List of Rocks

September 2024 - Azurite

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

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

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...

August 2024: Quartz

August 2024: Quartz

Chemical Formula: SiO2 Moh's Hardness Scale: 7 Quartz: You know it, you love it. It’s the second most common mineral in the world, and it comes in just about every...

August 2024: Quartz

Chemical Formula: SiO2 Moh's Hardness Scale: 7 Quartz: You know it, you love it. It’s the second most common mineral in the world, and it comes in just about every...

July 2024: Celestine

July 2024: Celestine

Chemical Formula: SrSO4 Mohs Hardness Scale: 3.0 to 3.5 Celestine, AKA celestite, is a lovely sky-blue mineral that takes its name from the heavens. These crystals are made of strontium...

July 2024: Celestine

Chemical Formula: SrSO4 Mohs Hardness Scale: 3.0 to 3.5 Celestine, AKA celestite, is a lovely sky-blue mineral that takes its name from the heavens. These crystals are made of strontium...

June 2024 - Epidote

June 2024 - Epidote

Chemical Formula: Ca2(Al,Fe3+(Al2O)(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)) Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 Epidote is a super common crystal that can be found in tiny amounts just about everywhere. Depending on the mineral inclusions, it can...

June 2024 - Epidote

Chemical Formula: Ca2(Al,Fe3+(Al2O)(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH)) Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 Epidote is a super common crystal that can be found in tiny amounts just about everywhere. Depending on the mineral inclusions, it can...

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.