Author Archives: wasatchgemsociety

First Aid Kit for Rock Hounders

Personal medicine – Bring 50% extra Cold and Allergy remedies Heartburn/upset stomach medications General pain relievers Hand sanitizer Contraceptives Eye wash Eye Bandage Gel Eye Drops Cotton swabs Earplugs Scissors Small flashlight Surgical gloves Disposable face mask Lip Salve Thermometer Band-aids Small, non-stick dressings Surgical tape Blister dressings Burn gel Burn dressings Antiseptic swabs and

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Gold Trivia

Gold is one of the most recycled substances of all.  It’s quite possible that the gold contained in the first nuggets found over 6,000 years ago still exist today, melted and recast into a contemporary piece of jewelry or as the filling in your teeth.  Worldwide, wedding rings are probably the single biggest gold jewelry item.  One

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How Can I Stake a Mining Claim?

By Carl Ege Before addressing this question, a prospector or mineral collector must find out who owns the land before exploring the area for its mineral potential. Land Open or Closed to Prospecting: Approximately 67% of Utah’s land is controlled by the Federal Government. All of this land is open to prospecting except for National Parks,

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Lapidary Notes

The hardness of rocks is a fascinating and puzzling study for the beginning rockhound.  The durability of gemstones is of great importance to anyone setting up a tumbler or starting to make cabochons.  The rock’s resistance to wear (abrasion or “scratching”) is indicated by its hardness, or as sometimes defined by mineralogists, its “scratchability”.  The hardness of any material depends

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