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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 0:37:48 GMT -5
I've been fond of kicking rocks since I was a kid (mid-40s now) but never took time to pay attention to formation, location, identification etc. A few years ago I inherited a field collection which I've lived with without giving it a second thought. Now something has clicked and I've developed a real curiosity about rocks.
I know this is primarily a lapidary website (I found it researching tumblers) but browsing the forum there also seems to be a ton of general information about rocks. I fantasize about buying some equipment but for now don't have a workspace outside my house, plus I'm saw-shy from past employment in a wood shop. For now my goal is to clean and sort and try to identify my jumbled collection but that could be a long process, so I'll probably lurk here and ask inappropriate questions and hope to learn a few things along the way.
Also, thanks to the regulars who've already made me feel welcome by allowing me to participate. If I get too obnoxious posting photos or asking questions please let me know.
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Post by Peruano on Jun 19, 2015 6:55:00 GMT -5
Tims -- Tell us where you (or your rocks ?) are from so we can potentially point you to info sources. There are many regional sources for guiding your id of rocks. Don't be so quick to back off from rock saws. They are nothing like wood working equipment and on most you would have to work hard to hurt yourself (hand held rocks are the norm on trim saws, the v belt is twice as dangerous as the blade, etc. etc.). You can learn a great deal by scanning the photos on this and other sites, but paying attention to things like crystal size, cleavage, hardness, streak, and source of origin, you can quickly learn to id stuff into general categories and sometime dead on to specifics. Welcome and don't be afraid to ask questions. Tom
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 11:00:10 GMT -5
Tims, question away. I was told a long time ago that the only dumb (or obnoxious) question is the question that goes unasked. Depending on the part of the country you're from, there are probably rockhound guide books available for your state. Google is your friend here. I'd suggest buying a book for your area. As your interest grows, so will your collection of books.
Lapidary isn't the only interest on this forum. Several of us collect minerals. Others have collections of thunder eggs. Still others collect types of agate or jasper from specific areas.
As Tom said, don't be afraid of lapidary saws. They don't have teeth like wood saws do. Instead they have diamond grit imbedded in the outer rim of the blade. Instead of cutting the rock, they actually grind their way through a rock. A brand new lapidary blade can certainly nick your finger, but won't take fingers off like wood saws can. After a blade is broken in with a few cuts, about the worst it will do is wear away a little spot of skin.
Let us know the area you have been collecting in, and post lots of pictures. None of us know everything there is to know about rocks. So if we can teach you a little about your rocks, at the same time it's a learning experience for us as well.
Welcome aboard. Ask those questions. Post those pictures. And most of all, learn.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 13:15:21 GMT -5
I'm located in northeast wyoming right at the edge of the black hills. I mostly hunt forest service land in the hills or oilfields on blm land out on thae prairie. I see a lot of agate, jasper and quartz in the hills, and fossils and the occasional artifact out on the flats. Agate is my favorite and I've bought a couple of books so far, plus I do research online which is usually more useful than the books. I've visited several rock shops around the hills but they want to sell, not inform. Odd but there are no local rock clubs here. I'm hoping to attend a couple rock shows in cody wy and nebraska this summer and maybe can meet some people there with more regional knowledge but I'm relying on the help of online rockers more than anything. I may reconsider picking up some equipment if I can make room ... I'm a self-employed computer tech with a home office but if I get rich and famous id like to build a small shop on the empty lot behind my home. Thanks for your suggestions they're appreciated.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 14:28:31 GMT -5
Tim, if you get across the hills to Rapid City, I can put you in touch with a couple of rockers. Also one north of you in Billings. I'm clear across S.D. in the north east corner.
Since you're so close, be sure to hit the rock & mineral swap meet in Crawford, Nebraska on Sept. 4 - 7. If I can talk my wife into retiring, I'm gonna try to make that one.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 19, 2015 15:14:03 GMT -5
Wyoming Tim!!!!!!! My home state is Montana,near the Billings area.............Usually make a trip or two in a years time....Might have to stop in on ya' once or twice and give ya' a bad time... I know I will be dropping in on Don the next time I head to SD!!!!!!!! If he doesn't lock his doors on me-LOL!!!!!!
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 15:46:35 GMT -5
Don, I do run over to Rapid occasionally but not regularly. I've considered visiting the School of Mines to see if they'd rent me a geology student for a couple days to help identify stuff You mentioned the Crawford show in a reply to one of my agate posts and I've got it marked on my calendar, hope to see you there. Fossilman you'd be welcome to stop by --- I might even go nuts and take you out for coffee or something. At the least you could wander around and look at rocks. Message me if you head this direction. TimS
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 15:56:59 GMT -5
Any time Mike. I'll keep the coffee hot & the rock shed unlocked.
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