365Stairs
Member Profile
One of my kiddos has taken a liking to geology and would like to spend some time on rock polishing.
We looked into a starter kit and researched experiences. Varying degrees of success based on amount of $$ spent to keep the machine noise generated to a minimum - which seemed to be the chief complaint. That and how much time it actually takes.
Is there anyone locally that has a business where we can observe this fun process and/or get hands on educations about different rock collections?
carrieann
Member Profile
I'll have to keep an eye on this post as well, since our daughter has asked for a rock tumbler this Christmas (it was the one gift she mentioned to the jolly fat man when we went to get Santa photos this past weekend) and we've been researching all the options. We're leaning toward a vibrating vs rotating, due to the amount of time it takes (a couple days vs multiple weeks - definite plus for the slightly less patient short folk), the noise level (vibrating are apparently less noisy), and final outcome (vibrating keeps the general shape of the rock, just polishes it, while a rotating will round out the edges and give you the same shape for all of them. both are lovely, but I kinda like the idea of keeping the unique shape to the rock.)
With all the time we spend on the beaches over the Summer, we've amassed quite a collection of fun little stones that I'm interested to see with a new sparkle and shine. I'm shamelessly excited about this kind of stuff, so it's fun to see my daughter taking an interest as well.
Have you consulted the West Seattle Rock Club? Great bunch of folks. I'm sure they get that question all the time.
http://www.westseattlerockclub.org
365Stairs
Member Profile
Thank you WSB! Good luck Carriann!
Oh the rock polisher is a sound from my childhood. My dad is an avid collector and loves to polish rocks - we had that thing going constantly and still do. He just collects interesting rocks from places he has traveled near and far and polishes them up.
What a great gift idea, you could even include a little trip to the beach to find the first round of rocks to polish!
Another plug for the WS Rock Club. They have a great Juniors program with well more than a dozen kids. Meetings are monthly with a short program just for kids, onging education and access to field trips. It's a great organization that welcomes rock collectors of all ages-- our 3 kids have loved it!
I had no idea there is a rock club! Mamatimes3, how old are your kids? Would a five year old be too young?
Kiddos are 7, 9, 11 and have been members for 2 years (since the little one was 5). Guests are welcome and then you have the option to join. Website has lots of info: http://westseattlerockclub.org/
You must log in to post.
All contents copyright 2012, A Drink of Water and a Story Interactive. Here's how to contact us.
No photo reuse without permission.
Entries and comments feeds. ^Top^
westseattleblog
West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Blog