112 collector's manual 



sawdust, if possible, as a packing medium. If clay or shale has 

 been collected for microfossils, the larger free specimens from 

 the same zone can be packed with the clay or shale sample. 



ROCK SPECIMENS AND ORES 



One who searches for new occurrences of minerals and ores is 

 called a prospector, and to this profession the civilized world owes 

 a great obligation. Wherever man travels it is important that 

 the rocks and ores of the area visited be collected for careful 

 inspection. The prospector should be equipped with the following 

 tools: 



Flat, square-headed steel hammer. 



Chisel, pick, or bar. 



Packing material for specimens. 



Notebook in which to record notes and make labels. 



If recent excavations have been made in an area where you are 

 working, visit them to familiarize yourself with the type of 

 rocks exposed. Examine steep cliffs, as generally they are 

 comnosed of firm rocks which are not likely to be deeply 

 weathered. In some places is is almost impossible to get fresh 

 material. Usually the softer external, or weathered, part of rocks 

 can be removed by trimming with a hammer. 



Before deciding on the specimens to be collected always take 

 time to become familiar with the general rock exposure. Be 

 certain that the material collected really represents the outcrop 

 in color, mineral assemblage, and texture. Do not collect freak 

 or unusual specimens until the typical ones have been obtained. 

 If more than one type of rock is present collect from each, and 



