Depending on the kind of mineral you are going after, you might need something like a garden scratcher tool, a shovel, or pry bar. Sieves, buckets, gloves, boxes, hardhats, and a cushion to sit on can be handy also. Hand lens A good hand lens, or magnifier, is an essential tool for anyone who wants to look at small crystals. When you buy one, you get what you pay for. A cheap one is not worth having.
Sunlight is the best.
Use a soft cotton cloth, like an old T-shirt to clean the lens. You will find that the lens needs to be equal distance from your eye and from the mineral you want to see. It takes a little practice to get used to holding the lens only an inch or so from your eye and the specimen up close, but pretty quickly you can learn to use one like a geologist. Hammers You will need several. Different sizes and types are used for different purposes.