Geologist's hammer
A typical geologist's hammer | |
| Classification | Hand tool |
|---|---|
| Uses | Sample collection |
| Types | Chisel head Pick head |
| Used with | Drilling hammer Cold chisel |
| Related | Hammer |
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. In fossil and mineral collecting, geologist's hammers are used to break rocks in order to reveal specimens contained within.