The BMC is proud to announce that one of our longtime members, Peter Cristofono, has just published the third edition of a key handbook for those interested in collecting New England Minerals: Rockhounding New England.
Rockhounding New England is for anyone interested in collecting rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems in New England. The book includes updated information with GPS coordinates for 100 sites. It covers localities in a wide variety of geological environments, from gold-bearing placers to fossiliferous limestone, and from gem-bearing pegmatites to rocks containing rare minerals. Peter provides tips to help you plan your next excursion, mineral and fossil lists for each site, and color photos to help you identify your finds. The result is a comprehensive and accurate guide to many of the region’s mineral, gem, and fossil collecting sites.
In the book, you’ll find:
- Maps and detailed descriptions with directions
- Suggested tools and techniques
- Land-use regulations and legal restrictions
- Best seasons and nearby accommodations
- Information on clubs, rock shops, museums, and special attractions
Peter, a former BMC president, has been collecting New England minerals, gems, and fossils for over 40 years, assembling an extensive collection of specimens from the region. He has authored mineralogical articles for various publications and websites, and his photos of minerals and insects have appeared in major newspapers, magazines, books, scholarly journals, museum exhibits, and websites. He has over 4,000 mineral photos on Mindat.org.