Treasure Hunting

Another one of my favorite books that is perfect for someone just starting out in rock collecting is Smithsonian Rock and Gem.  Even though it’s great for the beginner, it contains a lot of information that’s useful for people of all levels of experience.  I’m pointing it out here because a friend recently told me that he’d always been interested in rocks and minerals but had no idea where to start.

First off, you’re just not going to find many 360-page, full-color books at this price.  The normal list price is $19.95 US, but you can pick it up on Amazon for $13.57 right now.  It’s definitely a high-quality publication with each page having numerous color photographs.  In the rock and gem identification portion, samples of both rough and polished stones are included so you can get an idea of what both varieties look like.  In addition, there are sections in the book on geology, history, and methods of mineral identification.  There’s also a nice section for those who are curious about getting started into rock collecting which outlines the type of tools you will need, resources you can turn to, and where to look for specimens.

I have several books on crystals and other stones, but my two favorites, by far, are part of the Love is in the Earth series by Melody. The one pictured here, A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, could probably be considered the main book of the series. It’s a detailed reference book (over 700 pages long) that describes the metaphysical properties of minerals and covers way more than crystals despite its title. Its companion book, Mineralogical Pictorial: Treasures of the Earth, contains over 400 pages of color photographs of the different minerals of the world. Both books cover a wealth of material and are very comprehensive in their inclusions. One thing that I really love about the pictorial book is that it includes the Mohs hardness and chemical composition of each item featured in addition to having great photographs. I really recommend these books - not only are they comprehensive, but they’re extremely well laid-out and it’s very easy to find what you’re looking for in each one. Also, Melody’s writing style makes the main book and other ones in the series quite easy to read.

I also have a little personal story of my own about this book centering on a conversation I had yesterday. I picked up the main book of the series on my way out the door yesterday as I was heading out to the DMV. I never know how long I’ll end up spending at the DMV so I always try to take something that I’m really in the mood to read with me. This way, instead of complaining about the wait, I can consider the time a gift of sorts and spend it doing something I love.

So, anyway, I was nestled into my not-so-cozy chair at the DMV reading away when someone sat down beside me. After a few minutes, he spoke up and asked what I was reading. I answered, “A book on the metaphysical properties of crystals.” He gave me a funny look and said, “You don’t really believe that stuff, do you?” I just smiled a little and said, “Why not?”

Well! That seemed to really set him off. He went into this long vocal tirade about “hippies”, “flower children”, and scientologists. Then he proceeded to try to give some weird definition of science based on technology and computers, remarking that anyone who would read “crap” like that obviously knew nothing about REAL science. He then quickly added that he wasn’t trying to belittle me and that he only wanted to set me straight, saving me from people like Melody who had obviously poisoned my mind.

I sat there listening to him quietly. I was trying to decide if I should interrupt to let him know that I have several advanced degrees in “science” including a doctorate in mathematics. Moreover, some of the fundamental things that make someone a good “scientist” are being able to keep an open-mind, looking at things from fresh viewpoints, and not automatically dismissing possibilities because they don’t fit in with your existing theories and beliefs. There are times when I love debates like this, but at that time, I just wasn’t in the mood.

Luckily, I didn’t have to answer the rant. The computerized voice started announcing my number so I closed up my book, stood up and smiled again while saying, “That’s me. Have a good one.” But before I could walk away, he quickly stood up and said, “You know, if you have some time, we could go get some lunch after this.” That’s when the irony of the situation became a little too much, and I just couldn’t manage staying quiet any longer. So I simply said, “I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m already running late for my palm-reading appointment, and if I’m not home by dark, I’ll be putting these new license plates on a pumpkin.” Thankfully, it only took a few minutes to get the new plates and I was soon on my way back home.