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Hobby Thread - July 12, 2025 [TRex]
Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin and it came up with rocks.
Rocks? Yes. Rocks. Not like "Let there be Rock" or "Can you smell what the rock is cooking?" Think more like "Welcome to the Rock" or "dumb as a box of rocks." You might be tempted to say "I'm not really into rocks as a hobby." Tough. Dig around in the content and soak in the comments. You might find that you're really into rocks and didn't know it or you might find reasons to get into rocks. Either way, glad you're here.Generally speaking, there are three main types of rocks: Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled magma or lava, these rocks are primary evidence of Earth's fiery interior. Examples include granite and basalt. Sedimentary Rocks: Created from particles of older rocks, as well as plant or animal debris, these rocks are like history books, recording ancient surface conditions. Sandstone and limestone are common types. Metamorphic Rocks: Born from transformation under pressure and heat, these rocks are the shape-shifters of the geological world. Marble and slate are metamorphic rocks that started as something else but changed under Earth's immense forces.
It all started with an innovative initiative to drill down hundreds of feet to explore the possibility for using the Earth's internal energy to heat and cool the Museum. But when you start drilling deep down into the Earth's crust at a museum full of scientists, the urge to survey and study what's down there becomes irresistible. Alongside the geothermal drilling project, the Museum conducted a scientific coring initiative to better understand the geology beneath City Park and the larger Denver Basin. The scientific core was drilled nearly 1,000 feet below the surface, passing through layers of gravel and sand deposited by the South Platte River before reaching ancient bedrock from the Late Cretaceous Period. While it wasn't surprising that scientists uncovered fascinating geology all the way down, the scientific core extracted something that surpassed everyone's expectations: a partial dinosaur bone dating back 67.5 million years! "It's basically like winning the lottery and getting struck by lightning on the same day," said Dr. James Hagadorn, curator of geology at the Museum. "No one could have predicted that this little square foot of land where we started drilling would actually contain a dinosaur bone beneath it!"
My main hobby has always been art. Drawing. But more specifically, drawing dopey cartoons that have a lot of detail, no "higher meaning," and just basically make fun of stuff. I don't have the time, money, or interest to attend Art School, or Figure Drawing classes, but that hasn't stopped me. One of my recent doodles is this parody of DC. It's non-partisan: it's just a silly look at a city that somehow survives despite the fact that its worst enemies are also the majority of its residents and "leadership." Above all, it is a city that defines "bureaucracy." Size is usually 11" x 17", done on illustration board and inked/colored by hand. The drawings are usually done for someone (or a group) in particular, so lots of inside jokes; that way they don't look too generic. Total time for writing the jokes, pencils, ink, then color might have been 30-40 hours. Process: I do what used to be called "tight drawing." You draw the entire thing in pencil, then ink it in; basically, drawing it twice.TRex comments: 1) Wow. Very impressive. Thanks for sharing! 2) The detail is amazing. It might be difficult to see on the screen but check out these zoomed in parts.
Words of wisdom:
"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).
What if there really are more ways than one to rock? If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Joe Rockhead is interested in rocks.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 12, 2025 05:32 PM (0eaVi)
2
Welcome Hobbiests
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:33 PM (+qU29)
3
Is the top pic a "do you see the "blank" kind of illo?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 12, 2025 05:33 PM (0eaVi)
4
There's a dino skull middle left.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 12, 2025 05:37 PM (0eaVi)
5
I am a lifelong collector of rocks. I like fossils, and I like pretty colored stones. I have been busy with other things for a couple of years and haven't been running my tumbler, but I'd like to get back to it. I brought half a dozen five-gallon buckets full of rocks back from Wyoming when I moved back to Ohio. I might have a problem.
Must get it from Dad; his truck has a dashboard full of interesting rocks.
Must get it from Dad; his truck has a dashboard full of interesting rocks.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 05:39 PM (h7ZuX)
6
Besides spider solitaire which is evil, I have a curiosity about rocks but limited to see one , pick it up and look at it closely before tossing it back.
Do have 2 pieces of coal in a flower bed, and a bag of small rocks for my miniatures games
Do have 2 pieces of coal in a flower bed, and a bag of small rocks for my miniatures games
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:39 PM (+qU29)
7
A good friend of mine is a geologist.
Every time he talks about rocks, he makes them sound interesting.
Every time he talks about rocks, he makes them sound interesting.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 12, 2025 05:40 PM (IBQGV)
8
Paul Nowak, your drawings would be great accents to maps.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 05:41 PM (h7ZuX)
9
Up state as a kid on trips would look for fossils, Trilobites ( ?) were easy to find. How they got high up in the mountains in Pa is a good question
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:43 PM (+qU29)
10
I used to collect rocks.
Must have had almost six or seven of them.
A chunk of smooth corral that looked just like a skull when I found it half buried on a beach. A smooth stone I got from the LZ when I jumped out of a plane (with a parachute!). Small piece of lava from Hawaii. Unremarkable stone from Haiti...
Think the wife tossed them.
Whole collection. Gone.
Must have had almost six or seven of them.
A chunk of smooth corral that looked just like a skull when I found it half buried on a beach. A smooth stone I got from the LZ when I jumped out of a plane (with a parachute!). Small piece of lava from Hawaii. Unremarkable stone from Haiti...
Think the wife tossed them.
Whole collection. Gone.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at July 12, 2025 05:43 PM (/lPRQ)
11
9 Up state as a kid on trips would look for fossils, Trilobites ( ?) were easy to find. How they got high up in the mountains in Pa is a good question
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:43 PM (+qU29)
Uplift.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:43 PM (+qU29)
Uplift.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 05:44 PM (h7ZuX)
12
Great, you dig one COB out of a Cretaceous sedimentary deposit and they do a Hobby Thread on rocks?
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 05:46 PM (HlyYF)
13
Paul Nowak your drawings are more than excellent. Gallery quality. I'm trying to think of the popular artist in the 80's who sold millions $ based on the same type of drawings. He would combine his drawings with cutouts that would give the art a 3D look.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 05:47 PM (VofaG)
14
Beautiful picture up top. Thanks, polynikes, and thanks for the thread, TRex.. I like rocks. Used to collect them from the beach in Canada where my family went.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 12, 2025 05:47 PM (2GCMq)
15
The inside joke is that PI is actually a geologist, and has been tormenting family members to stop and pick up rocks and fossils all of the way back to the time he was just a wee Idiot!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 05:48 PM (HlyYF)
16
Living in Central WA I have lots of rocks around. The best educational videos are from Professor Nick Zentner from CWU. His Nick on the Rocks series is great. During Covid, he did a series from his backyard. The volcanic flows here are remarkable and, with the Ice Age Floods the landscape has some fascinating features.
Highly recommended. This is also the home of the Ellensburg Blue. Lots of old gold mines around and even once, long ago, a few diamonds were found.
Highly recommended. This is also the home of the Ellensburg Blue. Lots of old gold mines around and even once, long ago, a few diamonds were found.
Posted by: Winston AKA Pops at July 12, 2025 05:49 PM (EgLGT)
17
[Top photo: Sea Stacks by polynikes (16x20 oil)]
This is a very pleasing painting. The colorful patterns at the left contrast nicely with the distant sea stacks.
I would love to have a similar original!
This is a very pleasing painting. The colorful patterns at the left contrast nicely with the distant sea stacks.
I would love to have a similar original!
Posted by: Ray Van Dune at July 12, 2025 05:49 PM (PQOq3)
18
15 The inside joke is that PI is actually a geologist, and has been tormenting family members to stop and pick up rocks and fossils all of the way back to the time he was just a wee Idiot!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 05:48 PM
***
This is about as close as we're going to get to a custom tailor-made PI Hobby Thread theme. Glad you're here to pillage accordingly. Enjoy!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 05:48 PM
***
This is about as close as we're going to get to a custom tailor-made PI Hobby Thread theme. Glad you're here to pillage accordingly. Enjoy!
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 05:50 PM (Eaoic)
19
On other hobby stuff, next week at this time plan to be at Historicon the miniature war game convention.
Having sinus issues but come Hell or high water plan to be there.
Having sinus issues but come Hell or high water plan to be there.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 05:50 PM (+qU29)
20
I do the rock.
Posted by: Tim Curry at July 12, 2025 05:53 PM (+xk6Q)
21
A long time ago (when I was very young) we collected small stones as keepstakes when we went to places.
A few years ago, I found the collection tucked in with a stone polishing set. So I ran them through it.
Big mistake. They didn't polish up as well as I'd thought. Now I feel as if I've removed the memories from the stones.
That makes me sad... :-(
A few years ago, I found the collection tucked in with a stone polishing set. So I ran them through it.
Big mistake. They didn't polish up as well as I'd thought. Now I feel as if I've removed the memories from the stones.
That makes me sad... :-(
Posted by: As not seen on TV at July 12, 2025 05:53 PM (utq9C)
22
A few years ago, I found the collection tucked in with a stone polishing set. So I ran them through it.
Big mistake. They didn't polish up as well as I'd thought. Now I feel as if I've removed the memories from the stones.
That makes me sad... :-(
Posted by: As not seen on TV at July 12, 2025 05:53 PM (utq9C)
I had a stone that, when it came out of the first polishing stage, was covered with little tiny starfish shaped fossils. They were thin, though, and the next stage removed most of them. That made me sad.
Big mistake. They didn't polish up as well as I'd thought. Now I feel as if I've removed the memories from the stones.
That makes me sad... :-(
Posted by: As not seen on TV at July 12, 2025 05:53 PM (utq9C)
I had a stone that, when it came out of the first polishing stage, was covered with little tiny starfish shaped fossils. They were thin, though, and the next stage removed most of them. That made me sad.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 05:56 PM (h7ZuX)
23
My wife had a couple of milk crates of rocks she had picked up on a trip to Canada. She had been carrying them around for about 10 years before she married me. I finally got her to agree to let me use it for run-off area I put down under and around the hose-bib out back as part of the paver path. I made the path to that faucet, so I wouldn't have to walk in mud year-round anymore.
So I have a paver pathway (with the gaps between mortared in with crushed limestone) leading up to the faucet, and a square enclosure made in part with salvaged concrete curbstone, holding in a wide selection of Canadian rocks.
I really am not one for landscaping, but that looks classy.
(also when we go to the coast and my wife picks up more agates, I add them to that )
I am enthralled by bedding in pavers with crushed limestone instead of sand. It is cheaper than buying bags of sand, and it is better at preventing weeds from growing up and through. I suggest a finger-width gap between pavers at the very least, because that lets the gaps get filled fully, and the limestone starts to cement itself together when it rains.
Bags of crushed limestone can be bought at Tractor Supply.
So I have a paver pathway (with the gaps between mortared in with crushed limestone) leading up to the faucet, and a square enclosure made in part with salvaged concrete curbstone, holding in a wide selection of Canadian rocks.
I really am not one for landscaping, but that looks classy.
(also when we go to the coast and my wife picks up more agates, I add them to that )
I am enthralled by bedding in pavers with crushed limestone instead of sand. It is cheaper than buying bags of sand, and it is better at preventing weeds from growing up and through. I suggest a finger-width gap between pavers at the very least, because that lets the gaps get filled fully, and the limestone starts to cement itself together when it rains.
Bags of crushed limestone can be bought at Tractor Supply.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 12, 2025 05:59 PM (D7oie)
24
Wow, great painting Polynikes...I would definitely hang that in my house.
Paul, you are a very talented artist. With either a fantastic sense of humor or actual experience in the DC area!
Paul, you are a very talented artist. With either a fantastic sense of humor or actual experience in the DC area!
Posted by: The Grateful at July 12, 2025 05:59 PM (Eaoic)
25
My grandfather was a mining engineer. He had an awesome collection of rocks, minerals, gems and gold. All collected from various mines he worked... mostly in the West. I have a vile of uncut rubies and some rough diamonds (not jewelry quality) and some other, semi-precious stones. None really worth much. Just interesting.
He also had a pretty interesting collection of fossils including a piece of Mastodon tusk, prehistoric shark teeth, shells, unidentified jaw bones, toes, etc. I still have some of all that stashed away or on display.
He also had a pretty interesting collection of fossils including a piece of Mastodon tusk, prehistoric shark teeth, shells, unidentified jaw bones, toes, etc. I still have some of all that stashed away or on display.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 12, 2025 06:00 PM (Q4IgG)
26
In the late '90s, there was a shop in Waveland, MS, whose owner/operator used rocks as the basis to paint customers' cats. Each stone was shaped much like a sleeping, curled-up cat -- I don't know if she found them, or took larger rocks and sanded/chiseled them into the right shape, or both. Then she would use a photograph to paint the stone as if it were your cat, asleep. In '98 or so I saw similar ones for sale at a mall in CO, and wanted to ask if they got theirs from the shop in Waveland. Or maybe it went in the other direction.
Waveland pretty much got wiped from the map by Katrina twenty years ago, so I have no idea if the lady is even still alive. But the work was well done. I thought of commissioning a stone portrait of my then-still living red tabby-with-white Arizona, but never got around to it.
Waveland pretty much got wiped from the map by Katrina twenty years ago, so I have no idea if the lady is even still alive. But the work was well done. I thought of commissioning a stone portrait of my then-still living red tabby-with-white Arizona, but never got around to it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 12, 2025 06:00 PM (omVj0)
27
I used to take a rock home with me from where ever I traveled. I used them in our back yard garden when we lived in CA. Didn't have time or interest in harvesting them and packing them for the big move.
Posted by: The Grateful at July 12, 2025 06:01 PM (Eaoic)
28
Much of the beach where I live is rocky.
Rocks are awesome. Did you know you could sit by the water, pick up a rock, tell it your worries and toss it in? There are more rocks than you have worries. And the rocks will hold your secrets. And relieve you of your burdens.
Try it. Rocks are awesome.
Rocks are awesome. Did you know you could sit by the water, pick up a rock, tell it your worries and toss it in? There are more rocks than you have worries. And the rocks will hold your secrets. And relieve you of your burdens.
Try it. Rocks are awesome.
Posted by: nurse ratched at July 12, 2025 06:02 PM (IjKjy)
29
I used to have arrowheads with imprints of plant leaves that I collected as a child in upstate NY...have no idea what happened to them...maybe I'll find them one day when I clean out my parents house, again.
Posted by: The Grateful at July 12, 2025 06:04 PM (Eaoic)
30
Nice ritual, nurse r. Don't even have to throw it in the water, if there's none nearby. Just put it down. It will still hold your troubles.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:04 PM (h7ZuX)
31
I am going to throw in some PI stories, each of which hopefully makes a point about rock/fossil collecting.
There are MANY more places in the U.S. with cool fossils that are easily collected compared to cool rocks. Literally, most of the limestone "road cut" exposures in the U.S. potentially have a cornucopia of fossils.
Boring story: Took our kids to KC for spring break many years ago, and we were ahead of our check in time at the hotel, so I asked Bride of PI if we could stop at one of the road cuts and look for fossils. She let out a big sigh, and reluctantly agreed.
I pull over to a promising one and load out me and the kids. I start finding fossils immediately, but the kids weren't having much luck (and were getting a little bored). I showed them the handfuls of fossils that I had already found and what the common fossils actually looked like in that deposit.
Pretty soon all of the kids began finding lots of fossils!
Point of the story: When looking for things like small fossils, your eye will not initially be calibrated to "recognize" a find. Keep on searching, and definitely look at the finds of others.
end Part 1.)
There are MANY more places in the U.S. with cool fossils that are easily collected compared to cool rocks. Literally, most of the limestone "road cut" exposures in the U.S. potentially have a cornucopia of fossils.
Boring story: Took our kids to KC for spring break many years ago, and we were ahead of our check in time at the hotel, so I asked Bride of PI if we could stop at one of the road cuts and look for fossils. She let out a big sigh, and reluctantly agreed.
I pull over to a promising one and load out me and the kids. I start finding fossils immediately, but the kids weren't having much luck (and were getting a little bored). I showed them the handfuls of fossils that I had already found and what the common fossils actually looked like in that deposit.
Pretty soon all of the kids began finding lots of fossils!
Point of the story: When looking for things like small fossils, your eye will not initially be calibrated to "recognize" a find. Keep on searching, and definitely look at the finds of others.
end Part 1.)
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:04 PM (HlyYF)
32
Part 2:
Surprisingly, your brain/eyes will then begin to find fossils on ground that you previously covered!
(The same is also true when you are looking for small, semi-precious gemstones, etc. You have to get your eyes capable of seeing the prize!)
Surprisingly, your brain/eyes will then begin to find fossils on ground that you previously covered!
(The same is also true when you are looking for small, semi-precious gemstones, etc. You have to get your eyes capable of seeing the prize!)
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:04 PM (HlyYF)
33
There's a dino skull middle left.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 12, 2025 05:37 PM (0eaVi)
I was going to paint the Statue of Liberty buried halfway on the beach.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 12, 2025 05:37 PM (0eaVi)
I was going to paint the Statue of Liberty buried halfway on the beach.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:06 PM (VofaG)
34
Rocks are awesome. Did you know you could sit by the water, pick up a rock, tell it your worries and toss it in? There are more rocks than you have worries. And the rocks will hold your secrets. And relieve you of your burdens.
Try it. Rocks are awesome.
Posted by: nurse ratched at July 12, 2025 06:02 PM (IjKjy)
I broke my right shoulder (head of the humerus) in 2012, and wound up with temporary screws and a sling for about three months. One of my self-imposed PT drills once I got all the screws out was to teach myself how to use a sling, since that made me do a full rotation of the shoulder. Once underhand wasn't so bad, I started on overhand.
I went down to the river since that was the only place that had lots of pebbles, and I mostly always hit the river
Try it. Rocks are awesome.
Posted by: nurse ratched at July 12, 2025 06:02 PM (IjKjy)
I broke my right shoulder (head of the humerus) in 2012, and wound up with temporary screws and a sling for about three months. One of my self-imposed PT drills once I got all the screws out was to teach myself how to use a sling, since that made me do a full rotation of the shoulder. Once underhand wasn't so bad, I started on overhand.
I went down to the river since that was the only place that had lots of pebbles, and I mostly always hit the river
Posted by: Kindltot at July 12, 2025 06:07 PM (D7oie)
35
If "rocks" can include natural sculptures on the huge side, like the White Rocks:
When I lived in CO I drove down to Castlewood Canyon State Park, which is about halfway between Denver and Co. Springs on an older two-lane highway east of I-25. Hiking along one of the paths, I happened to look up, and thought for an instant I was in a Jurassic Park movie. Some of the formations at the top of the river canyon were shaped very much like dinosaur heads! An allosaur, I thought, a smaller and leaner head that looked something like a velociraptor, and a couple more. It was like seeing sculptures in clouds, except in stone, and they did not go away if you looked aside and then back.
I've never seen anyone mention the features in describing Castlewood Canyon, not even their brochures. Maybe their website mentions those.
When I lived in CO I drove down to Castlewood Canyon State Park, which is about halfway between Denver and Co. Springs on an older two-lane highway east of I-25. Hiking along one of the paths, I happened to look up, and thought for an instant I was in a Jurassic Park movie. Some of the formations at the top of the river canyon were shaped very much like dinosaur heads! An allosaur, I thought, a smaller and leaner head that looked something like a velociraptor, and a couple more. It was like seeing sculptures in clouds, except in stone, and they did not go away if you looked aside and then back.
I've never seen anyone mention the features in describing Castlewood Canyon, not even their brochures. Maybe their website mentions those.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 12, 2025 06:07 PM (omVj0)
36
They had a TV series called Dino Hunters. Those guys are ruthless.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:07 PM (VofaG)
37
When I was knee high to a grasshopper, my neighbor was a science professor at a nearby college. He used to take us up to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Eastern PA to help the game wardens count migrating Eagles, peregrines, hawks, and the like.
We always took a side trim nearby to The River of Rocks, and usually got a science lecture in the process about how it was formed in the Ice Age (as were most of the mountains in the area). Interesting stuff, but I'm more inclined to be interested by Pop Rocks.
We always took a side trim nearby to The River of Rocks, and usually got a science lecture in the process about how it was formed in the Ice Age (as were most of the mountains in the area). Interesting stuff, but I'm more inclined to be interested by Pop Rocks.
Posted by: Orson at July 12, 2025 06:10 PM (dIske)
38
PI, I'd love to send you a picture of a fossil I found. Maybe, being a geologist, you would have a clue about it. I think it's some kind of pebbly-textured lizard-like critter.
I found it in the gravel at the library.
Landscaping gravel is a great place to look for fossils.
I found it in the gravel at the library.
Landscaping gravel is a great place to look for fossils.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:10 PM (h7ZuX)
39
Great Lakes rocks are addictive
Posted by: Smellslikevictory at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (jPdyB)
40
If you collect rocks, probably shouldn't watch the 60's Outer Limits episode "Corpus Earthling."
I like photographing rocks, I then cut those photos up and repurpose them in animation. I had a character who was almost entirely made of rocks from a cave wall.
I like photographing rocks, I then cut those photos up and repurpose them in animation. I had a character who was almost entirely made of rocks from a cave wall.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1)
41
That Paul Nowak drawing is amazing.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1)
42
Social activity being in the nature of a hobby, I can say that Hadrian the Seventh and my lovely bride and I had a nice lunch at Joe's in Alvin and still be kinda on topic.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (VmDLh)
43
41 That Paul Nowak drawing is amazing.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1)
_________________________
Yes it is! And amusing. "Need $$$ for Bribes". LOL
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1)
_________________________
Yes it is! And amusing. "Need $$$ for Bribes". LOL
Posted by: Orson at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (dIske)
44
>>I am enthralled by bedding in pavers with crushed limestone instead of sand.
A popular alternative around here is crushed clam shells.
My town is basically built on glacial till. We've got a lot of rocks. Our beaches tend to be rockier than even the beaches on towns on the Cape or down south.
Rhode Island is the only New England state that was at one time part of the micro continent Avalonia before it had an unfortunate collision with Godwana.
A popular alternative around here is crushed clam shells.
My town is basically built on glacial till. We've got a lot of rocks. Our beaches tend to be rockier than even the beaches on towns on the Cape or down south.
Rhode Island is the only New England state that was at one time part of the micro continent Avalonia before it had an unfortunate collision with Godwana.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (viF8m)
45
I would love to find flint, think as a kid would find it down by river yet read its not supposed to be exactly here. There are places it's common.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (+qU29)
46
Seastacks are pretty awesome. Bandon, OR has som beauties. Thanks for rocking the Hobby Thead, TRex.
Posted by: scampydog at July 12, 2025 06:14 PM (LVaYG)
47
Gondwana
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:15 PM (viF8m)
48
My dad once took my brother and I to Calvert Cliffs, MD to look for shark's teeth.
There's also, or was, a nuclear power plant there too. At the time, back in the early 70's, it was pretty remote.
There's also, or was, a nuclear power plant there too. At the time, back in the early 70's, it was pretty remote.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 12, 2025 06:17 PM (Q4IgG)
49
My great grandfather from Sweden was a shell and rock collector. His collection once featured in a Long Island, NY newspaper .
Anyway he had one smooth black stone a little smaller than a walnut he collected as a young man. I don’t know if he called it his stress stone but that’s what my mother called it when she inherited it. He used to rub his thumb on it . My mom continued to do it but not as much. After
80 years you can see where it wore down into a thumb size indentation. I have it now but I never did the stress reliever thumb rub on it.
Anyway he had one smooth black stone a little smaller than a walnut he collected as a young man. I don’t know if he called it his stress stone but that’s what my mother called it when she inherited it. He used to rub his thumb on it . My mom continued to do it but not as much. After
80 years you can see where it wore down into a thumb size indentation. I have it now but I never did the stress reliever thumb rub on it.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:17 PM (VofaG)
50
45 I would love to find flint, think as a kid would find it down by river yet read its not supposed to be exactly here. There are places it's common.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM
My father was a rockhound, and when I was 12 or so, he took me to a place to collect flint. Not a mine, exactly, but a place where you could find flint in pits and occasionally just lying on the ground. When we were leaving there was a fellow near where we'd parked that had found a quartz deposit and he was sitting there surrounded by sparkling quartz crystals. Kind of like the inside of a geode, but big like feet across.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM
My father was a rockhound, and when I was 12 or so, he took me to a place to collect flint. Not a mine, exactly, but a place where you could find flint in pits and occasionally just lying on the ground. When we were leaving there was a fellow near where we'd parked that had found a quartz deposit and he was sitting there surrounded by sparkling quartz crystals. Kind of like the inside of a geode, but big like feet across.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:17 PM (VmDLh)
51
Paul Nowak, I love that cartoon. Reminds me of old school Mad Magazine cartoons
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 12, 2025 06:18 PM (wItF4)
52
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, especially the Keweenaw Peninsula for collecting float copper, banded iron, Jacobson sandstone, agates, etc. Mine tailings everywhere, and the A. e. Seamen museum at Michigan Tech is fantastic.
A number of rock shows are held there at the beginning of August.
A number of rock shows are held there at the beginning of August.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 12, 2025 06:19 PM (wIzmN)
53
Collecting on public lands:
Usually things like road cuts (or creek banks) on interstate and state highways have no restrictions on collecting. However, the rules are obviously different in national monuments and parks or on Indian lands. I NEVER collect there unless there is a sign granting explicit permission.
Safety: The biggest danger while collecting from road cuts ... is the cars! Especially with children. Of course, I have seen adults wander out onto the highway while looking at an armload of fossils that they are going to put into their car.
The second biggest danger is people climbing up a slope above other collectors. Mr. Gravity is NOT your friend! A fist-sized rock that bounces 20' down a slope can crack somebody's skull at the bottom.
The third biggest danger is poisonous/biting critters. The best fossil collecting sites generally have loose, platy rocks. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, etc. ALSO love loose, platy rocks. Be careful while collecting, and feel free to move and turn over rocks with a stick - before you pick it up for a closer look.
Usually things like road cuts (or creek banks) on interstate and state highways have no restrictions on collecting. However, the rules are obviously different in national monuments and parks or on Indian lands. I NEVER collect there unless there is a sign granting explicit permission.
Safety: The biggest danger while collecting from road cuts ... is the cars! Especially with children. Of course, I have seen adults wander out onto the highway while looking at an armload of fossils that they are going to put into their car.
The second biggest danger is people climbing up a slope above other collectors. Mr. Gravity is NOT your friend! A fist-sized rock that bounces 20' down a slope can crack somebody's skull at the bottom.
The third biggest danger is poisonous/biting critters. The best fossil collecting sites generally have loose, platy rocks. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, etc. ALSO love loose, platy rocks. Be careful while collecting, and feel free to move and turn over rocks with a stick - before you pick it up for a closer look.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:19 PM (HlyYF)
54
Gondwana
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:15 PM (viF8m)
Better head to the doctor to get some antibiotics, jack. Not unusual for a sailor...
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:15 PM (viF8m)
Better head to the doctor to get some antibiotics, jack. Not unusual for a sailor...
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 12, 2025 06:19 PM (zZu0s)
55
Not too many rocks around Da Swamp here. One place that does have some is the Miss. River shore in front of St. Louis Cathedral. The levee has the "Moonwalk" pathway along the top; but then piles of good-sized rocks lie on the water side for blocks. The upriver section has been turned into a tourist/local promenade, and below about Dumaine Street there are still warehouses and docks, but for a long stretch it looks like a canyon rockfall that happened to wind up along a riverbank. (I presume they were placed there long ago to shore up the levee.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 12, 2025 06:19 PM (omVj0)
56
you collect rocks, probably shouldn't watch the 60's Outer Limits episode "Corpus Earthling."
I like photographing rocks, I then cut those photos up and repurpose them in animation. I had a character who was almost entirely made of rocks from a cave wall.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1
Cool. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Galaxy Quest after reading your post.
I like photographing rocks, I then cut those photos up and repurpose them in animation. I had a character who was almost entirely made of rocks from a cave wall.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025 06:11 PM (CHHv1
Cool. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Galaxy Quest after reading your post.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:19 PM (VofaG)
57
42 Social activity being in the nature of a hobby, I can say that Hadrian the Seventh and my lovely bride and I had a nice lunch at Joe's in Alvin and still be kinda on topic.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (VmDLh)
I think micro MoMes are always on topic! Very nice!
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (VmDLh)
I think micro MoMes are always on topic! Very nice!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:21 PM (h7ZuX)
58
My neighbor paints rocks. She edges her garden with them
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 12, 2025 06:22 PM (P9pDS)
59
Lurker breaking cover here. I'm 68, and a new Geology Nut since I started Gold Prospecting 10 years back. I'm on X, but that's about it. Religious J.J. reader every morning. Always found the Ace comments intimidating, but no more.
If you've ever driven thru a road cut, and wondered, "What the heck to all those colors and layers mean?", Geology has the answers!
If you've ever driven thru a road cut, and wondered, "What the heck to all those colors and layers mean?", Geology has the answers!
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (QubZY)
60
Skip, I live not far from Flint Ridge in Ohio. Very nice colors in the flint here.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (h7ZuX)
61
38 PI, I'd love to send you a picture of a fossil I found. Maybe, being a geologist, you would have a clue about it. I think it's some kind of pebbly-textured lizard-like critter.
I found it in the gravel at the library.
Landscaping gravel is a great place to look for fossils.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:10 PM
Dash,
I just sent you an email on the address in your nic!
I found it in the gravel at the library.
Landscaping gravel is a great place to look for fossils.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:10 PM
Dash,
I just sent you an email on the address in your nic!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (HlyYF)
62
My wife wants to go to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Every once in a while someone poking around there comes up with rock worth millions.
Hate it break it to her....
Hate it break it to her....
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (Q4IgG)
63
I have flint knapping tools, and was starting to learn before we got the puppies six years ago. Having puppies and trying to keep them away from flint shards was incompatible. Another I hobby I need to return to, and get good at.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (h7ZuX)
64
I think micro MoMes are always on topic! Very nice!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:21 PM
The plan is to eventually hold a mini mome barbecue at the Cyber compound here in the burgeoning metropolis of Santa Fe, Texas.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:21 PM
The plan is to eventually hold a mini mome barbecue at the Cyber compound here in the burgeoning metropolis of Santa Fe, Texas.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:25 PM (VmDLh)
65
Paul’s The Tennis Ball monument would have been perfect for the Pet thread.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:25 PM (VofaG)
66
Social activity being in the nature of a hobby, I can say that Hadrian the Seventh and my lovely bride and I had a nice lunch at Joe's in Alvin and still be kinda on topic.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (VmDLh)
**********
Mini MoMes are the best!
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:13 PM (VmDLh)
**********
Mini MoMes are the best!
Posted by: The Grateful at July 12, 2025 06:27 PM (Eaoic)
67
59 Lurker breaking cover here. I'm 68, and a new Geology Nut since I started Gold Prospecting 10 years back. I'm on X, but that's about it. Religious J.J. reader every morning. Always found the Ace comments intimidating, but no more.
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM
***
Welcome! Thanks for jumping in. Glad we stumbled onto a suitable topic for you!
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM
***
Welcome! Thanks for jumping in. Glad we stumbled onto a suitable topic for you!
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:27 PM (Eaoic)
68
My wife wants to go to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Every once in a while someone poking around there comes up with rock worth millions.
Hate it break it to her....
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (Q4IgG
I’d have the same luck as I have playing the lottery and more tired.
Hate it break it to her....
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (Q4IgG
I’d have the same luck as I have playing the lottery and more tired.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:28 PM (VofaG)
69
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM
Where do you do your prospected and have you filed a claim yet?😎
Where do you do your prospected and have you filed a claim yet?😎
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:30 PM (VofaG)
70
If you've ever driven thru a road cut, and wondered, "What the heck to all those colors and layers mean?", Geology has the answers!
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM
Welcome Jeff!
Congrats on the de-lurking!
I am usually the driver on family road trips. On MANY occasions, the Bride of PI has said, "Quit explaining what all of those colors and layers mean - and keep your eyes on the road!"
(No wrecks, yet! No divorces, yet!)
P.S. Good luck on the gold prospecting. If you ever get some really good results, post it in an overnight thread. I suspect you would generate a fair number of reply comments.
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM
Welcome Jeff!
Congrats on the de-lurking!
I am usually the driver on family road trips. On MANY occasions, the Bride of PI has said, "Quit explaining what all of those colors and layers mean - and keep your eyes on the road!"
(No wrecks, yet! No divorces, yet!)
P.S. Good luck on the gold prospecting. If you ever get some really good results, post it in an overnight thread. I suspect you would generate a fair number of reply comments.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:30 PM (HlyYF)
71
Hey you mooks.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 06:32 PM (BK31K)
72
Prospecting stupid autocorrect. Made a bad joke worse.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:32 PM (VofaG)
73
Polynikes, I love that painting. Excellent use of light.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 06:32 PM (0aYVJ)
74
you collect rocks, probably shouldn't watch the 60's Outer Limits episode "Corpus Earthling.". . .
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025
***
I had to look that up, despite remembering the series from my kidhood. Robert Culp was in it, which would put it on my must-watch list anyway, and the descriptions on IMDb make it sound even more intriguing.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 12, 2025
***
I had to look that up, despite remembering the series from my kidhood. Robert Culp was in it, which would put it on my must-watch list anyway, and the descriptions on IMDb make it sound even more intriguing.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 12, 2025 06:32 PM (omVj0)
75
If you've ever driven thru a road cut, and wondered, "What the heck to all those colors and layers mean?", Geology has the answers!
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (QubZY)
There is a series of books specific to regions that explain roadside geology. Look for "Roadside Geology of (insert state here)"
Posted by: Jeff Charles at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (QubZY)
There is a series of books specific to regions that explain roadside geology. Look for "Roadside Geology of (insert state here)"
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:32 PM (h7ZuX)
76
As I recall, the flint was from Flint Ridge, Ohio. He also went to a place in Northern Idaho that allowed you to dig garnet and came back with 10 fl oz or so of garnet gravel.
The thing is, there was a place that we went to in Colorado or Wyoming that had a field of black rocks and sand and the rocks were full of these spiral cone shaped fossils. I've always wondered where that was.
My father would cut the rocks into pieces and shape and polish them to make jewelry with.
The thing is, there was a place that we went to in Colorado or Wyoming that had a field of black rocks and sand and the rocks were full of these spiral cone shaped fossils. I've always wondered where that was.
My father would cut the rocks into pieces and shape and polish them to make jewelry with.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM (VmDLh)
77
These comments confirm the wisdom of gold mining/prospecting as a hobby thread theme at some point in the future.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM (Eaoic)
78
Rocks? Jasper Beach,Maine for the win!
Posted by: mdk at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM (NbvJs)
79
Ladies, please calm yourselves. There’s plenty to go around.
Posted by: Dash Riprock at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM (khEZ7)
80
I just sent you an email on the address in your nic!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (HlyYF)
Hm...not seeing it
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (HlyYF)
Hm...not seeing it
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM (h7ZuX)
81
As wee tykes, my friends and I looked for interesting (from our point of view) rocks. Might be an odd shape or have an unusual texture or color. We did learn about the stuff we collected from library books and encyclopedias. This was decades before computers. The prize was finding stones with iron pyrite, fools gold, showing. Those became treasure when we played at being pirates. Collecting would be too strong a description but we did learn about them.
We never found any fossils but looking at the stones with a good magnifying glass, courtesy of my grandfather, revealed all sorts of interesting aspects.
We never found any fossils but looking at the stones with a good magnifying glass, courtesy of my grandfather, revealed all sorts of interesting aspects.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:35 PM (yTvNw)
82
Seastacks are pretty awesome. Bandon, OR has som beauties. Thanks for rocking the Hobby Thead, TRex.
Posted by: scampydog at July 12, 2025 06:14 PM (LVaYG)
Nice golf course there too.
Posted by: scampydog at July 12, 2025 06:14 PM (LVaYG)
Nice golf course there too.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:35 PM (W/lyH)
83
Nice golf course there too.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:35 PM (W/lyH)
I think they have 5 there now.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:35 PM (W/lyH)
I think they have 5 there now.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:37 PM (VofaG)
84
And Paul Nowak, outstanding work! Reminds me of Richard Scarry's work. I spent endless hours as a kid finding new details in his elaborate drawings.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 06:37 PM (0aYVJ)
85
Time to think about dinner. We have Addams Family Values from 1993 on DVD for tonight, too. Better than Svengoolie's scheduled Invaders From Mars for sure.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 12, 2025 06:38 PM (omVj0)
86
Ladies, please calm yourselves. There’s plenty to go around.
Posted by: Dash Riprock at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM (khEZ7)
You sniveling maggot!
Drop and give me 50!!!
Posted by: Dash Riprock at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM (khEZ7)
You sniveling maggot!
Drop and give me 50!!!
Posted by: Sergeant Rock at July 12, 2025 06:38 PM (W/lyH)
87
77 These comments confirm the wisdom of gold mining/prospecting as a hobby thread theme at some point in the future.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM
My ex had an uncle called "Polack Joe" (the Alaskan prospector not the Chicago gangster) that was killed by a claim jumper who was then acquitted because the judge was a relation.
Or that's what the story went.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM
My ex had an uncle called "Polack Joe" (the Alaskan prospector not the Chicago gangster) that was killed by a claim jumper who was then acquitted because the judge was a relation.
Or that's what the story went.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:38 PM (VmDLh)
88
I managed to accomplish some things today. On the hobby/recreation side, I repaired the 160 meter long wire antenna for my HF ham station and installed accessory tracks on ol' what's-her-name's kayak.
Posted by: Bert G at July 12, 2025 06:39 PM (VARTN)
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:39 PM (viF8m)
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (viF8m)
91
It seems all boys like to skip rocks. My friends and I certainly did. Finding the right shape and learning the best angle to toss was part of growing up. I was pretty good and had a side arm fling that was good for a dozen or more skips. Had to wait for the slack time between tides to have sufficiently smooth water otherwise the waves would swallow up the stones.
Thinking about skipping rocks still makes me smile.
Thinking about skipping rocks still makes me smile.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (yTvNw)
92
Intertubes tells me there are now 7 courses at Bandon Golf Resort,
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)
93
I’ve always liked rocks, kept good ones around. One of my favorites came from a silver mine, weighs a couple pounds has a vein of pure silver right through the middle of it,
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:42 PM (Hlfhp)
94
91 Thinking about skipping rocks still makes me smile.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM
***
Agree. Surely a required skill to be learned before graduating from childhood.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM
***
Agree. Surely a required skill to be learned before graduating from childhood.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM (Eaoic)
95
No, JackStraw, I have no idea. What is that? I'd live there, except not enough trees.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM (h7ZuX)
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM (63Dwl)
97
84 And Paul Nowak, outstanding work! Reminds me of Richard Scarry's work. I spent endless hours as a kid finding new details in his elaborate drawings.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 06:37 PM (0aYVJ)
When my daughter was little she loved Richard Scarry’s Christmas book. I did, too!
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 06:37 PM (0aYVJ)
When my daughter was little she loved Richard Scarry’s Christmas book. I did, too!
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM (Hlfhp)
98
Intertubes tells me there are now 7 courses at Bandon Golf Resort,
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)
*starts planning trip to Bandon*
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)
*starts planning trip to Bandon*
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (W/lyH)
99
This is a gneiss thread. Certainly not one to be taken for granite.
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
100
89 ... "Speaking of rocks, does this place look familiar?"
JackStraw,
Oh yes! Funny, I remember the rocks but not the building. Maybe it came after I left or my memory is spotty. (And yes, Newport Bridge was convenient but I missed the ferry boat rides to Jamestown.)
JackStraw,
Oh yes! Funny, I remember the rocks but not the building. Maybe it came after I left or my memory is spotty. (And yes, Newport Bridge was convenient but I missed the ferry boat rides to Jamestown.)
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (yTvNw)
101
This is a gneiss thread. Certainly not one to be taken for granite.
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
That’s my sediment too.
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
That’s my sediment too.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (VofaG)
102
97 When my daughter was little she loved Richard Scarry’s Christmas book. I did, too!
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM
***
Excellent reference.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:43 PM
***
Excellent reference.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (Eaoic)
103
>>No, JackStraw, I have no idea. What is that? I'd live there, except not enough trees.
It's called Clingstone but most people are here just call the house on the rock. Was built around the start of last century and has withstood hurricanes and everything else.
Cool place but if you have to run to the store for milk it's gotta be a pain.
It's called Clingstone but most people are here just call the house on the rock. Was built around the start of last century and has withstood hurricanes and everything else.
Cool place but if you have to run to the store for milk it's gotta be a pain.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (viF8m)
104
99 This is a gneiss thread. Certainly not one to be taken for granite.
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
Do. Not. Start.
LOL
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
Do. Not. Start.
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (h7ZuX)
105
Precious stones are, well, rocks, too. Gump's Department Store in San Francisco began as a store for jade. Mr. Gump had incredible skill at choosing the very best. And he was blind. He could tell just from the touch.
Posted by: Wenda at July 12, 2025 06:47 PM (8p/ok)
106
>>Oh yes! Funny, I remember the rocks but not the building. Maybe it came after I left or my memory is spotty. (And yes, Newport Bridge was convenient but I missed the ferry boat rides to Jamestown.)
There is a new ferry, people only, that now runs between the two. If I'm just heading over to town in Newport I take it. Much better than trying to find a place to park during the season.
There is a new ferry, people only, that now runs between the two. If I'm just heading over to town in Newport I take it. Much better than trying to find a place to park during the season.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:48 PM (viF8m)
107
My wife’s best friend had a father who was a geologist. They would take long car trips through the west, and she said the worst part was always when they would crest some ridge and then her dad would stop the car, get out and give them all a 30 minute lecture on what an Anticline was and why they could see one right there.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:48 PM (Hlfhp)
108
Hey Jeff!
Welcome!
Remember, after 25 posts you are eligible for the igneous membership.
(See how I stuck to the theme of the thread?)
Welcome!
Remember, after 25 posts you are eligible for the igneous membership.
(See how I stuck to the theme of the thread?)
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:49 PM (W/lyH)
109
Picked up a tile saw to cut geodes. Great fun.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 06:49 PM (K2fwt)
110
Spent the day organizing the existing gear on the new ship. Much to do and the TO BUY list is long. Amazon is a lifesaver.
It's a lot like moving into a new house, but with a lot fewer locations to squirrel away the important stuff.
There is nothing equal to being out in the water on a beautiful sunny day, the "California" part notwithstanding.
It's a lot like moving into a new house, but with a lot fewer locations to squirrel away the important stuff.
There is nothing equal to being out in the water on a beautiful sunny day, the "California" part notwithstanding.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 06:50 PM (BK31K)
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 12, 2025 06:50 PM (9pzfg)
112
I have flint knapping tools, and was starting to learn before we got the puppies six years ago. Having puppies and trying to keep them away from flint shards was incompatible. Another I hobby I need to return to, and get good at.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (h7ZuX)
Probably for the cooking thread, but here is a video on butchering a buffalo using Clovis toolsets. For Science!
youtu.be/XmsrkFjPiKM
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:24 PM (h7ZuX)
Probably for the cooking thread, but here is a video on butchering a buffalo using Clovis toolsets. For Science!
youtu.be/XmsrkFjPiKM
Posted by: Kindltot at July 12, 2025 06:51 PM (D7oie)
113
Rockhounding 101 had an ad titled 'Christian kids deserve better that a King of Kings'. What the actual heck?
Posted by: Eromero at July 12, 2025 06:51 PM (LHPAg)
114
polynikes,
I looked at that painting and thought it was yours. The way the greens and rust colors mingle and the flow and details of the rocks seemed familiar. Lovely.
I looked at that painting and thought it was yours. The way the greens and rust colors mingle and the flow and details of the rocks seemed familiar. Lovely.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:53 PM (yTvNw)
115
Cicero, what boat did you get?
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:53 PM (viF8m)
116
A geologist walks into a bar and orders gem on the rocks.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:53 PM (VofaG)
117
This is a gneiss thread. Certainly not one to be taken for granite.
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
Do. Not. Start.
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (h7ZuX)
So...shale we stop?
Posted by: Sjg at July 12, 2025 06:45 PM (aqZN1)
Do. Not. Start.
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:46 PM (h7ZuX)
So...shale we stop?
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:54 PM (W/lyH)
118
117 So...shale we stop?
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:54 PM
***
Nah. Be boulder. Keep going.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 06:54 PM
***
Nah. Be boulder. Keep going.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:55 PM (Eaoic)
119
Cicero the "California" part besides the amazing weather like the current/recent weather is just fine - and especially when it's about the water. Always enjoy being on the water anywhere but outside the tropics I'll take this area over any other part of all the coasts.
What's the new ship? And I assume WestMarine is a place you stop as often as Trader Joe's?
What's the new ship? And I assume WestMarine is a place you stop as often as Trader Joe's?
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 06:56 PM (1m82a)
120
Oooh! I really like that painting, Polynikes!
Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at July 12, 2025 06:56 PM (rF2iL)
121
Rock skipping contests are the bomb
Double elimination. One on one. Add three throws together. Winner goes to meet winner. Loser to loser. If you lose twice, you’re out.
Between kids, parents and grands we had 9-12 of us depending on the camping trip.
My friend Tina’s mom won a bunch. So did my Marine. I won a couple times.
Very competitive group. No “letting the kids win” with us.
Double elimination. One on one. Add three throws together. Winner goes to meet winner. Loser to loser. If you lose twice, you’re out.
Between kids, parents and grands we had 9-12 of us depending on the camping trip.
My friend Tina’s mom won a bunch. So did my Marine. I won a couple times.
Very competitive group. No “letting the kids win” with us.
Posted by: nurse ratched at July 12, 2025 06:57 PM (XS2xc)
122
Our youngest daughter has always been fascinated by rocks of all kinds. Anytime we woukd vacation out west she had ine bag for rocks. When she filled it that was it. It was so bad that at Yellowstone we told her that all the ricks were numbered and tagged like the animals so the rangers knew if one was taken.
Posted by: Megthered at July 12, 2025 06:58 PM (GOJbT)
123
I've always wanted to use feldspar as a pun, but I can't make it work. I remember my 8th grade geology teacher calling it "feldshparr." Kind of a Sean Connery thing.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 06:58 PM (0aYVJ)
124
Paul's drawing is brilliant. Sort of a doodle on steroids. The specific details are so accurate in both buildings and feeling of DC. (Stupid rules and laws and, especially, the inhabitants.) I could look at that for hours just picking out the details and nuances. This is like Mad Magazine humor when it was at its best.
Glad TRex included the enlarged areas. Makes things easier on the eyes.
Glad TRex included the enlarged areas. Makes things easier on the eyes.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 06:59 PM (yTvNw)
125
I have a bottle of raw opals I bought in Australia, one of them is a fossilized clam, with a band of opal in it.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 06:59 PM (K2fwt)
126
I was thinking Polynike's paintings are better than many we see on the art thread.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (+qU29)
127
TRex is SUPREMELY kind for posting this artwork of mine. If I had the time, I'd do this kind of drawing all the time. Then again, DC is a huge joke in itself, as long as you can dodge the bulletry (OK, I made that word up) mostly in Southeast. Where, ironically, I used to work.
As for Wenda's comment above about jade: " Gump's Department Store in San Francisco began as a store for jade. Mr. Gump had incredible skill at choosing the very best. And he was blind. He could tell just from the touch." Joe Biden can choose the best kids. He could just tell from smell.
As for Wenda's comment above about jade: " Gump's Department Store in San Francisco began as a store for jade. Mr. Gump had incredible skill at choosing the very best. And he was blind. He could tell just from the touch." Joe Biden can choose the best kids. He could just tell from smell.
Posted by: Paul Nowak at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (YC7Ue)
128
I was sitting out on our back patio (roofed) watching a light rain come through, but the cat (sitting next to me) got nervous after a couple of lighting bolts with one second between the flash and the boom (more like a real loud crack).
So just to make the cat happy, I came indoors.
So just to make the cat happy, I came indoors.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (Hlfhp)
129
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 06:53 PM (viF8m)
--------
I got a Hunter 27-3. It's got 20 years on it but it looks like it left the factory yesterday. Roller furling on both the headsail and the mainsail, a 15-hp Yanmar diesel, nice suite of electronics. It's got the heft of a much larger boat and it fits in my existing slip.
I'm over the moon with this girl.
--------
I got a Hunter 27-3. It's got 20 years on it but it looks like it left the factory yesterday. Roller furling on both the headsail and the mainsail, a 15-hp Yanmar diesel, nice suite of electronics. It's got the heft of a much larger boat and it fits in my existing slip.
I'm over the moon with this girl.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (BK31K)
130
My office has several rock hounds, and they are on constant lookout for obsidian. This being Idaho, it's fairly plentiful, but you still gotta know what you're looking for.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (0aYVJ)
131
Nah. Be boulder. Keep going.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:55 PM (Eaoic)
Seriously. You need to straighten up and pyrite, or you're gonna get it.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 06:55 PM (Eaoic)
Seriously. You need to straighten up and pyrite, or you're gonna get it.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:02 PM (h7ZuX)
132
129 I'm over the moon with this girl.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM
***
Congrats!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM
***
Congrats!
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:02 PM (Eaoic)
133
Yeah that drawing by Paul is fanstastic.
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:04 PM (1m82a)
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:04 PM (viF8m)
135
The Obsidian Order
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 12, 2025 07:04 PM (63Dwl)
136
Started rockhounding 5-6 years ago, a major part of it looking for thundereggs (the state rock of Oregon). They are like a geode but are usually filled with agate, or sometimes jasper or common opal. Many are quite beautiful when cut and polished.
Oregon has Succor Creek state park created for rockhounding, made by land swaps with the Feds. It has T-eggs, Owyhee landscape jasper, and many other goodies. Finders keepers.
Oregon has Succor Creek state park created for rockhounding, made by land swaps with the Feds. It has T-eggs, Owyhee landscape jasper, and many other goodies. Finders keepers.
Posted by: Hal Dall at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM (qGL+/)
137
I do have a rock tumbler and some stones that were meant to be polished. Nothing valuable, of course. I've never used it for rocks. However, it is excellent for tumbling and polishing brass for reloading. Especially good for cleaning fired black powder cases which require cleaning after each use as the fouling can eat into the brass eventually.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM (yTvNw)
138
'southern end of the San Andreas fault look like'
To find out take scuba gear! The end is under water in the sea of Cortez.
To find out take scuba gear! The end is under water in the sea of Cortez.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM (K2fwt)
139
131 Seriously. You need to straighten up and pyrite, or you're gonna get it.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:02 PM
***
Not my fault.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:02 PM
***
Not my fault.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM (Eaoic)
140
Are there any Waldos in that DC drawing?
Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at July 12, 2025 07:06 PM (rF2iL)
141
Geodes are usually a spectacular find for the casual collector.
In 5th grade, I had an awesome science teacher. At the end of our geology study segment, she took us on a field trip to collect fossils. She knew a bunch of rich locations, and everyone found a good number of fossils.
She then took us to her "secret" geode location. Several of us found some very nice geodes.
The next summer, I was at a Boy Scout camp about 20 miles away from her secret location, and noticed that the rocks exposed in the creek bank looked eerily similar to the rocks where we previously had collected geodes.
I started digging at the bank, and immediately began finding excellent geode candidates. I grabbed my day pack and proceeded to fill it up.
I went up to the main cabin and started washing the clay off of my finds, and then laid them out to dry. Several of the main scout leaders came out to observe this bizarre activity, and asked what I was doing. I told them I had found a bunch of geodes!
They were very skeptical, so I asked if there was a hammer in the lodge. They grabbed a hammer and I started cracking geodes. They were in awe at the beauty of some of my geodes.
end Part 1.)
In 5th grade, I had an awesome science teacher. At the end of our geology study segment, she took us on a field trip to collect fossils. She knew a bunch of rich locations, and everyone found a good number of fossils.
She then took us to her "secret" geode location. Several of us found some very nice geodes.
The next summer, I was at a Boy Scout camp about 20 miles away from her secret location, and noticed that the rocks exposed in the creek bank looked eerily similar to the rocks where we previously had collected geodes.
I started digging at the bank, and immediately began finding excellent geode candidates. I grabbed my day pack and proceeded to fill it up.
I went up to the main cabin and started washing the clay off of my finds, and then laid them out to dry. Several of the main scout leaders came out to observe this bizarre activity, and asked what I was doing. I told them I had found a bunch of geodes!
They were very skeptical, so I asked if there was a hammer in the lodge. They grabbed a hammer and I started cracking geodes. They were in awe at the beauty of some of my geodes.
end Part 1.)
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:07 PM (HlyYF)
142
Part 2.)
One of the old-timers said he had been coming to this camp for 25 years, and supervised at a least a thousand scouts. He asked why I was the only one that had EVER found a geode. My reply, “They weren’t looking for geodes!”
That is the point of this long story. If you aren’t actually looking FOR something right in front of your nose, you will never see it. If you ever did have some good finds in a particular “secret” spot, and you see a similar spot in the future, then look hard for your previous type of “treasures”. You might actually be in a better spot right there.
Examples of this would be if you are at a friend’s cabin and they have some rock outcrops on their property. There is a chance that zero rockhounds have ever scoured that rock face and rubble pile. That is where you have a chance to make some truly exquisite discoveries!
One of the old-timers said he had been coming to this camp for 25 years, and supervised at a least a thousand scouts. He asked why I was the only one that had EVER found a geode. My reply, “They weren’t looking for geodes!”
That is the point of this long story. If you aren’t actually looking FOR something right in front of your nose, you will never see it. If you ever did have some good finds in a particular “secret” spot, and you see a similar spot in the future, then look hard for your previous type of “treasures”. You might actually be in a better spot right there.
Examples of this would be if you are at a friend’s cabin and they have some rock outcrops on their property. There is a chance that zero rockhounds have ever scoured that rock face and rubble pile. That is where you have a chance to make some truly exquisite discoveries!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:07 PM (HlyYF)
143
138 'southern end of the San Andreas fault look like'
To find out take scuba gear! The end is under water in the sea of Cortez.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM
***
Picky, picky. Correct though.
To find out take scuba gear! The end is under water in the sea of Cortez.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM
***
Picky, picky. Correct though.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:07 PM (Eaoic)
144
It's got the heft of a much larger boat and it fits in my existing slip.
I'm over the moon with this girl.
Posted by: Cicero
Nice! congrats!!!
I'm over the moon with this girl.
Posted by: Cicero
Nice! congrats!!!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (K2fwt)
145
I was thinking Polynike's paintings are better than many we see on the art thread.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (+qU29)
Thanks Skip though only probably just a few ( I'm looking at you Nekkid Man on an Ottoman).
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (+qU29)
Thanks Skip though only probably just a few ( I'm looking at you Nekkid Man on an Ottoman).
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (VofaG)
146
130 My office has several rock hounds, and they are on constant lookout for obsidian. This being Idaho, it's fairly plentiful, but you still gotta know what you're looking for.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (0aYVJ)
My grandfather had a small rock shop when I was small. Didn’t really make money but he loved it, and he’d polish things make jewelry cut geodes etc.
He would drive out to visit us in Phoenix, and he and my father knew of this volcanic cone out in the desert which at that time (late 60’s) was completely unattended, unregulated. They would go out in my dads old Rambler station wagon and come back with 300 to 400 pounds of hardened ash deposits which would be packed with “Apache Tears” - 1 to 2” diameter teardrop shaped nuggets of pure smoky obsidian. Used to have a lot of those sitting around dads house.
Posted by: Pug Mahon,With a Towel at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (0aYVJ)
My grandfather had a small rock shop when I was small. Didn’t really make money but he loved it, and he’d polish things make jewelry cut geodes etc.
He would drive out to visit us in Phoenix, and he and my father knew of this volcanic cone out in the desert which at that time (late 60’s) was completely unattended, unregulated. They would go out in my dads old Rambler station wagon and come back with 300 to 400 pounds of hardened ash deposits which would be packed with “Apache Tears” - 1 to 2” diameter teardrop shaped nuggets of pure smoky obsidian. Used to have a lot of those sitting around dads house.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (Hlfhp)
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (zZu0s)
148
Great stuff PI. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (Eaoic)
149
Cicero, nice. Perfect for a weekend trip to Catalina. Or better, San Clemente Is. Anchor off the cliffs on the southwest part of Pyramid Cove. Go spear or line-fish some kelp fish for dinner. Watch the sea lions cavorting around you. Enjoy your morning coffee watching the helos and fighters and special boat outfits doing their thing up in the cove.
Motor out at night, depending on conditions you've got a pretty good reach back to Dana Point.
Motor out at night, depending on conditions you've got a pretty good reach back to Dana Point.
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:09 PM (1m82a)
150
Thanks Skip though only probably just a few ( I'm looking at you Nekkid Man on an Ottoman).
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (VofaG)
Definitely better than the gay sailor/penguin one.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:08 PM (VofaG)
Definitely better than the gay sailor/penguin one.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM (zZu0s)
151
One of my bucket list items is to find a diamond at the diamond park in Alabama.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM (K2fwt)
152
During covid I home schooled a couple of the grandkids. I put together a geology block for science. Just a walk through the neighborhood yielded a fascinating collection of different stones. We had fun.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (W/lyH)
153
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:09 PM (1m82a)
----------
I have a lot of plans. I'm just working to get my sea legs in the new vessel now.
----------
I have a lot of plans. I'm just working to get my sea legs in the new vessel now.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (BK31K)
154
Polynikes some of CBD's picks are hardly more than paint by numbers
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (+qU29)
155
I'm over the moon with this girl.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (BK31K)
You have any long trips planned? I can't remember which ocean you're on.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:01 PM (BK31K)
You have any long trips planned? I can't remember which ocean you're on.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (VofaG)
156
Polynikes some of CBD's picks are hardly more than paint by numbers
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (+qU29)
Especially that Caravaggio guy. I don't think he's ever going anywhere.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (+qU29)
Especially that Caravaggio guy. I don't think he's ever going anywhere.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at July 12, 2025 07:12 PM (zZu0s)
157
151 One of my bucket list items is to find a diamond at the diamond park in Alabama.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM
***
Always wondered if that's a for real thing or a tourist trap (or both).
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM
***
Always wondered if that's a for real thing or a tourist trap (or both).
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:12 PM (Eaoic)
158
One of my bucket list items is to find a diamond at the diamond park in Alabama.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM
You mean Arkansas?
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:10 PM
You mean Arkansas?
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:13 PM (VofaG)
159
107 My wife’s best friend had a father who was a geologist. They would take long car trips through the west, and she said the worst part was always when they would crest some ridge and then her dad would stop the car, get out and give them all a 30 minute lecture on what an Anticline was and why they could see one right there.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:48 PM
My wife definitely can feel her pain!
Later in life, I would only stop the car when I could also show the kids some pronghorns on the hillside that formed the anticline, and then pick a handful of beautiful wildflowers for the three girls (and mom).
I am a Renaissance Dork!
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 06:48 PM
My wife definitely can feel her pain!
Later in life, I would only stop the car when I could also show the kids some pronghorns on the hillside that formed the anticline, and then pick a handful of beautiful wildflowers for the three girls (and mom).
I am a Renaissance Dork!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:14 PM (HlyYF)
160
Sort of rock-related. In Brazil a major state in the center/north is called Minas Gerais (yes, "general mines"). The area is an extraordinary geologic phenomenon, in general (I think this is the area that has such a huge concentration of iron near the surface that it affects the planet's magnetic field?). Of course gold and silver rushes put it on the map in colonial days.
Anyway was there many moons ago. Place is famous for incredibly cheap, and well-cut, semi-precious stones. Aquamarine, tourmalines of many colors, amethyst. Didn't have much time to go out to the smaller towns to bargain hunt (they said you could pick semi-precious stones out of your tires in one place with dirt roads).
So with the Brazilian gf went into a shop in Belo Horizonte, the capital, and with a credit card paid for a bunch of amethysts and tourmalines. They had big glass bowls full of these cut stones. When I got back, went to a place in Georgetown that did geodes/minerals/etc and they offered to pay 3X what I had paid. Gave them all to family and a gf to set into jewelry, beautiful stuff.
Anyway was there many moons ago. Place is famous for incredibly cheap, and well-cut, semi-precious stones. Aquamarine, tourmalines of many colors, amethyst. Didn't have much time to go out to the smaller towns to bargain hunt (they said you could pick semi-precious stones out of your tires in one place with dirt roads).
So with the Brazilian gf went into a shop in Belo Horizonte, the capital, and with a credit card paid for a bunch of amethysts and tourmalines. They had big glass bowls full of these cut stones. When I got back, went to a place in Georgetown that did geodes/minerals/etc and they offered to pay 3X what I had paid. Gave them all to family and a gf to set into jewelry, beautiful stuff.
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:16 PM (1m82a)
161
Pillage Idiot, don't know if you saw, but I didn't get the email. Try again? I can't find my picture of that rock, but I'll find the rock and take another. And I have some other cool stuff I found in Wyoming that you might be able to id for me.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:16 PM (h7ZuX)
162
I have a rock collection. And an arrowhead collection. They kind of overlap.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:16 PM (vFG9F)
163
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:07 PM (HlyYF)
I’ve taken my grandson to a local rock show, and there was a man there with a pile of unopened geodes, and for $10 (more if it was really big) you could buy one and he’d split it for you. Now he was good, and I know from him ( and I know that you know too) that you don’t just whack it with a hammer to get a clean split. (He had this pressure device that would crack them like a big walnut)
I’ve taken my grandson to a local rock show, and there was a man there with a pile of unopened geodes, and for $10 (more if it was really big) you could buy one and he’d split it for you. Now he was good, and I know from him ( and I know that you know too) that you don’t just whack it with a hammer to get a clean split. (He had this pressure device that would crack them like a big walnut)
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:17 PM (Hlfhp)
164
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:16 PM (1m82a)
Did you have to declare to customs when you returned home?
Did you have to declare to customs when you returned home?
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:17 PM (VofaG)
165
I have this weird rock that looks like a chocolate frosted brownie that I've never been able to identify.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (vFG9F)
166
Men. Hard up for a b-day idea? Get that bitch a crystal. Bitches love crystals.
Posted by: Reforger at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (lPvx2)
167
Geodes are the most amazing things. I have a couple on my hutch, cracked open to reveal the pretty crystals.
Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (dyL4B)
168
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Every once in a while someone poking around there comes up with rock worth millions.
Hate it break it to her....
Posted by: Martini Farmer
Correction, i would have been in the wrong State
Hate it break it to her....
Posted by: Martini Farmer
Correction, i would have been in the wrong State
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:19 PM (K2fwt)
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:19 PM (K2fwt)
170
have this weird rock that looks like a chocolate frosted brownie that I've never been able to identify.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (vFG9F)
Might be dinosaur poop.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (vFG9F)
Might be dinosaur poop.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:19 PM (VofaG)
171
166 Men. Hard up for a b-day idea? Get that bitch a crystal. Bitches love crystals.
Posted by: Reforger at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (lPvx2)
LOL
Works for me! A chunk of turquoise is even better, though.
Posted by: Reforger at July 12, 2025 07:18 PM (lPvx2)
LOL
Works for me! A chunk of turquoise is even better, though.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:19 PM (h7ZuX)
172
You have any long trips planned? I can't remember which ocean you're on.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (VofaG)
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Pacific, last time I checked.
Catalina Island is kind of the standard overnighter around here but when I retire I may make a run for the Drake Passage.
You know, following in Shackleton's wake and all.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:11 PM (VofaG)
-------
Pacific, last time I checked.
Catalina Island is kind of the standard overnighter around here but when I retire I may make a run for the Drake Passage.
You know, following in Shackleton's wake and all.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:20 PM (BK31K)
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:21 PM (vFG9F)
174
>>Sort of rock-related. In Brazil a major state in the center/north is called Minas Gerais (yes, "general mines")
In Chile, Lapis Lazuli is big. And cheap. Somewhere I've got Easter Island head made of Lapis that I picked up cheap in Chile.
In Chile, Lapis Lazuli is big. And cheap. Somewhere I've got Easter Island head made of Lapis that I picked up cheap in Chile.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:21 PM (viF8m)
175
Always wondered if that's a for real thing or a tourist trap (or both).
Posted by: TRex
It's real. I have a suspicion that DeBeers bribed someone to make it a park.
Posted by: TRex
It's real. I have a suspicion that DeBeers bribed someone to make it a park.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:22 PM (K2fwt)
176
Hmm, was just checking the San Clemente Island website. I always like it because it was the only one I've ever seen that gives notices about closed areas on particular days to inlcude *below* the surface, down to the ocean floor. In case you were thinking of diving down hundreds of feet I guess. Lots of interesting stuff goes on there, most of it "black".
Typically they would try to keep the south end (Pyramid Cove area) open in summer, especially weekends, since it is a great recreational boating destination. Looks like some weekends this summer are busy.
scisland.org
Typically they would try to keep the south end (Pyramid Cove area) open in summer, especially weekends, since it is a great recreational boating destination. Looks like some weekends this summer are busy.
scisland.org
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:23 PM (1m82a)
177
Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks to Paul and polynikes for the submissions. Thanks to all for reading and commenting. You rock. Different theme next week, so come back and see what mischief we can find.
Enjoy the movie thread when it emerges and see y'all later on Club ONT!
Enjoy the movie thread when it emerges and see y'all later on Club ONT!
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:23 PM (Eaoic)
178
I always loved Turquoise, a beautiful stone! There’s a lot of it in Arizona, because it’s associated with Copper deposits.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:23 PM (Hlfhp)
179
I may make a run for the Drake Passage.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:20 PM (BK31K)
Ya got a death wish or something? You and Jackstraw . I pucker up just thinking about being on a boat in those rough seas.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 12, 2025 07:20 PM (BK31K)
Ya got a death wish or something? You and Jackstraw . I pucker up just thinking about being on a boat in those rough seas.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:24 PM (VofaG)
180
My rock collecting is limited to arrowheads, spear points, and tools from 10K yrs ago.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
181
When my wife was younger, her parents took her to Crater of Diamonds park a couple times because it’s not that far from Shreveport. (A couple hours). She’s still mad that all she ever found was fire ants.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:26 PM (Hlfhp)
182
180 My rock collecting is limited to arrowheads, spear points, and tools from 10K yrs ago.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
--------
Pfft.
Piker.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
--------
Pfft.
Piker.
Posted by: The Solutreans at July 12, 2025 07:26 PM (BK31K)
183
So the topic is mining. Just kidding, sort of.
Rock hounds need to visit Middlegate NV. You can do it youself or just buy what you want in their shop. Huge selection.
Mrs R collects and we do it once every couple of years.
Long boring drive through Fallon Naval Air Station to ge there. Well between ranges.
Rock hounds need to visit Middlegate NV. You can do it youself or just buy what you want in their shop. Huge selection.
Mrs R collects and we do it once every couple of years.
Long boring drive through Fallon Naval Air Station to ge there. Well between ranges.
Posted by: Reforger at July 12, 2025 07:26 PM (lPvx2)
184
polynikes, good question, and I think yes - might have even paid a small duty (it's based on declared $ spent on it). And that could be a thing. Of course with prices like that, people would bring back 30 lbs. of semi-precious stones they could sell for 5X up here, so customs was interested in it.
One of the best things I've ever acquired overseas, the jewelry with these things is still beautiful and of course timeless.
One of the best things I've ever acquired overseas, the jewelry with these things is still beautiful and of course timeless.
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:27 PM (1m82a)
185
Might be dinosaur poop.
Posted by: polynikes"
It looks to be igneous. It's heavy and dense.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:21 PM (vFG9F)
Now you reminded me I really want to find a meteorite. They go for big bucks but I'd probably keep it. I'm an interstellar info nut.
Posted by: polynikes"
It looks to be igneous. It's heavy and dense.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:21 PM (vFG9F)
Now you reminded me I really want to find a meteorite. They go for big bucks but I'd probably keep it. I'm an interstellar info nut.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:27 PM (VofaG)
186
Thanks Trex!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 12, 2025 07:27 PM (K2fwt)
187
When my grandparents lived in Indiana they had a cabin at a lake and the yard had white geodes all over the place, weathering out of the ground. Over time they had lined the walkway out front with unbroken ones, spherical and looking somewhat like little volleyballs up to about 12" across. We busted a few open and I've still got a smaller unbroken one.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:27 PM (vFG9F)
188
Collecting geodes:
Geodes are almost always "nodular" in form. That is your starting point.
However, a good candidate (prior to opening) will actually feel too light!
A geode will always feel lighter than a chunk of "host" rock of the same size. The void space for the crystals makes that big of a difference. From just the heft of a nodule, you can determine if it is a good candidate.
In the area where I have collected the most geodes, the very lightest ones are actually bad specimens. They are usually just a hollow nodule with a thin coating of tiny, unimpressive crystals.
You can "open" geodes with a common hammer. However, for safety reasons a rock hammer is better, and you MUST wear eye protection. High velocity shards are very common.
If you do find a good cache of geodes, and they are being damaged by the hammer technique, then go buy a cheap "wet tile saw" with a diamond blade at your bigbox hardware store. They will squirt water on the blade and you can slowly cut your geodes in half, or even "section" them if the infilled crystals are very strongly formed.
Geodes are almost always "nodular" in form. That is your starting point.
However, a good candidate (prior to opening) will actually feel too light!
A geode will always feel lighter than a chunk of "host" rock of the same size. The void space for the crystals makes that big of a difference. From just the heft of a nodule, you can determine if it is a good candidate.
In the area where I have collected the most geodes, the very lightest ones are actually bad specimens. They are usually just a hollow nodule with a thin coating of tiny, unimpressive crystals.
You can "open" geodes with a common hammer. However, for safety reasons a rock hammer is better, and you MUST wear eye protection. High velocity shards are very common.
If you do find a good cache of geodes, and they are being damaged by the hammer technique, then go buy a cheap "wet tile saw" with a diamond blade at your bigbox hardware store. They will squirt water on the blade and you can slowly cut your geodes in half, or even "section" them if the infilled crystals are very strongly formed.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:27 PM (HlyYF)
189
>>Ya got a death wish or something? You and Jackstraw . I pucker up just thinking about being on a boat in those rough seas.
A friend of mine has gone around the Horn twice on sailboats. He described it as standing on the hood of your car in the middle of a driving rain storm while hitting gigantic potholes constantly.
A friend of mine has gone around the Horn twice on sailboats. He described it as standing on the hood of your car in the middle of a driving rain storm while hitting gigantic potholes constantly.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:28 PM (viF8m)
190
80 I just sent you an email on the address in your nic!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (HlyYF)
Hm...not seeing it
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM
Is the email in your nic still active?
If so, I will try again.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 06:23 PM (HlyYF)
Hm...not seeing it
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 06:34 PM
Is the email in your nic still active?
If so, I will try again.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:29 PM (HlyYF)
191
If you're close to Fallon, NV, continue south a bit to Hawthorne, and check out the ordnance museum. Very interesting. An enormous ordnance depot was established there and was a principal way-point for all the stuff coming west for the Pacific in WWII..
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:29 PM (1m82a)
192
A friend of mine has gone around the Horn twice on sailboats. He described it as standing on the hood of your car in the middle of a driving rain storm while hitting gigantic potholes constantly.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:28 PM (viF8m)
At least they would be able to find me if I fell off into one of those potholes. You white boyz be crazy is what my friend would say,
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:28 PM (viF8m)
At least they would be able to find me if I fell off into one of those potholes. You white boyz be crazy is what my friend would say,
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:30 PM (VofaG)
193
Once on a highway from Hampton to Williamsburg then beyond in middle of the night saw a meteor flash in front of me and sworn I was going to crash into a crater.
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:31 PM (+qU29)
194
I have always been interested in rocks and minerals and fossils. I brought a big box of interesting rocks with me from Arizona when I moved back east. One of them looks like it's shot through with silver but I can't really profit from it since....ummmm...it may have been something I found in an arroyo in a county park. Maybe.
When I lived in Fairfax, Va, there were several very large pieces of quartz on the property, and one of them yielded a bottle-cap full of golden flakes (after I hammered on it for a couple of hours). Could be gold. I dropped the flakes in a glass of water and they immediately shot to the bottom of the glass.
I also have a trilobite fossil somewhere.
When I lived in Fairfax, Va, there were several very large pieces of quartz on the property, and one of them yielded a bottle-cap full of golden flakes (after I hammered on it for a couple of hours). Could be gold. I dropped the flakes in a glass of water and they immediately shot to the bottom of the glass.
I also have a trilobite fossil somewhere.
Posted by: Paco at July 12, 2025 07:31 PM (mADJX)
195
"You can "open" geodes with a common hammer. However, for safety reasons a rock hammer is better, and you MUST wear eye protection. High velocity shards are very common."
You can also bang two together if you are young and foolish and don't have a hammer.
You can also bang two together if you are young and foolish and don't have a hammer.
Posted by: fd at July 12, 2025 07:31 PM (vFG9F)
196
180 My rock collecting is limited to arrowheads, spear points, and tools from 10K yrs ago.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
That's pretty awesome, though. I've never found any of these.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
That's pretty awesome, though. I've never found any of these.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:32 PM (h7ZuX)
197
Rocks are pretty cool. When I drive cross-country, I love driving past where they've dynamited mountains to put interstates, where you can see the layers and how they deformed. I even have a book on the geologic processes of the Grand Canyon in my library (next to "Deaths in the Grand Canyon")...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 12, 2025 07:32 PM (ynpvh)
198
Moviegique has a nood
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:32 PM (+qU29)
199
Took wife to Mackinac Island last year.
Since then she found out bout "yooperlite" and is upset that I didn't get her some.
Since then she found out bout "yooperlite" and is upset that I didn't get her some.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at July 12, 2025 07:33 PM (/lPRQ)
200
Around the Horn? Wow. That would be intense.
Worst I've done was the convergence zone off Cabo. But in a catamaran, it's pretty rough and challenging. We actually turned around the first night and tried again the next day.
And then there was the time, with a chartered 35-footer out of South River just below Annapolis, on a brutal humid mostly calm August day, a huge thunderstorm came in from the northwest (as always). The hot boring day suddenly got interesting. I was the only one on the boat who was a sailor, some of the girls got excited. I don't recall how today's senior senator from MD handled it, sure he was OK. Anyway timing is everything, we pulled up to the dock just as things got really sporty - pulled down the jib, then reefed the main, on the mad dash in, as the winds grew.
Worst I've done was the convergence zone off Cabo. But in a catamaran, it's pretty rough and challenging. We actually turned around the first night and tried again the next day.
And then there was the time, with a chartered 35-footer out of South River just below Annapolis, on a brutal humid mostly calm August day, a huge thunderstorm came in from the northwest (as always). The hot boring day suddenly got interesting. I was the only one on the boat who was a sailor, some of the girls got excited. I don't recall how today's senior senator from MD handled it, sure he was OK. Anyway timing is everything, we pulled up to the dock just as things got really sporty - pulled down the jib, then reefed the main, on the mad dash in, as the winds grew.
Posted by: rhomboid at July 12, 2025 07:33 PM (1m82a)
201
196 180 My rock collecting is limited to arrowheads, spear points, and tools from 10K yrs ago.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
That's pretty awesome, though. I've never found any of these.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:32 PM (h7ZuX)
My Dad had some radioactive rocks that went with his Geiger counter...I used to play with them when I was a kid...might explain a few things.
I loved the fused sand from the Trinity blast.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:25 PM (Hw6WF)
That's pretty awesome, though. I've never found any of these.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:32 PM (h7ZuX)
My Dad had some radioactive rocks that went with his Geiger counter...I used to play with them when I was a kid...might explain a few things.
I loved the fused sand from the Trinity blast.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 12, 2025 07:33 PM (ynpvh)
202
180 My rock collecting is limited to arrowheads, spear points, and tools from 10K yrs ago.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
I have a cousin who has ben extremely lucky at finding arrowheads and spear points, and he even taught himself how to make them.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
I have a cousin who has ben extremely lucky at finding arrowheads and spear points, and he even taught himself how to make them.
Posted by: Paco at July 12, 2025 07:34 PM (mADJX)
203
Posted by: Skip at July 12, 2025 07:31 PM (+qU29)
That is frightening cool. Did you stop or realize after that it happened farther away than you thought?
That is frightening cool. Did you stop or realize after that it happened farther away than you thought?
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:34 PM (VofaG)
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at July 12, 2025 07:35 PM (4JxUz)
205
Is the email in your nic still active?
If so, I will try again.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:29 PM (HlyYF)
Yes, I sent myself an email from another address to make sure.
If so, I will try again.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:29 PM (HlyYF)
Yes, I sent myself an email from another address to make sure.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:35 PM (h7ZuX)
206
Whoa Charlie Kirk Turning Point student rally speaker line up is serious! Russell Brand who has surprisingly fresh Christian perrspective then Tom Homan who called out punks and haters then Tulsi Gabbard besides having a great ass Tulsi conveyed what it truly means to be American. Wow second look at Tulsi
Posted by: Captain Fantastic at July 12, 2025 07:36 PM (uEWUd)
207
137 I do have a rock tumbler and some stones that were meant to be polished. Nothing valuable, of course. I've never used it for rocks. However, it is excellent for tumbling and polishing brass for reloading. Especially good for cleaning fired black powder cases which require cleaning after each use as the fouling can eat into the brass eventually.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM
I was also going to do a post on rock tumblers.
If you are a grandparent, I think they might be a good gift (obviously depending on the personality of the kid).
And, as JTB says, you can also polish your brass.
Usually the tumblers come with at least one load of rocks to be tumbled. The good thing is that you will be teaching the grandkids the value of "patience". It takes a while to do the rocks, but they can see the slight improvement of each step as you change grits. Of course, the most dramatic improvement is the polishing grit at the very end. Many girls will like the beauty of the rocks, many boys will think the process and results were cool.
Posted by: JTB at July 12, 2025 07:05 PM
I was also going to do a post on rock tumblers.
If you are a grandparent, I think they might be a good gift (obviously depending on the personality of the kid).
And, as JTB says, you can also polish your brass.
Usually the tumblers come with at least one load of rocks to be tumbled. The good thing is that you will be teaching the grandkids the value of "patience". It takes a while to do the rocks, but they can see the slight improvement of each step as you change grits. Of course, the most dramatic improvement is the polishing grit at the very end. Many girls will like the beauty of the rocks, many boys will think the process and results were cool.
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 07:36 PM (HlyYF)
208
Dad and I would go camping here in WNC and I could always find amethyst in the creek beds.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 07:39 PM (Hw6WF)
209
Posted by: Captain Fantastic at July 12, 2025 07:36 PM (uEWUd)
I always liked her a took her liberal positions as just part of her being a woman ( swayed by the innate empathy women have) . I think she found out that her empathy better served by a conservative perspective.
I always liked her a took her liberal positions as just part of her being a woman ( swayed by the innate empathy women have) . I think she found out that her empathy better served by a conservative perspective.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 07:39 PM (VofaG)
210
All Star line up on Charlie Kiks TP USA. Kristie Noem is speaking this broad is slammin..
Posted by: Captain Fantastic at July 12, 2025 07:41 PM (uEWUd)
211
I got a Hunter 27-3. It's got 20 years on it but it looks like it left the factory yesterday. Roller furling on both the headsail and the mainsail, a 15-hp Yanmar diesel, nice suite of electronics. It's got the heft of a much larger boat and it fits in my existing slip.
-----
I'm filled with envy of you folk that have boats, especially a craft as yours.
FWIW, I have a large framed print of this, over the mantle in the den: https://winslowhomer.org/breezing-up.jsp
Note that the old guy has turned the tiller over to one of the kids, but, he maintains control of the main sheet.
Rolled up in a corner of the den is a chart: 'Cape Hatteras, Wimble Shoals to Ocracoke Inlet'. Also, the requsite barometer, humidity, and temperature instruments on the wall. Passive instruments, no batteries.
-----
I'm filled with envy of you folk that have boats, especially a craft as yours.
FWIW, I have a large framed print of this, over the mantle in the den: https://winslowhomer.org/breezing-up.jsp
Note that the old guy has turned the tiller over to one of the kids, but, he maintains control of the main sheet.
Rolled up in a corner of the den is a chart: 'Cape Hatteras, Wimble Shoals to Ocracoke Inlet'. Also, the requsite barometer, humidity, and temperature instruments on the wall. Passive instruments, no batteries.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 12, 2025 07:42 PM (XeU6L)
212
Evening Hobby Thread folks. Will hang out here until ONT-time. Not a movie fan.
Finally got the input drum for my Suburban transmission assembled. Found all the wrong ways to do it before finding the right way (hopefully).
Finally got the input drum for my Suburban transmission assembled. Found all the wrong ways to do it before finding the right way (hopefully).
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 12, 2025 07:45 PM (m6YJY)
213
Dad and I would go camping here in WNC and I could always find amethyst in the creek beds.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
------
A. How are you? Not sure that we have 'spoken' since The Storm. How did you make out?
B. I have an example of native amethyst on my desk.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
------
A. How are you? Not sure that we have 'spoken' since The Storm. How did you make out?
B. I have an example of native amethyst on my desk.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 12, 2025 07:45 PM (XeU6L)
214
209
I'm all in. These girls are awesome.
Kristie is just wow....nice btw Tom Homam went all old school and cursed like it was 1944.. Tom got big cheers from the college crowd..
I'm all in. These girls are awesome.
Kristie is just wow....nice btw Tom Homam went all old school and cursed like it was 1944.. Tom got big cheers from the college crowd..
Posted by: Captain Fantastic at July 12, 2025 07:46 PM (uEWUd)
215
>>FWIW, I have a large framed print of this, over the mantle in the den: https://winslowhomer.org/breezing-up.jsp
I posted that on CBD's art thread on Friday. One of my favorites.
I posted that on CBD's art thread on Friday. One of my favorites.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 12, 2025 07:48 PM (viF8m)
216
Not fond of the movies, either. Out until books in the a.m., prolly.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 12, 2025 07:51 PM (h7ZuX)
217
I posted that on CBD's art thread on Friday. One of my favorites.
Posted by: JackStraw
---
Ah! And I missed it...
I posted that on CBD's art thread on Friday. One of my favorites.
Posted by: JackStraw
---
Ah! And I missed it...
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 12, 2025 07:55 PM (XeU6L)
218
The thing is, there was a place that we went to in Colorado or Wyoming that had a field of black rocks and sand and the rocks were full of these spiral cone shaped fossils. I've always wondered where that was.
My father would cut the rocks into pieces and shape and polish them to make jewelry with.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM (VmDLh)
There is a marine snail called Turretella which has a spiral cone shell. There are also some forams with that pattern, IIRC.
My father would cut the rocks into pieces and shape and polish them to make jewelry with.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 12, 2025 06:33 PM (VmDLh)
There is a marine snail called Turretella which has a spiral cone shell. There are also some forams with that pattern, IIRC.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 12, 2025 07:59 PM (66G1t)
219
A. How are you? Not sure that we have 'spoken' since The Storm. How did you make out?
B. I have an example of native amethyst on my desk.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc.
----------------------
Sick of chemo. Still got 2 more treatments to go. White and red blood cell counts both below normal.
Trying to sell my rental house in Waynesville, if you happen to know of anyone looking for a 5 bedroom 2000 sq ft house outside city limits.
B. I have an example of native amethyst on my desk.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc.
----------------------
Sick of chemo. Still got 2 more treatments to go. White and red blood cell counts both below normal.
Trying to sell my rental house in Waynesville, if you happen to know of anyone looking for a 5 bedroom 2000 sq ft house outside city limits.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert at July 12, 2025 08:03 PM (Hw6WF)
220
Always wondered if that's a for real thing or a tourist trap (or both).
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:12 PM (Eaoic)
My understanding that it is a real genuine diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe, but not rich enough to support a commercial diamond mine.
Posted by: TRex at July 12, 2025 07:12 PM (Eaoic)
My understanding that it is a real genuine diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe, but not rich enough to support a commercial diamond mine.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 12, 2025 08:08 PM (66G1t)
221
Sick of chemo. Still got 2 more treatments to go. White and red blood cell counts both below normal.
Trying to sell my rental house in Waynesville, if you happen to know of anyone looking for a 5 bedroom 2000 sq ft house outside city limits.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
-----
Yeah, chemo can be brutal, exhusting. I'll send up prayers, and my thoughts are with you. Hang tough. If you still have my email, let me know if there's anything I can help with.
Not sure what the housing market is doing around here post-Storm. I see the value of mine probably dropping on account of neglect.
Trying to sell my rental house in Waynesville, if you happen to know of anyone looking for a 5 bedroom 2000 sq ft house outside city limits.
Posted by: AshevilleRobert
-----
Yeah, chemo can be brutal, exhusting. I'll send up prayers, and my thoughts are with you. Hang tough. If you still have my email, let me know if there's anything I can help with.
Not sure what the housing market is doing around here post-Storm. I see the value of mine probably dropping on account of neglect.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 12, 2025 08:12 PM (XeU6L)
222
Intertubes tells me there are now 7 courses at Bandon Golf Resort,
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)
*starts planning trip to Bandon*
Posted by: Diogenes
----------
Dang, been too long since playing there. Three courses my last visit.
Posted by: polynikes at July 12, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)
*starts planning trip to Bandon*
Posted by: Diogenes
----------
Dang, been too long since playing there. Three courses my last visit.
Posted by: scampydog at July 12, 2025 08:19 PM (LVaYG)
223
I’ve taken my grandson to a local rock show, and there was a man there with a pile of unopened geodes, and for $10 (more if it was really big) you could buy one and he’d split it for you. Now he was good, and I know from him ( and I know that you know too) that you don’t just whack it with a hammer to get a clean split. (He had this pressure device that would crack them like a big walnut)
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:17 PM (Hlfhp)
We used to have an active rock club here in town and took trips all over. Mrs. E was the dedicated rockhound, and I was the dedicated burro.
I’ve taken my grandson to a local rock show, and there was a man there with a pile of unopened geodes, and for $10 (more if it was really big) you could buy one and he’d split it for you. Now he was good, and I know from him ( and I know that you know too) that you don’t just whack it with a hammer to get a clean split. (He had this pressure device that would crack them like a big walnut)
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 12, 2025 07:17 PM (Hlfhp)
We used to have an active rock club here in town and took trips all over. Mrs. E was the dedicated rockhound, and I was the dedicated burro.
Posted by: Eromero at July 12, 2025 08:38 PM (LHPAg)
224
Rocks.
I like to keep rocks from places I visited. I guy a few as well. Got a trilobite - the specific species lived between 416m and 333m years ago.
I especially like my Banded Iron Formation rock from Wyoming. 2.5 to 2.1 Billion years ago. Banded Iron is special because it shows the process of The Great Oxygenation Event. There are about 20 bands visible in this rock. Each one shows blue-green algae pumping out oxygen until it poisoned them or plain iron that accumulated when the oxygen wasn't being pumped out.
EVENTUALLY, blue-green algae evolved that weren't poisoned by their own oxygen and almost all the iron in the ocean oxidized and fell to the bottom. No more bands after that.
I like to keep rocks from places I visited. I guy a few as well. Got a trilobite - the specific species lived between 416m and 333m years ago.
I especially like my Banded Iron Formation rock from Wyoming. 2.5 to 2.1 Billion years ago. Banded Iron is special because it shows the process of The Great Oxygenation Event. There are about 20 bands visible in this rock. Each one shows blue-green algae pumping out oxygen until it poisoned them or plain iron that accumulated when the oxygen wasn't being pumped out.
EVENTUALLY, blue-green algae evolved that weren't poisoned by their own oxygen and almost all the iron in the ocean oxidized and fell to the bottom. No more bands after that.
Posted by: comradearthur at July 12, 2025 09:02 PM (lJ0uc)
225
I pick up pretty rocks once in a while, put them in my potted plants and around the flower garden.
River rocks are cool. I like how they're so smooth from being tumbled around. There's a big one by my front door, that I use as a stop for the screendoor while unloading groceries.
River rocks are cool. I like how they're so smooth from being tumbled around. There's a big one by my front door, that I use as a stop for the screendoor while unloading groceries.
Posted by: JQ at July 12, 2025 09:47 PM (rdVOm)
226
Thanks for another good Hobby Thread, TRex.
I was going to type more advice to amateur rockhounds but got called to dinner by the Boss!
I was going to type more advice to amateur rockhounds but got called to dinner by the Boss!
Posted by: Pillage Idiot at July 12, 2025 10:56 PM (HlyYF)
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Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
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