List of Rocks
February 2025 - Calcite
FORMULA: CaCO3 MOHS HARDNESS: 3 Calcite is a super common mineral, but there’s more to this crystal than meets the eye. Look through it and you’ll see what we mean....
February 2025 - Calcite
FORMULA: CaCO3 MOHS HARDNESS: 3 Calcite is a super common mineral, but there’s more to this crystal than meets the eye. Look through it and you’ll see what we mean....
January 2025 - Adamite on Limonite
FORMULA: Zn2AsO4OH LOCATION: Ojuela Mine, Durango, Mexico Safety & Handling Warning: Adamite, January’s Rocks Box mineral, has the non-ideal combination of containing the element arsenic and being somewhat crumbly. This combination...
January 2025 - Adamite on Limonite
FORMULA: Zn2AsO4OH LOCATION: Ojuela Mine, Durango, Mexico Safety & Handling Warning: Adamite, January’s Rocks Box mineral, has the non-ideal combination of containing the element arsenic and being somewhat crumbly. This combination...
December 2024 - Fluorite
Chemical Formula: CaF2 Mohs Hardness Scale: 4 Fluorite crystals are pretty simple, chemically speaking. They’re just fluoride and calcium, which naturally make a colorless crystal. But when impurities get into...
December 2024 - Fluorite
Chemical Formula: CaF2 Mohs Hardness Scale: 4 Fluorite crystals are pretty simple, chemically speaking. They’re just fluoride and calcium, which naturally make a colorless crystal. But when impurities get into...
September 2024 - Azurite
Formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 Mohs: 3.5 - 4 This stunning blue mineral has been used as a pigment for centuries—and no, it isn’t lapis lazuli. Azurite is a beautiful, deep blue crystal...
September 2024 - Azurite
Formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 Mohs: 3.5 - 4 This stunning blue mineral has been used as a pigment for centuries—and no, it isn’t lapis lazuli. Azurite is a beautiful, deep blue crystal...
November 2024 - New Jersey Amber
Locality: Sayreville, New JerseyMohs Hardness Scale: 2.5 Amber, AKA fossilized tree resin, is not just beautiful, but also really great for science. Despite the name, amber doesn't have to be,...
November 2024 - New Jersey Amber
Locality: Sayreville, New JerseyMohs Hardness Scale: 2.5 Amber, AKA fossilized tree resin, is not just beautiful, but also really great for science. Despite the name, amber doesn't have to be,...
October 2024 - Elrathai Trilobites
Species: Elrathia kingiiAge: 498 to 513 Million years old Trilobites are some of the most iconic and collectible fossils out there. Even though they look like pillbugs, they’re more closely...
October 2024 - Elrathai Trilobites
Species: Elrathia kingiiAge: 498 to 513 Million years old Trilobites are some of the most iconic and collectible fossils out there. Even though they look like pillbugs, they’re more closely...
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.