My name is Anna Helvie. My husband and I are retired and live in New Bern, NC. I've always been very interested in the natural sciences, but mostly I've explored wild and native plants. However, some visits to the Aurora Fossil Museum, and some findings along the local railroad tracks, have reawakened an old interest in rocks, minerals, and geology in general.

I've browsed around on this site, and I am surprised at the types of crystals and minerals found east of the mountains. I really had no idea there were quartz crystals in Raleigh and Durham, and other interesting specimens. I just found out we had granite in Pitt County at the Fountain Mine; I really thought all we had on the Coastal Plain was marl and limestone (which is cool, who doesn't love fossils).

There is something about the vast age that you can hold in your hand that is really intriguing. I'm working hard to come up to speed. At some point in the coming year, I'd like to visit some mines and rockhound sites. Thanks for having me.

Thank you! I will look at the Triangle group!