All Guides

Best Beginner Rockhounding Sites in North America - RockhoundGuide

The best public rockhounding and mineral collecting locations in North America for beginners. Fee-dig sites, public lands, and what to bring on your first colle

Best Lapidary Equipment 2026: Saws, Cabbing Machines & Polishers Compared

Best lapidary equipment for 2026 reviewed: slab saws, trim saws, cabbing machines, flat laps, and grinders. Which tools beginners actually need vs. what to skip

Best Loupes for Rockhounding 2026: Magnification for Mineral ID

The best magnifying loupes for rockhounds in 2026. Reviews of Bausch & Lomb, Carson, and SE loupes for mineral identification and gem inspection in the field.

Best Rock Hammers for Rockhounding 2026: Tested Picks

The best rock hammers for field collecting in 2026. Honest comparison of Estwing, Vaughan, and budget picks — with guidance on size, weight, and handle material

Best Rock Tumbler Beginners 2026

Best Rock Tumblers 2026

Best Rockhounding Gear Guide

Best States for Rockhounding 2026: Top 10 Destinations

The 10 best US states for rockhounding in 2026, ranked by variety, accessibility, and public land access. From Oregon thundereggs to Montana sapphires.

Best Rocks to Tumble: A Rockhound's Guide to Polishing Success

Gemstone Identification Guide: How to Identify Minerals & Crystals - RockhoundGuide

Step-by-step guide to identifying gemstones and minerals using visual clues, hardness tests, streak tests, and specific gravity.

How to Identify Agates in the Field: 6 Signs You've Found One

Learn how to identify agates in the field using the translucency test, surface texture, banding, and fracture patterns. Includes common lookalikes to avoid.

Mineral Collecting Field Guide: Where & How to Find Gemstones

Essential field guide for mineral collectors. Learn how to read geological maps, identify promising locations, and collect specimens ethically.

The Mohs Hardness Scale: Your Essential Mineral Identification Guide

Rock Tumbling Grit Guide 2026: Which Grits, How Much, and When

Complete rock tumbling grit guide: which silicon carbide grits to use for each stage, how much per batch, and how to avoid the contamination mistakes that ruin

Rock Tumbling Step-by-Step: Complete 4-Stage Process Explained

Detailed guide to the rock tumbling process from rough stone to polished gem, including grit schedules, cleaning tips, and troubleshooting.

Rockhounding in Arizona 2026: Best Sites, Fire Agates & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Arizona 2026 — Fire Agates, Petrified Wood, Turquoise, Geodes and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for A

Rockhounding in Arkansas 2026: Best Sites, Quartz Crystals & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Arkansas 2026 — Quartz Crystals, Diamonds, Bauxite, Novaculite and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for

Rockhounding in California 2026: Best Sites, Gold & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in California 2026 — Gold, Jade, Tourmaline, Garnets and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for California ro

Rockhounding in Colorado 2026: Best Sites, Rhodochrosite & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Colorado 2026 — Rhodochrosite, Aquamarine, Gold, Amazonite and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Colo

Rockhounding in Georgia 2026: Best Sites, Gold & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Georgia 2026 — Gold, Rubies, Sapphires, Staurolite and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Georgia rock

Rockhounding in Idaho 2026: Best Sites, Star Garnets & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Idaho 2026 — Star Garnets, Opals, Jade, Gold and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Idaho rockhounds.

Rockhounding in Michigan 2026: Best Sites, Lake Superior Agates & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Michigan 2026 — Lake Superior Agates, Petoskey Stones, Copper, Thomsonite and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting loc

Rockhounding in Montana 2026: Best Sites, Sapphires & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Montana 2026 — Sapphires, Garnets, Moss Agates, Gold and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Montana ro

Rockhounding in Nevada 2026: Best Sites, Turquoise & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Nevada 2026 — Turquoise, Opals, Gold, Silver and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Nevada rockhounds.

Rockhounding in New Mexico 2026: Best Sites, Turquoise & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in New Mexico 2026 — Turquoise, Petrified Wood, Obsidian, Geodes and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for N

Rockhounding in North Carolina 2026: Best Sites, Emeralds & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in North Carolina 2026 — Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Hiddenite and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for No

Rockhounding in Oregon 2026: Best Sites, Thundereggs & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Oregon 2026 — Thundereggs, Agates, Sunstones, Obsidian and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Oregon r

Rockhounding in Texas 2026: Best Sites, Topaz & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Texas 2026 — Topaz, Petrified Wood, Agate, Fossils and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Texas rockho

Rockhounding in Utah 2026: Best Sites, Topaz & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Utah 2026 — Topaz, Red Beryl, Geodes, Petrified Wood and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for Utah rockh

Rockhounding in Wyoming 2026: Best Sites, Nephrite Jade & Permits

Best rockhounding sites in Wyoming 2026 — Nephrite Jade, Fossils, Agates, Petrified Wood and more. Permit guide, season tips, and top collecting locations for W

Where To Find Fossils Near Me