Lets talk more about how to source rocks, what to look for, and what might help you find them.

In my Rockhounding blogs I have mentioned that there are lots of books and websites you can explore that do give info on areas (some even with maps) on where you might be able to find pretty and interesting rocks to collect. I’m not talking specific sites in this blog, but giving more of a general idea of how to source and find rocks yourself.

A beginner may just want to explore. Go outdoors, collect pretty and interesting rocks and have fun! Come home and throw them in your garden. But after a while, you will probably begin to develop more discriminating taste. You’ll want to find certain types of, or more elusive, rocks. At this time, you may want to educate yourself a little on geography, and rocks and minerals.

Sourcing specific rocks takes a little science, some skills, some hard work, and a whole lot of luck!

So where is the best place to hunt for rocks?

Rarely does someone actually go outdoors and discover a new rock deposit. Prospectors can be out for years before discovering a significant source of rocks, gold, or minerals. So, it’s best to do some research before heading out and have a known location in mind to explore. You can also research Pay for Digs, where you can pay to dig in proven areas. Some states even have rockhounding parks!

Most states have agencies that oversee geology and mining. The name may vary, but they will have information about local gems, minerals, and fossils. You may also have a local earth science, natural history or geology museum that would have some good information or books available.

Local rock shops or lapidary clubs can be great sources for good collecting areas. Many lapidary clubs even organize field trips. Also attend local rock shows. Talk to the vendors there. Some have a wealth of information and they are usually willing to share. Check and see if there is a geology department at the local college or even consider taking a geology course.

If you are just exploring, consider places where rocks have been exposed. Plenty of semiprecious stones were discovered when the railroad or roads were built. A rock quarry or excavation site might still contain something. Beaches, rivers and creeks are good places to look. Rock and gold found in rivers is known as float and sometimes you can trace back to where that rock originated from.

Familiarize yourself with rocks and other materials associated with gem materials. Most rocks and minerals require a fairly specific geological setting to form. Agates form when hollow cavities in lava are later filled with quartz and other minerals precipitating through the rock; tourmalines, beryl and kunzite occur near the quartz segregations in the feldspar mass of pegmatite dikes; gold often occurs along the natural linear structures of quartz, or its natural cracks and lines. Remember- a lot of the surface rocks may have already been collected and you may need to dig down a little to expose more pretties.

The best time to go rockhounding is during pleasant weather and after a storm. Of course, water and mud are more dangerous to transverse so you might want to let things dry out a little, but the water can expose more rocks. Keep the sun to your back and your eyes on the ground. Look for diggings, as others before you may have found something. Tailings or old mine dumps can produce good material that the original miners missed. If you are following a rockhound map, venture out a little as that area may have been picked over, but there may be unexplored areas nearby.

Look for color changes, both in the dirt and in the rocks. Look for areas that stand out as different from the surrounding area.

You can check out my guides to some states and what rocks are found there here:

https://www.oakrocks.net/rocks-and-minerals-localities/

Rockhounding, also referred to as rock hunting and mineral collecting, is the hobby of going out in the field to look for and collect interesting rocks.

I am writing a series of blogs that deal with this hobby. This is the 5 ^th installment. This series is mostly geared towards the beginner or hobbyist, not the commercial collector. But even a seasoned rockhounder might pick up some new tricks, so read on!

Previously I covered Preparation, Map Skills, Field Conduct, and Hazards. Next month we will actually talk about filing a mining claim.

Before you venture out read my guide to the rules for rockhounding here:

https://www.oakrocks.net/rockhounding-rules/

Have fun and happy hunting!