Canadian Rockhound: Summer/Fall 1999 Editorial

Welcome to the Summer/Fall 1999 issue of the Canadian Rockhound. It appears the magazine is gaining popularity among collectors. The previous issue, which focused on gemstones, was enjoyed by many and generated much feedback interest across Canada and around the world. The May/June 1999 issue of Sympatico's NetLife magazine rated the Canadian Rockhound as one of the most outstanding electronic magazines in Canada.

Featured in this issue are two articles on micromounting. Micromounting is one hobby that is least understood or known by many collectors of cabinet-sized specimens. Why do micromounters collect minerals so small? Quintin Wight provides the answers in his article "Secrets under the Scope". Tim Jokela offers ten reasons for trying micromounting. Except for the purchase of a microscope, micromounting is a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to collecting miniature and cabinet-sized mineral specimens. My first encounter with microminerals was back in 1992, when I decided to view some of the specimens under a microscope at university. I was surprised at the beauty and colour of the tiny crystals, which looked so perfect – unlike cabinet specimens. The only way to appreciate micromounting is to try it.

Also featured are several articles on mineral localities. John Ratcliffe presents an article on zeolite localities near Kamloops, BC. Tony Smith reports on the Society Girl Mine, a Canadian locality renown for its fine quality pyromorphite specimens. Richard Gunter presents an article on the native gold deposits and the pegmatite minerals found in southeastern Manitoba. Tony Forsyth reports on his recent journey to Australia's state of Tasmania, where he visited the 'Adelaide' Mine, which produces 95% of the world's crocoite.

Mont Saint-Hilaire is revisted in this issue. Daniel Comtois' reports on his finding of blue-coloured quartz from the Poudrette quarry and offers an explanation for the unusual blue colour.

Steve Brusatte, who is 15 years old, from Ottawa, Illinois is trying to become the first teenager to write a book on paleontology. Steve's book will highlight the contributions of modern paleontologists, including Robert Bakker, John Horner, Don Brinkman, and Darren Tanke. In this issue Steve presents a report on his recent fossil collecting at the famous Mazon Creek locality. We wish him luck with his endeavor.

This fall on Vancouver Island, construction will begin on the exciting new Geo-Centre of British Columbia. Rick Hudson, who is behind the project, presents us with an overview of the plans for the new centre. The Geo-Centre is expected to open May 2000. We hope to provide a feature report at that time.

Finally, I review Rick Hudson's new "Field Guide to Gold, Gemstone and Mineral Sites in British Columbia, Volume II", which looks at the collecting sites located within a day's drive of Vancouver. Rick's new book will be sought after by many rockhounds, who will be able to try out new localities in southwestern British Columbia.

I hope you will enjoy this issue of the Canadian Rockhound. I thank all the authors for their contributions. Have a safe and pleasant summer!

Dirk Schmid, Editor