Rock collecting is educational and fun for many people. Some people treat it as a hobby and others as a career. As hobbyists, it’s fun to crack open rocks to see a hidden mystery. Will the unknown revelation be a mineral, a crystal or a gem?
Cracking open a rock to reveal unknown treasure is exciting. Start by collecting rocks in your yard or garden. The reveal may be dust, a unique color different from the exterior, or something interesting but unidentifiable.
Searching the local surroundings will require research. Each state in America has different distinct types of rocks. Before you begin rock collecting, contact your local Bureau of Land Management, Department of Forestry, or Department of Wildlife. These organizations will list the state rocks, minerals, and gems available in your area. These organizations provide maps of rock locations, educational materials, and a variety of articles written by rock experts. A variety of information is available on USA.gov.
Other sources of information:
-
Join organizations and clubs
-
visit online
-
Community and university libraries
-
trade magazines
-
books and articles
-
educational visual aids
-
Geologists
-
Mining companies
-
Rental of public bloodhounds; Free and admission fees.
An individual’s enthusiasm will drive searches to other lands. Review laws. regulations and ethics governing rock hunting. It is polite to obtain permission from landlords to search their private property. Public lands are open to search except national monuments.
Why the concern about permission? You may be thinking, “It’s just ugly rocks that no one wants.”
It is a matter of what is inside the rock. Is that rock hiding a mineral, a crystal or a gem? A big legal problem is known as mineral rights. There are other legal and insurance concerns on the part of private and public landlords.
Rock collectors climb mountains, trek through mines, and visit barren stretches of land.
1. Never pick up rocks alone.
2. Seek safety with a partner or a group of experienced rock hounds. Rock collectors climb mountains, trek through mines, and visit barren stretches of land.
3. Travel with others to share knowledge and experiences.
4. A rock identification book is helpful.
Rocks, crystals and gems
-
Rocks are available everywhere.
-
The crystals are found in deserts or volcanic ash beds.
-
We collect gems in the United States on government property. The government has its rules, requirements and regulations for gem prospecting.
A frequently asked question is can you find gems in your backyard? The answer is yes.
Are you installing an inground pool in your backyard or other construction work? The sand and dirt being transported for these projects may be hiding buried treasure.