What is Reddit's opinion of Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas: A Field Guide to Favorite Places from Chimney Rock to Charleston (Southern Gateways Guides)?

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The pebbles probably are/contain iron oxide, which is magnetic. It's everywhere.

In creeks, I look for exposed gravel beds. What you find depends on the geology of your area. Some places have nothing, while others have amazing things. There might be a creek a hundred yards away with awesome minerals in it, or nothing for a hundred miles.

As far as having an eye to spot things, just pick up stuff you think looks cool and learn about it. Stuff that looks really cool is usually the really cool stuff because people really like cool-looking stuff. That's basically what separates a coveted mineral from a plain rock. Sometimes plain old rocks are the coolest thing depending on how you look at it.

Mindat.org will have maps of your area with sites where people have collected things. It's a great resource.

Get a book on rockhounding/geology for your area and join a local club.

Here's one:

https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Geology-Carolinas-Favorite-Charleston/dp/0807857866/

Get a rock tumbler and polish up your finds. Many times, even boring rocks look cool when you polish them.

I have now shared with you the full extent of my rockhounding knowledge. Go forth and jasper.