Don't worry, you're not alone. Now there's a blogsite that shares your interest, rockhoundblog.com. Whether you are have a casual interest or it borders on an obsession, this site is for you.
Filled with personal stories, photos, videos, events, how& where tos, scientific information and links to other sites for purchasing your rockhound needs, it is both fun and informative. (Just don't try to access the index pages, they seem to be broken.)
However- Rockhoundblog had its first posting in September 2006, and has grown steadily since.
It is easy to navigate, and the articles are upbeat and often funny. If (like me) you like rocks, but don't know a lot about them, most articles cover the basic information about the type of mineral being discussed, and the site has links to other sites that let you learn about composition, structure, hardness, where and how the mineral in question was likely formed, and how to get your hands on some!
If you want to do the work yourself, there are articles with directions and hours of operation for mines that allow you to mine your own gems.
Unlike many blogsites, the postings are usually lengthy, with a great deal of information and enough detail that you feel like you are there with the rockhound, on the hunt. The photos are exquisite and plentiful. They highlight the unusual and beautiful colors and patterns of the stones being reported on, and reignite my excitement about the amazing compositions formed by the earth.
There are articles on famous' rocks, covering how, when and where they were found; what their make-up is; how they were likely formed; and where they now reside.
The postings are from all over the world and really make you wish you were insanely wealthy so you could go and do and see for yourself.
There are articles on stone jewelry and beads, artwork (usually mosaics), crystal caves, a listing of rockhound events by date and place; and fossils (which are, of course, mineralized organic remains). You can even access the information by mineral type in case you have specific interests, or video, or reader submissions, or travel, or maps. If there is a category it can be placed in, they have done the work for you.
Even if you are not usually enthralled at the thought of rocks, give this site a try. You may find your inner geologist has awakened.
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For more information please visit our website at RockHoundBlog .