~Tips for Researching and Finding Rock and Mineral Collection Sites~
last updated: Monday, October 26, 2009

1. A good first step is to latch onto a mineral, or a suite of minerals, that captures your interest. Then read up on the mineral and learn the about the geologic settings where the mineral can be found. Here are some of the many mineral reference guides you can turn to.
   • Dana's New Mineralogy, Eighth Edition
     by Richard V. Gaines, H. Catherine W. Skinner, Eugene E. Foord, Brian Mason, and Abraham Rosenzweig. 
     This is the latest and most comprehensive installment in the series begun by James Dwight Dana in 1837. The minerals are placed into the standard couple of dozen classes,  For speedy reference to a particular species the mineral names are indexed in the back both alphabetically and by their Dana numbers. Hardcover, 1,819 pages, no photographs but a few crystal drawings.
   • The World’s Most Magnificent Mineral Deposits by Pete J. Dunn – Department of Mineral Sciences, Smithsonian Institution. Over 750 pages of descriptive mineralogy and history, accompanied by more than 900 b/w images of maps, drawings, SEM images and hand specimen photographs.
   • Oregon Rockhounds online: Links to rockhounding guides by state, DeLorne Atlases by state, Minerals and Mineral Collecting, and other guides.
   • Rockhounds.com: List (and links) to references for collecting gems and minerals.

    

2. Once you know where a mineral is likely to be found you can look up the geologic literature to determine places where that setting occurs. A local college library is an excellent place to find this information. College libraries generally have a  more comprehensive selection of references to look through. They tend to carry complete lists of professional papers by the USGS, geologic periodicals, open file reports by the USGS, mining records,  and individual reports on mines and mineral resources.
   • Most geologic maps are issued by public or private scientific agencies. The most prolific publisher of geologic maps in the United States is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
   • "Geologic and Water-Supply Reports and Maps, (State)," a series of booklets published by the USGS, provides a ready reference to these publications for 13 States. The booklets also list libraries in the subject State where USGS reports and maps may be consulted. These booklets are available for less than $5.00 and may be obtained from:
       • USGS Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Co 80225
       • Residents of Alaska may write to: US Geological Survey, Room 101, 4230 University Drive, Anchorage AK 99508-4664
   • Guide to Prospecting and Rock Hunting in Wyoming: Free pdf guide from Wyoming Geologic Survey
3. The public library is another source for reference  materials, though often not as thorough as a college library will be.
4. Periodical and trade journals. You can get these through subscription or at area libraries.
5. The Internet. Search engines can give you a plethora of leads on sites and other resources. Here are just a few:
   • USGS: Links by state for geologic and mineral information.
   • USGS National Geologic Database
   • Mineralogical Society of America: Links to by state information with state issue magazines and mineral locality index.
   • Mineralogy Club of Antwerp: Links to collectors and sites
   • Rockhounds: Links to collecting sites in USA by state and Canada by province.
   • www.42explore.com: Canada, US general and state specific sites.
   • Desert USA Newsletter: Links to collecting sites in AZ, CA, CO UT, NV, NM, and TX.
   • Mineralcollecting.org: Links to sites in AK, AR, GA, and IN.
   • Where Gemstones are Found: Links by state to site and book references
   • UK Fossil Collection Sites
   • Geologic Survey of Canada
6. County Courthouse records
7. Museums and college collections.
8. State agencies that oversee mineral related programs.
   • Bureau of Land Management
   • US Forrest Service Geologic Resources Management
9. Rock and gem clubs
10. Attending gem and mineral shows

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