Labeling Rock Collections

What you will need:

• a budding rock collection
• enamal paint or a paint stick (recommended) color white
• a small paint brush (unless using a paint stick)
• a fine-point marker (India Ink is normally recommended, but typical markers will do)
• clear nail polish
• 3x5 notecards
• a case for notecards (or use 3x5 cards that are spirally bound)

Here's how to do it:

1. Paint a small white dot on each rock to be labeled (about 1 cm wide).  Select a spot that's relatively flat, but not the best part of the rock.  Let the paint dry for a bit, then add a second coat.  Let dry overnight.

2. Write a number on the white spot of each rock, starting with #1 and counting up.  Give the ink some time to set.  (Note: books normally recommend India Ink, but I'm not sure how to obtain that any more).

3. Apply a coat of clear nail polish over your number for protection.  If the numbers start to smear or fade, wait longer before applying the nail polish.

4. Fill out one 3x5 card for each rock, starting with #1.   Put the rock number at the top of the card.  Write as much as you can about the rock, including:

• What it is (if you know - if not sure put a question mark after the name)
• Where you got it (very important!)
• How much you paid for it (if you bought it)
• What it looks like - how big, what color, etc.

NOW you REALLY have a rock collection!