Rock & Gem magazine

01/14/2026

Calcite is a smart starting point for mineral collectors. Learn why this helps beginners understand crystal forms, growth conditions and collecting focus.

01/13/2026

Quick tips for how to document a rock collection:
• The more detail, the better.
• The best catalog is electronic, accompanied by photos.
• Update annually to decommission and/or add specimens.
• Keep a copy of your catalog in a safe deposit box.
👉 https://www.rockngem.com/how-to-store-a-rock-collection-properly/
📸 by Daisy Daisy

01/12/2026

Happy Mineral Monday! Beautiful Cold Mountain thunderegg cabochon by Russ Kaniuth.

01/11/2026

Discover chakra stones from a collector’s perspective—learn colors, characteristics, and history for display, study, and building a thoughtful collection. 📸 by Brenna
👉 https://www.rockngem.com/chakra-stones-collectors-guide/

01/10/2026

Rock tumbling smooths stones through a step-by-step process using abrasives, polish, and a tumbler. Learn how it works and how to get started.

01/09/2026

What do you see in this beautiful Maligano Jasper cabochon? 🧐 An underwater coral reef? A tree-lined cliff? Let us know in the comments below.
📸 by Keith Dull of Summit Cabochons.

01/08/2026

Fly your rockhound flag high with these new designs! Gear up for your next adventure, or customize your vehicle, water bottle, home or shop. Only at RCKHND.com!

01/07/2026

Happy Old Rock Day, celebrating Earth’s deep history and the forces that have shaped it! 🌋 We rockhounds have more to celebrate than you might think. Today's the first on our list of geology, gem, fossil and rock-themed holidays to enjoy throughout the year.

👉 https://www.rockngem.com/2023-rockhound-holidays/
📸 by ematon

01/06/2026

Enjoy our #1 story from 2025...

Knowing how to polish rocks by hand is handy after a day spent finding some nice specimens. Here’s how to turn a dull piece of stone into a gleaming beauty.

01/05/2026

Wishing stones are #2 on our list of top stories from 2025...

Wishing stones may be drab gray rocks with a belt of white quartz but they are rumored to have the power to grant wishes. Here's what you need to know.

01/04/2026

Looking back at our top stories from 2025. Here's #3... A look at eight rocks commonly found on Michigan's beaches. 📸 by Julia Beatty
👉 https://www.rockngem.com/8-rocks-lake-michigan-beaches/

01/03/2026

We're looking back at our top stories from 2025. Here's #4...

Looking for a handy list of state dinosaurs? We've got you covered! Did you know that not every state has an official dino? Find out who made the cut and why.