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Baby boomers are ideal candidates for becoming the new generation of rockhounds. Statistics reveal that baby boomers are concentrated in metropolitan areas, as opposed to rural counties. What better way for those urbanites to gain a broader perspective of life throughout our country than to become rockhounds? Rockhounding can be as intensive or as relaxed as you want to make it. You do not need a four-wheel-drive vehicle! Many rockhounds are RVers or campers. Some enjoy exploring the wonders of the earth on their travels while visiting children and grandchildren. So, how do you get started? Field collecting guides are useful in planning trips. Specific books will cover a single state or wider area you might be visiting. Books on rockhounding topics including geology, gem and mineral identification, fossils and even jewelry making are available at your local library. Rock and Gem Magazine is an excellent resource which also lists Rock and Mineral Shows throughout the United States. Elderhostel, Adventures in Lifelong Learning, offers programs in lapidary skills as well as geology and field collecting. Gem and mineral societies are found across the country. Our group members are happy to advise and share what we know to get you started on this fascinating hobby. So, get out there, fellow Boomers! A whole new world of adventure awaits!! Happy digging, Marcia

posted by nanaflower

I took geology and I was surprised to find how interesting these classes were, even fascinating. But I had a difficult time identifying many rocks. It seems to take a lot of practice. I think I could start with Geodes because my grandpa had tons of them. He made his living room fireplace surround and put geodes throughout the entire thing. It was so pretty.

He gave me a half a geode when I was very young and I packed it and carried it with me everywhere I moved.

I could identify quartz. I have a pretty large piece that I found on my friend's property while she was showing me her horses. I was pretty excited to see this big piece of beautiful, pale pink rock. She gave it to me saying they were all over her property.

I think your suggestions are good. I've been so involved with political subjects that I've put this one on a back burner. But I have a friend who has some interest in this hobby too so I'm going to start learning more today.

I went arrow hunting with a friend once. She was extremely knowledgeable about the subject. I was really surprised when we drove out to the surrounding country, she pulled over, and after looking for about a half hr. found one. She said creek areas are good places to find them. Since then, I've looked around many creeks and I've never found one. My mom is amazing at it though.

Obsidian! I could identify that one too.

posted by Inconscient
11 months ago

Hi,

I have a Ward's Rock and Mineral collection (108 samples), that I purchased over 30 years ago. Lost many of the specimen trays, and numbers on specimens have come off. Is there a way to discuss these samples and determine their identity? Could I e-mail a pic, with some info, and get help?

Thanks,
Roger