Pet Rocks

Growing up I was obsessed with geology. At first it was simply because dinosaur bones could be found in sedimentary rock, but later I also grew to appreciate the parts of the earth's surface that weren't the fossilized remains of living critters. Many afternoons I found myself sifting through drawers at NorthPark's Nature Company store, where my grandparents would take me to buy geodes, crystals and fossils to add to my collection. I also scoured more than a few Texas gravel roads for the telling glint of an exposed piece of quartz or granite. Unfortunately I never found a complete mosasaur skeleton, though at the age of 6 I firmly believed one might be lying undisturbed in my backyard. Anyway, I'm betting more than a few members of the Arlington Gem & Mineral Club could identify with all this. This weekend they’ll take over the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, for their 49th annual gem and mineral extravaganza. Nearly 30 dealers will display their wares, including gems, fossils, jewelry and faceting supplies, while the club's students will offer demonstrations of silversmithing, faceting and other lapidary arts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children. Call 817-277-2286 or visit tses.org.
Fri., Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.