I think it’s in my DNA to get excited about rocks and gemstones.
After all, my late dad was a geologist and, although he specialized in finding petroleum, he never lost his fascination with rocks.
When I was a kid, rocks were rocks. Boring inanimate objects that didn’t feel or speak to me.
Hard to get worked up over a lump of stone.
Then I went off to college and had to take a science class.
Now I’m more artistic than scientific and that, coupled with a poor background at the high school science level, told me to forgo Biology or Chemistry.
So I opted for Geology.
Really? Geology?
Sure, it made perfect sense. Daddy was a geologist. I figured I’d picked up enough from him to at least pass the course.
Geology was divided into a one-hour lecture class, three times a week, and a two-hour lab, twice a week.
The lecture class was scheduled for right after lunch. When it was hot outside, and the birds were chirping, and Spring was in the air.
And my old professor, bless his little heart, droned on and on and on, putting most of the class right to sleep.
Where we didn’t give him any trouble!
And the lab? Well, we each received a box approximately 8″ by 12″ by 1.5″ and were instructed to learn the various properties of what was inside.
Quartz and limestone and slate and such.
I, of course, found ways to memorize the markings and colors and feel of my box’s contents. And thought I was set.
Until the test.
When my teacher tricked me — my rocks weren’t there!
I didn’t know these new rocks. They didn’t look or feel the same, and I couldn’t remember properties to save my neck.
Somehow, I managed to pass. To Daddy’s delight.
Fast forward several years and once again, I’m studying rocks and gemstones and their various properties.
In an effort to learn which gemstone is purported to address which ill or need.
So I can expand my beading jewelry hobby into the healing gemstones area.
And I’m endlessly fascinated.
What goes around comes around, doesn’t it?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
I love learning about the gemstones and healing. I’ve made jewelry based on the properties as well. Love that your dad was a geologist!
How HOW cool!!!!
Thanks, Jasmine. Glad you liked it! I thought it was about time I delved into the WHYS behind my beading passion.
A little reflection is ALWAYS a good thing!
I love that we share a passion for gemstones and healing and jewelry, Suzi — thanks for stopping by!
“What goes around comes around, doesn’t it?”
It sure does, Debbie!
And brava to you for passing that test! You GO, girl!
As Suzi shared, I too have always had an interest in gemstones and their healing properties. Gemstones and rocks come from the earth, thus they contain energy.
I’ve seen your beading work here on your blog and it’s AWESOME!
Hope you had a great 4th of July, dear lady!
X
Ron, what sweet words you’ve penned — thank you! I’m glad we share this fascination with gemstones and healing. Medical science doesn’t know everything, does it? 😉
Perhaps this is why you enjoy working with beads and stones and making beautiful jewelry Debbie! It’s in your DNA.
It probably is, Barb, but who would’ve guessed?! I’m just sorry my dad passed away too soon for him to see some of the pieces I’ve created. I like to think he’d have enjoyed them immensely!
I think your plan is rock solid! Forgive me, lack of sleep. All rocks have a story to tell and while the geologist reads one story, the artist reads another, and the best part of-course is the connection with your Dad!
Ah, and you’re so right, Katybeth. Daddy did see rocks and rock formations and to him, they meant something. I see them from a creative point of view and imagine what they can become. Similar stances, I guess, but way different outcomes. I’m just sorry he isn’t able to enjoy this pastime with me!
My grandfather was a geologist and would take me on rock walks when I was younger. I think every rock I picked up was limestone but he changed the names around to make me think I had found something really fascinating. We also use to crack geodes together. I have a piece of rose quartez that a friend gave me that is pretty cool. I think you made a pair of earrings that my Mom wears. They are really nice.
My late dad loved geodes. In fact, he kept a basket filled with rocks beside the fireplace — it’s there to this day! He could tell you everything about rocks (what era they were formed in, what made them different from each other, etc.). I know you treasure those rock-walks with your granddad, as I treasure my rock-talks with my dad. Thanks for stopping by, Cole!
–I love that you have this passion for gems.
Cuz you are one! Xx
Gosh, what a lovely thing to say, Kim — but then, you’re a lovely person who could ONLY say lovely things — Thanks!
Believe it or not, I’m looking right now at a copper basket filled with rocks. I tend to collect them not for their intrinsic properties, or for anything having to do with healing. For me, they’re souvenirs. Some people bring home rum, jewelry, postcards or shot glasses. I bring home rocks.
Let me think… I have a piece of the red rock from the cliffs behind Georgia O’Keeffe’s house in Abiquiu. I’ve got a number of fossilized clams and whelks from the hill country. I’ve got the rock shaped and colored exactly like a baked potato that got served up to a friend once on his dinner plate! And so on … striated pebbles from the Russian River in California, river stones from west Texas, crystals from Arkansas, chert nodules and Colorado basalt. Oh! And there’s the pretty rock I got diving in the Virgin Islands. Customs looked at me pretty weird when they lifted my bag and asked what was so heavy. I said “rocks”, they looked, and laughed. 😉
Love this, Linda! You must be related to my son — when Domer was little and playing T-ball, he’d fill his pockets with rocks gathered from the outfield. When he’d come home, he’d proudly show me his “special” rocks. Sometimes he couldn’t remember exactly what made them special, but he was certain they were. I imagine if I thoroughly cleaned his room today, I’d still find jars chock-full of special stones, ha!
I seem to remember always wondering in my school days, “When am I ever going to need this knowledge in life?” You’re right. We could never have imagined the possibilities back then. I love that you’re encompassing healing stones in your beading! What a great idea!
Glad you approve, Terri! Beading passes many a dull, icky weather day. I’m glad to be learning about healing stones because that makes my jewelry that much more interesting and meaningful. You’re so right about our education, though — who would’ve thought?!
So, that’s where your joy of making jewelry came from. Nice! Follow your passion. I firmly believe in that.
That’s a delightful suggestion, Monica — Follow your passion. I’ve always heard that if we love what we do, we’ll never work a single day — and I believe that whole-heartily. It’s finding that passion that’s the key.
Rocks can be fascinating, Debbie. My sons (older one especially) is interested in rocks. He has several crystals and wants to go to Diamond Point to try to mine some Arizona diamonds (quartz crystals). We’ll see 🙂 I think it’s cool that you’re learning about the healing properties and might incorporate them into your jewelry. I bet your dad would be beaming with pride!
Just the thought of making my dad beam with pride brings tears (happy ones) to my eyes, Janna. Thank you for saying that!