On-line Forums of Interest
Mineral Links from the Mineralogical Society of America - this is a HUGE compilation of links to web sites devoted to all things mineralogical
http://www.minsocam.org/msa/Research_Links.html
Mineral Bliss - Sharing a wide range of experiences and perspectives relating to Mineralogy as a hobby
http://www.mineralbliss.blogspot.com
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Rock Tumbling Hobby - You can use this site to find out all you need to know about rock tumbling in general. I hope that both the beginner and experienced rock tumbling enthusiast will find the information herein useful, making your hobby more rewarding as time goes on.
http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com
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The Quartz Page covers the mineral quartz and its many varieties
http://www.quartzpage.de
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Lapidary - Gemstone Community Forum - A community forum for lapidaries of every imaginable gemstone related niche to gather. Sharing a great many topics; generally beginning with discoveries of various minerals, cutting, shaping and finishing cabochons right on up to and including the designing of jewelry and other gemstone related artwork. (Free membership)
http://www.lapidaryforum.net
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Rock Tumbling Hobby Forum - Theres now over 4700 members on the tumbling enthusiasts forum and a wealth of knowledge in OVER FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND MESSAGES which is unsurpassed on the internet in this area. If you are interested in talking about specifics - then there is definitely someone there you can chat with. (Free membership)
http://forum.rocktumblinghobby.com
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A particularly interesting thread on this forum is this:
http://forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/39253/american-agate-jasper-database-files
“The American Agate/Jasper Index is designed to be a database of material found in North America. The main goal of this collection is to aid people with identification of specimens as well act as a visual guide to quartz gem materials. Each index will focus on a different region. These are designed to be downloaded for free and are created from photo submissions by rockhounds across North America. Updates will occur periodically as new material is submitted here and via email. (PLEASE submit new material!!!!)”
2012 Vol 1 - Southwest (56 MB)
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?odzmygviwc8i4ry
2012 Vol 2 - Northwest (80 MB)
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?12m6sn69h2t08ik
2012 Vol 3 - California (110 MB)
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?9up5qxv0of3rl89
2012 Vol 4- Northern States (82 MB)
http://www.mediafire.com/view/hdmx7d1ahnegden/2012+Agate+Index+Vol+4+The+North.pdf
The links above lead to downloadable PDF’s of a massive collection of agate and jasper pictures (grouped by region) to aid in identification and nomenclature. This is a work in progress with planned updates and expansion into other locations.
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Dirty Rockhounds - This site is a meeting place for collectors to discuss rockhounding for gems and minerals, panning for gold, metal detecting for civil war relics and those who are in the search of Indian artifacts. Please go to the Discussion forum and talk with other Dirty Rockhounds. (Free membership)
http://dirtyrockhounds.proboards.com/
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McRocks is not a club and therefore has no membership requirements. No matter if you are an experienced or newbie rockhound, we encourage all good people to post messages on McRocks. The only stupid question here is the one you don't ask!
http://mcrocks.websitetoolbox.com/
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Rock & Gem Magazine Video Library
http://www.rockngem.com/video-gallery/
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Ultra-tec Faceting Equipment Library
http://ultratec-facet.com/Library.htm
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Bob's Rock Shop - The First 'Zine for Mineral Collectors and Rockhounds
http://www.rockhounds.com
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Wikipedia’s Gemology Portal:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gemology_and_Jewelry
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Hoppel Collection Part 1:
http://tinyurl.com/bcouw4e