What did I learn today?

Hello! I'm studying geology and I have a learning disability. This blog is a way I can post things I learn and study that I find interesting! Maybe you'll learn something too!

[thingsilearnedtoday]

Welcome!

This is my newest side blog, for those who want to follow my academic journey as I study geology!

I'm a 5th year college student with a learning disability (also known as trouble sitting still disorder) and telling people about what I learn is one of the ways I learn best.

I will have info-dump posts about the things I learn every day while doing homework and attending lectures. (They are in no way teaching material nor are intended to be used as a teaching aid in any way)

If you stick around to read my blog, maybe you'll learn something!

(My profile pic is one of my favorite rocks, feldspar! This specific sample has black tourmaline inclusions, and I found it on the internet when looking for "feldspar")

[saint-nevermore]

an Opabinia in the hand is worth two in the tide pools :)

[misogynistcatgirl]

I know we are all like "people in caveman times would drill holes in their head to relieve headaches" andwe go oh that's so stupid that's so dumb but like. then I get a headache and I'm like.ooooh I get it I get it. Grug prepare the drill.

[greyerwardens]

[tiktoksformyfriends]

[video by sternbergcamps. caption: for those of you who still don't understand *exactly what a geologist does...]

[geologyin-blog]

Stunning opal find from Mintabie, South Australia!

Photo: South Australian Opal Traders

[anamcaramia]

Sammich

[taddymason]

Crystals

Art Commission for UQ Geoscience Society

[comfycat3]

Some random stuff about the ametrine!

The reference photo is a slice of a crystal column from the Anahí Mine in Bolivia.

It is a combination of amethyst and citrine that forms completely naturally. So both of these crystals result from iron (Fe) impurities and irradiation in the quartz structure. Amethyst results from Fe 3+, while citrine results from Fe 3+ ions, more water and possibly more heat.

Side note: you can make citrine from amethyst by putting it in an oven. A lot of the citrine on the market with a darker orange/yellow colour is actually heat treated amethyst. Natural citrine has a lighter colour than what we often see on the market.

The differences in the crystal colour result from water and iron being favourably trapped in certain zones of the quartz structure during growth.

It was the most amazing experience to work with you, taddy!!!! The amount of talent and hard work that went into these drawings is mind blowing. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

More info about ametrine can be found here: https://www.gia.edu/doc/the-anahi-ametrine-mine-bolivia.pdf

[taddymason]

Crystals study

i'm so tired

[geoledgy]

YOOOOOOO MINERAL CUP IS BACK LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!!!!! (I'm voting chrysotile here lets asbestos sweep)

Vote in Round 1 Match 1 — Mineral Cup

Click here to vote in Chrysotile vs Pectolite

[ghminerals]

The post showcases a rare spessartine garnet specimen from Tongbei, China, mounted on microcline, a potassium-rich feldspar, highlighting its geological significance as a product of illegal but systematic mining in a region known for Cretaceous granitic belts, per Nanjing University findings.

Spessartine garnets, often orange to reddish-brown, are valued in gemology for their unique compositions (2-94% spessartite mol), with color variations linked to blends of pyrope and almandine, as detailed in the International Gem Society’s 2023 data, distinguishing them from synthetic simulants like yttrium aluminum garnet.

The specimen’s provenance from the Phillip Phillips collection, a globally recognized mineral archive with over 2,000 species, adds historical value, reflecting its acquisition by Dakota Matrix in 2011 from a retired collector in Bellingham, Washington. https://goldenhourminerals.etsy.com/listing/4350857628

[dozydawn]

opal carved by makoto nakano

[thingsilearnedtoday]

Forbidden Konpeito

[hazard-symbols-that-fuck-hard]

[hazard-symbols-that-fuck-hard]

It’s on there twice

[sobqjmv]

You are correct about lava tubes! This was taken in Lava Beds National Monument, with lava tubes formed by Medicine Lake Volcano! I couldn’t tell you about the rocks.

[hazard-symbols-that-fuck-hard]

[hazard-symbols-that-fuck-hard]

It’s on there twice

[thingsilearnedtoday]

Hey! Guess who is officially a geologist! I now, as of this month have my BS in Geology!!!

I finished my final course while on a field expedition in the western United States :)

[ellanmwebb2]

Another print which will most likely make its way to my studio sale.

[ellanmwebb2]

I'm just going through all of my studio prints as I move from my old studio to my new one. It's likely that I'll be adding these to my shop and eventually doing a huge studio sale in order to shift older stock.

[geologyin-blog]

Check Out This Crazy Natural Ammonite.

Credit: Crypto Crystals

[mutant-distraction]

Hung Ton

Yosemite Firefall Feb-20-2025.