This is a general-purpose list of gear that’s useful to have when rock collecting. Your equipment needs will vary depending on your location, time of year, and what your collecting goal is. If you’re attending a field trip, please check the site requirements as some locations have strict PPE requirements.

Field Trip Essentials

If you’re participating in a club field trip, don’t forget these!

  • CCFMS Membership Card
  • Completed Field Trip Liability Forms
  • Cash for parking/mine access/etc.
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A pair of impact-resistant safety glasses sitting atop a bright orange safety vest.

Some of these items are non-negotiable, especially on field trips with other people around.

  • Safety Glasses
    • Please note: Eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses! If you wear corrective glasses, there are safety glasses designed to be worn over top of eyeglasses. They’re also useful if you want to wear sunglasses and safety glasses at the same time.
    • UV-blocking safety glasses are a must when using UV flashlights; protect your eyes from prolonged exposure.
  • Closed-Toe Safety Shoes
    • Falling rocks and dropped tools can cause serious injury. Solid boots with ankle support are the bare minimum, but some field trips require CSA-approved safety shoes.
  • Hard Hat 
    • Extremely important if you’re collecting anywhere with overhanging rock that could fall loose.
  • Gloves
    • Don’t cheap out on your gloves! Get a pair of impact- and puncture-resistant gloves; some minerals are very sharp. They also prevent blisters while you dig.
  • Knee Pads
    • You’ll be thankful to have a pair of gardening knee pads after spending several hours crouched in the dirt.
  • Reflective Hi-Vis Vest
    • Visibility is extremely important if you’re rockhounding around roadcuts, in the dark, or in active quarries.
  • Headlamp + Spare Batteries
    • If you’re collecting in the dark, a headlamp is simple and hands-free.
  • N95 Mask
    • If you’re collecting somewhere dusty or where you might be exposed to asbestos or other fibres, respiratory protection is an absolute must!

Collecting Equipment
A geological hammer resting atop a pile of rocks.

Here are some tools that you’ll find helpful when you’re looking for specimens. The gear you bring varies depending on your needs.

  • Geological Hammer
  • Chisels
    • Cold chisels are robust and come in various sizes.
    • Some chisels come with a hand guard.
  • Small Sledgehammer/Hand Sledge
  • Prybar
  • Shovels
    • Preferences vary, but a camping shovel is easier to carry and is good enough for everything except digging large holes.
    • Spade shovels come in various sizes and weights. Choose the right tool for the type of ground you plan on breaking, the distance you need to carry your tools (weight adds up fast), and ease of use.
  • Spray Bottle
    • Great for giving specimens a quick clean in the field.
  • Paintbrushes
    • Also useful for brushing dust off
  • Hand Rake
  • Trowel
  • Garden Tools
    • Pruning shears, small folding saws, etc. are useful if you need to dig your way through tough, woody roots.
  • Screens & Classifier Sieves
    • Useful if you’re sifting specimens out of sand/gravel or hunting for fossils/gold/etc.

Identification Tools

Tools that will make identifying your specimens a little easier.

  • UV Flashlight
    • Some minerals fluoresce under certain wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV flashlights come in longwave (365-395nm), shortwave (~254nm), and the significantly less common midwave (310nm).
    • Make sure to buy lights from reputable sellers! Unsafe exposure to UV is hazardous to health and can cause permanent damage to skin and eyes.
    • Always be aware of who or what is around you to minimise risk of exposing others to UV light. Also be aware of reflective surfaces that may bounce light into your eyes.
  • Jeweller’s Loupe or Magnifying Glass
  • Streak Plate
    • A piece of unglazed porcelain to drag a mineral across. Read more here.
  • Field Guide of the area
  • 5-10% Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
    • Hazardous to skin & eyes. Safe storage is imperative!
    • Read about acid tests here.
  • Rare-Earth Magnet
  • Mohs Hardness Pick Set
  • Geiger Counter
    • Useful if you’re hunting radioactive minerals, and to ensure you’re not bringing home any surprises.
Specimen Transportation

Once you’ve collected your minerals, you’ll need to transport them safely home. There are many ways to go about this. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Bubble Wrap, Newspaper, and/or Paper Towels
    • No matter what container you pack your specimens in, you’ll need something to cushion and prevent them from sliding around. Old grocery flyers from the mail are abundant and free!
  • Masking Tape + Permanent Marker
    • Label your specimens & where you found them as soon as you can. It’s easy to forget, especially if you’re collecting at multiple sites on one trip.
  • Buckets 
    • Best used while collecting in the field.
    • 5 gallon buckets from the hardware store or feed buckets from farm supply stores are a great choice.
  • Egg Cartons
    • Useful for storing small specimens.
  • Sandwich Bags
    • Plastic bags with a zipper. They come in large and small sizes.
  • Tupperware
  • Fishing Vest
    • They have so many pockets!
  • Backpack
    • Backpacks for hikers are excellent for carrying rocks as they are lightweight and have extra support built in.
  • Fanny Pack/Shoulder Bag
    • Not as useful for large collecting trips, but they’re nice if you’re going on a short trip and want a hands-free pouch.
Other Useful Gear

Here are some tools that you’ll find helpful when you’re looking for specimens. The gear you’ll need varies depending on your location, activity, and other needs.

  • Bug Sprays or Lotions
    • 20-30% DEET is an excellent repellent for mosquitoes and ticks. It can stain and damage plastics, leather, and synthetic fabrics, so be cautious when applying.
    • 20% Picaridin is better for repelling horse/deer/blackflies. Less irritating for those with sensitive skin, and won’t damage synthetic materials.
    • Avoid Permethrin as it is a very nasty environmental toxin, causes skin irritation, and is indiscriminately deadly to all arthropods and fish.
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable Water Bottle
    • Bottles with a carabiner or a handle that can be clipped onto a bag are handy in case your backpack fills up with rocks and you need your hands free 😉
  • Non-Perishable Snacks
    • such as granola, jerky, protein bars, etc.
  • Wearable Mosquito Netting
    • You’ll look goofy, but when you’re up north walking through thick clouds of biting flies, you’ll be very, very thankful you’re wearing it.
  • First Aid Kit
    • Bandaids & Bandages, Tick removal gear, Burn cream, Blister care
  • GPS/Compass/Offline Maps
    • Always have at least 2 ways of finding your position in the event you get lost.
  • Garbage Bag
    • Respect the land you’re collecting on by bringing garbage back with you.
  • Spare Tire
    • If you’re in a remote location with rough roads, the last thing you want is a flat tire with no spares.