Geologist's hammer
{{More citations needed|date=February 2022}}
{{short description|Hammer used for splitting and breaking rocks}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox tool|name=Geologist's hammer|image=Pegmatite ss 2006 (cropped).jpg|caption=A typical geologist's hammer|types=Chisel head
Pick head|classification=Hand tool|used_with= Drilling hammer
Cold chisel|uses= Sample collection|related=Hammer}}
File:Turonian Jerusalem Stone 031612.JPG
A geologist's hammer, also known as rock hammer, rock pick, geological pick, or geo pick, is a specialized hammer used for splitting and breaking rocks. In field geology, it is employed to expose fresh rock surfaces, as weathered surfaces may obscure accurate analysis of a rock's composition, bedding orientation, mineralogy, history, and strength.{{Cite web|title=Tools of the oldest profession: Douglas Palmer on the Sedgwick Museum's collection of 'the simplest scientific instruments' |url=https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Archive/DecemberJanuary-2016-17/Tools-of-the-oldest-profession |access-date=2025-01-26 |publisher=Geological Society of London }}{{Cite web|title=Collecting Rocks|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/collect1/collectgip.html|access-date=2025-01-26 |website=pubs.usgs.gov}} In fossil and mineral collecting, geologist's hammers are used to break rocks in order to reveal specimens contained within.
Shape
Geologist's hammers, as with most hammers, have two heads, one on either side. Most commonly, the tool consists of a flat square head on one end, with either a chisel or a pick head at the other end.Basic Geological Mapping, John Barnes, Third Ed., Wiley, Chichester, 1995
- A corner or edge of the flat head is used to deliver a blow to a rock with the intention of splitting it. Specimens or samples can be trimmed to remove sharp corners or reduce them in size.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}
- A chisel head (pictured) is useful for clearing loose material and vegetation from exposures, or creating exposures through digging. It is sometimes (at risk of damage) used to pry open fissures. Some rocks can be easily split, like slate or shale, to reveal any fossils.{{Cite book |last=Schulp |first=Anne |title=Praktijkgids fossielen |date=2 September 2021 |publisher=Noordboek |year= |isbn=9789056156688 |location=The Netherlands |language=Dutch}}
- A pick head, which terminates in a sharp point to deliver maximum pressure, is often preferred for harder rocks. A geologist's hammer bearing a pick end is often referred to as a rock pick, geological pick, or prospecting pick instead of a geologist's hammer.
Construction
The effective power of a geologist's hammer is mainly considered to be a reflection of its head weight and handle length. Head weight may range from {{convert|8|oz|g|abbr=on}} or less on a small hammer—such as would generally be used for casual use or by children—to {{convert|4|lb|kg|abbr=on}} and greater. A hammer of {{convert|2-2.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}} has been described as most useful,Basic Geological Mapping, John Barnes, Third Ed., Wiley, Chichester, 1995 although metamorphic or igneous rocks often require heavier hammers for a more powerful blow. In such cases geologists may prefer a sledge or bricklayer's "club" hammer.
The best geologist's hammers are forged from one piece of hardened steel, which renders them sturdy and long-lasting. Alternatives such as tubular- and wooden-shafted hammers are more commonly used, in part due to their lower cost. Such alternative handles sacrifice strength and make the hammer unsuitable for high-strain activities such as prying.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}
The form and weighting of the shaft defines the balance, which itself defines the ease, efficiency, and comfort of use of the geologist's hammer.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}File:BrokenConcretion22.jpg
