The hammer is the basic tool in the collector’s kit. Almost any type of
hammer is satisfactory, but as collecting experience is gained it may be
desirable to get a geologist’s hammer. These hammers, also called
mineralogist’s or prospector’s picks, are of two types. One type has a
square head on one end and a pick on the other (Pl. 5): the other type
is similar to a stonemason’s or bricklayer’s hammer and has a chisel end
instead of the pointed pick end. The square head of the hammer is useful
in breaking or chipping harder rocks, and the chisel or pick end is good
for digging, prying, and splitting soft rocks.