Get Your Weekend Off To A Rocky Start In Cedar City

There's something about a rock. As a kid I used to bring rocks home for reasons I can no longer remember. But I did. Sometimes I would split them up and look in the middle. Other times I would paint them, and again, I have no idea why. But, unless they fall off the canyon wall and crush my vehicle, I kind of like rocks.

But I don't know all that much about them. I can name a few designations like metamorphic, igneous, quartz and a few others, but as to what they are and what they look like, all that has faded away like all of my forgotten high school geology.

This weekend, we all have a chance for a refresher course and the opportunity to learn about an intriguing hobby.

The Southern Utah Rock Club is hosting the Cedar City Gem and Jewelry Show. It is going on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Diamond Z Arena out at the Cross Hollows Event Center.

The show will feature giveaways along with vendor booths, silent auctions, a Dino Dig, raffles and there will also be food available.

More than that, it will be an occasion for us to learn more about what the Southern Utah Rock Club is bringing to the community, and probably the chance to join, if we are so inclined.

Rock collecting, also known as "rockhounding," is a hobby that brings immeasurable joy and satisfaction to enthusiasts of all ages. It is a simple yet profound pursuit that allows individuals to connect with the Earth's geological history, explore the beauty of natural formations, and find a sense of peace and wonder in the world around them.

One of the interesting aspects of rock collecting is the sense of discovery it offers. Every stone, no matter how small, holds a unique story. As collectors explore various landscapes, they encounter rocks with diverse colors, shapes, and textures. Each find represents a geological puzzle waiting to be solved. Observing the intricate patterns in a piece of granite or the shimmering crystals within a geode can be a source of endless fascination.

Another benefit rock collecting can bring in to our lives is its therapeutic qualities. Searching for rocks in serene natural settings offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The act of bending down to pick up a stone and examine its details can be a meditative experience, allowing collectors to connect with the Earth and disconnect from the stresses of daily routines. The repetitive nature of searching for rocks can be calming, akin to a form of mindfulness.

A part of the mission of the Southern Utah Rock Club is to “educate members and the community to disseminate knowledge about rocks, minerals and other geological materials.” So, this weekend you could find yourself on the way to enjoying a new way to pass the time and enhance your life.

Or, you may find something of beauty to enhance your surroundings. In either case, it sounds like a fun way to spend part of a weekend. Oh, and admission to the show is free.

And if you want to find out more about the show or the club you can click here to visit their website.

Speaking of high school geology....