Rock collecting is a fascinating hobby that can be both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just starting out, joining a rockhounding club is one of the best ways to learn more about this fascinating pastime.
But for those of us who aren’t able to attend club meetings, or simply don’t have a rock and gem club in our area, participating in an online rockhounding forum can be another a excellent way to learn more and connect with other rockhounds who also have a passion for rocks, minerals and gemstones.
Benefits of Joining a Club
There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to become a member of a rockhounding club. First of which is the sense of community that it provides. It’s an opportunity for collectors from all different experience levels to connect with others who share their interest in rocks and minerals.
These clubs often organize field trips to collect rocks in different areas, and many offer educational programs and workshops to help members learn more about the hobby. Many clubs also allow their members to use the club owned lapidary equipment throughout the week.
In addition to providing a sense of community, belonging to a rockhounding club can be a great way to learn more about different types of rocks, how to identify them, and where to find them. There’s no better way to learn about all of these things, and much more, than from seasoned, experienced rock collectors.
Why Join a Rockhounding Forum or Community
Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to physically join a rockhounding club. Thankfully, there are many different online alternatives available that can be just about as beneficial, and in some instances, even more so!
Online rockhounding forums and clubs, like the Rock Seeker Rockhounding Club provide a platform for collectors to connect with other like minded hobbyists, share information and experiences and seek answers for all the questions…from where to go to how to identify different specimens.
Many online rockhounding forums also have many valuable resources available to members, including articles, field guides, maps and photographs that can help collectors learn more about the different types of rocks and minerals, where to find them and how to identify them.
Overall, belonging to a rockhounding club or participating in an online rockhounding forum can be a great way for rock collectors to enhance their knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby. By connecting with others who share their interest in rocks, collectors can learn more about the different types of rocks and how to find them, and can also enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a community of like-minded individuals.
List of Rockhounding Forums
Some might say that forums have served their purpose and are no longer relevant. Especially with the popularity of social media and other online outlets. But I have to disagree. I strongly believe that forums (some more than others) still hold a very important place in the rockhounding world.
Below is a list of some of the more well known rockhounding forums. Some of these are quite active, while others are not very active at all. You’ll need to look at them yourself to see which ones are the most active.
Rock Seeker Rockhounding Club
Mindat.org
TreasureNet
Rockhound Lounge
Rock Tumbling Hobby
Dirty Rockhounds
Friends of Minerals Forum
Lapidary Forum
The Fossil Forum
Reddit r/rockhounds
Facebook Groups
Discord
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