Modern Rockhounding and Prospecting Handbook [Paperback]

This volume gives you the basic tools to transition from pebble pup to expert rockhound and explains everything from geology basics, identification tips, tools of the trade, how to record your findings, and how to set up a lab or gem shop. Before you know it, youll be driving the open roads and traveling home with dusty pockets full of rocks, gems, minerals, fossilsand maybe even gold.This volume gives you the basic tools to transition from pebble pup to expert rockhound and explains everything from geology basics, identification tips, tools of the trade, how to record your findings, and how to set up a lab or gem shop. Before you know it, youll be driving the open roads and traveling home with dusty pockets full of rocks, gems, minerals, fossilsand maybe even gold.?Features:* geology basics* popular collectibles, including rocks, gems, fossils, meteorites, and gold* tools of the trade for every level of collector* rules and regulations* polishing, preserving, crafting, and displaying your treasuresPrefaceIntroductionChapter 1 What to look for What's out there? Basic geology Resources for basic geology Popular collectibles Gator Girl's best advice ever Chapter 2 Where to find it Old-school reference materials Online guides Apps & Software Social networking Historical Websites Online maps ArcGIS Geology maps JSTOR searches Build your own book Chapter 3 How to get it home Getting to the site and back General field work pointers Collecting Rocks and Minerals Fossil collecting Gold Prospecting Meteorite Hunting Chapter 4 What to do with it Tumble polishing Carving soapstone Knapping Preserving fossils Jewelry making Displaying your treasures Glossary IndexAbout the AuthorGarret Romaine has been an avid rockhound, fossil hunter, and gold prospector for 35 years. He is a long-time journalist, columnist, and technical writer, and teaches technical writing at Portland State University. He is a Fellow in the Society for Technical Communication. He holds a degree l?