Any geologists/rockhounds on here?

[KDbeads]

I'm looking for good, online educational type classes/info for basic geology, gemology, and general rock hounding.  Preferably FREE.
I know enough to be dangerous but not enough.  Would like to know more without having to go back to school

[terranus]

Hmm...not sure about online schools. Geology is one of the most hands-on subjects there is. I'm a Geography major, which incorporates some elements of Geology into it (fortunately not too much though as I'm really not that big a fan of rocks). Did you find anything on g00gle or youtube? I imagine they have to have some type of basic geological training for free or low cost somewhere on the internet. You really can learn almost anything now, just by having internet access. I'm learning to speak Esperanto via Youtube...LOL

[Recusant]

I'm looking for good, online educational type classes/info for basic geology, gemology, and general rock hounding.  Preferably FREE.
I know enough to be dangerous but not enough.  Would like to know more without having to go back to school

For basic geology, you might look in your local library for a book called Annals of the Former World by John McPhee.  This book is a great introduction to geology, written in a narrative style and covering the North American continent, specifically the US.  McPhee is one of my favorite non-fiction writers, and I highly recommend the Annals for anyone with an interest in geology from a lay-person's perspective.  

To get into gemology and rockhounding, a grounding in geology is necessary (in my opinion), but that sort of thing is a pursuit in itself.  I can't offer any good advice about what free resources are available for pursuing those pastimes, but if you get a chance, going to a rock and mineral show would be a fun place to start.  There are rockhound clubs all over the US; try typing "rockhound [your state]" into google and see what comes up.  Good luck!

[KDbeads]

I'm teaching a beaded cab settings class to the neighboring rock hound community in a few weeks, the 'leader' saw my work a few weeks ago at a rock show and begged me to give a class in exchange for a few books.  Thanks for the heads up on the book, I've added it to my list if they have it.  He has also given me the names of a few rock hounds where I'm going so I can start with them once I get there, he suggested basic geology classes/etc before I leave though.  If we were staying here I could start field trips with the guys here in town and would be set up as one of their newbies but since I'm not sure how long I'm here I don't want to take the place of someone who could use it.  But....... I've been playing over at the gemologist's shop and learning what I can from them.