Rockhounding Guides & Resources
Free guides on crystal identification, GPS dig sites, mineral weight tests, and finding secret rockhounding spots.
How to Find Secret Rockhounding Spots Near You
Learn how to use GPS coordinates, BLM maps, topo maps, and our rockhound map to discover hidden gem hunting locations that most people walk right past.
How to Identify Rocks and Crystals in the Field
From the scratch test to crystal identification by shape and luster — learn the hands-on methods rockhounds use to name that rock before they get home.
Mineral Weight & Specific Gravity — What It Tells You
Specific gravity is one of the most underused ID tools. Learn how to use our mineral weight calculator to identify specimens by density alone.
The Best State Parks for Rockhounding (and What the Rules Are)
Not all state parks let you collect — but some are legendary. Here's a guide to which parks welcome rockhounds and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
Essential Rockhounding Tools for Beginners
You don't need expensive gear to start rockhounding. Here's exactly what to bring on your first dig — and what's worth upgrading later.
Best Rockhounding States for Beginners (Easiest Finds)
New to rockhounding? These states have the best combination of accessible public land, easy-to-find gems, and beginner-friendly pay-to-dig mines.
Rockhounding with Kids — How to Make It Fun and Safe
Family gem hunting tips: how to keep kids engaged, what sites are kid-friendly, what gear to bring, and how to turn a dig into a lifelong passion.
What Is Rockhounding? A Complete Beginner's Introduction
Never heard of rockhounding? Here's everything you need to know — what it is, where to go, what you can find, and how to get started this weekend.
Rockhounding Near Me — How to Find Spots Close to Home
You don't need to drive hours to find great rocks. Learn how to locate gem hunting spots within 50 miles of home using free maps, apps, and local clubs.
Crystals for Beginners — The 10 Most Findable Gems in the Wild
These 10 minerals are the most commonly found by rockhounders across the US — what they look like, where to find them, and how to identify them in the field.
How to Sell Rocks and Minerals You Find
Wondering if your finds are worth money? Learn how to value specimens, where to sell them, and which minerals actually command real prices in today's market.
Gold Panning for Beginners — Find Real Gold in Streams Near You
Gold panning is one of the most accessible forms of rockhounding. Here's everything you need to start finding real gold flakes and nuggets in US streams.
Rockhounding Safety — How to Stay Safe in the Field
Rockhounding takes you to remote terrain, mine sites, and desert environments. These safety basics will keep you coming home with rocks — and all your fingers.
Pay-To-Dig Mines: What to Expect and How to Get the Most Out of Them
Pay-to-dig mines let you keep what you find. Here's how they work, what gems you can expect, and tips for maximizing your haul.
Best Rockhounding Sites in Every US State
A state-by-state breakdown of the top rockhounding destinations, what gems you can find there, and how to access each location.
Rockhounding on BLM Land and National Forests — A Complete Guide
BLM land and National Forests cover hundreds of millions of acres and most allow free rock collecting. Here's exactly how the rules work and where to find the best spots.
How to Polish Rocks and Tumble Gems at Home
Turn rough rocks into glossy gems with a rock tumbler. Here's how tumblers work, what grit stages to use, and which rocks polish best.
How to Identify Gems and Minerals by Color
Color is the first thing you notice. Here's a quick-reference guide to the most commonly found rocks and minerals organized by color with key identification shortcuts.
Michigan's Petoskey Stone — How to Find and Polish the State Stone
The Petoskey stone is Michigan's state stone and one of the most recognizable fossils in North America. Here's where to find them, what they are, and how to polish them to a mirror finish.
Geode Hunting — Where to Find Geodes and How to Crack Them Open
Geodes look like plain gray rocks on the outside but hide crystal-filled cavities inside. Here's where the best geode hunting is in the US and how to open them safely.
Rockhounding the Pacific Northwest — Oregon, Washington & Idaho
The Pacific Northwest is one of the richest rockhounding regions in North America. Here's your guide to thunder eggs, agates, petrified wood, obsidian, garnets, and more.
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