‘It leads to an addiction’: Hundreds of Lincoln collectors gather to swap rocks

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Rock hounds from around Lincoln met at Bethany Park on Sunday afternoon to trade and sell their stones.

The rock swap was hosted by the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club and featured numerous collectors.

This was the 43rd year it’s been held, and several hundred people turned out to participate.

Jayne Beer, a vice president of the club, said you don’t have to bring your own rocks; you can also buy them from others at the swap.

“We’re just amazed so far with how many people are showing up,” she said. “The last few years, people have really gotten into the hobby, and we’re kind of feeling a boom right now.”

Beer said many of the rocks are native to Nebraska, including agates, fossils and minerals.

She said rock collecting is fun for anyone, young or old.

“You can go out and find stones and cut and polish those, but almost always that leads to bigger, fancier stones,” Beer said. “Usually, it starts with things you found in landscape or in the rivers, but it leads to an addiction, I’m afraid.”

She said some of the less valuable rocks sell for as low as a quarter, but rare ones can reach up to $1,000.

Members of the club also teach classes in Lincoln, where people can learn how to cut stones and make jewelry.