Rock Collecting
Hunt for rocks, minerals, and fossils in nature and build a personal collection. Rockhounding combines outdoor exploration with the thrill of discovery. Every region has unique geological treasures waiting to be found - you just need to know where to look.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Sturdy shoes or boots($0)
- ●Bucket or bag for specimens($0)
- ●Safety glasses($3-5)
- ●Work gloves($5-10)
Optional
- ○Rock hammer or geologist pick($15-30)
- ○Rock and mineral field guide($10-20)
How To Do It
- 1
Research your local geology
Search online for your area's geology and common rocks/minerals. Libraries and rock shops can help. Join online forums or local rock clubs to learn about nearby collecting sites.
- 2
Find a legal collecting spot
Start with public lands where collecting is allowed (most permits casual collecting). Paid dig sites are beginner-friendly. Always get permission for private land. Never collect in National Parks - it's illegal.
- 3
Know what to look for
Look in road cuts, stream beds, eroded hillsides, and areas where earth has been disturbed. Search for unusual colors, crystal shapes, or rocks that look different from their surroundings. Quartz and agates are common finds.
- 4
Collect specimens carefully
Wear safety glasses when breaking rocks. Start by picking up loose s before using tools. Wrap fragile finds in newspaper or cloth. Take only what you need - quality over quantity.
- 5
Identify and catalog your finds
Clean your s with water and a brush. Use a field guide, smartphone app (like Rock Identifier), or online communities to identify what you found. Label each rock with where and when you found it.
Tips
- →Look down! New rockhounds often walk past great s because they're looking at the horizon instead of the ground.
- →Common mistake: collecting too much. Focus on quality s rather than grabbing everything. Your collection will be more meaningful.
- →Join a local rock club. Members share knowledge about productive sites and often organize group field trips.
- →Always wear safety glasses when using a rock hammer. Rock chips fly unpredictably and can cause serious eye injury.
Communities
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally collect rocks?
Most allows casual collecting (up to 25 lbs/day). Paid dig sites welcome visitors. State parks vary by location. Never collect in National Parks or on private land without permission.
What basic tools do I need?
Start with just a bucket, safety glasses, and gloves. A rock hammer is helpful but not required at first - many great s are loose on the surface.
How do I identify rocks I find?
Use a field guide, the Mindat website, or apps like Rock Identifier. For tricky s, post photos in r/whatsthisrock or bring them to a local rock club meeting.
What rocks are worth collecting?
Collect what interests you! Common collectibles include quartz, agates, jasper, geodes, and fossils. Monetary value matters less than personal connection to your finds.
Do I need expensive equipment?
No. Many experienced rockhounds find excellent s with minimal tools. Start simple and add specialized equipment as you learn what you enjoy collecting.