Gather Rocks

• 1). Buy your own collection of rocks. Collections are available through the Internet and catalogs, with prices ranging from inexpensive to expensive, depending on size or rarity.
  
  
• 2). Be an explorer! Rocks are everywhere and different types of natural settings contain varied types of rocks, some of which may be location-specific.
  
  
• 3). Head to the islands. Islands--like Hawaii--can be a great source for locating igneous rock, which forms when magma cools and hardens.
  
  
• 4). Check streams, lakes and rivers. Sedimentary rocks form from the erosion of larger rocks. The resulting sediments are then carried via water to a natural basin and the sediment becomes stone.
  
  
• 5). Acclimate yourself to hot weather. Metamorphic rocks are best found in areas of intense heat, where rocks have also been exposed to pressure.
  
  
• 6). Be a happy novice. Choose rocks that appeal to you and research exactly what you've found when you return home.
  
  
• 7). Dig deep. Great rocks can also be found beneath the dirt and your shovel can help you to access what lies beneath the ground.
  
  

Start Your Collection

• 1). Separate the rocks as you find them. By keeping them apart, you can better categorize your collection when you return home.
  
  
• 2). Place each rock in its own container or plastic bag. Label the bag or container with the location and date.
  
  
• 3). Clean each rock thoroughly. Many collectors are quite surprised to see the rock's true appearance once all dirt has been removed.
  
  
• 4). Keep a record or chart from the moment you start the collection. Numerous trips and collections are easily monitored if you update the record after each trip.
  
  
• 5). Buy rock identification guides. You can use these to point you in the direction of the rocks you want or to help identify what you've found.
  
  
• 6). Determine how to classify your collection. You can group rocks based on texture, color or size, for example.
  
  
• 7). Photograph collections. If you plan to keep multiple collections, you can photograph each one when it is complete.