jleona75
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2023
Posts: 9
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Post by jleona75 on Apr 10, 2024 17:26:46 GMT -5
Not really sure where this fits in except for curiosities. I haven't been here long but many of you appear to be very knowledgeable about rocks, minerals or basically geology in general.
I'm curious 🤔 as to how many of you work in the field, a hobby, a business hobby? Lol! Whatever you consider yourself, tell me about it. I'd love to hear.
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 10, 2024 18:49:41 GMT -5
All of my "knowledge" about rocks comes from this forum and other internet sources...I do not "work" in the rock industry.
**That's why I generally include in my posts about rocks: "I think" "I believe" "I read somewhere"...
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Post by realrockhound on Apr 10, 2024 21:09:57 GMT -5
Long story short. Grandpa was one of the OG's who extensively mined material around central oregon and other parts (even though that wasn't his job per se). So I grew up around it. I basically followed in his footsteps. Learn lots here from others more on the technical side when it comes to geology. Its just a hobby for me though.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,217
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Post by RWA3006 on Apr 10, 2024 22:07:23 GMT -5
I got formal geology education in college back in the day and my interest in this stuff has been lifelong so I've picked up a few things on the way. I'm often amazed at the depth and broadness of knowledge here.
I can tell you that there are people on this forum that have deep knowledge and would even say there are individuals here who are authorities in certain areas of specialization in geology, lapidary arts, science, etc.
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Post by Pat on Apr 10, 2024 22:49:01 GMT -5
Pleasure. Love this hobby! Great forum. Happy RTHling.
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Post by rmf on Apr 11, 2024 2:43:28 GMT -5
jleona75 degree in Mining Engineering with Geology minor. 8th grade science got me interested in rocks and it all went down hill from there. Only worked in mining 14 yr then went to computers.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,330
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Post by rocknewb101 on Apr 11, 2024 10:45:14 GMT -5
Purely a hobby! I can identify a handful of rocks, but other than that I have limited knowledge. Welcome!!
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 11, 2024 10:46:28 GMT -5
pleasure atm
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hplcman
spending too much on rocks
Just getting into this....
Member since August 2022
Posts: 414
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Post by hplcman on Apr 11, 2024 10:56:53 GMT -5
For me it's all pleasure. I'm not looking for a way to monetize this, just collect, buy and tumble beautiful rocks.
I'm a principal scientist at a pharmaceutical company and my interest in science translates well into this hobby. I still generally don't know anything about geology or what type of rocks I'm working on, but every day I'm learning a little more. I love the intersection of science and art with this hobby. It's very satisfying!
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jleona75
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2023
Posts: 9
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Post by jleona75 on Apr 11, 2024 18:06:51 GMT -5
I guess I could've added my own experience🤠turned out a bit longer than expected. TMI, Sorry 🤣😅
If you missed my intro I'll reiterate my background. I've always been a lover of inanimate objects! As a child and currently someone would go somewhere and ask if I wanted them to bring something back. My response was always a cool rock, pinecone etc.
I'm from WI, where my grandpa was a farmer. When he would till the fields I would follow behind the tractor looking for rocks, especially arrowheads. I have no further education in geology or anything related. I'm a business major and retired from WI Dept of Corrections. Upon retiring I decided to travel with my husband who is a power lineman. We've been all over the country with the last almost 4 years being up & down the coast of CA.
After retirement,I had a photography business for a while. I picked up woodworking, built many thing including furniture. As an antique collector I also restored antique furniture.
I left all that to go on the road which was OK but having no real responsibilities or job while on the road my brain felt like it wasn't up to par so I decided to actually learn about the rocks I've collected for years and especially now that I have so many from all over the country.
I did not however realize 😳 that there is soooo much to learn. Wow! I get overwhelmed often! I don't ever plan on selling my treasures. I do make some occasional rock art but have never tumbled or done much of anything to change the original raw treasure.Except to pretty it up a bit. I'm content with this currently until I gain more knowledge.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 2,543
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Post by rockbrain on Apr 11, 2024 22:17:28 GMT -5
No formal training. For me it's a hobby with a little bit of business to help fund the hobby, give me a reason to create what I do and a bit of validation that I can at least do it well enough that some people want to buy my stuff.
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Post by liveoak on Apr 12, 2024 6:28:22 GMT -5
Hobby/pleasure with added bonus if I sell stuff to fund it
Patty
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dshanpnw
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since December 2020
Posts: 897
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Post by dshanpnw on Apr 13, 2024 13:46:57 GMT -5
Great question, I like keeping it a hobby. An Earth Science class really sparked my interests in rocks and minerals which lead me to rockhounding, that led to rock tumbling, and then cabbing. I get great satisfaction turning the raw stones into something gem-like. I owe a lot to this forum for all the encouragement and great tips and conversations. I also belong to a rock club which is a lot of fun and a good place to learn.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,217
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Post by RWA3006 on Apr 13, 2024 13:48:42 GMT -5
I love the intersection of science and art with this hobby. It's very satisfying! Well said. I love that part too.
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