If you are looking for an exciting hobby, look no further than the ground.Rock collecting can take you all around the world and teach you a lot of new things about nature.Rock collecting is easy to get into and requires little more than your time.
Step 1: Start your collection with rocks.
Try to find rocks in your backyard, around your neighborhood, and in other places when you first start.Specimens that have interesting features appeal to you.You should be able to spot unique rocks during this time.Keep an eye out for old stream beds, ditches, road cuts, and other areas with exposed rocks.
Step 2: You can expand your collection by visiting nature sites.
You will run out of new rocks pretty fast if you search for them in your immediate area.You will have to visit a variety of nature sites to expand your collection.Mountain ranges, beaches, lowland plains, natural cliffs, outcrops, and quarries are some of the popular places to look for rocks.There is a map of popular collection sites.
Step 3: Do not dig rocks from private property or nature preserves.
Before digging up rocks on someone's private property or in a government-owned park or reserve, get permission from the owner or an authorized government agent.Without explicit permission, digging up rocks from these sites is illegal and can lead to theft or vandalization.The Grand Canyon requires a full geological permit to dig rock samples.
Step 4: You can buy or trade rockhounds at the club.
Rocks do not have a large secondhand market.The best way to purchase new rocks is to visit a rockhound club.Rockhound clubs can point you in the direction of interesting excavation sites even if they don't have any rocks for sale.
Step 5: Specific types of rocks can be searched for.
There are 3 primary forms of rocks.Different types of people will be attracted to each form.There isn't a right way to collect rocks, so you can go after whichever style you want.Igneous rocks are formed out of magma.basalt, obsidian, and gabbro are popular.The rocks are formed by water, ice, or wind.The most popular are sandstone, limestone, and shale.The rocks were transformed and flattened by extreme heat.Slate, marble, and gneiss are popular.
Step 6: You should look for rocks that are unique to the area.
novaculite and jadeite are examples of rocks that look unique because of the natural processes that formed them.If you are going to a popular collecting destination like the Appalachians, it is a good idea to search online for region-specific rock guides.
Step 7: If necessary, use a geologist's hammer to remove rocks.
You can find some rocks lying on the ground, but others need a geologist's hammer to dig.You can use the blunt end of the tools to break off new specimen and the pick end to chisel from a rock face.Before using a hammer, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.Most home improvement stores have geologist's hammers.
Step 8: As soon as you find the rock, label it.
When you pick up a new specimen, write down the area you found it in and attach it to the rock.The rock should be stored in an area where it won't get mixed up with other rocks.Once you get home, this will help you catalog your rocks.Take a picture of the exact spot you get each rock from.If you don't know what a rock is, you can look at its photo for clues.
Step 9: You can catalog your rocks.
You can keep track of all the different rocks by creating a simple catalog.When picking up a specimen, include what type of rock it is, where you found it, and any additional notes you feel are relevant.If you don't know what type of rock you have, consult the Mineralogical Society of America's Rock Identification Key at http://www.minsoCAM.org/msa/collectors_corner/id/rock_key.htm.
Step 10: Cut your rocks into smaller pieces.
To save space, most rock collectors cut their specimen down to a size that is just large enough to show off the rock's features.The most common specimen sizes are 3 by 4 by 2 in and 2 by 1 in.The pick end of a geologist's hammer, a slab saw, or a trim saw can be used to cut rocks.
Step 11: A loose box is where you should keep your rocks.
Rocks have no special storage requirements and are incredibly durable.You can keep them in a shoe box or egg carton.Purchase a wall case from a picture frame supply store if you want to display your collection.Sort your rocks by type or location to make sure they don't get mixed up.
Step 12: You should clean your rocks with a toothbrush.
If your rocks are dirty, you can wash them with a small amount of detergent or dish soap.You should scrub your specimen with a toothbrush.