List of Rocks
April 2026 - Coprolite
AGE: ~180 million years old (approximate) LOCATION: Madagascar Look, if you’re thinking that this rock looks a bit like animal droppings…. You’d be right. Coprolites are fossil poops, left by...
April 2026 - Coprolite
AGE: ~180 million years old (approximate) LOCATION: Madagascar Look, if you’re thinking that this rock looks a bit like animal droppings…. You’d be right. Coprolites are fossil poops, left by...
March 2026 - Tiger Eye Chunk
FORMULA: SiO2 MOHS: 6.5-7 The shimmery, golden-brown mineral in your hands is called tiger’s eye, and it certainly is a looker. That warm glow comes from thin bands of needle-like...
March 2026 - Tiger Eye Chunk
FORMULA: SiO2 MOHS: 6.5-7 The shimmery, golden-brown mineral in your hands is called tiger’s eye, and it certainly is a looker. That warm glow comes from thin bands of needle-like...
February 2026 - Shungite
LOCATION: Shunga, Russia MOHS: 3.5-4 Shungite might not be the prettiest mineral out there, but these unassuming gray rocks are way more special than they look. See, these chunks of...
February 2026 - Shungite
LOCATION: Shunga, Russia MOHS: 3.5-4 Shungite might not be the prettiest mineral out there, but these unassuming gray rocks are way more special than they look. See, these chunks of...
January 2026 - Enhydro Agate
LOCATION: Sukabumi, Indonesia FORMULA: SiO2 MOHS: 6-7 When it comes to minerals, we usually think of them as solid and hard as, well, rocks. But sometimes, they grow in weird...
January 2026 - Enhydro Agate
LOCATION: Sukabumi, Indonesia FORMULA: SiO2 MOHS: 6-7 When it comes to minerals, we usually think of them as solid and hard as, well, rocks. But sometimes, they grow in weird...
December 2025 - Desert Rose (Barite)
FORMULA: BaSO4 LOCATION: Samalayuca Desert in Chihuahua, Mexico MOHS: 3-3.5 What you’re looking at is not a fossilized flower, though you’d be forgiven for thinking that. This is a desert...
December 2025 - Desert Rose (Barite)
FORMULA: BaSO4 LOCATION: Samalayuca Desert in Chihuahua, Mexico MOHS: 3-3.5 What you’re looking at is not a fossilized flower, though you’d be forgiven for thinking that. This is a desert...
November 2025 - Giant Ruby (Corundum)
FORMULA: Al2O3 MOHS: 9 Corundum is a fairly unassuming name for one of the most prized gemstones in the world. You probably know it by some other names, sapphires and...
November 2025 - Giant Ruby (Corundum)
FORMULA: Al2O3 MOHS: 9 Corundum is a fairly unassuming name for one of the most prized gemstones in the world. You probably know it by some other names, sapphires and...
These rocks, minerals, crystals, and fossils are generally considered safe to handle, but we recommend doing so with caution. For example:
- Do not ingest: Some rocks contain natural elements that may cause injury and/or irritation to humans and animals. Rocks and rock particles should never be ingested or placed in the mouth.
- Use in vented or open spaces: Rock dust can cause irritation when inhaled. Please ensure that when using rocks, especially rocks susceptible to crumbling resulting in rock dust, such use is kept to vented or open spaces.
- Wash hands after use: Some minerals can cause skin irritation with extended exposure. Avoid prolonged skin contact with minerals and wash your hands after handling.
- Use protective gear when necessary: If you’re handling samples that may produce dust or have sharp edges, wear gloves and eye protection.
- Store samples securely: Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent deterioration and ensure they remain out of reach of children and pets.
- Supervise young rock hounds: If children are exploring the Rocks Box, ensure they do so under adult supervision to promote safe handling practices. Children should wash their hands after handling rocks.