By
eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Rock and Mineral Identification Guide
- Rock Hammer
- Hand Lens
Step1
Purchase a rock and mineral identification field guide. There are many books on the market that can help you learn about rock and mineral identification. These guides give you information on types of rocks, locations where rocks can be found and other rock identification characteristics.
Step2
Visit a local natural history museum to gather additional information on rocks, minerals and geology. Museum docents and researchers can answer questions, point you in the direction of local spots to go rock hunting and can answer questions about rock or mineral samples that you have already collected.
Step3
Join a rock hound's club. Ask people at your local museum, college or university for information. Also, you can search online for groups of rock hounds and collectors in your area. Clubs will give you information on local rocks, as well as people to go rock collecting with you.
Step4
Consider taking an introductory geology course at your local college or university. You can also talk to geology and natural science professors about rocks that you may have found or about locations to rock hunt.
Step5
See if there are any rock and gem shows coming to your area. These traveling shows have rocks, minerals and gems for purchase, as well as people to answer questions about your collection. You may also be able to find rock hound buddies at these shows.