r/Rockhounding

I’ve had this heavy chunk of rose quartz outside in the hot and sunny weather of Arizona for about 14 years. But I got it in a haul of a large number of chunks and small boulders from a neighbor next door. It may have been outdoors, fading over 60 years!

Millie lived in her Phoenix home 50 years. These rocks lined her front yard on one side and were piled at the base of a large old cactus. Millie had cancer and likely dementia for years. Her granddaughter lived with her to help care for her and in the 8 years I was her neighbor I only glimpsed her once. When she died, suddenly a never before seen relative came and started clearing out the small home and put a giant dumpster out front and when I saw a back how appear I had to run over to ask about the rocks: yes, they planned to send all the rocks to the city dump! I made a deal that if I could get them all to my home within a few days, I could have them.

I believe it’s not random, but Millie or perhaps her late husband must have been a rockhound in Arizona. The individual pieces have great variety and many are wonderful specimen pieces. I suddenly remembered this large pink quartz so I went out to get it and washed it. Sure enough, the part always up was fading to very light pink while the bottom is still darker pink. Now I’ve got it ready to display inside. I posted this so others could remember some special rocks and crystals should be in a shaded area or inside if the color is a key feature.

Nice carnelian find from Oregon Coast. Looks like a kidney!

Anyone info on any would be greatly appreciated 🤔🫡

I found a ton of quartz on my land that resides in dark red / light red clay/ dirt - it almost sparkles when you look at it.

In the picture, I took a chunk of the dirt and panned it around on a dinner plate and was left with this. I looked up my area and found that it was a place gold could be found due to the mineral richness, etc.

Any thoughts?

I bought a panning set and some neodymium magnets to explore more tomorrow. I probably have about 50 pounds of quartz and there is a ton more.

I found a few Cross Stones today. I was fascinated when I found one that was a good looking cross.

What does everyone thing of Cross Stones?

What does everyone think of the Staurolite crystal in general?

I didn’t find any Staurolites in great condition but I imagine if you found a clear one, the brownish crystal would look incredible.

She asked if I could identify it, but a reverse image search suggested a few different things. Maybe someone here has an idea? Thank you!

Was out digging in my yard when I found this cool Agate! Not sure where it came from, it’s sliced in half which I’m guessing the old owners left or something. Camera doesn’t do its colors justice, it’s a pretty cool blue and pink combo.

some of my baker blues

I picked this up in South Dakota thinking it was petrified wood. Brought it back home to Billings and showed a couple of people and it became VERY polarizing. Some think it's wood, some think it's coral, it's dense. Any help would be super helpful!

Just got a UV black light to help expand my rock/ crystal/mineral collection and I noticed parts of this petrified wood I found and cut glow a dim green under UV. Anyone know why?

I've lived here my whole life but 30 yrs at my own piece where I quickly found some arrow heads, then fossils, and several odd man worked stones (according to UT Geologist that came down). I never saw so many different types of stones, it seems there are several dozen types with 1 red sticky to the tongue type. Very sticky. This is what my husband deals with (and I have even more.. Everywhere). All these were on top of the ground, I've never dug in it. I just need someone to come help tell me what's trash. East TN

I'm excited to clean them up!

What type of rock or gem is this?

Nice find from last week’s adventure. What should I do with it? Cut it?