[Rockhounds] Collecting techniques questions

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

Paintricks at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi there,
>   I see a lot of collecting sites given about our favorite place and  love
> all that I learn here.
>   I have a question about collecting techniques.   How are  some of our
> favorites recovered?  What are the signs to look for in the  country rock that give
> us details about a minerals location?  How to dig  it, how to pick out areas
> driving by at 50 or better?  Anything.  A  lot of prospecting I do driving
> down old country roads off the beaten paths or  hiking.
>   Any info on this would be good.  And any unusual ways to find  things in
> our areas.
>   Thanks in advance,
>    Kevin


Kevin,

If you know where you are going collecting in advance, you should look
up what minerals are found there. MinDat is convenient. If you know what
you are looking for it is easier to find it. It also makes it easier to
recognize something unusual or unexpected. 

Try to find a local rock shop. Look over the local minerals and buy a
specimen that the owner probably collected. Talk to the owner about
where you might be able to collect locally. Identify where the mines and
quarries in the area are.

You may want to research the geology of the area. It will help you
identify features at 50 mph that should be checked out. Stop at road
cuts and try to figure out where you are in the geology. Be safe. Make
an occasional random stop. Get permission where needed.

Whereever you stop, look for the unusual shape, color, texture,
association, or size. Look for regular shaped surfaces (crystal edges),
patterns, or textures. Look at what sparkles. Look for straight lines or
circles (spheres). Randomly pick up some of what is laying around
everywhere. Watch for vugs and seams where the odd stuff grows. 

Pull out your whammer and safety glasses, and break a couple likely
looking rocks to see what might be inside. Take some of the broken rock
since you picked something interesting to crack.

Don't bother digging unless you have very good reason to suspect it will
be worthwhile. Digging is hard work. Randomly stop and check out small
areas in detail.

Look around again for what you expect to find. Trace your steps
backwards and look at the same ground from the other direction. Randomly
turn over rocks to see if the other side looks interesting.

Tell your spouse, child, or inexperienced collecting companion about
what you are looking for. They might give you some of what they
inevitably find.

When you get back to your vehicle, write the location on a shopping bag,
and put your specimens inside. You may want to find your way back, so
make a good location. Note any field identifications on the bag too. You
will be glad you did next February when you finally look over and label
the specimens you collected in the summer heat.

Kreigh