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PAGE 14 To advertise call (775)727-8787 August 2026
and start looking around in the sand and soil.
But if you want to wander, there is Nelson
Ghost Town (Techatticup Mine) and the sur-
rounding hills and trails. They are heavily min-
eralized and known for copper and gold pros-
pecting history. Surrounding areas managed by
the Bureau of Land Management allow for the
collection of up to 25 pounds of common rocks
per day without a permit.
Look for Contrast: Scan the ground for
stones that stand out by color, sparkle, or unusu-
al crystal shapes. Check the Underside: Rocks
exposed to the sun often hide their best features
or patterns underneath, so flip them over. Re-
cord Your Finds. Keep a notebook tracking the
Lapidary Can Be A Heavy Hobby date, location, and a description of your collec-
By Chuck N. Baker tion site so you know where your specimens
came from. Clean Your Rocks with a deep bowl,
Rock collecting or rock hounding does not Southwest. water, and an old rag with gentle dish soap to
include Elvis, Bob Dylan or Cher. Collecting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation wash off the dirt and reveal the rock’s true col-
rocks — often called rockhounding, or lapidary Area is world-famous for its dramatic Aztec ors.
— can be a fun, accessible hobby that combines Sandstone formations and diverse mineral de- Remember before you start: Rocks are heavy.
outdoor exploration with earth science. To get posits. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is Carry a strong satchel if you plan to bring home
started, you can surface-collect almost any- located east of the city, the surrounding washes, a large amount of beautiful looking specimens.
where, or use simple hand tools like a small rock alluvial fans, and desert trails are great places to Some people love collecting rocks because of
hammer, chisel, and a sturdy backpack. Always search for agates, jaspers, and geodes washed the “thrill of the hunt,” the sensory satisfaction
keep “Leave No Trace” principles in mind, and down from the mountains. But wait, there’s of different textures and weights, and the deep
check land regulations before digging. In South- more. You do not have to travel very far in Nye connection to Earth’s history. Holding a rock is
ern Nevada people have immediate access to County to collect rocks. Just wander into the like holding a physical time capsule shaped by
some of the most geologically rich areas in the desert around Pahrump (careful not to trespass) millions of years of natural forces. So rock on!
