Elkhorn Mt. Volcanics in Montana

Collected near Winston, Mt.

Did you know a lot of Montana has undergone Volcanic eruptions in the past?

One prime example of this is the Elkhorn Mountains of Montana! The Elkhorn Mountain Volcanics in southwestern Montana are part of an ancient volcanic area that formed around 75 million years ago. These rocks are mostly made of andesite and dacite, which are types of lava that cooled and hardened. What makes them special is their "porphyry" texture—meaning they have big crystals like quartz or feldspar scattered through a much finer, smoother rock background. This creates a beautiful, speckled look that collectors and rockhounds love.

Volcanic porphyries like these are pretty rare, especially ones that are easy to see and collect on the surface. Because the Elkhorn Mountains are rugged and remote, these rocks aren’t commonly found in stores or shows, making them even more valuable to those who appreciate unique geological pieces. These volcanic rocks tell a fascinating story of Montana’s explosive past—and they look great on a shelf, too.

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How do Geodes Form?

Unfilled geodes begin as bubbles or hollow spaces inside volcanic or sedimentary rock.

These cavities can form from gas bubbles in cooling lava or from pockets left by organic material (like shells or plant matter) that later decayed. Over time, mineral-rich groundwater seeps into these empty spaces. In some cases, the mineral solution never fills the entire space. The result is an unfilled geode: a hollow nodule lined with sparkling crystals, often with striking color and symmetry. The growth process can take thousands to millions of years, depending on the surrounding environment and the minerals involved.

What makes unfilled geodes so intriguing is their contrast—plain and unassuming on the outside, yet dazzling and mysterious within. Each one is a sealed time capsule of slow, beautiful geological change. No two are ever exactly alike, making them prized not only by collectors but also by anyone who enjoys nature’s hidden wonders.

Cracking one open is like opening a surprise gift from the Earth—revealing a secret beauty formed in complete darkness, deep underground.

The Shrinking Glaciers of Western Canada

Well, first of all, this is me, an old man of 72 going on 73. But, I'm still vertical!!

A few weeks ago I had the chance to travel to the Jasper, AB area to check out the Columbia Ice Fields and associated Glaciers in the area. Over my shoulder you can see the white, remaining bits of a Glacier which used to fill the entire valley.

Going there was a mixture of happiness and sadness. As a Geologist, I was certainly happy to see a few Glaciers. However, a lot of sadness was mixed in, because I was at this very spot about 50 years ago, as a young man, and the Glacier behind me was 3 to 4 times larger.

Does anyone believe Global Warming is not happening? If so, you better wake up and smell the coffee.