List of Rocks
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
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
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...
May 2024 - Pyrite
Locality: Ojuela Mining District, Mexico Chemical Formula: FeS2 Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 to 6.5 Pyrite has built up a bit of a bad reputation over the years. Because it looks...
May 2024 - Pyrite
Locality: Ojuela Mining District, Mexico Chemical Formula: FeS2 Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 to 6.5 Pyrite has built up a bit of a bad reputation over the years. Because it looks...
April 2024 - Topaz
Locality: Thomas Range, Utah Chemical Formula: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Topaz is the one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale, but that doesn’t mean it's the most durable. And it’s all thanks...
April 2024 - Topaz
Locality: Thomas Range, Utah Chemical Formula: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Topaz is the one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale, but that doesn’t mean it's the most durable. And it’s all thanks...
March 2024 - Almandine Garnet
People have been using garnets in jewelry since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. They’re typically dark red, but garnets can come in a range of colors from yellow to...
March 2024 - Almandine Garnet
People have been using garnets in jewelry since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. They’re typically dark red, but garnets can come in a range of colors from yellow to...
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.