Jack Pine Rock Shop

10-year-old me would have loved this shop. When I was young I went through a rock phase -- as do we all, I'm sure. I had my rock collection, kept in an army green tackle box, which included pretty gems and stones bought at stores and others I found that I thought just looked pretty.I know what you're thinking: Yes, I was one of the popular kids in school. ;-PAnyway, decades later, I still get a bit giddy when I come across tiny boxes with miniature cards in them with the scientific name of a newly polished rock originally found in nature. Hematite's pretty tight, amiright? So I was excited to stumble upon Jack Pine Rock Shop while on vacation in Hayward. This shop packs lots to look at in a small space. It has the boxes with different stones and crystals classified, along with the woo-woo mystical traits they supposedly possess. It also has some more artistic and carved pieces in glass cases to gaze upon. There were some marble items that would look pretty on a bookshelf or table as a statement piece. The prices seemed to range from inexpensive to luxury. It was fun to peruse it all, and I hope my son is as totally cool as I was when he grows up and that I can take him here to get a few rocks for his special collection.

This tiny little shop just off the main drag in Hayward is totally worth the stop. Even if you are not really into rocks, it's a fun place to visit, with lots to see, touch and inquire about. The Jack Pine Rock Shop offers a really nice variety -- from rough stones that are just a dollar or two to large, expensive polished rocks and other pieces (most recently I had to stop myself from buying a $300 lazy susan made of the most beautiful marble).There's lots to touch and talk about, which makes it a great stop for kids. And the staff is extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. They always indulge our family with advice, tidbits and a wealth of information about their products.This is a must-stop place for our family each summer when we visit Hayward. Though I rarely buy anything, many of my family members look forward to bringing home a little gem from the rock shop each year.One other thing to note: they do an extremely good job wrapping the items you buy -- something essential to getting them home in one piece and definitely not to be overlooked.

Ridiculously overpriced. The woman working there is incredibly rude - witnessed her yelling at someone's five year-old. Clearly has lost her mind. Don't go here.

One of the nicest rock shops that I've ever been in, especially considering the location. You don't expect a place like this in a touristy town like Hayward, yet here it is. If you're in Hayward and are a rock hound, you must stop.