Follow in the footsteps of successful gem and gold hunters and search the hills for rough diamonds, colored gemstones, lapidary minerals, precious metals and interesting minerals and rocks. Written for the geoscientist, prospector and rockhound; the first part of the book focuses on physical characteristics of gems and minerals. This is supplemented with the second part of the book that describes dozens upon dozens of colored gem, diamond, gold, mineral and rock localities using the Public Land Survey System and GPS coordinates so the reader can visit these sites on a home computer with aerial and satellite imagery to gain an understanding of what to look for in the field. With these same coordinates, the reader can visit some occurrences, deposits and areas suggested for prospecting to further their gem hunter prospecting education and potentially lead to new discoveries. Now you can learn what to look for when searching for Mother Nature's treasure.

Detailed maps and descriptive text lead the rock-hound to over 70 of the best sites from San Luis Obispo to the Mexican border.

A guidebook identifying 30 rock and mineral collecting sites, including abandoned mines and prospects, in a 17-county region of western North Carolina. Includes a map and complete directions for each site, minerals to be found there, recommended tools and historical details, if known.

Prospecting and collecting trips; Tools and how to use them; Rock classes and how to recognize them; How mineral deposits form; Field features of mineral deposits; Collecting practices; Preparation of specimens; Storage and exhibit; Marketing mineral specimens and gemstones.

With the tremendous growth of population in this and neighboring states, there are more collectors than ever before and with the rapidly escalating prices for mineral and fossil specimens in the retail market, there is a great demand for displayable material. It has become necessary for professional geologists, hobby collectors, and commercial collectors to recognize each others existence and to try to work together within a framework of regulation, courtesy, and common sense so that material of scientific value is not lost and undue restrictions are not placed upon collecting. There is a continuing need for collectors and professionals to work together with resource managers and legislators to develop workable laws and rules affecting the collecting of minerals and fossils. This publication contains details information about collecting areas, divided by county to make for ease of use. Each collecting area contains information about the minerals, rocks, or fossils present, map recommendations, and other helpful tips on getting to the sites.

A completely updated and revised edition brimming with advice on collecting and preparing gems and minerals .

With this informative, fully updated and revised guide, you can explore the mineral-rich region of Montana. It describes the state's best rockhounding sites and covers popular and commerical sites as well as numerous little-known areas. This handy guide also descirbes how to collect specimens, includes maps and directions to each site, and lists rockhound clubs around the state. This is truly a complete guide to popular collecting sites in Montana and source-book brimming with advice that can be of use to both the novice and the experienced rockhounder.

Take rock collecting to the next level: create gemstones that glisten and shine with beginner instructions that yield professional results. Beautifully cut, polished, and shaped gemstones are marvelous treasures. They can be very expensive to purchase, but have you ever wondered how to create your own? You might be surprised at how quickly you can learn to do it--and how affordable it is, especially when compared with many other popular hobbies. From Rough Stones to Wow is your one-stop shop for beginning and being successful along your lapidary journey. Written by Jim Magnuson, this accessible how-to guide keeps things simple while covering a variety of the most popular lapidary arts. The step-by-step instructions--supplemented by easy-to-follow, full-color photographs--can help you produce high-quality gemstone products that you'll be proud to display, wear, or even sell. Learn about the tools and equipment needed, as well as types of rocks and minerals you might want to utilize. Then, with Jim's focused instruction, you can discover the rewarding experience of taking rough stones and making your own creations. There's even a brief introduction to jewelry making, with seven simple jewelry projects. You'll appreciate these features: Easy-to-follow directions complemented by action-oriented photos Recommendations on lapidary machines Tips, charts, and checklists to jump-start your learning Techniques and tools that take you from start to finish

Revised and expanded 2E of this very popular guide for Oregon rockhounds and collectors of rock, mineral and fossil specimens.