The Wisdom Pocket Blog Archives

Sapphires: The Stone of Nobles

Jul 18, 2017

Since the ancient Greeks, Sapphires stones have symbolized social status and power. Sapphires are considered one of Earth’s precious stones for its rarity and beauty. Its brilliant blue color has been sought after by great civilizations around the world and continues to be one of the most popular gemstone quality minerals today.

The Adelaide Emails, John Cornish in Australia - 5 of 5

Jul 15, 2017

We're excited to have access to a special series of blog posts coming up written by by John Cornish, Speaker at the 2017 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium, while on-site working the Adelaide mine extracting crocoites. 5/13/2014 It’s 9:28 pm.

The Adelaide Emails, John Cornish in Australia - 4 of 5

Jul 13, 2017

We're excited to have access to a special series of blog posts coming up written by by John Cornish, Speaker at the 2017 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium, while on-site working the Adelaide mine extracting crocoites. If you missed the first few e-mails in the series, start from the beginning at Part 1.

Revealing a New Facet of the Hope Diamond

Jul 13, 2017

From disappearing acts to legendary curses, the Hope Diamond has often been found embedded in the center of a good story – often, one shrouded in mystery. For centuries, speculation regarding the unique qualities of this stunning 45.52 carat stone (now in the possession of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's Gem and Minerals department) have abounded – and questions sparked by the recent discovery of the diamond's unusual phosphorescent qualities are no exception.

The Adelaide Emails, John Cornish in Australia - 3 of 5

Jun 14, 2017

We're excited to have access to a special series of blog posts coming up written by by John Cornish, Speaker at the 2017 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium, while on-site working the Adelaide mine extracting crocoites. If you missed the first few e-mails in the series, start from the beginning at Part 1.

The Adelaide Emails, John Cornish in Australia - 2 of 5

Jun 8, 2017

[caption id="attachment_5123" align="alignright" width="225"] Collecting crystals is no easy feat! Photo courtesy of J.

The Adelaide Emails, John Cornish in Australia - 1 of 5

May 29, 2017

[caption id="attachment_5113" align="alignright" width="300"] John Cornish in the Adelaide mine. Photo courtesy of J.

Won't Be Fooled Again: Big Differences between Gold and Pyrite

May 26, 2017

Pyrite is a compound mineral of iron and sulfur. Yet, to the untrained eye, pyrite looks nearly identical to the chemical element gold.

Chinese Game Show Promoting Minerals

May 21, 2017

By Dr. Robert Lavinsky and Tom Moore We recently received a link to an hour-long episode of a Chinese game show (in Chinese, of course) in which a panel of minor celebrities and some experts competes to see who has the most knowledge regarding various objects important in Chinese culture.

Summer Fun for Rockhound Kids!

May 5, 2017

Summer is flying by, but there's still plenty of time to plan mineral activities for kids. The summer months are prime season for rock and mineral collecting – but that doesn't mean the professionals should get to have all the fun!

How to Build a Great Mineral Collection on a Budget! (Guest Post by Phil Persson)

Apr 24, 2017

By Phil Persson Mineral collecting is one of the greatest hobbies in the world. I often find that the word ‘hobby’ seems inadequate for what is a lifelong, all-consuming passion for many serious mineral collectors.

Kay Robertson: A Treasure in the Mineral Collecting

Apr 13, 2017

Friends, we are sorry to inform you that Kay passed away in early 2020, just shy of her 100th birthday, having collected minerals for longer than any other collector we are aware of. Her mineral-related obituary appeared in the Rocks & Minerals May/June 2020 issue.

The Ammonite: A Glimpse into The Past

Apr 11, 2017

When some people think of fossils, the first image that comes to mind is the tall skeleton of a dinosaur, but ammonites like these are a beautiful reminder of ocean life.

Gem & Mineral Spotlight: The Perot Museum

Apr 8, 2017

[caption id="attachment_5009" align="alignright" width="200"] The Perot Museum features a unique glass escalator, which is especially stunning at night. The Mamomes Photography.[/caption] Rockhounds, geologists, and gem and mineral enthusiasts of all levels will be excited to view the new collection of fine rocks and minerals on display at the Perot Museum in Dallas, Texas.

Brucite - A Chemist's Treasure

Apr 2, 2017

The United States is home to many rare and unique minerals. From the benitoite of California to the turquoise of Nevada, there is plenty in the states to excite collectors.

Rock and Mineral Collecting for Beginners

Mar 18, 2017

[caption id="attachment_4155" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Assembling little treasures of fine minerals can be a cost-effective and rewarding pursuit.[/caption] Collecting rocks and minerals is an exciting and rewarding hobby – full of fun, adventure, and hands-on opportunities to learn more about our world's geology – all while building an important anecdotal and historical record. For those of you beginners who are interested in exploring the amazing world of rocks and minerals – here are some tips for starting and maintaining an excellent collection, sure to bring you joy for years to come! 1.

Discover Oxide Minerals

Mar 13, 2017

[caption id="attachment_4937" align="alignright" width="281"] This significant copper (over 26 pounds!) on custom base was in the Harvard Museum for decades.[/caption] The oxide group of minerals include naturally occurring compounds where oxygen is combined with one or more metals such as iron, manganese, aluminum, chromium, titanium and copper. This major group of minerals is known for their distinct physical properties that include high hardness and density, moderate to high luster, and are refractory.

Pyrite vs. Gold: A Tale of Two Origins

Mar 9, 2017

At a glance, pyrite and gold are nearly indistinguishable from one another. Pyrite, otherwise known as “fool’s gold” has a similar luster and a goldish color that shines like the real deal.

The Legends of Beautiful Crystals and Gems

Jan 28, 2017

Throughout history, crystals and gemstones have been the subject of great myths and legends. Their natural beauty inspires curiosity in where they came from and mysticism in the power behind their colors.

Diamonds in the Rough – Finding a True Gem

Jan 28, 2017

[caption id="attachment_4429" align="alignright" width="800"] Natural diamond found in Mir Pipe, Russia. Joe Budd Photo[/caption] Diamonds have long been a symbol of rarity and natural beauty.

Amethyst Geode Themed Wedding Cakes!

Jan 20, 2017

The love for rare rocks and minerals has taken over the culinary world with the detailed work of amethyst themed wedding cakes. Recently, The Arkenstone supported the creation of a stunning geode cake for our Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium as part of a 90th birthday celebration for speaker Bob Jones, but the cake style first hit popularity in Denver.

Cursed Gemstones: The Black Prince’s Ruby

Jan 9, 2017

[caption id="attachment_4787" align="alignright" width="254"] The gemstone at the front of George V's Imperial State Crown. G.

Collections That Shine: Rare Coins and Minerals

Jan 4, 2017

To the untrained eye, a coin has two-sides and shimmers in the right light. To an avid collector, a coin is worth more than its printed monetary value and face.

Famously Misidentified Gemstones

Jan 1, 2017

Gemstones catch the eye of Rockhounds for their unique shapes and colors. Yet, some gemstones are nearly indistinguishable, even to the trained eye.