How do I get started?
The question I most often get asked is, “How do I get started?” If I can figure this out anyone can! My last geology class was more than 20 years ago. I started rockhounding when I was 35 with no prior experience. I have three kids with a 10 year span between the oldest and youngest. So, to be frank, I didn’t have a lot going for me. Here is what I did and do have though. I have a great love of nature. I find being outside to be soothing and if I go on a hike it is the journey not the destination I am interested in. *Point of note, unless that destination is a waterfall, then I’m all about the destination! I also feel totally comfortable saying “I don’t know but I bet we can find out!”
My first bit of advice would be to approach rockhounding with very few expectations and an open mind. If the rock looks “neat” pick it up. I promise it doesn’t matter if you cannot identify the mineral. Just get out there, look down, and all of a sudden you notice just how many colors there are amongst the rocks.
So now you have a handful/tote bag full/bucket full of “neat” rocks. You can stop right here. Enjoy your finds and plan your next trip.
If, however, you’re like me and you quickly develop a passion for rocks I have a few additional suggestions.
Join your local in person or Facebook rockhounding group
Read ALL THE THINGS. It actually isn’t as complicated as I’d worried. There are three basic kinds of rock, everything you find will be in one of those three groups. Between acid, scratch, water and visual tests odds are you will figure out what the rock you’ve found might be.
Before you go to a new rockhounding spot take maybe five minutes to see how that ground was formed. You can rule out lots of options simply by knowing how the earth your standing on came to be there.
Don’t worry about expensive supplies. I am using a rock hounding hammer my brother found beside a stream years ago, a spray bottle that was $1.99 from Lowes, and a free tote bag I got from a store.
Do buy decent safety glasses if you’re going to break open stones. They look stupid and aren’t always comfortable but it beats the heck out of a piece of rock in your eye.
That is about all you need to get started. I do suggest buying “A Falcon Guide” for rockhounding in your state. In addition to giving you tips about where to look they do a great job of reminding you of the things to watch out for where you live. Happy Rockhounding!