We’re gemmology students, so of course we love rocks and gemstones! If you’re reading this you do too (or are maybe about to discover that you do!). No matter who you are, there are so many reasons to love rock collecting. Rock collecting is not just for kids, either - it can be a great hobby for anyone.
Here’s how to get started/how to take your collection to the next level without breaking the bank!
Getting started
Who can collect? Kids, adults, seniors, anyone! It’s a great hobby regardless of physical ability and age. It doesn’t cost a lot or require any special gear to get started, though it can get expensive if you get hooked!
What do you mean by ‘rocks’? When we say ‘rocks’ we’re actually referring to minerals, rocks and gems/gemstones (often referred to collectively as ‘crystals’ - I know, confusing right?). There’s a difference between them, so let’s break it down. Minerals have a characteristic composition and structure. Rocks on the other hand are made up of different minerals. Gems are minerals that are beautiful, durable and rare. All gems are minerals, but not all minerals are gems! Rock collecting can include anything from a pebble or piece of quartz you picked up on a walk, through to rare and sometimes very expensive gemstones that can only be found in a few places in the world. ‘Rough’ is unprocessed minerals and gems in the state that they were found in nature. Some might be worn smooth from water in a stream/creek bed, or in a raw state after being extracted directly from the host rock where they formed. ‘Specimens’ are rough (or partially processed) material that is desirable without the need for further processing. The most common form of processing is tumbling, which involves a series of grinding/polishing steps using a rock tumbler. Polishing brings out the natural beauty of the piece and make them easier to display and handle. Many rock collections are made up of polished material, although some prefer to keep pieces as rough.
Why collect? There are so many reasons to collect: fun, scientific interest, aesthetic, interior design/decoration, metaphysical/spiritual/religious belief and practice. Depending on your motivation (which might be one of the above, or a combination), you might decide to collect different types of rough or polished pieces and look for certain features. For example, you might have a few polished stones for your reiki practice, but have some rough with interesting inclusions because you appreciate the geology. Alternatively, you might appreciate the look of a few special decorative pieces and find the metaphysical properties an interesting bonus. Or a tray of satisfying and oh so smooth pieces you love looking at now and then. Whether you’re into chakras or chatoyancy, there’s no right or wrong answer - collect what appeals to you and resonates with your life and interests. You might be wondering, where do I start? You can try collecting based on colour, type, shape or origin (just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless!). Start with a few pieces that you like and go from there.
Where to get it? Buy from rock shops, new age/spiritual shops, specialised lapidary stores or online sellers. Pieces from the quartz group are generally affordable and you can find some amazing examples (agate, amethyst, jasper etc). Rare rough and specimens may be tempting, but you might want to consider starting small and looking for some good deals. Larger pieces will usually be more expensive (especially if you have to pay for shipping, ouch!), along with crystals with interesting features, good colour or double termination (‘DT’). Stick to pieces that suit your budget. Stones can cost anywhere from $1 to ten of thousands of dollars. From a tumbled stone that fits inside the palm of your hand, to giant split amethyst geodes (cathedrals/caves) that fill part of a room and crystals over 1m (several ft) long, there’s something for everyone! Whatever your budget, have fun with it! When you’re ready, it might be time to take this obsession (I mean hobby…) to the next level!
Take your collection to the next level
Once you’ve built up a collection of pieces, it’s time to display it nicely - for example, using a specimen tray or lacquered wood stands for larger pieces. Not only will this show off your collection so it looks it’s best, it also helps to prevent scratching and chipping. You can also try incorporating your collection into your home’s aesthetic (think statement pieces like large specimens, towers, carvings, scholar’s stones and spheres) or display pieces in pot plants (including bonsai tree stones), fish tanks and garden areas (for larger more durable pieces). Or branch out and embrace your inner fossil freak!
Rock collecting can get expensive if you’re buying all of your pieces at a store or online. One way around this is to find your own rough by looking for it yourself. Where you can collect rocks will depend on where you live and local laws - always remember to check before you go. In Australia where we live, looking for rocks and gemstones is called ‘fossicking’ and there are many places where you’re allowed to do this. You need to have a ‘miner’s right’ and check that you’re allowed to collect rocks/gemstones in that place. Elsewhere in the world, this is known as rock hounding or prospecting (usually refers to looking for gold, but sometimes gemstones too). This is a good way of finding material that is local to your area. It’s also great way to find specimen pieces, which can be expensive! You can even join a prospecting/fossicking/rockhounding club to share your passion and learn from the experience of others. Some basic tools include a shovel, gold pan and miner’s pick or geologist’s pick (often referred to as a geo pick).
Rock tumbling is another great way to build your collection, especially if you can find your own rough. Rough gemstones and rocks are more affordable, so you can do it yourself and save! You will need to invest a little to get started (tumbler, tumbling grit and media) and have a bit of patience (allow minimum 1 month per load), but it’s well worth the effort. Looking for more? Join a lapidary club and learn cutting and polishing (or even faceting). Make one of your own unique creations starting from rough or a slab (a slice cut from a larger piece of material, usually used to make cabochons), or just polish up existing pieces. If you polish enough rocks, you might get into making your own jewellery and try wire wrapping or setting cabochons in metal. If a passion for rocks (they’re MINERALS Marie! Sorry, Breaking Bad reference) takes hold of you completely, you could even become a gemmologist!
Rock collecting is fun for all ages and a great way to learn about the natural world. With a bit of time and persistence, you can build an amazing collection in a way that suits your budget. How far you pursue it is up to you. Whether it’s a relaxing hobby to unwind or a chance to take up a pick and shovel and go on a treasure hunt, the choice is yours! Get started in rock collecting today - you never know where it’ll take you.