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Required Geology Field Supplies

Once a student has declared their major in geology, each student must purchase a rock hammer, a hand lens, a pair of safety glasses or goggles, two field notebooks, and an acid bottle. Optionally, students may also choose to purchase a transit compass and a hardhat. It is the belief of the department that a student who is serious about an education, and possible career, in geology should have this equipment, as its usefulness will far outlast your time at Dickinson.

Online Vendors of Required Geology Field Supplies

Rock Hammers (Chisel-edge recommended)

**Purchase guidance for rock hammers**: A metal handled rock hammer is recommended, as wooden handles tend to splinter or come loose over time. Some of the above vendors refer to rock hammers as ''picks". This is merely an alernate terminology and does not indicate a significant difference in the hammer.


Hand Lenses (10X magnification power is required)

**Purchase guidance for hand lenses**: Remember that when it comes to hand lenses, you typically pay for what you get. The cheaper lenses ($5-$15 range) tend to not be the sturdiest in construction and are susceptible to moisture build-up between the lenses. Usually a good price range to aim for is $20-$40. These lenses tend to be of higher quality and should last you for years to come. You can get by with a cheaper lens, but be prepared to likely have to replace it with some frequency.


Safety Glasses/Goggles

  • Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (1, 2)
  • Ward's Scientific (1, 2)
  • Fisher Scientific (1, 2)
  • Amatuer Geologist Shop (1, 2, 3)

**Purchase guidance for safety glasses/goggles**: Safety glasses tend to be more comfortable, more portable, and less bulky in the field. If you choose to purchase safety glasses, you may want to consider getting a strap for the glasses to prevent them from sliding off of your head when working in the field. Goggles offer more protection than safety glasses and offer added protection to students who wear prescription eyewear, as goggles can be worn over glasses.


Field Books

**Purchase guidance for field books**: When it comes to field books, it is recommended that you go with a solid-bound field book rather than spiral-bound. Spiral binding tends to fall apart or bend, making opening and closing the book an unneccesary hassle. Solid-bound books are also easier to store on a bookshelf for archival purposes. You may wish to consider purchasing 'Rite-in-the-Rain" field books, which are designed for taking notes in inclement weather and protect your data from water damage. Remember to always take field notes with either a pencil (recommended) or a waterproof ink pen. Standard pens and markers bleed on the page when wet and can reduce your notes to an unreadable mess.


Acid Bottles (Plastic, used for holding 10% HCl)

**Purchase guidance for acid bottles**: Several of the vendors listed on this page offer mineral testing kits, which include an acid bottle, as well as other useful mineral testing equipment (streak plate, etc.). Some even include a cheap hand lens. These kits are relatively affordable, so you may want to look into these before buying a lone acid bottle.

Online Vendors of Optional Geology Field Supplies

Transit Compasses
(Azimuth system compasses are recommended over quadrant system compasses)

Hardhat

 

This page was last updated on Friday, 25 March, 2005 12:45
Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Geology Department webmaster.

http://www.dickinson.edu/departments/geol/