Arizona is a premier destination for anyone seeking to a bit of gem hunting. Its expansive desert landscape and rugged mountains hold a wide variety of minerals waiting to be discovered. Different kinds of terrain across Arizona can hold gems in surprising places. Riverbeds, dry washes, and gravel bars can all carry stones that have … Read more
Arizona’s wild landscapes offer rich rewards beyond beautiful views. Hidden among the desert floors, mountain slopes, and river valleys are edible plants worth searching for. People have gathered these natural foods here for thousands of years. The Sonoran Desert might look bare to untrained eyes, but useful plants grow everywhere. Prickly pear fruits turn bright … Read more
Arizona’s deserts and canyons hold more edible plants than most people expect. Wild onions pop up near mountain streams, and prickly pear pads can be harvested almost year-round. Even the dried seeds of mesquite pods have been used as food for centuries. High elevations offer their own surprises, like the tender inner stalks of young … Read more
Idaho is rich in natural resources, including a variety of minerals and gemstones. The types of rocks found in Idaho range from precious gems to valuable ores, including star garnet, gold, and galena. However, finding these treasures can be challenging without knowing what to look for or where to start your search. It helps to … Read more
Opal is a fascinating mineral known for its unique play of colors and diversity. There are many types of opal, each with distinct characteristics that make them special. For example, boulder opal, hyalite, and fire opal are all unique forms of this mineral. When light hits an opal, it travels through tiny silica spheres inside … Read more
Arizona is a treasure trove for rock and mineral enthusiasts! With its vast deserts, soaring mountains, and deep canyons, this place is like a giant sandbox for those with a curious spirit and an eye for natural beauty. Hidden beneath its surface are some of the world’s most stunning and diverse minerals. The types of … Read more
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of personally digging up a high-quality piece of amethyst in Nevada. The secret to successful collecting isn’t luck; it’s knowing exactly which parts of the state are most likely to hold the crystals you’re hunting for. Instead of just wandering around, you can really focus your time and energy … Read more
Tucked between deserts, mountains, and forests, crystals in California have drawn collectors for decades. The state’s size and variety mean countless environments where minerals quietly wait to be uncovered. Each region holds its own kind of beauty, and part of the fun is learning how different landscapes reveal different crystal types. Sometimes, the best clues … Read more
Finding gems in California is easier than you might think for both beginners and experienced rockhounds. The state is full of accessible public land where you can successfully dig and sieve for valuable finds. From dry river channels to specific areas in open quarries, the terrain offers many places to start your search. Knowing what … Read more
Geodes in Indiana are one of the state’s best kept natural surprises and they’re hiding in places most people drive past every day. Along creek banks farm fields and rocky road cuts in southern Indiana lie round ordinary looking rocks that crack open to reveal sparkling quartz crystals and sometimes stunning purple or smoky interiors. … Read more
