Downtown Frederick Rocks

At just 8-years old, Richard Bailey realized his true passion when he opened his first retail operation, selling rocks from his collection on a card table outside of his childhood home in Dallas, Texas.  Bailey has come a long way from his front yard set-up, but his passion and excitement for rocks and minerals remains.  A geologist by degree, Bailey has worked in the oil and gas industry, as a project manager for the rebuilding of Poplar Island, and has even spent time as a boat captain.  Today, he owns and operates Earthly Elements on North Market St., the only rock shop in the state of Maryland. 

At Earthly Elements, it’s about more than just selling rocks.  Bailey frequently hosts school groups and scouts for in-store geology talks.  He enjoys sparking the interest of young minds through topics other than television and video games, noting that young visitors are especially captivated by dinosaur eggs and meteorites.  “[Students] come here and get lessons in chemistry, math and physics without even realizing it.” 

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend, décor for your home, or an addition to your mineral collection, Earthly Elements offers “something for everyone”- a true Downtown Frederick gem!