Let’s Go Dig for Rocks! // Michigan Rockhounding

Yesterday, I spent hours raking the beach for fossils, Agate, Jasper, Septarian, and anything else on my Michigan mineralogy radar. This was our third rockhounding day-trip this summer, and now being at home feels strange—like that one piece of the puzzle that makes “home” feel like a long needed breath of fresh air is still back at the beach. Which is weird, because my home is about as peaceful as can be.

It’s just that…I like rocks. I really, really like rocks.

It all goes back to summers in Massachusetts on the lake. (Speaking of which, I should write more in the Lake Lashaway series…making a mental note!) I spent days upon days diving for the coolest, biggest, most badass rocks buried in the sand. Sometimes my choice specimen were so heavy, I had to roll them to shore along the bottom of the lakebed, diving back up for air every few steps. I loved it! My parents were rock-collecting enthusiasts as well, and allowed us to stuff our van’s stow-and-go with earthly treasures whether we were hiking the Grand Canyon or passing through Tennessee.

Nowadays I have the crystal shop, which is slowly getting into gear. I’m surrounded by funky minerals and crystals I couldn’t have imagined, and yet, the urge to dig and explore for myself is so strong. Man, it’s one of those things that captures every bit of my focus and I could go hours without eating, without stretching, without glancing up. It’s just me and the earth and the next little treasure.

It turns out, Michigan is one of the best locations in the world for rockhounding. So, I’ve revived the old hobby and have my husband and kiddos excited about it now too. My plan is to spend some chill evenings this autumn and winter identifying and organizing my finds. Just for fun. And maybe one day I’ll tumble them…throw them into shop orders or gift them to friends…

Some of the material I’ve found is the same as the specimen I sell in my shop, which is so fascinating to me. Septarian formed here in Michigan, and in Madagascar—cool! I’d like to learn more about the oceanic fossils and ancient minerals that have made their way to me. And in my own searches, I’ve struggled to find photos of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron rocks that are helpful for amateur rockhounders like me. Maybe I can throw something together as I build a little collection over the years.

Anyways, that’s all for today. I’m just happy to have this hobby that makes me happy and lifts my spirits, and thought I’d share with you. ♡

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

~ Sam

Here are just a few cool finds: