Posts by M.
Rock Painting and Egg Hunt: Easter Fun at The Hub
This year’s Easter Fair at The Hub was one of those days that just rocked—sunshine, families, and a steady buzz of activity from start to finish. Our rock painting table, rare rockhound eggs, spin-to-win, club crafts, and specimen displays were all a hit. The Hub did a wonderful job creating a true fair experience, complete…
Read MoreThe Cabochon Process
Members often turn stones into cabochons (polished stones with a flat back and domed top). The general process includes: Water is always used during grinding and polishing to keep stones cool and reduce dust. Finished cabochons can be: No two stones are ever the same — that’s part of the fun. Metalwork & Jewelry Tools In addition…
Read MoreWhere the Laurel Stone Lives: Meades Creek Field Trip
On Sunday March 1 we headed out to Meades Creek in search of Laurel Stone — and it did not disappoint. It was one of those perfect Island days. Clear skies, sunshine, and just enough warmth to make you forget it’s still early in the season. We set up two collection points so members —…
Read MoreDallasite
Also Known As:Orbicular jasper (informal)Dallasite (named after Dallas Road, Victoria) Local to only Vancouver Island Found At:Beaches along southern Vancouver Island, especially around Victoria How to Recognize It Distinct orbicular (dot-like) patternsRounded spots in green, white, grey, or creamOften looks like polka dots or little “cells” in the rockMatrix is typically dark green to greyBeach-worn…
Read MoreLaurel Stone
Local to Meades Creek, Youbou Found At:Meades Creek & Lake Cowichan How to Recognize It Pieces range from small tumbler-ready stones to large boulders too hefty for most saws. What It Is (Geology in Plain Terms) Laurel Stone is a brecciated volcanic rock where silica-rich quartz has filled cracks and pockets in older green volcanic…
Read MoreOn this Day in 2023
Rain Washed River Rocks in Crofton
A very rainy winter has made hounding along rivers particularly treacherous this year. Until the water levels recede a bit, it’s best to try some ‘dryer’ sites. Some members have taken to picking through wash outs on old logging roads, and scouting out river rock dump sites such as this one. We headed out to…
Read MoreQuartzsite, Arizona “The Rock Capital of the World”
by Judy MossIn January 2017, on our trip south we decided to revisit Quartzsite. We had happened on the place 15 years ago by chance and decided we needed to see if things were how we remembered them. Quartzsite is located 17 miles from the California border at the intersection of Highway 95 and I-10…
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