Weekend Lifestyle: Interesting hobbies to try - Amateur Geology

Since I am a huge advocate for trying new things, I thought I would create postings of new hobbies for you all to try.

One such great hobby (which I was turned onto by a friend but don't really have a passion for personally) is Amateur Geology, which is just a fancy name for rock/ mineral/ gemstone collecting. What makes this hobby so great is the fact that it can be done virtually anywhere, which also makes it perfect for people who feel they are stuck in towns where there is nothing for them to do. Another great thing about rock collecting is that it is a hobby which is not very expensive to follow/partake in, and which you can even (with great patience and by acquiring the necessary knowledge), turn into a small second income. You just need to make sure though that you do not try this new hobby in restricted areas which don't allow visitors to pick up and take home any natural objects (such as national parks or gardens).

Amateur geology/rock collecting is also a fantastic way to meet new people since you can join, or create your own clubs for comparisons or discussions et cetera. You could even read the appropriate books regarding collecting and give lectures (to fellow club members) regarding, for instance, the proper ways to excavate and classify different rocks/ minerals/ gemstones.

My friend (who sparked my interest in rock collecting) has actually managed to find some specimens that no one in his circles has been able to identify so far, which is extremely exciting for him as it would be for anyone in his position. He has since begun to send photographs of his specimens to various experts around the world for possible identification.

This is truly a fantastic hobby for anyone wanting to get out into the fresh air and beauty of the great outdoors. The only reason I am not very passionate about this hobby is the fact that I cannot withstand great deals of heat (which the South African sun provides for in abundance), however I must also add that I tried this hobby out at very odd (and hot) times of the day. If you are an early bird, then this one is definitely something you should give a go.

Interested? Well then here is a brief list of links you can check out:

Websites/pages where you can learn more about/how to collect rocks/minerals/gemstones

http://geology.about.com/od/rockcollecting/

http://discoverahobby.com/learn/Amateur_Geology

http://hubpages.com/games-hobbies/Amazing-Hobby-of-Rock-Collecting

http://www.collecting-rocks-and-minerals.com/

If you are located in the United States Of America, you can visit http://www.amateurgeologist.com/ which sells geology gear, books, maps (of where to look/search for rocks) et cetera.

A very good book on Amateur Geology is "A Field Manual For The Amateur Geologist" by Alan M. Cvancara. In my opinion, this book is the ultimate guide to amateur collecting and the only book needed if you wish to take up this hobby.

For all the South Africans out there that are located in or near Cape Town, Give the "Scratch Patch" at "Mineral World" a try. Their website is http://www.scratchpatch.co.za/ and contains their addresses and contact details. It is a great place to take the kids to spark their interest in stones and rocks, if you are planning on starting up the collecting hobby with them. A trip there makes for a great day out as well and I visit them each time I am in the Cape.

So what are you waiting for! Get out there and start collecting!

Happy Hunting, and be sure to let us all know how it goes!

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