List of Rocks
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...
February 2024 - Tourmaline
Mineral Name: Cyclosilicate Locality: Himalaya Mine, California Tourmaline is a kind of silicate crystal that comes in tons of colors, depending on what minerals get mixed in while the crystal forms. Some...
February 2024 - Tourmaline
Mineral Name: Cyclosilicate Locality: Himalaya Mine, California Tourmaline is a kind of silicate crystal that comes in tons of colors, depending on what minerals get mixed in while the crystal forms. Some...
January 2024 - Aragonite
Locality: Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico Chemical Formula: CaCO3 Mohs Hardness: 4 Aragonite is one of the crystal forms of calcium carbonate, and while we do find it on land in big...
January 2024 - Aragonite
Locality: Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico Chemical Formula: CaCO3 Mohs Hardness: 4 Aragonite is one of the crystal forms of calcium carbonate, and while we do find it on land in big...
December 2023 - Eurypterid Parts
Locality: Bertie Formation Age: 415 to 422 Million Years Eurypterids, also known as sea scorpions, are pretty rare in the fossil record. But when we find them, we find lots of them....
December 2023 - Eurypterid Parts
Locality: Bertie Formation Age: 415 to 422 Million Years Eurypterids, also known as sea scorpions, are pretty rare in the fossil record. But when we find them, we find lots of them....
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.