List of Rocks
October 2025 - Michigan Copper
Locality: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Mohs: 2.5 to 3 These shiny nuggets of pure, all-natural copper were mined from Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. While we use copper for all kinds of industrial...
October 2025 - Michigan Copper
Locality: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Mohs: 2.5 to 3 These shiny nuggets of pure, all-natural copper were mined from Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. While we use copper for all kinds of industrial...
September 2025 - Amethyst
Formula: SiO2 Mohs: 7 The humble chunk of amethyst you’re holding has a long legacy. It was once among the most prized gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds, despite now...
September 2025 - Amethyst
Formula: SiO2 Mohs: 7 The humble chunk of amethyst you’re holding has a long legacy. It was once among the most prized gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds, despite now...
August 2025 - Chalcopyrite
FORMULA: CuFeS2 MOHS: 3.5-4 Chalcopyrite is a glittery gold mineral that sometimes oxidizes into rainbow colors. But it’s the gold version that’s been the most mystifying and probably frustrating to...
August 2025 - Chalcopyrite
FORMULA: CuFeS2 MOHS: 3.5-4 Chalcopyrite is a glittery gold mineral that sometimes oxidizes into rainbow colors. But it’s the gold version that’s been the most mystifying and probably frustrating to...
July 2025 - Sodalite
Formula: Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂ Mohs: 5.5 to 6 This gorgeous blue-hued gemstone is sodalite. She’s so pretty that even royals have been enamored with it, and who can blame them? But these...
July 2025 - Sodalite
Formula: Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂ Mohs: 5.5 to 6 This gorgeous blue-hued gemstone is sodalite. She’s so pretty that even royals have been enamored with it, and who can blame them? But these...
June 2025 - Franklin Ore
FORMULA: CaCO3 LOCATION: Ogdesnberg, New Jersey, USA This rock you’re holding is Franklin ore, and it’s old. Like, really old. So old that studying it has allowed researchers to learn about...
June 2025 - Franklin Ore
FORMULA: CaCO3 LOCATION: Ogdesnberg, New Jersey, USA This rock you’re holding is Franklin ore, and it’s old. Like, really old. So old that studying it has allowed researchers to learn about...
May 2025 - Ammonites
SPECIES: Perisphinctes sp. AGE: 145-166 million years old These are the pinnacle of evolutionary attempts to defend against predators. This fossil ammonite from the genus Perisphinctes lived during the late...
May 2025 - Ammonites
SPECIES: Perisphinctes sp. AGE: 145-166 million years old These are the pinnacle of evolutionary attempts to defend against predators. This fossil ammonite from the genus Perisphinctes lived during the late...
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.