The life of a rock hound comes with a certain devotion to travel and the outdoors: climbing mountains, crossing deserts, wading creeks. But it also means plenty of time indoors at great museums, at gem shows and in some really great rock shops.
Who counts as a rock hound?
By our definition, if you have even a single rock you picked up on a dresser, windowsill or garage shelf, you are a rock hound. Anyone who wears stone jewelry counts too. Rock hounds? Oh yeah, for sure. That makes it one of the biggest and friendliest hobbies around.
Where to find rock hounds
- At the big shows: Quartzsite, Arizona in January, Tucson in late January and February, and Denver in September, where dealers and collectors fill hotels, tents and convention halls.
- At local clubs: most regions have a gem and mineral club with meetings, field trips and an annual show. It’s the best way to learn local collecting spots.
- At museums: natural history museums are full of world-class specimens and are a great way to learn to recognize what you find.
- Out in the field: on beaches, gravel bars, creek beds and desert washes, usually with a bucket, a rock hammer and a pair of gloves.
Collect responsibly
- Know whose land it is: casual collecting of reasonable amounts of common rocks for personal use is generally allowed on most Bureau of Land Management land, but collecting is not allowed in national parks.
- Ask first on private land: always get the owner’s permission.
- Take only what you will use: leave plenty for the next rock hound, and fill in any holes you dig.
- Check local rules: state parks, national forests and beaches each have their own regulations, so check before you go.
From hobby to side business
Plenty of rock hounds sell their finished stones at craft fairs, club shows or online. Polished stones, jewelry and small gift bags are popular. If you go this route, keep a log of what works so your batches are consistent, and check the local rules for collecting and selling. Rock taken from public land for personal use generally can’t be sold.
Bring your finds home and see what’s inside. Start with our four-step rotary guide, or shop tumbling media.