Field Label

Rockhounding · Collecting Methods · Collecting Techniques
Rockhounding · Collecting Methods · Field Safety & Preparedness

Definition

What is Field Label? As soon as a specimen goes into a bag, put a Field Label in the bag or on the container. A field label is a quick, durable identifier that prevents “mystery specimens” later: date, a short site code, and a run number or waypoint. Write it while you are standing at the spot—before you walk to the next pocket, bar, or pile. If labels are added later, details get guessed, mixed, or forgotten.

Collectors Context

Collectors keep field labels simple enough to use every time. Use waterproof paper or a tag that won’t dissolve, and a pen that writes on damp surfaces. Make your label match your notes: if your notebook uses Run 3 at Waypoint 12, the bag should say the same. When you split material (keepers vs. tests), duplicate the label so both containers stay tied to the same run. At the end of the trip, reconcile labels with photos and notes and fix any outliers immediately—one corrected label now saves hours of confusion later.

Write labels while the find is in front of you. If you wait until the car, bags and pockets start mixing and the “best guess” becomes the label. Use a unique number or code that ties directly to a notebook line and a photo set.

Common Confusions

Field Label vs. marking the specimen only Specimens get separated from bags; labeling the container preserves context for groups of material.

Field Label vs. a full catalog entry The field label is the minimum ID; you can expand it later in your catalog.

Field Label vs. one label for many spots If you moved locations, you need a new label—otherwise you’ve mixed context.

Further Reading

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