National Collect Rocks Day

National Collect Rocks Day is dedicated to the fascinating hobby of collecting rocks. This pastime allows people to explore the natural origins, structural features, and ancient history of stones found on Earth. The holiday is observed on September 16th each year.

History

The hobby of collecting rocks grew alongside the development of geology, a science that took shape in the 19th century. As researchers began to study how and when the Earth was formed, rocks became important objects for scientific analysis. Many rocks are hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of years old and hold valuable information about our planet’s history.

James Hutton, often considered the first geologist, devoted his later years to studying rocks. He challenged established beliefs, such as the idea that all rocks formed under water, and his work laid the foundation for modern geology.

By the early 20th century, scientists had established the approximate age of the Earth and developed theories about the formation of continents. Collecting rare rocks and minerals became popular not only among researchers but also among hobbyists—some for scientific curiosity, others as a way to discover rare and valuable stones.

Interesting Facts

• There are over 4,000 known minerals, many of which are considered precious stones.
• One of the largest rock and mineral collections in the world is at the Museum of Natural History in the United States, which houses about 350,000 minerals and more than 10,000 precious stones.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Collect Rocks Day by congratulating friends and acquaintances who are rock collectors. Visit museums with geological exhibits, attend lectures, or take time to study minerals and gemstones in more detail on your own.

When is National Collect Rocks Day in 2025?

National Collect Rocks Day is observed on September 16 each year.

Observations