Not all rocks taste alike and not all people appreciate this. Alchemists tasted everything. Licking and even eating, it turns out, is sometimes better than just looking, except when handling toxic materials. Today, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, members of the Geological Society of America emphasize that the purpose of licking a rock is mineral identification. Licking cleans off the dust and makes colors and textures stand out. Privately, however, many of these geologists confess they get off on it. George (last name withheld) even says he can distinguish 23 types of clay using taste and mouthfeel.
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