What to do with the rocks you find while rockhounding?

Unearthing Treasures: What to Do with Rocks Found During Rockhounding Adventures

Rockhounding, the art of searching for and collecting rocks and minerals, is a fascinating hobby that allows enthusiasts to connect with the Earth’s geological wonders. As you embark on rockhounding adventures, you’ll inevitably stumble upon a diverse array of rocks that pique your interest. But once you’ve gathered your geological treasures, what’s the next step? Here are some creative and practical ideas for what to do with the rocks you find during your rockhounding escapades.

Tumbling

Typically, I tumble the rocks I find that I think will look amazing all polished up. Rock tumbling is a process used to smooth and polish rocks, making them shiny and more aesthetically pleasing. It mimics the natural process of a river smoothing stones over time, but in a much shorter timeframe. This is a fairly easy and straightforward process, but it requires a rock tumbler and some instruction. By far, the best tutorial I’ve seen on this subject is from Michigan Rocks on YouTube. Here is a link to one video in particular that should get you started down the right path.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to rock tumbling for beginners:

1. Selecting the Right Rocks:
   Choose rocks that are relatively uniform in hardness. If you mix very soft with very hard rocks, the softer ones may erode away before the harder ones are polished. The rocks should be free from cracks and fractures, as these can cause the rock to break apart during tumbling.
2. Prepare the Tumbler:
   Clean your tumbler barrel thoroughly to ensure there’s no grit from previous sessions. Fill the barrel with rocks. A general guideline is to fill it 2/3 to 3/4 full.
3. Coarse Grinding:
   Add coarse grit (usually silicon carbide) to the barrel. This will help in grinding down the sharp edges and rough surfaces of the rocks. Add water until it’s just below the top of the rocks in the barrel. Seal the barrel and let the tumbler run continuously for a week or two for best results. I tumble mine for a minimum of two weeks unless they were found in a river or creek and were already fairly smoothed over.
4. Medium Grinding:
   After a week or two, open the barrel and rinse the rocks and barrel thoroughly to remove all the coarse grit. Refill the barrel with the rocks, add medium grit, and then add water as before. Seal the barrel and let the tumbler run for another week.
5. Fine Grinding:
   Again, rinse the rocks and barrel thoroughly. Refill the barrel with the rocks, add fine grit, and then add water. Seal the barrel and let the tumbler run for yet another week or two. Pro tip: Letting this go two weeks makes a really big difference in the final polish.
6. Polishing:
   After the fine grinding stage, rinse the rocks and barrel very thoroughly to ensure no grit remains. Add a polishing compound (often tin or cerium oxide) to the barrel, followed by the rocks and water. Let the tumbler run for another week.
7. Burnishing (Optional):
   Some rockhounds like to do a final burnishing step using plain water and a small amount of soap (like Borax or dish soap without any added lotions or scents). This can give the stones an extra shine. Rinse the stones and barrel thoroughly, add the rocks, water, and soap, and run the tumbler for another 4-7 days.
8. Rinse and Admire:
   Once the tumbling process is complete, rinse the rocks thoroughly. Lay them out to dry. Once dry, you’ll have beautifully polished stones!

Tips:

• Always ensure the barrel is sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
• It’s essential to thoroughly clean the barrel and rocks between each stage to avoid contamination, which can affect the polishing process.
• The timeframes mentioned (e.g., one week per stage) are general guidelines. Depending on the type of rock and the desired result, you might need more or less time.

Rock tumbling is a patience-requiring hobby, but the end results can be incredibly rewarding!

Other things to do with rock specimens:

1. Identifying and Displaying: One of the most rewarding aspects of rockhounding is identifying the rocks you’ve collected. Invest in guidebooks, join online forums, or seek advice from experienced rockhounds to determine the type and value of your finds. Once identified, consider displaying your rocks in shadow boxes, glass jars, or mounted frames to showcase their unique beauty.
2. Crafting and Jewelry Making: Many rocks and minerals are not only visually appealing but also have unique properties that make them ideal for crafting and jewelry making. Polishing, cutting, and shaping rocks can transform them into stunning gemstones or decorative pieces. Turn your finds into pendants, earrings, or even custom-made jewelry that holds personal significance.
3. Educational Endeavors: If you’re passionate about geology and want to share your discoveries with others, consider using your rock collection for educational purposes. Create informative displays for schools, libraries, or local community centers. Hosting workshops or presentations about rock identification and geological processes can also foster a deeper understanding of the Earth’s history.
4. Landscaping and Décor: Rocks gathered during rockhounding can serve as unique and eye-catching additions to your landscaping or home décor. Incorporate them into garden pathways, rock gardens, or water features. Larger specimens can be transformed into decorative focal points in outdoor spaces, adding a touch of natural elegance to your surroundings.
5. Trading and Collecting: The rockhounding community is a tightly-knit one, and trading rocks with fellow enthusiasts can be a rewarding endeavor. Exchanging your finds with others can lead to valuable additions to your collection and provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
6. Scientific Study: For those with a scientific inclination, rocks collected during rockhounding can become valuable specimens for personal research or study. Document your findings, observe their mineral composition, and delve into the geological processes that shaped them. Your collection could contribute to a deeper understanding of the Earth’s history and evolution.

The rocks you find during your rockhounding adventures hold endless potential for creativity, education, and personal connection. Whether you choose to tumble them, display them, craft with them, educate others, incorporate them into your surroundings, trade with fellow enthusiasts, or even conduct scientific research, your rock collection is a treasure trove waiting to be explored and appreciated. Embrace the versatile nature of your geological finds and let them inspire you in ways that resonate with your interests and passions.

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