In fact, this Estwing hammer drove me through some rhyolite to find some garnets on Ruby Mountain in Colorado. It’s easier to hit medium-sized loose stones with a flat edge because they have less of a tendency to roll away in that case. The positive aspect with this hammer is that the leather grip makes is aesthetically pleasing; however, with the brownish color, it is easy to forget in the field since it blends in well. Over time and with continual use, the laminated leather handle will also wear off. It does make it easy to organize your minerals, but its real value to me is something not immediately obvious.

cup your free hand, palm up, with the sample supported by the pads of your hand below your fingers.Your immediate work area should be clear of bystanders, co-workers, or animals by a radius of at least three times the length of the handle.

There should be many, small and large, to help in compartmentalizing the finds. Not only is this helpful for you organized types who want to keep like-minerals in the same place, but it’s also geologically smart because it can keep softer stones from getting scratched or even pummeled by harder stones. Also Available at: Walmart , Bonanza 4. Best Masonry Hammers with Forged Steel Construction—QLT by Marshalltown There is a good deal of weather resistance found in the hammer so you can take it out in the field throughout the year

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It is the most versatile of tools because it allows as much force as a hammer, but includes both a point and an edge to choose from, both good for different operations.