Tools of the Trade

Beyond specimens, this section covers the practical gear collectors, rockhounds, and dealers actually rely on — for finding, evaluating, displaying, and caring for a collection. Rather than a generic hardware aisle, everything offered here is gear we've used ourselves or would recommend to a fellow collector: Geiger counters and radiation detection equipment for evaluating radioactive specimens, UV lamps (shortwave and longwave) for fluorescent mineral work, basic field tools for collecting and trimming, hand lenses and loupes for close examination, and specimen storage and display solutions including bases, cases, and labeling supplies.

You'll also find occasional used equipment listed alongside new gear — quality tools that have been well cared for and still have plenty of useful life left in them, offered at a fair price for collectors who don't need brand new to get the job done. Any wear or condition notes will always be described honestly in the listing, so you know exactly what you're getting.

This section will keep growing over time as we come across new tools worth carrying, and as always, we're happy to hear what gear you wish were easier to find.