Rock Collecting

Kyanite gets its name from the Greek word kyanos, which means blue. Although blue is the most commonly found color and the most sought, kyanite can be found in green, colorless, white, gray and...

You can polish stones using grinders and sanders if you choose to not use a rock tumbler. The benefit of a tumbler is that you can set the machine up, start it and walk away while the stones are...

Apache tears are a type of obsidian. They are dark black, and when polished correctly, take on a deep, brilliant sheen. You can polish Apache tears in a rock polisher, but because obsidian is an...

Rock collecting can be a very enjoyable hobby for both adults and children. It's inexpensive to do and a great way to get out and enjoy nature. And if you have young ones, its also a nice way to...

Painting Rocks is a great craft for all of the family. Make designs on rocks by finding smooth rocks of all shapes and sizes. They can be found in gardens, or at the seaside. Wash and dry the...

Finding and polishing your own rocks can be a fun hobby or even a lucrative business. Anyone who spends a lot of time using a rock tumbler eventually works out their own variations to the process...

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness was developed in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. There are several other methods of measuring mineral hardness but the Mohs scale is the best...

Thundereggs are spherical rocks that when sliced open reveal a hidden beauty. The insides of thundereggs are usually made of opal or chalcedony and are highly valued by collectors. If you are...

Hunting agates can be an afternoon's activity, a hobby or a profession. Types of hunters are collectors who are obsessed with acquiring the beautiful rocks, kids searching streambeds for a...

Rare rock collecting is definitely not for the novice, unless you simply want to buy rare rocks. If you plan to select rare rocks on your own, expect adventure and lots of travel. Rare rocks can...

Rock collecting can be a good solo hobby, but it's more fun when you join other collectors! You can connect with other collectors via trade shows, auctions or online. Consider joining an existing...