Rockhounders should ‘dig’ this new app from the Utah Geological Survey and Bureau of Land Management

Salt Lake City — Rockhounders, grab your eye protection, hammer and mobile device. A new app launched by the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provides rockhounders with accurate and verified information on where to sniff out and dig up rocks, minerals, and fossils in Utah.

The app also provides information on a specific interest, location confidence, site descriptions, public vs private property, directions and pictures. Users can access the app on mobile devices, tablets and desktop computers.

“Rockhounding is very popular in Utah,” said public information officer Hollie Brown in an email to KSL NewsRadio. “This fills the need for an up-to-date resource for information on what is available and where to find it.”

The app is based on the UGS book published in 1995 titled, A Collector’s Guide To Rock Mineral & Fossil Localities Of Utah. The app, which provides 109 identified sites, will continue to be updated as information becomes available. This includes user feedback, which can be done through a feedback form on the app. 

According to the UGS website, its mission is to provide timely scientific information about Utah’s geologic environment, resources, and hazards.

Rockhounders in Utah

Brown says that rockhounding is very popular in the state. 

“Utah has a lot of exposed bedrock,” said Brown. “This coupled with our unique geology, which includes the Basin and Range, Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains, creates a rockhounder’s paradise.” 

For those not on the hunt for geodes or trilobites, the app also has information on potential landscaping rocks. Great for homeowners looking to conserve water and xeriscape their homes.

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