Introduction

Hi! Just joined the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I have recently (last few months) rekindled and old interest in rockhounding after retiring in SW Idaho. I enjoyed collecting rocks, especially agates, in SE Idaho as a teenager, where we owned a tumbler and other lapidary equipment.

I recently joined a rockhounding club sponsored by a rock shop in nearby Caldwell, Earth Brite. I went with a group to the Succor Creek, Oregon area and brought home a lot of rocks. Some agate nodules were over five pounds. I have purchased some tools and wish-listed more. I bought a 7” wet tile saw, dual barrel Harbor Freight tumbler and grit, a bench grinder, and set up a work bench in my garage. I’ve also been photographing my treasures and attempting to figure out lighting and tricks with my DSLR and a light box. I cut and polished some of my finds at Earth Brite with their help. More field trips are planned, as is more learning, collecting, and “processing”.

There’s something about rocks and minerals I find is uplifting, almost magical. The light through their translucent but hard bodies is comforting, as are their shapes and colors. I have time to explore them now and am delighting in learning and doing more with them.