All across the country are locations where the public can mine for precious gemstones. Visiting any one of these places makes for a great family adventure.
Here is a list of ten locations- from California to North Carolina! Please check websites for up to date information, times, and costs. Although noted in list, they can change at any date.
We’re start with North Carolina since it is considered the Gem Capital of the World. North Carolina offers numerous mines you can go to find sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other stones of value.
To name ONLY two in NC- There is the…
Sheffield Mine: This mine is known for its Star Rubies. Open from April to October. Average cost is $20- which gets you three buckets of dirt, a seat at the flume with screening tray, and container for taking home finds.
Emerald Hollow Mine: Only emerald mine in the world open to the public for gem mining. Open year round. Cost ranges from $20 and up to $1000. Depending on how much Native Dirt you would like to mine through.
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine in Montana: The state of Montana is the best place to mine for Sapphires. And in this state is Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine- the largest and oldest. Open Memorial Weekend to September. Cost starts at $35 to book a reservation.
Crystal Grove Diamond Mine in New York: In only certain parts of upstate New York is a type of quartz crystal found that is called ‘Herkimer Diamonds’. At the Crystal Grove Diamond Mine a searcher can look for them about anywhere on the ground. However, there are a few areas next to the campgrounds that offer the best prospect. Open Mid April to October. Cost is $8 and up. What a deal!
The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas
The Crater of Diamonds State Park features a 37 and a half acre field where the public is allowed to go and look for diamonds. They have been found in this section of land since 1906. The diamonds are found on the surface resulting from a volcanic eruption which happened millions of years ago pushing them there. The field is open April to October. Cost $10 per adult.
Opal Mines in Nevada. The Rainbow Ridge mine is one of the best known for finding beautiful Opals. This mine opened in 1907, soon after the first Opal was discovered in Virgin Valley- which was in 1905. The mine is open: Memorial Day to Mid September. Cost: $100 a day and up.
Gold mining in Butte Recreation area in California: I’m sure we’ve all heard about the California Gold Rush…well there is still some out there. In the Butte Recreation area, no permit is required to casually go out and pan for some gold! Enjoy a walk, take some supplies, and find some gold. Sounds like a family fun day!
Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia. This over 4700 acre state park is known for its Fairy Stones, or Staurolite. This stone is often found ‘twinned’ in a cross shape, making it a special shape, and find. Cost to get into the park is $7.
Spectrum Sunstone Mine in Oregon: Here red sunstones can be dug from a pile of unprocessed dirt for free. The Sunstones red color is thought to hold a sacred power and a great find. Open April to November. Cost $50 and up if stay for more than a day, and depending on which dirt you mine. Fun in the Sun, indeed!
Rockhound State Park for thunder eggs/geodes in New Mexico. Way down south in New Mexico is Rockhound State Park. Here you can search for quartz crystals, geodes, jasper, and more. Cost is $5 to get into the park. The rest is up to you!
Enjoy and best of luck!