Safety Gear & Gloves

### 🧤 Gloves & Safety Gear: Protect Yourself in the Field

Rockhounding is tough, dirty, and sometimes dangerous work — and that’s part of the fun. But with sharp tools, flying chips, and heavy specimens, **protecting yourself is non-negotiable**.

From gloves to goggles, the right safety gear keeps your hands, eyes, and body safe so you can keep collecting.

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### 🧤 Gloves

Your hands do all the work — protect them with:
– **Heavy-duty work gloves** – protect from cuts, splinters, and abrasions
– **Grip-enhancing palms** – for holding tools and slippery rocks
– **Breathable material** – keeps hands dry and comfortable

You might need multiple pairs:
– Thin gloves for detailed work
– Thick gloves for hammering or digging

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### 👓 Eye Protection

Always wear **safety glasses or goggles** when:
– Hammering or chiseling rock
– Breaking open geodes
– Working near others using tools

Flying rock chips are no joke — **even tiny shards can cause serious injury**.

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### ⛑️ Optional Extras

– **Knee pads** – helpful on long digs
– **First aid kit** – a must for every trip
– **High-visibility vest** – great when collecting near roads or in hunting season

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### 💬 Final Thought

Your tools are important — but **your safety is essential**. A few dollars spent on gloves and goggles is worth every penny when it means more seasons spent in the field.