Do budding geologists like rock hammers? [more inside]
posted by DU on Sep 11, 2009 - 20 answers

Why are there big rocks on this roof? [more inside]
posted by Tube on Jun 28, 2009 - 9 answers

How could paint be removed from a large, frequently painted object? [more inside]
posted by sarahj on Apr 20, 2009 - 21 answers

Are there any good rock hunting beaches in the southern half of Lake Michigan? Or just pebbly beahces as compared to the sandy dune topography I'm familiar with? [more inside]
posted by readery on Feb 22, 2009 - 7 answers

Tomorrow afternoon, I'm driving south on Hwy 1/Big Sur Coast Highway from Monterey to Lucia. I've never driven this road before, and I'll be alone. Thing is, it's supposed to rain hard tomorrow and apparently Big Sur Highway + lotsa rain = rock & mud slides. Unfortunately, dodging mudslides while driving along rainy cliffs aren't exactly skills I've developed living in pancake-flat Houston. Does it really get that treacherous? Should I postpone this trip for a less rainy season? If not, what are you supposed to do if you see a bunch of mud and rocks tumbling towards you and your rental car? [more inside]
posted by yeoja on Feb 5, 2009 - 18 answers

Can anyone help me find a source for otoliths, or the tiny stones found in the inner ear? Preferably mammalian, ideally primate or even human (I imagine that last one may be ethically way to far, no offense intended). [more inside]
posted by buzzv on Feb 3, 2009 - 9 answers

Mom's birthday filter: Mom is suddenly all about beading and gems and rocks. Any ideas for a cool, "every-rock-necklace-making-beading-enthusiast-should-have-this-___" present? [more inside]
posted by metajc on Sep 21, 2008 - 18 answers

Radioactive dating: Is it possible for a hobbyist to get something dated? [more inside]
posted by cometwendy on Jul 3, 2008 - 7 answers

How was this made? [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Jun 24, 2008 - 15 answers

Where, online, can I buy one of these rocks? Ideally, I'd like to be able to chose from a selection.
posted by Rabulah on May 9, 2008 - 2 answers

What's the best (manual) way to lift some beeeg boulders? [more inside]
posted by BleachBypass on Apr 2, 2008 - 20 answers

How can I give my girlfriend an engagement ring with a stone made of moon rock? [more inside]
posted by ben242 on Jan 23, 2008 - 20 answers

I'm no lapidary but I need to separate some sapphires from the surrounding rock and polish them (slightly, I want them to stay rough, no shaping/mounting.) How can I do this without spending multiple paychecks on professional lapidary stuffs? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Jun 10, 2007 - 6 answers

How can I find places where it's legal to gather rocks? [more inside]
posted by agropyron on Oct 13, 2006 - 8 answers

Can you put garden marble rocks in a fireplace? [more inside]
posted by kgn2507 on Sep 7, 2006 - 4 answers

My girlfriend and I are driving from Lawrence, Kansas to Madison, Wisconsin soon, and on the way back, we want to find some fossils. [more inside]
posted by interrobang on Aug 10, 2006 - 12 answers

How are semiprecious stones dyed? [more inside]
posted by cmyk on Apr 12, 2006 - 6 answers

I think I have a great idea for a Christmas gift, but I'm not sure I understand rock polishing... [more inside]
posted by headlessagnew on Nov 28, 2005 - 2 answers

Is there a better thing to chill drinks down apart from ice? [more inside]
posted by angusw on Nov 25, 2005 - 25 answers

Deodorant rocks. What are they? What goes into them? Where do they come from? What's the history? Can they be made at home? Safety warnings or tips on use? Where should they be purchased from?
posted by saysthis on Jul 6, 2005 - 16 answers

Can anyone identify what type of material this rock is made of? Its blue and purple and sort of sparkles, but that stuff is on a black material. Is it an odd piece of coal? Airplane goo? Dirty salt? I found it sitting in the middle of a parking lot near Boston... which seems like an odd place to find such a thing.
posted by jwells on Jan 13, 2005 - 14 answers

I'm looking for flash-based mp3 player (256 or 512MB) with a voice recorder and FM radio. Also need it to work as a USB mass storage device. So far I'm considering the iRiver iFP-100 series or the Creative Muvo TX FM. Are there any other good quality options I should consider? And what do you think of these two options? If they both work fine, the prices are a lot better for the muvo. Thanks!
posted by jacobsee on Nov 11, 2004 - 19 answers

There's already been a question on AskMe about engagement ring advice, but I'm looking for something a little different. My buddy just spent $10,000 on an engagement ring because his fiance is feeling the pressure of being a brand new attorney in NYC and wanting to look the part. He didn't want to, but he did it anyway, cause her family was giving her the "If he loves you, he'd spend the money" spiel and it was really getting to her.

What could he have done at that point? She's a great girl, just a little prone to doing what her family wants her to do, so "RUN" isn't an appropriate response. Also, what is an appropriate price? $10,000 is about two months salary, but it seems extreme.

Google's not really any help....strangers who I've interacted with (ala MeFites) are significantly better than strangers I have not (ala some random webpage).
posted by taumeson on May 24, 2004 - 84 answers