Post subject: (Severely) lapsed Geologist, checking in
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 12:12 pm
New to the Forum or The Quiet Type
Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:54 am Posts: 4
Hi, all...Brian's the name.
I have a degree in Geology from Washington State University (1997), but immediately upon graduation I joined the Army, which is where I presently find myself. Over the intervening 16 years, I really haven't done much with my degree other than to wow people at parties with my recall of trivial geologic facts. As you can imagine, women adored and men feared me when I broke out some knowledge on solid solution in feldspars or the many polymorphs of quartz.
I've been wanting to find a way to reignite my geological passions, and thought the gemology, lapidary, and related pursuits could fill that need nicely. I recall thoroughly enjoying physical and optical mineralogy and have a nice little (and I mean tiny) collection of samples I've gathered in my travels with the Army.
Other background: I grew up in Germany, and speak German as my first language. (Although, that's getting a little rusty since I haven't been back in years). I've done some limited geologic study in Germany, to include some field study of the Solnhofener Plattenkalk and the impact structures & petrology of the Nördlinger Rieskrater. Most of my geologic study has been in the Pacific NW, especially the Miocene basalts of the Columbia River group, the Channeled Scablands, and some of the igneous features of the N Cascades. I still have one sample of a perfectly euhedral garnet dodec and some gorgeous kyanite in schist from N. Idaho.
I'm married and have two kids: 5 and 8, and they've shown an interest in geology as well. So, this would be a great family hobby to get into and I can't wait to get started.
In any case, I'm sure I'll be asking a ton of questions and am looking forward to re-immersing myself in this science.
Post subject: Re: (Severely) lapsed Geologist, checking in
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:55 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:01 am Posts: 370 Location: Easley, South Carolina
Definitely Welcome! I lapsed after teaching geology for 8 years, then had my midlife crisis and changed professions; about 7 years ago, my wife got me back into rocks (and then gemology) by buying some gemstones and asking me what they are. So gemology came with lapidary, etc.
My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in geology (especially geochronology); and I also loved optical mineralogy.
Enjoy the discussions here, I do.
John
_________________ John Atwell Rasmussen, Ph.D., AJP Web: http://handmadeartists.com/shop/rasmussengems Blog: http://rasmussengemsandjewelryllc.blogspot.com/
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