Serious question, why does every 'beginner friendly' rock ID chart use colors that look nothing like the rocks I actually find?

3 comments

3 Comments

Saw a geology blog post that said those charts are often made in perfect studio lighting. Real rocks get washed out in sun or look dull in shade. Plus, they never show how much dirt and weathering changes the color. It's like they're using the rock's prom photo instead of its everyday look.

vera_dixon892mo ago

Ugh that reminds me of when I found this gorgeous piece of quartzite in a creek bed, all glittery and pink. Took it home and washed it, and it just turned into this plain, dull gray lump. Felt so cheated, like it catfished me lol. Left it in my driveway as a reminder not to trust first impressions.

kevin_sullivan2mo ago

Totally get that "catfished" feeling, @vera_dixon89. I had a piece of jasper do the exact same thing, looked like a sunset in the river and then just a brown rock in my hand. What worked for me was putting a drop of mineral oil on it, just to see the color again. It doesn't last, but it's a nice little trick to remember what you saw. Sometimes I think the water is part of the magic, and we just can't take that home with us.