But most of these are too complicated for the beginner. As you read,
look at pictures and samples, and talk with other rockhounds or
leaders of mineralogy clubs, you'll get better at identifying rocks.
Museum experts and your state's geologist can help, too.

[figure captions]

Specific gravity balance

Blowpipe analysis




GEMS FOR THE LUCKY FEW



If you're lucky, you'll find gems or semiprecious stones. Gems are
the finer, more crystalline forms of minerals which are ordinarily
less beautiful and spectacular. The true gems are diamonds, emeralds,
rubies and sapphires. All others are semiprecious and ornamental.

Diamonds are pure carbon, but did you know that rubies and sapphires
are corundum minerals--rare forms of alumina. In slightly different
form, they'd turn up on emery paper.

Other stones you might find are the quartz gems: rose quartz,
amethyst, rock crystal, agate, jasper, bloodstone. Or opaque gems
such as jade, moonstone, lapis-lazuli, obsidian, and turquoise.