There isn’t much that’s more gratifying than finding a gemstone. It might take hours, or you might get lucky right off the bat, but, if you look in the right place, you may just find a precious gem you can enjoy yourself or sell to someone else. There are numerous promising sites in the U.S. for gem hunting. With some information about the mining process, the equipment you need, and the best places to explore, you’ll be ready for a mining expedition of your own.
Types of Mining
There are numerous techniques used by professional and amateur miners to locate gemstones. One method used by professionals is open pit mining. This involves digging a large but relatively shallow pit. These mines can be quite wide, and, after they’re used, they can be rehabilitated into parks or recreational communities.
Underground mining may be what springs to mind when you hear the word “mining.” This type of mining is typically done by professionals and involves digging tunnels and shafts. The type of mining varies, depending on the gemstone being sought. Tunneling, for example, is used for emeralds and involves digging a tunnel down to the rock.
Amateurs or professionals can do river digging. Panning is a common technique which involves filling a pan with gravel and water and then shaking the pan. Light material washes away, and small rocks and potential gemstones are left behind.
If you’re a recreational miner, you have a few options for mining. Panning is one option. You can also ask for permission to dig in a mine that’s no longer being used. Some commercial mining operations will allow you to go through their mine tailings. These are leftover piles of gravel and dirt, and mining operations may let you dig for free.
Fee digs allow you to search a mine for a fee. Mine operators prepare a mine specifically for amateur miners. They may import tock or bring up material from underground. If being underground isn’t for you, you can try geology hunting. Gems can sometimes surface due to erosion and falling rocks. You can usually access them easily, and you can enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
Equipment Needed for Mining
The equipment you need for mining is relatively inexpensive. The exact equipment varies depending on the type of mining you plan to do. For all types of mining, wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather and which you don’t mind getting dirty.
For sluicing, which is similar to panning, most of your equipment will be provided by the mine operators. Bring a cushion to sit on, and wear gloves. For panning, you’ll be outside, so you’ll need sunscreen and insect repellant. The other equipment you need, like a shovel and a screen, can be rented from the mining operation, or you can bring your own. For digging, you will need a rock hammer, a shovel, and a bucket.
For all types of mining, bring collection bags to safely store your finds. Plastic baggies work well, and bring light paper to wrap your gems. Goggles are a good investment to keep your eyes safe, especially if you’re digging, and a magnifying glass can also be handy for closely examining your finds.
Types of Gems You Can Find in the U.S.
You can find a wide variety of gemstones throughout the United States. Arizona, for example, is the highest producer of gemstones. You can find turquoise, peridot, azurite, agate, and more in the state. The North Carolina mountains are home to hidden treasures, as well as sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, topaz, and more. Oregon is home to a unique gemstone called Oregon Sunstone. It is a feldspar that has copper throughout that reflects light.
There are other gemstones in the state, including geodes and opals. California, Utah, Tennessee, Montana, Colorado, Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Louisiana, and Nevada all offer various gemstones. Idaho is actually known as “The Gem State.” Opal, star garnet, jade, and more have been found in the state.
Places to Mine in the U.S.
To explore the states that have gemstones, you have several options. Some mines are open to the public, and, if you are interested in mining on private property, you can contact the property owners for more information.
Emerald Hollow Mine, for example, is a North Carolina mine open to the public. In addition to hunting for emeralds, you can also find quartz, Hiddenite, and numerous other gems and minerals. There is also a lapidary on site that can transform your raw finds into shiny gemstones.
Gem Mountain is also in North Carolina. You can find rubies, moonstones, and aquamarines, and there are gemologists on site to help you identify your finds. There are two mines to explore and plenty of places to stay to enjoy the gems and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas allows you to explore a volcanic field for diamonds, and you can keep whatever you find. You can also find other gems and minerals in the park. The park offers tent sites and a play pool, so you can take the family with you on your excursion.
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine is in Philipsburg, Montana. You can find sapphires as well as other gemstones, and the staff will help you identify promising finds. It’s a bit of a drive to this former mining town, but it’s a charming location with other shops to explore when you’re not sorting through your finds.
Nevada has two mines that are open to the public during the summer. Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine allows you to look for opals. You’ll need to bring your own equipment to explore the mine. Bonanza Opal Mine allows you to hunt for fire opals, which have vivid colors and make for striking gemstone beads and jewelry pieces.
Jade Cove Trail is in Big Sur, California. As the name indicates, you can find jade along the trail. Digging is restricted, though, as the trail is a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, but you can pick up gems that are in plain sight.
Richmond, Virginia is home to Morefield Mine. The mine is 300 feet below ground and more than 2,000 feet long. You can find amazonite, as well as 80 other minerals and gems. You need to bring your own bucket or container to hold the rocks and other items you find.
Graves Mountain, in Lincolnton, Georgia, is opened to visitors periodically. You need to bring your own tools, but you may be able to find quartz, hematite, and lazulite.
Written by Joe Smith