This volume gives you the basic tools to transition from “pebble pup” to expert rockhound and explains everything from geology basics, identification tips, tools of the trade, how to record your findings, and how to set up a lab or gem shop. Before you know it, you’ll be driving the open roads and traveling home with dusty pockets full of rocks, gems, minerals, fossils—and maybe even gold. Features: * geology basics * popular collectibles, including rocks, gems, fossils, meteorites, and gold * tools of the trade for every level of collector * rules and regulations * polishing, preserving, crafting, and displaying your treasures

Go on an outdoor treasure hunt and enjoy all nature has to offer with this field guide to rockhounding, perfect for armchair geologists or anyone headed out on an adventure! Geology meets treasure hunting with this field guide to rockhounding! If you’ve ever kept an interesting rock or shell, bought a polished stone from a gift shop, or even just enjoyed a ’gram of a really cool crystal, congratulations! You’ve already experienced a rockhounding adventure! Rockhouding for Beginners shows you how to take your rockhounding to the next level, providing everything you need to know from tips for finding local sources for really cool finds to techniques for safely cleaning, cutting, polishing, and caring for the best samples. Complete with full-color photos to help you identify each rock and mineral wherever you find them, this guide has all the rockhounding information you need whether you’re ready to get down and dirty or simply want to learn more from the comfort of your couch.

Learn about rock and mineral formation, tools, identification, finding minerals in the field, legal aspects, preparation and preservation, cutting and polishing, and making jewelry from your finds. Numerous illustrations and B/W photos.

A complete guide and source-book brimming with advice on collecting and preparing gems and minerals.

A completely updated and revised edition brimming with advice on collecting and preparing gems and minerals .

Get this must-have guide for Michigan, featuring full-color photographs and information to help you identify rocks and minerals. Identify and collect rocks and minerals with the perfect guide to the Great Lake State! With this famous field guide by Dan R. Lynch and Bob Lynch, field identification is simple and informative. The book features comprehensive entries for 96 rocks and minerals, from common rocks to rare finds. That means you’re more likely to identify what you’ve found. The authors know rocks and took their own full-color photographs to depict the detail needed for identification—no more guessing from line drawings. The field guide’s easy-to-use format helps you to quickly find what you need to know and where to look. Inside you’ll find: 96 specimens: Only Michigan rocks and minerals Quick Identification Guide: Identify rocks and minerals by color and common characteristics Range/occurrence maps: See where each specimen is commonly found Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images Michigan Rocks & Minerals includes beautiful photography, relevant information, and the authors’ expert insights. With this book in hand, identifying and collecting is fun and informative!

Fully revised and updated, this book provides detailed directions and GPS coordinates to the best rockhounding sites in Oregon, with valuable tips on what tools to bring and how to conduct your search. Comprehensive lists of minerals or fossils for each site and excellent color photos will help you know what to look for and to identify what you’ve found. Information on clubs, rock shops, museums, and special attractions are provided. Rockhounding Oregon is a must-have for anyone interested in collecting their own minerals, gems, and fossils in the region.