Rockhounding is a very soothing experience.  It is an exciting experience. It is a learning experience.
If I stop the monkey mind and let my eyes and body hunt it is a walking meditation. The moment of “gem” recognition feels like a tiny lightning strike of adrenaline. A focus. Then the learning takes over. What kind of stone caught the attention?  Is it a “gem”?

This is a “book”, with both positive and negative showing. The bugs are about 2″ long. Found outside of Delta, Utah

The tools I like to have with me when the hunt is on take up room. Both in space and weight. I am trying to eliminate all things which have only one necessary use. What else can I use a pickax for? A sledge hammer can be useful pounding in stakes for the sun/rain shelter. A magnifying lens. Well, I do like to look at flowers under magnification, so the lens can go in the entertainment section. The gloves can always be used. The magnets? Oh, yes. Using them to hold up stuff. The compass? I guess that depends on the phone. I presently have altimeter and compass applications on the ” ‘phone”. If I don’t have a “phone”, or can’t get reception, then the physical compass would be invaluable. The short crowbar? The old backpack I use to carry the tools, water and found “gems”? The 5 gallon pickle bucket I use to carry the tools? Where do I put that?

If I had none of the tools I probably would still “gem” hunt.