From Rough Stones to Wow

Jim Magnuson is a passionate rockhound, for whom the hobby is a serious and rewarding avocation that connects him with nature. Since childhood, he has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals, and fossils, starting in his native Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and the willingness to follow the road less traveled to find unique or rare rocks.

Jim enjoys sharing his passion through writing, both creatively and from a practically-oriented-process perspective. Because of his in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies, and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests.

In addition to prospecting and hunting, he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business making and selling custom-polished stones and jewelry pieces. Jim also enjoys creating photographic illustrations for prospecting, hunting, and lapidary work. He was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks, where he focused on student activities. This experience has helped Jim capture unique and compelling photographic images for modern-day gem and mineral prospecting.