Terms of Service

Last updated: September 21, 2026

These terms govern your use of Rockhound Scout (the “Service”), operated by John Thompson dba Rockhound Scout (“we,” “us”). By creating an account, buying scans, or using the Service, you agree to these terms. If you don’t agree, please don’t use it.

1. What the Service is

Rockhound Scout is a web tool that looks up published geologic map data along Texas highways, identifies places where the mapped rock formation changes, and uses AI to write descriptions of those places. It is an information and research tool only.

2. Accounts

You need an account to use the Service. Give us an accurate email address, keep your sign-in details private, and don’t share your account. You’re responsible for activity on your account.

3. Scans and payment

Scans are sold as a one-time pack: $25 for 200 scans. Prices are in U.S. dollars and may change for future purchases, but not for scans you’ve already bought. Payments are processed by Stripe. One scan is one tap of Find My Hotspots. A scan that ends in an error or returns no hotspots isn’t deducted. Scans never expire, aren’t transferable, and have no cash value. Refunds are covered by our Refund & Dispute Policy.

4. Acceptable use

Don’t misuse the Service. In particular, don’t: share or resell your account or results in bulk; use bots, scripts, or other automated means to run scans; try to get around the scan balance, limits, or security; interfere with or overload the Service; or use it for anything unlawful. We may suspend or close accounts that break these rules.

5. Data sources and AI-written content

Rock formation data comes from third-party sources and is compiled from published maps at a scale that cannot show every small vein, outcrop, or boundary. Roads and creeks come from OpenStreetMap. The written descriptions, directions, and lists of possible minerals are generated by AI and may contain mistakes or be out of date. Nothing in the Service guarantees that any material can be found at any location.

6. Safety, land access, and the law

Rockhounding involves real risks, including traffic, weather, heat, wildlife, rough terrain, and hazards near roads. You are solely responsible for your own safety and for following the law.

• Most Texas land is private. Get the landowner’s permission before you enter or collect. A location shown in the Service is not permission to go there.
• Parks and certain public lands often have rules against collecting, or against stopping or parking. Find out the rules before you go.
• Don’t park on a highway shoulder or stop where it’s unsafe to do so. Use a legal pullout.
• Directions in the Service are general and may be wrong or out of date. Use your own judgment and current maps.

You use the Service, and visit any location, at your own risk.

7. Our content

The Service, including its design, text, and software, belongs to us or our licensors. You may use the results for your own personal use. Third-party data remains subject to its own licenses, including the OpenStreetMap license.

8. Disclaimers

The Service is provided “as is” and “as available.” To the fullest extent the law allows, we make no warranties of any kind, express or implied, including about accuracy, completeness, availability, fitness for a particular purpose, or that you will find anything. We don’t promise the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free.

9. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent the law allows, we are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any injury, property damage, trespass claim, fine, or loss arising from your use of the Service or from visiting any location. Our total liability for any claim related to the Service is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim. Some places don’t allow certain limits, so parts of this section may not apply to you.

10. Changes and ending your use

We may update the Service or these terms. If we make a material change, we’ll post the new terms here and update the date above. Using the Service after that means you accept the changes. You can stop using the Service at any time. We may suspend or end access for violations of these terms.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute will be handled in the state or federal courts located in Texas, unless the law requires otherwise. Nothing here limits any consumer rights you have that can’t be waived.

12. Contact

John Thompson dba Rockhound Scout
Email: RockhoundScoutApp@gmail.com