CactiGuide.com

(I posted this not where it was supposed to be initially)
Anyone interested in this hobby?

Yep, Utah has a lotta cool geologic formations, volcanic activity locations, gemstones, U-Dig fossil sites, meteorites, geode beds, petrified wood, you name it. Also gas a very generous collecting policy for recreational rockhounders. Oh, forgot to mention ....Agate! Tons of it just lying on the surface. Pigeon Blood Agate is pretty neat. I have a small jar of meteorites from the Yelland strewn field.

Steve-0 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:44 pm Yep, Utah has a lotta cool geologic formations, volcanic activity locations, gemstones, U-Dig fossil sites, meteorites, geode beds, petrified wood, you name it. Also gas a very generous collecting policy for recreational rockhounders. Oh, forgot to mention ....Agate! Tons of it just lying on the surface. Pigeon Blood Agate is pretty neat. I have a small jar of meteorites from the Yelland strewn field.

Well ... at least im not alone/
Calcite (tiny)

Pyrite on matrix(tiny)

Chalcedony

Quartz(shapeless)

Forgot what this crystal was called

Gypsum

Banded thing(jasper? agate?)

Jaspers

I have some other things, but all of these are found(not bought).
Havent been to any proper dig sites or events. No such thing where I am...

I've been collecting rocks longer than I have been growing cacti... I have too many specimens to share but here's two in the collection:

Quartz but read the label


Dioptase, from Tsumeb Namibia


I do have my fair share of self-collected ones from varying field trips to quarries, but nothing too special past "Kyanite"

Nice pieces, both of you!

Two geode halves from Dugway geode beds in the Utah West desert .

I also dabble in flint knapping.

Add me to the list! It was my big hobby before cacti and succulents. In fact, I'd probably still be more into rock collecting than C&S if I hadn't moved to LA. Perfect climate for growing plants and no rocks to collect (at least not in the city)

A rockhound owns more pieces of quartz than underwear.
A rockhound thinks the primary function of road cuts are for easy rock and mineral collecting.
Rockhounds tend to lick rocks in order to bring out all of the wonderful natural colors.
A rock hound would rather attend the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show than visit Hawaii.
Rockhounds ALWAYS find themselves examining individual rocks in driveway gravel.

I also examine gravel that is used for cacti or rocks in maintain hikes. Bring one or several in my backpack almost every time coming home. Rocks end up in my garden, top of pots or into several treasure bowls around. Some are purchased from shops. Virtually care-free, not like cacti.


Some of the rock I found quick. Not all are so precious, just good looking. That on up-right is quite heavy and all-metallic inside, maybe a chunk of silver or lead.
Remembered one more source to gather rocks: garage sales.

Someone knows what is this:

It is soft and crunchy, might be some building material.

I just found this thread!!
and boy am I a rock hound
I collected rocks and minerals since I was kid
In my late teens to mid thirties did extensive rock and mountain climbing, always picking up crystals and other goodies
Then in my thirties, I started Fine Mineral collecting which amounts going to rock shows, buying minerals and reading the Mineralogical Record

Now I'm a dealer, C and D Minerals
I have tons of sweet self found crystals and Pet wood
But also purchased an extensive collection of mostly gem crystals and rare collectables

Diaspore, from Turkey, very rare Turns green in sunlight

Enstatite, from Burma Spessartine with tourmaline from Afghanistan

I have an interest in rocks and minerals, but not very active.

The Franklin Mineral Museum in Franklin, NJ is a 30 minute ride from my home. https://franklinmineralmuseum.com/

You can take a tour of the ground level of the old NJ Zinc Mine in Ogdensburg, NJ. It is called Sterling Hill Mine Tour and Museum. Also about 30 minutes away. https://www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/

There is about 100 feet of hill over your head. You have to wear a hard hat. Air temp is about 55F and damp. Feels great on a hot summer day. They have a rainbow room where you experience pitch black when they turn off the lights, then they turn on the UV lights and the specimens placed on the floor and the ore vein in the wall just pop. The mine is flooded now. They still mine some of the ore so collectors can sort through it for a fee.

Some more photos

I entered this collection of gem crystal thumbnails in a local show in 2005 Photo of the Top Shelf in the Crystal Case Tourmaline Australian Opal Fossils And for the Knapper above, here is a modern "Danish Dagger"
that I bought at the Quartzite Pow Wow, amazing fluted handle

Each stone tells a story. I only need to look and listen to appreciate.

Total rockhound here, but have moved into gemstones and minerals. And at that, I avoid being in the same place as stones and minerals--I'm an addict!

That knapping is beautiful work, along with the pieces by Steve-O. Please add me to your list. I'd love to follow and contribute.

A couple more photos I have easy access to
These are considered Fine Minerals

One of my favorite minerals
Afghanite
Vesuvianite from Afghanistan
Spodumene crystal in Amazonite
Spray of Epidote