Polka Dot Agate Mine
The Polka Dot Agate Mine has become quite popular as of late due to the unique agates mined from this location. If live in Oregon or planning a rockhounding trip to Oregon then make sure you put this location on your list of dig sites. The mining area is located in Northern Oregon, Southeast of […]
What Is A Hag Stone?
Hag stones have been collected, worn, and used for magic and ceremonial practices in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. If you lived in the Middle East or North Africa thousands of years ago then you used hag stones to treat poisoning and unknown ailments. If you’re a rock hound like me then these stones have […]
Mexican Fire Opal
Mexican fire opal is a variety of opals and is easily identified by its orange-red color. As the name suggests, most of the material comes from mines in Mexico and a handful of other areas. Their coloration ranges from the typical shades of fire. Most of the material lacks the internal play of color but […]
Largest Petrified Tree
Petrification is the natural (magical) act of permineralization. Throughout time, once a piece of wood has been buried underground, minerals can slowly become deposited into the tree’s cells. The minerals harden, turning into a stone mold while the organic material surrounding it dies away. When thinking about the largest petrified tree, Arizona, California, and the […]
Dendritic Opal Guide
There are a few gemstone varieties that have dendritic inclusions, dendritic opal is one of the well-known ones. This variety of opal contains dark inclusions that form incredible fern-like or tree-like patterns across the gemstone’s surface. Dendritic opal is relatively abundant and a favorite among lapidary artists. What Is Dendritic Opal? This […]
Rarest Gemstones on Earth
Rare gemstones are some of the most interesting rocks and minerals in the world and most of them have a great story or a long history. As we continue to dig for resources, humans will continue to unearth new minerals for us rockhounds to ooh and ahh over. Gemstones are comprised of a variety of […]
How To Identify Painite
Panite can be a difficult gemstone to identify because its color and specific gravity overlap rubies, spessartites, and almandines. However, painite has refractive index values differing from rubies, and their absorption spectrum and birefringence distinguish them from garnets. Keep reading below to find out how to produce an accurate refractive index value. How to […]
Bumblebee Jasper, All You Need to Know
Bumblebee jasper was discovered in the early 90s and rock collectors have been impressed with its bright stripes ever since. Its name is derived from the close resemblance it has with a bumblebee. The orange, grey and black bands give it a bumble-like appearance. What is this crystal made from? Where is it found? Is […]
Purple Crystals
We’re bringing you our favorite list of purple crystals ranging from common and well-known crystals to rare and hard-to-find varieties. One thing they all have in common is they are all a shade on the purple spectrum. One of the rarer colors in the mineral realm is purple but the variety of crystals is never […]
Magnetic Rocks
There is this general rule that dark-colored rocks and minerals tend to contain more magnetic minerals and iron. While you’re scouring the ground looking for your next specimen to add to your collection you should keep an eye out for rocks that are opaque, black, and have a strong metallic luster because they have a […]