Books on rocks

["George Graham" <georgergraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Daniel,

There are many sources of information you can look into.
Since you are starting to carve with stone local to you,
check with gravel quarries near you. They probably won't be
able talk about how the stone carves, but they might be able
to identify what you are working with now. Identification is
very important for health reasons. You say that there are
two kinds of soft stone that you are experimenting with.
Chances are that you have limestone on your hands. Limestone
comes in all kinds of colors and hardness. In general it is
a very safe stone to work. The dust is considered a nuscence
but not a serious health hazard. But , if you are working
with sandstone, which is also soft, and very common all over
the country, you would be exposing yourself to extremely bad
dust. Sandstone is made up of sand particles which are pure
quartz. The dust from any stone that has quartz in it will
do permanent damage to the lungs. In the past the damage was
called stonecutters disease. Now its known as Silicosis. Its
much like emphysema. So if in doubt of what you are working
on , always ware a good dust mask. With a good mask you can
work without worrying about how well you will be able to
breath 20 years from now. I've been working with sandstone
and granite for 22 years with no lung problems just by
taking this very simple precaution.

That's enough preaching about my favorite health issue. You
were looking for help finding an information source. A great
place to start is at your local state university. Go to the
art and geology department. They may know of local deposits
of marble , limestone, gypsum otherwise known as alabaster,
or soapstone . Take samples of what you are working on , and
then pick their brains. Often these people are extremely
helpful. Also look to your state government. Without a doubt
you will find a department of mines, or geology. I have
tracked down such a person in the New York government and
was overwhelmed with information about current and abandoned
marble and soapstone quarries. Once again I found the the
people where happy to answer my question. People in the
landscaping and construction business may be able to give
you information. The best thing would be to find a sculptor
who is carving in your area.

I think it is great that you are starting with local stone.
As a beginner you need to keep things simple. Naturally
weathered stone come pre carved . The natural shapes often
inspire and lead an artists to excellent pieces of art.
Stone carving is essentially a simple process. You can do
fine work with a hammer and a couple of chisels. If you
continue to carve stone and become obsessively hooked of it,
you will naturally find out what material you like and what
tools are best for you.

So identify what you are now working on. Get a good dust
mask, which you can get from any of the sculpture supply
houses found on the internet. They have books also. Then go
forth and carve!

Good luck
George Graham