Casey Grove knows how to rock. But just not in the way you might think.
Sure, as the Director of Catering Sales & Strategic Development in the hospitality industry, he spends a lot of time at parties and events. But the 44-year-old Spring Mills, PA, native isn’t out headbanging or moshing. Instead, his Saturday nights are filled with board games and rock collecting.
Yet his passion has turned into more than a hobby. In fact, Casey Grove created his own tabletop, The Big Fat Tomato Game. The fast-paced, all-ages card game debuted to rave reviews and has been translated into other languages. His most recent endeavor is Wood 4 Sheep. The YouTube channel features Grove testing out his latest board game finds while also chronicling the ongoing development of his own projects. These board games transport him into a fictional adventure with each roll, draw, or shuffle.
For him, rock and gem collecting provides the same sense of experience but in the real world. Searching for and uncovering rare minerals, rocks, and gems is rewarding. It’s a hands-on way to explore and engage with history. And Casey Grove is eager to encourage others to join the hunt.
With this in mind, Casey Grove rolls out five steps for starting a rock or gem collection.
Do the Research
The search starts indoors. Before you hunt, dig up some research. Learn the basics from countless books dedicated to beginners. Yet keep it local. Familiarize yourself with the geology available in your area. This way, you can practice collecting in the comfort of your own backyard.
Get Connected
Don’t go it alone. With a little research, you can also uncover a whole community dedicated to rock collecting. Finding a rock and mineral club is a great way to learn more about the hobby and your area. Use this network to stay plugged in about upcoming trade shows, events, and expeditions too.
Start Small
Avoid getting buried under an avalanche of samples. Impulse purchases should not be a component of rock collecting. The best collections are built slowly and deliberately. Not only does this help you stay on top of your catalog, but it also enables you to curate items better. The beauty of collecting is the story, memories, and emotions associated with your samples. Pick and choose rocks that evoke these feelings and that speak to you.
Make a List
Yet you can still dare to dream. The world is full of gorgeous gems and rousing rocks. There is no way to unearth them all. If you see something that piques your interest, add it to a wish list. This will help focus your hunting (and purchasing) at events and shows.
Organize Your Collection
Record keeping is vital to rock collecting. Cataloging your samples is key. At a bare minimum, this info should include the specimen’s name, year, and location indicators. Purchase prices also may be helpful. Keep this information easily accessible so you can reference and update it as you add pieces.
