Headstone Ideas for a Geologist

Geologists read the history of the Earth in rocks — and few people appreciate a granite memorial more. For a geologist, the stone itself can become part of the tribute.

Symbol and etching ideas

• A rock hammer and hand lens.
• Layers of strata across the base.
• A mountain cross-section.
• A crystal or ammonite fossil.
• A compass and map for fieldwork.

Personal touches

• Field areas they worked — the Shield, the Rockies, the Appalachians.
• Their specialty — petrology, mining, hydrogeology.
• A favourite rock or mineral.
• University or company.

Epitaph ideas

• Now part of the rock record.
• Rock solid.
• Before the mountains were brought forth. (Psalm 90:2)
• Deep time, deep love.
• Gone to the field.

Choosing the granite

A geologist may have strong opinions about stone. Granite is an igneous rock of interlocking quartz, feldspar and mica — very durable. Ask the monument company for the stone's origin and a sample, so the family can choose a granite the geologist would have approved of. See granite colours.

A natural boulder

Some geologists' families choose a natural rock-pitched or boulder memorial that shows the stone's character. See rustic boulder headstones.

Design tips

• Ask where the granite was quarried.
• Rough-rock finishes show the stone's texture.
• Strata lines make an elegant base border.
• See ideas for a miner and a scientist.

A specimen from the field

Some families place a small rock or mineral the geologist collected at the grave, or on a ledge of the memorial. Check the cemetery's rules about items left at graves before adding anything permanent.

Key Takeaways

• Rock hammers and strata suit a geologist.
• Choose a granite they'd approve of.
• Psalm 90:2 speaks of deep time.
• Boulder memorials show natural stone.

Next Step

See occupation and hobby symbols and custom etched scenes, or try it in the Design Studio.