Get ready to channel your inner geologist: September 16 is National Collect Rocks Day! This is something everyone in your family can enjoy. Take a stroll along the beach or just in your own backyard. You could even make a real event of it by finding your nearest archaeological dig. Even if you live in the city, you can find examples of natural stone all around you in the buildings, parks, or museums.
The type of rocks in your area are largely reliant upon the local geology. Don’t be fooled by landscaping stones; despite their decorative appeal these may have come from a far away quarry. You can find a geological map for your state online to get started or to help identify what you find.
One of the best ways to identify a rock is by breaking it open. By looking at a fresh surface, one that has not been worn away by the elements, you can really see the colors and makeup of your rock. You can also learn a lot about it. Does it change color when wet? Does it crumble easily? What colors are visible inside? These observations are all clues to identifying your find. Checking out the rock’s texture is another way to learn more about it. Check the grain of the rock, its hardness and density.
Rocks come in three basic forms:
- Igneous — cooled from a liquid state with tightly fitting grains. Obsidian and pumice are two types of igneous rock.
- Sedimentary — sand, shells, and pebbles compressed together over time. Examples include sandstone and shale.
- Metamorphic — these were once igneous or sedimentary but were changed over time by heat. They tend to have a lot of colorful striations. Marble and slate are good examples.
Once you’ve collected your favorites, what should you do with your rocks? There are many options when it comes to preserving and displaying the best of your rock collection. Put them in a glass bowl around a candle, add them to your garden path as accents, polish them up and make your own custom keepsake jewelry. Any way you choose, your rocks will certainly last a lifetime.
Images via OdysseySeaGlass.com, Thanate Tan
