How about a fishing tackle box? Here's a vintage metal one on Etsy. Metal Tackle Box

Or a tool box. Here's one at Sear's. Tool Box

This one is neat, too...from Amazon.

Could be expensive and would need a place for it to sit but a mechanics tool cart could be used if the drawers were wide enough. Most of those tool boxes suggested above are not deep enough for more than the thinnest of rocks. Having had a rock collection the problem is most small containers are not strong enough and the latches will bend or the drawers are less than two inches deep at most and a real rock collection will not fit. Perhaps if you look at a second hand store you could find an older multi-drawer dresser that he could use. If it is old enough the bottom of the drawers should be thick enough not to bend and fall out with the weight.

Edited to add he needs something to carry that he can place his rocks and still be able to carry it along with drawers to store the rest of the treasures.

We bought a large orange plastic tool box at Home Depot for $10 a few years ago for grandson to keep his toy tools in. That worked so well that we bought another one for all his Legos, many inherited from his dad and uncle. These tool boxes have no interior compartments, but they might be good for holding the trays he currently uses.

Individual, divided trays for fishing tackle will work. You can choose depths for thicker rocks, widths and lengths. Available at Field & Stream, Cabela's, Arts & Craft stores, etc.

Divided Trays

norar, I was going to message you, but it looks like your's isn't active. My parents were heavily into gems and rocks. Dad did faceting, and Mom made jewelry much like what was posted above. When we cleaned out their house, we had piles and piles of rocks, both raw and finished.

We sold many of them at gem shows, but I still have some of the less valuable, and if you think your grandson would like some, I would be happy to send a pound or two. :)

Private message me if you want.

Good suggestions. I just would do anything too heavy. Various plastic containers where he could divide up in species of rock and be able to carry himself.

A tackle satchel is worth a look too. A handle makes toting easier. Menard's has several styles in stock.

My grandson collects anything and everything he finds on hikes and fishing trips, then we sort it out at home. I love his excitement over potential fossils and valuable items.

Last week while creeking an area that was once a farm, the erosion had exposed an old rusted wheel bearing that once fit on a primitive farm implement. He carefully cleaned it with a soft toothbrush and took it to school. I love it!

Is grandson going to play with rocks or are cases strictly for looking but little/no touching?

i like these

Lexan display cases

Do you have a lapidary near you? Perhaps call or email or check websites for supply/storage ideas.

As a nature lover, I also love rocks, and keep a few around. How about your grandson having his own personal bookcase so his treasures can be displayed and proudly shown to everyone? Neat-o.

Young DD and I are also into rocks. I like the idea of using clear tackle boxes with compartments.

We have a few places around the house where we display gems/minerals/and similar items, and then the rest are wrapped and stored in plastic rubbermaid shoeboxes. Not sure if they still sell the same style boxes, but the ones we have are heavy duty and the lids stay on. Even a shoe box sized box can get pretty heavy when you are talking rocks. We change displays every so often, sort of like a museum. It keeps things interesting and from getting too cluttery (or dusty). Some favorite things never get put away :)

All through elementary school, DD would ocassionally collect rocks from around the playground and bring them home. (I was forever finding rocks in the washer or dryer) We keep those rocks in jars on a counter and have about 6 sitting off to one side. Sometimes I dump them out and then put the rocks back in the jar so they look different. That works well for displaying no-cost, no value rocks that can't be damaged easily.

Thank you all so much for your replies. He does like to bring his box out to show people, especially if he's added a new treasure. It is wonderful to see him get excited about something and fun to be able to add something he loves.

aok27502 I have tried to send you a message but don't seem to know how. Michael would love more rocks and you're very nice to offer him some. Can you tell me how to do the private messaging? I clicked on your screen name but didn't see anything about a message. I'm not too scared to put on my email address here so long as I delete it as soon as we make contact if nothing else works.

I meant to post this last night, but couldn't find it. I use something similar to this for rock/bead storage. The trays have dividers and lids. I can't tell whether or not it has a handle on the top, but the one I use does which makes for easy portability.

This one is available at Harbor Freight. Parts Organizer

I'm a bit of a rock collector, too. Those of us who are rock lovers like to hold them, warm them in our hands, remember where we found them, and show them to others. I have a few larger pieces on display, often in cairns on a bookshelf, mantle, etc. Others are kept in small wooden or hand thrown bowls around the house. My little neighbor sprites love to sort through them when they come over.

DawninCal, I’ll get that box for hubby’s odds and ends.

norar, try messenging me again. I changed one of my settings.

That's great, bossyvossy - glad the info was helpful to you. With Christmas just around the corner, it would make a nice gift. I'm thinking about getting one for myself; I've filled the one I have now.

aok, It worked this time.

Dawn, that looks just about perfect. I enjoy looking around Harbor Freight anyway and this gives me a reason.

With all this rock talk, I decided to build my grandson an LED lighted rock display. It'll be a small version with a 5" square base. That way he can alternate his favorite rocks.

I have several vintage pocket knives, one an Old Timer (Made in USA) I got when I was a young boy. It's still new, in the box, and he's anxious to get his hands on it. :)

norar, I could spend hours poking around in Harbor Freight. It's one of my favorite places to shop for the tools I use to make jewelry. Have fun; one never knows what sort of treasures will be found in their stores!

• DawnInCal, are those pictures of your creations?

Yes, abbisgram. I just love fiddling with rocks and wire and spend many happy hours trying to tame the wire even though it often has a mind of it's own. :-)

I used boxes much like those at harbor freight for my jewelry business. It held everything from findings to gems to rocks etc. Very nice boxes. I didn't buy mine there but I don't remember where I did buy them. Possibly Walmart. Hobby lobby has a nice selection of container boxes with dividers. The ones with movable dividers allow you to have various sizes in one box.

I can't even guess at the amount of money and products I lost including my tools. Grrrr

Plus I had a very large collection of ancient native American arrow heads and tools etc that were all found on our family land. Man I hate losing that amazing stuff.

I buy these for myself and the Grandkids who collect rocks. Bought another one 4 weeks ago for 7 year old Granddaughter! https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Painting-Surfaces/Wood/Wood-Shadow-Box-with-Glass-Top/p/28875 

+

Wood Shadow Box with Glass Top

3 stars3 reviews

$7.99

SKU: 648196

• The wood shadow box has a glass top display your collectibles and comes in a natural finish you can decorate and personalize with your own style.

  Dimensions:

  • Length: 12"
  • Width: 8"
  • Depth: 2"

Raven, I'm sorry for all the things you have lost in the flooding. Every time you realize something else is missing it must be a sad reminder of that frightening time.

Do you still make jewelry? I'd love to see photos of your work; it's always interesting to see what others are making.

Dawn, we got the box for Michael's rocks yesterday and he spent a happy hour or so putting them in each compartment. And showing me each rock as he did. Thanks again for the idea. I think we got the last one in our nearest store.

Very glad it worked out so well, norar. You two made some happy memories yesterday. :-)