October 15, 2026
Positive vs Negative Trilobite Fossils: Understanding Counterparts
Understand positive fossil relief and negative impressions using a Moroccan trilobite counterpart, with specimen photography and practical buying guidance.
THE FIELD JOURNAL
Mineral & Lapidary Guides
October 15, 2026
Why Do Amber and Chalcedony Glow Blue Under UV Light?
Explore blue ultraviolet fluorescence in Sumatran amber and Nevada chalcedony, with actual specimen images and guidance on UV lamps.
October 15, 2026
Dogtooth Calcite vs Bladed Calcite: A Nevada Collector's Visual Guide
Learn the difference between pointed dogtooth calcite and radiating crystal fans, with real Nevada specimen photographs and collector buying tips.
October 11, 2026
Rockhounding Around the Sacramento Foothills: A Beginner's Guide
Beginner rockhounding tips for the Sacramento foothills, including safe collecting, land access, basic gear and mineral identification.
October 11, 2026
Lapidary Services Near Sacramento: Rock Cutting, Polishing & Stone Work
A guide to rock cutting and polishing services near Sacramento, including what to ask before bringing a stone to The Hidden Gem in Loomis.
October 11, 2026
Rock & Mineral Shop Near Sacramento: Visit The Hidden Gem in Loomis
Looking for a rock and mineral shop near Sacramento? Explore The Hidden Gem in Loomis, California and browse The Hidden Bazaar online.
October 07, 2026
Dendritic Agate & Chalcedony: What the Branching Patterns Really Are
Learn what creates dendritic patterns in chalcedony and agate, why the inclusions resemble plants, how polished pieces reveal them, and what collectors look for.
October 07, 2026
Galena, Pyrite & Sphalerite: A Collector’s Guide to Sulfide Mineral Specimens
A practical guide to galena, pyrite and sphalerite associations, including cubic galena, metallic luster, ore geology, safe handling and collector appeal.
October 07, 2026
Barite Mineral Guide: Bladed Crystals, Associations & Collector Specimens
Learn how barite forms, why bladed crystal habits occur, what minerals commonly occur with it, and what collectors look for in barite specimens.
October 06, 2026
How to Build a Locality-Focused Mineral Collection
Learn how to build a mineral collection around mines, districts and regions using locality, geology, provenance and mineral associations.
October 06, 2026
Beginner Mineral Collecting Guide: How to Build a Collection With Purpose
A beginner-friendly guide to starting a mineral collection around species, localities, crystal habits and personal collecting goals.
October 06, 2026
What to Do With an Inherited Rock and Mineral Collection
A practical first-step guide for sorting, documenting and evaluating an inherited rock, mineral or fossil collection without losing provenance.