WSMGS Topic Library
The WSMGS Library includes articles that may be of interest to rockhounds. These articles have been divided into categories that cover a wide range of information; click on the desired category to display a list of articles pertaining to that subject, then click on the specific titled article to open it for reading. Articles will open in a new window; close that window to return to this page.
Many of these articles are from past issues of the WSMGS Newsletter, Jade State News (JSN); these are noted by the issue month and year following the article title. Jade State News is published as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Reader in order to read the newsletters. If you need to download a copy, you can do so from Adobe's web site.
Arizona Gem & Mineral Museum JSN, May 2022, p. 3
Art of Being the Meaningful Historian JSN, February 2023, p. 8
Cody Students' Geology Field Trip JSN, August 2013, p. 12
Explore Wyoming's Rocks on the Internet JSN, November 2020, p. 16
Involve Youth in Clubs and Activities JSN, December 2023, p. 4
Rockhounding on Facebook JSN, May 2020, p. 8
Safety Matters JSN, December 2021, p. 14
Safety With Children JSN, February 2022, p. 10
Torrington Library Class JSN, August 2013, p. 11
Wyoming Total Eclipse Views JSN, May 2017, p. 1
Casper's Black Gold Byway JSN, May 2014, p. 16
Climate Catastrophe JSN, May 2018, p. 1
Eighth Continent? JSN, May 2022, p. 6
Geologic Map of Wyoming JSN, May 2015, p. 8
Geological Survey Update JSN, November 2018, p. 10
Geological Wonders of Wyoming JSN, February 2020, p. 1
Geology of Bear River State Park JSN, November 2020 p. 9
Geology of Boysen State Park JSN, February 2021 p. 12
Geology of Buffalo Bill State Park JSN, May 2020 p. 11
Geology of Curt Gowdy State Park JSN, August 2019 p. 9
Geology of Edness K. Wilkins State Park JSN, December 2021 p.10
Geology of Glendo State Park JSN, August 2020 p. 6
Geology of Guernsy State Park JSN, May 2019 p. 14
Geology of Hot Springs State Park JSN, May 2021 p. 9
Geology of Keyhole State Park JSN, November 2019 p. 7
Geology of Seminoe State Park JSN, February 2020 p. 7
Geology of Sinks Canyon JSN, Decembery 2023 p. 5
Glacial Ice Ages JSN, February 2021 p. 1
Green River Formation JSN, May 2016, p. 1
Guide to Wyoming's Cultural Geology JSN, May 2018, p. 10
Making Geologic Maps Easier to View JSN, May 2020, p. 7
Natural Trap Cave JSN, February 2021 p. 5
Navigation & Rockhounding Part 1 JSN, August 2019, p. 5
Navigation & Rockhounding Part 2 JSN, November 2019, p. 10
Natural Trap Cave JSN, February 2021 p. 5
Paleontology in National Parks JSN, February 2021 p. 11
Transcontinental RR/Phosphates in N Utah JSN, February 2022 p. 6
Using the WSGS as a Resource JSN, August 2016, p. 9
World's Biggest Landslide Formed Heart Mountain JSN, May 2021, p. 6
Wyoming Geology Part 1 JSN, November 2013, p. 1
Wyoming Geology Part 2 JSN, February 2014, p. 1
Wyoming Geology Part 3 JSN, May 2014, p. 8
Wyoming Geology Part 4 JSN, August 2015, p. 14
Wyoming Paleographic History JSN, November 2014, p. 1
Wyoming Valley Glaciers JSN, February 2021 p. 8
Wyoming's Jurassic World JSN, November 2015, p.1
Bighorn Mountain Field Trip JSN, August 2016, p. 13
Birds Eye Chert JSN, January 2012, p. 3
Blue Forest Petrified Wood JSN, October 2010, p. 5
Cody 59ers Field Trip Lysite Agate JSN, November 2014, p. 13
Collecting at Glendo Reservoir JSN, November 2013, p. 17
Common Opal Field Trip JSN, November 2011, p. 4
Delaney Rim / Cedar Ridge JSN, August 2012, p. 6
Fenn's Treasure JSN, August 2018, p. 12
Forrest Fenn's Treasure Hunt Comes to an End? JSN, November 2020, p. 13
Gas Hills / Selenite JSN, November 2013, p. 16
Guernsey Area Rock Finds JSN, February 2022, p. 4
Lysite Trip JSN, May 2010, p. 6
Riverton Field Trip Petrified Wood JSN, November 2014, p. 14
Shirley Basin JSN, August 2012, p. 5
Snails, Algae & Wood JSN, August 2012, p. 4
Sweetwater Garnets JSN, August 2011, p. 1
Sweetwater Garnets JSN, November 2013, p. 19
Topaz & Smoky Quartz JSN, August 2012, p. 5
Why Do Rockhounds Collect Rocks? JSN, May 2013, p. 10
WSMGS Board Field Trip JSN, April 2012, p.5
WSMGS Field Trip Cooke City Mining Ore JSN, November 2014, p. 12
Yellow Brick Road Dinosaur Trackway JSN, August 2012, p. 4
Belemnite Fossils JSN, November 2015, p. 6
Dinosaur Track Site JSN, February 2015, p. 4
Eden Valley's Fossil Fish JSN, August 2017, p. 9
Excuse Me, Is This a Fossil? JSN, November 2013, p.9
Formation of Wyoming Petrified Wood JSN, August 2015, p.16
Fossil Color? JSN, January 2012, p.5
Gryphaea – Devil's Toenails JSN, November 2015, p. 7
Hunting Fossils at Lake Gosuite JSN, May 2016, p. 6
Jurassic Dig in Wyo's Big Horn Basin JSN, November 2019, p. 6
Old Bird Found in Wyoming (Eofringillirostrum boudreauxi) JSN, May 2019, p. 13
Olive, a Primitive Horse JSN, February 2016, p. 9
Petrified Wood JSN, November 2011, p. 1
Preserving Fish Fossils JSN, August 2020, p. 9
Rare Mammal Fossil Discovered in Wyoming JSN, may 2018, p. 9
The Revenant Fossils JSN, February 2016, p. 1
Wyoming Fossil Collecting Is Changing (Proposed Federal Regulations) JSN, February 2017, p. 1
Wyoming Fossil Hounds JSN, November 2014, p. 5
Wyoming State Dinosaur: Triceratops JSN, May 2015, p. 11
Wyoming State Fossil: Knightia JSN, May 2015, p. 10
Wyoming's Blue Forest Petrified Wood JSN, February 2018, p. 1
Wyoming's Petrified Forests JSN, May 2015, p. 1
Common Opal JSN, November 2011, p. 4
Corundum JSN, August 2011, p.1
Discovery of Wyoming Jade JSN, May 2010, p. 2
Dryhead Agate JSN, August 2012, p. 13
Fairburn Agate JSN, February 2015, p. 9
Hunting for Agates JSN, May 2013, p. 9
Lake Superior Agates JSN, August 2013, p. 17
Lysite Agate JSN, November 2012, p. 1
Opal: Gem or Wood Opal JSN, August 2013, p. 16
Prairie Tanzanite JSN, August 2012, p. 14
Private Opal Claim JSN, November 2013, p. 19
Sweetwater Moss Agates JSN, May 2013, p. 7
Tumbled and Polished Gemstones JSN, February 2020, p. 5
Unakite JSN, January 2012, p. 1
Wyoming Agates JSN, May 2019, p. 1
Wyoming Gemstones, Lapidary Materials, & Geologic Collectables JSN, November 2016, p. 1
Wyoming Jade JSN, February 2013, p. 1
Wyoming Jade Map JSN, February 2013, p. 18
Wyoming State Gemstone: Jade JSN, May 2015, p. 10
Wyoming: Diversified Assemblages of Gemstones JSN, November 2014, p. 6
Aluminum Oxide Polishing Compounds JSN, November 2019, p.5
Authentic Sea Glass JSN, November 2019, p.1
Calculating Flat Lap Weights JSN, February 2018, p. 14
Cleaning Stalactite Agate JSN, November 2013, p. 12
Close-up Photography for Beginners JSN, May 2015, p. 11
Diamond Rock Saw Blades JSN, November 2020, p. 17
D.I.Y. Lapidary Grinder JSN, August 2016, p.19
D.I.Y. Plastic Trim Saw Hood JSN, May 2018, p.11
D.I.Y. Slab Easels JSN, August 2017, p.13
Fast Inexpensive Lapidary Slab Saw JSN, November 2017, p.9
Grinding to Polishing JSN, February 2013, p.13
Homemade Rotary Tumbler JSN, February 2015, p. 11
How to Clean Geodes JSN, February 2020, p. 4
How to Evaluate and Cut Thundereggs JSN, February 2021, p. 15
How to Polish Apache Tears JSN, May 2021, p. 8
How to Polish Stones with a Dremel JSN, December 2023, p. 10
Jewelry Bench Tips JSN, May 2013, p. 13
Cutoff Wheels • Deburring Jump Wheels
Jewelry Bench Tips JSN, November 2015, p. 12Foredom Stand • Broken Drills
Lapidary Hints JSN, August 2019, p. 12Getting the Polish Out • Flat Lapping Rock Material
Lapidary Hints JSN, November 2018, p. 15Rock Saws
Lapidary Hints JSN, May 2017, p. 19Sanding/Polishing in Tight Places • Cutoff Wheels • Ochre Applicator • Removing Solder from a Bezel
Lapidary Hints JSN, November 2016, p. 11Raising a Carbochon • Transparent Cab
Lapidary Hints JSN, February 2016, p. 11Sawing Book Ends • Tumbling • Cleaning Druzy Quartz
Lapidary Hints JSN, August 2015, p. 19Polishing Wheels • Safety Tips When Making Jewelry • Drilling a Stone
Lapidary Hints JSN, February 2014, p. 16Polishing Problems • Calculating Flat Lap Weights • Making a Heavy-Duty Diamond Grinder • Polishing and Cleaning Tips
Lapidary Hints JSN, November 2013, p. 11Reverse the Blade on Your Lapidary Saw • Denim Iron On Patches as Polishing Discs • Something Different and Beautiful • Filtering Saw Oil • A Submersible Pump for Lapidary Equipment
Lapidary Tips JSN, May 2013, p. 12Black Petrified Wood • Cutting Montana Moss Agate • Makeup for Moss Agate • Slab All the Rock with a Wood Block • Beware of Man-Made & Colored Stones! • Flat Lapping Geodes • Knotted Fine Metal Necklace Chain
Lapidary Tips JSN, August 2013, p. 16Detecting Fractures • How to Hide a Crack • How to Clean Quartz Crystals • Crystals with Reddish Iron Spots • For Smithsmiths: Using Pre-Made Bezel Cups
Lapidary Tips JSN, November 2014, p. 15From Rough Rock to Cabochon • Fix the Dried Polish in Surface Pits • Burb that Tumbler • How to Cut Rocks to Make Jewelry • Lapidary Swap Shop (Facebook)
Lapidary Tips JSN, May 2016, p. 21Drilling Small Items • Drilling a Stone
Matching Lapidary Equipment to Lapidary Product JSN, May 2013, p. 11Lapidary Safety JSN, February 2013, p. 12
Photographing Minerals & Rocks Under Ultraviolet Light JSN, May 2017, p. 3
Polishing Cabochons/Slabs - 5# Vibratory Tumbler JSN, August 2014, p. 21
Polishing Glass JSN, November 2019, p. 2
Preparing and Cleaning Agates JSN, May 2013, p. 10
Preparing Fossils for Display JSN, August 2014, p. 21
Rock Polishing JSN, November 2012, p. 13
Rock Saws JSN, August 2012, p. 8
Safety Is No Accident JSN, December 2021, p. 15
Sea Glass JSN, November 2019, p.1
Specific Gravity of Mineral Specimens JSN, February 2017, p. 18
Vibrating Lap JSN, February 2018, p. 15
Wet Polishing Guide JSN, May 2020, p. 14
Critical Mineral Survey in WY JSN, April 2024, p. 6
Crystals and Dragons JSN, August 2019, p. 12
Formation of Quartz JSN, August 2013, p. 15
Gold JSN, April 2012, p.8
Many Faces of Quartz JSN, February 2022, p.8
Minerals of Wyoming JSN, April 2024, p. 8
Quartz JSN, February 2011, p. 1
Jim Platt • Tom Marchwick • Robert Earl Fischer • Steve Smith • John Allen • Les Hunt
2011 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2011, p. 3
2012 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2012, p. 7
2013 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2013, p. 1
2014 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2014, p.1
2015 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2015, p.1
2016 Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Show JSN, August 2016, p. 6
2017 RMFMS Show & Convention JSN, May 2017, p. 13
2017 RMFMS Show & Convention JSN, August 2017, p. 7
2017 WSMGS State Showcase Winners JSN, August 2017, p. 1
2018 WSMGS State Show & Awards JSN, August 2018, p. 1
2020 WSMGS State Show & Awards JSN, August 2020, p. 1
2021: Rocking with the Rocky Mountain Federation JSN, December 2021 p. 5
2021 Wyoming Rock Show Highlights JSN, December 2021 p. 1
2021 Sublette County Show, Three for the Show JSN, May 2021, p. 1
2022 Wyoming Rock Shows: A Look Back JSN, February 2023, p. 1
The Art of Display JSN, May 2010, p. 7
Sublette County Rock Hounds Set the Show Stage JSN, May 2021, p. 4
Lysite Agate JSN, November 2012, p. 1
Obsidian JSN, April 2012, p. 1
Oddities of Obsidian JSN, May 2022, p. 1
Rock Art Can Brighten Your Day JSN, February 2022, p. 1
Why Do Rockhounds Collect Rocks? JSN, November 2019, p. 13
Wyoming Banded Iron JSN, May 2014, p. 1
Wyoming Gypsum JSN, February 2015, p. 7
Wyoming Rocks JSN, Novembery 2020, p. 1
Wyomingite JSN, February 2014, p. 7
2011 Central Wyoming Fair Winners JSN, August 2011, p. 2
2011 Rockhound of the Year: Mary Ann Northrup JSN, August 2011, p. 2
2012 Rockhound of the Year: Lynn and Jane Neale JSN, August 2012, p. 1
2013 Rockhound of the Year: Richard Heumier JSN, August 2013, p.1
2014 Rockhound of the Year: Linna Beebe JSN, August 2014, p. 11
WSMGS Board Award: Jim McGarvey JSN, January 2012, p. 7
2013 WSMGS Board Awards JSN, August 2013, p. 7
2014 Club Rockhounds of the Year JSN, August 2014, p. 10
2016 Club Rockhounds of the Year JSN, May 2016, p. 16
2016 JSN Receives Awards JSN, August 2016, p. 1
2016 Rockhounds of the Year Awards JSN, August 2016, p. 11
2017 WSMGS Club Rockhounds of the Year JSN, August 2017, p. 4
2018 WSMGS Club Rockhound of the Year Nominations JSN, May 2018, p. 16
2018 Rockhound of the Year: Gary Olsen JSN, August 2018, p. 11
2019 Rockhound of the Year Nominations JSN, May 2019, p. 11
2020 RMFMS Awards / AFMS Endowment JSN, February 2021, p. 16
20201 Rockhounds of the Year JSN, February 2022, p. 11
Casper Teen Wins Awards (Heaven Goss) JSN, December 2023, p. 3
Jade State News Recognized JSN, February 2023, p. 7
Getting to Know Jim and Leane Grey JSN, April 2024, p. 5
New Wyoming Director, for RMFMS (Leane Grey) JSN, April 2024, p. 4
Rock Hound Spotlight: Bill and Linda Beebe JSN, December 2021, p. 16
Rock Hound Spotlight: Bill and Linda Beebe JSN, December 2021, p. 16
Wyoming Rockhound is 108 (Edna Scott) JSN, April 2024, p. 1
Wyoming State ROY Plaque JSN, November 2018, p. 1
WSMGS Rockstar Award: Ava & Eddy Cole JSN, August 2013, p. 13
WSMGS Rockstar Award: Curt Talbot JSN, August 2014, p.13
WSMGS Rockstar Award: Cliff and Rowena Paton-Manuel JSN, May 2015, p.12
Wyoming Rockstar Doc Ellis JSN, May 2016, p. 11
Wyoming Rockstar Award: Wayne Sutherland JSN, November 2018, p. 14
Wyoming Rockstars: Ken & Debbie Steele, Mark Fisher JSN, May 2021, p. 5