GeologyRocks

Whichever rock is hanging precariously above your head or tumbling down the mountainside towards you?

Or how about copper, does that count since it occurs en masse by itself?  It is used as wiring in all new bombs and things, as well as in handheld weapons throughout the bronze age.  But I'm sure iron has been used more historically and in modern weapons.

How about a meteorite impact?

Even though it now appears that Chixulub (apologies for the spelling) is too old to be the 'smoking gun' for the K-T mass extinction.

How about Gold? I wonder how many people have died because of it? A major influence in the Spanish conquest of the New World...

How about Pechblende? A mineral packed full with Uranium. Need I say more?

Ouch very spikey, wouldn't want to fall over on it in the field

Any old liquid lava won't do you much good.  Even after it solidifies, but isn't quite cold it remains dodgy.

John

“Civilisation exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” -  Will Durant

I've got two votes for most dangerous rock but they're entirely subjective:

1.  Millstone Grit, because I fell off a climb in Yorkshire called Spreadeagle and fractured my knee.  I was showing off to a (potential) girlfriend when I was 17 and she dumped me after I'd got out of hospital.

2.   Carbonifeorous Limestone, because during the history of caving it's claimed quite a lot of lives.  On a much lesser scale my crushed finger whilst extending a cave was a bit scary as the boulder which trapped it was about the size of a piano.

Before you start thinking I'm accident prone these are the only injuries I've sustained - I'll be celebrating 50 years since my first underground trip in january next year.

How do you get dumped by a potential girlfriend? I'd say one accident every 25 years is good going Gus. I'd suggest taking it easy in the next 20 or so, though!

Awww Gus, unfortunately I can kind of empathise with that experience.  Though I agree with Ben, I'm a bit unclear as to the breaking up part.

But developing that emotional take on things, I'd like to propose a diamond, not just because of the horrific trade of the stones but also because of the damage an engagement ring can do.  (Quick question: can anyone find the pun in the last sentence? )

I guess oil shale would be another huge one because of the environmental damage it causes, as well as the inherent threats imposed by oil (fires, spills).

Propose. Too easy Jenny! Must try harder...

lol it wasn't even intended.  My brain is just geared for all things female because of my writing at the moment.

Promise I'll make it a bit more exciting next time!

Well, I'm sure you'd never welsh on a promise! 

Is it just my imagination, or do you speak of engagment a little ruefully? I hope you don't mind me asking, but is that from personal experience, or just a bit of good old misandry? (Or misogyny for that matter, if applicable).

Try not to.  My word is pretty sound!

lol such a personal question for a geology forum.  I'm a romance writer, so I cover all aspects of chick lit, which unfortunately incorporates relationships failing as well as blossoming.

Does that imply that there's somewhere that isn't such a personal question? Lol!

No...it'd still be a personal question, but it's not something I'd feel was appropriate to discuss in such a public forum.  That's what private messages and real-life friends are for

Hmm, having just read it again it doesn't make much sense does it, but let me put it into context for the benefit of you youngsters.  Back when I was a lad in the Precambrian you didn't just go into a nightclub and attempt to bag the first boozy face you saw.  No, there was a certain amount of wooing and maneouvering, what was known as "courtship", a kind of indefinable area between picking someone up and getting them in the sack.  So she was a potential girlfriend as we had entered that stage of the relationship.

Never mind, she still dumped me anyway.  She said I was a nutter. 

Real-life friends. Yes, I... remember... those... Lol.

Makes sense now Gus, a bygone age of chivalry and gentlemanly conduct, and eventually sacks it seems. Would the hessian one I keep my spuds in do?  

All joking aside, I sometimes think I was born too late!

Gus you sound like a lovely old-romantic.  I've never been wooed, so I'm afraid I wouldn't know about this first-hand but I understand perfectly what you mean and I think a lot of girls/women wish for the lost age of courtship!

I'm not sure whether to believe the "never been wooed" claim. Does that seem a little far-fetched to you Gus? Are you sure you haven't come down with another bout of whimsy Jenny? 

lol while I appreciate the latent compliment, what I meant was along the lines of what Gus was referring to: extended courtship by a gentleman with flowers, gifts and not too much time alone etc

You never know, I might just pay you an unequivocal compliment one of these days!

I have poor experience with giving gifts to ladies. I once sent an Easter egg with my phone number on it to someone that I liked, because I felt too shy to introduce myself, and heard nothing…

Aww that's sweet (forgive the pun ).  It's a shame you didn't hear anything after that.  Marks for creativity at least.

But I should imagine we've all been there.  I get a kick out of doing things like that every now and then, regardless of the outcome.  Bit of a rush, as I'm not into bungee jumping and the like.  Though I reckon if I'd carried on with my geology studied I would have gotten into volcanology.  Instead I just used the info as a translator at an energy company.  Pretty dull by comparison.

How have other people on here used their geology in their careers?

Not wanting to sound conceited, but it was her loss, not mine! 

I know what you mean about getting a thrill from being nice to others without the need for acknowledgement. I've sent the occasional anonymous bunch of flowers to friends over the years, when I knew they'd been feeling down and needed some cheering up... Once or twice with a little card that read simply, "I hope these bring a smile". It's always fun to see the positive effects.  

The romance thing amazes me with my customers.

Amongst the things I sell are quartz geodes (anything from 1" to 6" across and full of crystals).  About this time last year I had a guy buy a 6" one and he told me he was going to put an engagement ring inside for his lady.  I don't think that could fail, but I'd be delighted to meet up with him again to actually know the outcome.

On another occassion I was doing a show which coincided with Valentines Day. I used to do little stone hearts on a silver plated chains (couldn't get them wet or they would go rusty!) boxed at £2.50.  Really little girls pcket money style.   A lady and her boyfriend were looking at the stall and she fell in love with one of these in rose quartz.  Would he buy it for her?  Not a chance.  Flatly refused.  Then he paid out £20 for a fossil.  Ooops!        Unless he has something very good lined up, I think Valentines Day stopped right there!

   John

“Civilisation exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” -  Will Durant

lol think you might be right about that.  Girls like a bit of romance and it doesn't have to be expensive or incredibly astounding, just thoughtful and out of the ordinary.  So yes I can imagine the little heart would have made all the difference.

Geodes are absolutely beautiful too.  Have a couple myself.  Love the engagement idea. Little bit unique that.  Can't imagine he wouldn't have got a yes for that.

What is your line of work John, if you don't mind me asking?