r/whatsthisrock Subreddit Stats and Best Posting Times

What to Post and How to Rank on r/whatsthisrock

Best Topics & Content Types

Rock identification requests dominate r/whatsthisrock [reddit.com](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatsthisrock/), with the most successful posts featuring clear photos of specimens accompanied by detailed contextual information. Submissions showing individual rocks rather than piles perform significantly better, especially when they include multiple angles with proper scale references like coins or rulers. The community thrives on geographic specificity, so posts mentioning exact locations such as "found near abandoned iron works in Pennsylvania" or "collected from riverbed in Arizona mining area" [currentlyrockhounding.com](https://currentlyrockhounding.com/rockidhelp/) receive more engagement than vague submissions. Image-based posts with imgur albums outperform text-only queries, while videos showing texture or luster characteristics occasionally gain traction when demonstrating unique features. Posts that include basic observational data about the specimen's properties—such as whether it's magnetic, its weight relative to size, or how it reacts to simple tests—generate more thorough identification attempts from knowledgeable members.

Writing Style & Tone

The community responds best to casual but informative descriptions that balance enthusiasm with scientific curiosity. Successful posters often share personal connections like "my kid dug this outside and found this bubbly rock!" [reddit.com](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatsthisrock/) while still providing necessary technical details. Avoid overly academic language but don't shy from basic geological terms when appropriate—members expect some understanding of concepts like luster, cleavage, or streak tests. Humor works when it's genuine and not distracting from the identification request, with many top posts including light-hearted commentary about their discovery circumstances. The tone should convey genuine curiosity rather than entitlement to an answer, acknowledging that identification can be complex with over 5,400 recognized minerals [currentlyrockhounding.com](https://currentlyrockhounding.com/rockidhelp/). Phrases like "any ideas?" or "could this be X?" encourage collaborative discussion better than demanding definitive answers.

What Gets Upvoted

Highly upvoted posts consistently follow the subreddit's detailed submission guidelines by providing multiple well-lit photos taken in natural daylight with clear scale references [currentlyrockhounding.com](https://currentlyrockhounding.com/rockidhelp/). Posts that include specific location details beyond just state or county level—such as geological context like "riverbed sediment" or "quarry spoil pile"—receive more upvotes as they provide crucial identification clues. Questions showing genuine effort in preliminary research, like "I tested with vinegar and it fizzed slightly but doesn't look like typical limestone" demonstrate respect for the community's expertise. Posts that spark interesting geological discussions about regional formations or unusual mineral combinations often gain traction beyond simple identification requests. The community particularly rewards follow-up posts where users confirm identifications with "UPDATE: It was identified as X!" which closes the knowledge loop and validates contributors' efforts.

What to Avoid

Avoid posting poorly lit or blurry photos, especially those taken indoors with flash or showing wet specimens, as these make identification nearly impossible [currentlyrockhounding.com](https://currentlyrockhounding.com/rockidhelp/). Never submit requests without geographic context—posts stating only "found in my backyard" typically get downvoted or removed since location is critical for geological identification. Steer clear of submitting multiple specimens in a single photo as this confuses the identification process; the community expects one rock per post. Don't make demands like "tell me what this is immediately" as the community values collaborative exploration over authoritative answers. Avoid excessive speculation in your title that might bias responses, such as "Is this a rare meteorite worth millions?" which often triggers skepticism. Most importantly, never omit basic observational data—the community expects information about magnetism, weight, hardness tests, and other simple properties you can determine at home.

Posting Tips

Submit identification requests mid-morning to early afternoon in North American time zones when the largest portion of the community is active, avoiding weekends when lower-quality "found this in my garden" posts flood the subreddit. Craft titles that include key details like location and notable properties: "Non-magnetic rock found in Arizona mining area, 2cm wide, metallic sheen" performs better than vague titles. Always use the appropriate flair (REQUEST or IDENTIFIED) as required by the subreddit rules [reddit.com](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatsthisrock/). After posting, actively engage with commenters by providing additional details they request rather than waiting passively for answers. If your specimen has unusual properties, mention them upfront in your post body (e.g., "glows