Half the battle in planning a successful rockhounding trip is gearing up for the trip itself. There aren't a lot of tools and equipment required for hunting rocks, but it's important to have the right ones for the right type of rock. Tweezers won't be of any use when a sledgehammer and chisel is required.
Rockhounding Tools
There are a few basic tools that no rockhound should be without, and then there are advanced tools that can put a rockhound in the same league wih Batman's utility belt. Ideally a rockhound might want to shoot for something in-between.
First on the list should be a good pair of leather or work gloves along with a second pair of rubber or latex gloves for working with water and mud. Work gloves protect the hands from cuts and punctures of sharp crystals while rubber gloves insulate and keep hands warm when working in sluice runs.
Hammers, sledgehammers, chisels, and picks are good for busting and breaking rocks open to expose minerals and gems inside. Having and wearing safety glasses imperative for rock breaking. Never break rocks without putting on a pair of safety glasses first.
Shovels, trowels and hand shovels are necessary for unearthing buried gems. For gold prospecting activities rockhounds will want to make sure they have a gold sieve. Tweezers, specimen containers, a sponge and misting bottle come in handy for identifying and collecting small gemstones. In some instances having a magnet handy can also help to identify lodestone and other magnetic rocks.
For transporting rocks bring a cardboard box, plastic bin or bucket. Wrap the rocks in a towel, newspaper or bubble wrap to protect during transit. Store small rocks in a plastic tackle box to prevent shifting, and even smaller gems can be placed in 35mm film containers or small Ziploc bags.
Other Must Have Rock Hunting Tools
Drinking water, snacks, medicine, hat, sunglasses, sun screen, long sleeve shirt, knee pads, and a chair or towel to sit on are all items that help make a dig more comfortable, especially during extreme weather. Rockhounding can be very strenuous so be sure to drink plenty of water while digging or breaking rocks and remember to take frequent rest breaks.
Handy but not necessary for a successful trip is a handy pocket guide to rock and mineral identification. A topographical map can also be beneficial for rockhounds that are trying to select ridge lines and gullies to check for rocks. Last but not least, know the location and what to expect and planning will go smoother.
Beverly Hill - Beverly is an outdoor adventure writer who owns and maintains Northwest Florida Outdoor Adventure.
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