How To Determine If Turquoise Is Fake

real turquoise

Turquoise is quite popular due to its stunning bluish-green colors, extensive use in jewelry, and beadwork.  With the popularity and high demand come fakes and imitations. When shopping for higher-end turquoise jewelry the last thing you want to do is purchase what you believe to be turquoise when in all actuality it’s fake.  So, I’ve […]

Rock Collection Appraisals

rock collection and identification

There are a few reasons someone may want to have their rock collection appraised. While some people simply want to know what their collection is worth for their personal records, others may want to sell their rock collection, purchase insurance, or donate them. Aside from the “why,” another common question is where or who offers […]

List of Green Rocks and Minerals

chrome tourmaline crystal

If you’re new to this rock-collecting hobby then you’ll need to understand there are more gems, minerals, crystals, and specimens than you can possibly count or remember.  However, you’ll naturally fall in love with the ones that intrigue you the most.  More than likely it will be the crystal structure, the configuration of the crystals, […]

List of Black Rocks and Minerals

black crystals and minerals

The mysterious beauty of black rocks and minerals can be fascinating. From their sparkly surfaces to their unique textures, black rocks and minerals have captivated the attention of many. To come up with this list, I extensively researched the types of rocks and minerals available. I reviewed earth science articles, collected and analyzed some of […]

Gemologist Guide to Identifying Hematite

identify tumbled hematite

Hematite is a fairly common mineral collected by junior rockhounds.  More than likely you can go dig for Hematite in your state or you’ll find it at your local rock shop or gem and mineral show.  Now that we know most people have Hematite in their collection we need to make sure what we have […]

The Ultimate List of Rockhounding Tools

3lb crack hammers

There’s nothing worse than leaving the house to go rock-hounding and realize you’re unprepared for the trip.  When it comes to rock and mineral collecting, you’ll need some basic tools plus a couple of unique ones.  Your needs will depend on the type of minerals you’ll be collecting and the location. I’m going to share […]

Discover The Glowing Rock Called Yooperlite

glow in the dark rocks

When I was nine years old, I visited my cousins in Reading, Pennsylvania. Knowing I’m an avid rock collector, my cousin excitedly told me we’d be seeing the crystal caverns! He mistakenly believed the crystals would fluoresce in UV light but that got me thinking about other crystals and where a rockhound might be able […]

How Much is A Geode Worth?

value of an amethyst geode

Geodes come in all different varieties but the most popular variety is the ones lined with crystals which make them very popular for rock and mineral collectors.  They can be found on every continent and range in value. Some of the most common types of geodes include the following:   Amethyst geodes Thundereggs Potato stones […]

Best Vibratory Rock Tumblers on the Market

vibratory tumbler comparison

Are you looking for a vibratory rock tumbler? There are many types of vibratory rock tumblers on the market, but which is the best? The best vibratory rock tumbler choice will depend on your needs and preferences. The best vibratory rock tumblers in the market are Thumler’s UV-10 and Lot-o-Tumbler. They are easy to use, […]

Sell My Rocks, Gems, and Minerals Like a Professional

sell my rock mineral collection

Selling rocks, gems, or minerals can be an exciting venture. However, you wouldn’t want to start selling without knowing the value of your rock collection. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there looking for beginners to pull a fast one. They’ll gladly take an expensive collection off your hands at a lower price to turn around […]