Initially
the equipment necessary to begin a mineral collection
will have to allow us to identificate and classificate
the samples that we find in our excursions.
Basically
one will be the following equipment:
A
notepad and a pencil that we will use to write down
the date, the place, and commentaries on the excursion
and the mineral samples that we have found. It is
recommendable to number each of the found samples,
as well as to make a card where we will indicate which
mineral is and which are their more interesting characteristics.
A
magnifying glass that we will use to observe those
smaller details, facilitating to us therefore the
identification of minerals. In order to arrive at
the place where we will begin the search of minerals
can occasionally be necessary the use of a map and
of a compass, although it is recommendable in the
first exits to go accompanied by other expert collectors
who already know the place. The equipment that we
take will have to be the simplest possible, one knapsack
full can be very heavy.
For
the collection of the samples we will need: A newspaper
in order to surround the units and thus to avoid that
they are deteriorated and they spoil. A geologist
hammer, or a hammer and a cold chissel or rock chissel,
can be essential when you have to break the rock to
obtain the mineral samples that are wanted to gather.
A protective goggles to protect the eyes of those
possible little fragments that take place when the
rocks are broken with the hammer. Gloves to avoid
wounded and courteous in the hands when manipulating
rocks. A knapsack to load and to take all the tools
and the mineral samples found.
If
the search of samples is not made to opened sky, but
that it becomes in a mine, then we should have certain
considerations. Not to go alone, you should always
go accompanied, being recommendable that all the group
don't enter into the mine and somebody remain waiting
outside. The mines that are not in operation are used
to undergoing a serious deterioration and in some
cases a real risk of collapse can exist, is due to
carry far the precautions to the maximum.
For
the mineral search within a mine we will need the
following tools: A helmet to protect the head of possible
landslides, blows with the ceiling of the mine, etc.
A lantern will be essential to be able to see and
to be able to advance in the penumbra of the mine.
A helmet light can allow to take the free hands, moreover
to illuminate always just in the point where we are
glancing at.
If
you are really interested on fossils, rocks and minerals
collecting information visit MineralTown.com: www.mineraltown.com
