Hot rocks are a common problem when metal detecting and can be a real nuisance for beginners. Hot rocks are rocks that are naturally magnetic, and when you try to detect them, they give off false signals that can be interpreted as metal.
Hot rocks refer to rocks that are heated by geothermal activity or other sources of heat within the Earth’s crust. These rocks can be found in areas with active volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers.
To spot hot rocks, one can look for signs of geothermal activity such as steam rising from the ground, bubbling mud pots, or hot springs. In some cases, hot rocks may also emit a visible glow or be warm to the touch. Using infrared cameras can also help to detect hot spots in rocks that are not visible to the naked eye.
It is important to exercise caution when dealing with hot rocks as they can be extremely hot and cause burns or other injuries. It is best to observe them from a safe distance and avoid touching them.
Hot rocks can be frustrating to detect and may lead to missed opportunities of finding valuable treasures. But the good news is that there are a few easy ways to spot them, so you can avoid wasting time and energy.
With the right knowledge and a keen eye, you can easily distinguish hot rocks from actual metals and increase your chances of finding something special. Keep reading to learn more about hot rocks and how to spot them when metal detecting.
What are hot rocks?
Hot rocks are naturally magnetic rocks that cause false signals when you try to detect them. Since these rocks are naturally magnetic, they can interfere with the functionality of your metal detector. This results in false signals, which may lead you to believe that you have found a valuable item when in reality it is just a hot rock.
Hot rocks are a very common problem when detecting, especially for beginners. They may lead to missed opportunities of finding real treasures. A hot rock can be any type of rock that is naturally magnetic. This means that it contains iron ore, which is what your metal detector will detect.
Hot rocks typically fall into one of three categories: Iron-rich igneous rocks, iron-rich sedimentary rocks, or iron-rich metamorphic rocks. The most common type of hot rock is iron-rich igneous rock. You can find these rocks anywhere in the world, such as on beaches, in deserts, and even in your backyard!
How to recognize hot rocks
There are a few different ways to recognize hot rocks. The first is that they will give off a very loud signal from your detector, even if you are only inches away from the rock. Even a quarter-sized piece of a hot rock may give off a signal as loud as a large coin.
Hot rocks will also have a very high conductivity reading, which will be higher than anything else around you. As previously mentioned, false signals can be very loud, so it is important to watch these two signs when detecting.
You can also identify hot rocks by the way they feel. If you find a rock that feels very warm to the touch, even in cold weather, it is probably a hot rock. Hot rocks can retain heat for a long time, so they may feel warm even hours after being in the sun. Hot rocks can also be magnetic to the touch, but not all of them are.
Common hot rocks
– Iron-rich igneous rocks – Iron-rich igneous rocks are the most common type of hot rock and can be found anywhere in the world. You can find these rocks in deserts, on beaches, and even in your backyard! Iron-rich igneous rocks are dark or black in color and contain large amounts of magnetite.
– Iron-rich sedimentary rocks – Iron-rich sedimentary rocks are dark colored and made up of iron and silica. They are commonly found in areas where there has been a lot of vegetation, such as forests and swamps.
– Iron-rich metamorphic rocks – Iron-rich metamorphic rocks are typically light in color and are made up of iron, quartz, and clay minerals.
Tips for identifying hot rocks
If you are still unsure if a rock is a hot rock, you can try a few different tests to find out. First, you can use a magnet to test the rock. If the rock sticks to the magnet, it is most likely hot. You can also use a conductivity tester or a soil conductivity meter.
Keep in mind that not all soil is conductive, so the readings won’t be accurate. If you use these tests and the rock still seems to be giving off false signals, then it is most likely a hot rock. Another way to identify hot rocks is to watch what types of rocks others are detecting nearby.
If several people detect a particular type of rock, it is a good chance that it is a hot rock. Another thing to keep in mind is the color of the rocks in the area you are detecting. If there are a lot of black rocks in the area, they may be iron-rich igneous rocks.
How to avoid hot rocks when metal detecting
If you want to avoid hot rocks when metal detecting, you must first know what they look like. You can avoid hot rocks by scanning the ground before you pick up a rock. By scanning the ground, you can see what rocks are present in the area and identify if any of them are hot rocks.
Another way to avoid picking up hot rocks is by not lifting the rocks off the ground. Instead, use a long-handled or sand scoop to gently move the rocks out of the way without lifting them. Certain types of detectors can help you avoid picking up too many hot rocks.
A discrimination-based detector will allow you to filter out false signals caused by the hot rocks and only detect metals.
Benefits of being able to spot hot rocks
Besides the obvious benefit of not picking up hot rocks, being able to spot them will also help you avoid wasting time detecting areas that have already been picked clean. When you know what types of rocks are in the area, you can focus your detecting efforts on areas that have a low amount of these types of rocks.
Knowing what types of hot rocks are in the area will also help you choose the best ground to dig. If you want to focus on areas with a low amount of iron-rich igneous rocks, you can focus on dirt, sand, and gravel areas that are most likely to have treasure.
Tips for getting the most out of your metal detecting experience
Stay focused and be aware of your surroundings – While you may be excited to start detecting and are eager to start digging up treasures, it is important to stay focused and be aware of your surroundings. This can help you avoid picking up hot rocks and missing real nearby treasures.
Stay hydrated – Detecting can be a very physically demanding activity, especially if you are hiking in rough terrain. It is important to stay hydrated, especially during warm weather, so that you don’t become overly fatigued or dehydrated.
Use the right equipment – When you are out detecting, it is important to use the right tools for the job. Using the right tools will keep you safe and make detecting easier.
Have fun – While detecting is a great way to spend time outdoors and find some amazing treasures, it can also be overwhelming when you don’t know what you are doing. Make sure you have the right information so that you can have a great experience detecting.
