Field Tools for the Rockhound

Appropriate tools will make your rockhounding trips easier and safer. You will not, however, need all the tools we list! Pick the ones you need for your particular expedition.

Formation of Geodes

Plain rock on the outside, crystalline cavern on the inside: geologists don’t entirely agree on how geodes are formed, but here’s what we do know.

How To Clean Geodes

You’ve bought or found your geode, but is it clear? Dusty? Here’s how to get it sparkling.

How To Pan for Gold

Panning for gold can be a lucrative hobby, or a great family activity. It's a relaxing (or exciting!) way to spend some time outside and get in touch with nature. To be really successful, perseverance and patience are necessary, but the thrill of finding even the tiniest flake of gold is worth the effort!

Video: How To Pan for Gold: Tips & Tricks 

Members of the Gold Prospectors Association of New Mexico show you the basics of finding those precious little flakes of gold using a gold pan.

Rock and Mineral Identification

Field identification of rocks and minerals can be an approximate, best-guess sort of business. If you have a good field guide in hand, however, noting a few basics about a specimen will get you started in the right direction.

Rocks and Minerals Compared

The terms "rocks" and "minerals" are often linked, and are nearly as often confused with each other. The difference between the two is easy to learn, though identifying them is harder!

UV Light and Fluorescent Minerals

See a glow—and identify your minerals—with UV lights!

Where to Find Gold in the United States

You don’t have to trek west to prospect for gold… you can find it right at home!

Gold, by Paul Hlava

Paul Hlava explains the properties and the poetry of gold.

Garnets, by Paul Hlava

Paul Hlava discusses the chemistry and colors of January’s birthstone.

Play of Colors in Minerals, by Paul Hlava

Paul Hlava demonstrates that optics isn’t just for astronomy: it’s for understanding why minerals iridesce, too!

The Colors of Quartz, by Paul Hlava

Did you know that most minerals are naturally colorless, and the colors in them are caused by impurities? Learn about how this works with quartz.

Pseudomorphs, by Paul Hlava

The name pseudomorph means "false form" and it is applied to material that retains the external form of a previous crystal. Here’s how pseudomorphs are made.

Safe Collecting, by Paul Hlava

A guide to staying safe while you’re rockhounding.

New Species of Garnet is Discovered

A University  of Maine graduate student is credited with discovering a significant new species of garnet, named menzerite-Y in honor of the German crystallographer Georg Menzer.

Take a Turquoise Tour to Mount Chalchihuitl

If you're in New Mexico (or planning to be) and you'd like to see a historic turquoise mine, be sure to schedule a tour of the Mount Chalchihuitl site.