6 Tips for a Successful Trip Rock Collecting

Want to find your own gems, minerals, and geodes but don't know where to start? It can be tricky starting out collecting rocks when you don't know where to go or how to find what you're looking for.

Gerry has been rock collecting since he started college, back in the 70s. It has become a passion of his and has fed Blue Stone as well. Minerals that Gerry mined in the United States are Azurite (what Blue Stone is named after) from Arizona, Agate and Septarian Nodules from Utah, Smithsonite from New Mexico, and Labradorite in Wyoming just to name a few. Items the crew find on their trips are sold in the store or cut into cabochons, set into Sterling Silver, or wire-wrapped, and sold as jewelry. Over the years, we have collected some tips for creating a successful trip while rock collecting. Continue reading to learn how to find your own rocks, where to look, how to dig, and what specific tools you need to have a successful trip!

*Locations of where to rock collect are below!

1. Research locations: Depending on where you live you could have to travel far to find what you're looking for. Different gems and minerals are found in different locations so first prioritize whether the stone you find is most important or your travel time. Use books found at the library or Gem Trail books, media, and anything you can find including a friend or someone who has been rock collecting before.

2. Prepare your map: When you decide whether you want to travel farther to get a specific stone or whether you want to find the stone/gem/mineral that is closest to you, you can use Google, Gaia GPS, and YouTube to prepare your map. In many rock collecting areas, there is not much or any phone signal. Google Maps is always helpful in any situation where you have a phone signal. You can use Google Maps to get closer to the location. Gaia GPS is helpful when you need to get to places with little to no signal. You are able to create, edit, and measure routes. They also have a feature to alert you of weather, fire, and avalanche forecasts. They have a free version but also cheap options (starting at $2.99/month). YouTube is great to watch beforehand. You can look up where you will be collecting. Rock collectors make videos that give you tips on how to arrive easier and where to find the best specimens.

3. Have the proper tools: In order to have the best experience you need the right tools. You will need hammers, chisels, gloves, collecting bags, and/or buckets. Other good items to bring with you are a hat, sunscreen, water, and a meal/snack depending on how long you'll be out.

Special Tip: When rock collecting, it depends on what you're mining, sometimes you just surface collect other times you have to dig out of pockets. Be careful when digging. When looking for geodes first look for pieces of broken geodes then you can see the outside and find whole geodes.

4. Arrange for your trip: Whether you'll be traveling far or not it's important to plan your trip accordingly. Take off a day or several from work/school so that you don't have to rush. Make sure your car is ready (oil change, good tires, first aid kit, snacks, water bottles, blankets, extra change of clothes) and ready for any type of situation. Make a meal, or two, and bring along some snacks so you don't get too hungry. Don't forget your tools and maps! The most important thing to prepare before leaving is your attitude and mindset. Stay open-minded and have low expectations. Everything may not turn out perfect but that's okay.

5. Join a club: Gem and Mineral Clubs are a great way to learn more. Many clubs host field trips so you can try going with a club before braving it and going by yourself. Here you can click on your state and find clubs located in your area.

6. Experience: The more you rock collect, the more you'll be able to figure things out. Like said before, it might not go perfectly (or even well) the first time you go. You may get lost, get a flat tire, or who knows but the more you get out and collect the easier it'll get. Don't be afraid to talk to people who know more about rock collecting and ask lots of questions. You can do this!