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From the Field

Field notes, seasonality, and the stories worth passing along.

This is the ongoing notebook for the site: practical lessons, seasonal timing, technique pieces, and the kind of field observations that are useful because someone actually went out and learned them the slow way.

Lead read

Weekly field notes

The featured story anchors the page, then the rest of the feed fans out into newer dispatches and evergreen guidance.

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ExplorationLead story

Where to Find Geodes in California [Sites & Access]

What to read first

A practical guide to geode collecting in California. Covers the Wiley Well district, Hauser Geode Beds, Cinnamon Beds, and other productive spots with access rules, tips, and seasonal advice.

April 12, 202611 min read

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Feed

Latest articles

The newest field notes, guides, and useful side-paths from across the site.

Exploration12 min readApr 11, 2026

10 Best States for Rockhounding in the US [2026]

The best US states for rockhounding, ranked by mineral diversity, public land access, and real collecting quality. Covers what each state is known for and where to start.

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Getting Started10 min readApr 11, 2026

Best Time to Go Rockhounding [Season & Terrain Guide]

A seasonal rockhounding guide covering the best times to collect by region, terrain type, and target mineral. Includes spring, summer, fall, and winter strategies for productive trips.

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Techniques12 min readApr 6, 2026

Rock Tumbling for Beginners: Stages, Timing & Batch Log

Learn rotary rock tumbling, fill in a free batch log, and troubleshoot dull stones, scratches and white edges. Includes grit and tumbler guides.

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Techniques12 min readApr 6, 2026

How to Read a Geological Map: Symbols, Colors & Faults

A practical beginner guide to geological maps — how to read legends, unit labels, contacts, and map patterns so you can plan smarter rockhounding trips.

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Safety & Ethics9 min readApr 6, 2026

Rockhounding Ethics: Permission & Low-Impact Collecting

A practical ethics guide for rockhounds — how to apply Leave No Trace, handle permission responsibly, limit site damage, and know when the right move is to leave material behind.

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Seasonal8 min readApr 6, 2026

Winter Rockhounding: Where to Go & How to Stay Safe

A practical winter rockhounding guide — where collecting still works in cold weather, which winter opportunities are real, and when to skip the trip entirely.

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Community8 min readApr 6, 2026

10 Rockhounding YouTube Channels Worth Watching [2026]

A fact-checked list of rockhounding YouTube channels that are actually useful for collectors, plus how to spot stale advice, weak field habits, and empty hype.

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Getting Started9 min readApr 5, 2026

Rockhounding with Kids: First Finds, Gear & Safety

A practical guide to rockhounding with kids — how to choose family-friendly sites, set realistic expectations, pack the right gear, and keep the trip safe and fun.

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Techniques9 min readApr 5, 2026

Fluorescent Mineral Hunting: A Beginner’s UV Guide

A practical field guide to fluorescent mineral hunting. Learn what glows, which lights to use, and how to collect safely after dark.

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Field Reports9 min readApr 5, 2026

Desert Rockhounding Safety: Heat, Water & Trip Checklist

A practical desert rockhounding safety guide — how to plan for heat, hydration, remoteness, flash floods, and unstable terrain before a fun trip turns into a bad one.

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