by Laura Estrada, YNC Director
and Program Coordinator, Mineral Resources Education Program of BC.
Choose your area, make a plan, dress for the weather and head out with your favourite adult.
Make sure your area is SAFE! Never go near cliffs, ledges or on loose rock.
If you’re in a protected area or provincial park, you will not be allowed to take anything away. Take a photo or make a sketch.
When taking a photo, always use a scale or put something like a pencil next to it: otherwise from just the photo you won’t be sure of the size of your sample.
Collect rocks that are no bigger than your hand or smaller than a quarter.
A dry rock can sometimes hide many features; wet it and see the details appear,
such as:
a. Colour (s); many or just one?
b. How does it feel: rough? smooth? bumpy?
c. Are there ‘bits’ in the rock or is it all the same? Are the ‘bits sparkly or dull?
d. Any layers? Are they wavy or straight? thin or thick? different colours?
e. Any holes? Are they different shapes or do they look like gas bubbles?
f. Is the rock really hard or does it crumble?
Record the location of your rock—you might want to go back and find another one.
Also, the location will help you identify the rock.
