Collecting Rocks and
Fossils :
for fossils in sedimentary rocks like mudstone and limestone. These rocks are the best because fossils
form when an animal, plant, or other signs of life such as a dinosaur footprint, becomes buried in
sediment, which is usually grains of mud or sand. Over thousands of years layers of sediment build
up, eventually turning into a sedimentary rock. You can usually find fossils anywhere that
sedimentary rocks are exposed at the surface. Look along the coast on beaches, in quarries, on farm
land, or even in your own garden. Geological maps will tell you what age and type of rocks are
present at the surface. Often fossils are specific to rocks of a particular age, so this will give you an
idea about what fossils you might find.
The first amateur geologists gold diggers looking for valuable minerals and gemstones for
commercial purposes. Eventually, however, more and more people have been drawn to
amateur geology for recreational purposes, mainly for the beauty that rocks and minerals
provide.
reason for the rise in popularity of amateur geology is that a collection can begin by simply
picking up a rocks. There are also many clubs and groups that search for specimens and
compare them in groups as a hobby. Information on where to find such groups can be found at
libraries, bookstores, and "gem and mineral shows". Tourist information centers and smalltown chambers of commerce can also supply valuable local information. The Internet is also a
useful search tool as it can help find other amateur geologists.
The amateur geologist's principal piece of equipment is the hammer. This is a small tool with
a pick-like point on one end, and a flat hammer on the other. The hammer end is for breaking
rocks, and the pick end is mainly used for prying and digging into crevices. The pick end of
most rock hammers can dull quickly if struck onto bare rock. Rock collectors may also bring
a sledgehammer to break hard rocks. Good places for a collector to look are quarries, road
cuts, rocky hills and mountains, and streams.
There are many different laws in place regarding the collection of rocks and minerals from
public areas, so it is advisable to read up on local laws before prospecting.
Why this hobby ?
Rock collecting is cost not much If you collect your own on your walks and hikes, rocks are
free.
Rocks are readily available You can find rocks on the beach, in the mountains, by the lake, in
the desert or almost everywhere.
Rocks are interesting and beautiful. Each rock is different, with different colors, shapes,
textures and consistencies. Some are very beautiful.
Rocks have history. Some rocks contain fossils tell a story of prehistoric times and the
formation of the earth.
It is easy to get started in collecting rocks. You really do not need a lot of equipment for this
hobby. The first thing to purchase is a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the
specimen. You should also buy a few Rock and Mineral books or look at the internet that
offers photos and descriptions to help you classify your rocks. A medium size brush to dust
off your rocks.
When you do find rocks that interest you, it's important to label them so Ziploc storage bags
will come in handy to store your treasures. You should put each rock into a separate plastic
bag and label it with the date and location where you found it You will also need a study tote
bag or backpack to carry your rocks home. A geologist's hammer comes in handy when it is
necessary to chip or free rocks like when exploring natural rock formations like caves. Carry
a pen and notebook to record what you found and where. Safety goggles are always a good
item to have as well. There are websites that sell beginner kits that include all of these items.
Decide what size stones you want to collect. They shouldn’t be too big because of storage
space and they shouldn’t be too small because you need to see their features. Clean your
stones using the brush or gently wash in soapy water and let dry for a few hours.
You can keep your collection in a small box divided by cardboard, a shelf, an egg carton
lined with cotton, clear jars, or a shadow box. In the beginning you may want to organize your
collection based on color, type of rock or mineral, or the location where it was found. As your
interests evolve and your collection grows you will learn to identify based on crystal, shape,
hardness, color and luster.
Where to Look
Every natural setting has rocks that is what makes this such a great hobby. Great places to
search :
• quarries
• hills
• mountains
• caves
• roads
• parks
• streams
• lakes
• ponds
• beaches
• rivers
Travel is also a great place to find rocks that are not available in the area where you live.
Remember that the best place to find rocks is a location where water, wind, weather or
digging has disturbed the rocks
Types of Rocks
It is important to understand the different types of rocks if you intend to collect them as a
hobby. There are three different types of rock that make up the earth: igneous rock,
sedimentary rock and metamorphic rock.
Igneous rock is formed by intense heat such as volcanic activity. These rocks include
obsidian, granite, and basalt.
Sedimentary rock occurs when layers of dirt, sand, shells, plant matter, or other material
settles on top of one another and become compressed and hard over time. These rocks include
limestone, coal, and shale.
Metamorphic rock occurs when there is a combination of heat and pressure. Examples of this
form of rock include diamonds, marble, and quartzite.
Some sources you want to investigate :
Rock and Gem Dealers
Collectors Clubs
Rock and Gem Shows
Internet Dealers
Auctions
Flea Markets
Antique Shops
Mall Craft Exhibits
How do fossils
form?
When an organism dies and is buried by sediments, there is a chance that it may remain as a fossil
preserved. In most cases, this does not happen, and the remains fall prey to natural scavengers (such
as scavengers) and decay processes. However, due to specific environmental factors such as rapid
burial or extremely low oxygen environments, given the natural scavengers no chance of an organism
and can be preserved as a fossil. By sequentially stacking layers of sediment increases the pressure in
the layer in which the organism or the residues are affected. Thereof buried Fossilization processes
get underway, and the original organic material is replaced by mineral components: the remains are
'fossilized'. When, in the course of time by tectonic movements and erosion after these layers back
to the surface, the fossil can be discovered and excavated.
Equipment we need as a rock
hunter and fossil collector
Essential Equipment
Recommended Equipment
Hard hat
Waterproof clothing
Safety boots
Overalls
High visibility jacket
Protective gloves
Safety glasses or goggles
Sledge hammer (7 lb)
Rucksack or collecting bag
Small folding spade (useful on old dumps)
Geological hammer (2 lb)
Maps of the area on your tablet
Club hammer (4 lb)
Compass on your tablet or phone
Chisels
Tide tables when you near the Shore
Hand lens (x10 magnification)
First aid kit
Newspaper and bags for wrapping
Packed lunch and drinks
Spare dry clothing, especially socks.
Field notebook and pencil
Essential
Equipment / Recommended
Equipment
gps/phone /map/
Rules for hunting
rocks and fossils
Always follow the Country Code and observe any local bye-laws.
Remember to close all gates and leave no litter.
Always obtain permission before collecting on private property. Accept
any decision of the land owner and follow all instructions that they may
give.
Do not interfere with any plant or machinery and keep away from any
restricted areas that may be marked.
Be aware of any consequences that your collecting may have on the
environment, wildlife and plants.
Do not dispose of material from other sites on a different site. Do not
leave broken rocks where they can cause harm to others or livestock.
When collecting on coastal sites make yourself aware of local hazards
and tide times if necessary.
Take great care at cliff and quarry edges as they may be unstable and
you might fall or dislodge material onto people below. DO NOT WORK
UNDER LOOSE OVERHANGS.
Do not enter old mine workings unless permission has been given and
you are properly equipped for underground collecting. NEVER GO
ALONE.
When intending to go collecting in remote or mountainous areas always
prepare properly and inform somebody of your plans and expected
return time.
Only collect sufficient material for you own needs. Do not strip a site or
damage interesting sites. Preservation of classic sites is now very
important.
Finally, always be considerate. Your actions when collecting can reflect
on all other collectors. One bad collector gives all collectors a bad
name.
meteorite
Tips on what to
do thirst
Join a club! There are literally hundreds of local rock clubs in the US; wherever you live, there is
a probably an active rock club nearby, with members who are both knowledgeable and helpful.
Dues are always inexpensive; there is generally a newsletter, as well as local meetings where
you can swap specimens and stories, and I can guarantee you they are always looking for new
young (or older) members.
Museums visit Most large natural history museums (and many small ones) will have great
exhibits of minerals, along with lots of good information for beginners. Visiting a museum will give
you a good idea of the amazing variety of minerals available to the collector.
Read a books There are lots of books on rocks and minerals in your local library, as well as in
your local bookstore, addressing all age groups and experience levels. There are lots of
magazines pointed at the hobby as well.
GO a show Mineral shows are a great place to meet people with an interest in rocks and
minerals, as well as observe (and purchase if you want) varied mineral specimens. Most shows
will have free or very inexpensive activities and/or specimens for kids as well.
Get out The best thing about rocks and minerals is that they're everywhere! But be careful: be
respectful of private property, and obey all regulations when hiking in local, state, and national
parks. Most have strict regulations about what you can and can't (mostly can't!) take with you
when you leave....
experiment with your UV lamp Even a small UV lamp, which can cost less than $10, will
reveal that many common household objects are fluorescent see below
Join a group The hobby is really contagious, in a good way. Although an individual can enjoy the
hobby alone, it's a lot more fun in a group. Also, parents or grandparents can lend
encouragement to kids that is invaluable in getting started in any new endeavor.
Get out Use the information gained from books, magazines, the web, your rock club, etc. to
participate in a local club field trip, or to plan one of your own.
Visit a rock shop! Most areas have one or more rock shops that will have lots of things to see
(as well as to buy). Many of the owners are rock collectors themselves, and will be happy to help
you get started.
Surf the internet : The internet not only has vast amounts of information, but also search
engines which will put information on any subject at your fingertips in seconds. Try entering
"mineral collecting" or "rock hounding" to find something interesting
storage of
rock and stones :
Some tips

Specialize in certain rock types, like volcanic rocks or meteorites.

Collect fossils.

Collect specimens of specific minerals.

Get into suiseki, the Japanese art of selecting natural stones.

Make a personal website to display your collection.

Collect crystals.

Prospect for gold (but be careful if you succeed!).

Take up stone carving.

Visit mineral shows and rock shops.

Join a local club and follow them around.

Visit mines and diggings during your travels—start with your own state for
a start.

Collect the official state rocks or state minerals of the United States (or
Canada or Australia)
What kind of
rock is it
Grain
Size
Usual Color
Other
Composition
Rock Type
fine
dark
glassy appearance
lava glass
Obsidian
fine
light
many small bubbles
lava froth from sticky lava
Pumice
fine
dark
many large bubbles
lava froth from fluid lava
Scoria
fine or
mixed
light
contains quartz
high-silica lava
Felsite
fine or
mixed
medium
between felsite and
basalt
medium-silica lava
Andesite
fine or
mixed
dark
has no quartz
low-silica lava
Basalt
mixed
any color
large grains in finegrained matrix
large grains of feldspar, quartz,
pyroxene or olivine
Porphyry
coarse
light
wide range of color
and grain size
feldspar and quartz with minor mica,
amphibole or pyroxene
Granite
coarse
light
like granite but
without quartz
feldspar with minor mica, amphibole
or pyroxene
Syenite
coarse
light to
medium
little or no alkali
feldspar
plagioclase and quartz with dark
minerals
Tonalite
coarse
medium to
dark
little or no quartz
low-calcium plagioclase and dark
minerals
Diorite
coarse
medium to
dark
no quartz; may have
olivine
high-calcium plagioclase and dark
minerals
Gabbro
coarse
dark
dense; always has
olivine
olivine with amphibole and/or
pyroxene
Peridotite
coarse
dark
dense
mostly pyroxene with olivine and
amphibole
Pyroxenite
coarse
green
dense
at least 90% olivine
Dunite
very
coarse
any color
usually in small
intrusive bodies
typically granitic
Pegmatite
Identification of Sedimentary Rocks
Hardness Grain Size
Composition
Other
Rock Type
hard
coarse
clean quartz
white to brown
Sandstone
hard
coarse
quartz and feldspar
usually very coarse
Arkose
hard or
soft
mixed
mixed sediment with rock
grains and clay
gray or dark and "dirty"
Wacke/
Graywacke
hard or
soft
mixed
mixed rocks and sediment
round rocks in finer
sediment matrix
Conglomerate
hard or
soft
mixed
mixed rocks and sediment
sharp pieces in finer
sediment matrix
Breccia
hard
fine
very fine sand; no clay
feels gritty on teeth
Siltstone
hard
fine
chalcedony
no fizzing with acid
Chert
soft
fine
clay minerals
splits in layers
Shale
soft
fine
carbon
black; burns with tarry
smoke
Coal
soft
fine
calcite
fizzes with acid
Limestone
soft
coarse or
fine
dolomite
soft
coarse
fossil shells
mostly pieces
Coquina
very soft
coarse
halite
salt taste
Rock Salt
very soft
coarse
gypsum
white, tan or pink
Rock Gypsum
no fizzing with acid unless Dolomite rock
powdered
Identification of Metamorphic Rocks
Foliation
Grain Size
Usual Color
Other
Rock Type
foliated
fine
light
very soft; greasy feel
Soapstone
foliated
fine
dark
soft; strong cleavage
Slate
nonfoliated
fine
dark
soft; massive structure
Argillite
foliated
fine
dark
shiny; crinkly foliation
Phyllite
foliated
coarse
mixed dark and
light
crushed and stretched fabric; deformed
large crystals
Mylonite
foliated
coarse
mixed dark and
light
wrinkled foliation; often has large crystals
Schist
foliated
coarse
mixed
banded
Gneiss
foliated
coarse
mixed
distorted "melted" layers
Migmatite
foliated
coarse
dark
mostly hornblende
Amphibolite
nonfoliated
fine
greenish
soft; shiny, mottled surface
Serpentinite
nonfoliated
fine or
coarse
dark
dull and opaque colors, found near
intrusions
Hornfels
nonfoliated
coarse
red and green
dense; garnet and pyroxene
Eclogite
nonfoliated
coarse
light
soft; calcite or dolomite by the acid test
Marble
nonfoliated
coarse
light
quartz (no fizzing with acid)
Quartzite
Igneous rocks are tough, frozen melts with little texture or layering; mostly black, white and/or gray
minerals; may look like granite or like lava (about igneous rocks)
Sedimentary rocks are hardened sediment with sandy or clayey layers (strata); mostly brown to gray;
may have fossils and water or wind marks (about sedimentary rocks)
Metamorphic rocks are tough, with straight or curved layers (foliation) of light and dark minerals;
various colors; often glittery with mica (about metamorphic rocks)
Next, check the rock's grain size and hardness.
Grain Size: "Coarse" grains are visible to the naked eye, and the minerals can usually be identified
using a magnifier; "fine" grains are smaller and usually cannot be identified with a magnifier. (using a
magnifier, identifying minerals)
Hardness: Hardness (as measured with the Mohs scale) actually refers to minerals rather than rocks,
so a rock may be crumbly yet consist of hard minerals. But in simple terms, "hard" rock scratches
glass and steel, usually signifying the minerals quartz or feldspar (Mohs hardness 6-7 and up); "soft"
rock does not scratch a steel knife but scratches fingernails (Mohs 3-5.5); "very soft" rock does not
scratch fingernails (Mohs 1-2). Igneous rocks are always hard. Metamorphic rocks are generally hard.
Earth time line
Cleaning
little fossils
Sometimes, for smaller fossils, a stiff brush may simply be used to dust off and clean the fossil. For
larger fossils, a chisel can be used to remove large bits of dirt, however, you run the risk of damaging
the fossil. Running water can cause some types of fossils to either dislodge from the rock, or even
crumble and break apart, for they are very fragile.
Amber
Amber (also called amber incorrectly referred to as is a fossil resin which is derived from pine trees.
These trees were usually referred to by the scientific name Pinus succinifera, a living pine species.
The resin is millions of years ago dripped from the trees and then petrified. Amber dating from the
Mesozoic to the Quaternary. Amber is usually warm yellow to dark red in color, but there are more
green-, blue-or black-colored species. Transparent amber is commonly found the most beautiful and
most precious.
Baltic amber is fossilized resin of pine trees from Scandinavian area of about 44 million years old. At
that time there was a relatively mild climate and the pine forest stretched out far into the Nordic
area with trees up to 40 meters high. Enclosed by resin insects are exceptionally well preserved and
have the knowledge already learned a lot about the evolution between these fossil specimens and
our current bugs. All together nicely imaginative piece of earth history that inspired Steven Spielberg
in the making of the movie Jurassic Park.
minerals
:
There are more than 4,000 kinds of minerals and there are still new discovered.
Classification of Strunz
• 1 elements (eg, metals, carbon and sulfur)
• 2 Sulfides and sulfozouten (eg pyrite)
• 3 Halides (e.g., halite, or salt)
• 4 Oxides (eg cuprite)
• 5 carbonates (eg calcite and dolomite)
• 6 Borates (example boraciet)
• 7 Sulfates (eg gypsum and barite)
• 8 Phosphates, arsenates and vanadates (eg Turquoise)
• 9 Silicates (eg quartz, feldspar, biotite, muscovite, olivine, pyroxenes and amphibole)
• 10 Organic compounds (eg charcoal)
on the internet list of mineral species
Magnifying
Glasses :
A magnifying glass is good for looking at your finds. What are you looking for? You are looking at its
general condition. The condition helps determine its value. And sometimes you need to read the
small print on a find or try to find a signs what it is and out what time it is. This is vital and will enable
you to see fine marks, scratches and details on fossil and rocks that might otherwise be invisible to
the naked eye. The one for on the table mounting has also light what is very handy.
The price is always better when the condition is excellent mint.
Healing
stones
The science of healing stones
The science of healing stones is a gentle way of medicine, the energy of the stones used to restore
balance to the body and harmony. The science of healing stones, among other things influences
seven parts of the body, which are called chakras (power plants) and by which the exchange of
energy takes place. This branch of medicine does not belong to a professional level, which is why
literature is the best way to do it.
Deciding on what to
collect :
There is no deciding because if you search for rock you also will found fossils SO DO BOTH
Most great diggings
Mammoth 40,000 years old have been found in Siberia permafrost
In the eternal ice of Siberia is a sensational discovery was made. Hunters in the Far North of Russia,
the remains of a 40,000-year-old, well-preserved almost complete mammoth transferred to science.
Not only the skin and (almost all the bones) bones but also the muscles and some internal organs
have been preserved by the permafrost. "This is a young female animal, such a discovery has been
done before," said Gennadi Bojeskorov of the Russian Academy of Science
The largest gold nugget ever found was called the "Welcome Stranger" weighing in at 2316 troy
ounces (72.04 kg). It was found by John Deason and Richard Oates (pictured below with miners and
wives) at Moliagul, Victoria, Australia on February 5th, 1869. While the gold from the Welcome
Stranger is still out there, the nugget itself no longer exists. Smelting produced 2268 ozt, 10 dwt 14
grains of gold.
Books
:
Lots of books and magazines about rocks and fossils who can help you with this great hobby.
Internet is your best friend to search for this great hobby : stores – wed sites – software –
friend to trade.
different
countries
Fossil facts
tooth megalodon shark 12cm
Biggest shark
Megalodon is estimated to have been 40 to 50 feet long and weigh 48 tons!
Earth’s Oldest Fossils
The evidence of microscopic life forms has been detected as old as 3,700 to 3,800 million years ago.
This evidence was found in Isua greenstone in Greenland. There have been claims of evidence dating
back as far as 3,850 million years ago but these are not universally accepted. Scientists continue to
refine dating methods to get reliable data on the earliest life on earth.
The Oldest Fish Fossils
The oldest fish fossils on record were found at Chengjiang, in Yunnan Province, China. Two species
have been found dating from about 530 million years ago. Haikouichthys ercaicunensis, and
Myllokunmingia fengjiaoa, are recent finds. If verified these finds will rewrite the fish chapter of
evolution.
Largest Dinosaur
Sauroposeidon may have been the largest dinosaur ever to walk the face of the earth. Scientists
believe this gigantic dinosaur would have stood 60 feet tall (18 meters) and weighed 60 tonnes!
How and where do you
get and find your fossils:
Search for fossils in sedimentary rocks like mudstone and limestone. These rocks are the best
because fossils form when an animal, plant, or other signs of life such as a dinosaur footprint,
becomes buried in sediment, which is usually grains of mud or sand. Over thousands of years layers
of sediment build up, eventually turning into a sedimentary rock.
You can usually find fossils anywhere that sedimentary rocks are exposed at the surface. Look along
the coast on beaches, in quarries, on farm land, or even in your own garden.
Geological maps will tell you what age and type of rocks are present at the surface. Often fossils are
specific to rocks of a particular age, so this will give you an idea about what fossils you might find.
come on
get in
you have to get of your bench to get in !!
you never know what you
will find in the earth
COME ON GET IN AND OUTSIDE WITH THIS AWESOME HOBBY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Contact me and I put your link big on this page if you want !!!
The End