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Story: Rock and mineral names

Geological hammer

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Geological hammer

Geologists carry a geological hammer in the field to break off fresh pieces of rock for examination. It is a very personal piece of equipment, used in the logo of the Geological Society of New Zealand (left). The hammer on the right belonged to geologist Patrick Marshall.

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by Alastair McLean

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How to cite this page

Simon Nathan, Rock and mineral names – Mineral names – 1, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/9087/geological-hammer (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Simon Nathan, published 2 March 2009.