Public Land Rockhounding – Rules and Regulations
2025-01-07
Public lands in the United States encompass approximately 640 million acres, managed by various federal and state agencies. These landsContinue Reading
What are Minerals? – How Are Minerals Formed?
2024-12-20
Have you ever picked up a shiny rock and wondered what it’s made of? I certainly had (no wonder IContinue Reading
Sagenite – The Needle-Like Wonders of Mineral Formations
2024-12-18
Sagenite is not a mineral species or a scientific term but rather a descriptive label for net-like or radiating needle-likeContinue Reading
Understanding Serpentine: Formation, Composition, and Identification
2024-11-28
Serpentine is the state rock of California Serpentine is a group of minerals known for their smooth, waxy texture andContinue Reading
Plume Agate: Formation, Location, & Processing Tips
2024-11-24
Plume Agate is a fascinating variety of chalcedony known for its unique inclusions, which resemble branching plants, wisps of smoke,Continue Reading
Fluorite Crystal: Formation, Composition, and Identification
2024-11-22
Fluorite is a stunning mineral that occurs as well-formed crystals in various colors. While most frequently purple, fluorite crystal canContinue Reading
Ocean Beach Rockhounding: A Simple Guide to Finding Treasures
2024-10-17
Collecting beautiful rocks along the shore is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies. If you’ve ever walked alongContinue Reading
Apache Tear: Origins, Locations, and Legends
2024-09-30
Apache Tear is not a scientific mineral name but rather a nickname for a unique type of obsidian nodules. ItContinue Reading
Understanding Obsidian: Formation, Composition, and Identification
2024-09-28
Obsidian is one of the most fascinating minerals. However, it’s not technically a rock—it’s natural volcanic glass. While typically black,Continue Reading
Sunstone Crystal aka Aventurine Feldspar: Properties and Global Varieties
2024-09-20
Sunstone is a gem-quality feldspar known for a distinct optical phenomenon called aventurescence, or the Schiller effect (in German, SchillerContinue Reading