A geologist's hammer, also known as rock hammer, rock pick, geological pick, or geo pick, is a specialized

hammer A hammer is a tool, most often a hand tool, consisting of a weighted "head" fixed to a long handle that is swung to deliver an impact to a small area of an object. This can be, for example, to drive nail (fastener), nails into wood, to sh ...

used for splitting and breaking rocks. In field

geology Geology (). is a branch of natural science concerned with the Earth and other astronomical objects, the rocks of which they are composed, and the processes by which they change over time. Modern geology significantly overlaps all other Earth ...

, it is employed to expose fresh rock surfaces, as weathered surfaces may obscure accurate analysis of a rock's composition,

bedding Bedding, also called bedclothes or bed linen, is the materials laid above the mattress of a bed for hygiene, warmth, protection of the mattress, and decorative effect. Bedding is the removable and washable portion of a human sleeping environment ...

orientation,

mineralogy Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical mineralogy, optical) properties of minerals and mineralized artifact (archaeology), artifacts. Specific s ...

, history, and strength. In

fossil A fossil (from Classical Latin , ) is any preserved remains, impression, or trace of any once-living thing from a past geological age. Examples include bones, shells, exoskeletons, stone imprints of animals or microbes, objects preserve ...

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. *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. *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 or less on a small hammer—such as would generally be used for casual use or by children—to and greater. A hammer of 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. 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. BrokenConcretion22

References

{{reflist Hammers Geological tools ro:Piolet