RHS1 Connector – April 2006
In this issue…Feature Fact –Bahamas Treasure Trove Update– — Rockhound Recipes and Tips, column –Travel: — ONTARIO, CANADA- Feature Article, Serial, Metaphysics and History of Minerals, this issue, Agate.
FEATURE FUN FACT
Diamond
Fun Facts:
Diamonds are a girls best friend so they say. But how many of us girls know their best friends true colors? While everyone knows the clear sparkling white diamond, and most have at least heard of the black diamond, many people do not realize that diamonds come in a complete rainbow of vibrant colors. Take a look at these stunning examples of colored diamonds
images credit: Wikipedia
Above Image: OLD CHARTER SALVAGE, Inc
If you were tuned into the Newsletter or the Gazette over the last month you already know about Old Charter Salvage, Inc; exciting treasure strike on San Salvador in the Bahamas.
Since our last newsletter the Government of the Bahamas has granted Old Charter Salvage Inc. and Watlings Archaeological Research Co. LTD permission to excavate the treasure. Never before since the Protection Act of 1998 has anyone been granted such permissions.
This 17th century pirate cache is expected to be one of the most significant treasure recoveries in history, exceeding all previous finds, some of which have exceeded $700 million dollars. Excavations are due to begin in 2 to 3 weeks and we all look forward to many captivating revelations to come.
In my communications with Don Patterson, President of Old Charter Salvage, Inc. I have found that he is not just another treasure seeker, but is devoted to archaeological preservation and has a keen interest in history, so along with all of the physical treasure recovered we can also hope to recover much long lost and forgotten information about the early voyeurs who left these treasures and the people they encountered on their adventures.
I would also like to add a note to Bob Fitzgerald, inventor of the recovery equipment used by Old Salvage in this amazing discovery. Last year when I first met Bob we talked about his equipment and he made a simple, modest statement about his machines – that they really work. Well, I would just like to say here, Bob, that Don and his crews discovery might have just been a bit of overkill in providing proof of that statement. I was just wondering about finding some old coins.
We at RHS1 will be watching for further updates in the tantalizing excavation of the San Salvador treasure.
Above Image: Earth from Space:
San Salvador (Watling’s) Island, the Bahamas 2 December 2005:Credits: ESA ( European Space Agency)
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
Big News this month everyone! Our Shopping Guide is now online and stocked with all sorts of goodies for rockhounds and treasure hunters, with some additional this and thats for everyday life as well. You can find the link to the Shopping Guide on the top menu of the forums or in the left hand side menu of the Gazette. We are linking it on the homepage, too, so everyone will be able to find it easily. While we have a great selection going, it will only get better as time goes on. Members please make sure to check the Club Business forum before purchasing so you will know if the merchant discounts directly or how to get your rebates for purchases. Rebates and discounts are one of your many benefits so do not be shy to take advantage of them. It is a great solution to birthday and holiday shopping without the stress of the crowds and traffic. Of course, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to some of these items either.
If you know of someone with a product or products to sell that would like to be a RHS1 Merchant, have them contact us and we will be glad to talk with them about it.
Soon Members – you will have a place to sell your own items as well, so if you have a great rock or a used saw that you are looking to part with, you will be able to do so right here on RHS1. We are calling it the Flea Market and it will be available before too long.
Also folks you will see that my first product has just hit the market. It is an ebook for the person who wants to build their own site but has absolutely no knowledge of technology. It tells about my own experience and how I learned, and how RHS1 was developed. The ebook comes with tools and even some marketing products to sell if you are interested. You can see it from the homepage Commercial Center button.
MAPMART will be joining our Shopping Guide shortly. They will be giving members discounts on all inhouse services and products. There will be a list of what is discounted and what they have to contract out and can not discount as soon as their page is up and running. They also have an interactive map which you can put information into and pull up a topo or a satellite map of that area. KEWL.
THE GAZETTE
Okay we need to talk folks. I have become aware that our members with websites and clubs are missing the point of the Gazette a little bit. When you send me an article or an ad to post on the Gazette, you are not just posting on RHS1. The ad or article when posted is sent to news feeds all over the Internet so when you have us post your information, it is blasted to thousands of websites and search engines instantly. That is what it is there for so you can advertise free of charge, not just so you can decorate RHS1. When you send an article to me to post and I put your live link at the bottom of your article, people at thousands of different website search engine pages can read your article and if they are interested, they can click that link and go straight to your site. This is free for you. Of course, these ads and articles can be seen right at RHS1, too, but the point is that your material is not just sitting here on our site as it does many other places – it goes out there all over the globe. So if you are a member with a club event coming up and you do not have it posted you are not being fair to your club members to have this kind of advertising ability and not use it.
We want you to understand; this is not a website it is a Global Trading Center with the newest technology ever seen anywhere. We are here to give all rockhounds and treasure hunters a place to connect for business purposes as well as for pleasure. Do not hesitate to use any of our services to your advantage. And remember we are just starting up there is more to come yet.
Now the public forums also have a place to advertise. These ads are on RHS1 they are not blasted anywhere but readers of the public forums can post to those ads so you can get some interaction if you want it or need it in the public forums.
I hope this clears up any confusion that you may have had about what is so special about the Gazette and about the reason for the ad forum in the public forums.
PROJECT
We are going to start accepting submissions for the first project soon – so be sure and check the Club Business forums for information about the project. Be sure to post any questions you have others might have the same question. This project will not only be tons of fun for us all, but will earn money, too. Where will the money go? Into the pocket of every person who contributes to the project. Beat that one. I told you this was going to be a fun club and not just another forum. I know it is taking time to put it all together for you, but you just can not imagine the amount of work this is taking to do it right for you.
SPREAD THE WORD
It is time for members to start spreading the word about RHS1 in their local areas. We have been gaining many members from Oregon and those of us out here are making plans for some adventures in this area for this summer. Get the word out about RHS1 in your local areas, too.
The more people that join the club from your area, the more fun you are going to have here and out rock and treasure hunting with the other members from your part of the rock.
Well I guess that about does it for now.
Members, make sure that you have webmaster at rockhoundstation1.com in your address books so you can receive important announcements. We do not send many, but you will want to make sure to receive those that are sent. They will contain important information.
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images credit: Wikipedia
TRAVEL: ONTARIO, CANADA
If you are looking for a great rockhounding vacation getaway this summer, you might do well to consider a trip to Ontario, Canada. While it is important to note the laws there concerning rock and gem collecting while hunting in Ontario, the gem collecting enthusiast will find no shortage of areas open to public collecting – and no shortage of gem material to be collected, either.
Bancroft, known as the Mineral Capital of Canada, claims a vast array of material including corundum, apatite, beryl, feldspar, marble, mica, just to name a few. The Thunder Bay area is well known for it is incredible deposits of amethyst and agate and features many fee for collecting sites throughout the area. In the Atikokan area hematite, geothite, manganite, quartz, aragonite, and siderite along with other mineral specimens can be found at the Steep Rock Mine.
In the Sudbury Region garnets, staurolite, and other minerals abound. There is also a tour bus in that region run by Science North. The bus tours all the local mining sites allowing passengers to kick back and enjoy the scenery between sites. On Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world, fossil hunters will enjoy collecting brachiopod, coral, and bryzoan fossils.
There are numerous abandoned mining areas throughout Ontario to explore, but it is wise to note that these are incredibly dangerous areas and precaution must be used when exploring. Any mine tunnels in this region are very likely to filled with poisonous gases. You cannot smell these gases and once inhaled they are immediately fatal. Never let your curiosity overcome your common sense when running across an open tunnel – just stay out. It is much appreciated that if you do find an open shaft or tunnel that you report it to the local authorities as soon as you are able. While the government has laws in place that require capping of tunnels and shafts, it is not unknown to run into tunnels that have not been capped.
Ontario is a land of much wide open wilderness territory to explore. The terrain can be extremely rugged, so if you are planning a trip to back-country be prepared for rough terrain and quickly changeable weather conditions. You will want to pack warm clothing, wet weather gear and survival supplies . It is best also to let officials in a town close to where you are going to know you are there and when you plan to be back. Town officials will also be able to inform you about laws governing rock collecting in the areas you are interested in.
Ontario has a wide variety of wilderness and commercial rockhounding opportunities give a guarantee of great mineral hunting for tastes in outdoor adventure from mild to wild. It is a worthy summer destination for any rock and gem hunting enthusiast.
images credit: RHS1 member, Chuck Anderson, Owner of the Boulder Creek Amethyst Mine near Thunder Bay Ontario.
For information about visiting Boulder Creek Mine:… visit Boulder Creek Mine:
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
ROCKHOUND RECIPES & TIPS
Pantry Cooking With Mostly Optional Ingredients
Consider the recipes below as vague outlines and most ingredients as optional. Look in your pantry and make something delicious. I have underlined the ingredients that would be easy to swap with another item. Experiment, experience, enjoy …
Italian White Bean Soup
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
¼ C olive oil
2 cans white beans or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 T dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can tomatoes, diced, chopped or crushed
1 can tomato sauce
1 C cooked pasta or rice, couscous or barley
½ C canned mushrooms, sliced
½ small can black olives, sliced
Sauté celery, carrots and onion in oil. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Serves 6.
Creole Butter Bean Patties
Patties
2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 T lemon juice
2 eggs
¾ C bread crumbs
¼ C green onions, finely chopped
2 T fresh parsley, chopped
¼ t salt
6 drops Tabasco sauce
Sauce 1 T cornstarch
2 T cold water
1 can tomatoes, diced, chopped or crushed
½ t dried basil
¼ t dried thyme
1/8 t garlic powder
1/8 t Tabasco sauce
Mash beans in bowl. Add lemon juice and eggs; blend. Add remaining ingredients for patties; mix well. Shape into 4-6 patties. Lightly brown patties over medium heat in nonstick skillet with olive oil or cooking spray, turning once after 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat and cover while cooking sauce.
In small saucepan, stir cornstarch into cold water until dissolved. Add remaining sauce ingredients; blend. Cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Serve sauce warm over patties. Serves 6.
Bean Lasagna
1 8-oz. lasagna noodles
3 T butter or olive oil
½ C celery, chopped
½ C onion, chopped
1/3 C red or green bell pepper, chopped
1 28-oz can diced, chopped or crushed tomatoes with sauce
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
½ C water
1 t dried basil
½ t sugar
½ t salt
¼ t pepper
¼ t garlic powder
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 C mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
Preheat over to 350 F degrees. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, onion and bell pepper; sauté until tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, sugar, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat. Add beans and simmer 15 minutes.
Layer four lasagna noodles on the bottom of the greased pan. Add 1/3 bean mixture, 1/3 cheese. Repeat layers twice more. Bake 30-40 minutes, until sauce bubbles.
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 8 to 10.
Santa Fe Dip
1-lb. lean ground beef, turkey or other meat; browned and drained
1 can refried black beans
½ c salsa
¾ C cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tomato, chopped
¼ C green onions, sliced
Flour or corn tortillas
Combine cooked meat, beans and salsa. Spread over bottom of 9-inch pie pan. Top with cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes, remove. Garnish with tomato and green onion. Spoon into warmed tortillas. Also makes a great dip with tortilla chips. Serves
Black and White Bean Vegetable Chili
1 T olive oil
½ C onion, chopped
½ C celery, chopped
1 potato, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can chicken or vegetable broth
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can great black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn or hominy, drained
1 sm. can green chilies, chopped
1 t cumin
1 T fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 T lime juice
¼ c light sour cream
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery and garlic. Stir in potato, broth, beans, corn, chilies and cumin; mix well. Cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
Ladle into bowls, top with sour cream. Serves 4.
Keep on Rocking in the Free World!
Eileen Trainor is a writer, webmaster and marketer. Visit Eileen’s Blogspot and her marketing blog
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“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr”.
Rock Hound Station 1
Global Rockhound Community
FEATURE ARTICLE – SERIAL
METAPHYSICS AND THE HISTORY OF MINERALS
Birthstone: June
Zodiac: Gemini
. Agate is the colored and banded variety of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz of silicon dioxide composition. It has a Mohs scale hardness of 7, making it an easy stone to work and polish. In the rough it has the appearance of wax. Agates come in a rainbow of colors and are usually patterned with bands formed by layers of quartz, but come also in an endless variety of patterns and colors as in moss, plume, flower, and orbicular agate. The value of the agate is determined by the colors and patterns in each particular stone.
The use of agate predates any other known mineral. In the Omo Valley of Ethiopia tools found fashioned from agate were dated to have been created over 2 million years ago! The name Aagate comes from the Achates river in Sicily. Ancient Babylonians used agate for healing amulets and ornamentation. In Egypt carnelian agate was highly prized as a symbol of the organization of nature. It the Bible it is called Jacinth closely associated with the 12 tribes and is mentioned as one of the 12 stones of the New Temple. Ancient Hebrews wore amulets of brown agate. Roman military officer Pliny believed agates to be vital in curing the bites of spiders and snakes. Other ancient lore held that agate could avert storms when tied to the hairs of a lions mane. The Greeks considered agate an extremely powerful protector and it was written that Orpheus wore it on his descent into Hades. Superstitions from ancient and medieval cultures held that agate gives protection in battle and on the sea, and endows the owner with strength and courage, and has the ability to vanquish fear. It was used as an aid in finding treasure, acquire increase, and to bring victory in battle.
Medicinally agate was used to strengthen the abdominal organs, to cure ailments of the pancreas, alleviate insomnia, and as a general all-round healing stone.
Metaphysically it is a stone of grounding, creating a stability and balance between the physical, spiritual, and mental being. It centers the energies, heightens analytical abilities and perceptiveness, allowing for focusing on success and achievement. Agate neutralizes negative or hostile emotions. Different types of agate are used for different purposes. Moss agate is seen as the most powerful, regenerating energy, inducing a state of happiness, aiding longevity. Carnelian is a protector against negative forces and an energy booster. Blue lace is used as a neutralizer, promoting tranquility.
A gift of agate is a gift of protection, longevity, and monetary attainment.
