Megalodon Teeth
Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon)are an extinct species of the Megatooth Shark (Otodontidae). It is considered to be the largest shark and fish that’s ever lived. Fossils of Megladons have been found dating from around the early Miocene Epoch that began over 23 million years ago up to the end of the Pliocene Epoch (2.58 million years […]
Druzy Quartz Types and Varieties
For most of us, Druzy Quartz Agate was the spark for developing a love for rocks and minerals. I remember going into stores with keepsakes and other interesting items and finding a small tub or basket full of these little geodes with polished edges. When you picked them up and moved them around in the […]
Rock Identifier Apps
Over the last six to eight months, subscribers to my newsletter have been asking about these rock identification apps and I thought I would dig in and see what they’re all about. At first glance, I have to say I’m a little skeptical because identifying rocks and gems can be difficult when the only thing […]
Ethiopian Opal Types and Varieties
Ethiopian Opal was discovered in 1990 but was first commercially mined until 2008. I remember when you could find small batches of these opals at the Tucson Gem and Mineral show in the mid-90s. Some gemstone dealers were trying to pass them off as Australian opals while others were upfront with where they came from […]
Types and Varieties of Slag Glass
Slag or slag glass is fairly common in the rock and mineral world, believe it or not. Most rock shops will have a bucket or two of this material and it will always catch your eye because the colors and patterns are vivid in nature. I get lots of subscribers to my newsletter emailing me […]
Libyan Desert Glass
Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) is a somewhat peculiar and incredibly interesting type of natural glass. This is primarily because of the glass’s high purity and homogeneity, combined with its enigmatic origin story. Libyan Desert Glass was first mentioned in 1850 but it didn’t become known, cited, investigated, and scientifically documented until its rediscovery in 1932. […]
Thunder Egg
Thundereggs, or Thunder Eggs, are one of the planet’s most unusual and beautiful geological formations. They might look like drab and boring rocks on the outside, but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover… well you shouldn’t. Once these incredible eggs are opened, they’re a site to behold. Many amateur […]
Coprolite
Are you ready to talk about fossilized poo? Because I am! That’s right; Coprolites are fossilized or preserved remains of the intestinal contents and excrement of organisms and humans. Simply put, fossilized feces or poop. Coprolite Fossil The word Coprolite is derived from the Greek words “Kopros Lithos,” which means Dung Stone. Coprolites are […]
Reticulation Silver
Reticulating silver is sometimes referred to as “Black Art of Metalsmithing,” and it’s an incredibly organic process. Most metalsmiths deal with silver, gold, and platinum in traditional ways but with silver, you can do some interesting treatments to create unique textures. Reticulation silver produces an incredible texture with no two pieces being the same. If […]
Trilobite Fossil
Trilobite fossils come from species of creatures that lived in the ocean but died out at the end of the Permian, over 250 million years ago. If you’re like me then you’re wondering what could kill off a species living beneath the ocean water. Well, scientists believe the Permian mass extinction is the cause of […]