Geodefest is this weekend in Hamilton, Indiana

Geode

This is a great educational, family-friendly and fun event to experience with all the family and every member of your gem and mineral club on this gorgeous first weekend of fall!

Here are details from the organizers:
Geodefest homepage

Here is an article about Geodefest in National Geographic:
From National Geographic website

lastly here is an article in the local newspaper about what to expect:
From The Hawkeye website

Tell them your friends at American Geode sen’cha!
Good luck at Geodefest everybody!

What you should bring for rockhounding and geode hunting, courtesy of American Geode:

A cheap dop-kit or toiletry kit is a great idea. Why? Because often times they are waterproof, and have zippers. You can wash them off too. Places like Target, Marshall’s, K-Mart, or Sears will carry inexpensive options.
Mosquito coils and matches are necessary, and we suggest having a minimum of 7 with you at all times. The bugs can be fierce no matter where you are. Mosquito coils last for hours and will burn away into ash.
Sunscreen is essential even in the outdoors. Bring the SPF Protection most suitable to how fair or how dark you are.
Rockhounding can get very dirty, so bring Wet-naps as they are very handy to clean off your hands quickly. They come in small travel packs. For some rockhounds they are too astringent to apply to one’s face, but personally I find it very refreshing. If you wear glasses these are very good for keeping your lenses clean, too.
Energy bars, candy bars, bananas, oranges, apples, and nuts are great for keeping up your energy and last the entire day. The wrappers are minimal waste to carry back, and the nut-shells, orange peels, and apple cores can disposed of by Mother Nature.
Small notepad and pen or pencil for keeping notes. Date, time, location, and details of your gemstone finds quickly fade the mind due to excitement. This information is essential for gemstone and mineral finds, since provenance is paramount to us and to our clients, and should be for you as well.
Cell-phone or mobile device charger – while you are driving to the locale, or the night before, making sure your devices are fully charged. You should place a call to family and loved ones before heading out and if you are running late. It is highly advised to put these items in protective zip lock bags to PROTECT from dirt and mud. Additionally, filming your finds can be a great way to record you adventure. The camera and video on your phone are perfect for preserving the wonder and amazement of finding a perfect gemstone.
This article is devoted to what you should have ready in a kit, for that last minute, spur of the moment, rockhound adventure. Please refer to our other articles on packing rockhound gear, outerwear, tools of the trade including styles, types, and weights of hammers, chisels, and crowbars, and articles on where and when to rockhound.

Gem and Mineral Shop in Cleveland, Georgia.

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While in Northern Georgia, visiting places like the Dahlonega Gold Museum, we drove by a gem and mineral shop called Rocks, Relics, and Beads (5419 U.S. 129, Cleveland, GA 30528). Thank you Lord it was open!
This gem and mineral shop is run by a very informative, gregarious veteran of the US Military who is also a rockhound. In the back of the shop we spied his lapidary saws and wheels.
Continue reading “Gem and Mineral Shop in Cleveland, Georgia.”

Dahlonega Gold Rush Museum Review

For the most up to date events, check out our Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Newswire.


Where was the first Gold Rush? California? If asked that question during your local pub trivia, the answer is Dahlonega. The Dahlonega Gold Rush was the first American Gold Rush. I learned this, and the geology of Georgia that produces gold alongside veins of quartz at the Dahlonega Gold Rush Museum.
We had one hour before the museum was closing and the gentleman who greeted us very generously made sure we learned and saw it all during that hour.
Continue reading “Dahlonega Gold Rush Museum Review”

Geode Hunting in Indiana

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Part of the American Geode team were able to assemble in Indiana for geode hunting before winter began. Our focus was size, and quality, so we left behind many crystal and quartz specimens in order to recover the large blue, and uncommon chalcedony variety of geode. This short video highlights the largest blue chalcedony geode we recovered.

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Art Installation “Subtle Bodies” and Interview with Artist Zackry Wiegand

For the most up to date events, check out our Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Newswire.


Constantly monitoring Twitter for anything related to “geodes” paid off in a major way when I read about an art installation involving geodes and neon light. I emailed the artist, Zackry Wiegand, and learned the exhibit was closing that week, so my Thursday night had swift plans to visit the art studio Gallery 225 in Harlem.
Zackry met us at the door to the art gallery, which is a very handsome building for starters. A lot of old wood went into the refurbishment of the gallery, and the lighting is very strategic. There is plenty of lighting from targeted bulbs and fixtures. There were no big hanging or ceiling neon or fluorescent lights hanging from the very high ceiling, but we were entering an installation where neon light is a critical component.
Continue reading “Art Installation “Subtle Bodies” and Interview with Artist Zackry Wiegand”