Rocks & Minerals

I've long been interested in the geology that lies under the soil where my beloved orchids and wildflowers grow. Soil affects Ph, stone affects the shape of things which directs the water, and long ridges affect precipitation as well as light.

Got interested especially in pegmetite minerals such as garnet, beryl, tourmaline, and mica.

Lots of great places to go in CT. I've been visiting the Case Mine in Glastonbury since 1993, started taking Morgan there when she was 3. Great for green beryl, mica, big chunks of white quartz for the gardens.

In 2007 we joined the Lapidary & Mineralogical Society of Central Connecticut (www.lmscc.org) and have been going on field trips with them or with friends met through that organization.

A highlight was the trip to that legendary mine in Haddam Neck that isn't open to the public, and which is not going to be open to the public. Bob said don't even ask. He was extremely generous to allow me to go there and take pictures. Many thanks.

Haddam Neck, CT - Mining for tourmaline