The series takes the subject of mineralogy to a different level.
There have been some really amazing titles in the current Summer 2025 anime season. From action, to romance, to slice-of-life, there is something for everyone to watch. But what about educational shows? Usually, when someone talks about educational content, your mind might go to boring narrations and tedious information dumps. However, this season’s Ruri no Houseki (Ruri Rocks), takes educational content to the next level.
What is Ruri no Houseki about?
The Ruri Rocks anime, produced by Studio Bind, is based on Keiichirō Shibuya’s manga series. It focuses on a high schooler named Ruri, who loves jewellery and accessories, especially those made out of precious stones. When Ruri learns that her grandfather used to go on hikes to the mountainside to collect beautiful crystals and rocks, she also sets out on a journey to do the same.
Unfortunately, she doesn’t know much about where to find what she needs. Thankfully, during her expedition, she meets a girl named Nagi. We soon find out that Nagi is a graduate student majoring in Mineralogy. After meeting Ruri and learning about her love for crystals, Nagi helps her find what she needs.
Soon, the two become close and Ruri starts following Nagi around different regions around their town to find fool’s gold, sapphire, and more. Even though they aren’t always successful the first time around, Ruri learns a lot from Nagi about the nature of rocks, their origins, and history.
Why is Ruri no Houseki so fun to watch?
Unlike the usual educational content, Ruri Rocks doesn’t focus entirely on the academics of Mineralogy. Being a student of the subject, Nagi always simplifies her lessons, so that Ruri (and the viewer in turn), will understand it without any prior knowledge about the subject.
They walk through beautiful landscapes together to find gorgeous minerals for Ruri. And even when they don’t find exactly what they’re looking for, Nagi’s passion for the subject teaches us an important lesson. Even Ruri, who used to only be interested in precious gems, becomes engrossed in the beauty and history of rock formations.
The series has stunning visuals, which especially shine in situations where the two find different crystals and mineral reserves. Nature is treated in a tender and wondrous manner which will make you want to go into the wilderness more often. Nagi and Ruri are later joined by other characters, which make the storyline even more interesting. Even without a concrete plot, the series hits the right spot.
Even if you’re not entirely interested in the science and art of mineralogy, this series will grab your attention from the get go. The way Nagi passionately explains everything to Ruri is one of the greatest attractions of the series. Not only does she tie these expeditions with educational content, but also different lores from the region. This makes the overall experience of the anime more stimulating and delightful.
Should you watch Ruri no Houseki?
Ruri no Houseki brings a very niche topic to the forefront, which might usually not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, instead of an educational route, the story takes a more scenic approach past the slice-of-life genre. The emotional journey of these young women through the wilderness to find different types of rocks becomes an engrossing adventure that you won’t be able to stop watching.
From compelling characters to stunning animation and a niche topic, Ruri no Houseki has it all. Instead of tense battles and romantic tribulations, there’s peace, knowledge, and curiosity etched into every fibre of this tale. So even if you don’t have an interest in rocks, make sure to watch Ruri Rocks, because this unsung gem will make you fall in love with nature from the comfort of your couch.
