Real Talk!

Rockhounds enjoy collecting rocks and/or mineral specimens from their natural environment. Armed with a rock hammer, goggles, chisels, water, a little newspaper and a bag, the avid collector thinks nothing of driving and/or hiking to remote areas. & most have a pretty extensive knowledge of petrology, mineralogy and geology.

Geology is a broadish term, essentially the science and study of the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth. Petrology is more of a speciality that deals with microscopic details relating to how a particular rock has been formed. Mineralogy focuses on the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals.

It is believed that modern geology began in the medieval Islamic world. Abu al-Rayhan al-Biruni (973–1048 AD) was one of the earliest Muslim geologists, writing on the geology of India. Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 981–1037) made significant contributions to geology and the natural sciences (which he called Attabieyat). He wrote an encyclopedia of sorts, called “Kitab al-Shifa”, containing essays on Mineralogy and Meteorology.

In China, noted scholar Shen Kua (1031–1095), having observed fossilized animal shells in a geological layer that was miles away from the ocean, hypothesized the process of land formation was relative to mountain erosion and deposits of silt.

AGRICOLA

German scholar and scientist, Georg Agricola (24 March 1494 – 21 November 1555) is credited with being the "the father of mineralogy", for his famous work a complete and systematic treatise on mining and extractive metallurgy.

Unique and interesting rocks are everywhere. Getting started in rockhounding is easy; a collection can begin with a single "pretty" rock. There are a variety of mineral clubs located across Ontario. Many of these clubs host annual gem and mineral shows that give collectors a chance to gather, exchange ideas and swap samples. Ontario also provides a wealth of geological settings. Certainly, Bancroft has everything a rockhound would desire, crystals, minerals and many; many abandoned mine sites and quarries.

Collectors may start with being attracted to certain colours, textures, shapes and/or crystals. A good reference or guidebook can be helpful in selecting promising collection areas and also, in identifying specimens.

Ontario recognizes two kinds of mineral collectors -- hobby mineral collectors and large scale/commercial mineral collectors. The difference between the two is the amount of rock each takes home at the end of the day. This is known as the threshold limit.
The threshold limit between hobby and large-scale collecting is defined as the amount one person can excavate using only hand tools and can carry unassisted from a specific site or location. The limit is allowed once per year per site.

Hobby mineral collecting means:
o Collection for personal pleasure, recreation or interest.
o The amount collected is below a specified threshold.
o The samples collected are for the collector's personal collection. This includes rocks or minerals collected to swap.
o The collector has no intention of selling the minerals he or she has collected. If you dig out your samples with hand tools and carry them home unassisted, you are probably a hobby collector.
Anyone can be a hobby mineral collector in Ontario. You do not need a special licence or a permit.

Although the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines deals primarily with professional prospectors and mineral explorationists, it recognizes the recreational and educational benefits of hobby mineral collecting and has developed a mineral collecting policy.

Code of Ethics
o I will respect both private and public property, and will do no collecting on privately
owned land without the owner's permission.
o I will keep informed of all laws, rules, and regulations governing collecting on public
lands, and will observe them.
o I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan
to collect.
o I will use no firearms or blasting materials in collecting areas.
o I will cause no wilful damage to property of any kind - fences, buildings, signs, etc.
o I will leave all gates as found.
o I will build fires only in designated or safe places, and will make sure that they are
completely extinguished before leaving the area.
o I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
o I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
o I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
o I will cause no willful damage to collecting material, and will take home only what I
can reasonably use.
o I will leave all collecting areas free of litter, regardless of how found.
o I will co-operate with field trip leaders and those designated in authority in all collecting
areas.
o I will report to my Club/Federation officers or other proper authorities, any deposit of
material on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations
for public, educational and scientific purposes.
o I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
o I will observe the "Golden Rule" and will use "Good Outdoor Manners" and will, at all
times, conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and public image of
rockhounds everywhere.
An excellent site for the beginner is The Canadian Rockhound, a free online earth science magazine for collectors, beginners and educators:

http://canadianrockhound.ning.com/

Rock collecting is a positive family activity as it provides healthy outdoor recreation and spans all age groups. It’s much easier to exercise and keep fit while you enjoy a new hobby all at the same time. It is relatively inexpensive to outfit yourself and really, rock collecting compares with treasure hunting. It can be greatly rewarding both intellectually and aesthetically- and a lucky rockhound may even strike it rich. Treasures come in all shapes and sizes, especially when they've been buried deep in the earth for thousands of years.

It is not at all uncommon for a collector to find old coins, tools, and weapons in tailings and around the mining site. Sometimes a rockhound will find mine camps with the remains of old buildings or miners cabins. Searching in these areas can turn up all kinds of articles left or lost by miners.

When hunting artifacts you want to check building walls and floors, fireplace walls, and to the right and left of outside of doors as many times these people buried or hid their belongings and caches in such spots. In cases of the owner’s unexpected death, these items sometimes remain where they were hidden.

A great way to start is to visit the 46th Annual Rockhound Gemboree in Bancroft- it starts today and runs until August 2nd. Just find your way to Bancroft and follow the signs or ask just about anyone you see… they’ll direct you to the arena and the wondrous displays of gems, minerals, fossils, petrified wood, rocks, jewelry, maps, equipment and so much more! There are booths set up inside and out. Admission: Adult $7.00; Senior (55+) $5.00; Children 6-12 $5.00; Chldren under 6 are FREE

Maybe I'll see you there!