Rocks and Minerals

Welcome to our web site. Thanks for dropping by.

My wife Linda, and I have owned and operated our internet business since 1996. My name is Carl, but in the early 90's, teachers and others in the earth science education arena started referring to me as the "Rockman" because of the 19th century clothing and tools I wore and exhibited at conventions where we showed our wares and where I often made special presentations about the unique and essential role of rocks, minerals and mining in our lives. When we decided to launch our business, that's the name that immediately came to mind. Thus was born, Rockman's Trading Post

Like a lot of other internet companies, our business has grown rapidly since its inception. We acquired the rocksandminerals.com domain name in 1999 and, as of January 1, 2001, we have renamed our site just plain rocksandminerals.com. We hope that will make it easier for you to remember us when you need earth science materials.

Linda is the earth science professional in the family with a degree in geology and 20 years of field experience. Professionally, I am a forester with a strong background in geology and mining. Since 1990, we've been developing simple, fun ways to teach others about the important role of rocks and minerals in modern civilization.

We think that the more you learn about how we use rocks, minerals and the metals we derive from them, the more interesting they will become to you.

For example...the computer you are using to visit this website could not exist without the availability of at last 35 different minerals; 39 are required to make the telephone that allows your modem to transport you here. Our lives...and our world...would be a very different place without them. From the quartz chips and electrical components that are the heart of every computer to the glass screen and switches in the monitor and the lead used to shield you from its radiation, minerals are right there in front of us every day of our lives.

The problem is...most people don't realize how important rocks and minerals are because they have never learned to recognize them as a part of finished products sold to consumers. Still not convinced? Well, if you wear leather shoes, there is a mineral involved. If you sweeten your coffee or tea with powdered, artificial sweetener, chances are, there is a mineral involved. Your favorite toothpaste usually contains more than one mineral ingredient. Where would you be without your car, or the house you live in. Believe it or not, even the bread used in making your favorite sandwich and the doughnut you devour with that cold glass of milk would not be the same if minerals were not involved.

In fact, it has been the discovery of minerals and new ways to process and use them that has been at the heart of virtually every major advancement of civilization since the beginning of time. Their importance has been so key that entire periods of history have been named for them. Ever heard of the Stone Age; the Iron Age; the Bronze Age? No! Where have you been?!

That's what makes helping people better understand how rocks and minerals were formed, how they are processed and used so exciting. It takes special training and hours of classroom work to learn all the technical "stuff." But just about anyone can learn to recognize some of the more common and important rocks and minerals we all depend on every day.

The earth science materials available at rocksandminerals.com are top quality and, just as importantly, they are priced right. We always invite you to compare. In fact, we encourage you to do so because we are confident you'll end up agreeing with us about that.

At rocksandminerals.com, we are trying to provide a wide selection of products because we know that each of you have your own specific needs when it comes to earth science materials.

For TEACHERS, we have a lot of the rocks n' stuff you need to help you teach earth science in the classroom. But, if you need something really special, and don't see it listed, ask! We may be able to find it for you.

For STUDENTS interested in earth science, what better way to learn about rocks, minerals and fossils than to have your own collection you can touch and examine as you read about them. You can start with something as simple as our card-mounted Basic Rock or Fossil Collection for just a few dollars. Later on, as you learn more, you may want to own one or more of our more advanced rock and mineral kits or fossil kits.

For RESEARCHERS AND COLLECTORS, if you can't find it, ask us. If we don't have it, we may be able to help you find it.

For MINING COMPANIES, let us help you put together an outreach program that is a little different than you are used to but one that can bring about positive results in your communities.

At rocksandminerals.com, we want to help you accomplish whatever it is you want to do when it comes to teaching or learning about earth science. Thanks again for visiting our web site. We hope you'll be back. And please... remember to tell your friends about us.


"Rockman"

rocksandminerals.com E-mail: rockman@rocksandminerals.com