Find success on your rock hunts for popular gems and minerals by selecting the best locations to look for them. Agates, copper, gold—you want to find them! But if you’re searching without a plan, the odds are stacked against you. Whether you’re new to rock hunting or already hold an interest, prospecting is the way to maximize your success. This beginner’s guide by rockhounding expert Jim Magnuson helps you to confidently hunt for a variety of collectible and valuable gems and minerals, including agates, fossils, geodes, and gold. In each chapter, Jim introduces sought-after targets (from Lake Superior Agates to Keokuk Geodes). Then he provides a simple, step-by-step process to finding, collecting, and identifying them in the Upper Midwest. Full-color photographs show the specimens as you’re likely to see them in the field, and range maps tell you if you’re in the right place. Jim points you to locations where you’re allowed to hunt and collect, and he also includes need-to-know information about equipment recommendations, safety, and the legality of collecting. Inside you’ll find: Expert advice: discover what to look for, where to look, and how to prospect Professional photos: see specimens as you’re likely to find them in the field Essential information: learn about collecting rules, safety, and affordable equipment Bonus content: get advice on polishing your finds, metal detecting, and more Perfect for residents and visitors of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, Rockhounding & Prospecting: Upper Midwest is everything you need in one handy guide.

This informative guide takes an in-depth look at the most sought-after treasures of the Upper Midwest and teaches how to find and even prospect for each kind.

Eureka! In this eBook Richard R. Barna "The Prepared Idiot" takes a look at how to start prospecting for gold! Who doesn't dream as a child of stumbling across a pile of gold, buried deep in your own backyard? Unfortunately, not many pirates have left treasure troves just under the surface in cities and towns, but you may be surprised to learn that gold prospecting still has a vast number of enthusiasts up and down the country. It is the thrill of the chase and the wonder of being in the great outdoors that many people find so invigorating, and so why not give it a try?

Americans have been intrigued with the idea of finding gold deposits since the California Gold Rush of 1848. There is a thrill to finding that first nugget in your pan, and an even bigger thrill at finding larger and larger nuggets. There are new metal detectors and dry washing equipment that make gold panning easier, even in arid areas where water is not available. Gold prospecting has become family affairs. It's a hobby that will bring the family together, especially when they find that first flake or nugget of gold.