15 HP continuous duty motor turns the 4" x 1/2" diameter arbor, Euroblade at 3000 RPM. The sump, base and table are made from cast aluminum to provide a sturdy, rust free system. Maximum cutting depth 11/2 inches. 4"x.007 Eurocutter diamond blade included. 110 Volt only. Graves Faceting Saw The Best Value 4" Saw On The Market. Built especially for the faceter who needs to cut small pieces of rough. This unit comes complete with a sump, table, motor, variable speed foot controller and splash shield. A choice of blades are available to fit most any need, you pick the one that is right for your application (or call us for assistance). The saw comes with a variable speed foot controller allowing you the freedom of two handed operation. For efficient cutting the motor produces speeds up to 5,000 RPM. Recommended lubricants are Dia Cut or Aqua Oil. Accepts 4" Diamond blades between .004 to .025 inches thick with a 1/2" arbor. Compact size 7" x 10 - 3/4" x 5" high. JB Pro Series Grinder Heavy Duty Construction Built To Last Years! The great 6" grinder is thick cast aluminum that gives a sturdy feel and a lifetime of use. The 3/4" shaft is drilled and tapped for our Quick Discs and Flex Discs. The machine has room for three wheels; Two 6 x 1 - 1/2" on the left side and up to a 6 x 2 - 1/2" expanding drum on the right side. Comes with a complete copper plumbing system ready to hook up to a pump or home water source. Also equipped with a powerful 1/3 hp motor and a 6" cast polishing head.

38. American Gem Trade Association - 2006 AGTA Spectrum Awards quality and technique of lapidary work and quality and rarity of the gem material . two or more lapidary techniques, including concave faceting. http://www.agta.org/consumer/spectrum/

See us at these shows! 2006 AGTA Spectrum Awards Eligibility Deadlines NYC Drop Off Judging ... Winners AWARDS AND JUDGING The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition, created in 1984, honors, recognizes and promotes North American designers and lapidaries whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls. It is the true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation and winners no doubt set the standards of excellence for our entire industry. Winning an award in this competition is considered one of the industry's most-esteemed honors. Here's why: Respected. Through the Spectrum Awards, the American Gem Trade Association has been honoring excellence in jewelry design and lapidary arts for 22 years. The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition is viewed by the industry as a mark of outstanding quality and achievement. Winners of this illustrious award truly define excellence. Rigorous.

39. Crossroads Treasures Index Of Rock, Gem And Mineral Associations Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies Gem and MineralSociety, Inc. promotes the study of mineralogy and lapidary techniques. http://crossroadstreasures.net/organizations/

MAP DUDLEY'S BAKERY AREA INFO HOME ... MUSEUMS GEMSTONE ORGANIZATIONS GEMSTONE SHOWS RELATED LINKS Member of San Diego BBB Clubs, Organizations and Associations If you would like your organization listed in our Directory, please click here. Alabama Geological Society American Federation of Mineralogical Societies ,AFMS. American Opal Society (Anaheim) Arlington Gem and Mineral Club Atlanta Geological Society Beehive Rock and Gem Club (Ogden) ... C.F.M.S. (California Federation of Mineralogical Societies) Capital Mineral Club (Concord) Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society (Carmel) Carolina Geological Society. Central Brevard Rock and Gem Club (Merritt Island) ... Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. promotes the study of mineralogy and lapidary techniques. It meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday at Historical Society Museum, 260 Rocky Crest Road, Fallbrook. (760) 728-1333. Flatirons Mineral Club (Boulder) Flint Rock and Gem Club, contact: President; Suzette Millard, 1-989-652-6991, 202 Cumberland Street, Flint, MI 48503. Meetings, third Thursday of the month at the Clio senior Citizens Center,2080 W. Vienna Rod, Clio MI 6-9pm

40. The Eclectic Lapidary - Finding And Cutting Fire Agate: Part I Fire agate was the second lapidary material that Carol Bova discovered. She learnedmany lapidary techniques in order to even think about cutting it, http://www.bovagems.com/eclectic/HTML/19980301_9803FIREAG.html

Volume II, Number 4 Carol J. Bova , Editor. Web Publishing by Doppler FX The Eclectic Lapidary is currently undergoing renovation. We'll have new issues soon! INDEX Finding and Cutting Fire Agate: Part I Carol J. Bova A Fire Agate Field Trip to the Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine One of my favorite rockhounding places is the Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine operated by Nancy Hill Fisher and Howard Fisher in Palo Verde, just southwest of Blythe, California and the Arizona border. Thanks to a series of questions from William Collins on the Lapidary Digest, I finally made the long overdue trip and spent a perfect weather weekend at the mine. The mine is fairly easy to reach. From Palm Springs, it is east on Route 10, and from Arizona, it is west on the 10 to the Neighbors Road exit for Highway 78 south. Follow the 78 signs that zig-zag around the fields, to Palo Verde. You may see flocks of sheep from Oregon, wintering in the fallow fields. The depth of the green is startling in the midst of the desert. Certainly reminds you that a desert is just a place that doesn't get much water! Palo Verde is a tiny town, just after a small patch of buildings and farms in Ripley. You'll see a Rock Shop sign just before the turnoff to Opal Hill mine. It's the old shop formerly run by the late Mr. Kinney, now owned by Dale Shutte. Stop in and get a preview of fire agate and other materials found around the area.

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