Well, that last part is certainly a true statement. The Xenia couple has been recognized as Rockhound (s) of the Year by the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies.

Generally, “reasonable” is defined as up to 10 pounds. Some hobby mining activities also are allowed. Rockhounding is permissible in many Bureau of Land Management areas with no permit required.

Rockhounding is legal in Washington for certain materials. The material guidelines will depend on where you are: federal land, land managed by the Department of Natural Resources or private land.

Popular rockhounding areas along the Columbia Basin in Washington are hot spots for agates and fossils. The gemstone Carnelian is considered an agate. Courtesy WA Department of Natural Resources ...