This is the clearest explanation of this I have seen. Now it makes sense. I've read a handful of news articles that were poorly written and really didn't know what they were talking about..
So the kids constantly being told not to lick rocks were just geologists in the making? Seriously though, geology is fascinating. I chose to take it as one of my science courses in undergrad and the lab was so fun. For our exams we were given samples and had to identify the minerals by conducting certain tests.
I just want to spend a day with this guy learning about geology. I’ve always loved geology, and his level of excitement and knowledge is the kind of combination that makes exploration and learning so fun.
@@CricketsBayin all likelihood these rock samples go for years between licks and not everyone licks the same exact spot. Not sure how long hepatitis can survive out and about but that seems a little long to me
I love this guy! Genuinely excited by studying geology and communicating it to others and it's contagious. I forgot where I first heard geologists lick their minerals but now I can say that's confirmed. I suppose you can tell something from the flavor as well. Anyway, rock on man and please make more videos!
I learned this phrase from a Professor in Geology at CC: Me: hey prof, what's this rock? Prof: it's a leaverite, leaver her right where you found it! ❤
Notice that the opal chunk he waves around IS NOT FROM COLORADO. It is from Australia. The Colorado opal is common opal, and has no flash of color. The Colorado opal is basically a whitish color. Common opal is found all over the world.
As someone who has noticed these bluffs and rocks all over south Denver (Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock) this is pretty cool! Makes sense those same bluffs I’ve noticed would be of interest to geologists!
did you wash that slab before or after you licked it? that's why we carry spray bottles or sponges when we set up at rock swaps. i'm a big fan of the Crestone conglomerate.
Other scientists joke about tasting or playing with the materials they're studying while geologists, in all seriousness, are just like "... Have you licked it yet?" Dorky kids playing with rocks becoming badass adults playing with rocks :) Love it.
Spent three years hiking all over Central rockies,,co.....North of pikes peak,,,,,..........just unbelievable area,diverse as ever,...❤1980-83.....,,,,
I spent childhood in Manitou Springs, Colorado. And that means the Garden of the Gods! That's as far as my geology knowledge went at the time. I have seen Castle Rock, too. I love the Rockies. (That polished conglomerate face is beautiful.)
One of the many reasons I made Colorado my home. Now if I could just figure out how to get some beachfront property that has some surfable waves here I'll be set!! ;). 🤙
My grandmother lived in Conifer, Co. In the summer i would visit her for a week or two and hike all Over the mountain she built her house on. Across the dirt road from her driveway was rock formations that had very distinct Footprints of dinosaurs!
Maybe somebody should introduce geologists to damp cloths or wet rags. On the other hand, these guys would be really useful anytime there’s a need for cleanup in aisle five.
Probably the supervolcano vent that blew its lid over 6 times as it migrated north to presently in the Yosemite area of Wyoming. Where it is now,and it's still moving,Yosemite Lake in the last decade has moved over 1000 feet for example. The last eruption was 550,000 years ago. Hope that is the last one.
Found the rock licking satisfying as a Mineralogist but he totally lost me when he said people consider Chalcedony, a crystalline mineral, as the same thing as Opal which is a “noncrystalline” mineraloid. He speaks with condescension to others' intelligence. *Mackay School grumbling intensifies.*
I have a passionate hatred for people who lick things that others will have to touch later. I mean it's 2024, we know the importance of hygiene and water is easily available everywhere.
The MG Cyberster has just arrived in Australia @ $115,000.00, The Xiaomi SU7 arrives in 2025. Cars under AUD $76,950 attracts only 10% sales tax. (Not 100% like USA).
If you're on the fence about getting a membership to the Nature & Science Museum (old name was better), just remember that at least once a year they'll let you go and poke around through the vaults, photographing or sketching stuff pretty much at your leisure. Unfortunately even members don't get to lick the rocks, despite how delectable some specimens appear :.(
I only baaarrrely touch on "crystal-infused" stonework in my series of books, but it's definitely inferred for not-so-obvious yet still very logical reasons. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
Geologist here. I’m curious what the reactions of the general public will be (I’m the first one to react apparently), because I believe this is a confusing story. To begin with: Conglomerate isn’t defined. To go from not explaining what it is to thin sections and opal cement is 3 giant jumps into an unknown abyss. And yes, I’ve been to CO more than once but sadly not (yet) to your museum
I am perhaps an unrepresentatively scientifically literate sample of the audience, but this being a production of a PBS station, perhaps not. I learned what conglomerate is in elementary school, so I had no problem following what he was explaining. In fact, I found it refreshing that the video doesn't assume total ignorance on the part of the audience.
@@pupfish_ Opal and chalcedony are both amorphous (non-crystalline) forms of silica (silicon dioxide), the same mineral that makes up quartz crystal, and they are both deposition products of silica-rich water underground. The only real difference between them is the size and structure of the deposition products, which in opal specifically consist of nanoparticles that are of a size near the wavelengths of visible light, such that the particles form a sort of diffraction grating that reflects and absorbs visible light with opal's characteristic "flashes" of color.
Hello geologist, I want to send you a rad and real friendship bracelet, from the rocky erratics of north idaho! Keep stackin' dem bracelets, thanks for the conglomerate of information, adios.
Would it be inappropriate to say that this fellow might’ve become a geologist in order to lick things that are rockhard? Would that be crossing a line?
As an exploration geologist in the area I must correct James on one major mistake. Most public land does NOT require ANY PERMISSION to collect. CO state land is open if not signed, just check MLRS for sections with claims on any federal land and ask BLM if unsure. Don't lick rocks, some are poisonous so spit and smear instead!
Seeing a dude licking rocks at 7am is really going to brighten my whole day
That’s the most Colorado statement I’ve ever heard.
When the water faucet or water fountain on the other side of the room just won't do.
Glad we could help
A small spray bottle of water means I am not a Geologist
I liked it
This is the clearest explanation of this I have seen. Now it makes sense. I've read a handful of news articles that were poorly written and really didn't know what they were talking about..
thanks!
So the kids constantly being told not to lick rocks were just geologists in the making?
Seriously though, geology is fascinating. I chose to take it as one of my science courses in undergrad and the lab was so fun. For our exams we were given samples and had to identify the minerals by conducting certain tests.
I just want to spend a day with this guy learning about geology. I’ve always loved geology, and his level of excitement and knowledge is the kind of combination that makes exploration and learning so fun.
The opal in the rock was beautiful!
I’m happy to learn things like this
2:15 in honor of the (probably dozens) of geologists and geology students who have licked that rock before you. Salute!
If 1 of them had Hep B, they all have it now.
Yeah whatever. Pass the bowl, chump.
Could carry a damp cloth !?
@@justjane2070 let’s be honest here, seeing him rub it with a damp cloth wouldn’t be nearly as fun
@@CricketsBayin all likelihood these rock samples go for years between licks and not everyone licks the same exact spot. Not sure how long hepatitis can survive out and about but that seems a little long to me
Sees rock, calls it tiramisu, licks it.
"Mmh, tastes like arsenic."
Spinel is main source of mercury!
I like how you called the uplifted layers, "tiramisu"
I would have went with "lasagna"
Then went and licked it.
I don't.
It’s 3am, I need to sleep.
(watches video of a man licking a rock)
I love this guy! Genuinely excited by studying geology and communicating it to others and it's contagious. I forgot where I first heard geologists lick their minerals but now I can say that's confirmed. I suppose you can tell something from the flavor as well. Anyway, rock on man and please make more videos!
Really enjoyed his enthusiasm and learned quite a lot in this little treat of a video. Thank you!
Never before has soil stratification sounded so delicious!! 😘🤌😋
I learned this phrase from a Professor in Geology at CC: Me: hey prof, what's this rock? Prof: it's a leaverite, leaver her right where you found it! ❤
If anyone's interested in an opal site open to the public, there's the Royal Peacock Opal Mine in Nevada, where for a fee you can dig your own opal.
Thanks!
That was my thought!
Notice that the opal chunk he waves around IS NOT FROM COLORADO. It is from Australia. The Colorado opal is common opal, and has no flash of color. The Colorado opal is basically a whitish color. Common opal is found all over the world.
That was a 500+ carat specimen easily.
> Spends 3 minutes hyping CO geology
> Very first sample shown is Australian
> 🤪
The takeaway folks is don’t steal rocks and decorate your home 😂
Castlewood Canyon State Park is covered in the layer of opal that is white that you find covering many square feet of the rock in exposed portions.
As someone who has noticed these bluffs and rocks all over south Denver (Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock) this is pretty cool! Makes sense those same bluffs I’ve noticed would be of interest to geologists!
I hope more guys like you follow your lead.
Open the cabinets, and show the world.
Great Job ♧♧♧
did you wash that slab before or after you licked it? that's why we carry spray bottles or sponges when we set up at rock swaps. i'm a big fan of the Crestone conglomerate.
Disgusting, really, why put human bacteria all over it when plain water would have done the same.
Very interesting thanks for sharing
Other scientists joke about tasting or playing with the materials they're studying while geologists, in all seriousness, are just like "... Have you licked it yet?" Dorky kids playing with rocks becoming badass adults playing with rocks :) Love it.
Spent three years hiking all over Central rockies,,co.....North of pikes peak,,,,,..........just unbelievable area,diverse as ever,...❤1980-83.....,,,,
I'm just passing through and don't have much to do with Colorado but this was still very informative and funny, the geology there is amazing.
I spent childhood in Manitou Springs, Colorado. And that means the Garden of the Gods! That's as far as my geology knowledge went at the time. I have seen Castle Rock, too. I love the Rockies. (That polished conglomerate face is beautiful.)
Teacher, "Don't like the radioactive ones." Student, "How do we tell." Teacher, "I'll tell you tomorrow..."
One of the many reasons I made Colorado my home. Now if I could just figure out how to get some beachfront property that has some surfable waves here I'll be set!! ;). 🤙
Idk if I ever saw Randy Marsh lick a rock. South Park needs to remedy this.
I love Castle Rock! Its beautiful in the fall
Great video!
My grandmother lived in Conifer, Co. In the summer i would visit her for a week or two and hike all
Over the mountain she built her house on. Across the dirt road from her driveway was rock formations that had very distinct
Footprints of dinosaurs!
It’s important because understanding it can lead to new building materials.
The haircut gives rock-licking rights.
I can’t find anything saying that Opal is Chalcedony? Can someone explain plz
Happy to be a rockhounder living in colorado
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop .
748. I've done it.
tootsie rock*
Way fewer than to get to the opal in a conglomerate rock.
3
@@garyhenderson7334 Citation needed :D
This guy’s style is like a late 90s, early 00s time capsule
Dude you left a rock Kudos to you
How do I get a tour of that part of the museum? Seen the rest 100 times 🙏🏻
Castle Rock is the reason I found interest in geology!
You could just use water on a towel lol
His hair looks like he rode a really fast roller coaster to work
That’s called Colfax Avenue
And since Opal is simply fossilized seawater, it explains why I continually find seashells at over 10,000 feet in the Rockies.
Would love to see an image of the matrix under a microscope.
Isn't it shown at 3:41?
@@curiosity19 - YES!
Maybe somebody should introduce geologists to damp cloths or wet rags. On the other hand, these guys would be really useful anytime there’s a need for cleanup in aisle five.
First thing geologist do when they find something millions of years old, and buried in dirt, is to lick it 😂
😍😋 I LOVE 🪨 ROCKS and I’m always keeping an eye on them. Excellent video 👍🏽
Technically, opal is a mineraloid, not a mineral, because it doesn't have a characteristic crystal lattice, but is instead amorphous.
Technically the Rocky Mountains or not actually Rock, I would presume
Can you explain why he called opal chalcedony? I can’t find anything saying they are the same or similar in anyway. Is it opal or chalcedony?
@@pupfish_ He is confused or something. Opal is softer. I am guessing he means Jasper or seam agate.
Chalcedony is Opal matrix?!
I had no idea! Cool!
Colorado. Have not been there. Sounds great. Only past few years gotten into geology.
You can visit. But please don’t stay. There’s too many people now
I was born here
Geology is probably the only scientific field where you're actively encouraged to lick samples.
Im glad I'm not the only one who licks rocks! 😊❤
Where was the volcano that the volcanic event originated from?
Excellent question!
Probably the supervolcano vent that blew its lid over 6 times as it migrated north to presently in the Yosemite area of Wyoming.
Where it is now,and it's still moving,Yosemite Lake in the last decade has moved over 1000 feet for example.
The last eruption was 550,000 years ago.
Hope that is the last one.
So who washes or sanitizes the licked rocks? I hope nobody is out there licking malachite or selenite. 😅
Very cool!!
Ends up this kid was actually just studying the windows, and I didn't even know...
Very interesting
opal and chalcedony are same thing ?? I thought common opal was a silicate and chal was a form of quartz??
Who is the speaker?
2:03 Don't tell people to lick rocks, some are poisonous.
Geologist's lick their rocks? So does my dog and my girlfriend...
Found the rock licking satisfying as a Mineralogist but he totally lost me when he said people consider Chalcedony, a crystalline mineral, as the same thing as Opal which is a “noncrystalline” mineraloid. He speaks with condescension to others' intelligence. *Mackay School grumbling intensifies.*
I need permission to pick up rocks??
Any news on the mysterious white rock found in the Whitehouse?
I have a passionate hatred for people who lick things that others will have to touch later. I mean it's 2024, we know the importance of hygiene and water is easily available everywhere.
Your a library of bacteria and viruses. Without them, we would not exist.
Maybe that’s how ancients made mega structures? Mud and opal dust! 🙃
SUPER COOL
Very cool
The MG Cyberster has just arrived in Australia @ $115,000.00, The Xiaomi SU7 arrives in 2025. Cars under AUD $76,950 attracts only 10% sales tax. (Not 100% like USA).
Randy Marsh!
Interesting! A thousand meters underneath it might be hidden a large mineral deposit, most likely gold and copper.
I wonder how many other people have licked that same rock. 😂
Seems like those scientists need water.
If you're on the fence about getting a membership to the Nature & Science Museum (old name was better), just remember that at least once a year they'll let you go and poke around through the vaults, photographing or sketching stuff pretty much at your leisure. Unfortunately even members don't get to lick the rocks, despite how delectable some specimens appear :.(
Let me lick this sample to better understand the distribution of various lead and arsenic deposits this specific formation is famous for.
My kid is a Geologist 👍
are those giant chunks of cobalt behind him? or is that lapis?
Love to hear how similar they may be to the East!
dude really licked that rock lol
I only baaarrrely touch on "crystal-infused" stonework in my series of books, but it's definitely inferred for not-so-obvious yet still very logical reasons.
🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
Cool!
Geologist here. I’m curious what the reactions of the general public will be (I’m the first one to react apparently), because I believe this is a confusing story. To begin with: Conglomerate isn’t defined. To go from not explaining what it is to thin sections and opal cement is 3 giant jumps into an unknown abyss.
And yes, I’ve been to CO more than once but sadly not (yet) to your museum
I am perhaps an unrepresentatively scientifically literate sample of the audience, but this being a production of a PBS station, perhaps not. I learned what conglomerate is in elementary school, so I had no problem following what he was explaining. In fact, I found it refreshing that the video doesn't assume total ignorance on the part of the audience.
Can you explain why he said opal is chalcedony? I have never heard that before and can’t find anything saying they are the same mineral?
It’s the same
@@eckosters how?
@@pupfish_ Opal and chalcedony are both amorphous (non-crystalline) forms of silica (silicon dioxide), the same mineral that makes up quartz crystal, and they are both deposition products of silica-rich water underground. The only real difference between them is the size and structure of the deposition products, which in opal specifically consist of nanoparticles that are of a size near the wavelengths of visible light, such that the particles form a sort of diffraction grating that reflects and absorbs visible light with opal's characteristic "flashes" of color.
Hello geologist, I want to send you a rad and real friendship bracelet, from the rocky erratics of north idaho! Keep stackin' dem bracelets, thanks for the conglomerate of information, adios.
Or, hear me out, you could spray it with a water bottle! 😂
"We lick rocks."
~Geologists
So you are not allowed to puck up a rock and take it home ?
What does the job entail
How many people liked it before you?
Rock on.
Why are you using a sample from Australia? Use your actual rock with an opal matrix
This was strange
Would it be inappropriate to say that this fellow might’ve become a geologist in order to lick things that are rockhard? Would that be crossing a line?
Imagine living in such a free country, you have to ask permission to collect a rock from public lands. Smh.
I wish I could have been a geologist
Someone give this guy a water bottle
Spray water from bottle :P
Showed it to my wife and she said….why can’t you do it like that…..wonder what she meant 🤔
I just feel like you could have just poured some water on the rock instead of licking it
As an exploration geologist in the area I must correct James on one major mistake. Most public land does NOT require ANY PERMISSION to collect. CO state land is open if not signed, just check MLRS for sections with claims on any federal land and ask BLM if unsure. Don't lick rocks, some are poisonous so spit and smear instead!
So, I guess the saying *isn't* "Go kick rocks!" if you're a geologist....
That dude has a weird search history. Bet