Stones

When I was in Edinburgh earlier this year I found a tiny shop almost right next to the hostel, Mr Wood's Fossils. There was a collection of fossils, minerals and meteorites there that I found fascinating. Since I've been working as a guide I have become more interested in those things anyway, and this was a lovely shop. I spent a long time there, looking at all the items on display, and I actually left carrying a few stones, and a small piece of Jasper.

Jasper to me is connected to the Antarctic, to Hannah Point on the South Shetland Islands. There is a streak of Jasper near Suicide Point, always fascinating to see. You are not allowed to take any with you, and though I have found bits of Jasper on the beach, and certainly was tempted, I did behave. I did buy a couple of pieces from Mr Wood's shop though, so I can have a look at them once in a while. I also bought a piece of Bloodstone, the stone that might have attracted people to live on Rum. This piece isn't from Rum, though, I should have bought a piece there, of course. Next time.

Since my visit to the shop I've been looking at stones more often. I checked out the stones at Naturalis, and just the other day at a small shop in Amsterdam. And I've been following Mr. Woods Fossils through his weblog. There is such a great variety in colour, just in stones, again so much to know and learn. New fields.