Sacramento State’s geology department hosted its eighth annual Rock Auction Nov. 18 to help raise money for students.

“All of the proceeds go towards the department for our field trips,” said geology major Erica Schmidt. “We travel all over California and we really wouldn’t be able to afford it without events like the Rock Auction.”

The Rock Auction sells rocks, minerals and fossils in their silent auction that also includes a live auction for more expensive rocks. The rocks for auction are donated by various programs, businesses and individual donors.

Each year the geology department votes on how to use the proceeds. The department subsidizes field trips for students and buys rocks for elementary schools to teach children geology. Field trips for geology students include Basin and Range and Coast Range.

“We’re just trying to show our support and give back to the department because they subsidize all of our trips,” said geology major Magnolia Busse. “This is the least we could do for all the money we’re saving.”

There were twelve silent auction tables hosted by geology students. The students were there to educate the bidders.

“This is my fifth year in a row attending the Rock Auction,” said Matt Power, an alumnus of the geology program. “The first four I was working as a student. I chose this major because I love being outside and everything in nature, including rocks and minerals.” 

The auction had something for everyone, including food, door prizes, shirts for sale and a games table for kids.

“We’re lucky to have such a close-knit department that really comes through for us,” Schmidt said.

The Rock Auction has made around $8,000 in past years and the department is trying to raise more than $10,000 in this year’s auction.

“This is my first time bidding because I’m not a poor college student anymore,” Power said.

Ivy McDonald can be reached at [email protected]