12 Rocks
Rocks are more than just stones. They are the storytellers of the Earth’s soul. Some have witnessed over four billion years of our planet’s history, from molten beginnings to shifting continents. Check out this podcast if that sounds intriguing https://www.chrismorganwildlife.org/podcast-episodes/episode/25ce0def/how-our-planet-came-to-life-with-ferris-jabr.
Some rocks sparkle while others are dull yet carry a quiet strength. Each one makes me wonder what it has seen and how it came to be.
The first time Ohmapi did a year-long focus on geology was back in 2019–2020. It opened my eyes to how truly amazing it is to study geology and how perfectly suited it is for a nature school. There are so many hands-on explorations, from digging and identifying rocks in the field to growing and examining crystals under a microscope and making and visiting volcanoes. That year deepened my love for rocks and minerals and showed me that every stone has secrets to share if you know how to listen.
Here’s a list of 12 of my favorite rocks. I have many more than 12 favorites. It was hard to narrow it down and I have a feeling if you went to a rock shop, you might feel the same.
Celestine – A beautiful, often sky-blue mineral made of strontium sulfate, valued for its crystal beauty and calming energy. This one can connect you to spirits on the other side. I keep it next to my bed to feel close to my loved ones who have passed as I sleep.
Obsidian – Volcanic glass with razor sharp edges and a shiny black surface. I love this because it’s really just “super-cooled” lava glass. It has a relatively short lifespan compared to most rocks. Over thousands of years, it loses its glassy properties and gradually crystallizes into a more typical rock. And one more reason to love it..it takes away negative energy. I keep this one next to my bed too.
Peridot – A lively green gemstone believed to bring good luck. It forms deep in the Earth where there is just the right combination of heat and pressure to grow these brilliant crystals.
Sandstone – The rounded sandstones you find in places like Utah are especially beautiful.
Benitoite – California’s rare, brilliant blue state gem known for its sparkle and unique crystal structure. I don’t have this yet; it’s on my wish list!
Chert – Smooth, fine-grained sedimentary rock. Similar to jasper in being microcrystalline, though sedimentary in origin. Historically, it was often used for making arrowheads and other tools.
Garnet – Garnet crystals most commonly form as dodecahedrons (12-sided) or trapezohedrons (24-sided)! It is usually deep red (comes in other colors too) and symbolizes strength and protection.
Opal – Opal actually contains water, which helps create its shimmering colors. It is like a rainbow frozen in stone.
Jasper – Vibrant, patterned chalcedony found in many colors. Microcrystalline and igneous in origin.
Moonstone – An iridescent gem that shifts colors as it catches the light, associated with intuition.
Pumice – A light, porous volcanic rock that floats on water. I think that says it all…a rock that floats, what’s not to love?
Gneiss – A high-grade metamorphic rock with striking bands of color. I like this one because, well… how can you not like a rock that’s ““nice”?