'Plastic is the story of a party followed quickly by a hangover'

The author recounts finding a peculiar rock on a Croatian beach, later identified as plastiglomerate – a composite material formed from melted plastic fused with sediment. This discovery sparks an interest in rocks created by human activity, which may serve as geological markers for the Anthropocene, the current geological epoch defined by human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Beyond plastiglomerate, the article introduces other human-made stones such as Fordite, derived from layers of automotive paint, and Trinitite, fused desert sand from the first atomic bomb test. These materials, like layers of volcanic ash or Cretaceous chalk, could provide future researchers with tangible evidence of human influence on the planet's geological record.

The author's fascination with these unique geological formations prompts a journey to Vienna's Natural History Museum, home to one of the world's largest mineral collections. She seeks to trace the origins of these stones, noting how the museum's exhibits reflect the colonial history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the cataloging of specimens from its former territories. The author also reflects on the naming of minerals, finding literary and linguistic connections, and observes the historical context of place names like "Yugoslavia" and "USSR" on some labels.