Pat here!
I know many readers love hearing about our historical explorations, but lately, I’ve mostly been researching contemporaries. If you receive my newsletters, you know I’ve been to Santa Cruz (above image is sun rising over the Pacific at Santa Cruz's Half Moon Bay–think about it) to research the setting for the Crystal Magic books. I’m currently digging into geology tomes, studying the fascinating science behind the Santa Cruz mountains. I’m not sure any of you want to read about the ancient volcanoes and earthquake faults that make up the California coastline, but rocks fascinate me!
Our local beaches are littered with glittering stones rounded by wave action. We’re south of the Santa Monica range of volcanoes that produced the Channel Islands and our beaches. Magma and lava cooled and hardened into quarzite, granite (which looks just like your counter tops!), slate, pumice, and marble, which we use to decorate our yard. Eons of wave action produced lovely rounded pebbles with streaks of color and crystals.
If you’re still reading and haven’t fallen asleep yet, then I’ll get into the good stuff. Geologists fling around terms like “igneous” and “metamorphic” and “sedimentary.” These simply refer to how a rock was formed. Those names don’t explain what minerals are contained in the forms—and that’s where the fun begins.
Along with the cooling of lava, a variety of conditions create minerals. Heat and pressure from the earth’s 
core force cooling liquids into crystalline structures. Those unique geometric shapes depend on the minerals in the lava or the liquid that’s being pressurized. Because silica is so abundant in our soil, silicate minerals are the most common. Quartzite, for example, is sandstone that has been pressurized under intense heat and contains one of the purest concentrates of silica in the world. Quartzite is often formed when continents collide—which is essentially what the California San Andreas fault is.
So when my Crystal Magic people start playing with crystals, they are dealing with structures of molecules formed from whatever elements were in the soil at the time they were pressurized and heated. I’d like to play up the California gold rush factor—a part of history that everyone knows. But gold is a different weirdness entirely—it comes from meteorites! Really, would I lie to you?
Diamonds are even more complicated, even if my characters are successful at creating synthetic ones. One thing is probably for certain—diamonds are not generally created from coal. Coal is formed from compressed and heated plant material and is very seldom found as deep as it takes to create sufficient pressure and heat to form diamonds. Again, we get volcanoes, shifting tectonic plates, and meteors providing the impact necessary to form diamond crystals.
Because the California mountains were created by tectonic plate shifts and volcanic activity, they have enough mineral deposits to entertain the most jaded of rock hounds and to keep my characters nicely supplied with any crystals they require. The state gemstone is benitoite –a great vehicle for the powers of my characters, should they decide to dig into it. It’s dichroic hues have been said to allow an interconnectedness with other realms—now how can I not imagine the uses of such a power?
In my Georgian Malcolm and Ives novels, I had to skirt around the scientific basis for the characters’ various “gifts” because science hadn’t developed sufficiently to even explain “molecular structure.” In my almost-Victorian novels (why has no one named the era between George IV and Victoria?), science was making exciting discoveries, so I could play a little more, but they still didn’t have the knowledge of how many things, including our brains, worked. So bringing the characters into the 21st century is an interesting turn-about. Now the “witchy” parts of their gifts are suspect as New Age silliness, and they go out of their way to find scientific explanations, even the most gifted of my Malcolm heroines.
Do you have any interest in studying rocks or geology? If not, is there any science that does catch your interest?
And for anyone interested, one of my contemporary romances, IMPERFECT REBEL, is free on all platforms today through June 25. books2read.com/cm2
“…both a love story and a story of personal growth.” —Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times, 4 1/2, TOP PICK
But I do enjoy looking at them and in all they forms.
When you lived in St. Louis, did you go down to Elephant Rocks and look at granite almost as big a houses. And did you know some of the granite rocks had created the cobblestones of 19th century St. Louis?
But I do enjoy looking at them and in all they forms.
When you lived in St. Louis, did you go down to Elephant Rocks and look at granite almost as big a houses. And did you know some of the granite rocks had created the cobblestones of 19th century St. Louis?
But I do enjoy looking at them and in all they forms.
When you lived in St. Louis, did you go down to Elephant Rocks and look at granite almost as big a houses. And did you know some of the granite rocks had created the cobblestones of 19th century St. Louis?
But I do enjoy looking at them and in all they forms.
When you lived in St. Louis, did you go down to Elephant Rocks and look at granite almost as big a houses. And did you know some of the granite rocks had created the cobblestones of 19th century St. Louis?
But I do enjoy looking at them and in all they forms.
When you lived in St. Louis, did you go down to Elephant Rocks and look at granite almost as big a houses. And did you know some of the granite rocks had created the cobblestones of 19th century St. Louis?
Rocks and the particulate matter they break down into are VERY important as well if you are botanically inclined. Depending on the rock/soil type you find different species of plants.
As well I’ve always been fascinated by rocks, soil types and gemstones and the effect they have on nature and people.
The rocky soils of the Appalachian mountains only supported subsistence agriculture. Which impacted the kind of crops that could be grown and the culture of the people who farmed the area.
The soils that accumulate in river valleys and in flood plains make for an easier life when growing crops (well except for the floods).
Rocks = geology = Cultural Geography… At least in my world view (G).
If someone is a good writer I will end up being interested in whatever scientific area they write about. Personally I’m not interested in astronomy but if a character is and can convey passion and excitement about it, then it will interest me.
Rocks and the particulate matter they break down into are VERY important as well if you are botanically inclined. Depending on the rock/soil type you find different species of plants.
As well I’ve always been fascinated by rocks, soil types and gemstones and the effect they have on nature and people.
The rocky soils of the Appalachian mountains only supported subsistence agriculture. Which impacted the kind of crops that could be grown and the culture of the people who farmed the area.
The soils that accumulate in river valleys and in flood plains make for an easier life when growing crops (well except for the floods).
Rocks = geology = Cultural Geography… At least in my world view (G).
If someone is a good writer I will end up being interested in whatever scientific area they write about. Personally I’m not interested in astronomy but if a character is and can convey passion and excitement about it, then it will interest me.
Rocks and the particulate matter they break down into are VERY important as well if you are botanically inclined. Depending on the rock/soil type you find different species of plants.
As well I’ve always been fascinated by rocks, soil types and gemstones and the effect they have on nature and people.
The rocky soils of the Appalachian mountains only supported subsistence agriculture. Which impacted the kind of crops that could be grown and the culture of the people who farmed the area.
The soils that accumulate in river valleys and in flood plains make for an easier life when growing crops (well except for the floods).
Rocks = geology = Cultural Geography… At least in my world view (G).
If someone is a good writer I will end up being interested in whatever scientific area they write about. Personally I’m not interested in astronomy but if a character is and can convey passion and excitement about it, then it will interest me.
Rocks and the particulate matter they break down into are VERY important as well if you are botanically inclined. Depending on the rock/soil type you find different species of plants.
As well I’ve always been fascinated by rocks, soil types and gemstones and the effect they have on nature and people.
The rocky soils of the Appalachian mountains only supported subsistence agriculture. Which impacted the kind of crops that could be grown and the culture of the people who farmed the area.
The soils that accumulate in river valleys and in flood plains make for an easier life when growing crops (well except for the floods).
Rocks = geology = Cultural Geography… At least in my world view (G).
If someone is a good writer I will end up being interested in whatever scientific area they write about. Personally I’m not interested in astronomy but if a character is and can convey passion and excitement about it, then it will interest me.
Rocks and the particulate matter they break down into are VERY important as well if you are botanically inclined. Depending on the rock/soil type you find different species of plants.
As well I’ve always been fascinated by rocks, soil types and gemstones and the effect they have on nature and people.
The rocky soils of the Appalachian mountains only supported subsistence agriculture. Which impacted the kind of crops that could be grown and the culture of the people who farmed the area.
The soils that accumulate in river valleys and in flood plains make for an easier life when growing crops (well except for the floods).
Rocks = geology = Cultural Geography… At least in my world view (G).
If someone is a good writer I will end up being interested in whatever scientific area they write about. Personally I’m not interested in astronomy but if a character is and can convey passion and excitement about it, then it will interest me.
I don’t really study rocks, but I do love collecting them, and if I ever get to your rocky beaches I’ll be head down all the way. I have rocks from almost every beach I’ve been to, and I like to bring home at least one rock from every major trip I’ve been on. I remember once when my backpack was about to get examined by customs when I was returning home after being away almost a year. The nice customs man (and yes we do have them) gallantly lifted my pack onto his bench and groaned, saying “What have you go in this — rocks?” I laughed, and said, “Yes, and books.”
I also can’t go past market stalls where they sell rocks and various mineral-y things (technical term) and crystals and semi-precious gemstones. I can’t tell you how many polished pieces of malachite and other rocks I have, and I have a weakness for crystals and raw amethyst. Some I use to make jewelry, but a lot of it is just scattered about my house, being pretty or interesting.
I don’t really study rocks, but I do love collecting them, and if I ever get to your rocky beaches I’ll be head down all the way. I have rocks from almost every beach I’ve been to, and I like to bring home at least one rock from every major trip I’ve been on. I remember once when my backpack was about to get examined by customs when I was returning home after being away almost a year. The nice customs man (and yes we do have them) gallantly lifted my pack onto his bench and groaned, saying “What have you go in this — rocks?” I laughed, and said, “Yes, and books.”
I also can’t go past market stalls where they sell rocks and various mineral-y things (technical term) and crystals and semi-precious gemstones. I can’t tell you how many polished pieces of malachite and other rocks I have, and I have a weakness for crystals and raw amethyst. Some I use to make jewelry, but a lot of it is just scattered about my house, being pretty or interesting.
I don’t really study rocks, but I do love collecting them, and if I ever get to your rocky beaches I’ll be head down all the way. I have rocks from almost every beach I’ve been to, and I like to bring home at least one rock from every major trip I’ve been on. I remember once when my backpack was about to get examined by customs when I was returning home after being away almost a year. The nice customs man (and yes we do have them) gallantly lifted my pack onto his bench and groaned, saying “What have you go in this — rocks?” I laughed, and said, “Yes, and books.”
I also can’t go past market stalls where they sell rocks and various mineral-y things (technical term) and crystals and semi-precious gemstones. I can’t tell you how many polished pieces of malachite and other rocks I have, and I have a weakness for crystals and raw amethyst. Some I use to make jewelry, but a lot of it is just scattered about my house, being pretty or interesting.
I don’t really study rocks, but I do love collecting them, and if I ever get to your rocky beaches I’ll be head down all the way. I have rocks from almost every beach I’ve been to, and I like to bring home at least one rock from every major trip I’ve been on. I remember once when my backpack was about to get examined by customs when I was returning home after being away almost a year. The nice customs man (and yes we do have them) gallantly lifted my pack onto his bench and groaned, saying “What have you go in this — rocks?” I laughed, and said, “Yes, and books.”
I also can’t go past market stalls where they sell rocks and various mineral-y things (technical term) and crystals and semi-precious gemstones. I can’t tell you how many polished pieces of malachite and other rocks I have, and I have a weakness for crystals and raw amethyst. Some I use to make jewelry, but a lot of it is just scattered about my house, being pretty or interesting.
I don’t really study rocks, but I do love collecting them, and if I ever get to your rocky beaches I’ll be head down all the way. I have rocks from almost every beach I’ve been to, and I like to bring home at least one rock from every major trip I’ve been on. I remember once when my backpack was about to get examined by customs when I was returning home after being away almost a year. The nice customs man (and yes we do have them) gallantly lifted my pack onto his bench and groaned, saying “What have you go in this — rocks?” I laughed, and said, “Yes, and books.”
I also can’t go past market stalls where they sell rocks and various mineral-y things (technical term) and crystals and semi-precious gemstones. I can’t tell you how many polished pieces of malachite and other rocks I have, and I have a weakness for crystals and raw amethyst. Some I use to make jewelry, but a lot of it is just scattered about my house, being pretty or interesting.
I remember! It’s just so fascinating how the earth beneath our feet is formed and all the uses we make of it.
I remember! It’s just so fascinating how the earth beneath our feet is formed and all the uses we make of it.
I remember! It’s just so fascinating how the earth beneath our feet is formed and all the uses we make of it.
I remember! It’s just so fascinating how the earth beneath our feet is formed and all the uses we make of it.
I remember! It’s just so fascinating how the earth beneath our feet is formed and all the uses we make of it.
You’re so right, and perhaps it’s my interest in gardening that led me to looking at rocks. Or maybe I just liked the glitter. 😉 Love your world view!
You’re so right, and perhaps it’s my interest in gardening that led me to looking at rocks. Or maybe I just liked the glitter. 😉 Love your world view!
You’re so right, and perhaps it’s my interest in gardening that led me to looking at rocks. Or maybe I just liked the glitter. 😉 Love your world view!
You’re so right, and perhaps it’s my interest in gardening that led me to looking at rocks. Or maybe I just liked the glitter. 😉 Love your world view!
You’re so right, and perhaps it’s my interest in gardening that led me to looking at rocks. Or maybe I just liked the glitter. 😉 Love your world view!
ooo, you’ve found raw amethyst? Nice! The best rock beach in our area is a protected marine area and we’re not allowed to take away anything. But a bit of hunting will find good stuff elsewhere. I bet those customs men have seen everything!
ooo, you’ve found raw amethyst? Nice! The best rock beach in our area is a protected marine area and we’re not allowed to take away anything. But a bit of hunting will find good stuff elsewhere. I bet those customs men have seen everything!
ooo, you’ve found raw amethyst? Nice! The best rock beach in our area is a protected marine area and we’re not allowed to take away anything. But a bit of hunting will find good stuff elsewhere. I bet those customs men have seen everything!
ooo, you’ve found raw amethyst? Nice! The best rock beach in our area is a protected marine area and we’re not allowed to take away anything. But a bit of hunting will find good stuff elsewhere. I bet those customs men have seen everything!
ooo, you’ve found raw amethyst? Nice! The best rock beach in our area is a protected marine area and we’re not allowed to take away anything. But a bit of hunting will find good stuff elsewhere. I bet those customs men have seen everything!
Interesting post!
I’m very interested in geology. Our knowledge of earth’s history is largely gleaned from studies of rocks and the fossils that they contain. Sometimes in the UK you can find fossils on hills that indicate that the land was under tropical waters at some time, and the evolution of life and climatic conditions can be tracked back through the rocks and fossils. The rise of atmospheric oxygen, variation of earth’s magnetic field through rock magnetism and sea floor spreading, evolution of life from sea to land and mass extinction events …. it is a vastly interesting subject!
In the UK we were on the edge of a tectonic plate in the remote past, with abundant evidence of associated volcanic activity. But with sea floor spreading we are now well clear of the plate edges and have a fairly stable landscape. However the evidence of a violent and volcanic past are clearly visible through twisted and broken rock formations. The metamorphic rocks in particular, with their varied colors and mineral content are an endless source of wonder for me.
Crystals and ‘Crystal Magic’ sounds an interesting topic for a novel. Pat, do you explore the supposed healing properties of crystals, especially magnetic ones? I actually wrote a thesis on the magnetic properties of hematite (the Morin phase transition) and find magnetic properties particularly interesting, especially the possible influence on bio-magnetism.
Interesting post!
I’m very interested in geology. Our knowledge of earth’s history is largely gleaned from studies of rocks and the fossils that they contain. Sometimes in the UK you can find fossils on hills that indicate that the land was under tropical waters at some time, and the evolution of life and climatic conditions can be tracked back through the rocks and fossils. The rise of atmospheric oxygen, variation of earth’s magnetic field through rock magnetism and sea floor spreading, evolution of life from sea to land and mass extinction events …. it is a vastly interesting subject!
In the UK we were on the edge of a tectonic plate in the remote past, with abundant evidence of associated volcanic activity. But with sea floor spreading we are now well clear of the plate edges and have a fairly stable landscape. However the evidence of a violent and volcanic past are clearly visible through twisted and broken rock formations. The metamorphic rocks in particular, with their varied colors and mineral content are an endless source of wonder for me.
Crystals and ‘Crystal Magic’ sounds an interesting topic for a novel. Pat, do you explore the supposed healing properties of crystals, especially magnetic ones? I actually wrote a thesis on the magnetic properties of hematite (the Morin phase transition) and find magnetic properties particularly interesting, especially the possible influence on bio-magnetism.
Interesting post!
I’m very interested in geology. Our knowledge of earth’s history is largely gleaned from studies of rocks and the fossils that they contain. Sometimes in the UK you can find fossils on hills that indicate that the land was under tropical waters at some time, and the evolution of life and climatic conditions can be tracked back through the rocks and fossils. The rise of atmospheric oxygen, variation of earth’s magnetic field through rock magnetism and sea floor spreading, evolution of life from sea to land and mass extinction events …. it is a vastly interesting subject!
In the UK we were on the edge of a tectonic plate in the remote past, with abundant evidence of associated volcanic activity. But with sea floor spreading we are now well clear of the plate edges and have a fairly stable landscape. However the evidence of a violent and volcanic past are clearly visible through twisted and broken rock formations. The metamorphic rocks in particular, with their varied colors and mineral content are an endless source of wonder for me.
Crystals and ‘Crystal Magic’ sounds an interesting topic for a novel. Pat, do you explore the supposed healing properties of crystals, especially magnetic ones? I actually wrote a thesis on the magnetic properties of hematite (the Morin phase transition) and find magnetic properties particularly interesting, especially the possible influence on bio-magnetism.
Interesting post!
I’m very interested in geology. Our knowledge of earth’s history is largely gleaned from studies of rocks and the fossils that they contain. Sometimes in the UK you can find fossils on hills that indicate that the land was under tropical waters at some time, and the evolution of life and climatic conditions can be tracked back through the rocks and fossils. The rise of atmospheric oxygen, variation of earth’s magnetic field through rock magnetism and sea floor spreading, evolution of life from sea to land and mass extinction events …. it is a vastly interesting subject!
In the UK we were on the edge of a tectonic plate in the remote past, with abundant evidence of associated volcanic activity. But with sea floor spreading we are now well clear of the plate edges and have a fairly stable landscape. However the evidence of a violent and volcanic past are clearly visible through twisted and broken rock formations. The metamorphic rocks in particular, with their varied colors and mineral content are an endless source of wonder for me.
Crystals and ‘Crystal Magic’ sounds an interesting topic for a novel. Pat, do you explore the supposed healing properties of crystals, especially magnetic ones? I actually wrote a thesis on the magnetic properties of hematite (the Morin phase transition) and find magnetic properties particularly interesting, especially the possible influence on bio-magnetism.
Interesting post!
I’m very interested in geology. Our knowledge of earth’s history is largely gleaned from studies of rocks and the fossils that they contain. Sometimes in the UK you can find fossils on hills that indicate that the land was under tropical waters at some time, and the evolution of life and climatic conditions can be tracked back through the rocks and fossils. The rise of atmospheric oxygen, variation of earth’s magnetic field through rock magnetism and sea floor spreading, evolution of life from sea to land and mass extinction events …. it is a vastly interesting subject!
In the UK we were on the edge of a tectonic plate in the remote past, with abundant evidence of associated volcanic activity. But with sea floor spreading we are now well clear of the plate edges and have a fairly stable landscape. However the evidence of a violent and volcanic past are clearly visible through twisted and broken rock formations. The metamorphic rocks in particular, with their varied colors and mineral content are an endless source of wonder for me.
Crystals and ‘Crystal Magic’ sounds an interesting topic for a novel. Pat, do you explore the supposed healing properties of crystals, especially magnetic ones? I actually wrote a thesis on the magnetic properties of hematite (the Morin phase transition) and find magnetic properties particularly interesting, especially the possible influence on bio-magnetism.
quantum, I touch on the various properties of crystals through the books, but only through the eyes of the characters.
So we’re not talking in depth. But I get to read up on it,
Sent from my iPad
quantum, I touch on the various properties of crystals through the books, but only through the eyes of the characters.
So we’re not talking in depth. But I get to read up on it,
Sent from my iPad
quantum, I touch on the various properties of crystals through the books, but only through the eyes of the characters.
So we’re not talking in depth. But I get to read up on it,
Sent from my iPad
quantum, I touch on the various properties of crystals through the books, but only through the eyes of the characters.
So we’re not talking in depth. But I get to read up on it,
Sent from my iPad
quantum, I touch on the various properties of crystals through the books, but only through the eyes of the characters.
So we’re not talking in depth. But I get to read up on it,
Sent from my iPad
I think it is interesting. For me, fossils are a draw as much minerals. Thanks.
I think it is interesting. For me, fossils are a draw as much minerals. Thanks.
I think it is interesting. For me, fossils are a draw as much minerals. Thanks.
I think it is interesting. For me, fossils are a draw as much minerals. Thanks.
I think it is interesting. For me, fossils are a draw as much minerals. Thanks.
Thanks for a fascinating post, Patricia; I’m always happy to look at shiny things!
My daughter was so enamored of rocks that she went on to minor in Geology in college; perhaps she just likes old things as she majored in Latin.
We’ve found garnets out in the wild as well as obsidian. Nice!
And thank you for the information about your free book.
Thanks for a fascinating post, Patricia; I’m always happy to look at shiny things!
My daughter was so enamored of rocks that she went on to minor in Geology in college; perhaps she just likes old things as she majored in Latin.
We’ve found garnets out in the wild as well as obsidian. Nice!
And thank you for the information about your free book.
Thanks for a fascinating post, Patricia; I’m always happy to look at shiny things!
My daughter was so enamored of rocks that she went on to minor in Geology in college; perhaps she just likes old things as she majored in Latin.
We’ve found garnets out in the wild as well as obsidian. Nice!
And thank you for the information about your free book.
Thanks for a fascinating post, Patricia; I’m always happy to look at shiny things!
My daughter was so enamored of rocks that she went on to minor in Geology in college; perhaps she just likes old things as she majored in Latin.
We’ve found garnets out in the wild as well as obsidian. Nice!
And thank you for the information about your free book.
Thanks for a fascinating post, Patricia; I’m always happy to look at shiny things!
My daughter was so enamored of rocks that she went on to minor in Geology in college; perhaps she just likes old things as she majored in Latin.
We’ve found garnets out in the wild as well as obsidian. Nice!
And thank you for the information about your free book.
So glad to hear others like shiny things too. G Knowing where we come from through history or geology is a step toward understanding where were going. Good for your daughter!
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
So glad to hear others like shiny things too. G Knowing where we come from through history or geology is a step toward understanding where were going. Good for your daughter!
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
So glad to hear others like shiny things too. G Knowing where we come from through history or geology is a step toward understanding where were going. Good for your daughter!
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
So glad to hear others like shiny things too. G Knowing where we come from through history or geology is a step toward understanding where were going. Good for your daughter!
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
So glad to hear others like shiny things too. G Knowing where we come from through history or geology is a step toward understanding where were going. Good for your daughter!
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com