How to Actually Find Your Own Rockhounding Locations

It always seems to go the same way. Someone posts a photo or video of a rock and someone asks "Where is this?". The response is something to the effect of giving a vague location such as a state or county, and sometimes it's "my own spot". Or, if asked to clarify, the statement comes out "find your own spot!" with nothing else, and no real help.
I'm here to help you because, first off, it's really rare that someone finds a new fully undiscovered location with a mineral to collect, it does happen occasionally, but often what happens is a person has a tip or clue leading them to an area or knows of an area that is rich in ______ mineral and goes off looking.
This should be used as a tool to help you find minerals. Understand that some of the mines on Gaia are active, private property and have the potential to be dangerous.
Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. / currentlyrockhounding
#CurrentlyRockhounding #Rockhounding

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding

[@megankimber8772]

Thank you so much for being thoughtful enough to help people figure out what resources are out there to help them. Yeah it doesn’t feel like such a mutual hobby when often people say, “just find your own stuff.”

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah I think it's kinda stupid when people say those things.

[@koryandrews1665]

Unfortunately there are jerks in every hobby or Fandom. That being said, it can be very discouraging.

[@Yeehaw0588]

I mean unlike the vast majority of people think it isn't rocket science, you don't even need any fancy gear but it's extremely frustrating when you need help or more resources and people just say stupid stuff like that

[@AlchemyOfTheFourthKind]

Prospectors and roclhounders are the evil version of anglers. Ahahahaa peoples energy is so jumbled they end up getting projected from said minerals and said Cycle continues.

[@karenstauffer1524]

Frustrating, but I understand why they don't give directions. Some people would then show up with a truck and clean it out, or cause damage and up go no trespassing signs.

[@benjaminboivin6042]

You are one of the most helpful rockhounders on the internet, we are lucky to have you

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you for the kind words. Getting out and exploring these places with my wife Sara has been an amazing experience and I believe others could benefit from it as well.

[@aidan6149]

Benjamin that is the most accurate facts I heard all day

[@joziepeters3770]

I know this was posted three years ago but I still want to say thank you! This the resource I've been needing but didn't know where to look for it. Not just for rock hounding, but for hiking trails and remote camping spots! Thank you so much. The cost has gone up for premium but after seeing what it can do I did it without a second thought. So worth it and so much fun to explore.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! Yeah, I still use Gaia like I showed here.

[@thegamingpotato7019]

Question would you recommend them for cave hunting/ridgewalking

[@QuintonMurdock]

My trick for rockhounding was working at a concrete plant and being the one often doing GQ inspections of deliveries of gravel

[@Speble]

Moahaha same

[@riannon75]

Dream job!! 🥰

[@Greeev]

What is GQ inspection? Gravel quality?

[@msclairesstuff3179]

I just went thru the pain of trying to decipher how many apps & database's I had to install, just to read 1 USGS geo map quadrangle with similar layers. You made Gaia look too easy bravo

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah, Gaia really doesn't offer anything you can't find anywhere else, but what they do offer is making it easy.

[@teresabugg2363]

Thank you so much. Your kindness shows that you are genuinely a good hearted human being.

[@MatthewSchnupp]

Thanks for all you share!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you very much!

[@bonnieborgeson3200]

Oh thank you so much. All I know is that I always loved rocks, born and raised in Chicago as a girl I would lug home railroad track gravel (my poor Mom). Well many many years later I have finally retired and really want to give rockhounding a chance. I knew/know nothing, but watching your videos have taught me at least what/why/where to an extent I didn't have. Now I only have one problem, no one I am related to or friends of could careless to come with. Ha, what they are missing. Anyway, thank you so very much, you have really helped enlighten me. Big Hug to you.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm happy to hear that the videos have been helpful. Maybe if you found a few good spots you could drag someone with you and show them how much fun it could be. Also you could maybe find more link minded people at a rock club if you dont want to go it alone.

[@saffloweroyl3663]

SAME HERE! Railroad teack rockhounding. The happuest day was when I found my first fossil, and wrote a letter to the Smithsonian asking them to buy it from me (of course they didn't, I was a hopeful 7 year old)

[@paulgalloway3844]

I love your videos. I thought I would thank some of my favourite KZbinrs. I'm an armchair rockhound. I can't actually go myself because a stroke has left me partially disabled and affected my balance, but I do enjoy it vicariously through you and others.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@valkeriejones3818]

This is what I do! Somewhere down the line I found the Arkansas Geological Survey map and I've been using it and the Missouri version ever since. Every time I find a cool rock I go and check what the formation/rock type is, and every time I want to find a rock I look at the map. ❤️

[@DaughterofAlbion]

This was awfully helpful! Thank you for being kind enough to share your tips. It’s really hugely appreciated :)

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@knappieboy]

After camping near Galena (north of John Day, Oregon) and doing some research on the town, i found myself wanting to rockhound a lot more. Thank you for this!

[@marcussmart3275]

That's a super valuable tool, I will certainly be getting this. Thank you for sharing!

[@Speble]

I will volunteer where i go rockhounding. Why would i gatekeep this hobby? It goes against my ethics and morals to gatekeep

[@reneespiricueta3543]

Im glad that someone is really helping a whole bunch of us rock hounds by giving this info. That really cuts down on a lot of research. Which I think I do more of that than get out on the field since my biggest fear and my grandkids is to walk into private property. We always leave the area better when we leave taking some xtra trash with U.S. We are very appreciate of you taking the time to share this info. Good luck to you and all your followers.

[@edtherockhound9944]

This is what I love about the rock hounding community. Everyone is so helpful and if learn something interesting I pass it on to others .thanks for the video I looked up this page before and my area is loaded but lot of those places are shut off to the public . It did turn me on to some wonderful spots. I have 4 more weeks of work and I’m off for 3 months and I have enough rocks but I think I will go out on Christmas morning and get a lil rock hounding before the family wakes up . I’m sure the kid will be up early so idk

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad it helped you find some good spots!

[@acidqueen9093]

Not everyone is as helpful as this guy. Some are super rude about it and refuse to help you

[@TheDarkDanny4]

Not only was this video really helpful but I liked that this was shown on Wyoming of all places. My little home state lol.

[@katrinakilburn3316]

Great video! Thank you for the info. Growing up we would rock hound as a family. We did a lot of road trips in our winnebago and I remember being in the middle of the desert a lot! We would have buckets of geods and other treasures. I miss those days.

[@RodneyPike]

Very cool. Do you have a link to that app? My apologies if I missed it. Thanks

[@Anya-jk2dy]

Thanks for posting. I'm starting to rekindle my interest in paleontology. This app looks great for finding the right types of formations in public lands

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@patriciamckean4186]

Brrrr.....thanks for braving the cold 🥶 . We appreciate your risking freezing to share your experience with us

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It does get a bit cold out here.

[@1000to1]

I enjoy your youtube videos Thanks for sharing GaiaGPS! -Russ Murray the 70-year-old Uranium prospector

[@pattimessenger6214]

Thank you for generously sharing this information with us! I truly appreciate it!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

My pleasure.

[@DJminor92]

Thanks for this I'm just getting back into rockhounding and I have been trying to figure out the best way to find new sites to search. Although the private land map is a bit more overwhelming even just a bit farther east here in MO. I'm looking for a mozarkite site near Warsaw and theres just so many little parcels of private land lol but I'll figure out who is worth bothering.

[@williammaisey2918]

Thanks so much…love rocks but just learning what, where, why etc. love learning from your videos..keep it up…Bill

[@chrisandrewoutside1560]

Researching and ground pounding is part of the fun!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Agreed but I also think you need to have some direction to that ground pounding.

[@williammaisey2918]

Thanks for your help…love rocks but just learning…love to learn from you…Bill

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you found it useful.

[@Bluebtfly]

🦋 Good morning from 🇨🇦⚘ 1st time viewer and loving ❤ every single minute guy's! !! Thank you ⚘ for sharing these fun, educational 👍❤ adventures!!! I'm a Maritimer recently moved to Ontario and having the time of my life discovering my new playground. Sending love ❤ and compassion to you my neighbors ⚘💯🙌

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you like it, I have ton of videos up about rockhounding.

[@Bluebtfly]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding moving to Alberta in 2 weeks!! More to explore 😁🦋🌞

[@cathypotosnyak8219]

This was absolutely and utterly amazing!!! A million thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@karenhill9912]

Hey was it your video that had Arlberg Park if so where is it! Thanks Karen

[@Heather-kz7tn]

Any idea why the State of Wyoming lands are squares that are evenly spaced out like a checkerboard across the map you looked at here? Kind of weird 🤔 Thank you so much for the resources ❤

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That's relatively common to see in the western US. Often it's from when railroads owned tons of land and then later split it up and sold it or gave it back to different land management agencies.

[@Heather-kz7tn]

​@@CurrentlyRockhounding Oh cool thank you. I guess thinking about it more, it makes sense considering all the farmland in Kansas is divided like this along railways but owned by farmers now.

[@TheCoyoteWayOverland]

Happened to have Gaiagps for other reasons and this was a revelation about how to use some more obscure layers. Great video. I checked near some of your hounding locations, like Rabbit Springs for thunder eggs and found that nearby is all rhyolite. Got me to wondering if there is a resource for what hounding rocks are in or near different mine types. Searching but not finding -- so far. Absolutely awesome videos, consistently great.

[@jw7956]

Great vid Jarad! Heading out to Alabama Hills in Lone Pine California and Gaia could really help! Thank you!

[@bambukairomantikai]

Before I buy Premium, are the minerals maps only for US? I am interested in Europe. Thank you for this amazing video !

[@DailyPostVideo]

Thanks for sharing nice videos Can use this tool for global?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I don't believe so.

[@FODVAPOR]

Thank you so much for the gaia gps plug! That will be such a life saver for our next trip, cheers!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Enjoy!

[@williamburrows6215]

I recently subscribed to the channel and I absolutely love your content and appreciate the work you do 🙏 it can be so hard to learn about rocks as a layman and you have helped me in my attempts to further my rock hobby!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Welcome! I'm glad you're here and I'm happy to help!

[@johnnash5118]

I like the cocktail ambience of your shows, even if it's just pineapple juice.

[@truthl0ver777]

Thank you so much for this! I got the app. Do you know what the layer is called to show property owners and boundaries?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

They are just the public and private land layers.

[@elisaerhardt3965]

So if we are looking for geodes what type ground are we looking for?

[@illusionistbeamish4204]

I did a ton of drilling up in goat mountain from 2016 to 2018. Really cool area.

[@aureliekingsley660]

Thanks for te advice. Let you know if it gets me somewhere to find interesting rocks.

[@kathleennorton2228]

Great tool, and so reasonable.

[@19mychaellee71]

Cool app. I usually do the same thing with Google maps but it involves specific search terms and many layers. I have a 'private locations' rockhounding map (through Google Maps) that I share with friends.

[@jamesjudkins5525]

Pleasant presentation with well delivered knowledge. Very refreshing... A+ friend... hope many more great videos forthcoming!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@JnVrockhounding]

Great information. This is an older video. Is this applicable? I can’t imagine not but thought I would ask.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Still works just fine and It's something I still use to this day.

[@trevorallen2274]

Saw this on your website. Thank you for explaining it. It really does look very useful.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a great tool to have.

[@wbwright79]

interesting. have had GAIA for a few years and never saw the Mines and Minerals overlay. thanks!

[@firewoman13merica65]

Thank you ! I did find your nuggets of wisdom very useful! I am an aspiring rock hound resuming the hobby of my youth as an oldy but goody ✌️😝

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you, I try to make the videos useful and enjoyable to watch.

[@loliboarder]

Thanks for the great information. You are very knowledgeable and helpful!

[@diabeticdarrell5798]

Thanks for the info. I just signed up a couple of days ago and they had a discount..... $35.00 a year!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah it's a good program.

[@bangthosebangthose5673]

What’s the program called ?

[@rockcrazygal5166]

Thx! I live in Canada, same thing.

[@prospectorpaul1]

Really awesome information friend, thank you so much

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@sylmen1111]

Thank you I really love what you do. Much love ❤️

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you, I sure love doing it.

[@colinbyerly5212]

Thank you sound like a great resource for outdoor researching skills thanks

[@dimracrhamaciid]

A free option would be to check your states geology website. My state has all of this available and more.

[@30somethingnothing]

Thank you so much for sharing this information!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

My pleasure!

[@brisurface3251]

Thank you im in okanogan county and I am trying to rock hunt with my kids! It's been a struggle

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Have you seen my website?

[@nen.user.3764]

Do you know if one of these layers has had any info on any mines that are inactive or older historic properties and quarry sites that may have been filled over. The area I live has a lot of history and it’s not widely available or mentioned in great detail online. I doubt that there was no records . Anyway another great video. I use this and Mancos as well when it’s being slow ha. Happy prospecting

[@kylaabegglen1275]

Awesome information. Thank you!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@Tasnim1970]

is there a way to tell you what areas are open to public rockhounding as opposed to just "public lands" or private?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

No

[@Tasnim1970]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding ok

[@MiniDevilDF]

What layer do I see property lines on? I can't seem to find it. Public Land and Private Land layers don't show as detailed and dont cover that much of the map. Thank you so much for this video!

[@LVXMagick]

This is exactly what I was looking for thank you so much!🙏🥰

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@20greeneyes20]

Thanks great information!!!

[@hikeyte]

Was wondering if this actually displays mining claims or if there is an app that does

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It does not show active claims, for that, you should use the BLM map.

[@disembowlmovemnt]

What layers are on? Did I miss something?

[@Cherrycola14]

😮 wow thanks for sharing I had no idea! 💡

[@SustenanceNCovering]

The only place to find rocks in Mississippi is Lowes.

[@tylerdurden5359]

I would like to here your thoughts on an array of useful tools. For example, UV lights, magnifying glass, cleaning solution, identification books, magnets, metal detectors or perhaps even glasses with lense that would allow you to more readily identify interesting rocks. Forgive me if some of that sounds ridiculous, I know nothing about rock hunting.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

These are all topics that I have covered for the most part. I have videos up on many of these topics except metal detectors. Also you might like the website I have as well.

[@openlens3091]

hi nice video's do you know if there is any good area's to look for gems in the sandpoint bonners ferry Idaho area's

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That far to big of a question to answer in a comment.

[@therockdad1]

Stay frosty my friend

[@CC-vw1cs]

Thank you !

[@setharnold999]

Awesome tool thanks for sharing

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@cj4688]

Hands down the best rock hounding channel. I’m lucky you cover much of my local area.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you for the kind words, we strive to produce good, honest, and helpful content.

[@hugoamkreutz2081]

does this work well outside of the US?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I live in the US, I don't know.

[@nomudnolotusnodragonnogold]

Awesome channel. Subbed.💪

[@ElizabethLueders]

What about Madison IN? Its an area on the Ohio River. There are many places within the area of Canon, small creeks and other places in our town. What do you recommend for us? Ive found Agates, and crystals. I'll try to send you some pictures. thanks ...

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you watch this video?

[@summerbreeze3062]

Nice tool!

[@rabbit1g237]

You are the best🙌🏼

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@daniellagoodwin5378]

I really want to stone so thank you my favorites are moon Stones🔍🔎✏️

[@nobodyisprfct]

Thanks for this clip!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

:)

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding - just now realized I already replied to this clip. I do enjoy your clips. I often forget and you help remind me. You also teach me things I didn't know. Like the Jasper vs Agate identification. I visit that clip a lot. Head injuries are annoying. Well it is snowing today. Can't go to where I wanted to explore today. So I am here. Lol

[@BB-dr2zs]

this dude just might be my yoda

[@kathyyosten1497]

Especially in north Texas, it mostly fossils.

[@nobodyisprfct]

My biggest problem is my memory. Some Geological maps have differences according to year made. I recently learned that a state Geological map is just a general information map. Now I don't know half the things you know and understand. I do stumble on some locations once in a while that are not known or explored. This June I hope to find enough jade to get to some other areas that I want to explore. For a while some state would allow you to download bulletin pdf files.

[@OffTheBeatenPathCrystals]

Excellent video and very educational. I find the Mindat site to full of good rockhounding info.

[@GetERekted]

How are you able to use Gaia gps on desktop? Anytime I try to use Gaia on my windows it prompts me to download the app. Also can you make a video on how to contact private land owners?

[@shyPandemonium]

Words cannot describe how helpful a video this was for me. Thank you once again for a wonderful video.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You're very welcome.

[@geocore3928]

Good work

[@paigelee6321]

Thank you very informative 😊💙

[@ChillblobBeats]

I've purchased the membership for Gaia GPS, how can I get my map do display all of the mines? My map isn't showing any unless I zoom in really close to a place where I know a few exist and even then there is no information available for any of them.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah if you zoom fully out sometimes they will disappear, I do think its nicer to use on the computer but you should still be able to see them.

[@Robintix]

Every step I take is potentially a rock hounding location lol

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That's a really good way of looking at it.

[@Rokynutz]

So, I'm an absolute hound for Carnelian. I'm trying to figure out the geological make-up that mothers Carnelian. Now, I've heard of the Logan Hill formation in western Washington. But, I don't quite understand what makes them such a producer. Care to shed some light and school me on this?

[@matthewlarson738]

Carnelian mostly comes from volcanic rocks and rarely from metamorphic rocks. Some of the ice age glaciers carried parts of volcanic deposits south which is how you can find carnelian on rocky beaches in Washington

[@Rokynutz]

@matthewlarson738 um...does volcanic rock decompose into red clay? Because that's what the Logan hills formation is composed of. Thick, relentless red clay.

[@jurassiclizzard]

I think if you're sing a PC a lot of these same layers are available to view freely on the BLM interactive maps at least for most western states. If you're a little more advanced with mapping software layers such as topos, mine locations, claims, land ownership, and geology data can be downloaded using the BLM Geospatial Business Platform to create custom maps for your phone or handheld GPS in a free program like QGIS in combination with google earth pro. Gaia is a cool tool for the convenience but hate having to pay. If you don't want to pay either there are other good options. USGS has pretty good maps and data available online for free too. Where do you think Gaia gets all their mapping data?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Gaia doesn't really provide anything you can not find elsewhere for free but what they better than anyone else is make it all in nice stack-able layers that can then sync to your phone for when you're in the field. If you sign up for a year that like $0.09 a day which is worth it to me but I can see how someone might not want to pay for it.

[@EastTennesseeRocks]

If you don't have a desktop computer or if you can't afford to pay for this service I use "Mindat" which has maps of known mines and also known quartz deposits. I have actually found great spots to hound using the maps provided here

[@Desertdog1967]

If you ever come to Arizona you will be happy

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I would love to visit.

[@travishatch4303]

Shout out from the big horn area, just found this channel and I am loving your content, in wondering though where are you based out of?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm based out of NE Washington.

[@inraviratious6418]

Thank you, sir! I'm a teenager who has gotten into rockhounding, and enjoy the activity thoroughly. There is a mine in the mountains where I live... Is there anything I need to know before going near an abandoned mine?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Generally speaking I would say do not go into underground mines unless you really know what your doing.

[@inraviratious6418]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I wasn't planning on going underground; just searching tailings... Thank you for the advice! I don't think I'll be going underground for a looooong time.

[@sharonschwab7104]

On my hi-tech 6" trim saw, the arbor is stuck to the shaft. I tried using oil and heating the shaft recommended by hi-tech technician. No luck. What do I need to do now?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you call them ask them for advice? Why are you trying to take it apart?

[@aaronfuentes6645]

Really appreciate the openess of knowledge. I am blank and havent started hunting yet, do you mind checking if the service cover indonesia ? Or perhaps you have other resources that applicable to be used in indonesia?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I don't believe its an international app.