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Has your child ever
stumbled across an interesting rock that he
wanted to identify? Whether you are an amateur
rock collector or a die-hard rock-hound, rock
collecting offers something for everyone.
Rock collecting is an activity all ages can
enjoy. Beginners can start simply and take
delight in the wonders of the rocks around them.
Later, this fun hobby can be expanded as you
investigate new areas and learn to classify
different rocks. You can even collect rocks
while on vacation which “will both expand your
collection and make interesting souvenirs,”
suggests Jim Naum-Bedigian, Marist High School
geologist. You can pursue this activity at your
pace and by your rules, so take advantage of the
wonders around you!
Georgia is a great state for rock collectors
because of the many places rock collectors can
visit to obtain new rocks, as well as a number
of rock and mineral museums. You and your child
can have endless hours of fun finding both
typical Georgia rocks, such as quartz, granite
and sandstone, as well as true gems. Check out
these fun and interesting ways to begin your
rock collection.
Getting Started
Where to look: An easy place to begin your
search is in your own yard, especially the
driveway and backyard. Other good places to
explore are creeks, rivers and road cuts (places
where rock formations have been carved, or
“cut,” in order to make a road).
Safety Precautions: Always exercise caution and
try to collect with another person. Also, ask
for permission to collect rocks if you are on
private property. If you are in a state or
national park, it is illegal to collect rocks.
Equipment: Some helpful tools include a pair of
gloves, a hand-held magnifying glass, bag(s), a
hammer or chisel, and safety goggles if you are
hammering or chiseling.
Storage: Boxes can always be expanded or
replaced, so start simply. An easy and
inexpensive box to use is one made for
organizing embroidery thread.
Identifying Rocks: Label the specimens collected
– write the name of the specimen as well as the
date and place it was found on a small card.
Another method is to number the card, place the
card with the specimen, and then start a
separate notebook that explains the number.
Cleaning: It is a good idea to clean your rocks.
Simply scrub the rocks using soap, water and a
toothbrush.
Books
For identifying your rocks, it is helpful to
have both a field book and a reference book.
Also, books should include colorful pictures for
easier identification. Here are two options:
Field Guide: Simon & Schuster’s Guide to
Rocks and Minerals by Martin Prinz. $17.00
This guide is full of information about rocks
and minerals. It is user-friendly and includes
hundreds of color photographs.
Reference Book: Eyewitness Books: Rocks &
Minerals $15.95
You’ll find plenty of detailed information about
different aspects of rocks here. The book also
delves into the evolutionary history of rock
formation.
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Stone Mountain Park: In addition to
investigating the granite mountain itself,
you also can visit the “Raising A Ledge”
museum, which covers the history of the
granite industry in Georgia. Other sites in
the area include the East Quarry area and
various road cuts off of “Old Route 78.”
Admission: $8 for a one-day parking pass.
For more information, visit gpc.edu/~pgore/stonemtn/