Can You Bring Rocks On A Plane? Rules to Bring Rocks & Minerals

Passionate travelers are always driven by a desire to collect rocks or something special on a vacation as a memory. If you are also in the same league, you must have a great collection of rocks, stones, crystals, minerals, sand, seashells or other such items. But, if you are flying back home with them, or even if you wish to bring rocks on a plane for your dear ones, there are regulations by the TSA rock rules to be complied with. 

Since rocks or stones can be large and pointed in shape, you need to be cautious while packing them in your luggage.  

Here is a complete guide you must not miss reading. 

TSA Rock Rules : Can You Take Rocks On A Plane?

Passengers can take rocks in their carry-on and/or checked baggage, as stated on the official website of the TSA. 

You are permitted to take them to the United States from any other country, or whether you are traveling from one state to another in the US itself. But, make sure to keep in mind certain factors: 

Cleanliness

Rocks must be clean, free of bacteria, and should not contain soil. This is necessary to avoid the associated health risks or infections. The TSA may not allow you to carry dirty rocks. You can dip a cotton swab in alcohol and rub it against the rocks to make them free of dirt. 

Size and Weight

You must also keep in mind that if they are big in size, it’s better to pack them in your checked luggage. It also depends on the policy of the airline you are traveling with. You should confirm whether they will be considered personal items and can fit in the overhead bin or under a seat. 

Sharp Edges

Since the TSA is concerned about sharp items, they may consider sharp rocks as weapons and confiscate the same. As found on @TSATwitter, a passenger mentioned that her rock hammer was confiscated at the TSA security checkpoint. So, it’s better to pack rocks in checked baggage if they have sharp ends.  

All in all, it’s up to you how many you wish to pack in checked luggage, as there are no limitations. If you are carrying any such related items, you can pack them as per the list provided below.

Rocks That Can Be Taken In Carry-On & Checked Baggage

• Fossils
• Painted piece of slate 
• Iron pyrite in limestone – a mineral 

Items or Rocks Recommended Only For Checked Baggage

• Palaeolithic hand tools 
• Stone age flint knives 
• Flint arrowheads 
• Granite slab
• Sandstone markers 

Well, if you have doubts, you can contact the TSA team through their Twitter handle @AskTSA. Post a tweet, write your query, and tag them for a quick response.

Travelling With Rocks at Airports : Customs Verification

Restrictions may arise in the case of ancient artifacts, as they may belong to specific historical sites or grounds of some countries. But, rocks are different from ancient artifacts.

If you have ancient artifacts, the Customs would keep an eye on you, especially when you are traveling to a different country. So, it is advised to be aware of the fact that the artifacts are not taken from a protected site. 

If this will not be the case and you get caught by Customs, they will cease your items. Besides, there could be other potential questions. The matter may be investigated as per local or international laws. So, you are required to be vigilant of the related rules. 

Even if you are taking them legally, please be sure to keep them neat and clean. The Customs department is particular about clean items, as you are entering their country with outside items. 

How To Pack Rocks In Checked Luggage?

You would certainly not like to find your rocks or such precious items in a damaged state after reaching your destination. What if you brought them as a present for your friends or relatives? Since the baggage goes through transfers, fragile items may break inside. So, it is better to pack them safely. 

Here are some tips:

1. Place them in a separate box or a case while wrapping bubble plastic around them. Make sure to do proper taping all around the box. 
2. Wrap them securely in a piece of thick cloth, bubble wrap, or blanket and pack them with taping in a separate bag. Make multiple folds of the bubble wrap or the cloth. Then place the bag in your checked luggage. 
3. You can also keep them in a good-quality sturdy airtight bag, separately from other items in the bag. This is because if the rocks are infected, your items will remain safe. 

Concluding Lines

Altogether, you can take small rocks and minerals in hand luggage. If the TSA security officer does not deem them to be possible weapons, you are good to go. But, the rocks that are large or those with sharp edges that could be used as a sword or cause harm to others will definitely raise eyebrows. So, bring them in checked luggage only. At the same time, you need to abide by the policy of your airline and follow the baggage size and weight restrictions.

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