|
|
Can You Dig It? Do you consider yourself a "rock hound"? According to Merrian-Webster, the term rock hound can be applied to "a specialist in geology" or "an amateur rock and mineral collector." In the context of geology, a mineral may be defined as "a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the organic processes of nature." While "rock" is a related geological term, it refers to an aggregate of one or more minerals (or mineraloids.) For those considering adopting rockhounding as a hobby, the United State Geological Survey (USGS) publication Collecting Rocks provides a concise introduction to starting and growing a good rock collection. |
Gem & Mineral Clubs Through participating in local gem and mineral clubs, rock hounds can gain and share knowledge about the collection and study of rocks and minerals. Some clubs provide hands-on classes in the related area of lapidary arts such as gem cutting techniques. A few of the other local clubs to consider are: |
Citizen Science While less common than flora and fauna-related citizen science projects, projects focusing on geology topics do exist. One example is the Carbon Mineral Challenge, an initiative that aims to mobilize a worldwide hunt to find missing carbon-bearing minerals. The term "missing" refers to the fact that researchers predict that at least 135 of earth's carbon-bearing minerals have yet to be discovered. The "big data" approach used in this project holds potential to eventually find an estimated 1,500 undiscovered minerals! |
Finding MineralsRoad cuts, natural cliffs, and outcrops are among the best places to search for rock specimens. While North Texas can yield some interesting rock finds, prime hunting territory for sought-after minerals is found in other parts of the state. For example, topaz, the state gem of Texas, can be found in Central Texas's Mason County. To scope out Texas's best areas for finding particular minerals, consult GatorGirlRocks.com or one or more of the Texas-focused books featured below. Mineral hotspots usually fall on private lands, although some property owners provide public access for a fee. Establishing ties with gem and mineral clubs can also provide field trip opportunities to properties that would otherwise be inaccessible. |
|
|
Gem trails of Texas
by Brad L. Cross
Sites are presented with directions, rockhounding tips, descriptive text, updated maps and numerous black and white photos.
|
|
|
|
Rockhounding Texas
by Melinda Crow
The Rockhound's Guide to Texas describes 75 of the state's best rockhounding sites. Rockhounding Texas covers the popular and commercial sites as well as numerous little-known areas. It describes where and how to collect specimens as well as where to view premier gem and mineral exhibits.
|
|
|
Business & Technology Division,Dallas Public Library
1515 Young St., 5th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-670-1400www.dallaslibrary.org |
|
|
|