List of Rocks
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...
April 2025 - Turgite
Formula:Fe2O3 Mohs: 5.5 to 6.5 This glittery stone is iridescent hematite, also called turgite. It’s a rare form of the mineral, and for a long time, we had no idea...
April 2025 - Turgite
Formula:Fe2O3 Mohs: 5.5 to 6.5 This glittery stone is iridescent hematite, also called turgite. It’s a rare form of the mineral, and for a long time, we had no idea...
March 2025 - Darwin Glass
Designation: - Tektite Approximate Age: - 800,000 years The origins of tektites are pretty explosive, since they’re formed when meteors hit the planet. These pieces of Darwin glass formed 800,000...
March 2025 - Darwin Glass
Designation: - Tektite Approximate Age: - 800,000 years The origins of tektites are pretty explosive, since they’re formed when meteors hit the planet. These pieces of Darwin glass formed 800,000...
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...
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.