Collection: Rockhounding Accessories

Rockhounding Tools & Accessories Explained

What tools do you need for rockhounding?

The core kit is a rock pick or geology hammer for breaking and prying, a set of cold chisels for splitting along seams, a loupe for examining crystals, a sifting screen to sort material, and a sturdy bag to carry your finds. Add a testing stone and storage containers as your collection grows. Prefer to buy it all at once? See our complete rockhounding kits.

What is a rock pick used for, and how is it different from a regular hammer?

A rock pick mining hammer has a flat striking face on one end and a pointed or chisel tip on the other, so you can both break rock and pry pieces loose, something a standard claw hammer cannot do. Our 20oz pick has an 11-inch handle and a pointed tip for digging crystals out of pockets, and the collapsible magnetic pick axe packs down for travel.

Which chisels do I need for splitting rock?

A cold steel chisel set lets you work a crack or seam and split rock cleanly instead of shattering it. Our 3pc heavy-duty set covers the common widths for most fieldwork. Always wear eye protection when striking rock.

What is the best bag for rockhounding?

You want something rugged with a shoulder strap so your hands stay free on the trail. The 13-pocket musette shoulder bag keeps tools organized, while the weather-resistant nylon tool bag hauls a heavier load of finds.

How do I examine and store what I find?

A 4pc aluminum loupe set (2.5x to 10x) magnifies crystal and grain structure so you can identify minerals, and a natural testing stone helps with simple field checks. Sort by size with a stackable sifting screen, then protect the keepers in a 20pc aluminum storage container set so nothing chips on the way home.