An amateur geologist does not need expensive equipment to search and find samples. However, a few basic pieces of equipment are required. Also, planning the search trips well in advance makes it easier to find samples.
An ore rock is a type of rock that contains so much metal or mineral that it could be economically viable to extract. Ore rock can be identified by the following features:
Plan the search trips well in advance. In addition to a basic map, it is useful to find some geological maps of the planned search area. These can be found at GTK’s Hakku service, for example.
It is also worth downloading GTK’s OmaKivi app to your phone, so you can immediately record details about your find while still out in the field. More information in How to Collect and Send Layman’s Samples? section.
The best places to search are areas where felling, drainage or road construction work has been done recently – or any other work that requires digging into the soil – since these areas tend to have plenty of exposed rocks and bedrock.
While planning your routes, keep in mind proper forest etiquette and avoid areas near people’s houses and yards. Taking samples on a small scale is allowed under the Finnish mining legislation. It is polite to inform the landowner of the area you plan to search for samples in and, if necessary, ask for their permission to collect the samples.
Collecting rocks and other soil materials is generally prohibited in national parks and nature reserves.
To help identify rocks and minerals, you can use tools such as a magnet, a nail, and a fuse.
Information about mineral properties is also found on the geologia.fi website in Finnish.
