Equipment needed for Rockhounding

Equipment needed for Rockhounding

by Ritika

Rockhounding is a term used for the activity of rock hunting or collecting rocks and mineral samples from nature. This is more as recreation and hobby oriented and not from the commercial point of view. It has humble beginning as many die-hard rockhounders will tell you. Walking along they chanced upon a beautiful stone, which led them to look for more and more and suddenly they were avid hunters.

What is rockhounding?

Rockhounding is a term used for the activity of rock hunting or collecting rocks and mineral samples from nature. This is more as recreation and hobby oriented and not from the commercial point of view. It has humble beginning as many die-hard rockhounders will tell you. Walking along they chanced upon a beautiful stone, which led them to look for more and more and suddenly they were avid hunters.

In the early days, rock hounds were generally those who were prospecting gemstones and minerals for commercial use. Soon people were attracted to this as a hobby simply because the natural beauty of the stones and the adventure involved was so varied and interesting that they left the commercial aspect to the commercial dealers.

Rock hounding is all about looking for interesting pieces of gemstones, minerals, or even just stones that nature created. There is no point in talking verse and prose about gemstones if you cannot recognize what you have in your hand. The finished product is what we see in the shops but out there in the rough they look very different. So it is important to learn how to recognize a potential rock for gemstones.

There are many places which have free sites for prospective rock hounders. Then there are paid sites too. These are usually places where gemstones and minerals have been found regularly. There are maps available but a first timer would do well to visit known and established digs initially. Of course, your best bet is to join the local rock hounders group where you will meet experienced hunters who will have many a handy tip for you. Clubs organize field trips to educate you in the art of rock hounding and along with new friends you get to learn all there is to know about rock hounding.

Today there are many clubs and groups that support this hobby. There are books on the subject and you can get lots of information at your local tourist centre, the chamber of commerce and of course, the ever present internet. Some states have laws that regulate rock hounding on public land and most national parks prohibit this activity so read up on local laws governing rock hounding activities.

Getting Started

Rockhounders need nothing more than a rock hammer to start off. This is a small but precise tool which has a flat hammer on one end and a pick look-alike point at the other. The hammer end is to break up the rock and the pick is used to dig in to crevices to root out the mineral or gemstone. Rock hounding is very interesting. A keen collector will become well conversant with petrology, geology and mineralogy while hunting for rocks. It is important to learn about classification and identification of specimens so you are aware of what you have collected. Many times this hobby has led people in to the business of lapidary, mounting and cutting of gemstones and minerals on a decent sized scale. Here your equipment requirement changes a bit as now you would need polishers and rock saws, a good microscope to enable you to work with crystal varieties etc.

Safety and Equipment Requirements

Safety First

Safety is of paramount importance when rock hounding. Your area of operation would cover most remote and far off locations in dirt, sand and rocky terrains where help is not easily available. You must be as prepared as is humanly possible to cover all eventualities and situations.

There are some key safety features you need to keep in mind:

  • Travel in groups
  • Carry lots of drinking water and
  • Ensure that you have plenty of fuel to bring you back.
  • If you are a lone ranger, then ensure that people know your plans.
Equipment

Rockhounding EquipmentsLet’s start with safety goggles because breaking rocks down means bits of rock and tiny microscopic particles are going to fly. Eye protection is hence of utmost importance. Next is the resultant dust and dirt which you can breathe in so a respirator or a protective mask is your second most important requirement.

Other than the above two, experience has taught people not to leave home without the following items packed in your rock hounding kit.  (image courtesy: http://www.gemworld.com/GeologyTools.asp)

  • A First Aid Kit is essential as bites, scrapes, cuts and bruises are part and parcel of rock hounding.
  • Maps and guide books to tell you were to go and how to get there.
  • Spare tire and your tool kit, rocks and tires don’t go well together.
  • Garbage bags to carry all your trash and they can be used to wrap up large samples too
  • You need a magnifying glass small enough to hang around your neck so you don’t miss out on the smaller finds.
  • A notebook and writing tools like pencils pens etc to take notes on what you have collected.
  • You need a good quality rock hammer which is made of steel so the head does not snap off. Sheath them so they last longer and paint them a nice bright color so you can spot them easily.
  • Chisels, garden trowels and a round point shovel and hoe set will help you dig around.
  • Containers of assorted sized to collect and store you samples as you go along. You could try egg cartons, milk crates, sacks made of canvas, cardboard cartons, cookie tins and whatever else you deem fit.
  • Medication other than the first aid kit, sunscreen and hats, lots of food and snacks, toilet paper, camping gear and last but not the least
  • Loads of patience and common sense and presence of mind. Most people tend to forget the last three but these are the most important and you cannot do without them.

Rock hounding is a fun and enjoyable activity if you don’t let yourself get carried away with it. Patience is the key as is perseverance and you are sure to strike gold some day.