WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
What you bring with you in the field will depend on what you aim to achieve, whether it be collecting palaeontological specimens, mapping an outcrop, going for a scenic walk or… creating a blog post. Do some research before your fieldwork so that you are always safe – get a good map and reference guide, establish a primary and (if necessary) secondary means of communication and ensure you have enough water.
Have a scientific approach to your field work, don’t just pick up random rocks and take photos of cool outcrops – think! Why is this rock here? What does it mean? Are there any structures? Make observations in a field book, note the position on a map and do some research online or at the local museum.
Other safety equipment, such as protective goggles, a hard hat, gloves and long pants are all task-dependent. Constantly assess any hazards and their associated risks (many a geologist have walked up to an interesting cliff face only to find an angry brown snake!). If looking at road cuttings, always exercise caution with cars. It might pay off to wear a hi-vis vest.
WHAT TO COLLECT
No natural objects can be collected in national parks or reserves without a permit. In areas which are not a national park, be respectful of the site by not forcefully removing fossils from rocks. If it is loose or falls out easily, and if you think it is an important specimen, you can take it to Museum Victoria for identification by an expert.
Some sites have a special Geological Heritage. These sites are listed in the page ‘What is Geotourism?’. We have a special responsibility at geologically (culturally, and biologically!) significant sites to practice respect and take care not to destroy or devalue the material at the site.
HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR COLLECTION
Once back in the lab (your home), you will have the task of cleaning and organising your specimens.
Whilst some specimens are too good not to show off in bookcases and cabinets, most will have to be stored in boxes and drawers. It is recommended to keep delicate specimens in individual card trays, like the impression of a trilobite from Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island below (note these specimens were gifted by the Museum of South Australia).
The card should have specified: name, location, date of collection and a catalogue number. If your collection is big enough, you may also want to include location number (e.g. cabinet, drawer). Catalogue numbers are best stored in a spreadsheet (and backed up). This allows you to better perform searches for localities and specimen types at a later time. Other important information to include: geologic formation, key identifying features and rock type (i.e. metamorphic, sedimentary or igneous) or other minerals/fossils at collection location.
Other methods of storing/displaying fossils and rocks are shown above, including: agates in old cigar containers, schist being used as a book-end, nice specimens on show and delicate minerals in square plastic containers – anything sturdy really!
The rock, mineral and fossil collection of The Central Deborah Gold Mine (VICTORIA) is organised by type into different folders, you can use this as an example.
weekendgeology.com 