Fossil Hunting Tools

Here are some simple fossil hunting tools that will make your fossil hunting trips easier and more productive.

The rock hammer is probably the fossil hunting tool that most people imagine in the hands of fossil hunters. Carrying just a rock hammer is great for exploratory trips as they are light and can do a lot of work. Practice breaking and splitting non fossil bearing rocks with your rock hammer so that you are ready when it is time to harvest small fossils out of large pieces of rock. Can't find a rock hammer in you area? Ask for a brick hammer.

A selection of chisels, slotted screwdrivers and a small pry bar are all useful fossil hunting tools. These can be used to split rocks, to precisely break rocks, and to dig rocks out of tight places. Buy the chisels with a molded hand guard to prevent accidentally cracking your hands instead of the rocks.

If you are heading out to dig up fossils, the shovel is an indispensable fossil hunting tool. While full size shovels are great, collapsible military surplus / camping shovels offer better portability and are still rugged enough (especially the surplus ones) for heavy duty work. Shovels are also useful for removing snakes that might not be welcome company on your fossil hunting expeditions.

A mattock is one of the most versatile of the standard fossil hunting tools. Great for busting up hard ground and cutting roots, the points of the mattock can also be used to dig out rocks as well as to split them. However, using the mattock on fossil bearing layers of rock is not advised as they are not precise enough. Handles of mattocks can be shortened to make them easier to carry but this will reduce the power of the mattock as well.

A digital camera is another indispensable fossil hunting tool. You never know when you might come across something of significance, interesting wildlife or plants, or simply want to preserve a few memories.

A hand pruner is another indispensable tool to remove vegetation that might be in the way. In especially thick areas a machete might be needed as well.

Don't forget the fossil hunting tools that keep you going such as water, bug spray, sun screen, food, and other items that provide comfort.