Collecting Minerals fresh off/out of the ground is one of the uniting factors among mineral collectors. Field collecting is so much more than the “Cash and Treasures” greed factor. Rockhounding is about nature, appreciating the earth, applying science, educating oneself and finding out a little bit about a spot in the world you would have no other reason to be familiar with.
Mineral Collecting is fun for all ages and skill levels! Buy one of these books and give it a try! Just going out for a walk is enjoyment enough, finding something to remind you of that trip is the bonus!
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
 |
 |
 |
Gem Trails
by Various Authors The Must Have, if nothing else than to have an IDEA about the collecting spots in your state, the gem trails books are a wealth of information at a low price. The perfect beginner guides that are refrenced by serious field collectors! Click on the book covers to view them on Amazon, or search the eBay link below. |
   |
Appalachian Mineral & Gem Trails
by June Culp ZeitnerAmazing Book, but note. This is not some direction giving guidebook with color photos. This is nitty, gritty, INFORMATION. DATA. The real MEAT of rockhounding is finding those places where you see only your own footprints down the trail when you go back 6 months later. If you are in this area of the world, having this book is a NO BRAINER. |
  |
Southwest mineral & gem trails;: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
by June (Culp) ZeitnerIn depth overviews of each county, telling you the general AREA and RARELY an actual MAP, leaving you to do FURTHER research, as it should be. Get it for the wonderful data that can lead you to some serious bouts of mineral daydreams… |
  |
Midwest Gem Trails
June Culp Zeitner June Culp Zeitner was a great writer, this book follows in the same tradition as Appalachian Gem Trails and Southwest Gem Trails. Good stuff! |
  |
Collecting the Natural World: Legal Requirements & Personal Liability for Collecting Plants, Animals, Rocks, Minerals & Fossils
Donald Wolberg and Patsy ReinhardA great primer into the ever changing world of legalities collecting rocks, minerals, fossils and the like out in the wild. Plus, you can get it for a few dollars. |
  |
Colorado Rockhounding
Stephen Voynick Mr. Voynick really knows what he is talking about and this guide has served us well on many trips through colorado. Full of information, a great book to own, in conjuction with a good map! |
  |
New Mexico Rockhounding
Stephen Voynick “This is an okay book if you really know the state of New Mexico, have lots of time, are willing to research the locations, talk to the locals and the like.” has been said about it and I agree. |
  |
Minerals, Fossils, and Fluorescents of Arizona
Neil R. Bearce This book sets the standard for field guides everywhere. Amazing, full of great locations! A MUST own for Arizona field collectors, or those living in nearby states! |
  |
Prospecting (Field collecting) for gemstones and minerals
John Sinkankas This book, in several chapters, goes over all of the basics of mineral collecting, tools, maps, prospecting, rock types, display. Essentially, it is the perfect FAQ for anyone who wants to go collect minerals. |
  |
Collecting Arkansas Minerals
Arthur E., Jr. Smith Fantastic guide to the minerals of Arkansas. Excellent! |
  |
Collecting Crystals: The Guide to Quartz in Arkansas
by Mike and Darcy Howard Great guide to the quartz deposits of Arkansas, a wonderful classic |
  |
Rock, Gem, and Mineral Collecting Sites in Western North Carolina
by Rick Jacquot Great refrence book for the area, check before visiting any site, as many sites close down in this region, for some reason… |
  |
A Rockhounding Guide To North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains
by Michael Streeter Michael Streeter says an updated book is in the works and we are looking forward to it. |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
Rockhound’s Handbook Wonderful guidebook to locations in their corresponding states. Highly recommended. |