Randolf Tuñas: The Man With the World's Strangest Hobby




In a world where people have hobbies like collecting stamps or knitting, Randolf Tuñas from the calm suburbs of Santa Fe, New Mexico stands out with his rather peculiar obsession: collecting and hoarding odd-shaped and unusual rocks.


It all started when Tuñas was a young boy, skipping through the fields and stumbling upon a smooth, heart-shaped river rock. Intrigued by its distinct shape, he tucked it away in his pocket, sparking a fascination that would stay with him throughout his life.


Fast forward to today, and Tuñas's modest home has been transformed into a geological wonderland. Every nook and cranny is occupied by a bizarre assortment of rocks, each with its own unique story and shape.


There's the "Unicorn Horn," a long, slender rock that resembles the mythical creature's horn; the "Alien Egg," an oval-shaped stone with a cratered surface; and the "Pizza Pie," a flat, round rock with a circular pattern that makes it look like a delicious Italian treat.


But Tuñas's collection isn't just about the aesthetics. He's also an avid rock historian, spending hours researching the origins and composition of each specimen. He knows that the "Moon Crater" rock is a piece of lunar meteorite, while the "Petrified Sponge" is the fossilized remains of an ancient sea creature.


Tuñas's passion for rocks has not only filled his home but also his life with countless amusing anecdotes and misadventures. Like the time he tried to move a particularly heavy boulder into his living room, only to have it crash through a side table and leave a perfect imprint of its shape.


Or the time he attended a geology conference, dressed head-to-toe in rock-themed attire, complete with a hard hat and a magnifying glass. Despite the strange looks he received from the other attendees, Tuñas proudly showcased his "rock-star" style.


Tuñas's quirky hobby has also brought him a sense of community. He's become a regular at rock shows and mineral auctions, where he enthusiastically shares his knowledge and trades for rare specimens. He's even made friends with other rock collectors from around the world, forming a bond based on their shared passion.


So, the next time you see someone carrying a peculiar-looking rock, don't be surprised if it's Randolf Tuñas, the man with the world's most unusual hobby. After all, in the land of rocks, every stone has a story, and Tuñas is here to tell them all.