In our quick-to-throw-things-away society, plastic and rubber seem to rule. However, many still value stability, craftsmanship and lasting beauty. Items displayed in museums from ancient civilizations – such as bowls, jewelry and art – are often crafted from stones. Their durability is unrivaled and – when made from agate, jasper or other colorful stones – they are mesmerizing. … [Read more...] about Having a Ball: Learning How to Make a Sphere
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Fossilized Skulls: What Mysteries They Reveal
Fossils are stone impressions or remains from ancient living beings. Most fossils are flat and resemble roadkill. Rarely, a three-dimensional fossil is found and preserved. One of the most prized 3-D fossils is that of a skull. A skull not only enables us to clearly see facial anatomy, but it also provides behavioral information, such as if it ate plants or other animals, if it … [Read more...] about Fossilized Skulls: What Mysteries They Reveal
Orthoceras: Their Feet Grew Out of Their Heads!
Orthoceras is an extinct nautaloid that lived in the Devonian period of the Paleozoic era, over 350 million years ago. Since it was a marine mollusk, orthoceras’ soft bodies were not preserved, but their ice cream cone-shaped shells were fossilized in great detail. The most advanced of the ancient invertebrates and relative to the present day squid and octopus, they had eyes, … [Read more...] about Orthoceras: Their Feet Grew Out of Their Heads!
Earth’s Treasures: Gotta Dig ‘Em
Montana is home to beautiful skies, majestic mountains and gorgeous sunsets. Yet, not all of Montana’s beauty is above ground; many delightful and valuable things can be found below the surface of the earth. Fossils and artifacts reveal fascinating tidbits of life long ago. Like gold and sapphires, rocks and minerals can be as intriguing as they are valuable. The potential to … [Read more...] about Earth’s Treasures: Gotta Dig ‘Em
How to Choose a One-of-a-Kind Gift
We all strive to be the type of friend that gives the unique gift. Unfortunately, if we don’t have a crafty bone in our body, our job becomes harder. Fossils and crystals are those perfect gifts. Formed thousands – if not millions – of years ago, these distinct treasures have just been waiting underground for that ideal moment when they are brought to the surface to be … [Read more...] about How to Choose a One-of-a-Kind Gift