This is a great time of year to buy some books for the geologist in your life!
This year, I’ve decided to post another list of great books to buy for the geologist in your life. All of these are available as e-books, so they make excellent last minute gifts.
If you want to look at previous years gift lists, here they are:
The Floor of Heaven: A True Tale of the Last Frontier and the Yukon Gold Rush
by, Howard Blum
Picture from Amazon.
I read this book several years ago when I was working as an exploration geologist in Alaska, and I really enjoyed it. The book is well written and captivates you with a thrilling – and true! – story from the Yukon Gold Rush.
This is a delightful memoir by planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Lindy when we were both based at MIT. She is an amazing woman, and you will enjoy her book.
How to Build a Habitable Planet: The Story of Earth from the Big Bang to Humankind
by, Charles Langmuir and Wallace Broecker
Picture from Amazon.
This classic book, written by two famous geologists, is a must-read for any geologist. I first read this book as a graduate student, and I learned so much about the formation and evolution of the planet.
Available from Amazon here. $34.99 on Kindle. There is also an older, free version of the book here.
Book #6:
The Dinosaur Hunters: A True Story of Scientific Rivalry and the Discovery of the Prehistoric World
by, Deborah Cadbury
Picture from Amazon.
This delightful book tells the story of the rivalry between two 19th century geologists: Gideon Mantell and Richard Owen. The book also tells much about 19th century fossil hunting and interpretation.
The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet
by, Michael E. Mann
Picture from Amazon.
Last but not least, I can recommend this excellent book on climate change, which discusses the role that big fossil fuel companies have played in climate change misinformation. This book is alarming, but also inspires hope. Michael Mann convinces you that it is not too late to avert the worst of climate change.
I’ve been neglecting my blog this year, but I just had to put up my annual Christmas post. This is the last shopping week before Christmas, and I hope that this post gives you some ideas about what the buy the geologist in your life. There are some good ideas for stocking stuffers below, as well as for some more expensive gifts.
I should be back to more regular blogging next year, now that my part-time M.Sc. in Carbon Management is finished.
If you want to look at previous years lists, here they are:
Geologists often need a good, comfortable pair of steel-capped boots for field work, particularly if they are working at a core logging shed or a mine site. These boots can be expensive, so they would make a great gift. Personally, I have a pair of the boots above, which I can highly recommend. I really like the bright pink color and the side zip. The above boots also come in blue and purple. Of course, if you want to be boring you can stick with normal brown boots. Getting the fit for boots can be a bit tricky, so it might be best to gift a voucher to a shop selling boots, so that the geologist in your life can try the boots on before purchase.
Cost: Variable, about $150 for a good pair of boots
A kenometer is a handy tool for measuring structural data (alpha and beta angles) in drill core. If you want to know how a kenometer works, here’s a great video. Many work places, such as mine sites, provide kenometers, but possibly the academic geologist in your life doesn’t have one — and it might be a really useful tool for them if they do any work with drill core.
Geologists often work in remote areas with no mobile signal. A spot tracker is a great safety device that lets the geologist in your family message you to let you know that they are safe – and also send out a distress signal if anything happens in the field. These days spot trackers are affordable and would make a great gift for your loved one. For example, here’s the SpotX two way satellite messenger.
Cost: $200-$300, plus the cost of the satellite subscription plan
Another great safety gift for the field-going geologist in your life is a snake bite kit. This simple little kit can save your life in the field. Every geologist should have one of these in their pack when doing field work. Regular first aid kits often don’t have snake bite bandages, so this is a great gift even if your loved one already has a first aid kit.
Geologists are often pestered by insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, when working in the field. A head net can provide good protection from pesky insect bites and also insects getting into your eyes and mouth. These nets need to be replaced regularly since they are prone to tearing. So, a new net will definitely make a great gift for the geologist in your life.
Magnets are really useful for geologists, since some minerals, such as magnetite, can be identified by their magnetic properties. A pocket pivot magnet makes an excellent gift for a geologist.
Yes, you read that correctly. Trilobite slippers! These are so awesome I don’t even have words to describe them. Just buy them!
Cost: $24 from the Paleontological Research Institution here. The institution has lots of other great items in the gift shop, so be sure to check it out!
Gift #8: Moon Puzzle
Photo from: Amazon.com
Puzzles are always fun to put together over the holidays, and the geologist in your life would probably enjoy a moon puzzle, or perhaps a Mars puzzle. Just be prepared to hear about lunar anorthosite!
The marine geologist in your life will absolutely love this fantastic tote bag, which you can buy from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution gift shop to support ocean research. What a great way to support important science and remember the different zones of the ocean.
I mean, I feel like this one doesn’t even need an explanation. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for a geologist! There are quite a few different ones for sale, but I particularly like this one where Santa is riding a T-Rex.
Cost: Variable, about $10 to $50
That’s it for this year’s gift guide. I hope it gave you some good gift ideas! Stay tuned for some more regular blogging in the New Year. I have a few Georneys to share.
Merry Christmas, everyone! It has been quite a year. If your year has been like mine, you are still recovering… and buying last-minute Christmas presents!
This is the 10th year that I have published my “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list. This year, I am recommending ten geology textbooks that the geologist in your family will be certain to love. If you want to check out my gift lists from previous years, you can find them here:
This year has been a strange year. Because of the pandemic, many of your geologist friends and family have probably been working from home and not able to do their usual field or laboratory work. Perhaps some of your geologist loved ones have been taking on some additional study or brushing up on some technical knowledge by reading some textbooks. Geologists love textbooks and other geology reference books. However, geology textbooks tend to be very expensive. So, if you want to give the geologist in your family a present that they will really appreciate and use for many years, consider buying them one of the textbooks below.
Textbook #1: Manual of Mineral Science
Manual of Mineral Science. A classic textbook!
This is a classic mineralogy textbook that is a must-have in any geologist’s library. I bought my copy second-hand for my second year course in mineralogy, and I still refer to the book regularly. This is such a classic textbook that you may want to check if the geologist in your family already owns a copy. That said, if you buy the latest edition then it will still be a hit since your geologist can upgrade their copy.
Textbook #2: An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals
DHZ. Another classic mineralogy textbook.
This is another classic mineralogy textbook that is also a must-have. It is often referred to simply as “DHZ”, from the author names Deer, Howie, and Zussman. For example, one geologist might say to another, “I want to try to identify this blue mineral. Do you have a copy of DHZ in the office?”. Again, you might want to check if the geologist in your family already owns a copy.
Available here and here. Cost: about $80. You can also find second-hand copies for a bit less.
Textbook #3: Minerals in Thin Section
A great illustrated guide to identifying minerals in thin section under the microscope.
If the geologist in your family does any work under the microscope, then they will appreciate an illustrated guide to minerals in thin section. There are a few different books on the market, but one that I own and really like is “Minerals in Thin Section”.
Available here. Cost: about $100. You can find this book second-hand as well.
Textbook #4: An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
A lovely petrology textbook.
There are a number of good igneous and metamorphic petrology textbooks on the market, but this one by John Winter is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it!
Available here. Cost: about $200 new. You can find a second-hand copy for about $25.
Textbook #5: Sedimentary Geology: An Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks and Stratigraphy
Sedimentary, my dear Watson!
After the geologist in your family is done reading about igneous and metamorphic rocks, they might enjoy brushing up on sedimentary rocks. This classic textbook is a great tome on all things sedimentary.
Textbook #6: Isotopes: Principles and Applications
A classic geochemistry text. This is one of the best books on isotope geochemistry.
If you have a geochemist in your family, then they are bound to appreciate this classic Gunter Faure text (the most recent edition has Teresa Mensing as a co-author) on isotopes. I have spent hours and hours with my copy of this textbook, which is well-worn in places. I often consult it daily when I am working on a geochemistry project.
Available here and here. Cost: about $200. You can also find second-hand copies fairly easily. Note that some of these second-hand copies will be the previous 1st and 2nd editions. The 2nd edition is still great to purchase, but the 1st edition is somewhat out-of-date.
Textbook #7: Geochemistry: An Introduction
A great introductory geochemistry textbook.
This is another great geochemistry textbook. It is more of an introductory textbook, so I would recommend it for any geologist, even if they do not specialise in geochemistry. However, the geochemist in your family will love to have a copy of this textbook, too!
Available here. Cost: About $50-100 for a second-hand copy.
Textbook #8: The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics
This is a classic geophysics textbook that any geologist will love. I used this book for my graduate studies.
Available here. Cost: about $50 for a second-hand copy.
Textbook #9: Ancient Earth, Ancient Skies: The Age of the Earth and Its Cosmic Surroundings
One of my all-time favorite books.
This is one of my all-time favourite geology books. It reads more like a popular science book than a textbook, and you learn all about how we know the age of the Earth and solar system. It is very well-written and even the most educated geologist is bound to learn something from this beautifully written book.
Available here. Cost: About $50 new. You can find a second-hand copy for about $25.
Textbook #10: Volcanoes of the Solar System
A fantastic, super fun textbook.
This is a really fun textbook that any geologist would love to own. Unless they work at NASA, the geologist in your family is unlikely to already have a copy of this textbook, and they are sure to love it! It is such a fabulous book.
Available here. Cost: About $20-30 for a second-hand copy.
That’s all for my list. What other textbooks do you think would make good gifts for geologists?
A selection of science-themed books on one of my bookshelves.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
I’ve been extremely busy recently and almost didn’t get around to posting my “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list this year. However, I decided that rather than skip the list this year I’ll post a “last minute gift list” that will consist of ten of my favorite geology books… that can be given as e-books, for example through the Kindle store.
So, if you haven’t yet bought a gift for the geologist in your life… feel free to make a last-minute purchase of one of these fabulous books. Or perhaps you’re a geologist who has received an Amazon gift voucher for Christmas, and you’re wondering how to spend your money. In that case, you could purchase one of these books for some perfect holiday reading!
Alternatively, if you still want to buy a physical gift (maybe as a belated gift), check out my lists from previous years:
What geologist doesn’t want to read about trilobites? This excellent book was written by Dr. Richard Fortey, a trilobite expert who also happens to be a very talented writer. Highly recommended!
The Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet
by, Henry Fountain
Image from Amazon.
I read this book last year shortly after it was published, and I greatly enjoyed it. The book is about the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, which occurred at a time when plate tectonic theory was being established. The book was written by Henry Fountain, a New York Times writer who focuses on climate change.
The Hot Topic: What We Can Do About Global Warming
by, Gabrielle Walker and David King
Image from Amazon.
I read this book last year for a “Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation” course that I took as part of my M.Sc. degree in Carbon Management. The book is a little out of date since it was published in 2008 and climate change science moves quickly. However, I still highly recommend it as an easy-to-read overview of the problem of climate change and what we might be able to do about it.
The Two-Mile Time Machine: Ice Cores, Abrupt Climate Change, and Our Future
by, Richard Alley
Image from Amazon.
I read the first edition of this book many years ago as part of a university course, and I remember being completely swept away by it (to the detriment of some Chemistry II homework, I believe!). This book provides a fascinating look into how scientists learn about past climatic conditions from ice core records. Very highly recommended.
This is a fascinating story weaving together two paleontological expeditions to look for dinosaur bones in Egypt. If you like stories about dinosaurs and adventure in the desert you’ll enjoy this book!
If you enjoy fluffy and fun mystery stories, then you may enjoy the Em Hansen mystery series by Sarah Andrews. Em is a geologist who works in industry (oil & gas, mining) and often encounters mysteries during her work. Tensleep is the first book in the Em Hansen series. Sadly, author Sarah Andrews recently passed away in an airplane crash.
The Last Giant of Beringia: The Mystery of the Bering Land Bridge
by, Dan O’Neill
Image from Amazon.
I read this book a few years ago when I working up in the Seward Peninsula of Alaska (part of Beringia) in gold exploration. I found a secondhand hardcover copy of the book in a local shop there. This book is about geologist Dave Hopkins, who worked for decades on understanding the geology of Bering Sea region, including finding proof that land bridges existed there during previous glacial periods. This is a good book about a fascinating geologist.
This is a novel about Mary Anning, a famous fossil hunter and paleontologist in England in the 1800s. The author is Tracey Chavalier, whose most famous book is Girl with a Pearl Earring. It’s nice to see such a popular author tackle a geology-themed topic.
The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took Measure of the Stars
by, Dava Sobel
Image from Amazon.
Okay, this one is technically more about astronomy than geology, but the two subjects often overlap… and I read it recently and enjoyed it, so I’ve decided to include it. This is one of Dava Sobel’s better books, in my opinion.
Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry: A Guide for Industry Professionals
by, Bruce Schaefer
I can’t resist including a geochemistry book in this list. Radiogenic isotopes might be a little heavy for holiday reading, but I thought I’d recommend this book nevertheless. This book breaks down radiogenic isotopes, including key systems used for dating rocks, in a way that industry (for example, mining industry) geology professionals can understand, without having to be geochemistry experts. The book focuses on practical aspects of the isotope systems for solving key geological questions. It’s a great book not only for industry professionals but also for any geologists looking to learn a little more isotope geochemistry… and in fact even for geochemists, such as myself, who want a quick and easy-to-follow reference book.
Available from Amazon here. $64.00 for an e-textbook.
Note that the prices above are the ones I saw on the Kindle shop today. Many of the above books are on sale, so snap them up soon at the good prices!
My family’s Christmas stockings hung up for 2018. The lovely dinosaur stocking belongs to my son.
There’s one shopping weekend left before Christmas. Don’t know what to buy the geologist in your family? Never fear, the annual Georneys “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list is here.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I hope to blog more regularly in 2019, so stay tuned!
Gift #1: Rubber Boots
Wearing Xtratuff boots in Alaska, when my husband and I were working as geologists there a few years ago.
Geologists often have to work in damp conditions. For example, they may need to collect samples from streams or, if they are a marine geologist, work at sea. Therefore, a good pair of rubber boots is an excellent gift for a geologist. I personally recommend the Xtratuff brand for a pair of really good rubber boots to wear in the field.
Cost: Variable, about $30 to $150
Gift #2: Waterproof Phone Case
My waterproof phone case. I recently bought a new one since my previous one finally died after about 5 years of solid use.
If you want a stocking stuffer to match the rubber boots, I recommend a waterproof phone case. These days, geologists often struggle to keep their mobile phones dry when in the field, for example when out all day in the rain. Why not purchase a waterproof phone case for the geologist in your family? It’s sure to be a useful gift! I bought my waterproof phone case, pictured above, at a kayaking shop.
Cost: Variable, about $15-$30
Gift #3: Dinosaur Taco Holders
Picture from Amazon.com.
No explanation needed for this one! Of course every geologist needs a set of these. The one pictured above is TriceraTACO. Related items are TACOsaurus Rex and NACHOsaurus. They are all amazing!
Picture from Amazon.com.Picture from Amazon.com.
Cost: About $10 each, or buy a set of 4 for $40
Gift #4: Dinosaur Cookie Cutters
Picture from Amazon.com.
What do geologists need after they eat dinosaur tacos? Why, dinosaur cookies, of course! So, why not buy the geologist in your family a set of dinosaur cookie cutters? Better yet, consider making some dinosaur cookies as a gift.
Cost: Variable, about $10
Gift #5: Volcano Legos
I’m not quite sure about all that’s going on here, but there’s a Lego volcano… and that’s really cool! This set is quite expensive, about $140. Picture from Amazon.com.This set is more budget friendly at about $25. Picture from Amazon.com.
At the moment, Lego has a series of products with a volcano theme. I’m not quite sure that the volcanology being conducted in these Lego sets is accurate, but I am sure that the volcanologist in your family would really enjoy one of these sets! There are a number of options available, so take a look on the Lego website or on Amazon.
Cost: Variable, about $25 to $140 depending on the set
Gift #6: Reusable Produce Bags
Picture from Amazon.com.
Very likely, the geologist in your family is also an environmentalist. One tends to become an environmentalist when one spends a great deal of time outdoors! As has been raised frequently in the media over the last couple of years, single-use plastics are an enormous environmental problem. We all need to try to reduce our use of plastics. So, why not give the geologist in your family something to help with this? One idea is reusable produce bags, so that they can refuse to use those flimsy plastic bags in the produce section of the grocery store. You could also consider giving a reusable shopping bag or metal straw… or anything else you can think of that would reduce the use of plastic.
Cost: About $15 to $30 for a set of mesh produce bags
Gift #7: Rocks and Minerals Coloring Book
Picture from Amazon.com.
Adult coloring books are quite popular these days. The geologist in your life obviously needs the incredible Rocks and Minerals Coloring Book! This is a classic Dover coloring book. Go over to Amazon to take a look inside the book. The drawings are so realistic.
Cost: $5 — what a bargain! Perhaps buy some colored pencils to go with it.
Gift #8: Ugly Christmas Sweater… with a Science Twist!
‘Tis the season for ugly Christmas sweaters. Why not buy the geologist in your life an ugly Christmas sweater? Purchase one that has a scientific theme. Or just buy one that has a dinosaur on it… that’s sure to be a hit! A few options are given below.
The geologist in your family can certainly use a folding shovel, which has so many uses in the field. For example, it can be used to help take soil or sediment samples or can be used to dig a 4×4 vehicle out of the sand.
Cost: About $20
Gift #10: Wilderness First Aid Training
Geologists often work in remote field areas. Thus, it’s a great idea for all geologists to take a Wilderness First Aid course, for example one of the courses advertised here. However, these courses are expensive. So, a voucher for a course would be most appreciated! If the geologist in your family has small children, also offer to watch the children or pay for a babysitter so that they can attend the course. A basic course generally takes two days to complete.
My Christmas cards may be very late this year, but at least I’ve managed to fill up a dinosaur stocking with presents for my son.
My annual What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas list is very late this year… along with some of my other holiday traditions. For example, I’m generally quite diligent about sending cards, but I have not yet mailed a single Christmas card! I think that my cards will only go out in January or maybe even February. At least I have a good excuse: my son is 10 weeks old and understandably takes up most of my time these days.
Never fear, however. This year’s edition of the What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas list is special: I’ve compiled 10 last minute gifts suitable for those of you who (like me) may be a little behind on your holiday preparations. All of the gifts listed below can be sent electronically or made with one day’s preparation.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I hope to blog more regularly in 2018, so stay tuned!
Gift #1: An e-book
Does the geologist in your family own a Kindle or tablet? Most likely they do. In that case, why not send them a geology-themed e-book? Three suggested books are given below, and you can find hundreds of more options on Amazon and other websites.
Thanks to Callan Bentley for suggesting the above book. This is available as an e-book. However, if you’re willing to have your gift be a few days late, the physical copy of this would also make an excellent coffee table book.
Is the geologist in your family a student? In that case, they will no doubt appreciate the gift of an e-textbook or of a physical textbook. Textbooks are very, very expensive (they can be $100 or more!), and in order to become a fully-trained geologist you need to read quite a few textbooks. If you know that the student is going to need a particular set of books for next semester, then I recommend writing up a voucher that says something along the lines of “Good for One Geology Textbook”.
Cost: $20 for the digital edition or $45 for the print edition
Gift #4: Membership Fees
Geologists generally need to buy annual memberships to one or more geological organizations. Joining these organizations provides access to conferences, journals, and other services. For example, geologists in the USA are generally members of organizations such as the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, and the Mineralogical Society of America. Here in South Africa I’ve joined the Geological Society of South Africa. Most of these organizations cost money to join, and I’m sure that the geologist in your family would appreciate it if you offered to pay for one or more of these membership fees for 2018.
Cost: Variable, generally $50 to $100
Gift #5: Software Fees
These days, much geology is actually done while sitting behind a computer screen. So, the geologist in your family probably has to use one or several different types of geological software programs. These programs can be expensive and often have annual use fees. If the geologist in your family works in industry, the software is likely paid for by their employer. However, if the geologist in your family is a student or works as a consultant, he or she likely has to pay for software. Why not offer to pay for software such as ArcGIS, Geosoft, or Strater? If you’re not sure what software to purchase, a copy of Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator is always a good choice since geologists use these programs to make figures. Or you can simply write a voucher “Good for One Geologic Software Program Up to Value of X”.
Cost: Highly variable, from about $25 to thousands of dollars. Students can often access software at reduced rates.
Gift #6: A Park Pass
There is so much wonderful geology to be seen in state and national parks. However, many of these parks have entry fees, which can sometimes be quite costly. The geologist in your family is sure to appreciate a park pass. For example, every year my husband and I generally purchase a Wild Card Pass that gives us entry into various parks here in South Africa.
Are you a baker? If so, then why not spend tomorrow making a special geology-themed cake for the geologist in your family? If you want to keep the cake simple, you can bake a plain cake and put some dinosaur figurines on top (personally, that’s about the limit of my baking skills!). However, if you’re good at baking you could consider a more complex cake, such as one with stratigraphic layers or one shaped like a volcano.
Does the geologist in your family go into the field often? In that case, he or she is bound to enjoy a gift of field snacks, such as little bags of trail mix. You can find all sorts of trail mix recipes online, for example here. You could also consider giving energy bars or little bags of dried fruit or nuts.
Cost: Variable – $15 to $50 for the ingredients, depending how much you want to give and how fancy you want the snacks to be.
Gift #9: A Jar of Sand
No, seriously, a jar of sand. Geologists love sand, especially if it is an interesting color, such as red garnet sand or black basalt sand. Really, though, just about any jar of sand will do as the geologist in your family is likely to find something interesting to see when a little bit of the sand is put under a microscope. So, go down to your local beach, scoop up some sand into a jar, put a few seashells or pebbles on top to make the jar look pretty, write a little note explaining where the sand was collected, and — presto — you have the perfect gift for a geologist! If you really want to be festive you can put a Christmas bow on top of the jar.
Cost: Free — or perhaps a few dollars if you want to buy a pretty jar
Gift #10: A Charity Donation
Last but not least, why not make a donation to a scientific charity on behalf of the geologist in your family? There are many worthy organizations that could use support. Personally, I like to donate to the National Center for Science Education, which promotes climate change education and also carries out other very excellent work.
Mr. Penguin says… it’s time for holiday shopping! Mr. Penguin has found a good rock… see what you can find for your rock-loving family member below.
There are ten shopping days left before Christmas. Do you have a geologist in your family but are not sure what to buy him or her? Never fear, the annual Georneys “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list is here! Below are ten great gift ideas for geologists. If you don’t see something that strikes your fancy on this list, check out the previous years lists:
I’m currently visiting the US for two weeks, and I recently went to Target with my mom. In the kitchenware section I saw an amazing T-Rex cookie jar that you can also buy online. I was very tempted to buy the cookie jar, but it was a little big to put in my suitcase to bring back to South Africa, especially since I’d already done some other shopping! Maybe I’ll buy it next year. This cookie jar is bound to be a hit with the paleontologist in your family… or with any geologist, actually!
Cost: $19.99
Gift #2: Planetary Fleece
Earth Fleece. Picture from ThinkGeek.com.Mars Fleece. Picture from ThinkGeek.com.Jupiter Fleece. Picture from ThinkGeek.com.
The geologist in your family will adore snuggling up in a planetary fleece available from ThinkGeek.com. You can even choose from one of three options: Earth, Mars, or Jupiter. If you’re not sure which one to pick, I recommend the Earth one… or buy all three!
Cost: $29.99
Gift #3: Planetary Necklace
What a lovely necklace! Picture from ThinkGeek.com.
I really like the lovely “Solar Orbit Necklace” on ThinkGeek.com, and clearly I’m not the only one since the necklace is currently sold out. Perhaps keep this gift in mind for next year, or write a voucher for its purchase once it’s back in stock. The necklace is made up of lovely semi-precious stones that represent the solar system, including the sun, the planets, and the asteroid belt.
Cost: $39.99 (Original) or $79.99 (Sterling Silver)
Gift #4: Rock Display Case
A simple rock display case. Picture from Amazon.com.
Geologists are well-known for decorating with rocks, including making “deskcrops” in their offices. I certainly have quite a few rocks on display, both at home and at the office. Why not provide the geologist in your family with a pretty display case for more elegantly showcasing part of his or her rock collection? The geologist in your family is bound to pile up more rocks in random corners, but a case could at least keep a few of them in order! The display case could vary from very small to vary large, depending upon your budget and the space that your geologist loved one has for decorating. The case in the picture above is available on Amazon here.
Cost: Variable – about $10-$15 to several hundred dollars
Gift #5: Geology Field Notebook Bag
A lovely little bag for keeping a field notebook and other supplies at hand. Picture from http://www.riteintherain.com.
Does the geologist in your family do field work? Most likely! In that case, he or she will really appreciate a little bag for storing a field notebook, writing implements, and other supplies, such as rulers. The bag shown above clips onto a field belt to allow the geologist easy access to his or her field notebook at all times. The bag shown above can be purchased from Rite in the Rain.
Cost: Variable – about $30 for a canvas bag and about $200 for a leather bag
Gift #6: A Ruler
A simple wooden ruler. Picture from Amazon.com.Some colorful plastic rulers. Picture from Amazon.com.A fun ruler decorated with dinosaurs. Picture from Amazon.com.A fun ruler decorated with planets. Picture from Amazon.com.
Geologists can never have too many rulers since they are always measuring things (usually rocks!), both in the field and in the office. Geologists are also always in need of suitable items to include in photographs (usually of rocks!) for scale. You can buy any type of ruler, from a simple wooden or plastic ruler to a fun ruler decorated with dinosaurs or planets. Perhaps buy a few different types of rulers as stocking stuffers!
Cost: Variable – about $1 to $10
Gift #7: A Roadside Geology Book
An example Roadside Geology book. Picture from Amazon.com.
Is the geologist in your family planning a roadtrip soon? If so, why not buy them the relevant “Roadside Geology” book? These books showcase key geology along various roads and are available for many parts of the US. You can also find similar types of books covering some other parts of the world. For example, a similar book for South Africa (where I live now) is Geological Journeys. Above, I’ve shown the book for my home territory of Vermont and New Hampshire. Check out a more complete list on the Mountain Press website or on Amazon.
Cost: Variable – about $20
Gift #8: Volcanic Eruption Paperweight
I found this little volcanic eruption paperweight on the Spectrum Scientifics website, and it delights me. The geologist in your family is sure to love it, especially if he or she is a volcanologist!
I really like the TOOB sets of toys, which are plastic tubes filled with small plastic figurines. The figurine sets are really fun and are often educational. There are a few sets of TOOB toys that are geology-themed and the geologist in your family is sure to love them, even if he or she is no longer a child! You could buy the geologist in your family the Dinos TOOB or Space TOOB. These are sure to be a hit. However, if you want something really geological in nature, I recommend the Ancient Fossils TOOB or the Cambrian Life TOOB. Those ones are really neat!
Cost: $11.99
Gift #10: A Donation to a Scientific Organization
Donate to a worthy scientific organization today!
Scientific organizations can really use our support right now, especially in the US where some scientific research (including much Earth Science research!) is under political threat. The geologist in your family will definitely appreciate a donation to a worthy scientific organization. Two that I can recommend are the National Center for Science Education and The Planetary Society.
Logically, the little holiday tree in my office is decorated with Star Trek ornaments. The ornament of Spock and the Horta is my favorite!
Once again, like in 2013, the annual Georneys “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list is a little late. That’s okay, though. If you’re having a busy December like me, then you’re probably a little behind on your holiday shopping. Also, these days you can order things online and request overnight delivery. Such is the modern world!
Do you have a geologist (or several) in your family? Then check out the list below for some holiday gift ideas.
You can also check out the lists from previous years:
Geologists often talk about geological (rock) bedding… now they can sleep in geological (bedroom) bedding! If you want to spoil the geologist in your family, purchase the amazing “To the Centre of the Bedding” set for sale by Land of Nod. The set is a little expensive, but it’s amazing and also looks reasonably geologically accurate. If someone buys me this bedding set, I think I’ll put it in the guest room and not let anyone ever sleep there… it will just be for show! If you’re on a budget, you could at least buy the amazing volcano pillow as a gift.
Cost: About $300 for the quilt and pillows, about $20-$30 for a single pillow
Gift #2: Poster and Map Tube
Plastic tube for transporting posters and maps. Picture from Amazon.com.
Geologists can always use a plastic tube that can be used for safely transporting posters (to present at conferences) and maps. There’s nothing worse than finding creases and rips in your posters and maps! So, for the travelling geologist in your family, why not buy a plastic tube? I recommend a nice one with a strap. You can find a variety of these tubes. For example, here’s a nice one for sale on Amazon.
Cost: About $10 to $50
Gift #3: pH Indicator Strips
Box of pH indicator strips. Picture from Amazon.com.
For the hydrologist in your family, pH indicator strips make a great gift. I always carry a pack of pH indicator strips in my field pack, in case I want to quickly test the pH of spring water. Of course, a proper analysis requires a pH meter, but even then I often use the indicator strips first for reconnaissance to select sampling locations. You can buy a variety of pH indicator strips. I recommend the 0-14 ones. For example, here’s a suitable box for sale on Amazon.
Another very useful item for a geologist’s field kit is a paint marker. Forget a Sharpie marker – that ink will just rub off of sample bags and tags over time. When you want to write a label that won’t rub off, use a paint marker. Some paint markers also write ink that’s resistant to fading at high temperatures, which is great if you want to write on sample tags or containers that need to go in an oven. I used paint markers extensively during field work in Alaska, and I learned that you can’t have enough of them when you’re collecting large numbers of geological samples. Black or blue paint markers are great. You can also buy multi-colored packs of markers, if you want a slightly fancier gift. Paint markers are available at many stores. Here’s an example of one for sale on Amazon.
Cost: About $3 for a single marker, about $15 for a set of markers
Gift #5: The Martian Book
The Martian book. Picture fromhttp://www.goodreads.com/.
One of my favorite movies this year was The Martian. I haven’t read the book yet, but now it’s on my reading list. My husband says that it’s well worth reading the book, even if you’ve seen the movie. For the planetary geologist in your family, why not purchase a copy of The Martian book? Or, if you prefer, you can write a card with a coupon that can be redeemed for the DVD, when it is released next year.
Geologists like maps, and they always need backpacks! So, why not buy the geologist in your family a backpack with a map on it? What a perfect holiday gift! There are dozens upon dozens of different map backpacks. I particularly like this one.
Is the geologist in your family also a whiskey connoisseur? If so, I recommend whisky rock cubes, which are small cubes of soapstone that can be used as an alternative to ice in your whiskey drink. The soapstone cubes can be chilled in the freezer to make your whiskey cold. However, unlike ice, these cubes won’t melt and dilute your drink. Furthermore, since soapstone is soft, these cubes won’t leave scratches on your nice whiskey glasses. I certainly know several geologists who enjoy whiskey, and I bet they’d love these soapstone cubes. With these cubes, they’ll be able to appreciate their whiskey and at the same time tell you how soapstone is made through metamorphism and where soapstone falls on the Mohs hardness scale relative to glass! You can buy soapstone cubes for whiskey at several places. For example, here are some for sale at Sur la Table.
Is the geologist in your family more of a beer drinker than a whisky drinker? If so, then why not buy them a bottle of Pangaea beer? This beer is made by Dogfish Ale Craft Brewed Ales and is named after the supercontinent of Pangaea (also spelled Pangea). This beer is called Pangaea because it is made with at least one ingredient from every continent, including Antarctica!
Cost: About $15 – I think this beer is limited edition, but perhaps you can find a bottle somewhere! Let me know if you know of a good supplier.
The geochcemist in your family will really love a beaker mug, such as this one from ThinkGeek. Just remind your loved one not to mix up this mug with their real laboratory glassware!
Cost: About $5-$10
Gift #10: Warm Socks
The latest pair of knitted woollen socks that I made for my husband.
A good pair of warm socks is essential for geological field work, especially in cold weather. I realize that socks may seem like a cliche holiday gift, but believe me the geologist in your family will appreciate a good pair of woollen hiking socks! If you happen to be a knitter, like me, you could even knit a special pair of socks. I’ve made three pairs for my geologist husband, and he still wants more! There’s nothing better than handmade knitted socks to keep your toes cosy during geological field work.
Cost: About $15 for a storebought pair, about $10-$20 for good quality yarn if you want to knit a pair
The gift guide author (yours truly) getting into the holiday spirit during a recent snowstorm in New Hampshire. I’m back in sunny South Africa now, but I’m still in holiday mode!
Well, it’s that time of year again… it’s time for the annual Georneys “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” (or Chanukah or Newtonmas, etc.) list! Do you have a geologist (or several) in your family? Then check out the list below for some holiday gift ideas. Also be sure to also check out the 2010 (Part I and Part II), 2011, 2012, and 2013 lists. I apologize that some of the pictures and links in the previous lists are now broken. The ideas are still good!
Happy holidays!
Gift #1: Set of Planetary Glasses
Set of beautiful planetary glasses. Image from ThinkGeek.com.
The planetary scientist in your family definitely needs this set of planetary glasses. Actually, these glasses are so awesome that I think all geologists need a set! The glasses are actually so popular that they are currently sold out, but you could order them for your geologist family member and promise delivery in February.
Cost: $49.99
Gift #2: Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey DVD
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey DVD. Image from NationalGeographic.com.
I really enjoyed watching the new Cosmos TV series, which was hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson and aired earlier this year. Why not buy this TV series for the geologist in your family? The DVD for this TV series is currently on sale at Amazon here. You can also buy the DVD for Carl Sagan’s original Cosmos TV series here.
Cost: $24.99 (on sale) or $49.98 (regular price)
Gift #3: Rosetta Stone Paperweight
Rosetta Stone Paperweight. Image from The British Museum website.
Do you have a geoarchaeologist in the family? Then you should consider buying a Rosetta Stone themed gift from The British Museum. There are many choices in the museum shop here. You can buy a Rosetta Stone themed paperweight (shown above) or an iPad case or a bag or a puzzle or even a replica of the stone.
Cost: £6.99 for the paperweight
Gift #4: Periodic Table Blanket
Periodic Table of the Elements Blanket. Image from ThinkGeek.com.
The economic geologist in your family will love a gold pan for Christmas. I spent a couple of years working in gold exploration, and one thing I learned is that panning for gold in streams and on beaches is great fun! I also learned that you can never have too many gold pans. You can buy gold pans from many places, such as from the Garrett online shop.
Cost: About $10
Gift #6: A Geological Dictionary
A Dictionary of Geological Terms. Image from Amazon.com.
Like all sciences, geology is full of terminology. Why not buy the geologist in your family a geological dictionary to help them remember all of the jargon? There are a few good geological dictionaries out there, such as this one.
Cost: About $15
Gift #7: A Microscope
A basic polarizing microscope. Image from MicroscopeWorld.com.
Geologists can tell a great amount about rocks from outcrops and hand samples, but sometimes they need to take a close look at rocks and rock slices using a microscope. You can buy geological microscopes from several websites, such as UKGE, Microscope World, and Zeiss.
Cost: Variable from about $100 to several thousand dollars
Gift #8: A Telescope
A Celestron telescope. Image from Amazon.com.
Geology is a science that takes place on many scales. Sometimes geologists need to look closely at rocks using a microscope and other times they need to look out at very big space rocks using a telescope. Even if the geologist in your family is not a planetary scientist, they will probably appreciate the gift of a telescope. I know that I certainly enjoy looking at the moon using a telescope. If you can’t afford a telescope, then perhaps buy a pair of binoculars, which can be used for looking at the moon (a poor man’s telescope) and which can also be used during geological field work.
Cost: Variable from about $100 to many, many thousands of dollars
Gift #9: A Jar of Sand
A collection of glass vials of sand given to me as a gift. What a great gift!
Geologists love sand, which is just small bits of rock. So, if you want a gift for the geologist in your family, visit a beautiful beach (one with beautiful white sand or red sand or maybe even black sand) and collect some of the sand. Put the sand in a pretty jar and then write a note explaining where and when the sand was collected. The geologist in your family will enjoy this thoughtful (and affordable!) gift.
Cost: $5 to $15 for the jar. The sand is free!
Gift #10: A Donation to a Geological Charity
West Coast Fossil Park website front page.
If the geologist in your family already has too many things (as many scientists do…) then why not consider making a donation to a geological charity in their name? You can donate money to a local geology department to support a student fund or you can donate to a geological park. For example, here in South Africa I would recommend donating to the West Coast Fossil Park in Langebaan in the Western Cape. This park, which is funded through donations and ticket sales, preserves a world class fossil site and runs wonderful educational tours and other activities.
Cost: Whatever you want! $25 could be a good donation amount.
A stunning location for a birthday party. In this picture my friend Kaylee and I check out some of the giant granitoid boulders by kayak.
Yesterday was my 30th birthday. Amongst other wonderful things, my husband Jackie organized a surprise birthday party for me at Oudekraal, a beautiful beach (and national park) here in Cape Town. Bordered on one side by gigantic boulders and turquoise-blue waters and flanked on the other side by tall, jagged, gray-green mountains, Oudekraal is a stunning location. Jackie rented a kayak, brought plenty of delicious picnic food, and invited many good friends for my party. The weather was beautiful, and we all had a great time. I’d never been to Oudekraal Beach before, but I hope to return soon!
Here are a few more views of gorgeous Oudekraal:
Exploring the bay near Oudekraal Beach.Jagged mountain peaks.A seal came to visit! We saw several seals, actually.A closer view of the seal. Hello!
Georneys 