How to Start an Interesting Rock Collection

Learn how to find, identify, and organize your very own collection of unique rocks and minerals found in your neighborhood.

1. Go on a rock hunt. Head outside to a park, a creek bed, or your own backyard. Look for rocks that have unusual colors, patterns, or shapes. Only pick up rocks that are loose on the ground; do not try to dig deep holes or break large boulders.
2. Clean and inspect your treasures. Once you are home, use your brush to gently wipe away any loose dirt or sand. Use your magnifying glass to look closely at the surface. Can you see tiny crystals? Are there layers of different colors? Ask a grown-up if you can use a damp cloth to clean off any stubborn mud.
3. Catalog your collection. In your notebook, write down where you found each rock and what it looks like. Give each rock a number, and write that same number on a piece of tape stuck to the bottom of the rock. This helps you remember your discoveries later.
4. Organize your box. Place your rocks into your egg carton or box. Use the cotton balls to keep them from bumping into each other and getting scratched. You can arrange them by color, size, or even by the place you found them.