Things We've Learned About Rockhounding and Lapidary

This whole rockhounding and lapidary thing has quite the learning curve to it, and we have made plenty of mistakes along the way, which includes the very day this was filmed. I guess the process is still underway.
So here we are to share some of our mistakes with you so that you can learn from them and don't have to make them yourself.
Thank you for watching!
Be sure to check out my website at currentlyrockhounding.com for tons of additional rockhounding resources and much more!
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 #Lapidary

[@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

[@maryberger112]

Great advice. I would add a couple of things. One, remember to be safe - bring items for safety, like first aid kit, extra clothes, whistle, compass, etc. Second, be aware of your own limitations, especially if you're older. Take breaks, rest, be careful where you walk. That's it for now. Thanks for your expertise.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

100% Agree with you here.

[@beefmelt]

I love your channel. I got a rock tumbler when I was about 12 years old. You could not not be more correct on your advice to not give a rock tumbler to a child. I stopped tumbling within a month because all my grit was gone. Lol. But I still kept picking up rocks. I was very fortunate to travel everywhere with my parents. I had been to all of the lower 48 states before I was 16 years old. I used a marker to label location and dates on all my collection. 25 years later I began tumbling again with the "Patience" required to wait those weeks and months of rolling those tumblers I now have 12 tumblers of varying types and sizes. I tumble to "perfection", as does Rob at "Michigan Rocks". I process about 75 to 100 pounds per year, 24 and 7 from last frost to first frost April to November. I only stop the tumblers when I'm on a trip for a week or longer as I add to my collection.

[@lorenebroncheau6386]

I love rock tumbling!! I also cannot afford a saw yet but I hope to one day!

[@kellyharper367]

Old disabled house bound dusty rusty rockhound here: So good to see ya'll out enjoying the sun. I used to live in the Pacific Northwest for 30+ years. The scenery in this video makes me homesick. There's nothing like the brisk freshness of conifer forest air. I agree with the points you both made. What I found "most" helpful... was finding older rockhounds that are willing to let you pick their brain. I used to offer some free labor in exchange for tidbits of elder's wisdom. (Example: moving heavy rocks around for an elder with back problems)

[@rockrockprettyrock6594]

Some very good advice except that I was disappointed to see you discourage tumblers. They are a relatively cheap way to polish rocks. Sure it takes time…but most of the time the tumbler is doing all the work! For those of us that can’t justify the expense of buying multiple size saws, flat laps and cabbing machines, etc and who do not have space for all of that, a tumbler is perfect. So my advice is this: when you get old and cannot safely rock hound any more and when you can’t cut rocks, find some good KZbin channels and do things vicariously. And keep on using your tumbler! Thank you for your channel. It is definitely at the top of my list. ( I follow about a dozen channels.) I especially like the Saturday Night Specials. Keep up your good work and dedication. I am also glad to see Sara getting more involved.😊

[@DonariaRegia]

Lapidary is one of the best hobbies because there are several specialties like slabbing, cabbing, carving, tumbling, or faceting and some of those draw in other associated hobbies like wood or metal crafts. There are some top quality tumblers out there with amazing finish work. It's a game of patience above all.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think that for the right person, tumbling is great, but there is a disconnect between the realities of owning a tumbler and getting a good result and what companies say about them when trying to sell them. This often ends in disappointment for many people, I think. Thank you for the kind words about the channel, I'm glad you like it! I really do love making these videos.

[@CrocoArt]

One tip from me. Don't always take it for granted when someone says "not worth going to X because there is nothing left". That might be the case, but everyone looks at things differently, and you might just find something really worthwhile y actually going there yourself. And even if you don't find anything, you still get to appreciate the outdoors (just like in this video!).

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I 100% agree. I have heard that same thing from people, but when we go out anyway to check, we almost always find something, even if it's just a nice afternoon outing.

[@ericmcc75]

This is one of your best videos about doing your passion. You are both real and raw about making mistakes and learning. There is no "too early" in Spring if you are out enjoying warm sun in a beautiful place.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@RockandLap]

Reflecting on my last couple years I've learned something of significance that I would not have learned from literature. That is- ya need to get outside, off the screens, go for walks, and develop an eye to identify 'pick up worthy' specimens. Having the ability to spot good rocks/fossils on a walk is a skill that develops with time; a paper guide can not help. I live in S.E. Michigan and have found beautiful pudding stones, various corral, chert, and jasper. Shared pictures on FB in the past and folks suggested I brought the items down from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Paperback guides I have also show such things only reside along lake Huron and Superior, which I've found to be inaccurate. Just last weekend I found a beautiful chunk of jasper with clear quartz during a walk. Brought it home and my family said...'you found that on a walk!!!' Yep! Another tip (for those who want to learn polishing of any type): it's OK to buy rough specimens that will polish. That way you know the rock you have is capable of producing a shine. Don't start with an unknown rock as you may just waste time, energy, consumables and not learn the polish process. I occasionally hear folks frustrated at learning the polish-process when using unknown (soft) specimens.

[@ocklawahaboyrocks]

As someone who has to travel a long way, trip planning is indispensable. Advice: colllect a variety of material from each location. Once I ship it home and start processing, it stinks to realize you picked up one piece of the good stuff and 20 pieces of junk. 2. Allocate more time than you think you need to your high priority spots. 3. Dont miss the location for the rocks. You will likely be in a beautiful area. Take the time to enjoy it. 4. If rockhounding is your vacation, like it is mine, don't spend all your time digging. Go to a national park visit a brewery, enjoy the area.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You plan way bigger trips than us, which I always find impressive, to be honest.

[@TheRogueRockhound]

Purposed tile saw exception: Softer material My biggest regret was not having a GPS. Got too confident w/o one, found myself in a bad situ, and immediately bought one the following day.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

GPS is such a wonderful time-saving tool when it comes to rockhounding.

[@DanFarrar]

Some incredible free advice based on experience! Fun vid and great to see you both reflect. Happy Spring to the Currently Rockhounding crew!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@olmilfishrock]

Great video!! I made a mistake when we went on a trip to Las Vegas. I got one of the books on where to go in Arizona. What a waste of time! Terrible maps, one place was closed to public use, another was a Native American reservation. The other places were totally picked over. I will not ever trust another book when planning a trip.😎

[@elissagardner5116]

If you're in a remote area, always be aware of your fuel situation. Know your fuel range and where the next gas station is. I started pinning gas stations on gaia and noting the operating hours. Running out of gas in the desert is no joke. I also recommend carrying a personal locator beacon if you rockhound alone.

[@taniakapronczai7652]

This is a great article. We are still learning the cutting and polishing process and have done all the things you have mentioned 😅, including giving a tumbler to our kids

[@robktellwild9648]

Each to their own. Personally,I ❤ rock tumbling/the learning process etc.

[@beverlyprothro7247]

You 2 are so right on! Thanks for all you do and for sharing so very honestly!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@flintgrind]

I have enjoyed your videos for a couple years and I value your experience. Keep up the good work.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@realandroid8589]

What I've found as a great way to find new places is to go to random spots around the area that you know have good rocks. I know of a couple places to get jasper in my area. I've found new spots by simply stopping at other random road cuts and hillsides within a few mile radius. If someone tells you they found petrified wood in one spot, chances are there are many other spots within the same area. All it takes is pulling over on the side of the road and having a look. Also, get to know the material in the area. What layers are the rocks usually found in? Google Earth is great for looking at geography where good material might be. Even better when there is a street view.

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Great topic! I might not be able to do all the cool things you do, but I'm great at making mistakes. Only advice I am qualified to give is to keep asking questions and ask as many people as you can.

[@jimhutchison3435]

Great video! I love rock tumbling but yeah, major headaches when you are new.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I just don't think it's the very first thing someone should pick up, as they might find it to be discouraging.

[@jscottchrist5178]

I have always appreciated when you are out hounding you tell us exactly where you are. You learned well in kindergarten to Share.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

There are thousands and thousands of locations to visit and millions and millions of rocks out there.

[@sfbfriend]

Take away from this is there is a learning curve to anything you do. I also had, in fact I still have it is a tile saw. Need to list it on Craigs List, it's gathering dust. What has helped me most is a club! You have to get your feet wet regardless, most clubs will have a monthly meeting where the public is allowed to go to. I think if you live in or near a large city the chances of a good rock club is going to be better. Being impatient is still my biggest issue. I have never had the desire to own a tumbler. I have my grandson, he joined our local club with me. What do you think someone gave him for Christmas? Yup, you guessed it the dreaded tumbler for kids. It's still in the box. Its interesting to look back at the road you took, thanks this was a fun one.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

There very much so is a learning curve to this thing we call rockhounding. You do make an excellent point about rock clubs, generally speaking, I think the larger cities have clubs that have more to offer new members.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Possibly a better high quality blade may make a better smoother cut. We probably all have collected in the beginning without labeling. We learn over time. I have learned so very much from you and Sara.. Bought an old lortone oil saw and you helped us with your information. Sure wish we had a manual.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Part of the problem I think with the tile saw is their speed. Spinning nearly double the RPM of a lapidary saw just creates some issue that you need to overcome. I might have the manual you need for that saw up on the website now.

[@robbyschannel9258]

Loved this one. Both of ya talking is a great podcast. No pressure but a longer form podcast about your experiences is worth the listening. Also just rock hounding stories are great. I'm westside so close enough to enjoy and know areas but think Sarah n you are great presanters. Shoot I watch it all from ya.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I like that idea and I will think about it.

[@francoiselandriault8164]

Great video! Lots of good info that I wish I knew when I started rockhounding. Thank you.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@senorlaverg6667]

+1 on the polishing frustrations. The worst part is turning out an amazing piece and then right afterwards wondering what the heck is going wrong with the next rock.

[@largent45]

Great advice, all of it! We all forget a thing or two each time we head out to rock hunt, and there is a serious difference between forgetting and not having in the first place. When I started out I didn't have any of the tools I needed to do a good hunt. I didn't even have a bag with me when I took my kids to the river to cool off and I was rockhounding while they were swimming! But that was unplanned. But also how it usually goes when you're a single mom! And I can't speak for lapidary. It's only since I could no longer Rockhound that I've gotten into lapidary and the whole industry went spinning way out of my price range pretty quick! But that is all around good advice! Thanks Jared and Sara for answering the question!❤

[@bradnegromon4145]

This was a great video , my wife and I had the exact same view on the mistakes we have made lol

[@mitchellmadarish5921]

I agree that rock tumbling is not for everyone specifically children. !!! I had a rock Tumblr when I was a kid and it did not work out well as an adult with maybe 5% more patience I’m doing better. 🤡 I had a long learning curve during Covid with very inexpensive rotary and vibratory tumblers, that I worked out the best way to do things with better equipment !! Now I can take ocean or river tumbled stones. From the source to polished in less than three weeks rougher stones take a bit longer! I’m also not someone that’s going to tumble a rock the size of a grapefruit down to the size of a walnut just to get a perfect finish I don’t mind if my finished product has a couple pits in it that’s part of the natural stone as is ! All that said sometimes for my better finds it’s straight to a cab machine or flat lap, to preserve the initial beauty that caught my eye! Thanks again for the effort you put into Currently Rockhounding!! I’ve learned a lot!!!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm in favor of people doing what makes them happy, but I think that tumblers for people new to the rock world can lead to a bit of disappointment.

[@davidwaller7095]

It's all about the saw blade, right? I have a 10" tile saw but I use a lapidary blade and it cuts really nice. I also made my own flat lap polishers with hook & loop polishing pads that range from 80 grit to 6000 grit. I can send pictures if you would like to see. I am a Mechanical Engineer and a proficient machine builder, so I am also currently building my own Cab King style polisher. Also, on the subject of tumblers, I use my diamond hole saws to cut my slabs into round discs then shape my cabochons into ovals with my flat laps to around 500 or 600 grit, then put them in the tumblers going straight to step 4 grit, leave them in for 10 to 14 days and boom, they are polished. I've even found a 1500 grit alum oxide polish for my tumblers which is usually good enough. If I want a higher polish, I go back to my 2000,3000 or 6000 flat lap. I work a lot so leaving them in the tumbler for a week or two is no big deal. I usually wait until I have 5 or 10lbs. of cabs to drop in my tumblers. I live in Yakima and have rock hounded in some of the same places as you and several rock stores in the area have complimented my work. Like Langford's, Crystal Blue and Yakima Beads & Rocks. Thanks for your videos, keep them coming!

[@RachelandWapato]

Hi gramps

[@NBakerGraphics]

We got a rock tumbler and it's awesome! Of course we went into it knowing exactly what we were getting into. ;) Loved the video, thanks for the great info!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That is the key to it.

[@ReaggyBauer]

When I first moved to Washington and got into rockhounding, I made the same mistake y'all made my first trip to Red Top. I went exploring where I was able to park and had more success from doing that than going to the labeled agate beds. When I first started out, I only had the guide books which I followed religiously because I didn't know any better. I drove past first creek four times before I finally accepted that there was a typo and the yellow gate on the left actually meant right. Since then, I no longer just go with the book, but also use Google, Facebook, KZbin to thoroughly research a location before heading out and I take screenshots of pertinent information to keep it easily accessible. I've also learned to keep my expectations low and to think of a first time out to a spot as a scouting trip. Thank you for the advice regarding tile saws. I was wondering why I couldn't get those grooves out and was thinking it was a polishing failure on my part.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You bring up an excellent point here. I think if the expectation is kept low, the trips can generally be much more enjoyable.

[@pattyhubbard3625]

Good info, and I think you hit it on the head. I enjoy watching your content.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@Rocktwister]

Good advice

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

:D

[@michaelgraham6912]

If you have room for it, then just bring it. And don't skip on the small luxuries (again if you own, just bring it).

[@stevenwiens4586]

Thanks for the video and advice. I live in Texas and really struggle with finding places in Texas to do any rockhounding. Most of the sites seem to be on private land and it is hard to find contact info. on them. I'm not a member of a club because of some of the reasons you stated. A lot of times clubs are granted access to private lands. Most of my collecting is done out of state.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Texas is a hard state for rockhounding, you have good stuff there for sure but the issue is the access.

[@stevenwiens4586]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding that is correct.

[@mrsjohnson1743]

I agree about rotary tumblers. Perfectly smooth round rocks don’t look like rocks to me. When I was a kid, I remember the disappointment of seeing my dad take my prized rock out of his rotary tumbler and having it be half the size it initially was.😮 I do like to put some of my rocks in a vibratory tumbler. It only takes seven days, doesn’t remove the “found” shape of the rock and really makes them pop and shine.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That's sad to hear. I think tumbling is fine for those who like it, but the material should be selected carefully.

[@nevadaminer5977]

Rock tumblers….mohs hardness scale of 7 or higher. Anything less requires a lot of trial and error. Gem and mineral clubs like you said are hit and miss. Usually a great idea if they have a shop to learn on. That hands on experience will help you decide if lapidary is for you. “Gem Trails of …” are great for the beginner. Just remember, everyone and there dog has been there, but there may be similar deposits near by. Happy hunting.

[@charlesfosterrocks]

Great advice. I've run into a few of these problems...lol

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's almost like a rite of passage at this point.

[@Woodjunkie]

2 weeks ago we went out and ended up with a 5 gallon bucket of rocks. Now that I am home and going through them carefully, about 80% should have been left on the mountain! Wash them off and look close before you take them home!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Well said!

[@kellyharper367]

Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh my gosh! Thank you very much!

[@TinkerinWithTim]

Don't get discouraged! Learn how to still have fun even if you get skunked, because there will be plenty of times even at good locations that it just isn't your day.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Well said!

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Hey there Jared.. I have a question from several members of my Gem and Mineral Society. They wanted to know what your thoughts were on replacing the original Tile Saw blade with one that is actually made for cutting rock. Would that then make the saw a better contender for those on a budget (and a whole lot less blade marks on the stone)?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The main issue you will be dealing with is the RPM. A tile saw runs at 3450 rpm and the tile saw blades are rated for that, whereas the lapidary saws and blades are rated for 1750 rpm. There have been a few lapidary blades that are rated for high speed cutting but generally, they are really thick blades which creates a different problem.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thank Jared. So one would assume then that if one could variably control the speed down, that it would be fine based on your answer.

[@Mrjoshuasjourneyzzz10420]

Sweet!!!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@SissyMchill1]

I’m very new to being a serious rockhound. Not sure I can give advice to anyone not much behind me in the rockhounding adventures. But I can give my frustrations. Which they are close to what y’all are talking about. But not the same😂 I’ve had better luck in Arizona riverbeds then mountain hunting it’s easier for me to identify. I don’t dig, just to old for that. The tile saw is good to learn input the wear & tare on the tile saw learning rather than the more expensive saws. The rock tumbling is a long drawn out process if there’s hole jagged edges voids and so on. I think starting out with river rocks that are smooth be better to start off with, then the “fire agates”(is what everyone calls them but they have zero fire) I got 2rock tumblers with two 3lbs barrels for Christmas. I started off with agates from Arizona Saddle mountain that have so many places to keep the grit in. They are taking forever. Don’t use harbor freight grit. 😳 lasty if your spouse likes to tinker around with rocks but not a serious rockhound put your best rocks out of their view. My husband cut up several of my finds that I didn’t want cut. I couldn’t even get mad cause he was so excited about what was on the inside but I was still mad. This is great topic especially for people knew to this, like myself. It definitely helps with not getting frustrated. Oh and follow people that tell you correct information on identity of rocks. But even then if you don’t see the rocks in person it was hard for me to identify the rocks. (I still struggle with that) but there’s many that give correct information. Bigger accounts are mostly correct.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you for this comment, things like is are important to talk about and will likely help many more people.

[@SissyMchill1]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding most welcome. And yes it is. Wishing this topic was discussed way earlier it’d save me my frustrations. But absolutely appreciate it being talked about now.

[@mehmetkupeli2073]

I recommend vibrating tumbler to my friends, it is quicker!

[@spetkovsek57]

When I started out I was a loaner. I learned about rocks and machines by talking with my local rock shop (unfortunately, they have gone out of business this last year). I went to known locations like Richardson's Ranch where you cannot fail to find material. I started with a 12 lb. tumbler and a vibratory flat lap. I ran the tumbler for years and had buckets of tumbled stones (all of which have been given away!). I graduated to a 12 inch saw and cut pieces for over a year with only a drill attachment and sanding discs to polish with. It would take me a month to polish one rock. Eventually over time I started acquiring more equipment. Once I joined the Mt. Hood Rock Club, my skills and locations increased quickly. That was over 20 years ago. Now people come to me for cutting and polishing advice. One thing I don't recall you guys mentioning is to let someone (not with you) know where you are going and when you expect to get back home. Another positive aspect of a rock club is going on field trips with others who've been there before. They can be like a guided tour. Show you what to look/dig for so you have an expectation and immediate help. I would say the guides are about 50/50. I found some nice locations and good material from those guides, however, I have driven many miles only to not be able to find locations or material. Or the location is closed because some timber company has the lease and gated everything with no trespassing signs everywhere.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Well said! We all go through a process of learning this stuff, which can be fraught with mistakes along the way. I do think you lucked out with the Mt. Hood club, as they are one of the best, in my opinion, in the northwest.

[@chrisvolk5198]

Guidebooks always have pictures of topend specimens too. Not the more likely to find "common" specimens.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I agree, that's something they often do, but don't say that's what they are doing.

[@buckyes6749]

My advice is to watch you guys. I wish I didn’t live in the Midwest. Rocks aren’t the best here.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@eanholt]

My beginner thoughts: 1) collect less material. You're going to get home and have this pile of rocks and are you really going to do something with yet another lumpy agate from the river? Is that going on display? Are you polishing it? What's the plan besides cluttering your shop or yard? 2) start learning polishing using uniform materials. I started with thundereggs and agates with inclusions and spent hours chasing scratches being made by unstable material. Since doing a bunch of obsidian my skills have increased dramatically and I've been able to isolate when it's my skills or the machines that need changing, without the variable of the material getting in the way.

[@Mike-br8vb]

This is good info as well. I started by collecting everything that looked like it might be good, cut so many rocks that were duds. One year later, with help from this channel and its supporters, I now know a lot more about collecting, identifying, and all sorts of lapidary techniques and diy. I like your comment!👍🏻

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you for this. I 100% agree. Often less is more when it comes to this

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Reading this comment made my morning.

[@candacepeterson8932]

Which are the beginning lapidary equipment would you guys recommend?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Some of the machines that Hi-Tech Diamond sells are very user-friendly for a new person.

[@Silasposton]

I am an old rock enthusiast, coming back to it now, as I have a new lease on life after a recent hospital excursion. I’m looking for any tips as a new lapidary hobbyist. I am in the process of purchasing a small trim saw as I do have some creative ideas and other rocks that I can find around my area. Is there decent and much cheaper way to make cabs other than to buy a very expensive cab machine? I already have a Tumbler And I will be purchasing a flex shaft, multitool as well. Just curious as to if this may be enough as a start for polishing, cutting and shaping. Any, and all help would greatly be appreciated friends. Thank you

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Welcome! There are other ways to make a cab other than a cab machine but you're still buying / building a machine.

[@Silasposton]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I will for the beginning and learning stages be buying and using a flex shaft tool. Possibly in the future get a faceting machines and using that almost like a lap. If possible that is haha. I love your videos and love the specimens you find 👌🏻👌🏻.

[@francisgram9548]

those are not mistakes, they are part of a learning curve . . . or in my case it keeps me away from those evil places that i like

[@DeeDeeDIY]

The goods are still under their white blanket.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Sadly, that is the case here.

[@nevadaminer5977]

Was it the actual tile saw, or the wrong blade?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The issue is never the blade when it comes to a tile saw but rather the issue is the speed, which is often 3450 rpm, double of a lapidary saw. A tile saw will by its very nature produce a more rough finish.

[@nevadaminer5977]

@@CurrentlyRockhoundinggood to know. Been thinking about going that route for my larger stones.

[@megalotherium]

Most hills are not worth dying on.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I don't know what you're talking about here.

[@megalotherium]

um.. like.. if your tile cutter is making things more difficult, don't persist endlessly before making changes, basically, it's better to be flexible than stubborn to the point of frustrating your own efforts.

[@megalotherium]

it's kinda just what i've been learning in my own life, and felt reinforced and applicable here.