Easily Identify Copper, Agates, and 36 Other Collectible Finds
Start with an introduction to the Copper Country’s history, geography, and geology. Learn about the laws and etiquette of rock hunting at various locations, from beaches and parks to abandoned copper mines, with Jim’s location-specific tips. Get an overview of copper hunting—complete with safety tips—then let the adventure begin! You’ll get professional insights on where to look and what to look for. An identification section introduces you to 36 types of specimens: copper, silver, fossils, beach glass, and more. You’ll also appreciate Jim’s advice on how to clean and display your finds.
Easily Find and Collect Iowa’s World-Famous Geodes
Begin with an introduction to these natural wonders, including their geography and how they form. Learn about the annual festival devoted to these geodes, including a bit of local history and points of interest. Then let the rock hunting begin! You’ll get expert insights on where to look and what to look for, as well as essential safety tips. An identification section introduces you to more than 25 types of geodes, with details about the kinds of crystals and cubes inside—showcasing quartz, calcite, pyrite, UV-reactive minerals, and more. You’ll also appreciate Jim’s advice on how to open your finds and some of the best ways to display them.
2nd Edition
How to Really Find Lake Superior Agates
Make agate hunting easier and more rewarding. With full-color photographs and expert guidance, you’ll learn what rough agates really look like in the field. Find out how to recognize agate imposters that can fool even seasoned agate hunters. Discover how to hunt in a variety of locations, from gravel pits to riverbeds and beyond. Use Jim’s rating system to evaluate the quality of your finds and better understand their potential value.
2nd Edition Turn Your Rocks & Minerals into Beautiful Gems
How to Find Gold, Copper, Agates, Thomsonite, and Other Favorites
“In this beginner's guide to rock collecting, the author presents easy-to-follow processes to help you maximize rock-hunting adventures, from Lake Superior agates and geodes to gold and copper in the Upper Midwest. Magnuson, a rock hunter since childhood, gives advice on what to look for, where to look, and how to prospect, as well as essential information about equipment, safety, the legality of collecting, polishing your finds, metal detecting, and more. This info-packed paperback is filled with close-up photos of rocks and minerals and maps and diagrams.”
—
Mary Ann Grossman,
Pioneer Press
Author Bio:
For author Jim Magnuson, rockhounding is not only a hobby, but it’s also a serious and rewarding avocation that helps him connect with nature. He has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals, and fossils since his childhood, when he first began to hunt for stones in his native state of Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow the road less traveled in order to find unique or rare kinds of rocks. Jim also enjoys sharing his passion through writing, both creatively and from a practically oriented process perspective. Because of Jim’s in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests. In addition to Jim’s passion for prospecting and hunting, he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces. Finally, Jim enjoys creating photographic illustrations that are up close and personal for prospecting, hunting, and lapidary work. Jim was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks, where he focused on student activities that created perspectives on campus life. This experience has helped Jim capture unique and compelling photographic images for modern-day gem and mineral prospecting.
Identify Agates and Imposters!
Tabbed booklet with photos and info that help readers become better agate hunters.
Author Bio:
For author Jim Magnuson, rockhounding is not only a hobby, but it’s also a serious and rewarding avocation that helps him connect with nature. He has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals, and fossils since his childhood, when he first began to hunt for stones in his native state of Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow the road less traveled in order to find unique or rare kinds of rocks. Jim also enjoys sharing his passion through writing, both creatively and from a practically oriented process perspective. Because of Jim’s in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests. In addition to Jim’s passion for prospecting and hunting, he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces. Finally, Jim enjoys creating photographic illustrations that are up close and personal for prospecting, hunting, and lapidary work. Jim was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks, where he focused on student activities that created perspectives on campus life. This experience has helped Jim capture unique and compelling photographic images for modern-day gem and mineral prospecting.
