How to be
a Rockhound
Have you ever gone on a walk off the beaten path, maybe in
the desert or mountains, alongside
a stream or the ocean, only to see the pretty rock, maybe it was shinny or a
color that jumped out at you or it was a unusual shape or pattern? Me too. It’s
no wonder that rocks and gemstones have fascinated humans since the very
beginning. I had a friend from work approach me and said, “hey
you’re a rockhound aren’t you?” Proudly I said yes, I even have rocks in my head.
Next he told me about this rock he had found and I asked him to bring it in. It was a nice wulfenite crystal and I invited him to go hunting for shark teeth
with me at Ant Hill (now closed off for housing tract). He and another work
mate found some teeth and they became full-fledged rockhounds from that
adventure. Well, if the above sounds something like you, then you are a budding
rockhound, congratulations! In this article I will attempt to give you a
basic guide to get started so that you can enjoy the full benefits of becoming
a “Rockhound”.
Benefits of Rockhounding
Anyone that can see should be able to rockhound to some extent (please let me know if you know of a blind rockhound or
mineral collector, I would love to include their story and experience!). I have
seen a person in a wheelchair go rockhounding and a few with walkers. We love
having them with us on the field trips. No mater your age, gender, culture, etc. you can become a rockhound at some level! It’s so healthy to get
outside. Studies have shown those that camp live longer, and we eat stuff
cooked on fire! How can this be? It must be that nature is healthy, getting out in the desert, mountains and oceans, looking at the star filled sky far from city lights, it’s good for the soul. And the story’s you will hear and
friend ships you make on group field trips, yes group field trips we will talk
about that more in a while. Bringing along family or your children or grandchildren
will build memories none will ever forget and always cherish as life’s special
moments. Then there is the other fantastic health benefits. If you have ever lugged a couple of buckets filled with rocks a few
miles back to camp, you will give up your membership at the gym, because you’ll
have had enough work out until, that next trip to collect something else special
that you will find and have to lug back to camp yet again! And don’t forget the
great rocks and minerals you will find along the way, plus you will learn so
much! I’m telling you rockhounding can save
your life! well at least it will sure make it more enjoyable. Let’s get into
what you need to get started
What do I need to get started?
You will need a few things to get started as
a Rockhound. You have the option to hunt rocks, gems, fossils, and relics
with nothing but determination but the better rocks and gemstones are not
always just lying on the ground winking at you.
Here is a list of some items that can make your rockhounding more
productive and enjoyable.
1. Geologist hammer, also called a rock
hammer. Be sure to were eye protection, and no your eyeglasses will not protect
you. One flying chip can go into your eye break glass into your eyes, be
safe you suppose have fun here! Back to your rock hammer, you aren’t much of a rockhound
if you don’t have one. You can use the pointed side to crack open or to free a wedged
rock or to open a vug. Chipping off a corner of a sun varnished rock may expose
a desirable rock that’s been siting there for a couple of hundred years just waiting
for you to find it.
2. Chisel is also a companion to your rock
hammer. If you are going to an area that is a hard rock deposit you will want a
short-handled sledgehammer as well, to break open the hard rock and minerals. I always
bring a chisel but not always the small sledgehammer as many areas I go to are
surface material. The chisel will allow you to chisel around crystals or to
break a smaller hunk of material off for your collection.
3. I would bring along an army shovel, and or
a full size #3 shovel depending on the spot, you may want to lug it along, but
at least keep one in your vehicle.
4. Gloves are good to have If you are digging
crystals or loosening them from a vug, you want a pair of gloves with you.
Crystals can be very sharp. Gloves can help reduce blisters and soften
hammer mishaps. Also, nasty spiders, scorpions and insects under rocks can be a
hazard and gloves will offer major protection. Check out safety warnings before
you collect.
5. Spray bottle. Rocks are dusty or dirty it really
helps to have a spray bottle with you so you can clean a rock off a bit or you can’t see for sure if it is something you want or not. You don’t want
to lug back a junk rock if you can judge it in the field.
6. I keep a small folding magnifying glass in
my pocket for examining the specimens I find in the field. Sometimes small crystals
can be seen in a clump of what looks like sandstone, that could be pegmatite,
this could be a great lead to finding some awesome gemstones. It also great for
looking at your samples and looking for clues as to what you have or what you
may find in the area. A light set of binoculars is great to add to your inventory at some point.
7. Containers, 5-gallon buckets, I always
bring several buckets, get at least one with a lid, it can act as a chair if
needed. If your hiking out a ways a backpack may work better, or you may want
to bring both a backpack and a bucket, I usually bring one to two buckets and a
army bag, I have all my tools and extra Ziplock bags for small samples, also I
bring the heavy duty cloth bags that can be used for grocery shopping, a old
pillow case or two is good too. A screen could be handy for some areas. A short
and long wave black light is cool to have for identifying some minerals, plus
the scorpion’s glow under it!
9. Rockhound Guide, maps GPS. A great guide
is needed especially when you are going to an area you are going to for the
first time. Some maps will mark rockhound areas and even though they may
just mark the more generally known areas, they make great guides. Books
you will want will include maps to sites, information about what areas you
can find specific minerals in, and some information about minerals to
help you identify them. Pictures are of much help for the beginner. I
always bring a couple of writing pins and folded paper to take notes of what I find and
were I find it so I can return to the spot, a GPS is great for giving coordinates
you can log or follow to sites.
10. Emergency supplies. Always be safe you
should have emergency supplies for the trip. What supplies you need will vary depending on
what kind of terrain you are going to be in. Basic needs for anywhere are
water, food, light source, flashlights, blankets, fire starter, medical,
and utility (knife, twine, super glue, plastic, clean rags). Also, a first aid kit, sunscreen, emergency blanket, also
you may want to look int insect bite kits that are available. Remember to have
a supply of any required medicines before you set out.
11. When you are in the field and you say “ I
wish I would have brought this or that” take out your paper and pin and wright
it down, create a packing and supply list to refer to for every trip, and use
your lit to take inventory, there likely will be no Walmart’s or 7 Eleven’s out
in the field. After you gain enough experience to begin looking for specific
types of material, you may want to add equipment that will assist you in identifying
minerals or to collect specific minerals.
12. Cooking, camping, snacks, food and water,
personal items and such. If you are planning on eating or sleeping when
you are in the rough, you will need the appropriate camp gear.
You will
not fine any Rocks or Gems unless
You have all the gear, all the guides with
maps and locations, but you will not find any rocks. Why, because you don’t know
what your looking for, maybe you have seen the rocks and gems on eBay or at a
rock show and you found out that the hills a few miles out have some of this
beautiful rock and you want some, but it will not look the same. Beautiful
stones don’t jump right out at you, they often blend in with common rocks known
as “ Leaveherrite” as in leave her right there were you found it, JUNK ROCK.
The hammer and spray bottle can help a lot, a wet rock can often but not always show
how a rock will polish up. Please go join a local rock club! The Oldtimers like
me are glad to look at the rocks you found and tell you if its throwing stone
or a keeper. Often, they will pick up a sample or two a show you what to look
for, once your eye is trained to spot small clues you will start finding more
great samples. Also, often a caravan to the collecting spot by a member that
has been there before will be a huge time saver. Often a club member
will say there is a spot of there were we found this or that, and that could be
something that’s not even in the book, I have seen this many time. I have gone
to local museums were they have local samples of the minerals found in that
county, this may be some what helpful, but I say join a club and go on several
trips with them, you will be much safer and find more, especially as a new comer,
I still go on group trips. Group trips ROCK! Pay to dig sites can be good to
just check to see if they offer help for a newbie, again clubs often get
discounts and more access to the claims, so again groups and clubs Rock!
Depending on your health you will want to
hunt the areas that have easy access from a vehicle. Be safe if you venture out,
never go alone and always let someone know. Don’t venture away from landmarks,
a camera may help for large landmark, GPS can be helpful, but areas can all
look the same and getting lost is a danger.
Being a Cool Rockhound like me
While the idea of rockhounding can be cool
and exciting, the reality is that it takes some work to be a rockhound. Safety concerns should be considered first depending on your circumstances health and tolerance. Environments can be rough and studying the maps and learning
the ropes can take some time and effort. Even for an affordable hobby and
the prices of gas, it does take some money to pursue the hobby. Rockhounding
may not be for everyone and that’s ok, because that leaves more for you and me
to find!
Were and what to look for?
There is an old saying that goes like this
“Gold is were you find it” so it is to find rocks, minerals and gemstones, is where
others have found it. Again, join a club, I will leave links below so you can hook
up with a local mineral, gem and rock club or clubs. Also start with a rockhounding
guide for your state or nearby state. Also subscribe to the Rock and Gem
magazine. This will get you fast tracked in no time. Also, it may be worth it
to join more than one rock club, find people you get along with well and you
may get to go on other trips that are not sponsored by the clubs, by going with
your new rockhound family friends. Next you need to decide where you are going
to go. Rock and gem hunting guidebooks, local rock and gem clubs and shops
and museums can help you determine that. Local Chambers of Commerce often
have information about their local areas that aren’t always on the
rockhound maps or in guide. So what are you looking for? You have picked
the location and likely know the main minerals and rocks that can be found, but
are they along a wet or dry creek or riverbed, are they on a hill, in sand,
dirt or rock? The guidebooks or club guides can usually be the biggest help,
but regardless research the mineral as much as you can to narrow your searching
areas, this is the best way to utilize your time. After you find the first collection spot you
may want to check nearby areas that fit the same criteria. Many articles and
our own Radical Rocks blogs, Podcast and Videos can be useful.
Be Safe and don’t Die!
You can be injured, harmed or even die, by
many things when exploring our deserts, mountains, water ways and beaches.
Please be aware of the following dangers and precautions.
Road Conditions.
You absolutely must know what the roads are like where you are going. Some mountain passes can be treacherous in the best of weather – add a little rain or snow and you could be in real trouble trying to get through. Some mountain area roads will simply be closed during snow. During summer months they can still be dangerous when wet. Desert areas may have roads with “sinks” or soft spots that will trap your car if you drive into them. When planning a trip to an unknown area, it is wise to find out what road conditions in that area are like.
Forest, brush fires dangers When walking into any area, any time, make sure you watch for good places of retreat or cover in case of fire. Once a fire starts it travels extremely fast and once you see it coming is not the time to start hunting for an exit or cover spot. Learn all you can about fire and how to survive one before taking trips into the field. Know what you are doing
before you go. Only start a campfire if permitted and completely bury when done. Natural Weather and Disaster Hazards.
Always find out what kind weather and natural disasters an area is prone to before going out. Is it flash flood region? Are there electrical storms, high winds, or earthquakes? Once you find out what you might experience when in an area, check with the local weather service before heading out into the field.
Watching the wildlife can be entertaining. Being injured or killed by wildlife is not. Know what dangerous animals live in any area you plan to visit and know how to avoid them or act when you run into them. Rattlesnakes are dangerous, be careful lifting rocks, lift them away from you, they may conceal a poisons snake or insect, and putting your hand under a rock will get you bitten. Bears can be dangerous, but most are easily avoided, don't carry open food they will take it from you. The Department of Game and Wildlife can tell you about any animals in their local area and how to deal with them safely.
Poison ivy or poison oak. Make sure when you are going out into the field that you know what plants there that are can be irritants if they come in contact with your skin. Do not ever eat anything in the wild.
Mining areas can be rich resources for treasure and minerals. They can also be death traps. When in mining areas make sure to watch out for shafts that might be covered by debris or drifted sand. Never step in a hole even though it looks to have been filled in well. You can fall of several hundred feet to your death. Don’t trust wood planks that could also be hiding a deep mine shaft. Never walk into a tunnel either. Even if a tunnel seems safe, many persons die thinking the same thing. Tunnels may also be full of Cyanide gas. You can’t smell this gas but once you inhale it, it is deadly. Water around mining areas may also contain cyanide and other poisonous mining chemicals. Never drink water from a mining area.
You absolutely must know what the roads are like where you are going. Some mountain passes can be treacherous in the best of weather – add a little rain or snow and you could be in real trouble trying to get through. Some mountain area roads will simply be closed during snow. During summer months they can still be dangerous when wet. Desert areas may have roads with “sinks” or soft spots that will trap your car if you drive into them. When planning a trip to an unknown area, it is wise to find out what road conditions in that area are like.
Forest, brush fires dangers When walking into any area, any time, make sure you watch for good places of retreat or cover in case of fire. Once a fire starts it travels extremely fast and once you see it coming is not the time to start hunting for an exit or cover spot. Learn all you can about fire and how to survive one before taking trips into the field. Know what you are doing
before you go. Only start a campfire if permitted and completely bury when done. Natural Weather and Disaster Hazards.
Always find out what kind weather and natural disasters an area is prone to before going out. Is it flash flood region? Are there electrical storms, high winds, or earthquakes? Once you find out what you might experience when in an area, check with the local weather service before heading out into the field.
Watching the wildlife can be entertaining. Being injured or killed by wildlife is not. Know what dangerous animals live in any area you plan to visit and know how to avoid them or act when you run into them. Rattlesnakes are dangerous, be careful lifting rocks, lift them away from you, they may conceal a poisons snake or insect, and putting your hand under a rock will get you bitten. Bears can be dangerous, but most are easily avoided, don't carry open food they will take it from you. The Department of Game and Wildlife can tell you about any animals in their local area and how to deal with them safely.
Poison ivy or poison oak. Make sure when you are going out into the field that you know what plants there that are can be irritants if they come in contact with your skin. Do not ever eat anything in the wild.
Mining areas can be rich resources for treasure and minerals. They can also be death traps. When in mining areas make sure to watch out for shafts that might be covered by debris or drifted sand. Never step in a hole even though it looks to have been filled in well. You can fall of several hundred feet to your death. Don’t trust wood planks that could also be hiding a deep mine shaft. Never walk into a tunnel either. Even if a tunnel seems safe, many persons die thinking the same thing. Tunnels may also be full of Cyanide gas. You can’t smell this gas but once you inhale it, it is deadly. Water around mining areas may also contain cyanide and other poisonous mining chemicals. Never drink water from a mining area.
Health and First Aid. If you are going out
into the wilds, it is important you know about first aid. If you are
allergic to bee stings, make sure to carry a sting kit with you. Snake bit kits may be available too. Know what to do for deep cuts or bone breaks. Always travel with
another person when it is possible and always tell someone where about you
will be and when is the latest you will be home or in contact with them so they
will know when it’s time to alert authorities if they don’t hear from you. Make sure
you have plenty of drinkable water, food, blankets, and fire starters with
you when you travel. Be as prepared as possible. Checking local forest or BLM
sites for safety recommendation is a must. This is not an exhaustive list so do
your own research as to how to be safe, this guide is a good start but in no
way will cover every situation you may encounter.
Be a Good Rockhound!
Areas are being closed all the time, so don't give the haters any
reason to close off our areas for recreational rockhounding. Never leave trash,
in fact pick up at least around your camp if some jackass before you did leave
some trash or bottle’s. Don’t leave holes, I know it seems dumb but if someone
trips and its obvious that it’s one of those rockhounds, it gives us all a bad
name. Follow the rules and laws of the areas you are exploring. Don’t
chop down plants and such. The AFMS (American Federation of Mineral Societies)
code of ethics are sited at the bottom of this page for your review.
The Vug website offers a great link to find your local rock
and mineral club.
Join me on the
Radical Rocks Podcast, our Blog or social media below, also
see our affiliate links below that help support our mission to keep
Rockhounding and arts lapidary alive and thriving. Feel free contact me
with any suggestions on this or any other ideas you may have, or if you would
like to sponsor in some way, or have your club, or mine you would like to see
spotlighted in Radical Rocks, Blog, Podcast or Video’s.
Affiliate/referral
links
Field Guides to Identify Rocks and Minerals
Smithsonian handbooks; Rocks and Minerals https://amzn.to/2UKnH3x
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America https://amzn.to/2OOzsC5
My Awesome Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals https://amzn.to/2uusECT
The Illustrated Guide to Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify and Collect the worlds Most Fascinating Specimens https://amzn.to/38niJxE
Rock and Gem: The Definitive Guide to Rocks, Minerals Gemstones, and Fossils https://amzn.to/31MpJRU
Tools for Rockhounding
Good Rock Hammer https://amzn.to/3bxxD6o
Rockhounding Tool Kit https://amzn.to/2SPVq9d
Pocket Magnifying glass/ loop https://amzn.to/2Skpw5n
Field Guides to Identify Rocks and Minerals
Smithsonian handbooks; Rocks and Minerals https://amzn.to/2UKnH3x
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America https://amzn.to/2OOzsC5
My Awesome Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals https://amzn.to/2uusECT
The Illustrated Guide to Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify and Collect the worlds Most Fascinating Specimens https://amzn.to/38niJxE
Rock and Gem: The Definitive Guide to Rocks, Minerals Gemstones, and Fossils https://amzn.to/31MpJRU
Tools for Rockhounding
Good Rock Hammer https://amzn.to/3bxxD6o
Rockhounding Tool Kit https://amzn.to/2SPVq9d
Pocket Magnifying glass/ loop https://amzn.to/2Skpw5n
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AFMS CODE OF ETHICS
• I
will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on
privately owned land without permission from the owner.
• I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
• I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
• I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
• I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
• I will leave all gates as found.
• I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• I will discard no burning material – matches, cigarettes, etc.
• I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
• I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
• I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
• I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
• I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
• I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
• I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
• I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
• I will observe the “Golden Rule”, will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public Image of Rockhounds everywhere.
• I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
• I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
• I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
• I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
• I will leave all gates as found.
• I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• I will discard no burning material – matches, cigarettes, etc.
• I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
• I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
• I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
• I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
• I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
• I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
• I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
• I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
• I will observe the “Golden Rule”, will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public Image of Rockhounds everywhere.
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