I'm winding up the month with a couple of new posts about unusual topics. First is an appreciation of those ubiquitous roadside attractions "Rock Shops: What Are They Good For?" I think they're good for a lot, and while I no longer care personally about the run-of-the-mill specimens every shop has, I still find pleasure in poking around them and talking to the owners.
The second is about something I've been mulling for quite a while: what's the difference between geology and Earth science? I think that I'm probably just an old fogy, caught in a long transition between an old term and a new one that should mean exactly the same thing but at the moment have different connotations.
Comments
Tell me do you thinks its a good idea to buy from Rocks and Mineral shops?. Sometimes I wonder if they are genuine examples.
Your second item is timely. The body that governs professional registration where I live has recently consolidated its original designations “P.Geol.” (Geologist) and “P.Geoph” (Geophysicist) under the catch-all “P.Geo.” (= Geoscientist). Hidebound as I am, I’m opting to keep my old “P.Geol.” title, thank-you-very-much.
I drove past Richardson’s Rock Ranch on Wed but could not stop to poke through their collection as a fire truck was blocking their driveway while a crew fought a large brush fire. I hope the ranch is safe.
If you are visiting New York City, go visit ROCK STAR CRYSTALS in midtown Manhattan. This place is a rockhound’s dream, featuring over 140 different crystals and minerals from around the world, and even fossils meteorites, shells, gemstone jewelry and worked items including crystal balls, pendulums, crystal skulks, and pyramids (to name a few). Call them at 212 675 3065 or go to their website http://www.rockstarcrystalsmanhattan.com
It’s OK to say “call US” and “go to OUR website” if you’re tooting your own horn, Walter. My spam-catcher didn’t like your post, but I think it’s fine because it’s on topic.
In reply to Rita Roberts comment of wondering if the specimens are genuine. I am a mineral dealer in England, and I can tell you that all the established dealers over here are very keen to get things right. Because there are so few of us (comparatively) none of us want a bad name. We are all known to each other. We do make mistakes, but never deliberately, and its usually in naming, and rectify them as soon as it is pointed out.
However, I have just heard that there are several Eastern Europeans trying to cash in with fakes, which would not fool another dealer, but can fool the public. They have now been banned from all mineral and fossil shows. But they should not be confused with a Russian dealer, a very nice bloke, who comes over regularly with spectacular and genuine minerals.