How to Start a Rock Collection
Rock collecting can be a great way to see the world! There are three types of rocks--igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Each has distinct traits so you can choose whether to focus on one or more types when you start your own collection.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dish soap to clean rocks
- Plastic sandwich-sized bags
- Shovel
- Good vision
- Map
- Deep pot or bowl for cleaning
- Patience
- Bucket or bag to carry the rocks
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Gather Rocks
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1
Buy your own collection of rocks. Collections are available through the Internet and catalogs, with prices ranging from inexpensive to expensive, depending on size or rarity.
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2
Be an explorer! Rocks are everywhere and different types of natural settings contain varied types of rocks, some of which may be location-specific.
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3
Head to the islands. Islands--like Hawaii--can be a great source for locating igneous rock, which forms when magma cools and hardens.
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4
Check streams, lakes and rivers. Sedimentary rocks form from the erosion of larger rocks. The resulting sediments are then carried via water to a natural basin and the sediment becomes stone.
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5
Acclimate yourself to hot weather. Metamorphic rocks are best found in areas of intense heat, where rocks have also been exposed to pressure.
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6
Be a happy novice. Choose rocks that appeal to you and research exactly what you've found when you return home.
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7
Dig deep. Great rocks can also be found beneath the dirt and your shovel can help you to access what lies beneath the ground.
Start Your Collection
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1
Separate the rocks as you find them. By keeping them apart, you can better categorize your collection when you return home.
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2
Place each rock in its own container or plastic bag. Label the bag or container with the location and date.
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3
Clean each rock thoroughly. Many collectors are quite surprised to see the rock's true appearance once all dirt has been removed.
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4
Keep a record or chart from the moment you start the collection. Numerous trips and collections are easily monitored if you update the record after each trip.
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5
Buy rock identification guides. You can use these to point you in the direction of the rocks you want or to help identify what you've found.
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6
Determine how to classify your collection. You can group rocks based on texture, color or size, for example.
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7
Photograph collections. If you plan to keep multiple collections, you can photograph each one when it is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Never go rock collecting alone. Since rock collecting can draw you to somewhat remote locations, it is best to always travel with a companion.