Rocks and gems

Do you have a rock hound in your family? These geology apps can help him recognize and learn about rocks and minerals.

Dive into the world of Fire Agate, a gemstone known for its mesmerizing iridescence and detailed botryoidal inclusions. Learn about its properties, how to identify it, and where to find it. A must-read for collectors and enthusiasts keen on understanding and appreciating this unique crystal. photo: western_opals

An experienced prospector knows that not all gold-bearing rocks are created equal. This guide covers identifying 6 rocks that can contain gold, like quartz, granite, slate, basalt, schist, and iron pyrite. Learn what clues to look for, like iron oxides and color. Whether you're a rockhound searching for golden treasures or just curious about geology, use this info on gold-containing rocks to find hidden riches!

Every rockhound loves a good geode, and the best are those we’ve gathered ourselves. While it can be tempting to start busting every rock you find with a rock pick, you can usually tell before you attack. Geodes are a specific formation and can usually be identified by their round shape and bumpy texture. These reliable indicators don’t tell the whole story, however. So, let’s go a bit further and give you an overview of how to tell if a rock is a geode.

It doesn't matter if you're a novice or an experienced prospector, finding a gem mine near you that is accessible and mineable is often a daunting task. There i

Learn more about major types of sedimentary rocks including arkose, alabaster, rock gypsum, sandstone, rock salt, and coal.

There’s no question that Mother Nature has been generous enough to give us countless gifts of everything we need to survive. Not to mention the breathtaking landscapes and adorable animals that make our hearts melt. But sometimes we can get stuck in the fast pace of our urban lifestyles and barely even notice the beauty surrounding us.

Want to impress your friend with your rock knowledge? Here are 30 types of rocks that you ought to know to get you started.

The Gem Collector Gemstone Identification Natural designed for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Source: eQuilter