Geology

[Zod]

So one of my sons is 9 and big into rocks and minerals. Anyone know a good Christmas present idea to nurture this interest?

[Panthro]

A gem mining expedition

[SZ James (banned)]

/obvious

[Guest]

Take him to Reed Gold Mine. Go to a hobby shop and see what they have. You can also find a local gem/mineral club (there is one in Charlotte) and they will probably have some great suggestions.

(and I've completely looked past the fact that you think geology is nerdy) :)

[Seal (SmittyIsOurSavior)]

Give him a map or a rock or something, idk.

[Seal (SmittyIsOurSavior)]

Just kidding. I'm a geography major, and people always ask me one of two things...

"So you like rocks?" or "What the f*ck are you gonna do with a geography degree? We already know where everything is, we have enough maps..."

[Sapper]

Hiddenite - about an hour from Charlotte.

[Scrumtrilescent]

Hobby Lobby usually has some pretty good educational toys.

I've gotten this for both girls and boys your kids' age:

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/gold-dig-kit-992958/

Just use it outside, the dust gets everywhere.

[CatofWar]

I bet 49er/sportstalk has some ideas

[Joscott]

Maybe get him some Geodes. I found them really interesting when I was a kid and now I've seen stores sell huge ones for a good amount of money. I know they make kits and might be something fun to do with him...at least you get to break stuff.

[Mrs Pantherfan]

get him this shirt....when he's older, of course

[g5jamz]

Ditto the geode. Pretty cool

Good friend of mine is a geologist with the NCENR department. Took my boy who's shown an interest to the natural history museum. He gave us a geode and it was fun busting it open. Cool stuff out there.

Scorea (sic?) is pretty neat...a floating "rock"

[Bronn]

I know people. I'll ask them.

I'd say get him a rock pick and a sledge hammer, but he's probably still a little too young for that. When I used to visit the place I now work when I was a kid, I always thought it'd be cool to have a rock pick (they used to sell them in the gift shop).

Best thing would probably be to set him up with a field geologist for a day or something.

You could get him a metal detector and take him meteorite hunting.

[davos]

A Book about Rocks & Minerals:

http://www.barnesand...80789491060&r=1

And a kit:

http://www.sciencela...CFQ2znQodxW0ANw