Just as certain overarching laws of nature govern the behavior heavenly bodies above us, there are certain immutable laws controlling the behavior of rockhounds here on Earth.
For example, so long as an empty
pocket or a free hand is available, a rockhound never leaves behind a good rock
encountered. Also, fossils and petrified
wood are never left behind in favor of rocks that are merely cute.
Yesterday, neighbor Kevin and I
were forced to abide by another law governing the actions of rockhounds. Kevin had purchased and brought home two new blades
for the lapidary saw we share. The law
is this: If you buy a new blade for a saw, you must immediately try it out on a
few rocks.
When Kevin called to tell me he
had new blades, I said: “I’ll be right down.”
As good fortune would have it, I recently collected specimens I wanted to
cut.
The new blade sliced through
the stones like a dream—a dream requiring hearing protection and safety glasses.
Abiding by the law has its rewards.
Swirls
Strata
—Mitchell Hegman
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