The Encyclopedic Guide to Rocks, Minerals & Gemstones
Explore Earth's Hidden Treasures.
An encyclopedic guide to 1452 unique rocks, minerals, and gemstones.
Featured: Phyllite
Curator's Selections
Discover by Crystal System
Explore the collection through the fundamental geometric structures that define each mineral's form.
Specimen Spotlight
Burgess Shale Fossil
The image displays two dark, well-preserved fossil arthropods, Waptia fieldensis and Marrella splendens, embedded within a dark gray, finely layered s...
From the Journal
Collecting
Gemstone Buying Guide for Collectors
Welcome to the dazzling world of gemstone collecting! Whether you're a seasoned rockhound looking to transition from field finds to curated purchases, or a newcomer captivated by the fire of a sapphir...
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Getting Started
How to Identify Minerals: A Complete Guide
Embarking on the journey of mineral identification is like learning a new language—the language of the Earth. Each stone, crystal, and rock you pick up has a story to tell, written in its color, shape...
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Getting Started
Rock Identification for Beginners
Have you ever picked up a fascinating stone on a hike, admired its unique colors, or felt its surprising weight and wondered, "What kind of rock is this?" You're not alone. The world beneath our feet ...
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1452
Total Specimens
7.0
Most Common Hardness
trigonal
Dominant Crystal System