Most of the rocks you can find are perfectly safe. You can even make cutlery out of fun ones, like my favorite volcanic glass.

However, some minerals can actually be harmful. For example, I once found shiny, silvery crystals called galena. They look amazing but contain toxic lead. Touching them won't hurt you immediately, but breathing in their dust sure can.

Some minerals can even be radioactive, but luckily, they are pretty rare. For example, you're unlikely to find them in Washington and Oregon unless you're specifically looking.

So, here is our quick guide on how to stay safe while dealing with toxic and radioactive minerals.

Toxic Rocks and Minerals That Can Hurt You

Dangerous Minerals

The list of the most common potentially hazardous minerals you should know about:

• Galena and Boulangerite. Contain highly toxic lead, which, if inhaled or digested, can affect the brain, kidneys, blood, and lungs.
• Arsenopyrite, Realgar, and Mansfieldite. Contain poisonous arsenic, a known carcinogen. Exposure to arsenic can cause serious health problems, especially in the case of long-term exposure.
• Cinnabar, Livingstonite, and Amalgams. Incorporate harmful mercury, which is highly toxic if inhaled.
• Stibnite and Boulangerite: Contains toxic antimony and exposure to high levels of antimony can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, skin irritation, and even cancer.

Here is a separate note for a group of minerals called asbestos. Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance and durability, but they are highly hazardous when inhaled. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause serious lung problems and even cancer.

Asbestos-bearing minerals include:

• Serpentine group: Chrysotile, antigorite, and lizardite
• Amphibole group: Amosite, Glaucophane-Riebecckite, Tremolite-Actinilite
• Palygorskite (fibrous clay)

Dangerous Rocks

Rocks are made up of one or more minerals, so they can inherit dangers from their mineral components.

• Shale or sedimentary rocks containing arsenopyrite can release toxic arsenic when weathered.
• Granite sometimes contains uranium-bearing minerals like uraninite, emitting radon gas.
• Coal seams can spontaneously combust or release toxic gases (like methane).

How To Stay Safe While Rockhounding

So, what can you do to stay safe while rockhounding?

First, when you find a new mineral, identify it precisely. If unsure, ask someone experienced or check a trusted rock identification guide.

Next, don't crush or hammer unknown minerals. You don't want to breathe toxic dust. Also, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any questionable minerals.

Radiation Rocks: Identifying and Handling Radioactive Minerals

Now, let's talk about radioactive minerals. They release radiation that might get you sick or even cause cancer if you are overexposed to it.

The United States has a rich variety of radioactive minerals. Have you heard of minerals like autunite or meta-autunite? They're bright, colorful, and attractive, and so many rock collectors love them. But they are also radioactive.

Besides autunite, here are several other radioactive minerals that can be found across the U.S., often associated with uranium or thorium deposits.

While you can collect radioactive materials, you MUST follow specific guidelines to stay safe and prevent overexposure to radiation.

Here's what you need to do:

• • Get a Geiger Counter: This handy device measures radiation levels. It'll beep louder and faster when radiation is stronger. You can quickly tell if a mineral is safe or dangerous.
  • Stick to Low-Radiation Minerals: Select minerals emitting between 0.1 and 20 millirems per hour (mR/hr). These are safer for casual collectors.
  • Limit Your Exposure: Your safe yearly radiation limit is about 500 millirems. Don't handle radioactive minerals often or for long periods.
  • Plan for Safe Storage: Radioactive minerals release harmful gases as they decay. Store them in ventilated areas like a garage or shed - far from people, pets, and food. Consider using a special lead-lined container.
  • Wear Proper Equipment: Always use gloves and a good respirator mask to keep radioactive dust away from your skin and lungs.
  • Right Handling and Storage is Important: It is advise washing hands after collecting and avoiding storing large amounts specimens indoors.