INSPIRED BY NATURE
Viewing stone appreciation is inspired by natural geological features, biological entities—people, animals, plants—and less so by artifacts—boats, huts, bridges. In this new section, we will be featuring unusual geological and biological elements that can or have influenced the collection of an unusual rock to view for its aesthetic qualities. We want you to look to nature for guidance to the types of rocks to add to your collection.
Naturally occurring rocks that suggest an animal are among the favorite types avid stone collectors seek. Rocks bearing a resemblance to various birds and turtles are more common than rocks that evoke feelings of a larger animal, a bear, bison, or horse.
California Desert Stone
The form of this California desert stone reminds me of a bear cub. The color of this hard rhyolite rock is much lighter than what is seen on living bears; however, that doesn’t matter. I prefer object stones that only suggest different animals rather than ones that are more explicit. Stimulating the mind and imagination is part of the joy of viewing stone collecting.
