Rock Collection Basics

7 Steps to Rock Collection

Rock Collection Basics

In this article I will take you through the steps in creating your very own rock collection. You will learn about rock collection types, how to document and store your rock collection. 1. Determine Rock collection types 2. Locations to start your rock collection 3. Documenting your rock collection 4. Rock collection equipment 5. Cleaning your rock collection 6. Storing your rock collection 7. Sites to Display your rock collection

1 Rock Collection Types and Theme Rock collection is one of those hobbies that can provide you with great thrill and excitement by bringing you from one end of the world to the other. Every rock you un-turn could lead to an unforgettable treasure such as a Fossil or Mineral There are three types of rock collections for your hobby. • Igneous rock collection • Sedimentary rock collection • Metamorphic rock collection (foliated and non foliated)

If you wish you could create a collection of all three categories. I strongly recommend you staying away from this idea. This approach will result in you picking up every rock under the sun which contains minerals, fossils, oddly shaped rocks and before you know it, you have boxes of rocks stored in the garage of which you will never look at again. This can be highly frustrating and may result in you giving up on your rock collection. I understand at first you will gather a nice selection of everything but you really need to become focused on a specific theme such as rock type, rock colour and rock size or even location.

2 Locations to start your rock collection Initially you will start to find rocks in your locality, this is good for a first step as it begins to train your eye into finding features on rocks by which you can identify. As time moves on you will become better and begin to replace the older samples with newer samples. This is a good approach as you are constantly improving your rock collection. If you are on the hunt for metamorphic rock, stick to areas of intense heat. If you are on the hunt for sedimentary rock have a look at streams, lakes and rivers. If you are on the hunt for igneous rock head to volcanic islands or areas where there has been volcanic activity in the past.

3 Documenting your rock collection It is important to document every rock you find, when you find it. You will never remember the location, time etc when you return home. When documenting your rock collection document the date and time, location and rock type. It would also be handy if you had a GPS as this device would give you the map reading (gps co-ordinats) as to where exactly your rock was located, if in any time you wish to return. When documenting your rock collection be sure to bag your find and label as you go. Use different bags for different locations.

4 Rock collection equipment It is important to become well prepared, when rock collecting you will need the following Geologist Hammer Hand Lens Water Food First Aid Good Hiking Boots

5 Cleaning your rock collection This is a process of which you must take great care, when cleaning your rock collection. You can just as easily destroy your entire collection in terms of value. Many rock collectors are amazed when they go about cleaning their rock collection as the true beauty of the rock then shows. The best approach would be to use water and a tooth brush to clear away the light sediment. You can always submerge your findings in a bucket of water for a few days in order to dissolve or loosen the heavy clay or other rocks. Note that sometimes your rock collection can be just as nice even in its natural state, the way you found it. If you wish to go further with your cleaning you may use chemicals. This method should be taken with great care as you may end up destroying your rock collection. If you need to remove small particles of grit stuck in cracks, you may use a dentist's tooth pick. These can be picked up in most hobby and craft stores.

6 Storing your rock collection After going to the trouble of collecting your rock collection the last thing you should do is throw your collection into a bucket and store in the garage. You can easily make or purchase your own storing device. Common methods include using egg carton containers, shoe boxes, corrugated cardboard boxes and glass cases. It is important to mark each rock for them to stay in order. You may paint a small white mark onto the rock and then give the rock a number. From here you can note the number in a note book keeping reference to all details of the rock itself. It may be a good idea to photograph each rock and upload the photos onto a Rock collection hobby enthusiast site such as hobeze. This method will enable you to view your entire rock collection to the world.

7 Sites to Display your rock collection There are some good sites these days that i have come across. One in particular would include a hobby enthusiast site called hobeze. This site enables you to create a profile for your hobby or interest. It gives you the opportunity to view other rock collections from other members and gives you the opportunity to sell your collection to interested members. Ebay is another great site which enables you to sell your collection to other rock enthusiasts.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com