[Rockhounds] Hi, I'm new here

[Kitty & Bill Heacox]

Welcome, Helen!

You'll find a mix of people here ranging from those who are university 
professors or in professions that relate to rocks, to those without 
advanced education who simply appreciate the treasures that come from 
the earth.  Some of us make great expeditions into the wilds to dig up 
treasures, some make their treasures into jewelry, some buy treasures in 
rock shops on their travels, and others sell their treasures. 

On a personal note, I'm a retired teacher who gives volunteer 
presentations to schools and the local Lyman Museum in Hilo, on the Big 
Island of Hawaii.  My husband, Bill, is a professor of astronomy at 
University of Hawaii at Hilo.  We have a collection of rocks and 
minerals we like to share as much as possible, with an emphasis on 
fluorescent ones.  At present we are suffering a bit from the effects of 
vog--volcanic smog-- from Kilauea Volcano.

Aloha, Kitty

Helen Hill wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I've just found your list today and it sounds like a fun group so I 
> thought I'd join.  I live in the UK and I developed a love of rocks 
> and fossils as a child (in the seventies), when an aunt gave me a set 
> of mineral specimens - nothing outstanding but fascinating to a child 
> nonetheless.  My parents bought me a book which has been a favourite 
> ever since, although sadly it's gone missing - Hamlynn's Guide to 
> Rocks, Minerals and Fossils.  I loved that book.  I later went on to 
> get a degree in chemistry, and still had a love of the chemistry of 
> the natural world.  I taught science for a couple of years, before ill 
> health meant that I had to give up.  Last year, I started making 
> sterling silver jewellery, by forging and forming, soldering with a 
> torch and setting with semi-precious and precious faceted gems and 
> cabochons.  Therefore my love of "rocks" has sort of almost come full 
> circle.  I would dearly love to get into cabbing and faceting - that 
> would really be the icing on the cake for me.  I look forward to 
> chatting with you all.
>
> Regards,
> Helen Hill
> http://www.hillsgems.co.uk
> http://www.helensgems.etsy.com
> helenrhill at tiscali.co.uk
>
>
>