Earth. Two geologists.
This is a website with several intentions. We will highlight our work and business called Stones2Gems, and also we will build semi-independent web pages about petrographic microscopes, geology of Grand Manan Island, and making jewelry. Possibly others as they inspire us. That's me (James Gregory McHone) in the photo, lecturing teachers in the field about giant lava flows in Connecticut (here the Hampden basalt over East Berlin siltstone). My wife Nancy McHone is also a geologist.
My academic background is in geology (B.A. and M.Sc., University of Vermont and Ph.D., University of North Carolina), and I am a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, as well as a Certified Professional Geologist of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Nancy has undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology and library science (Indiana University), an M.A.L.S. in interdisciplinary sciences (Wesleyan University), and extensive graduate work in geology. She also has professional training in making jewelry, art glass, metalwork, and other handicrafts.
Stones2Gems is our small part-time business. Our theme of earth science and natural materials includes a variety of custom-made natural bead, glass, stone, and silver necklaces; earth science books; microscopes, accessories, and parts; lamps (bulbs) for microscopes and projectors; rocks and minerals; and other geology-related materials.
My contracting work has included teaching college-level earth and environmental sciences, field mapping projects, petrographic rock and mineral analysis, lecturing for schools and groups, technical and popular science writing, conducting field trips and tours, and teacher's workshops. Personal research has ranged from uranium prospecting in the Appalachians to field studies of giant Mesozoic lava flows in eastern North America, part of the largest volcanic event in Earth history.
Nancy's jewelry is custom made in our own Stones2Gems studio shop. She uses only the best construction techniques and materials, including precious metals, gemstones, fossils, and art glass. Our own kiln is used in creating much of our art glass. Mineral and rock samples are derived from our many years of field work and teaching. Microscopes and parts are obtained specifically for renovating and restoring. Most other items come from our personal and professional geological and teaching resources. Here is a Winter-Spring Catalog (in a pdf format file) of selected examples of Nancy's jewelry.
Greg is sometimes available for commissions to clean and refurbish microscopes at your (nearby) site, and to lead local field trips to examine Grand Manan geology. Nancy accepts commissions for custom styles of necklace and earring jewelry as well as repairs to strung bead necklaces. Contact her at nancy"at"earth2geologists.net for requests and questions. Check out my Ebay Guides to Buying and Using microscopes.
We have recently moved to Grand Manan, an island community in the Bay of Fundy otherwise known as "Paradise."
For questions related to Stones2Gems, you can use our stones2gems address for information, comments, or requests. For other communications, use greg"at"earth2geologists.net .
Central Atlantic Magmatic Province
Grand Manan Geology: Excursions in Natural History
Connecticut in the Mesozoic World
Discover the Geology of Connecticut
Earth image provided by NASA/NSSDC
