Rockhounding Safety Tools

Safety should always be your number one goal when you’re hunting for your next treasure. There are a few rockhounding safety tools that have proven themselves to be indispensable in the field.

Here are some essentials that can get you started on your rock hunting adventure. Whether you’re in your back yard or the Dugway Geode Beds, it’s important to stay safe while on the hunt.

SAFETY FIRST

Protective Gloves

Gloves can be some of the most important gear you can carry, no matter where your rockhounding takes you. Small and lightweight, they are easy to keep with you at all times. A slice from a broken piece of quartz can send turn a rockhounding trip into an ER trip.

It’s important to select a pair of gloves that fit well. Measure your dominant hand with a flexible tape, wrapping it around your hand below the knuckles.

Safety Glasses

If you plan on using a rock hammer or doing any chiseling, safety glasses are a must in every kit.

Safety glasses are used in a variety of industries and thus are made for many different uses. It’s important to look for glasses that address the risks you may face while rockhounding, including high velocity impacts and dust.

Shoes Made for Walking

And that’s just what they’ll do. It’s of vital importance to wear sturdy walking shoes when you are out looking for your next treasure. Ankle and arch support are incredibly important. Steel or composite toe shoes are also recommended if you go off the beaten path.

Sun Protection

Between hats and long sleeve shirts, it’s easy to find sun protection in your own wardrobe, but sunscreen should not be forgotten. With the recent news of how sunscreen chemicals can effect marine life and the environment, it can be hard to know which one can offer the best protection while doing the least damage to the planet.

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide can still provide adequate protection while also protecting the planet. An SPF of 15 is recommended for daily use, but if you plan on spending quite a while outside, it is wide to use at least an SPF 35 or greater sunscreen. Be wary of brands advertising incredibly high SPF numbers and instead choose to reapply more frequently.

Remember that it’s also important to protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays! Different ingredients protect against different types of UV rays, so it’s important to read the ingredients list of any sunscreen you are purchasing.

You can go beyond sunscreen by also wearing UV Sun Glasses or using a sun umbrella if you will be in one area for an extended period of time.

Open in Case of Emergency

From extra water to a first aid kit, it’s never a bad idea to prepare for an emergency. If you will be away from your home or vehicle, try to keep a few essentials on you at all times.

If you are an area with venomous snakes, it may be wise to carry a snake bite kit in your pack. Remember to research the hazards that you may come across before you leave home and pack any essentials you may need. More importantly than preparing for every single bad thing that may happen is being aware of dangers and having a plan in place. Simple precautions like wearing safety gear and preventing dehydration can keep you safe and finding your next gem. Use these basic rockhounding safety tools to give yourself a leg up in staying safe and happy on the hunt.

Author: Celeste

Rocks!