The study of geology is more than just rocks for jocks. Did you ever wonder how a rock becomes a rock? What makes an earthquake happen or a volcano erupt? What is the best way to use our earth’s resources? These are all questions that involve the study of geology. A geologist needs to know biology, chemistry, physics, and math to study the earth. Pretty intense, huh?
These gifts for geologists cover presents for professionals as well as people who just love rocks. There are science kits to inspire future geologists, activities to dive into and get their hands dirty, and cool gadgets. But you don’t need to be a science geek to love these gifts. There is something here for everyone.
1. Diamond Mining
Best gifts for geologists
You don’t have to be a geologist to enjoy this gift. Send them to Murfreesboro, Arkansas to search for diamonds. There are actual diamonds to be found at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Even if they don’t find any gems, they can quiz themselves on the other types of rock they find. They can either rent equipment or bring their own.
As an alternative, send them on a private tour at Gem mountain, North Carolina. Here they will be transported into one of the mines along with a guide. Afterwards, someone will be available to help identify their rocks. They can even get the stones they find made into jewelry at the gift shop. You can’t get a more one of a kind gift than that. For this excursion, tools are provided. No need to bring their own.
Do they prefer sapphires? Send them to Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine in Montana. Here the gravel is already mined. A guide will show them how to clean the stones and will help them identify their finds.
2. Rock Soaps
Gifts for a geology professor
This unique geology gift gets them clean with soap that imitates pretty rocks.
For a useful gift for a geology professor, a waterproof notebook with a pen will come in handy when out in the field.
As a decorative gift, a glass barometer will look classy displayed on their desk or in the home.
3. Rock Pick Kit
Geology presents
They will need tools to collect and study rocks. A basic kit will contain necessities such as picks and chisels. However, you can also find more inclusive kits which have gloves, goggles, a jewelers lens, and other items.
If they already have a set of tools, a tool belt will keep them handy while digging.
Don’t forget an outback hat to protect their head from the sun.
4. Geological Map of the United States
Gift ideas for geologists
Not sure what to give a geologist? How about a geological map of the U.S.? Don’t forget to get a frame for it.
If they like to travel to explore natural rock formations, give them a National parks scratch off map to keep track of all the places they’ve been.
Or get them a vintage rocks and minerals poster. This can be a great addition to the classroom if they are a teacher, or it will look cool in their home.
5. Geology T-shirt
Funny geology gifts
You can’t have too many t-shirts. However, most geologists have heard these punny sayings a million times before. I recommend these only for those who enjoy this goofy sense of humor.
For those who won’t appreciate the puns, get some geology socks. Instead of sayings these have pictures of rocks, dinosaurs, or fossils.
Or you can get them a geology mug. In addition to mugs with silly sayings, you can get a mug diagramming the layers of the earth’s crust.
6. Microscope for Gems and Minerals
Gifts for geology lovers
A microscope is a great gift for studying rocks and minerals. Make sure you get a good quality one. Otherwise, it’s like getting a wiffle ball for a baseball player to practice with.
A professional rock tumbler will polish the rocks. Again, choose professional grade gear, not one that is for kids.
If they don’t already have one, a jeweler’s magnifier will help examine rocks up close. While microscopes are great at home or in the lab, a jeweler’s magnifier is portable, making it great for field work.
7. Meteorite Necklace
Gifts for geologists
Looking for a gift for a geologist who has all the gear they need? Give them a necklace made from a meteorite. These can be for men or women.
Planning a wedding? Wedding bands made from meteorites make the perfect bond between geologists. Then get some cufflinks to wear on the big day, as a geology gift for him.
For those not into jewelry, give them a geology themed phone case instead. You can get one with a goofy saying or one that looks like a cross section of a precious stone.
8. Volcano Kit
Geology gift ideas for kids
When my son was six, my sister gave him a volcano kit for Christmas. That summer we spent hours building, experimenting, and learning about volcanoes. It inspired us to learn more by watching specials on the Discovery channel and public television. To this day, my husband is amazed when I get all the Jeopardy questions right regarding volcanoes.
Science kits are more than just learning. They provide valuable bonding time. You can continue geology discovery with a gem mining kit where they have to excavate the stones themselves.
If they don’t want to do the work, you can get them a rocks and minerals collection, which has already been cleaned and polished.
9. Geology Coffee Table Book
Geology presents for readers
What do you buy for a person who likes rocks? Books about rocks. Choose a book about rocks and minerals, subterranean earth, or natural wonders of the world to display on their coffee table.
A rocks and minerals guide is great for an amateur geologist to help them identify their finds.
What do you buy for a geologist? A geology magazine subscription will keep them up to date on the latest finds in their field. These are usually available in print or in a Kindle version. Even if they don’t have a Kindle, these can easily be read with the Kindle app on their phone.
10. Hardness Pick Set
More cool gifts for geologists
For people not into geology, Mohs hardness scale helps identify stones by placing them into hardness categories. A set of hardness picks will help the geologist discover which category each rock falls into.
Some minerals react with ultraviolet light to emit a colorful glow. Give your geologist a black light to check out any specimens he or she has collected.
Of course, any rock collector will need a specimen display case to show off their finds.
11. Wall Decor of Rock Formations
Home gifts for geologists
Choose a window view or wall mural with cool rock scenery for a wall in their home. Then they can be surrounded by the great outdoors 24/7.
Stone coasters are an inexpensive gift that will help keep condensation from ruining furniture in their living room or keep papers on their desk from getting wet. Choose sandstone, slate, agate, or marble.
Geode bookends are heavy so they do a great job of keeping books from falling over. I have a set of purple geodes that look elegant on my shelf.
Discussion