I've always been fascinated by rocks and fossils -- some people call it "rockhounding". Are you familiar with the term (or hobby?!)
Heard of it but would love to know what it means?
It's basically the study and collecting of rocks and mineral specimens for fun.
Ok so its like amatuer geology?
*Exactly* the name for it. Basically, the first amateur geologists were prospectors looking for valuable minerals and gemstones to make money.
Are there any laws in place regarding the collection of rocks and minerals from public areas?
Depending on where you are -- definitely! Tourist info centers and chambers of commerce can provide good intel as to what's allowed where. But I do know some state parks have *strict* rules against it.
Ok what kind of equipment would I need to go rockhounding?
tool with a pick-like point on one end, and a flat hammer on the other. The hammer end is for breaking rocks, and the pick end is mainly used for prying and digging into crevices. The pick end of most rock hammers can dull quickly if struck onto bare rock. Rock collectors may also bring a sledgehammer to break hard rocks. Good places for a collector to look are quarries, road cuts, rocky hills and mountains, and streams.
There are many different laws in place regarding the
Amateur geology
Amateur geology (known as rockhounding in the United States and Canada) is the recreational study and hobby of collecting rocks and mineral specimens from the natural environment.
Collecting.
The first amateur geologists were prospectors looking for valuable minerals and gemstones for commercial purposes. Eventually, however, more people have been drawn to amateur geology for recreational purposes, mainly for the beauty that rocks and minerals provide.
One reason for the rise in popularity of amateur geology is that a collection can begin by simply picking up