Have you held a rock that feels soft to the touch, almost like soap? That’s soapstone! It’s been used for years to make everything— from cooking pots to intricate sculptures. It can absorb and retain heat but is also durable enough to last. This rock is easier to shape and carve compared to others, allowing … Read more
At first glance, both moonstone and opal might seem quite similar because they both exhibit a beautiful shifting of hues and light. But look a little closer, and you’ll be able to tell moonstone vs opal. Moonstone, with its unique glow, seems to capture the soft light of the moon in a gem. Opal, on … Read more
Colorado isn’t the first place most people associate with wild truffles, but that’s exactly what makes the hunt here so interesting. Beneath the quiet forests, these mushrooms form out of sight in the same soil that produces so many other edible species. They don’t show themselves easily, and even experienced foragers can walk right past … Read more
Gem hunting in Maryland really delivers. Despite not being one of the largest states around it’s packed with hidden gems ready to be discovered. From the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the streams that cut through the countryside, the state is full of spots where rockhounds can find crystals, minerals, and even the occasional … Read more
Agates in Virginia appear in more places than most people would expect, making the search for them a rewarding pursuit. They show up in waterways, in open fields, and even in areas with disturbed ground where you might not think to look. Creeks and small rivers are great places to start, as they often carry … Read more
It can be really tough to find good gem hunting spots. So many of the best ones are closely guarded secrets that you have to know somebody to find out about. Fortunately, we can help! Our state is home to some of the best gem mining spots in the country, and you’re sure to find … Read more
Fire agate hunting in New Jersey can be a fun weekend activity. I’ve spent many afternoons searching through this state’s rocky areas. The thrill of finding these gems makes all the dirt and sweat worth it. New Jersey has some hidden spots where fire agate turns up. Most folks think you need to go west … Read more
Fire agate hunting in Massachusetts is something I got into last summer. I never thought our state would have these gems until I found one right here in Massachusetts. The rocks have this deep, warm glow when you hold them up to the light. They’re not super common, which makes finding one feel like winning … Read more
Louisiana’s swampy backwaters and sandy shores hide all kinds of natural treasures. Among these treasures is amber. Finding these honey-colored gems takes time and patience, but the reward is worth it. When you find your first piece of amber, you’ll understand why collectors get so excited. The way sunlight makes it glow, the ancient bugs … Read more
Fire agate hunting in Virginia can be a rewarding experience. This beautiful gemstone hides in several areas across the state, waiting to be discovered. Anyone with some patience and know-how can find these colorful treasures. I’ve spent years searching Virginia’s landscape for these gems. The reddish-brown stones with their fiery flash don’t appear everywhere. You … Read more
