Rockhounds share their hobby
Published on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
Carol Cimolino's husband Marc builds laser systems for a living, and over the years she often accompanied him on field trips to find crystals for his work. Walking through geologically diverse areas, Carol began to notice other kinds of interesting rocks and slowly began to collect some of the stones.
When the Cimolinos moved to Marysville, Carol was encouraged to take some lapidary classes through the Marysville Rock Club. There she met instructor Rocky McCall and the rest, as they say, is history.
Carol Cimolino is a rockhound, but that doesn't begin to describe the level of artistry evident in her creations. She specializes in intarsia, a process by which several pieces of rocks and gems are fitted together so precisely that no gaps or seams are visible.
Cimolino's display is filled with breathtaking creations that would be perfectly at home in a jeweler's case, complete with precious gold or silver mountings. Her works of art will be on exhibit at the Everett Rock and Gem Club's annual show, set for February 27 and 28 at the National Guard Armory, 2730 Oakes Ave. in Everett. She is also scheduled to demonstrate intarsia techniques at the two-day event.
The Snohomish woman has achieved a master level in intarsia and wire wrapping from the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies, and often serves as an instructor in the disciplines during workshops and conferences. She has earned Best of Show awards at many national and local competitions.
Cimolino also passed her passion for rocks on to her children. Laura, 17, collects sulfur-containing minerals like pyrite and cinnabar. She has created an educational board that is often displayed at rock shows.
Lucas, age 14, is fascinated by fossils and has started building a collection of leaf and trilobite fossils from Metaline Falls, near Pend Oreille, and other northwest sites.
The Cimolino family belongs to both the Everett and Marysville rock and gem clubs. The Marysville group's annual show is typically held in the fall.
"It's a real advantage to be part of a rock club," said Cimolino, "so you can find out about field trips, supplies and hot tips. The clubs' more experienced members are thrilled to mentor new collectors, and their excitement is contagious."
"Our members are passionate about their collecting, fabrication and experience in diverse areas of the hobby," she continued. "From collecting to stone cutting, faceting and jewelry fabrication, there's something for everyone."
The Everett Rock and Gem Club's 57th annual show is free to the public, and features raffle drawings, activities for kids and adults, special exhibits, and a silent auction.
When the Cimolinos moved to Marysville, Carol was encouraged to take some lapidary classes through the Marysville Rock Club. There she met instructor Rocky McCall and the rest, as they say, is history.
Carol Cimolino is a rockhound, but that doesn't begin to describe the level of artistry evident in her creations. She specializes in intarsia, a process by which several pieces of rocks and gems are fitted together so precisely that no gaps or seams are visible.
Cimolino's display is filled with breathtaking creations that would be perfectly at home in a jeweler's case, complete with precious gold or silver mountings. Her works of art will be on exhibit at the Everett Rock and Gem Club's annual show, set for February 27 and 28 at the National Guard Armory, 2730 Oakes Ave. in Everett. She is also scheduled to demonstrate intarsia techniques at the two-day event.
The Snohomish woman has achieved a master level in intarsia and wire wrapping from the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies, and often serves as an instructor in the disciplines during workshops and conferences. She has earned Best of Show awards at many national and local competitions.
Cimolino also passed her passion for rocks on to her children. Laura, 17, collects sulfur-containing minerals like pyrite and cinnabar. She has created an educational board that is often displayed at rock shows.
Lucas, age 14, is fascinated by fossils and has started building a collection of leaf and trilobite fossils from Metaline Falls, near Pend Oreille, and other northwest sites.
The Cimolino family belongs to both the Everett and Marysville rock and gem clubs. The Marysville group's annual show is typically held in the fall.
"It's a real advantage to be part of a rock club," said Cimolino, "so you can find out about field trips, supplies and hot tips. The clubs' more experienced members are thrilled to mentor new collectors, and their excitement is contagious."
"Our members are passionate about their collecting, fabrication and experience in diverse areas of the hobby," she continued. "From collecting to stone cutting, faceting and jewelry fabrication, there's something for everyone."
The Everett Rock and Gem Club's 57th annual show is free to the public, and features raffle drawings, activities for kids and adults, special exhibits, and a silent auction.
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