February 22, 2011 > Mineral and Gem show and sale Mineral and Gem show and sale By Alissa Gwynn Photos By Ronald C. Hasemyer We walk on them, crush them, wear them and even eat them; rocks are so ubiquitous, that we often give them little thought. In a myriad of shapes, sizes and composition, the mineral and gem wonders of the earth - and beyond - vary from mundane to spectacular in appearance. Businesses mine and refine many of these materials but the products that result may appear very different from their natural state, unappreciated by the general population. Each year, a local group of "rock hounds" hosts a glimpse into a fascinating world - the Earth. The Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley will be hosting their annual 3-Day Show and Sale on February 25, 26, and 27, at Newark Pavilion. Anything and everything that has to do with rocks-fossils, gemstones, jewelry, and more-will be displayed for all to admire and purchase. Some key highlights of the event, only $6 for all three days, include: stone carving beading, fossil preparation, and chain mail demonstrations by The Mineral and Gem Society members, over 25 cases of turquoise carvings and jewelry, and cases of fluorescent rocks lit by blacklights. These fluorescent rocks are 100% natural, and glow when placed under ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays cause the electrons in the mineral to "jump" to a higher energy level, and when they fall back to "normal," they give off energy in the form of light. The Northern California Fluorescent Mineral Society will have at least eight cases displaying fluorescent rocks. In addition, there will be an auction on Sunday at 2 p.m., featuring hand-crafted carved turquoise, faceted stones, silver wire crocheted bracelets, and more made by club members. Proceeds from the Auction will go toward scholarships for two Cal State East Bay Hayward students majoring in Geology. Betty Milam, Member of the Show Committee, says, "Quite a few years ago our club established a scholarship fund in order to award two scholarships per year for two deserving students in the CSU East Bay Geology Department. Since we are a 501c(4) [organization], this donation supports our non-profit status, but mainly we enjoy this relationship with the University." The Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Members volunteer for educational talks to local classrooms, and are always looking for new members to help with this experience. Milam says, "Introducing children to fossils and to the huge variety of precious and semi-precious stones displayed by our dealers [is our favorite part of the show.]" Mineral and Gem Show and Sale February 25, 26, and 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday Newark Pavilion 6430 Thornton Ave., Newark (510) 887-9007 http://www.mgscv.org/show.html (visit web site for discount coupon)