as you all may know i i collect rocks and here are some spots to find them
vaca spots of rock hunting
Name of Destination: Crater of Diamonds State Park
What you can hunt for: diamonds (natch)
Phone: (870) 285-3113 / http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/diamond-hunting/ Nearest city or town: Murfreesboro, Ark.
Chances of finding anything?:
Low, but it's fun.
Name of Destination: Rocky Candy Mine
What you can hunt for: Crystals of Fluorite, Barite, and quartz geodes
Phone/website: (250) 442 2833 / www.rockcandymine.com
Nearest city or town: Grand Forks, BC Canada
Chances of finding anything?: 100% of visitors find pretty fluorite pieces, they are all over,
you just hammer them out with the hammers provided. Most people find the small quartz geodes, you have to
be lucky to find barite
Name of Destination: Crystal Mine
What you can hunt for: Quartz & pyrite crystals, copper minerals.
Phone/website: www.geologyadventures.com
Nearest city or town: Seattle, WA
Chances of finding anything: You'll find dozens of pretty
crystals in a 4 hour trip. Name of Destination: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
What you can hunt for: Mostly sapphires in the lavender to pink color range, but rubies
and other stones may also be found.
Phone/website: http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/
Name of Destination: Richardson's Rock Ranch
What you can hunt for: Thunder Eggs, Jasper
Phone/website: www.richardsonrockranch.com
Nearest city or town: Madras, OR
Chances of finding anything?: 100% Name of Destination: U-Dig Fossils
What you can hunt for: Trilobites
Phone/website: www.u-digfossils.com
Nearest city or town: Delta, Utah
Chances of finding anything?: 100% I love this place!
Name of Destination: StoneRose Fossil Center
What you can hunt for: Eocene plant, insect, & fish fossils
Phone/website: www.stonerosefossils.org
Nearest city or town: Republic, WA
Chances of finding anything?: Very good, fossils, particularly plants,
are abundant. The center allows visitors to keep 3 fossils per day, if you discover more,
they are donated to the centers non-profit programs. A low-cost family destination. Name of Destination:
Saddle Mountain
What you can hunt for: Petrified Wood
Phone/website: N/A
Nearest city or town: Mattawa, Wa
Chances of finding anything?:100% Good digging and surface hunting in tailings
Name of Destination: Opal Hill Mine
What you can hunt for: Fire agate
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100%, this site is a winter site ONLY. We are already
over 110 degrees
For lots more vacation ideas check out this blog.
www.myoutdoorchannel.com/cswiita
Name of Destination: The Middle Camp Mining district
What you can hunt for: GOLD
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100 %
Name of Destination: Jalama Beach
What you can hunt for: Rootbeer agate, fossils
Phone/website: www.jalamabeachstore.com
Nearest city or town: Lompoc
Chances of finding anything?:100% Name of Destination: Cherokee Ruby Mine
What you can hunt for: Rubies, sapphires, garnet, rutile, moonstone, and more.
Phone/website: http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/
Nearest city or town: Franklin, N.C.
Chances of finding anything?: Very good. The staff is just wonderful
and will provide plenty of help in your search. Because this mine is completely
native and unlike most other Franklin mines, NEVER salted, you won't find as much
as with the salted places, but what you find may be of very high quality
agates
Agate Diving/Copper Harbor
GPS: Latitude: 47° 27' 30.4884" Longitude: -88° 9' 43.8948"
Where: Agate diving near Eagle Harbor, MI
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Superior Divers Center
Cost: Agateering Class Fee = $40
Additional dives available,
cost varies
Private Farm Fields
Where: Five to six hours south of Duluth, MN Toolkit
Scuba Gear
Container for "finds"
How-To Guide
Agate hunters are advised to take a basic non-certification course on agateering. A two-hour class, offered in Copper Harbor, MI, covers the identification and location of these precious gemstones. This is a one-tank dive (air furnished). Recommended reading for treasure hunters includes "Lake Superior Agate: One Man's Journey" by Scott Wolter.
Learn More!
More on Agates
Know other places to hunt for Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Enjoy the Moose Lake Agate Festival and have your collection of agates appraised.
alaska
Location #1: Moore Creek Alaska
This historic gold mine still produces some big nuggets for those who visit. Its a private property, but they allow visitors for a free. Visitors keep all the gold they find. For More info, see:
Moore Creek Pay To Mine
General description: How to get there:You have to fly from Anchorage to Mc Grath, then via bush pilot by plane to the Moore Creek Mine. This beautiful remote part of Alaska, with no roads, is quite an adventure.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Metal Detector
2. Yourown camping gear
3. The mine provides all food and other mining equipment. Helpful notes to newcomers:
See my story of my visitot the mine and the gold I found at:
Alaskan Gold Prospecting Adventure
Location #2: Nome
Many folks prospect the historic beach area and find gold there.
General description: How to get there: By plane or barge - there are no roads
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Helpful notes to newcomers:
History and information about Nome:
Digging Gold at Nome, Alaska
austrillia
Australia's Golden Triangle
GPS: Latitude: -36.593021, Longitude: 143.924637; S36°35.58126, E143°55.47822
Where: Victoria, Australia
Address: 19 Hayes Street, Bendigo
Victoria 3550, Australia
Phone: (61) 04 2902 4834
email: [email protected]
website: Golden Triangle Tours
Toolkit
Metal detector
Headphones
Gold pan
Pick
Plastic scoop
Bucket/sieve
Rake
Golden Triangle Packages
Golden Triangle Tours offer a number of different service. They have four main packages. The Three-Hour Tuition package is suited to someone who may have just purchased a metal detector and wants to learn the ins and out and best methods when using it. The Half-Day Tour are as the name suggest are half day tour. They combine all the intense tuition of the three hour package as well providing morning tea, lunch, and more time for detecting. The Full-Day Tour are tours that provide a full day of prospecting as well as meals. The package is limited to only two customers per tour per day so you really do experience totally intense tuition. The final service offered is the Overnight Tour. These can also include multiple days to suit your needs. This tour is truly the deluxe of all tours offered anywhere in the Australian Goldfields.
Learn More!
More on Aussie Gold
Know other places to hunt for gold Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Get your gold appraised at
The Mining Exchange Gold Shop. The address is 8a Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, 3350
Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
brazil
Location Information
Rio Doce Information
GPS: Latitude: -18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: Southeastern Brazil
Phone: (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected]
Chang Express
This travel agent and tour guide company will offer tours and recreational tailing pile digs for Rio Doce and Jaco Mines. Visit their website for more information. Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Mine information
Need more info? Check out the Rio Doce Gem Mine website. This is the site for Jerry Call's sister mine in North Carolina. Information will be available about the Brazilian mine. It does not have its own website, but Jerry owns both and can provide info on each.
Learn More!
More on Brazilian Bling
Know other places to hunt for Brazilian Bling? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
For more information on appraising your finds, visit H. Stern Jewelers, located on Rua Garcia D'Avila 113 in Ipanema, Rio. Call Christian Hallot at 55-11-2106-0001 or 55-11-3865-5583 or 55-11-8188-5900. His email address is [email protected] or visit the website.
Jaco Mine Info
GPS: Latitude: 18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: State of Minas Gerais in Brazil
Phone: Jerry Call (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected] Toolkit Shovel
Screen
Sack
More Rio Doce Gem Mine information
Treasure hunters can call Jerry Call from Easter through the end of October. During all other times, people can write to him at his email address listed above.Wondering how you'll haul all the dirt to find those gems? There is a $100 fee per wheelbarrow. Each additional wheelbarrow may be discounted, but it's safe to say that the price starts at $100 and goes up. So be prepared.Learn More!
More on Aquamarine Know other places to hunt for Aquamarine? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationFor more information on appraising your finds, contact Tergemas Ind. Exp Ltd at [email protected].
You can also head to the Amsterdam Sauer Museum located on Rua Garcia D'Avila, 105, Ipanema, Rio 22421-010. The phone number is 55-21-2512-1132 or 55-21-2239-8045. You can also visit their website.
canada
Rock Candy Mine
GPS: Latitude: 49.032370, Longitude: -118.443264; N49°1.9422, W118°26.59584
Where: Grand Forks, British Columbia
Phone: (250) 442-2833
Website: Rock Candy Mine
Email: [email protected]
Advanced Booking Recommended Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Safety Goggles
Chisel
For Rock Candy Hunters:
Collect all you can carry in one load. Rock Candy Mine provides hammers and safety goggles. If you would like to use a chisel, you can bring one. Chisel use is not recommended for kids under 10; hammers can't distinguish between chisels and fingers.
The mine also offers the Rock Candy Safari, an introduction to Rock Candy's colorful minerals and mining history. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect green fluorite, banded purple fluorite, sparkling quartz and barite crystals.
Learn More!
More on Rock Candy
Know other places to hunt for rock candy? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Glen Saurdiff at Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent, WA, gives Kirsten and the crew an appraisal of their finds and helps transform their rock candy into jewelry. For more information, visit Jerry's Rock and Gem website.
british Columbia
TREASURE HUNTING IN [PROVENCE, CITY, REGION]
Add what you know about this area to create a handy guide for other treasure hunters. Click EasyEdit to add to this page!
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What this area is known for:
1. Jade, agates, fluorite/barite/quartz crystals, gold panning, fossils.
2. Sapphires, iolite, smoky quartz, aquamarine in the Slocan valley.
4. Biggest finds in this area:
1. Canada's finest barite crystals are found at Rock Candy Mountain
2. Good jade and agate hunting in the lower Frasier valley
3. Fun fossil sites near Harrison Lake
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. Club name, contact info.
Best time of year to go: year round on the Frasier, better in the wet months. Summer for the higher places Other helpful resources:
(newspapers, websites, etc)
1.www.rockcandymine.com
Have a question about treasure hunting or geocaching in this region?
Post a comment for fellow treasure hunters below!THE BEST PLACES TO HUNT
Regions can have multiple good spots to go — add details to build a complete guide.
Location #1:
Rock Candy Mountain, Grand Forks (Boundary area)
General description: Historic fluorite mine converted to family-friendly collecting site. How to get there: Join a guided Safari trip, run by the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. Trips run several days/week in spring/summer. Serious mineral collectors prefer more expensive Vugs trips, where a fresh vug will await each collector.
www.rockcandymine.com
Handy to bring along:
1. Closed toe shoes (rocks are sharp!)
2. Collecting bag (plastic grocery bags will not work (rocks are sharp!)
3. Sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Helpful notes to newcomers: Fluorite occurs here in green and purple. To assess gem quality, dip pieces in water and hold toward the sky ... choose fracture-free pieces.
Location #2: Frasier River beaches and gravel bars
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Jade and agates are found, particularly in spring. How to get there: Anywhere along the lower river valley, good access exists near Harrison, Hope, and Yale.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Boots
Location #3:
McAbee Fossil site
General description: Plant, insect, and fish fossils, open to the public spring/summer/fall How to get there: 8 k west of Cache Creek
info at www.dll-fossils.com
Handy to bring along:
1. magnifier
2. sharp, flat chisel
3. Sunscreen & hat
Helpful notes to newcomers: splitting pieces of shale in the huge piles below the road is often as fruitful as working in the bank.
Nova Scotia
What this area is known for:
1.Zeolites and calcite
2.Agates and jasper
3.Amethyst and quartz
4.copper and many other minerals
5.Fossils Biggest finds in this area:
1.Pockets of Zeolite minerals (Natrolite, Stilbite) in the coastal ledges of various spots in Nova Scotia.
2.Amethyst, quartz, and chalcedony geodes
3.Dinosaur bones in Wasson's Bluff
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. http://www.accesswave.ca/~nsm
Location #1:Wasson's Bluff
General description:Wasson's Bluff is located in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Recently, Dinosaur bones were discovered in the sandstone ledges, preventing mineral collecting. Beautiful orange chabazite crystals can be seen at the lower portion of the ledge.
Location #2: Bramber Shore
How to get there:
Take Exit 5 (Newport) off 101, through Newport Station and left onto 215 (Glooscap Trail along Minas Basin). Drive to shore along left access roads from Cheverie to Bramber. Hike along shore for unusual rock formations and fossil hunting.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock Bag
2.Rock Hammer
3.Hand Tools (my favorite is a hand awl) Helpful notes to newcomers:
Please watch tides!
Location #3: Cape D Or Lightgeneral description: Cape d'Or was once the site of a copper mining operation and you can still find traces of copper in the rocks along the shoreline. How to get there:
Follow Hwy 102 from Halifax to Truro, exiting left (exit #15) onto Hwy 104 towards New Brunswick. Exit right onto Glenholme Loop, then turn right onto old highway. Follow a short distance and exit left on Hwy 2 towards Parrsboro. Turn right in Parrsboro and follow road out of town, then exit left onto 209. Follow route 209 towards Advocate Harbour, and exit left onto dirt road at signs for Cape d'OrExplore trails overlooking lighthouse; then walk down road to lighthouse area. http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Joggins Fossil Cliffs
general description: Follow road through town of Joggins, turning right on unpaved road towards shore. Park in lot at left and walk to shore. Follow shoreline and look for petrified trees in cliffs, or search for fossils along the beach. Look for coal mine shafts in the cliffs (long since collapsed), identified by red groundwater (rust) and old rails poking out of ground. A visit to Joggins is not complete without a stop at the Fossil Interpretation Centre to view the extensive fossil display gathered over many years by a local collector. How to get there:
There are two suggested routes to reach Joggins:From Parrsboro, follow Highway 2 north; keep left through "Boar's Back" area of Chignecto Game Sanctuary towards River Hebert and follow signage to Joggins.
Follow Highway 102 to Truro, and exit left on Highway 104 towards Amherst. Turn off at Exit #4 and follow road south through Upper Nappan, keeping right. Turn right onto Highway 302 south through Nappan and exit right onto Highway 242 towards River Hebert and Joggins.
http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand Tools Helpful notes to newcomers:
Be sure to visit the Joggins Fossil Center:
http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/
Location #5: Truro to Parrsboro
General description: Amethysts, quartz and other semi- precious stones can be found along its shores. Headlands and fields reveal fossils of animals that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Fossilized tree trunks stand high on cliff faces for all to see. Blueberries reign supreme. The brigantine Mary Celeste was built on its shore. How to get there:
You'll be driving Highway #2 which follows the shore of the Cobequid Bay and the Minas Channel. A popular diversion is Highway #209 that meets with Highway #2 at Parrsboro. #209 swings past Port Greville, Spencer's Island, Cape d'Or and Advocate Harbour. When leaving Truro, it's important to remember to drive across the bridge and to always keep Cobequid Bay on your left-hand side!http://www.mestern.net/canada/novascotia/truro/index.php
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Bucket
3. Hand Tools
Helpful notes to newcomers: Parrsboro, a small town with a big heart, is a regional centre with a population of approximately 1,500. As there's lots to see and do in the area, the community is a good place to stay for several days. Gillespie House B & B was built c1890 for merchant & lumberman David Huntley, in the Queen Anne style with Italianate features. The accommodation with its lovely interior wood trim is close to downtown and area attractions. Rooms are nicely decorated and a hearty breakfast is served.
CA
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on BenitoiteKnow other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationThe crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on Benitoite Know other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information The crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
CO
Location #1: Pinon Mesa General description: Agate , jasper and petrified wood are found in the flats and the gullies.
How to get there: From Grand Junction take HWY 340 west to CR D5 and turn left. At Glade Park turn left to the Mesa. Altitude 8600 feet
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock bag
2.Shovel
3.Small pick-maul
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The Colorado National Monument is a well worth a stop on the way to the site.
Location #2: Copper Creek
General description: The real find is the amethyst but you can find pink feldspar and some agate. How to get there:Take HWY 50 south from Grand Junction. At Whitewater turn south on HWY 141 foe about 11 miles. There is a small bridge and a parking area on the right.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand Tolls
2.Rock bag
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: There are No trespassing signs in the area but there is plenty of material outside of the posted areas.
Location #3: Opal Hill General description: Common opal and opalized wood are found at the site plus colorful jasper. How to get there: Take HWY 340 south from Fruita . Travel 1.5 miles to Kingview Road and turn right. It is about .6 miles to Horse thief Canyon Road turn left and look for a dirt road on the right about .1 mile. Turn right get as close to the hill as you can.
Handy to bring along:
1. Small pick
2. Shovel
3. Rock hammer
4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a well known site. The farther from the road you venture the more material you will find.
NC
Emerald Hollow Mine
GPS: Latitude: 35° 53' 34.584" Longitude: -81° 5' 52.1514"
Where: Just off Old Mountain Road in Hiddenite, NC
Phone: (828) 632-3394
(866) 600-4367
Web: Emerald Hollow Mine
Hours: Open every day, 8:30 a.m. to sunset (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Costs: Fees vary based on what you want to do (e.g. camping, sluicing, creeking, digging, and bucket/tool rental). Get more info on Emerald Hollow Mine's website above. Toolkit Shovel
Pick
Screen
Bucket
Scraper
Screwdriver/Probe
How-To Guide
Creeking: Prospecting or looking for gems, minerals or other treasures in a creek by using a screen.
Sluicing: Flowing water is used to wash away sediment to find gems, minerals or other treasures.
Screening: Loose dirt is shoveled onto a screen; the screen is then shaken to remove small particles, leaving larger chunks of earth, which can be examined for gems.
Picking: A pick ax can be used on the walls of a mine to reveal treasure hidden among loose rocks or within broken rocks.Learn More!
More on EmeraldsKnow other places to hunt for Emeralds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information"Cash and Treasures" went to R. Gregory Jewelers for an appraisal. They are located in Statesville, NC, and can be reached at (704) 872-8941.
a mine
Nine miles down Opal Hill Road, Follow signs
GPS: Latitude: 33.433071; Longitude: -114.731789, N33 25.98426, W114 43.90734
Where: Palo Verde, CA 92266
Phone: (760) 854-3000 or (760) 550-2420
Website: Opal Hill Mine Info
Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Chisel
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
How-To Guide
If you visit the mine, plan to stay a full day or longer. It takes some time to find a good spot to dig and, once you find a spot, you will need time to extract the agate. If you only want to spend a few hours, Howard said that there is quite a bit of agate to be found in the tailing piles and dumps left behind by others. You can find some beautiful treasures without the hard work of digging out a vein.
Learn More!
More on Fire Agates
Know other places to hunt for Fire Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Bryan Shoemate gives us an appraisal of our fire agates. For more info: Fire Agate Gems
The crew heads to Ken's Jewelry, at 325 Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach, CA, to have an exquisite piece of jewelry made from our find. You can reach Ken at [email protected].
FL
Peace River General description: The Peace River gravel you can Fossils from the Miocene and from the Pleistocene can be found in the gravel bars and in the river bed. February through May the water is lower than normal, and is the best time for collecting fossils. How to get there:
Take HWY17 south to Zolfo Springs (Hardee county). Pioneer Park is located at the the intersection of HWY 64 & 66. The following link gives additional information:http://english.fossiel.net/locations/location.php?plaats=Peace%20River
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Bucket
4, Helpful notes to newcomers: There is camping available at the site.
A family resort is at 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 for more fossil collecting:
http://www.peacerivercampground.com/
: Shell Creek
General description: As the name implies there is a great variety of fossils in the creek and along the bank including huge Megalodon teeth. How to get there:
Take Hwy 17 east from Punda Gorda. The bridge across Shell Creek has a boat ramp and parking.
Handy to bring along:
1.Wading shoes
2.Screen
3.Shovel
4. Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting Vertebrate fossils requires a permit. Florida is famous for Miocene and Pleistocene mammals and reptile fossils. Information on the permit can be found at:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
WACISSA RIVER
General description: A canoe trip down the Wacissa River will net a haul of fossils. The water is clear, the scenery beautiful and the float is worth the trip. How to get there:
The spring is accessed one mile S. of the town of Wacissa, off Hwy. 59. More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.treasuresites.com/members/fossil.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Helpful notes to newcomers: Watch for springs and creeks along the way. The fossils are more plentiful at these location.
Ruck's Pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co., Florida
General description: Ruck's Pit is well known for fossilized bivalves containing golden calcite crystals of excellent quality. This is a fee mine, so people have to pay a fee to gain access to the mine.
-Geoff909 How to get there: For directions, etc.
http://www.dreamworlds.org/ruck's_crystal_mine.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Sledge hammer and hand pick
2. Chisels, collecting bag
3. safety gear
Helpful notes to newcomers:
Peace River
Arcadia Area includes Brownville Park (off US 17), DeSoto Park (off SR 70), and on canoe trips from Brownville to Canoe Outpost (CR 661 & SR 70). These locations are in DeSoto County, Florida.
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: How to get there: DeSoto Park and public boat ramp: 2 miles west of Arcadia. For Brownville Park and public boat ramp: 5 miles north of Arcadia on US 17 and turn west on Brownville Street. Canoe Outpost is 2 miles west of Arcadia behind the Peace River Campground and offers canoe rentals for those wanting to get to more remote spots other than the boat ramps. go to www.canoeoutpost.com and click on Peace River for canoe rentals.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N27-13.919, W081-53.452 for Canoe Outpost
Handy to bring along:
1. see checklist at www.canoeoutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm
2.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Canoe Outpost has fossil hunting pages geared to beginners at www.canoeutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm. Also have fossil book & fossil i.d. sheet for sale. Have sifters for borrowing for those renting canoes.
GA
Hogg Mine
GPS: Latitude: 33.041415, Longitude: -85.031084; N33°2.4849, W085°1.86504
Where: Meeting location in LaGrange, GA.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Hogg Mine website
Join the North Georgia Gem and Mineral Club.
Toolkit
Hammer
Shovel
Pick
Bucket
More Information
No one is allowed on the property without prior approval, signing a release and paying the fee. Open Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only! Star rose quartz, tourmaline crystals, Aquamarine Beryl crystals. The Star Rose Quartz at Hogg Mine has a beautiful quality; you cut and polish it, and it makes a star, much like star sapphire. The site features a virgin area to dig with a pegmatite of mica, feldspar, a rose quartz core and, if your lucky, Beryl!
Learn More!
More on Star Rose Quartz
Know other places to hunt for Star Rose Quartz? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
The crew heads to gem cutter Clyde Gilbert's Greenwood Studio. Treasure hunters can also go to Prospectors Pouch for an appraisal.
Visit Jim Olson's website. Jim is a Georgia rockhound and author of "Take a Hike: Gem and Mineral Collecting in Georgia."
Need to transform your star rose quartz? Get more information about jewelry designer Susan Zimmerman. Visit her website.
geodes
Thunderbird Park | Thunderegg Mine
GPS: Latitude: -27.947929, Longitude: 153.191360; S27°56.87574, E153°11.481
Where: corner of Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd
Address: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, 4247
Phone: +617 5545 1468
Fax: +617 5545 2707
email: [email protected]
website: Thunderbird Park website
Accommodations: [email protected]
Surfing Lessons
($75 per 90-minute lesson): [email protected]
Toolkit
Small spade or pick
More Thunderbird Park Info:
Thunderbird Park sits on the largest deposit of thundereggs in the world. The mineral rich seam that runs through Mount Tamborine was discovered at Thunderbird Park in 1967. Today, the ground at 300m by 50m open-cut mine has an endless supply of thundereggs.
Admission to the mine includes a detailed explanation of how and where to find your thundereggs, a mine safety induction, list of all the tools needed to find your treasures, and a souvenir miner's permit to take home. ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR MUST BE WORN to the mine as this requirement is a condition under Thunderegg Mine's mining license with the Department of Mines. Children should be accompanied by a paying adult.
Learn More!
More on Australian Geodes
Know other places to hunt for geodes? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Collecting thunder eggs and want your finds appraised? Visit Middleton's website. The Australian jeweler is located on Sea World Drive, Marina Mirage, Main Beach, Gold Coast 4217, Queensland, Australia.
Phone: +61 (0)7 5531 0500
NY
erkimer Diamond Mines
GPS: Latitude: 43° 0' 10.8"; Longitude: -74° 59' 16.7994"
Where: Herkimer, NY
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Herkimer Diamond Mine
Hours: April 15-Oct. 31,
9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: 4 and under = Free 5 to 12 = $8 13 and up = $10 Ace of Diamonds Mine Where: Middleville, NY
Phone: (315) 891-3855 Website: Ace of Diamonds Mine hours: April 15-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost: 3 and under = $3 4 and over = $7.50 Toolkit Hammer Chisel Gardening Tools Crowbar Air Compressor how-To Guide
At Herkimer Diamond Mine, you can purchase an all-day prospecting ticket, just remember to keep your wristband on! Be sure to view the seven-minute instructional video before you exit the store for the mines. Staff will hold your driver's license or another form of identification to use their hammers (1 per person). Your identification will be returned when you return the hammer.
Learn More!
More on Herkimer DiamondsKnow other places to hunt for Herkimer Diamonds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal InformationPaul Geffner gives us an appraisal of our Herkimer diamond finds. He can be reached at (415) 331-2102
idaho
Location #1: Bruneau jasper
General description: The most well known jasper from Idaho is the primarily red and brown cryto-crystaline quartz from Bruneau Canyon. The Bruneau jasper flow is the most silica-rich rhyolite flow in the area and is the source of silica that fills gas cavities in the upper zones of the rhyolite. The most prized Bruneau has egg shaped swirls in the jasper. How to get there:
50 road miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County.
Take HWY 50 south from Bruneau for 39 miles then turn east on Rowland Rd. Travel 11.6 miles and take the left road 11 miles to Indian Hot Springs. There are two exposures of the jasper rhyolite flow in the area.
42°20'15"N , 115°39'0"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Sledge hammer
2.Chisel
3.Safety glasses
4. Bucket
5. Pry bar Helpful notes to newcomers:
Find out the status of the land before taking jasper.
Location #2: Spencer Opal Deposit
General description:Opal is a variety of non crystalline Si02 that contains up to 20% water. The lower water levels, 10%, are more stable. It is the water in the silica gel that gives opal is flashing colors. Spencer, population 38, holds one of the largest opal deposits in the United States and is home to rare star opals. Though white is the most common color worldwide, Spencer miners find rarer blue, pink or red gems How to get there:
The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site. The Deer Hunt Mine is open to rock hounds interested in digging the opal for a set price per pound.
For additional information :
imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/mining/gemstns.htm
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets
2.Hand tools
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are shops where the tourist can buy finished pieces and opal rough.
Location #3: Fire Opals
General Description: Opals of salmon pink or cherry color, showing much brilliance and play of light are found in Gem County . Fortification and water agates of light blue color are found close to the opal deposits. How to get there:
Take 52 north from Emmett and turn est on Butte Road. At the intersection of lookout Road turn north to Squaw Butte.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
44°1'58"N , 116°24'40"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand pick
2, Collecting bag
3. Rock hammer
4. Safety glasses. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Emerald Creek
General description: India and Idaho are the only two locations in the world ehere star garnets are found.
The Forest Service has constructed an area where the public can purchase a permit, remove material from
stockpiled,
garnet-bearing gravels and take them to one of two sluice boxes to wash the material in search of the
garnets. How to get there:
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road
447 to the parking area. Permits,
information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch.
For additional information see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools, and screens are provided
Helpful notes to newcomers: First hand report from
kabnfvr:Yes, I'd do it again in a heart beat. You know, it's all about "the hunt" so even though
it was a lot of work, there is always the chance you'll find something great! Regarding the the rangers
, there are there to help you. They frequently came around asking to help out. If I was going to do the
math on this trip, I'd have to admit that the return may not make it worth it. That said ... I'm a slow
learner I guess. It took us most of the day to figure out where in the pile to dig and what to keep. On
e of the rangers told us to tumble our garnets with Soft Scrub to determine which were good. There were
people taking 5 lbs each and their garnets were much bigger than the majority of ours. I'm going back
tomorrow with my grandkids so will share my results then as well... Everyone found garnets - I'd just
say don't spend too much time pouring over each screen.
One of the rangers told me that the #2 garnets make good tumbling grit so I'll likely use them that way. If you plan to facet, then I likely found many more because you can but out the fractures. I want to make a cabochon with mine so only the very dark, glassy stones will work. Of those, we only found a couple. If either of those polish up to make a 4 or 6 ray star garnet, then I absolutely got enough to pay for my day. I'd say I went through a dozen buckets of "sifted" material. (there are 2 stages, you take the dirt/rock out of a big pile and sift the loose dirt and big rocks out - THEN you take that material to the sluice box). Overall, we likely sifted out 25 buckets of raw materia
iowa
Location #1: 35 mile radius of Keokuk Iowa General description: The geode was designated as the state rock by the Legislature in 1967. The area around Keokuk is famous for the variety of mineralization found in the nodules. Over twenty different minerals line the cavities. The geodes weather out of the Warsaw formation of a Mississippian age limestone and shaley dolomite. How to get there:Search the steams, road cuts, and fields around Keokuk.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Buckets or rock bag
3. Gloves
4. rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Resist the urge to break open the geodes. Instead compare the weight of various stones and save the lighter ones.The very heavy nodules are probably solid.
Location #2: General description: Agates (notable the lake Superior agates), jaspers, petrified wood can be found in the gravel bars on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.Clayton county is a good place to start collecting. (see photo) How to get there:Clayton County is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River, It is northwest of Dubuque on HWY 52.http://www.claytoncountyiowa.com/
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2. Walking shoes
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Also check the gravel operations in the area. Stop at the office and ask permission to collect.
Location #3: Rockford
General description: One of the best collecting sites for Devonian age marine fossils. The Floyd County Fossil and Prairie Park was once a brick clay pit. The Rockford Brick and Tile Company's pit has been transformed into a top fossil site and a recreation center. How to get there:
The Park is west of Rockford on HWY B27
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates:
43.052833, -92.949203
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand tools
2.Bucket or rock bag
3.Long handle screw driver Helpful notes to newcomers:
The following link provides information on the park:
http://www.fossilcenter.com/
kentucky
Location #1: Ben Clements Museum and Mine Digs
General description: One of the nation's finest collections of fluorite and related minerals from the Kentucky-Illinois mining district, and a large collection of other minerals from across the world. There are planned digs scheduled from the spring through the fall. How to get there: The museum is located in Marion Kentucky in the northwest corner of the state.http://www.marionkentucky.us/clementmineralmuseum/The town of Marion has a good Bed & Breakfast (Myers see link below) and a great little restaurant "The Front Porch". Real southern home cooking with a casual atmosphere. Be sure to stop in on your treasure hunt.http://members.tripod.com/~MarionKYKingdomHall/Marion.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A - I have enjoyed rockhounding trips to Marion. Every time I've gone and I have some fine specimens that I dug.
Handy to bring along:
1. Digging tools
2. Collecting buckets
3. Rock Hammer
4. Safety Glasses
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district extends into Illinois. Cave in Rock and Rosiclair are also great spots on your trip.
Location #2: Kentucky Agate General description: Kentucky Agate is the State Rock by act of the State Legislature on July 14, 2000, It is a sedimentary agate found in the Borden Formation of Early Mississippian Age. The agate is beautifully colored and contains bands, fortifications,and sometime plumes or moss formations. It can be found in the creeks and river drainage where it has been weathered out of the host rock. How to get there:
Estill, Jackson, Powell, Madison, and Rockcastle Counties in Kentucky.For more information and pictures of the agates see:
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/rocksmn/kentuckyagate.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Wading shoes
2. Small mattock
3. Rock bag
4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Do not strike the nodules of agate with a rock hammer. There is the temptation to see what is inside but many valuable specimens have been destroyed by an overly eager rockhound.
Location #3: Geodes
General description: Geodes have cavities lined with crystals of quartz or calcite. Occasionally celestite, millerite or other minerals can be found in the geodes. How to get there:
Along the roadside highway 60, east of Garrett.
Road cuts on highway 31 west.
Almost any creek bed.
Handy to bring along:
1. Water
2. Brick hammer
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:Some will look like potatoes lying along the ditches. If they feel lighter than they should for their size, they are probably hollow.
location #4: Fossils
General description:
Types of fossils: brachiopods, bryozoans, cephalopods, conodonts, corals, gastropods, monoplacophorans, pelecypods, scolecodont teeth, stromatoporoids, trace fossils, trilobites. Mineralized brachiopods, aulocerid stromatoporoids and colonial corals with calcite, dolomite, celestine and other minerals.
This link contains a number of collecting sites : http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/collecting.htmlGreat site for fossil information. How to get there:State Road 155 between Fisherville (Jefferson Co.), KY and Taylorsville (Spencer Co.), KY Type of exposure: Road cut Rock type: interbedded shale and limestone
Handy to bring along:
1. Hand tools
2. Rock bag
3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Kentucky has designated the generic "brachiopod" as its state fossil.
louisianna
Location #1: Petrified Palm Wood
General description: The state fossil is petrified palm wood. It can be found with other wood of Oligoce
ne age Catahoula Formation especially around Toledo Bend Lake. The wood is found on the lake shore and
below the dam. I have collected near the lake in clear cut areas where logging is occurring. The log
trucks and the heavy equipment uncovers the wood. How to get there: Toledo Bend Lake is on the border
of Louisiana and Texas. Palm wood can be found on Texas side also. The dam site is on LA HWY191 in
western Louisiana. Toledo Bend is a well known resort area famous for its fishing.
http://www.toledo-bend.com/srala/
Grade this location: (A to F): A I have a great deal of wood from this area.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging tools
2.Bug spray
3.Buckets
4. Strong back Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are plenty of places to stay in the area. Plan on doing some site seeing. Palm wood makes very attractive jewelry. Most of the wood is cream color, however, the black wood demands a premium price.
Be sure to visit Natchitoches: my favorite city in Louisiana.
http://www.historicnatchitoches.com/
Location #2: Alluvial Deposits - Gravels General description: The state gemstone of Louisiana is the agate. The Paleocene gravels of
the state are a source of gemstones transported from a wide range of the United States.
It is not uncommon to find jaspers, chalcedony, carnelian, agate, colorful chert even metamorphic
and igneous stones in the vast amounts of material the Mississippi River and its tributaries have
deposited in Louisiana. How to get there: Much of Louisiana has gravel bars along it many streams
and bayous. As you travel across keep a watchful eye for gravel operations and exposed road cuts that
look promising. One good site is northern Catahoula County in the gravel hills of the region
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2.Sunscreen and a hat. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Searching a gravel pit requires that you train your eyes to look for the stone that appears different. I have seen rockhounds overlook great gemstones because it all runs together if you don't look closely.
maryland
Location #1:
Brownie Beach in Chesapeake, MDGeneral description: Miocene fossils that include. sharks, rays, turtles, shells, fish and other marine fossils. fossils from Beach can be seen at:
http://mysite.verizon.net/browniebeach/ How to get there: From Routes 2 or 4 in northern Calvert County, take Route 260 to Chesapeake Beach, where you turn right (south) on Route 261. Immediately after crossing a stream at the bottom of the first hill south of Chesapeake Beach, you will see a locked gate and a parking area on the left (east) side of the road. From the parking area, follow a path for roughly 1/4 mile to the cliffs.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ best in the country from what I have heard handy to bring along
1. beach shoes
2. plastic bags to hold findings
3. shifting screen Helpful notes to newcomers:
Two other collecting sites are listed on the Maryland Geological Survey .
http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/fs/fs10.html
Location #2: Rock Run General description: Gold was discovered in southern Montgomery County during the Civil War and the first of many mines and prospects began operating in 1867. There were 5 gold mines along Rock Run, including a placer mining operation using water under high pressure to wash the stream and flood plain sediments through long California-style sluice boxes. How to get there:
Rock Run is a small stream in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, that originates just north of Potomac Village and flows about 9.1 kilometers (about 5.5 miles) in a generally southeasterly direction to the Potomac River at the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Gold pan
4, Hand Pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
1. Most of the richest gold mines were in a few gold-bearing quartz veins that had a higher concentration of gold than most of the others in the area.
2. All of the gold-bearing veins run roughly parallel with the general direction of the Appalachian Mountains, which trend a little east of north in this area. Some veins vary in their strike (direction) by as much as 25 to 30 degrees to the east or to the west of north.
3. Nearly all streams and smaller tributaries have been explored in the past by miners who were quite thorough in their recovery methods, so most stream sediments have been pretty well cleaned of gold.
4. Therefore, I have learned to use a compass to determine the approximate strike of a stream's bedrock, which, in this area, is generally a nearly vertical quartz/mica schist. Then I search for exposures of the bedrock or dig deep enough in the stream's alluvium to reach the upper levels of the bedrock. Most of the upper levels of the bedrock encountered in this fashion are either chemically altered to a soft consistency (saprolite - disintegrated rock that lies in its original place), or nearly so and can be removed and broken up in the gold pan. By exploiting the altered areas of the bedrock, I increase the chances of finding gold. Most of what I find in this fashion is lode gold (freshly broken out of the rock it formed in) rather than placer gold (naturally eroded out of its host rock and then stream worn). Needless to say, finding the gold in the pan is exciting since the finder is the first person to see it since it was first formed here about 200 million years ago through the actions of tremendous tectonic forces
From Mineral News, Vol. 16, No. 3, March, 2000. Reprinted with permission of the author and the publisher. This article may be reprinted or copied as desired for other mineral publications
Location #3: Calvert Cliffs General description: The Calvert cliffs contain an amazing Miocene fauna. More than 600 species of plants and animals have been found here (Glaser, 1979, p.56). On the beaches you can find a wide spetrum of marine fossils including sharks & rays. How to get there:
"The Calvert Cliffs run for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the western shore of Maryland in Calvert County"
Fossil GuySee the following link for additional information:
://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Bucket or rock bag
3. Camera Helpful notes to newcomers:
The scenery is spectacular. Even without the fossils this is a great place to visit.
Location #4:
Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Besides being able to find sharks teeth, the beach is long and clean, and perfect for small children. There is a lovely walk through the woods to get to the park.general description: How to get there:
Take Route 4 South from the Capital Beltway.
Pass Prince Frederick.
The small sign for Flag Ponds is on the left. Cross the highway and follow the signs.
Handy to bring along:
1.sun tan oil
2.towel
3.picnic lunch Helpful notes to
maine
Location #1: Mount Apatite I Would suggest this place to anyone comming to the area. It is a town park that was once a feldspar mine. It is loaded with treasures if your willing to do a little work general description:Lots of minerals, Tourmaline, Beryl Quartz crystals ect... How to get there:It is in Auburn Maine, Near the Auburn Suburban little league fields off of Garfield road.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Sifter
3.Small Hammer and Chisels Helpful notes to newcomers:This location has a lot of minerals to be sifted out of the dirt. As you go up the hill, the first pit was the Greenlaw Quarry. this spot still has a lot of Tourmaline and Beryl. I would suggest picking a spot that doesn't look like it's been worked in a while and stick with it.
Location #2:Trenton, Havey, and Square Pit quarries general description:The main pit of the Trenton quarry has been flooded, but well formed smokey quartz crystals, green tourmalines and beryls have been found here. At the Square pit quarries, well formed almandine garnets have been found here. I have recently found very good heliodor beryl crystals at this location.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging equipment
2.hammers, hand pick, chisels
3.safety gear& bug spray
Helpful notes to newcomers: Digging equipment
location #3: Lord Hill General description:In the past, the Lord Hill quarries have produced massive pockets containing blue apatites, gemmy quartz crystals, autunite coating feldspar, beryl, topaz, and other minerals. Massive topaz crystals, some weighing over 50 pounds have been found here. Serious digging in the mine dumps could yield the mineral collector fine specimens. How to get there: Rock in mineral clubs in the New England Region will sometimes host trips to these mines.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hammer and hand pick
2.Sifter and shovel
3.Safety gear and chisels
massachusetts
Location #1: Loudville Lead Mine General description: " Over 30 minerals are found at Loudville, including anglesite, cerussite, pyromorphite, wulfenite (the "queen" of Loudville minerals, in a vast array of xl habits), and many more (quartz, barite, calcite, galena, malachite, sphalerite, and others). The most desirable and beautiful minerals are available as micromounts, though the occasional worthwhile thumbnail or even larger specimen may reward the hard worker. Wulfenites up to 1/4" have been found in recent years."Eric Greene How to get there:Take Mass Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 3. Take Route 10 north and follow until you reach Glendale Street on left (.8 miles south of city of Easthampton). Turn left and continue on Glendale 3.2 miles to dirt road on left leading to the mine dump Aditional information can be found:http://www.cumberlandite.com/cumberlandite1_024.htm Handy to bring along:1.Bucket
2.Brush
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
In the summer heat you can cool off in the nearby waters of a clean stream.
Location #2: Lime Quarry Reservation
General description: City owned quarry with an assortments of minerals including: actinolite , calcite.
blue apatite, titanite, scapolite & fluorite. How to get there: Chelmsford is located at the intersection of I 496 and US HWY 3. Handy to bring along:1.Hand pick 2.Shovel 3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:Fill in holes and leave the quarry better than you found it.
location #3: Betts Manganese Mine General description: Rhodonite is the Massachusetts state gemstone. It is a pink or red stone that makes attractive jewelry. the Betts Manganese Mine is a famous location for this mineral and pyrite, chalcopyrite, and fasioulite. How to get there:The Betts Mine is in Plainview From Springfield take I 91 north. The Plainfield exit is RD 118 west. Continue through Ashfield to Plainfield.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
I have not personally collected at this site so permission to collect must be obtained from the Mine owners. Several AFMS clubs have collected at this site and I would recommend contacting one of the clubs for information. AFMS @ http://www.amfed.org/
Location #4: Chipman Silver Mine
General description:Old silver mine in Newbury. A lot of galena, pyrite, and siderite can be found here. Minor amounts of malachite and chalcopyrite have been found here. How to get there:Complicated directions
Handy to bring along: 1.shovel 2.hammer and hand pick 3.chisel & safety gear Helpful notes to newcomers:If you ever go to this location, the mine is currently behind houses on a place called Scotland Heights. To find galena and pyrite, one will have to dig in the mine dumps. Bug spray can be quite handy at this location.
Location #5: Blueberry Mountain Quarry,Woburn ,Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
General description: An abandoned "Trap Rock", quarry. Some of the finest babingtonite crystals have been found here. Other minerals found here include prehnite, calcite, laumonite, stilbite, heulandite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, orthoclase var: adularia, quartz, epidote, chlorite, garnet, sphene, analcime, hematite, and less common minerals such as radioactive minerals.
MI
Location #1: Along the lake shores
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers General description: How to get there:Peterson Park in Leland, MI grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village Platt Lake and River Handy to bring along:1. Bucket2. Water3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
Location #2: Great Sand Bay on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Misery Bay (NE of Ontanogan, MI)Almost any beach all of the Southern Lake Superior shoreline Small agates on Lake Michigan Shores General description: How to get there: Take US 41 North of Houghton/Hancock MI to Phoenix. Turn left on M 26 which will take you to and along Lake Superior shoreline. There are numerous places to pull over and park. It is a steep, stone bluff to the lake; but worth it. (Sand Bay)US 41 North. Turn left at Tivolia village onto Misery Bay Road; follow to lake. Nice campground here also. Handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Water shoes 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The rock shops at Ahmeek and Christmas, MI are very helpful. They will give you maps - buy something from them. Seaman's Mineral Museumhttp://www.museum.mtu.edu/
Location #3: Ontonagon Copper Mine General description: The mine was featured on the Cash & Treasures Show. The variety of minerals found sounds like a museum. Native copper,silver, datolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite, and epidote can be found working the huge ore piles. How to get there:The mine is easy to reach, a 20 minute drive from Ontonagon, Michigan Red Metal Minerals 202 Ontonagon Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 Phone: 906-884-6618 Fax: 906-884-6753 Link: www.exploringthenorth.com/redmetal/tours.html Handy to bring along:
1. Gloves 2. Safety glasses 3. Rock hammer 4. Metal detector 5. Buckets 6, Chisel 7. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers:The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the heart of one of the best rock collecting ares in the Mid West. The attractions are numerous. The beauty is breath taking. //www.exploringthenorth.com/keweenaw/home.html
Location #4: Jasper Knob General description: Imagine the world's largest gemstone: a hill of beautifully banded jasper and specular hematite How to get there: Ishpeming, Michigan is in the Upper Peninsula. From downtown, take Division/BR 28 east to Jasper St., turn south. The Knob is in one block.Handy to bring along: 1. Safety Gear 2. Rock Hammer 3. Chisel 4. Rock bag
Location #5: Leelanau Peninsula Beaches
General description: Fossil coral (Petoskey stones) can be found along the beach . Red jasper and local stone Leland Bluestone is actually slag from the 1800's iron foundry operations can be collected. How to get there: Take HWY 22 north of Traverse. The road follows the Lake shore.
Lake Michigan beaches North from Frankfort to the Mackinaw Bridge.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Water
There are many different fossils to be found. Read an article on Petoskey Stone: http://www.visittraversecity.com/looking-for-mr.-petoskey-stone-167/
Location #6: Ropes Gold Mine
There is an abundance of dark green serpentine as well as : quartz, calcite, rutile, pyrite and at least 24 other minerals. During the most productive period (1883-1897) $645,792 worth of gold was shipped from the mine. How to get there:Go west from Ishpeming on US-41 to Cooper Lake Road, turn right and go 2.5 miles, left on CR-572 for less than 1 mile, walk 0.3 mile to Ropes Gold Mine Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:46°32'9"N , 87°43'59"W Handy to bring along:1. Rock hammer 2. Safety glasses & gloves 3. Hand tools 4, Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers
For additional collecting sites visit:http://www.exploringthenorth.com/rocks/east.html
location #7: SENECA MINE Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI
General description: Abandoned mine dumps yield specimens of epidote, quartz, adularia, and copper How to get there:Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI Turn west off US 41 onto First Street in Mohawk. Go 0.3 miles to a red gate on the left. This leads right into the mine dump Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses, gloves 2. Rock hammer 3. Digging tools 4. Hand pick An excellent resource for field trips in the area and elsewhere in Michigan is:
http://www.sauktown.com/fieldlist.htm
Location #8: Petoskey State Park General description: Petoskey State Park, located on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, is situated on 304 scenic acres and offers a beautiful sandy beach on the bay. The park has two separate modern campgrounds. Tannery Creek offers 98 campsites, and Dunes offers 70 campsites. How to get there: Take HWY 31 from toskey, Michigan. Turn left on to C119 into the park. Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bucket 2. Sun Great information to the attractions of the park can be found at: http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=G10185
Location #9: Lake Superior Greenstone
In 1972, chlorastrolite a variety of pumpellyite became the official State Gem for Michigan. Chlorastrolite is a beautiful green mineral with a chatlyant "turtle-back" pattern. How to get there: The Central Mine, located just off US 41 north of Calumet, has been the source of some of the largest greenstones.Handy to bring along: 1. Rock bag 2. Hand tools 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers Look for the dark green, small round or almond shape nodules in country rock. Sometimes they will have weathered out of the rock and can be found lying on the ground.
Location #10: Delaware Mine
The mine is one of the better locations to find dalotite nodules. Datolite is It is associated with copper at this location and is found in porcelain-like masses and nodules. The nodules are various colors and can be cut and polished.The chemical composition is CaBSiO4(OH), Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide. How to get there:
u.S. 41 just Twelve Miles South of Copper Harborwww.copperharbor.org/site_files/del_mine/del_mine.html
For further information, Contact us: Delaware Copper Mine (906) 289-4688Handy to bring along:1. Hand tools2. Handy pick and maul3. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: Tours are available of this historic under ground mine dating back to 1847-87. Eight million pounds of Copper were removed from the five shafts that reached a depth of 1400 feet with ten various levels.
minnesota
Location #1: Hill Annex Mine State Park
General description: Chose one of three tours. A tour of a massive open pit iron ore mine. A tour of the lake formed by the mining operations. A fossils hunt to recover marine fossils. All three tours take about 1 1/2 hours each. How to get there:Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.More information can be found at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hill_annex_mine/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
City of Calumet maintains a nice picnic area just outside the park gate.
Location #2: Moose Lake State Park
General description: Minnesota's gemstone is Lake Superior Agate. At Moose Lake visit the Agate and Geological Interpretive Center. It is a 4500 square foot center that features agates, rocks, minerals and geology of Minnesota. Lakers as the locals call the agates can be found wherever gravels are exposed along shores, gravel pits, road cuts and stream gravel bars. Collecting is not allowed in the state park but here are near by gravel pits were collecting is allowed with permission.State Park site:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/moose_lake/index.html How to get there:Located 1/4 miles east of I-35 at the Moose Lake exit #214. The park entrance is off County Road 137. Take the Moose Lake exit off I-35. Then go east on County Road 137 until you see the park signs about 1/2 mile down the road.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Wading shoes 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The state park has camping, fishing, swimming, and other attractions.
Location #3: Grand Marais General description:Thomsonite is a zeolite mineral with pink, red, and white patterns. It is a very attractive semi-precious gemstone suitable for cutting and polishing. How to get there:Nodules of Thomsonite can be found in the basaltic lava flows about 5 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota or small pebbles collected along the beach.See Worrld Wide Museum of Natural histoty@http://www.wmnh.com/wmhome.htm visit the folloeing link for Thomsonite rough and jewelry:http://www.thomsonite.com/thomsonite.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammer and chisel 2. Pry bar 3. Bucket 4. Or you can look for pebbles along the Lake Superior Shore I vote for picking up pieces, it is easier than breaking it out of basalt lava. Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a resort area with many places to stay or vacation. http://grandmarais.com/
Location #4: Minnesota Staurolite General description: Commonly called fairy crosses, staurolite can be found on the banks of the muddy Mississippi below the dam at yalton. How to get there: The following web site gives complete directions: home.att.net/~bjgoetteman/Staurolite_Screen.html handy to bring along: 1. Boots for sinking in the mud. 2.Got to have a screen box 3. Shovel 4. There is plenty of water for screening - the Whole River Helpful notes to newcomers: Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen and the screen box.
aquamarine in CO
town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to Location #1: Along the lake shores
(Local beach, park, etc)
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)
Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers
General description: How to get there:
Peterson Park in Leland, MI
Grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village
Platt Lake and River
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Bucket
2. Water
3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
auqa marine in GA town/region: Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
gold
Town/region: Sutters Mill
State, country: California
Tips for finding it: This is where the
Gold Rush first started, and there is still
Gold in them thar hills. You can sit on the
river's edge
and pan for gold. It is a great way to
spend a nice afternoon in the california heat.
St. Louis has a rich history that few
people stop to consider. How many
flat-boats sank while crossing the
Mississippi River during the settling
of St. Louis and the westward
expansion before bridges were built?
How many homes were washed away
by the great flood of 1993?
I would be checking the sandbars and
river banks when the water is at low
flood stage. That old muddy river
may hold a few surprises yet.
As of yet, I have only found old lead
fishing weights with my trusty $60.00
metal detector. But that is actually
good news because gold and lead are
very close to one another on the Element
Chart. If I am finding lead fishing weights,
it means that it is only a matter of time
before I find something of greater interest.
This also tells me that it would be a good
idea to walk old creek beds with my metal
detector, since no one else has thought
of doing so. The perfect excuse to get out
for a walk in the woods on the weekend
and go camping with a backpack.
Just stay clear of private land unless
you have permission from it's owner.
a mine and store
Royston Mine/Otteson's Jewelry
GPS: Latitude: 38° 4' 5.415" Longitude: -117° 13' 52.107"
Where: Tonopah, NV
Phone: (775) 482-9352
(775) 482-9889
Website: Royston Mine
Otteson's Jewelry
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for appt. in the winter
Cost: $50 per day Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Pick Ax
Bucket
How-To Guide
Richness of color is the chief determiner of value in turquoise; generally speaking, the most desirable is a strong sky to robin's egg blue. Value decreases with the increase of green hue, lightening of color and mottling. Whatever the color, turquoise should not be excessively soft or chalky; otherwise, it is liable to fade over time, and will not hold up to normal use in jewelry. The mother rock, or matrix, in which turquoise is found, often has splotches or a network of brown or black veins running through the stone; this veining may add value to the stone if the result is complementary, but such a result is uncommon.
turquise (below)
turquise
Town/region: Various Locations In Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico
State, country:
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
Be careful and respect private claims as most good turquoise deposits
are under private mining claim.
sunstones
GPS Coordinates, if known: W 119.87244 N 42.72584
Town/region: Rabbit Hills Basin, near Plush, Harney Co.
State, country: Harney Co. Oregon
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
tormaline
Town/region: San Diego County, California
State, country: California
Tips for finding it:Look for exposed pegmatite dykes that contain lepidolite.
GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: La Grange, Hogg Mine
State, country:Georgia, US
Tips for finding it:Black Schorl. Loose on the road in small quantities, but mostly weathered. In quartz matrix in the same area that is dug and then broken to expose the crystals (eye protection is a MUST). Nice specimens including an inch in diameter and inches long with classic termination. Also found in the main pit in small quantities (less than the amount of aquamarine found.)
sapphires
Town/region: Philipsburg, Rock Creek
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Gem Mountain GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: Helena, Lake Hauser
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Eldorado Bar Mine
Town/region:Helena/ Hauser Lake
State, country:Montana, USA
Tips for finding it: Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine(they own the Eldorado Mine) On the internet
mississippi
Location #1: Mississipi Petrified Wood Most of the best petrified wood from Mississippi comes from trees which grew in the state during the Oligocene Epoch, around 30 million years ago. The Gulf of Mexico's shoreline extended further north at that time, which explains why the wood is found in the more northern parts of the state. This petrified wood formed when a tree was buried by sediment, and its tissues were replaced by silica in the groundwater. A variety of chalcedony, fossil wood replaced by chalcedony (silica), sometimes also by Opal. The material replacing the wood may vary. Most commonly, quartz, in the form of agate, opal, or jasper, will be the replacement material. Occasionally, limonite, carnotite (an uranium mineral), or other minerals will be the replacement material. Trace minerals included within the silica impart a variety of hues, ranging from black to blue to red. General description: How to get there: The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately operated park and museum located at 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, Mississippi. This site has been known since the mid-19th century, but it was not until 1966 that it was named a Registered National Natural Landmark, and subsequently developed and opened to the public Link to Petrified Forest: http://www.mspetrifiedforest.com/Attractions.cfm Handy to bring along: 1. Hand Pick 2. Rock Hammer 3. Rock Pack Helpful notes to newcomers: Tour the Petrified Forest. Wood can be collected over a large area in the ditches and stream near the park.
Location #2: Fossils of Ice Age animals General description: During the past several years Lonnie and Freida Looper of Greenville, Mississippi have collected over 500 fossil bones of Ice Age animals which lived in our loess area between 10,000 and 250,000 years ago. They were often accompanied by their son, Zachary Horne, who contributed many rare and exciting finds. These animals lived during the Rancholabrean Epoch which gets its name from the famous "Tar pits" locality in Los Angeles, California Link: http://www.backyardnature.net/loess/fossils.htm How to get there:
All of the fossils were recovered between river mile markers 499 (near the town of Glen Allen, Mississippi) and 639 (a point on a line with Sherard and Clarksdale, Mississippi 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The family found these treasures by walking gravel bars in the Mississippi River bed during seasonal
montana
Location #1: West Fork of Rock Creek in the Sapphire Mtn. RangeThis is a place to find natural sapphires. Many in the creek, or you can buy gravel at a mine (Gem Mtn) which is much easier on the body and the sapphires are more consistently high grade.(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Sapphire location How to get there: Take Hwy 1 out of Butte to Hwy 38 (if you go to Phillipsburg you've missed the turn onto 38) and it will run you right into the creek. You will go past "Gem Mtn" which is a commercial sapphire site (and you can dig and screen there).Handy to bring along: .Shovel .Buckets . 1/4" mesh screens Helpful notes to newcomers: If you have a gold wheel, tilt the wheel back until it catches a sapphire, then use the wheel to catch them. You will double your take that way.
Location #2: Missouri River Sapphires
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: Seven operations mine sapphires from the Missouri River including dig for fee operations The best known is Spokane Bar. How to get there: northeast of Helena. Take York Road to Mile Marker 8, turn right on Hart Lane, turn left on Castles Road. Additional information: ttp://www.sapphiremine.com/ More information on Montana Sapphires, including maps, can be found at: Montana Sapphire Info Handy to bring along: . Screens available at the site . . Helpful notes to newcomers: he mine and rock shop is 10 miles from Helena, therefore, there are many places to stay in the area. A campground is within 3 miles of the mine.
Location #3: Scratchgravel Hills
General description: The exposure is in a low cut in massive green diopside which has cavities with euhedral crystals to about an inch long, although most are much smaller. Most of the cavities are filled with blue calcite which must be etched away to expose the diopside. How to get there: north of Helena a few miles, is a well known occurrence in a low cut alongside a railroad track. This location is on the east side of the Scratchgravel Hills. Access is by going north out of Helena on Green Meadow Drive to the road to the Scratchgravel landfill, parking at the railroad tracks and walking up the railroad tracks. Handy to bring along: .rock hammer .cheisel .rock bag . safety equipment - glasses, gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information on Montana skarns:http://www.lrream.com/montanaskarns.html
Location #4: Garnets
General description:Garnet is a historic mining ghost town located in west central Montana and sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet at the head of First Chance Creek. It was named after the brown garnet rock which was used as an abrasive and a semi-precious stone found in the area. How to get there:The Garnet Ghost Town from the west, take I-90 east to Exit 109, the Bonner Exit. Continue on Highway 200 east for 23 miles. Shortly after the 22 mile marker turn south at the sign Garnet Ghost Town. The parking lot is 11 miles up the gravel road. Ask at the visitors center about garnet collecting. contact info
/goldwest.visitmt.com/listings/908.htm 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: in winter Garnet is a popular snowmobile and cross-country ski trip. Winter cabin rentals are available.
Nebraska Location #1: Northwest Panhandle -Cadron. Nebraska General description: Fairburn, Prairie, and Nebraska Blue Agates can be found. The Nebraska Blue Agate is the State Gemstone. The nodules appear to be more plentiful than in South Dakota. (Roger Cark).I have collected in Nebraska and found a wide variety of agates. The Nebraska Blue is a truely beautiful stone. How to get there: Travel Northwest of Chadron on HWY 385. The Oglala National Grasslands allows rockhounding for personal use. Neither vertebrate fossils or Native American artifacts are allowed to be collected. It is a crime and rightly so to violate Native American sacred sites. Ask Permission before collecting on private property and as always respect the land, keep it as wildly beautiful as it is. The following link provides information on the area: http://www.chadron.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag 2.Water - this is very remote country 3.GPS 4. Boots 5. Rock Hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not strike a nodule of agate with your hammer to see what's in it. A rock worth hundreds of dollars could be ruined.
Location #2: Crawford General description: North west of town on the White River drainage system. The agate is similar to Tee Pee Canyon Agate (see South Dakota) in that it has a high degree of matrix material. How to get there: Crawford Nebraska is in northwest corner of Nebraska in the Black Hills region on HWY 20. This link contains helpful information about the area.http://www.crawfordnebraska.net/ Grade this location: (A to F): A
Handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag or buckets 2.Water 3.Boots or hiking shoes 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #3: Agate Fossils Beds National Monument
General description: A unique national park that combines scenic beauty with the fascination of a prehistoric world. During the Miocene era the plains were populated with a wide diversity of unusual wildlife. Agate Fossils Beds National Monuments is one of the best places in America to see what it was like by viewing the fossil record. How to get there: The National Monument is south of Harrison on HWY 29.View the Nation Monument web site: http://www.nps.gov/agfo/ Handy to bring along: 1. camera 2. comfortable shoes
Location #4: Homestead Cookshack & Bunkhouse General description: Hunt your own fossils in style with real western flair and at a reasonable price. The fossil sites are on private ranches that allow collecting through Homestead. The food is excellent and the lodging is first class. How to get there: Homestead The following web site gives directions and information :http://www.bbc.net/highplainshomestead/index.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets or backpack 2. Tools for Digging 3. Call ahead for details Helpful notes to newcomers: I have included a link from the University of Nebraska for the hobbyist on the importance of the scientific value of fossils and how to properly collect them. The amateur collector can contribute to the advancement of knowledge. One of my most valuable finds, I donated to the University of North Alabama for future geologist to learn from and the general public to enjoy. After discovering the site , I called the University and set up a field trip. The site was some of the best Silurian fossils recovered in Tennessee. http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/vertpaleo/musnote2.html
Location #5: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park General description: Nebraska is fossil country and if you hike the country side you are bound to run into a fossil. However, Ashfall Fossil Beds is not a museum where bones have been collected from far and wide and reassembled in a unnatural poise. These animals were covered with volcanic ash and left in place to give the visitor an amazing look at a prehistoric catechism. How to get there: The park is west of Creighton Nebraska on HWY 59. The following web site gives information about your visit : http://ashfall.unl.edu/ Handy to bring along:
1. Camera 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The facility is handicapped assessable.
Location #6: Cass County Nebraska General Description: Lake Superior Agates in Nebraska? Yes, the period of glaciation brought Lake Superior agates to a number of states. Dr. Roger Pabian at the University of Nebraska has a nice collection of Lakers found in local gravel deposits around Nebraska. Dr. Pabian's book on Banded Agate is a must read for people crazy about agates. He is one of the most recognized scientist on agate formation. How to get there: Cass County is just south of Omaha. Take I 80 then exit HWY 50. I have included a list of gravel operations in the area: http://maps.unomaha.edu/Maher/urbanseminar/Bill/ Handy to bring along: 1. Hand tools 2. Bucket 3. Keene eye site Helpful notes to newcomers: Most gravel operations will allow you to look through the gravel piles. Ask permission at the office. Explain that you are a collector and that you will observe their rules.
nevada
Location #1: Garnet Hill Recreation Area General description: The garnets found at this site are dark maroon to black that average in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. The specimens are in cavities called vugs and occasionally an attractive 1 inch specimen can be found. The stones are generally not of gem quality but make very nice collector specimens. The garnets are a mixture of spessartine and almandine Garnet. How to get there: 4 miles Northwest of Central Ely in the Eagan mountain range. The major access road to this area joins US Highway 50 about 6.4 miles West of the traffic signal at US 395 and US 50 junction in Ely. The following link gives information on the site and where to stay: http://nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammers and chisels 2. Safety glasses 3. Gloves 4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is a Nationally known rockhound site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There is limited camping and RV hook-ups. There are a number of garnet location within 100 miles of Ely. The following link is the BLM web site and gives information on Garnet Hill. http://www.webpanda.com/white_pine_county/historical_society/attractions/garnet.htm
Location #2: The Royal Peacock Opal Mine general description: Virgin Valley has yielded the world's most beautiful black opal since mining began in 1905. Much of the opal is formed from tree limb casts of an ancient forest that covered Nevada some twenty million years ago. How to get there: Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada: The following link provides information on site: http://www.royalpeacock.com/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Short handled ick, shovel, or garden rake 2 Long Screw driver,ice pick or similar tools 3. Small bucket-like container,ZipLoc Bags 4. Gloves ,Hat, Sunblock
5. Water squirt bottle Helpful notes to newcomers: RV hookups, camper and tent sites are available plus shower,restroom and a laundry room. more Information on visiting the Virgin Valley Opal area can be found at: Virgin Valley Opal area Info
Location #3: Otteson Turquoise Mine
General description: An operating turquoise mine visited by the crew of "Cash & Treasures". Mine tours are available for group of 10 and more. The tour includes an opportunity to mine the tailings piles. How to get there:The following website gives information on booking you tour:http://tonopahturquoise.homestead.com/3.html Another good website with information on this area is: Bunker Hill Turquoise Mine, oyston Handy to bring along: 1.Tools & bucket provided 2.Sunscreen 3.Hat & gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:The tours are about four hours long. Two weeks in advance booking is required.
Location #4: Big Springs General description: A world of obsidian and Apache tears free for the taking near the opal mines of Virgin Valley. How to get there: Take A34 at the intersection of 140. This is about 8 miles north west of Virgin Valley and 12 miles from the Oregon state line. About 3 miles from the intersection is a large field of obsidian and Apache tears. Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses 2. Gloves 3. Buckets 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Obsidian is Volcanic glass and therefore can be very sharp. When struck with a hammer, it sends off splinters of glass. Obsidian can make very attractive cabochons. Polish with tin oxide on a felt wheel.
Location #5: Oak Springs Summit Trilobite Area General description: Six different species of triobites are found in a gravel quarry. The fossils are 530 million year old deposit of Cambrain age marine life The trilobites are located in a trench on the south side of the pit.. How to get there: "Located 12 miles west of Caliente on US highway 93 on the south side of Oak Springs Summit, a dirt road to the north will take you to a gravel pit. The fossils are located at the west end of the pit on the east slope of a knob." Bureau of Land Management Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand tools 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There is a BLM sign in roster at the parking lot and pamphlets explaining the history and the tribites.
Location #6: Hallelujah Mining and Exploration Company General Description: Well known collecting site for smokey quartz, amethyst crystals including scepters. Many of the points can be quite longup to 10 inches. How to get there: The sit is a mining claim operated by: Jon Johnson at 702-786-3271 or Ed Christiansen 702-677-1722. For organizing a field trip contact Jon or Ed. handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand pick 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #7: West of Rye Patch Placer Mines General description: How to get there: Go north on Highway 80, past Lovelock to the Rye Patch exit. Go west, over the dam, outside the recreation area and head north for about 4 miles. Turn west and head up into the placer gold area. Grade this location: A+ - This site has produced some valuable gold nuggets, and still produces gold for those who are willing to work hard. GPS coordinates: W 118.41856 N 40.62040 Handy to bring along: 1. A good metal detector 2. All the food and equipment you need - there are no supplies or stores.
3. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Information and maps of the gold producing area can be found at the following website:
Rye Patch Gold Information
new hampshire
Location #1: Chickering Mine General description:Mine is located in Walpole. Massive blue and green tourmalines can be found on quartzite matrix. Blades of albite cystystals and small pinkish spodumenes can be found. Childrenite and other micro minerals have been found here. How to get there: handy to bring anlong bring along: 1.Digging materials 2.sledge hammer and hand pick 3.safety gear and hand lense Helpful notes to newcomers:There is a lot of tourmaline to be found here.
Location #2:Palermo No.1 Mine general description:Mineral collectors who enjoy collecting phosphates and beryl will like this location. At the Palermo Mine, rare phosphates can be found. Small cystals of apatite and fluorapatite can also be found here. Gemmy, blue aquamarine beryls have been found here. How to get there: Some rock and mineral clubs in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire will host trips to this location.
Handy to bring along: 1.Hammers and hand pick 2.chisels and shovel 3.safety gear and handheld lense Helpful notes to newcomers: Dump digging materials would be usefull at this location
NJ
Location #1: Sunset Beach at the southernmost tip of New Jersey.
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: How to get there: Go to New Jersey, and then go south on the New Jersey Parkway. Keep going until there's nothing but the Atlantic Ocean in front of you! Handy to bring along: 1. Small and medium sized containers and kiddy beach toys - shovels and buckets with holes to wash the diamonds. Use the small containers to put the diamonds in as you stroll on the beach. Then when they're full, take them back and put them into the larger buckets. 2. 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: If you continue talking down the beach (away from Cape May), you might want to be conscious of how the folks are dressed further down the beach. The lower area is a 'free beach' where bathing suits are optional. But no matter, there are plenty of 'diamonds' before you get close to this area.
Location #2: Sterling Hill Mining Museum &
The Franklin Mineral Museum General description: Over 300 different minerals were found in the mines of Franklin and Sterling Hill. Sixty new minerals were described at these sites. Not only are the museums first class but mineral collecting is available for a small fee.The following site gives examples of the types of minerals found in the mines:http://www.galleries.com/minerals/fablocal/franklin.htm How to get there: Franklin and the Sterling Hill Mine are at Ogdensburg, Sussex County New Jersey The links provides directions and information about the mines: http://sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/ http://www.franklinmineralmuseum.com/ Handy to bring along: 1.UV light 2.Hand tools 3.Bucket 4.Gloves . Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district is on the itinerary of mineral collectors and serious rockhounds everywhere. The florescence minerals are amazing under UV light.
this place i have been to above and it is really good you can go throw rocks and some are furcesentent and others are cool to look at. also they have a tour in the mine and you can get a free furcentent rock on the tour and you can buy stuff in the gift shop
NM
Location #1: Rockhound State Park
General description: Rugged slopes of the Florida and Little Florida Mountains are home to Rockhound State Park. Hiking trails offer views of nearby "sky islands." Agates and quartz crystals can be found at the park. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/Rockhound.htm How to get there: To get to Rockhound State Park from Deming, take NM 11 south for 5 miles, and then go east on NM 141 for about 9 miles.
Handy to bring along:1. Rock Hammer . Chisel . Collecting Bucket . Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: acilities Activities Visitor Center camping Group Shelter Picnicking Developed Sites (29) Wildlife Viewing Electric Sites Hiking RV Dump Station Interpretive Exhibits
Restrooms/Showers Playground
#2: Kelly Mine
General description: World class Smithsonite specimens can be collected from tons of stockpiled ore. How to get there:
Take I-25 South from Albuquerque to Socorro. Then HWY 60 west 26 miles. Turn at Kelly Road and go 3.2 miles South.
Handy to bring along:1. Collecting bucket . Hand tools . Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information: ttp://www.mmmgems.com/kelly_mine/index.htm
Location #3: Casitas de Gila Guesthouse acres of private lands with lots of interesting rocks and gemstones right on the property. Minerals found are white and pink chalcedony, chalcedony roses, red, brown and yellow jasper, jasper breccia, picture jasper, banded agate, zeolites, geodes, massive hematite, banded rhyolite, andesite, volcanic bombs, scoria, limonite and hematite-banded welded tuff, and lots of really nice colorful rocks! How to get there:
CASITAS DE GILA GUESTHOUSES becky & Michael O'Connor, Owners 50 Casita Flats Road (Off Hooker Loop) P.O. Box 325 • Gila, New Mexico 88038 • USA Tel: 575-535-4455 • Fax 575-535-4456 Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 2. Rock hammer 3. Hand tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Grant County, with its county seat in Silver City, lies at the heart of this vast mineralized area and is New Mexico’s richest mineral producing county.
Location #4: The Blanchard Rock Shop General description:The "local" collecting area is located here in the world famous Hansonburg Mining District, which is also known as the Blanchard Claims. This district is considered one of the "richest" when it comes to the variety of mineral species it produces, which is over 80 different ones; including Fluorite, Barite, Galena, Quartz and Smoky Quartz. How to get there: ighway 380, about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is halfway between San Antonio and Carrizozo at mile marker 30 on U.S. Highway 380, in the "town" of Bingham, New Mexico. For more information: http://www.peaktopeak.com/blanchard/ Helpful notes to newcomers:We do recommend that you call a few days prior to coming out to make sure that we are open and that the roads to the mining claim are passable. Also, if you need RV hook-ups, we can provide them.
#5: KILBOURNE HOLE General description:Kilbourne Hole is one of several volcanic maars located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Volcanic maars are unusual volcanic features, and Kilbourne is probably the best example to be seen anywhere in the world. With a lot of work and effort gem grade peridot can be collected. http://www.mtlilygems.com/mineinfo/KHinfo.html How to get there: From El Paso Texas take TX 178 West the road will become New Mexico 136 continue 6.4 miles and turn right on Columbus Road/ NM-9. Drive 16.2 miles and turn right on CR-008 until you reach CR-AO11 and turn right and continue 3.7 miles. Handy to bring along: 1.Water 2.Rock hammer 3. Collecting bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting conditions at Kilbourne Hole can be extreme with intense summer heat in excess of 100°F and freezing temperature in winter. Spring time, March in particular, can be very windy with violent dust storms.
missouri
Location #1: Lincoln, Missouri - Mozarkite General Description: Mozarkite is a pastel colored chert with swirls, blossoms, and bands. The color varies from pink,yellow, blue, and sometimes green. In 1967 the Missouri Legislature proclaimed Mazarkite the state gemstone. How to get there: The chert is found in streams, ditches, fields, and road cuts around a wide area around Lincoln, Missouri. The area extends along the Cotter Dolomite Formation of Ordovician age. The word is a combination of Mo for Missouri, Ozark for the region and ite for rock. Lincoln is south of Sedalie on HWY 65. I have also found Mozarkite at Harry Truman lake west of Lincoln. http://www.dnr.mo.gov./pubs/pub653.pdf
http://www.mazarkite.com Rate this site: (A to F) A Plenty of good material Handy to bring along: 1. Rock Hammer 2. Safety Glasses 3. Pick or Maul Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be granted from the land owner. I have found all I wanted in ditches, road cuts and along the lake.
Location #2: Everett J. Ritchie Mineral Museum General description: The best museum to study an extensive collection of Tri-State minerals from the mines of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Galena, calcite,sphalerite, dolomite and chalcoprite crystals are truly impressive. How to get there: The museum is at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin Missouri. The complex is at the corner of 7th street and Schifferdecker Drive. If you desire to collect some samples, drive north on Schifferdecker Park to W Perkins and turn right. There are tailing dumps from the mining operations on your left. Calcite , dolomite , galena, and sphalerite specimens can be found. Grade this location: (A to F): A for the museum C+ for the mine tailing piles. GPS coordinates: http://www.joplinmuseum.org/info.htm Handy to bring along: 1.camera 2.Hand tools 3.Rock Hammer 4. Safety Glasses - the host rock is chert (flint) and can be extremely sharp especially with fresh breaks. Flint has a conical fractures and used by flint nappers to create Native American tools. Some Mozarkite that is free of fractures makes incredible arrowheads, spear points and other tools. 5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The museum is one of the finest collections of the Tri-State Mining district. It is known for the size and beauty of the crystal habitat of the minerals. There is a scale model of the Lead and Zinc mines and the extraction process. Be careful when handling sharp edged chert. It is best not to hit the chert with a hammer. A friend of mine went to the hospital to have a flint shard removed from his hand from holding a nodule in his hand and hitting the flint with a hammer. Bad Idea
Location #3: Elephant Rocks State Park General description: Giant Boulders of pink granite resemble huge elephants marching in a circus area. A nature hike circles through 1.6 billion year old pre-Cambrian formations How to get there: htp://www.mostateparks.com/elephantrock/geninfo.htm Handy to bring along: .Camera 2.Hiking shoes . Helpful notes to newcomers: colecting is illegal in the park. However, there is an operating quarry at the backside of the park. Ask at the office to gather some pieces from the scrape piles. The pink granite is cut for monuments and building stone, The scape has been sawed and is quite attractive.
Location #4: Potosi, Old Mine, Cadet, Missouri
General description: Missouri lace agate, drusy quartz, and barite blades Missouri Lace agate resembles Mexican Lace agate with tight banding, swirls, and grays, blues, and some red colors. How to get there: Potosi is in south east Missiouri. The area around Potosi contains a number a abandoned mine pits. Go east from Potosi on HWY 8 and turn on CR O. Tailing piles are on both the right on left sides of the road. Do not cross no trespassing signs. Handy to bring along: .Hammer .Rock bag or 5 gallon bucket .Hang tools Helpful notes to newcomers: The drusy can be quite large specimens (2 square feet) with bitroydal formations. Very little digging is necessary. The mine waste piles are extensive.
Location #5: Keokuk Geodes General description: The Warsaw formation of Iowa, Illinois, and northeast Missouri has yielding immense amounts of geodes with as many as 30 different minerals. The most common minerals are quartz and calcite. How to get there: . The streams and rivers around St Franceville and Fox Missouri have exposed geodes. The well know Betty Sheffler's Rock Shop and Mine is being closed due to highway cnstruction http://www.ruralmissouri.org/02pages/Feb02geodes.html http://www.geodegallery.com/keokuk.html Handy to bring along: .Shovel 2.Hand tools. Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not break the Geodes with a hammer. Many a valuable stone has been destroyed by an over zealous rockhound.
NY
Location #1: Middleville N.Y. Rt.28 (the herkimer diamond mine and the ace of diamonds mine) for a fee you can prospect and keep all you find. The mines also have tool rental ,rock shop and snacks. Handy to bring along: 1.water 2.gloves and hat 3.first aid
Location #2: Barton Garnet Mine
General description: Mining operations began in 1878 in one of largest garnet mines in the world. Garnet is the New York gemstone and garnets can easily be found at this site. Gore mountain is known for producing very large garnets industrial, some a foot in diameter or larger. How to get there:From I 87 take Exit 23 to Route 9 through Warrensburg. Left on Route 28 for Approximately 21 miles to the old North River General Store (now a rafting company). Left on paved Barton Mines Road for 5 miles to Garnet Mine http://www.garnetminetours.com/shop.html Grade this location: (A to F): A Geology of Gore Moutain: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments
SEM/pages/Erica/SEM.html Handy to bring along: 1. Hat 2. Collecting bag 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The mine is handicapped accessible. There are a number of other activities for the family.
Location #3: Powers Farm General description: The Powers farm has been a source of black uvite tourmaline for over one hundred years. How to get there:
Take HWY 68 east from canton New York. Powers farm is at the intersection of HWY 68 and county road 24.
Grade this location: (A to F): A Handy to bring along: 1. Shovel 2. Pick 3. Rock bag or bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be obtained to collect at this site. Examples of the specimens can be seen at:
http://www.geologicdesires.com/newyorkstateselfcollectedspecimens.htm
NC
Location #1: Chunky Gal Mountain
General description: Chunky Gal Mountain and Buck Creek is a must stop on a treasure hunt to North Carolina. Red and pink rubies are found in a green host rock (smaragdite). A prospector can choose to mine the matrix material or shift the dirt around the boulders. The clear cold waters of Buck Creek at the base of Chunky Gal Mountain holds bright red almandine garnets. Also there a specimens of spinel, rutile and other peridotite minerals. How to get there: The site is just off HWY 64 in Clay County between Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina. Going east from Hayseville on HWY 64 look for old HWY 64 about a two miles past Shooting Creek. The old highway is the best landmark because it still has some asphalt paving. Turn left on a steep gravel forest road where the old and new highways meet. The site is about a mile up the mountain. Parking is available at the site. The old road parallels the new and leads to Buck Creek Road.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: 35 04.792 N 083 37.656W Chunky Gal 35 05.019 N 083 36.759 W Buck Creek Garnet
Handy to bring along: 1. Shifting screens 2. Small sledge hammer 3. Pry bars 4. Gloves 5. Safety Glasses Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is in the Nantahala National Forest. In order to keep this site open; the rules of conservation must be followed. Leave the site better than you found it. Carry your trash out and be careful with fire.
location #2: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
General description: The Mason Mine is a personal favorite. There is absolutely no salting. Mason is one of the few mines that you can dig your own dirt. Last July a 40 carat pink sapphire was found. If you stay long enough you will find gems. How to get there:6961 Upper Burningtown Road Franklin, North Carolina http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/ Handy to bring along: 1. Latex lined gloves to keep your hands warm while washing the mine run 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There are snacks and drinks available at the mine.
Location #3: Gold regions of North Carolina
General description: North Carolina has historically produced more gold than any other state in the south east. From the early 1800s gold has been prospected and mined in North Carolina. The Reynolds mine in Montgomery County was owned by a distant ancestor of mine. How to get there: The following link is to the North Carolina Geological Survey Gold Pages. http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us Handy to bring along: 1. Gold pan 2. Digging tools 3. Depending on your commitment much more productive equipment can be brought along Helpful notes to newcomers: Join the GPAA to find the best sites and meet people with a common interest - YELLOW GOLD!! http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/gpaa.html
Location #4: Emerald Mines
General description: As Kirsten found out North Carolina is emerald country. North Carolina has supplied the largest and most valuable emeralds in the nation.No wonder that in 1973 the emerald was designated the state precious gemstone. How to get there: Hiddenite North Carolina is east of Taylorsville on HWY 90.Ed Speer, a North Carolina Geologist, has an excellent web site on emerald mines of North Carolina: http://www.northcarolinaemeralds.info/ One of the best mines is the Emerald Hollow Mine http://www.hiddenitegems.com/
Handy to bring along: 1. Screens 2.Tools for digging - shovel & pick 3.Gloves 4. Probe Helpful notes to newcomers: Emeralds are crystals of of the mineral beryl. You might find a rare crystal of green Hiddenite. Don't discard it Read Kristen 's report: http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Emeralds.show?vgnextfmt=show
location #5: Franklin North Carolina
General description: The Gem Capital of North Carolina. It is a regular vacation spot for my family and me. There is always something new to see and do; the mountains, the rivers, the prospecting. My wife will shop till we drop at the gem shows. Some of the best gem, mineral, and fossil shows in the east are held in Franklin. How to get there: Franklin is in western North Carolina just south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on HWY 64.The following link gives information about Franklin including mines in the area , the museum and a calender of events. http://www.franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/gemMining.asp http://pakasdollmaker.com/gemmining.html
Handy to bring along: 1. Prospecting Tools - pick, shovel, rock hammer, pry bar 2. Hiking shoes 3. Safety equipment - safety glasses, first aid kit 4. Screens, pans Helpful notes to newcomers: This part of the God's creation will capture your heart. You will be back. Plan - but don't over plan your trip, let the county lead your where it will. You will find surprises at every turn.
Location #6 : Sheffield Mine
General Description: Lots of mud washing, gravel inspecting, gem finding fun for the whole family. I hope you will find some big honker rubies and sapphires. How to get there: 385 Sheffield Farms Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 http://www.sheffieldmine.com/ Handy to bring along:
1. a change of clothes 2. Helpful notes to newcomers: Ask for advise. The owners will more than willing to help identify the treasures
Location #7 : Cherokee Ruby Mine
General Description: A completely unsalted native mine in Franklin, N.C., where some of the best rubies in the region (in North America, for that matter) are to be found. The "Cherokee Chief," a huge 1070 ct. gem quality ruby, was found here in 1993. Sapphires, garnet, moonstone, rutile, and even the occasional Indian artifact (pottery and arrowheads) may be found here as well. Great place, with very friendly and helpful staff. http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/ How to get there: Click here for directions From Franklin: Business Hwy 441 North, to Hwy 28-North, located near the center of town. Follow 28N until passing Cowee Baptist Church on your right.Merge right, on Cowee Creek Road just ahead. Follow Cowee Creek Rd. until it becomes Ruby Mine Road by staying right at any fork-in the road.
Stay on Ruby Mind Rd to the mine entrance, on the left. Approximate drive time from Franklin is 25-30 minutes. handy to bring along:
1. Gloves-- not needed, but some will find them helpful 2. Lunch/Snacks 3. Cash only, so bring it to pay. Helpful notes to newcomers: The staff are really the most wonderful people in the world, and will be able to provide newbies with any help needed, and will also look through your tailings to be sure that you do not miss anything. Drinks are available for sale, and there are umbrellas for rent, but bring your lunch.
Location #8: Bearfoot Gold
Family owned and opererated recreational prospecting camp that offers a unique experience for Families regardless of your skill level or preferred method of prospecting How to get there: Http://www.bearfootgold.com Located on a historic lode mine, the possibility of
finding an old treasure from mine itself is there for everyone. The location of the old miners camp and homestead produces bottles, keys, and even some coins on occasion, including two Morgan dollars found near the mine itself. Even older treasure in the form of arrowheads is a fairly common occurence! Rockhounds will be excited to find some of the minerals that the area is known for: quartz and amethyst crystals, garnets, fluorite, and others can be found by the lucky collector. handy to bring along: 1.Gold pan , digging tools 2.unlike alot of other places They incourage dredging and high banking 3.Food,drinks and snacks Bearfoot offers primitive camping for tents and pop-ups, There is RV camping in Carthage and Days Inn in Biscoe both only 15 minutes away
Oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is: http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636 Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates: E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W., Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho Handy to bring along: 1.Buckets or Back pack 2.Shovel and pick 3.Rock Hammer 4. Pry bar 4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones. If you can not find gemstones in this area you should find a new hobby.
Location #2: Spectrum Mine - featured on Cash & Treasures General description: Oregon Sunstone became the state gemstone in 1987. The gems are a plagioclase feldspar formed in basalt lava flows that cover much of southeast Oregon. The Spectrum mine in part of 40 mining claims operated by High Desert Gems & Minerals. Spectrum mine is open to the public for a daily fee. The mine was once owned by Tiffany's of New York. How to get there: The following link gives detailed directions to the mine: http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com/index.htm The mine is 23 miles from Plush, Oregon.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates: Latitude: 42 25 11.84 N; Longitude: 119 54 34.25 W Handy to bring along: 1.1/4 " mesh screens 2.Hammer & chisel 3.Rock pick 4. Buckets 5. Plastic bags Helpful notes to newcomers: Primitive camping is available at the site but there are no RV hook ups. However, there are a number of camping sites and RV pull overs. Well water is available. Becky Worley found a Sunstone valued at between $5000 - $6000. Read all about it!
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Sunstones_-_Becky.show?vgnextfmt=show
#3: Richardson' Rock Ranch General description: The Richardson's have a variety Thunderegg and ledge agate. The list of digging sites includes:Pony Butte, Blue Bed, Red Bed,Moss bed, Flat Bed, and Opal Bed. The different sites are from easy digging to expert digging. Even if you don't dig the rockshop is worth visiting. How to get there: Take HWY 75 North from Madras untill you come to mile post 81. You will see the Richardson sign. Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. The following link gives the information on the site: http://richardsonrockranch.com/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N 44 43.956 W 120 58.564 Handy to bring along: 1.Pick 2.Bucket 3.Rock hammer
4. Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: The fee is based upon the weight of the material collected. The current price is $0.75 per pound.
location #4: Oregon Beaches - especially around Newport
General description: The beaches of Oregon are littered with a sampling of the amazing rocks and minerals of Oregon. Agates are the prize that most rockhounds go after; however colorful jaspers and even bloodstones are found. Since the gravels and cobbles are a mixture of Oregon rocks, keep an eye out for petrified wood and marine fossils. The best part is that it is free. For more information:
http://4facets.com/polished_AccentStones.html How to get there: Newport is at the intersection of HWY 101 and HWY 20. The Oregon coast is a treasure in and of itself. I have included links to area attractions and places to stay or eat. http://www.aquarium.org/
http://www.newportoregon.com/ http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Hand tool 3.Sun screen Helpful notes to newcomers: The Oregon waves can be impressive, so be careful when collecting near the surf. Keep an eye on the breakers especially with young children around.The smaller stones are ideal for a tumbler, however, you might find a fist size keeper.
Location #5: White Fir Spring
General description: Oregon thunderegg site courtesy of the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. The thundereggs contain jasper or agate cores in a diamond shaped center. How to get there: drive east out of Prineville on HWY 26 to mile post 41and turn left on 3359. Drive approximately 5.5 miles until you reach the sign : Chamber of Commerce Claim. You made it to the jasper site. For the agate filled site turn right before the sign. Handy to bring along: .Small Pick .Shovel .Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Thundereggs have been collected for years don't expect surface float. It will require some elbow grease to recover the thundereggs,
Location #6: Glass Buttes
General description: Glass Butte is one of the best sites anywhere to collect Obsidian. Technically Obsidian is not a mineral but occurs when Basalt cools quickly forming a volcanic glass. Several types of Obsidian are found at Glass Butte including black, silver sheen, mahogany,fire etc, How to get there: ten miles southeast of Hampton on HWY 20, turn south on Obsidian Road. Follow this road until the roads tees. Your are at Glass Butte ww.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/rockhounding Handy to bring along: .Gloves .Rock Hammer
3. safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:obsidian can be very sharp. Be careful when handling broken shards.
location #7: Madras - Jefferson County
General description: Several sites are in the area including: McDonald Ranch, Marston Ranch, Nartz Ranch, Friend Ranch, Ochs Ranch, and the Richardson's Recreation Ranch. The McDonald Ranch was featured on "Cash and Treasures". The sites are known for petrified wood, thundereggs, and agates. All these sites have great collecting materials. How to get there: The Richardson's Rock ranch is featured in Location #3. The McDonald Ranch is by appointment only:
McDonalds Ranch
Ashwood, Oregon
Phone: (541) 489-3290
The following link gives information on the
sites in the area:
http://www.madraschamber.com/rockhounding.cfm
Grade this location: A GPS Coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Pick
2.Shovel
3.Buckets
4.Rock Hammer
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are a number of sites in the area, and I have included a link for lodging and food.
http://www.madraschamber.com/
Kristen's report on Oregon Petrified Wood
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Petrified_Wood_Blog.show?vgnextfmt=show
Location #8: Dust Devil Mine - Sunstones
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Dust Devil Mining operates a mine for sunstones, but is open to the public from gem hunting. Lots of good gems are found here each year, including some very spectacular finds. How to get there:North out of Plush, Oregon to the Rabbit Hills Basin. The site is near to the Spectrum mine noted above.
Grade this location: (A to F):A - you only pay for the best sunstones you find and the rest are free. GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Screens and digging tools.
2. All necessary water, food and other supplies
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Many beautiful gems come from this location. For more info on Oregon sunstones, check out the following website:
Oregon Sunstones
Alabama Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
ALABAMA Gold Prospecting Map- 140 gold sites - One hundred forty Alabama gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in seven counties. Gold mining in Alabama began in the 1830's and the hobby of recreational gold prospecting and panning is enjoyed by many people today. A geological report states: “The Hilton Brothers reopened the pit. They succeeded in obtaining 65 ounces of gold from a hole 3 feet by 2 feet by 20 inches; the result of half a day’s work.”
Gold sites continue to the east on the Georgia map.
To read more about gold in Alabama
Town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to
take the rugged road up Mt. Antero. High danger of lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
Be respectful of private claims. : Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Scre
SackMore Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
fire opals:
Klamath Falls, OR Lake County
Tips for finding it:Pay at the fee dig.
Georgia Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
GEORGIA Gold Prospecting Map- 500 gold sites - Five hundred Georgia gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in 37 counties extending from south of Atlanta to the North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama state lines. Georgia is a wonderful state for gold prospecting, gold panning, treasure hunting and rockhounding. There was a major gold rush in 1828 at Dahlonega. Vice President John C. Calhoun mined gold at Auraria, Georgia. Villa Rica, west of Atlanta, and just off of Interstate 20, is another Georgia gold rush town. It is known as “The Golden City”.
Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum. It has displays of Georgia gold nuggets and gold coins minted at Dahlonega, plus a film and lectures about Georgia gold (706-864-2257). The Consolidated Gold Mine at Dahlonega is open to visitors and gold panning may be done there. You will also enjoy panning for gold and gemstones at "Gold 'n Gem Grubbin" at Cleveland, Georgia.
Gold sites continue to the north on the North Carolina gold map, to the east on the South Carolina gold map and to the west on the Alabama gold map.
To read more about gold in Georgia
oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains
General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.
Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is:
http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636
Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates:
E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W.,
Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets or Back pack
2.Shovel and pick
3.Rock Hammer
4. Pry bar
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones.
PA:
Location #1: Swatara State Park
General description: Fossil beds are exposed along the Old State Road and provides a variety of Devonian age (375 million years ago) marine fossils. The fossils can be incredible. Pennsylvania even has a state fossil, the trilobite.
How to get there:
Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, 14 miles north of Lebanon and three miles west of Pine Grove. The park is easily reached from I-81: at Exit 90, Lickdale, take PA 72 north; at Exit 100, take PA 443 west.http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/swatara.aspx
Handy to bring along:
1. Collecting bag
2. Small hand tools
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The park is not developed but does offer numerous activities including fishing, hiking/biking trails. hunting and boating.
location 2: Tamaqua Elementary School, Tamaqua, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania 18252
genaral description : you have to go up the hill to the soccer/football feild then go up anoughter hill the the crystal area if you go to the top of the big hill/small mountain you can find slate slice them on the side to find fossils basicly there you find crystals and fossils also some time s you can find coal but rarely tools to bring: gloves, a bucket or back pack and something to dig/move around gravel and dirt pre pare for steep climbs look for orangish dirt that means big good crystals
RI:
Location #1:Diamond Hill
General description: At the mines at Diamond Hill, large plates of quartz crystals with small amounts of geothite and hematite can be found. The quartz crystals here are usually stained with rust. On way up old ski slope, take path to right. Rocks dumped down side of hill to build ski lifts contain Quartz crystals.
How to get there:
Providence, Rhode Isl
1. Head southeast on Dorrance St toward Westminster St 0.2 mi
2. Slight right to merge onto I-195 W/US-6 W 0.3 mi
3. Take the exit onto I-95 N/US-6 W toward Boston
Continue to follow I-95 N 1.3 mi
4. Slight right at RI-146 N (signs for Woonsocket/RI-146 N) 7.8 mi
5. Take the exit onto I-295 N toward Boston MA. 4.0 mi
6. Take exit 11 for RI-114 N toward Cumberland 0.2 mi
7. Turn left at Diamond Hill Rd/RI-114 2.7 mi
Diamond HillCumberland, Rhode Island Grade this location: (A to F):B
Handy to bring along:
1.hammers and a hand pick
2.chisels and safety gear
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Small vugs of quartz crystals can be found in very large quartz boulders.
sapphires
Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields | Pat's Gems
GPS: Latitude: -23.417170, Longitude: 147.698425; S23°25.0302, E147°41.9055
Where: Rubyvale Road, Sapphire, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 07 4985 4544
email: [email protected]
website: Pat's Gems Toolkit ,Jackhammer ,Trommel ,Screen,Wheelbarrow,Rockhammer ,Shovel
More About Sapphire Mining
Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. The finest specimens are mined in Sri Lanka and the disputed territory of Kashmir. Both the Logan sapphire and the Star of Bombay originate from Sri Lankan mines. Sapphires are also mined in Australia, Madagascar, Thailand, and Myramar. Madagascar leads the world in sapphire production (as of 2007) specifically in and around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as of 1987). Ilakaka is prone to violence, but sapphires are found everywhere including on the ground and in the river mud. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tanzania and Kenya also produce sapphires. The US state of Montana has produced sapphires from both the El Dorado Bar and Spokane Bar deposit near Helena. Well-known for their intense, pure blue color, yogo sapphires are found in Yogo Gulch, near Utica, Montana. Gem grade sapphires and rubies are also found in and around Franklin, North Carolina, USA. Several mines are open to the public.
Appraisal Information Get your sapphires appraised at The Rubyvale Gem Gallery. The Gallery is located on 7 Keilamete Road in Rubyvale, Queensland, 4702, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
email: [email protected]
You can also contact Don at Gillett's Jewellers or email him at [email protected].
SC:
Location #1: Diamond Hill Quartz Property
General description: The state gem stone is amethyst. Diamond Hill is an excellent site to collect this rich purple gem. Skeletal crystals , smokey quartz, cacoxenite on quartz and other minerals are found at at the big pit. How to get there:
The following site gives contact information to collect at the site for a fee:
http://www.gamineral.org/commercial-diamondhill.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Pick
3. Bucket
4. Rock hammer
5. Safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:
Diamond Hill is one of the better sites in South Caroline. On the web site, there is a page to apply to collect.
location #2: Lee Creek
General description: The mine itself is an open-pit phosphate mine on the south shore of the Pamlico River which exposes: Pungo River Marl (Lower Miocene), Yorktown ( Early Pliocene), Chowan River (Late Pliocene) and James City (Pleistocene) Formations Fossils are collected at the mine or from tailings used by local highway departments as road fill. Sharks, rays, boney fish, corals, clams and many other fossils.
Ref: http://www.elasmo.com/ How to get there:
The PCS Phosphate mine is private. However, they welcome fossil hunters. Each season, the mine allows clubs and individuals that apply for collecting slots to enter the mine. The mine simply asks that hunters only come in once a season, to give other hunters a fair chance to obtain slotsSee the folowing link to reserve a slot: http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/l_creek/
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Screens
3.Hand pick
5. Bucket
6. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Visit the Auora Fossil Museum to see fossils from the area:.
400 MAIN STREET; P.O. BOX 352; AURORA, NC 27806-0352
TELEPHONE: (252)322-4238 FAX: (252) 322-2220
SD:
Location #1:
Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
Camping is available at the French Creek Camp Ground. Do not expect the Waldorf. It is nice camping but somewhat primitive. General description:
The area around Fairburn is known for for the South Dakota state Gemstone: Fairburn Agate. The French Creek Campground is a collecting site for Fairburn Agate as well as Prairie Agate, Petrified Wood and other gemstones.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/units/frrd/bgng.html How to get there:
Drive south from Rapid City on HWY 79 to Fairburn SD. Turn east on CR 18 toward Red Shirt. The site is at the camp grounds. Hills of gravel contain the gems. Prairie agate and petrified wood are much more common.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Water & Food. This place is in the boondocks
2.Hand tools
3.Shovel
4. Good hiking shoes
5. GPS Helpful notes to newcomers: Look for parallel tight banding. Prairie agate does not have the parallel banding.Prairie agate is a beautiful agate when the right one is found. fairburn will have several different colors of concentric bands.
Location #2: Two Hearts Ranch http://www.twoheartbuffalohunt.com/
General description: Jerry & Bev Austin own a piece of heaven on the Cheyenne River near Fairburn SD. They own a hunting lodge that can be rented by the week. During the off season for hunting rockhounds are welcome. It is one of my favorite places to spend a week. Jerry and Bev are great hosts and the gemstone finds are really something to write home about. How to get there: Two Hearts Ranch is located just a few miles from the Fairburn agate site at French Creek Camping Area.(see above) The pickings are better at Two Hearts and the facilities are far better. In the cool of the morning you can set on the front porch drinking coffee and watch the deer and the antelope play.
The movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed in this part of South Dakota.
Grade this location: (A to F): A One of the best GPS coordinates:
43.686749, -103.208206
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools for collecting
2. Bucket for putting the goodies in
3. Food for the week. The cabin has full cooking facilities.
4. Fishing tackle - It has nothing to do with treasures but it is a lot of fun.
5. Binoculars for viewing the wild life
6. Desire to get away from it all and really relax Helpful notes to newcomers: The River has carried a wide variety of gemstones, minerals, marine fossils and petrified wood down from the Black Hills. Long gravel bars are easy pickings. Be sure to high grade and leave some goodies for the next person. To the Lakota the Black Hills are sacred
and now I know why.
Location #3:
Homestake Gold Mine
General description: Tour the largest Gold mine in North America and do some panning.
http://www.mining-museum.blackhills.com/contact.html How to get there: The Homestake Mine is located at Lead, Deadwood - South Dakota
Grade this location: (A to F): A for a tour of the history of Gold mining and a look into a Wild West Boom town Handy to bring along:
1.Good walking shoes
2.Camera
3.Comfortable clothing Helpful notes to newcomers: The tour is about 40 minutes and the surrounding area has many attractions including one of the Wild West's most historic towns (Deadwood).
Location #4: TEE PEE CANYON AGATE SITE
general description: Tee Pee Canyon is a banded agate enclosed in a chert matrix. Roger Clark's book "Fairburn Agate" maintains that the Hill's Agate and the Fairburn Agate are from the same source. The Fairburns are eroded out of a sedimentary matrix. How to get there: Tee Pee canyon is just west of Jewel Cave National Park on HWY 16. Drive about 3 miles west of the Park's western entrance. I usually turn north on FDR282 and drive a mile or two and search the slopes. There is a Ranger Station about a mile farther on HWY 16. Check at the station for local forest conditions and rock hunting regulations. The Agate is in inside of nodules of a tan chert.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/
Handy to bring along:
1.Hiking Boots
2.Water
3.Hand tools
4. Rock Hammer - you must high-grade but do not destroy the agate by shattering it with a hammer. Be sure to wear safety glasses if you hit a rock with a hammer. Helpful notes to newcomers: Please be very, very careful with fire. The Hills are in drought conditions and are a tinderbox. Do not park in deep grass as the conventer is hot and could start a fire. The authorities won't over look carelessness with fire. Don't start campfires other than in designated camping areas and if you smoke carefully dispose of cigarette buts. I don't mean to preach but the Black Hills are the real Treasure and we are the stewards of the land.
Location #5: Road Cut
General description: The road cut has a metamorphic schist and glassy-gray quartz, pink feldspar, silvery micas, and shiny black tourmaline. How to get there: From Custer SD drive west on HWY 16 toward Jewel Cave National Park. The road cut is on the right about 2 miles from Custer. Be sure to see Jewel Cave and the beauty of the Black Hills from underground.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+
Handy to bring along:
1. Only small amounts of mineral specimens can be taken from South Dakota roadways and only after notifying the nearest highway department office. ( see web page)
2. http://www.northern.edu/natsource/EARTH/Fairbu1.htm
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: This site is an educational stop to learn about the unique mineralogy of the Black Hills. I have collected some very nice specimens fom this site.
vaca spots of rock hunting
Name of Destination: Crater of Diamonds State Park
What you can hunt for: diamonds (natch)
Phone: (870) 285-3113 / http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/diamond-hunting/ Nearest city or town: Murfreesboro, Ark.
Chances of finding anything?:
Low, but it's fun.
Name of Destination: Rocky Candy Mine
What you can hunt for: Crystals of Fluorite, Barite, and quartz geodes
Phone/website: (250) 442 2833 / www.rockcandymine.com
Nearest city or town: Grand Forks, BC Canada
Chances of finding anything?: 100% of visitors find pretty fluorite pieces, they are all over,
you just hammer them out with the hammers provided. Most people find the small quartz geodes, you have to
be lucky to find barite
Name of Destination: Crystal Mine
What you can hunt for: Quartz & pyrite crystals, copper minerals.
Phone/website: www.geologyadventures.com
Nearest city or town: Seattle, WA
Chances of finding anything: You'll find dozens of pretty
crystals in a 4 hour trip. Name of Destination: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
What you can hunt for: Mostly sapphires in the lavender to pink color range, but rubies
and other stones may also be found.
Phone/website: http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/
Name of Destination: Richardson's Rock Ranch
What you can hunt for: Thunder Eggs, Jasper
Phone/website: www.richardsonrockranch.com
Nearest city or town: Madras, OR
Chances of finding anything?: 100% Name of Destination: U-Dig Fossils
What you can hunt for: Trilobites
Phone/website: www.u-digfossils.com
Nearest city or town: Delta, Utah
Chances of finding anything?: 100% I love this place!
Name of Destination: StoneRose Fossil Center
What you can hunt for: Eocene plant, insect, & fish fossils
Phone/website: www.stonerosefossils.org
Nearest city or town: Republic, WA
Chances of finding anything?: Very good, fossils, particularly plants,
are abundant. The center allows visitors to keep 3 fossils per day, if you discover more,
they are donated to the centers non-profit programs. A low-cost family destination. Name of Destination:
Saddle Mountain
What you can hunt for: Petrified Wood
Phone/website: N/A
Nearest city or town: Mattawa, Wa
Chances of finding anything?:100% Good digging and surface hunting in tailings
Name of Destination: Opal Hill Mine
What you can hunt for: Fire agate
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100%, this site is a winter site ONLY. We are already
over 110 degrees
For lots more vacation ideas check out this blog.
www.myoutdoorchannel.com/cswiita
Name of Destination: The Middle Camp Mining district
What you can hunt for: GOLD
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100 %
Name of Destination: Jalama Beach
What you can hunt for: Rootbeer agate, fossils
Phone/website: www.jalamabeachstore.com
Nearest city or town: Lompoc
Chances of finding anything?:100% Name of Destination: Cherokee Ruby Mine
What you can hunt for: Rubies, sapphires, garnet, rutile, moonstone, and more.
Phone/website: http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/
Nearest city or town: Franklin, N.C.
Chances of finding anything?: Very good. The staff is just wonderful
and will provide plenty of help in your search. Because this mine is completely
native and unlike most other Franklin mines, NEVER salted, you won't find as much
as with the salted places, but what you find may be of very high quality
agates
Agate Diving/Copper Harbor
GPS: Latitude: 47° 27' 30.4884" Longitude: -88° 9' 43.8948"
Where: Agate diving near Eagle Harbor, MI
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Superior Divers Center
Cost: Agateering Class Fee = $40
Additional dives available,
cost varies
Private Farm Fields
Where: Five to six hours south of Duluth, MN Toolkit
Scuba Gear
Container for "finds"
How-To Guide
Agate hunters are advised to take a basic non-certification course on agateering. A two-hour class, offered in Copper Harbor, MI, covers the identification and location of these precious gemstones. This is a one-tank dive (air furnished). Recommended reading for treasure hunters includes "Lake Superior Agate: One Man's Journey" by Scott Wolter.
Learn More!
More on Agates
Know other places to hunt for Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Enjoy the Moose Lake Agate Festival and have your collection of agates appraised.
alaska
Location #1: Moore Creek Alaska
This historic gold mine still produces some big nuggets for those who visit. Its a private property, but they allow visitors for a free. Visitors keep all the gold they find. For More info, see:
Moore Creek Pay To Mine
General description: How to get there:You have to fly from Anchorage to Mc Grath, then via bush pilot by plane to the Moore Creek Mine. This beautiful remote part of Alaska, with no roads, is quite an adventure.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Metal Detector
2. Yourown camping gear
3. The mine provides all food and other mining equipment. Helpful notes to newcomers:
See my story of my visitot the mine and the gold I found at:
Alaskan Gold Prospecting Adventure
Location #2: Nome
Many folks prospect the historic beach area and find gold there.
General description: How to get there: By plane or barge - there are no roads
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Helpful notes to newcomers:
History and information about Nome:
Digging Gold at Nome, Alaska
austrillia
Australia's Golden Triangle
GPS: Latitude: -36.593021, Longitude: 143.924637; S36°35.58126, E143°55.47822
Where: Victoria, Australia
Address: 19 Hayes Street, Bendigo
Victoria 3550, Australia
Phone: (61) 04 2902 4834
email: [email protected]
website: Golden Triangle Tours
Toolkit
Metal detector
Headphones
Gold pan
Pick
Plastic scoop
Bucket/sieve
Rake
Golden Triangle Packages
Golden Triangle Tours offer a number of different service. They have four main packages. The Three-Hour Tuition package is suited to someone who may have just purchased a metal detector and wants to learn the ins and out and best methods when using it. The Half-Day Tour are as the name suggest are half day tour. They combine all the intense tuition of the three hour package as well providing morning tea, lunch, and more time for detecting. The Full-Day Tour are tours that provide a full day of prospecting as well as meals. The package is limited to only two customers per tour per day so you really do experience totally intense tuition. The final service offered is the Overnight Tour. These can also include multiple days to suit your needs. This tour is truly the deluxe of all tours offered anywhere in the Australian Goldfields.
Learn More!
More on Aussie Gold
Know other places to hunt for gold Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Get your gold appraised at
The Mining Exchange Gold Shop. The address is 8a Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, 3350
Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
brazil
Location Information
Rio Doce Information
GPS: Latitude: -18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: Southeastern Brazil
Phone: (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected]
Chang Express
This travel agent and tour guide company will offer tours and recreational tailing pile digs for Rio Doce and Jaco Mines. Visit their website for more information. Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Mine information
Need more info? Check out the Rio Doce Gem Mine website. This is the site for Jerry Call's sister mine in North Carolina. Information will be available about the Brazilian mine. It does not have its own website, but Jerry owns both and can provide info on each.
Learn More!
More on Brazilian Bling
Know other places to hunt for Brazilian Bling? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
For more information on appraising your finds, visit H. Stern Jewelers, located on Rua Garcia D'Avila 113 in Ipanema, Rio. Call Christian Hallot at 55-11-2106-0001 or 55-11-3865-5583 or 55-11-8188-5900. His email address is [email protected] or visit the website.
Jaco Mine Info
GPS: Latitude: 18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: State of Minas Gerais in Brazil
Phone: Jerry Call (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected] Toolkit Shovel
Screen
Sack
More Rio Doce Gem Mine information
Treasure hunters can call Jerry Call from Easter through the end of October. During all other times, people can write to him at his email address listed above.Wondering how you'll haul all the dirt to find those gems? There is a $100 fee per wheelbarrow. Each additional wheelbarrow may be discounted, but it's safe to say that the price starts at $100 and goes up. So be prepared.Learn More!
More on Aquamarine Know other places to hunt for Aquamarine? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationFor more information on appraising your finds, contact Tergemas Ind. Exp Ltd at [email protected].
You can also head to the Amsterdam Sauer Museum located on Rua Garcia D'Avila, 105, Ipanema, Rio 22421-010. The phone number is 55-21-2512-1132 or 55-21-2239-8045. You can also visit their website.
canada
Rock Candy Mine
GPS: Latitude: 49.032370, Longitude: -118.443264; N49°1.9422, W118°26.59584
Where: Grand Forks, British Columbia
Phone: (250) 442-2833
Website: Rock Candy Mine
Email: [email protected]
Advanced Booking Recommended Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Safety Goggles
Chisel
For Rock Candy Hunters:
Collect all you can carry in one load. Rock Candy Mine provides hammers and safety goggles. If you would like to use a chisel, you can bring one. Chisel use is not recommended for kids under 10; hammers can't distinguish between chisels and fingers.
The mine also offers the Rock Candy Safari, an introduction to Rock Candy's colorful minerals and mining history. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect green fluorite, banded purple fluorite, sparkling quartz and barite crystals.
Learn More!
More on Rock Candy
Know other places to hunt for rock candy? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Glen Saurdiff at Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent, WA, gives Kirsten and the crew an appraisal of their finds and helps transform their rock candy into jewelry. For more information, visit Jerry's Rock and Gem website.
british Columbia
TREASURE HUNTING IN [PROVENCE, CITY, REGION]
Add what you know about this area to create a handy guide for other treasure hunters. Click EasyEdit to add to this page!
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What this area is known for:
1. Jade, agates, fluorite/barite/quartz crystals, gold panning, fossils.
2. Sapphires, iolite, smoky quartz, aquamarine in the Slocan valley.
4. Biggest finds in this area:
1. Canada's finest barite crystals are found at Rock Candy Mountain
2. Good jade and agate hunting in the lower Frasier valley
3. Fun fossil sites near Harrison Lake
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. Club name, contact info.
Best time of year to go: year round on the Frasier, better in the wet months. Summer for the higher places Other helpful resources:
(newspapers, websites, etc)
1.www.rockcandymine.com
Have a question about treasure hunting or geocaching in this region?
Post a comment for fellow treasure hunters below!THE BEST PLACES TO HUNT
Regions can have multiple good spots to go — add details to build a complete guide.
Location #1:
Rock Candy Mountain, Grand Forks (Boundary area)
General description: Historic fluorite mine converted to family-friendly collecting site. How to get there: Join a guided Safari trip, run by the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. Trips run several days/week in spring/summer. Serious mineral collectors prefer more expensive Vugs trips, where a fresh vug will await each collector.
www.rockcandymine.com
Handy to bring along:
1. Closed toe shoes (rocks are sharp!)
2. Collecting bag (plastic grocery bags will not work (rocks are sharp!)
3. Sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Helpful notes to newcomers: Fluorite occurs here in green and purple. To assess gem quality, dip pieces in water and hold toward the sky ... choose fracture-free pieces.
Location #2: Frasier River beaches and gravel bars
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Jade and agates are found, particularly in spring. How to get there: Anywhere along the lower river valley, good access exists near Harrison, Hope, and Yale.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Boots
Location #3:
McAbee Fossil site
General description: Plant, insect, and fish fossils, open to the public spring/summer/fall How to get there: 8 k west of Cache Creek
info at www.dll-fossils.com
Handy to bring along:
1. magnifier
2. sharp, flat chisel
3. Sunscreen & hat
Helpful notes to newcomers: splitting pieces of shale in the huge piles below the road is often as fruitful as working in the bank.
Nova Scotia
What this area is known for:
1.Zeolites and calcite
2.Agates and jasper
3.Amethyst and quartz
4.copper and many other minerals
5.Fossils Biggest finds in this area:
1.Pockets of Zeolite minerals (Natrolite, Stilbite) in the coastal ledges of various spots in Nova Scotia.
2.Amethyst, quartz, and chalcedony geodes
3.Dinosaur bones in Wasson's Bluff
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. http://www.accesswave.ca/~nsm
Location #1:Wasson's Bluff
General description:Wasson's Bluff is located in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Recently, Dinosaur bones were discovered in the sandstone ledges, preventing mineral collecting. Beautiful orange chabazite crystals can be seen at the lower portion of the ledge.
Location #2: Bramber Shore
How to get there:
Take Exit 5 (Newport) off 101, through Newport Station and left onto 215 (Glooscap Trail along Minas Basin). Drive to shore along left access roads from Cheverie to Bramber. Hike along shore for unusual rock formations and fossil hunting.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock Bag
2.Rock Hammer
3.Hand Tools (my favorite is a hand awl) Helpful notes to newcomers:
Please watch tides!
Location #3: Cape D Or Lightgeneral description: Cape d'Or was once the site of a copper mining operation and you can still find traces of copper in the rocks along the shoreline. How to get there:
Follow Hwy 102 from Halifax to Truro, exiting left (exit #15) onto Hwy 104 towards New Brunswick. Exit right onto Glenholme Loop, then turn right onto old highway. Follow a short distance and exit left on Hwy 2 towards Parrsboro. Turn right in Parrsboro and follow road out of town, then exit left onto 209. Follow route 209 towards Advocate Harbour, and exit left onto dirt road at signs for Cape d'OrExplore trails overlooking lighthouse; then walk down road to lighthouse area. http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Joggins Fossil Cliffs
general description: Follow road through town of Joggins, turning right on unpaved road towards shore. Park in lot at left and walk to shore. Follow shoreline and look for petrified trees in cliffs, or search for fossils along the beach. Look for coal mine shafts in the cliffs (long since collapsed), identified by red groundwater (rust) and old rails poking out of ground. A visit to Joggins is not complete without a stop at the Fossil Interpretation Centre to view the extensive fossil display gathered over many years by a local collector. How to get there:
There are two suggested routes to reach Joggins:From Parrsboro, follow Highway 2 north; keep left through "Boar's Back" area of Chignecto Game Sanctuary towards River Hebert and follow signage to Joggins.
Follow Highway 102 to Truro, and exit left on Highway 104 towards Amherst. Turn off at Exit #4 and follow road south through Upper Nappan, keeping right. Turn right onto Highway 302 south through Nappan and exit right onto Highway 242 towards River Hebert and Joggins.
http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand Tools Helpful notes to newcomers:
Be sure to visit the Joggins Fossil Center:
http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/
Location #5: Truro to Parrsboro
General description: Amethysts, quartz and other semi- precious stones can be found along its shores. Headlands and fields reveal fossils of animals that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Fossilized tree trunks stand high on cliff faces for all to see. Blueberries reign supreme. The brigantine Mary Celeste was built on its shore. How to get there:
You'll be driving Highway #2 which follows the shore of the Cobequid Bay and the Minas Channel. A popular diversion is Highway #209 that meets with Highway #2 at Parrsboro. #209 swings past Port Greville, Spencer's Island, Cape d'Or and Advocate Harbour. When leaving Truro, it's important to remember to drive across the bridge and to always keep Cobequid Bay on your left-hand side!http://www.mestern.net/canada/novascotia/truro/index.php
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Bucket
3. Hand Tools
Helpful notes to newcomers: Parrsboro, a small town with a big heart, is a regional centre with a population of approximately 1,500. As there's lots to see and do in the area, the community is a good place to stay for several days. Gillespie House B & B was built c1890 for merchant & lumberman David Huntley, in the Queen Anne style with Italianate features. The accommodation with its lovely interior wood trim is close to downtown and area attractions. Rooms are nicely decorated and a hearty breakfast is served.
CA
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on BenitoiteKnow other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationThe crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on Benitoite Know other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information The crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
CO
Location #1: Pinon Mesa General description: Agate , jasper and petrified wood are found in the flats and the gullies.
How to get there: From Grand Junction take HWY 340 west to CR D5 and turn left. At Glade Park turn left to the Mesa. Altitude 8600 feet
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock bag
2.Shovel
3.Small pick-maul
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The Colorado National Monument is a well worth a stop on the way to the site.
Location #2: Copper Creek
General description: The real find is the amethyst but you can find pink feldspar and some agate. How to get there:Take HWY 50 south from Grand Junction. At Whitewater turn south on HWY 141 foe about 11 miles. There is a small bridge and a parking area on the right.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand Tolls
2.Rock bag
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: There are No trespassing signs in the area but there is plenty of material outside of the posted areas.
Location #3: Opal Hill General description: Common opal and opalized wood are found at the site plus colorful jasper. How to get there: Take HWY 340 south from Fruita . Travel 1.5 miles to Kingview Road and turn right. It is about .6 miles to Horse thief Canyon Road turn left and look for a dirt road on the right about .1 mile. Turn right get as close to the hill as you can.
Handy to bring along:
1. Small pick
2. Shovel
3. Rock hammer
4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a well known site. The farther from the road you venture the more material you will find.
NC
Emerald Hollow Mine
GPS: Latitude: 35° 53' 34.584" Longitude: -81° 5' 52.1514"
Where: Just off Old Mountain Road in Hiddenite, NC
Phone: (828) 632-3394
(866) 600-4367
Web: Emerald Hollow Mine
Hours: Open every day, 8:30 a.m. to sunset (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Costs: Fees vary based on what you want to do (e.g. camping, sluicing, creeking, digging, and bucket/tool rental). Get more info on Emerald Hollow Mine's website above. Toolkit Shovel
Pick
Screen
Bucket
Scraper
Screwdriver/Probe
How-To Guide
Creeking: Prospecting or looking for gems, minerals or other treasures in a creek by using a screen.
Sluicing: Flowing water is used to wash away sediment to find gems, minerals or other treasures.
Screening: Loose dirt is shoveled onto a screen; the screen is then shaken to remove small particles, leaving larger chunks of earth, which can be examined for gems.
Picking: A pick ax can be used on the walls of a mine to reveal treasure hidden among loose rocks or within broken rocks.Learn More!
More on EmeraldsKnow other places to hunt for Emeralds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information"Cash and Treasures" went to R. Gregory Jewelers for an appraisal. They are located in Statesville, NC, and can be reached at (704) 872-8941.
a mine
Nine miles down Opal Hill Road, Follow signs
GPS: Latitude: 33.433071; Longitude: -114.731789, N33 25.98426, W114 43.90734
Where: Palo Verde, CA 92266
Phone: (760) 854-3000 or (760) 550-2420
Website: Opal Hill Mine Info
Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Chisel
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
How-To Guide
If you visit the mine, plan to stay a full day or longer. It takes some time to find a good spot to dig and, once you find a spot, you will need time to extract the agate. If you only want to spend a few hours, Howard said that there is quite a bit of agate to be found in the tailing piles and dumps left behind by others. You can find some beautiful treasures without the hard work of digging out a vein.
Learn More!
More on Fire Agates
Know other places to hunt for Fire Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Bryan Shoemate gives us an appraisal of our fire agates. For more info: Fire Agate Gems
The crew heads to Ken's Jewelry, at 325 Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach, CA, to have an exquisite piece of jewelry made from our find. You can reach Ken at [email protected].
FL
Peace River General description: The Peace River gravel you can Fossils from the Miocene and from the Pleistocene can be found in the gravel bars and in the river bed. February through May the water is lower than normal, and is the best time for collecting fossils. How to get there:
Take HWY17 south to Zolfo Springs (Hardee county). Pioneer Park is located at the the intersection of HWY 64 & 66. The following link gives additional information:http://english.fossiel.net/locations/location.php?plaats=Peace%20River
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Bucket
4, Helpful notes to newcomers: There is camping available at the site.
A family resort is at 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 for more fossil collecting:
http://www.peacerivercampground.com/
: Shell Creek
General description: As the name implies there is a great variety of fossils in the creek and along the bank including huge Megalodon teeth. How to get there:
Take Hwy 17 east from Punda Gorda. The bridge across Shell Creek has a boat ramp and parking.
Handy to bring along:
1.Wading shoes
2.Screen
3.Shovel
4. Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting Vertebrate fossils requires a permit. Florida is famous for Miocene and Pleistocene mammals and reptile fossils. Information on the permit can be found at:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
WACISSA RIVER
General description: A canoe trip down the Wacissa River will net a haul of fossils. The water is clear, the scenery beautiful and the float is worth the trip. How to get there:
The spring is accessed one mile S. of the town of Wacissa, off Hwy. 59. More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.treasuresites.com/members/fossil.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Helpful notes to newcomers: Watch for springs and creeks along the way. The fossils are more plentiful at these location.
Ruck's Pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co., Florida
General description: Ruck's Pit is well known for fossilized bivalves containing golden calcite crystals of excellent quality. This is a fee mine, so people have to pay a fee to gain access to the mine.
-Geoff909 How to get there: For directions, etc.
http://www.dreamworlds.org/ruck's_crystal_mine.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Sledge hammer and hand pick
2. Chisels, collecting bag
3. safety gear
Helpful notes to newcomers:
Peace River
Arcadia Area includes Brownville Park (off US 17), DeSoto Park (off SR 70), and on canoe trips from Brownville to Canoe Outpost (CR 661 & SR 70). These locations are in DeSoto County, Florida.
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: How to get there: DeSoto Park and public boat ramp: 2 miles west of Arcadia. For Brownville Park and public boat ramp: 5 miles north of Arcadia on US 17 and turn west on Brownville Street. Canoe Outpost is 2 miles west of Arcadia behind the Peace River Campground and offers canoe rentals for those wanting to get to more remote spots other than the boat ramps. go to www.canoeoutpost.com and click on Peace River for canoe rentals.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N27-13.919, W081-53.452 for Canoe Outpost
Handy to bring along:
1. see checklist at www.canoeoutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm
2.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Canoe Outpost has fossil hunting pages geared to beginners at www.canoeutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm. Also have fossil book & fossil i.d. sheet for sale. Have sifters for borrowing for those renting canoes.
GA
Hogg Mine
GPS: Latitude: 33.041415, Longitude: -85.031084; N33°2.4849, W085°1.86504
Where: Meeting location in LaGrange, GA.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Hogg Mine website
Join the North Georgia Gem and Mineral Club.
Toolkit
Hammer
Shovel
Pick
Bucket
More Information
No one is allowed on the property without prior approval, signing a release and paying the fee. Open Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only! Star rose quartz, tourmaline crystals, Aquamarine Beryl crystals. The Star Rose Quartz at Hogg Mine has a beautiful quality; you cut and polish it, and it makes a star, much like star sapphire. The site features a virgin area to dig with a pegmatite of mica, feldspar, a rose quartz core and, if your lucky, Beryl!
Learn More!
More on Star Rose Quartz
Know other places to hunt for Star Rose Quartz? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
The crew heads to gem cutter Clyde Gilbert's Greenwood Studio. Treasure hunters can also go to Prospectors Pouch for an appraisal.
Visit Jim Olson's website. Jim is a Georgia rockhound and author of "Take a Hike: Gem and Mineral Collecting in Georgia."
Need to transform your star rose quartz? Get more information about jewelry designer Susan Zimmerman. Visit her website.
geodes
Thunderbird Park | Thunderegg Mine
GPS: Latitude: -27.947929, Longitude: 153.191360; S27°56.87574, E153°11.481
Where: corner of Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd
Address: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, 4247
Phone: +617 5545 1468
Fax: +617 5545 2707
email: [email protected]
website: Thunderbird Park website
Accommodations: [email protected]
Surfing Lessons
($75 per 90-minute lesson): [email protected]
Toolkit
Small spade or pick
More Thunderbird Park Info:
Thunderbird Park sits on the largest deposit of thundereggs in the world. The mineral rich seam that runs through Mount Tamborine was discovered at Thunderbird Park in 1967. Today, the ground at 300m by 50m open-cut mine has an endless supply of thundereggs.
Admission to the mine includes a detailed explanation of how and where to find your thundereggs, a mine safety induction, list of all the tools needed to find your treasures, and a souvenir miner's permit to take home. ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR MUST BE WORN to the mine as this requirement is a condition under Thunderegg Mine's mining license with the Department of Mines. Children should be accompanied by a paying adult.
Learn More!
More on Australian Geodes
Know other places to hunt for geodes? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Collecting thunder eggs and want your finds appraised? Visit Middleton's website. The Australian jeweler is located on Sea World Drive, Marina Mirage, Main Beach, Gold Coast 4217, Queensland, Australia.
Phone: +61 (0)7 5531 0500
NY
erkimer Diamond Mines
GPS: Latitude: 43° 0' 10.8"; Longitude: -74° 59' 16.7994"
Where: Herkimer, NY
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Herkimer Diamond Mine
Hours: April 15-Oct. 31,
9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: 4 and under = Free 5 to 12 = $8 13 and up = $10 Ace of Diamonds Mine Where: Middleville, NY
Phone: (315) 891-3855 Website: Ace of Diamonds Mine hours: April 15-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost: 3 and under = $3 4 and over = $7.50 Toolkit Hammer Chisel Gardening Tools Crowbar Air Compressor how-To Guide
At Herkimer Diamond Mine, you can purchase an all-day prospecting ticket, just remember to keep your wristband on! Be sure to view the seven-minute instructional video before you exit the store for the mines. Staff will hold your driver's license or another form of identification to use their hammers (1 per person). Your identification will be returned when you return the hammer.
Learn More!
More on Herkimer DiamondsKnow other places to hunt for Herkimer Diamonds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal InformationPaul Geffner gives us an appraisal of our Herkimer diamond finds. He can be reached at (415) 331-2102
idaho
Location #1: Bruneau jasper
General description: The most well known jasper from Idaho is the primarily red and brown cryto-crystaline quartz from Bruneau Canyon. The Bruneau jasper flow is the most silica-rich rhyolite flow in the area and is the source of silica that fills gas cavities in the upper zones of the rhyolite. The most prized Bruneau has egg shaped swirls in the jasper. How to get there:
50 road miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County.
Take HWY 50 south from Bruneau for 39 miles then turn east on Rowland Rd. Travel 11.6 miles and take the left road 11 miles to Indian Hot Springs. There are two exposures of the jasper rhyolite flow in the area.
42°20'15"N , 115°39'0"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Sledge hammer
2.Chisel
3.Safety glasses
4. Bucket
5. Pry bar Helpful notes to newcomers:
Find out the status of the land before taking jasper.
Location #2: Spencer Opal Deposit
General description:Opal is a variety of non crystalline Si02 that contains up to 20% water. The lower water levels, 10%, are more stable. It is the water in the silica gel that gives opal is flashing colors. Spencer, population 38, holds one of the largest opal deposits in the United States and is home to rare star opals. Though white is the most common color worldwide, Spencer miners find rarer blue, pink or red gems How to get there:
The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site. The Deer Hunt Mine is open to rock hounds interested in digging the opal for a set price per pound.
For additional information :
imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/mining/gemstns.htm
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets
2.Hand tools
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are shops where the tourist can buy finished pieces and opal rough.
Location #3: Fire Opals
General Description: Opals of salmon pink or cherry color, showing much brilliance and play of light are found in Gem County . Fortification and water agates of light blue color are found close to the opal deposits. How to get there:
Take 52 north from Emmett and turn est on Butte Road. At the intersection of lookout Road turn north to Squaw Butte.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
44°1'58"N , 116°24'40"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand pick
2, Collecting bag
3. Rock hammer
4. Safety glasses. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Emerald Creek
General description: India and Idaho are the only two locations in the world ehere star garnets are found.
The Forest Service has constructed an area where the public can purchase a permit, remove material from
stockpiled,
garnet-bearing gravels and take them to one of two sluice boxes to wash the material in search of the
garnets. How to get there:
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road
447 to the parking area. Permits,
information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch.
For additional information see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools, and screens are provided
Helpful notes to newcomers: First hand report from
kabnfvr:Yes, I'd do it again in a heart beat. You know, it's all about "the hunt" so even though
it was a lot of work, there is always the chance you'll find something great! Regarding the the rangers
, there are there to help you. They frequently came around asking to help out. If I was going to do the
math on this trip, I'd have to admit that the return may not make it worth it. That said ... I'm a slow
learner I guess. It took us most of the day to figure out where in the pile to dig and what to keep. On
e of the rangers told us to tumble our garnets with Soft Scrub to determine which were good. There were
people taking 5 lbs each and their garnets were much bigger than the majority of ours. I'm going back
tomorrow with my grandkids so will share my results then as well... Everyone found garnets - I'd just
say don't spend too much time pouring over each screen.
One of the rangers told me that the #2 garnets make good tumbling grit so I'll likely use them that way. If you plan to facet, then I likely found many more because you can but out the fractures. I want to make a cabochon with mine so only the very dark, glassy stones will work. Of those, we only found a couple. If either of those polish up to make a 4 or 6 ray star garnet, then I absolutely got enough to pay for my day. I'd say I went through a dozen buckets of "sifted" material. (there are 2 stages, you take the dirt/rock out of a big pile and sift the loose dirt and big rocks out - THEN you take that material to the sluice box). Overall, we likely sifted out 25 buckets of raw materia
iowa
Location #1: 35 mile radius of Keokuk Iowa General description: The geode was designated as the state rock by the Legislature in 1967. The area around Keokuk is famous for the variety of mineralization found in the nodules. Over twenty different minerals line the cavities. The geodes weather out of the Warsaw formation of a Mississippian age limestone and shaley dolomite. How to get there:Search the steams, road cuts, and fields around Keokuk.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Buckets or rock bag
3. Gloves
4. rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Resist the urge to break open the geodes. Instead compare the weight of various stones and save the lighter ones.The very heavy nodules are probably solid.
Location #2: General description: Agates (notable the lake Superior agates), jaspers, petrified wood can be found in the gravel bars on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.Clayton county is a good place to start collecting. (see photo) How to get there:Clayton County is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River, It is northwest of Dubuque on HWY 52.http://www.claytoncountyiowa.com/
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2. Walking shoes
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Also check the gravel operations in the area. Stop at the office and ask permission to collect.
Location #3: Rockford
General description: One of the best collecting sites for Devonian age marine fossils. The Floyd County Fossil and Prairie Park was once a brick clay pit. The Rockford Brick and Tile Company's pit has been transformed into a top fossil site and a recreation center. How to get there:
The Park is west of Rockford on HWY B27
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates:
43.052833, -92.949203
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand tools
2.Bucket or rock bag
3.Long handle screw driver Helpful notes to newcomers:
The following link provides information on the park:
http://www.fossilcenter.com/
kentucky
Location #1: Ben Clements Museum and Mine Digs
General description: One of the nation's finest collections of fluorite and related minerals from the Kentucky-Illinois mining district, and a large collection of other minerals from across the world. There are planned digs scheduled from the spring through the fall. How to get there: The museum is located in Marion Kentucky in the northwest corner of the state.http://www.marionkentucky.us/clementmineralmuseum/The town of Marion has a good Bed & Breakfast (Myers see link below) and a great little restaurant "The Front Porch". Real southern home cooking with a casual atmosphere. Be sure to stop in on your treasure hunt.http://members.tripod.com/~MarionKYKingdomHall/Marion.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A - I have enjoyed rockhounding trips to Marion. Every time I've gone and I have some fine specimens that I dug.
Handy to bring along:
1. Digging tools
2. Collecting buckets
3. Rock Hammer
4. Safety Glasses
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district extends into Illinois. Cave in Rock and Rosiclair are also great spots on your trip.
Location #2: Kentucky Agate General description: Kentucky Agate is the State Rock by act of the State Legislature on July 14, 2000, It is a sedimentary agate found in the Borden Formation of Early Mississippian Age. The agate is beautifully colored and contains bands, fortifications,and sometime plumes or moss formations. It can be found in the creeks and river drainage where it has been weathered out of the host rock. How to get there:
Estill, Jackson, Powell, Madison, and Rockcastle Counties in Kentucky.For more information and pictures of the agates see:
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/rocksmn/kentuckyagate.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Wading shoes
2. Small mattock
3. Rock bag
4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Do not strike the nodules of agate with a rock hammer. There is the temptation to see what is inside but many valuable specimens have been destroyed by an overly eager rockhound.
Location #3: Geodes
General description: Geodes have cavities lined with crystals of quartz or calcite. Occasionally celestite, millerite or other minerals can be found in the geodes. How to get there:
Along the roadside highway 60, east of Garrett.
Road cuts on highway 31 west.
Almost any creek bed.
Handy to bring along:
1. Water
2. Brick hammer
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:Some will look like potatoes lying along the ditches. If they feel lighter than they should for their size, they are probably hollow.
location #4: Fossils
General description:
Types of fossils: brachiopods, bryozoans, cephalopods, conodonts, corals, gastropods, monoplacophorans, pelecypods, scolecodont teeth, stromatoporoids, trace fossils, trilobites. Mineralized brachiopods, aulocerid stromatoporoids and colonial corals with calcite, dolomite, celestine and other minerals.
This link contains a number of collecting sites : http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/collecting.htmlGreat site for fossil information. How to get there:State Road 155 between Fisherville (Jefferson Co.), KY and Taylorsville (Spencer Co.), KY Type of exposure: Road cut Rock type: interbedded shale and limestone
Handy to bring along:
1. Hand tools
2. Rock bag
3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Kentucky has designated the generic "brachiopod" as its state fossil.
louisianna
Location #1: Petrified Palm Wood
General description: The state fossil is petrified palm wood. It can be found with other wood of Oligoce
ne age Catahoula Formation especially around Toledo Bend Lake. The wood is found on the lake shore and
below the dam. I have collected near the lake in clear cut areas where logging is occurring. The log
trucks and the heavy equipment uncovers the wood. How to get there: Toledo Bend Lake is on the border
of Louisiana and Texas. Palm wood can be found on Texas side also. The dam site is on LA HWY191 in
western Louisiana. Toledo Bend is a well known resort area famous for its fishing.
http://www.toledo-bend.com/srala/
Grade this location: (A to F): A I have a great deal of wood from this area.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging tools
2.Bug spray
3.Buckets
4. Strong back Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are plenty of places to stay in the area. Plan on doing some site seeing. Palm wood makes very attractive jewelry. Most of the wood is cream color, however, the black wood demands a premium price.
Be sure to visit Natchitoches: my favorite city in Louisiana.
http://www.historicnatchitoches.com/
Location #2: Alluvial Deposits - Gravels General description: The state gemstone of Louisiana is the agate. The Paleocene gravels of
the state are a source of gemstones transported from a wide range of the United States.
It is not uncommon to find jaspers, chalcedony, carnelian, agate, colorful chert even metamorphic
and igneous stones in the vast amounts of material the Mississippi River and its tributaries have
deposited in Louisiana. How to get there: Much of Louisiana has gravel bars along it many streams
and bayous. As you travel across keep a watchful eye for gravel operations and exposed road cuts that
look promising. One good site is northern Catahoula County in the gravel hills of the region
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2.Sunscreen and a hat. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Searching a gravel pit requires that you train your eyes to look for the stone that appears different. I have seen rockhounds overlook great gemstones because it all runs together if you don't look closely.
maryland
Location #1:
Brownie Beach in Chesapeake, MDGeneral description: Miocene fossils that include. sharks, rays, turtles, shells, fish and other marine fossils. fossils from Beach can be seen at:
http://mysite.verizon.net/browniebeach/ How to get there: From Routes 2 or 4 in northern Calvert County, take Route 260 to Chesapeake Beach, where you turn right (south) on Route 261. Immediately after crossing a stream at the bottom of the first hill south of Chesapeake Beach, you will see a locked gate and a parking area on the left (east) side of the road. From the parking area, follow a path for roughly 1/4 mile to the cliffs.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ best in the country from what I have heard handy to bring along
1. beach shoes
2. plastic bags to hold findings
3. shifting screen Helpful notes to newcomers:
Two other collecting sites are listed on the Maryland Geological Survey .
http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/fs/fs10.html
Location #2: Rock Run General description: Gold was discovered in southern Montgomery County during the Civil War and the first of many mines and prospects began operating in 1867. There were 5 gold mines along Rock Run, including a placer mining operation using water under high pressure to wash the stream and flood plain sediments through long California-style sluice boxes. How to get there:
Rock Run is a small stream in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, that originates just north of Potomac Village and flows about 9.1 kilometers (about 5.5 miles) in a generally southeasterly direction to the Potomac River at the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Gold pan
4, Hand Pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
1. Most of the richest gold mines were in a few gold-bearing quartz veins that had a higher concentration of gold than most of the others in the area.
2. All of the gold-bearing veins run roughly parallel with the general direction of the Appalachian Mountains, which trend a little east of north in this area. Some veins vary in their strike (direction) by as much as 25 to 30 degrees to the east or to the west of north.
3. Nearly all streams and smaller tributaries have been explored in the past by miners who were quite thorough in their recovery methods, so most stream sediments have been pretty well cleaned of gold.
4. Therefore, I have learned to use a compass to determine the approximate strike of a stream's bedrock, which, in this area, is generally a nearly vertical quartz/mica schist. Then I search for exposures of the bedrock or dig deep enough in the stream's alluvium to reach the upper levels of the bedrock. Most of the upper levels of the bedrock encountered in this fashion are either chemically altered to a soft consistency (saprolite - disintegrated rock that lies in its original place), or nearly so and can be removed and broken up in the gold pan. By exploiting the altered areas of the bedrock, I increase the chances of finding gold. Most of what I find in this fashion is lode gold (freshly broken out of the rock it formed in) rather than placer gold (naturally eroded out of its host rock and then stream worn). Needless to say, finding the gold in the pan is exciting since the finder is the first person to see it since it was first formed here about 200 million years ago through the actions of tremendous tectonic forces
From Mineral News, Vol. 16, No. 3, March, 2000. Reprinted with permission of the author and the publisher. This article may be reprinted or copied as desired for other mineral publications
Location #3: Calvert Cliffs General description: The Calvert cliffs contain an amazing Miocene fauna. More than 600 species of plants and animals have been found here (Glaser, 1979, p.56). On the beaches you can find a wide spetrum of marine fossils including sharks & rays. How to get there:
"The Calvert Cliffs run for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the western shore of Maryland in Calvert County"
Fossil GuySee the following link for additional information:
://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Bucket or rock bag
3. Camera Helpful notes to newcomers:
The scenery is spectacular. Even without the fossils this is a great place to visit.
Location #4:
Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Besides being able to find sharks teeth, the beach is long and clean, and perfect for small children. There is a lovely walk through the woods to get to the park.general description: How to get there:
Take Route 4 South from the Capital Beltway.
Pass Prince Frederick.
The small sign for Flag Ponds is on the left. Cross the highway and follow the signs.
Handy to bring along:
1.sun tan oil
2.towel
3.picnic lunch Helpful notes to
maine
Location #1: Mount Apatite I Would suggest this place to anyone comming to the area. It is a town park that was once a feldspar mine. It is loaded with treasures if your willing to do a little work general description:Lots of minerals, Tourmaline, Beryl Quartz crystals ect... How to get there:It is in Auburn Maine, Near the Auburn Suburban little league fields off of Garfield road.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Sifter
3.Small Hammer and Chisels Helpful notes to newcomers:This location has a lot of minerals to be sifted out of the dirt. As you go up the hill, the first pit was the Greenlaw Quarry. this spot still has a lot of Tourmaline and Beryl. I would suggest picking a spot that doesn't look like it's been worked in a while and stick with it.
Location #2:Trenton, Havey, and Square Pit quarries general description:The main pit of the Trenton quarry has been flooded, but well formed smokey quartz crystals, green tourmalines and beryls have been found here. At the Square pit quarries, well formed almandine garnets have been found here. I have recently found very good heliodor beryl crystals at this location.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging equipment
2.hammers, hand pick, chisels
3.safety gear& bug spray
Helpful notes to newcomers: Digging equipment
location #3: Lord Hill General description:In the past, the Lord Hill quarries have produced massive pockets containing blue apatites, gemmy quartz crystals, autunite coating feldspar, beryl, topaz, and other minerals. Massive topaz crystals, some weighing over 50 pounds have been found here. Serious digging in the mine dumps could yield the mineral collector fine specimens. How to get there: Rock in mineral clubs in the New England Region will sometimes host trips to these mines.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hammer and hand pick
2.Sifter and shovel
3.Safety gear and chisels
massachusetts
Location #1: Loudville Lead Mine General description: " Over 30 minerals are found at Loudville, including anglesite, cerussite, pyromorphite, wulfenite (the "queen" of Loudville minerals, in a vast array of xl habits), and many more (quartz, barite, calcite, galena, malachite, sphalerite, and others). The most desirable and beautiful minerals are available as micromounts, though the occasional worthwhile thumbnail or even larger specimen may reward the hard worker. Wulfenites up to 1/4" have been found in recent years."Eric Greene How to get there:Take Mass Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 3. Take Route 10 north and follow until you reach Glendale Street on left (.8 miles south of city of Easthampton). Turn left and continue on Glendale 3.2 miles to dirt road on left leading to the mine dump Aditional information can be found:http://www.cumberlandite.com/cumberlandite1_024.htm Handy to bring along:1.Bucket
2.Brush
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
In the summer heat you can cool off in the nearby waters of a clean stream.
Location #2: Lime Quarry Reservation
General description: City owned quarry with an assortments of minerals including: actinolite , calcite.
blue apatite, titanite, scapolite & fluorite. How to get there: Chelmsford is located at the intersection of I 496 and US HWY 3. Handy to bring along:1.Hand pick 2.Shovel 3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:Fill in holes and leave the quarry better than you found it.
location #3: Betts Manganese Mine General description: Rhodonite is the Massachusetts state gemstone. It is a pink or red stone that makes attractive jewelry. the Betts Manganese Mine is a famous location for this mineral and pyrite, chalcopyrite, and fasioulite. How to get there:The Betts Mine is in Plainview From Springfield take I 91 north. The Plainfield exit is RD 118 west. Continue through Ashfield to Plainfield.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
I have not personally collected at this site so permission to collect must be obtained from the Mine owners. Several AFMS clubs have collected at this site and I would recommend contacting one of the clubs for information. AFMS @ http://www.amfed.org/
Location #4: Chipman Silver Mine
General description:Old silver mine in Newbury. A lot of galena, pyrite, and siderite can be found here. Minor amounts of malachite and chalcopyrite have been found here. How to get there:Complicated directions
Handy to bring along: 1.shovel 2.hammer and hand pick 3.chisel & safety gear Helpful notes to newcomers:If you ever go to this location, the mine is currently behind houses on a place called Scotland Heights. To find galena and pyrite, one will have to dig in the mine dumps. Bug spray can be quite handy at this location.
Location #5: Blueberry Mountain Quarry,Woburn ,Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
General description: An abandoned "Trap Rock", quarry. Some of the finest babingtonite crystals have been found here. Other minerals found here include prehnite, calcite, laumonite, stilbite, heulandite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, orthoclase var: adularia, quartz, epidote, chlorite, garnet, sphene, analcime, hematite, and less common minerals such as radioactive minerals.
MI
Location #1: Along the lake shores
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers General description: How to get there:Peterson Park in Leland, MI grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village Platt Lake and River Handy to bring along:1. Bucket2. Water3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
Location #2: Great Sand Bay on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Misery Bay (NE of Ontanogan, MI)Almost any beach all of the Southern Lake Superior shoreline Small agates on Lake Michigan Shores General description: How to get there: Take US 41 North of Houghton/Hancock MI to Phoenix. Turn left on M 26 which will take you to and along Lake Superior shoreline. There are numerous places to pull over and park. It is a steep, stone bluff to the lake; but worth it. (Sand Bay)US 41 North. Turn left at Tivolia village onto Misery Bay Road; follow to lake. Nice campground here also. Handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Water shoes 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The rock shops at Ahmeek and Christmas, MI are very helpful. They will give you maps - buy something from them. Seaman's Mineral Museumhttp://www.museum.mtu.edu/
Location #3: Ontonagon Copper Mine General description: The mine was featured on the Cash & Treasures Show. The variety of minerals found sounds like a museum. Native copper,silver, datolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite, and epidote can be found working the huge ore piles. How to get there:The mine is easy to reach, a 20 minute drive from Ontonagon, Michigan Red Metal Minerals 202 Ontonagon Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 Phone: 906-884-6618 Fax: 906-884-6753 Link: www.exploringthenorth.com/redmetal/tours.html Handy to bring along:
1. Gloves 2. Safety glasses 3. Rock hammer 4. Metal detector 5. Buckets 6, Chisel 7. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers:The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the heart of one of the best rock collecting ares in the Mid West. The attractions are numerous. The beauty is breath taking. //www.exploringthenorth.com/keweenaw/home.html
Location #4: Jasper Knob General description: Imagine the world's largest gemstone: a hill of beautifully banded jasper and specular hematite How to get there: Ishpeming, Michigan is in the Upper Peninsula. From downtown, take Division/BR 28 east to Jasper St., turn south. The Knob is in one block.Handy to bring along: 1. Safety Gear 2. Rock Hammer 3. Chisel 4. Rock bag
Location #5: Leelanau Peninsula Beaches
General description: Fossil coral (Petoskey stones) can be found along the beach . Red jasper and local stone Leland Bluestone is actually slag from the 1800's iron foundry operations can be collected. How to get there: Take HWY 22 north of Traverse. The road follows the Lake shore.
Lake Michigan beaches North from Frankfort to the Mackinaw Bridge.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Water
There are many different fossils to be found. Read an article on Petoskey Stone: http://www.visittraversecity.com/looking-for-mr.-petoskey-stone-167/
Location #6: Ropes Gold Mine
There is an abundance of dark green serpentine as well as : quartz, calcite, rutile, pyrite and at least 24 other minerals. During the most productive period (1883-1897) $645,792 worth of gold was shipped from the mine. How to get there:Go west from Ishpeming on US-41 to Cooper Lake Road, turn right and go 2.5 miles, left on CR-572 for less than 1 mile, walk 0.3 mile to Ropes Gold Mine Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:46°32'9"N , 87°43'59"W Handy to bring along:1. Rock hammer 2. Safety glasses & gloves 3. Hand tools 4, Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers
For additional collecting sites visit:http://www.exploringthenorth.com/rocks/east.html
location #7: SENECA MINE Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI
General description: Abandoned mine dumps yield specimens of epidote, quartz, adularia, and copper How to get there:Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI Turn west off US 41 onto First Street in Mohawk. Go 0.3 miles to a red gate on the left. This leads right into the mine dump Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses, gloves 2. Rock hammer 3. Digging tools 4. Hand pick An excellent resource for field trips in the area and elsewhere in Michigan is:
http://www.sauktown.com/fieldlist.htm
Location #8: Petoskey State Park General description: Petoskey State Park, located on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, is situated on 304 scenic acres and offers a beautiful sandy beach on the bay. The park has two separate modern campgrounds. Tannery Creek offers 98 campsites, and Dunes offers 70 campsites. How to get there: Take HWY 31 from toskey, Michigan. Turn left on to C119 into the park. Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bucket 2. Sun Great information to the attractions of the park can be found at: http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=G10185
Location #9: Lake Superior Greenstone
In 1972, chlorastrolite a variety of pumpellyite became the official State Gem for Michigan. Chlorastrolite is a beautiful green mineral with a chatlyant "turtle-back" pattern. How to get there: The Central Mine, located just off US 41 north of Calumet, has been the source of some of the largest greenstones.Handy to bring along: 1. Rock bag 2. Hand tools 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers Look for the dark green, small round or almond shape nodules in country rock. Sometimes they will have weathered out of the rock and can be found lying on the ground.
Location #10: Delaware Mine
The mine is one of the better locations to find dalotite nodules. Datolite is It is associated with copper at this location and is found in porcelain-like masses and nodules. The nodules are various colors and can be cut and polished.The chemical composition is CaBSiO4(OH), Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide. How to get there:
u.S. 41 just Twelve Miles South of Copper Harborwww.copperharbor.org/site_files/del_mine/del_mine.html
For further information, Contact us: Delaware Copper Mine (906) 289-4688Handy to bring along:1. Hand tools2. Handy pick and maul3. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: Tours are available of this historic under ground mine dating back to 1847-87. Eight million pounds of Copper were removed from the five shafts that reached a depth of 1400 feet with ten various levels.
minnesota
Location #1: Hill Annex Mine State Park
General description: Chose one of three tours. A tour of a massive open pit iron ore mine. A tour of the lake formed by the mining operations. A fossils hunt to recover marine fossils. All three tours take about 1 1/2 hours each. How to get there:Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.More information can be found at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hill_annex_mine/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
City of Calumet maintains a nice picnic area just outside the park gate.
Location #2: Moose Lake State Park
General description: Minnesota's gemstone is Lake Superior Agate. At Moose Lake visit the Agate and Geological Interpretive Center. It is a 4500 square foot center that features agates, rocks, minerals and geology of Minnesota. Lakers as the locals call the agates can be found wherever gravels are exposed along shores, gravel pits, road cuts and stream gravel bars. Collecting is not allowed in the state park but here are near by gravel pits were collecting is allowed with permission.State Park site:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/moose_lake/index.html How to get there:Located 1/4 miles east of I-35 at the Moose Lake exit #214. The park entrance is off County Road 137. Take the Moose Lake exit off I-35. Then go east on County Road 137 until you see the park signs about 1/2 mile down the road.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Wading shoes 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The state park has camping, fishing, swimming, and other attractions.
Location #3: Grand Marais General description:Thomsonite is a zeolite mineral with pink, red, and white patterns. It is a very attractive semi-precious gemstone suitable for cutting and polishing. How to get there:Nodules of Thomsonite can be found in the basaltic lava flows about 5 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota or small pebbles collected along the beach.See Worrld Wide Museum of Natural histoty@http://www.wmnh.com/wmhome.htm visit the folloeing link for Thomsonite rough and jewelry:http://www.thomsonite.com/thomsonite.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammer and chisel 2. Pry bar 3. Bucket 4. Or you can look for pebbles along the Lake Superior Shore I vote for picking up pieces, it is easier than breaking it out of basalt lava. Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a resort area with many places to stay or vacation. http://grandmarais.com/
Location #4: Minnesota Staurolite General description: Commonly called fairy crosses, staurolite can be found on the banks of the muddy Mississippi below the dam at yalton. How to get there: The following web site gives complete directions: home.att.net/~bjgoetteman/Staurolite_Screen.html handy to bring along: 1. Boots for sinking in the mud. 2.Got to have a screen box 3. Shovel 4. There is plenty of water for screening - the Whole River Helpful notes to newcomers: Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen and the screen box.
aquamarine in CO
town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to Location #1: Along the lake shores
(Local beach, park, etc)
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)
Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers
General description: How to get there:
Peterson Park in Leland, MI
Grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village
Platt Lake and River
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Bucket
2. Water
3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
auqa marine in GA town/region: Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
gold
Town/region: Sutters Mill
State, country: California
Tips for finding it: This is where the
Gold Rush first started, and there is still
Gold in them thar hills. You can sit on the
river's edge
and pan for gold. It is a great way to
spend a nice afternoon in the california heat.
St. Louis has a rich history that few
people stop to consider. How many
flat-boats sank while crossing the
Mississippi River during the settling
of St. Louis and the westward
expansion before bridges were built?
How many homes were washed away
by the great flood of 1993?
I would be checking the sandbars and
river banks when the water is at low
flood stage. That old muddy river
may hold a few surprises yet.
As of yet, I have only found old lead
fishing weights with my trusty $60.00
metal detector. But that is actually
good news because gold and lead are
very close to one another on the Element
Chart. If I am finding lead fishing weights,
it means that it is only a matter of time
before I find something of greater interest.
This also tells me that it would be a good
idea to walk old creek beds with my metal
detector, since no one else has thought
of doing so. The perfect excuse to get out
for a walk in the woods on the weekend
and go camping with a backpack.
Just stay clear of private land unless
you have permission from it's owner.
a mine and store
Royston Mine/Otteson's Jewelry
GPS: Latitude: 38° 4' 5.415" Longitude: -117° 13' 52.107"
Where: Tonopah, NV
Phone: (775) 482-9352
(775) 482-9889
Website: Royston Mine
Otteson's Jewelry
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for appt. in the winter
Cost: $50 per day Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Pick Ax
Bucket
How-To Guide
Richness of color is the chief determiner of value in turquoise; generally speaking, the most desirable is a strong sky to robin's egg blue. Value decreases with the increase of green hue, lightening of color and mottling. Whatever the color, turquoise should not be excessively soft or chalky; otherwise, it is liable to fade over time, and will not hold up to normal use in jewelry. The mother rock, or matrix, in which turquoise is found, often has splotches or a network of brown or black veins running through the stone; this veining may add value to the stone if the result is complementary, but such a result is uncommon.
turquise (below)
turquise
Town/region: Various Locations In Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico
State, country:
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
Be careful and respect private claims as most good turquoise deposits
are under private mining claim.
sunstones
GPS Coordinates, if known: W 119.87244 N 42.72584
Town/region: Rabbit Hills Basin, near Plush, Harney Co.
State, country: Harney Co. Oregon
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
tormaline
Town/region: San Diego County, California
State, country: California
Tips for finding it:Look for exposed pegmatite dykes that contain lepidolite.
GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: La Grange, Hogg Mine
State, country:Georgia, US
Tips for finding it:Black Schorl. Loose on the road in small quantities, but mostly weathered. In quartz matrix in the same area that is dug and then broken to expose the crystals (eye protection is a MUST). Nice specimens including an inch in diameter and inches long with classic termination. Also found in the main pit in small quantities (less than the amount of aquamarine found.)
sapphires
Town/region: Philipsburg, Rock Creek
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Gem Mountain GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: Helena, Lake Hauser
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Eldorado Bar Mine
Town/region:Helena/ Hauser Lake
State, country:Montana, USA
Tips for finding it: Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine(they own the Eldorado Mine) On the internet
mississippi
Location #1: Mississipi Petrified Wood Most of the best petrified wood from Mississippi comes from trees which grew in the state during the Oligocene Epoch, around 30 million years ago. The Gulf of Mexico's shoreline extended further north at that time, which explains why the wood is found in the more northern parts of the state. This petrified wood formed when a tree was buried by sediment, and its tissues were replaced by silica in the groundwater. A variety of chalcedony, fossil wood replaced by chalcedony (silica), sometimes also by Opal. The material replacing the wood may vary. Most commonly, quartz, in the form of agate, opal, or jasper, will be the replacement material. Occasionally, limonite, carnotite (an uranium mineral), or other minerals will be the replacement material. Trace minerals included within the silica impart a variety of hues, ranging from black to blue to red. General description: How to get there: The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately operated park and museum located at 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, Mississippi. This site has been known since the mid-19th century, but it was not until 1966 that it was named a Registered National Natural Landmark, and subsequently developed and opened to the public Link to Petrified Forest: http://www.mspetrifiedforest.com/Attractions.cfm Handy to bring along: 1. Hand Pick 2. Rock Hammer 3. Rock Pack Helpful notes to newcomers: Tour the Petrified Forest. Wood can be collected over a large area in the ditches and stream near the park.
Location #2: Fossils of Ice Age animals General description: During the past several years Lonnie and Freida Looper of Greenville, Mississippi have collected over 500 fossil bones of Ice Age animals which lived in our loess area between 10,000 and 250,000 years ago. They were often accompanied by their son, Zachary Horne, who contributed many rare and exciting finds. These animals lived during the Rancholabrean Epoch which gets its name from the famous "Tar pits" locality in Los Angeles, California Link: http://www.backyardnature.net/loess/fossils.htm How to get there:
All of the fossils were recovered between river mile markers 499 (near the town of Glen Allen, Mississippi) and 639 (a point on a line with Sherard and Clarksdale, Mississippi 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The family found these treasures by walking gravel bars in the Mississippi River bed during seasonal
montana
Location #1: West Fork of Rock Creek in the Sapphire Mtn. RangeThis is a place to find natural sapphires. Many in the creek, or you can buy gravel at a mine (Gem Mtn) which is much easier on the body and the sapphires are more consistently high grade.(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Sapphire location How to get there: Take Hwy 1 out of Butte to Hwy 38 (if you go to Phillipsburg you've missed the turn onto 38) and it will run you right into the creek. You will go past "Gem Mtn" which is a commercial sapphire site (and you can dig and screen there).Handy to bring along: .Shovel .Buckets . 1/4" mesh screens Helpful notes to newcomers: If you have a gold wheel, tilt the wheel back until it catches a sapphire, then use the wheel to catch them. You will double your take that way.
Location #2: Missouri River Sapphires
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: Seven operations mine sapphires from the Missouri River including dig for fee operations The best known is Spokane Bar. How to get there: northeast of Helena. Take York Road to Mile Marker 8, turn right on Hart Lane, turn left on Castles Road. Additional information: ttp://www.sapphiremine.com/ More information on Montana Sapphires, including maps, can be found at: Montana Sapphire Info Handy to bring along: . Screens available at the site . . Helpful notes to newcomers: he mine and rock shop is 10 miles from Helena, therefore, there are many places to stay in the area. A campground is within 3 miles of the mine.
Location #3: Scratchgravel Hills
General description: The exposure is in a low cut in massive green diopside which has cavities with euhedral crystals to about an inch long, although most are much smaller. Most of the cavities are filled with blue calcite which must be etched away to expose the diopside. How to get there: north of Helena a few miles, is a well known occurrence in a low cut alongside a railroad track. This location is on the east side of the Scratchgravel Hills. Access is by going north out of Helena on Green Meadow Drive to the road to the Scratchgravel landfill, parking at the railroad tracks and walking up the railroad tracks. Handy to bring along: .rock hammer .cheisel .rock bag . safety equipment - glasses, gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information on Montana skarns:http://www.lrream.com/montanaskarns.html
Location #4: Garnets
General description:Garnet is a historic mining ghost town located in west central Montana and sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet at the head of First Chance Creek. It was named after the brown garnet rock which was used as an abrasive and a semi-precious stone found in the area. How to get there:The Garnet Ghost Town from the west, take I-90 east to Exit 109, the Bonner Exit. Continue on Highway 200 east for 23 miles. Shortly after the 22 mile marker turn south at the sign Garnet Ghost Town. The parking lot is 11 miles up the gravel road. Ask at the visitors center about garnet collecting. contact info
/goldwest.visitmt.com/listings/908.htm 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: in winter Garnet is a popular snowmobile and cross-country ski trip. Winter cabin rentals are available.
Nebraska Location #1: Northwest Panhandle -Cadron. Nebraska General description: Fairburn, Prairie, and Nebraska Blue Agates can be found. The Nebraska Blue Agate is the State Gemstone. The nodules appear to be more plentiful than in South Dakota. (Roger Cark).I have collected in Nebraska and found a wide variety of agates. The Nebraska Blue is a truely beautiful stone. How to get there: Travel Northwest of Chadron on HWY 385. The Oglala National Grasslands allows rockhounding for personal use. Neither vertebrate fossils or Native American artifacts are allowed to be collected. It is a crime and rightly so to violate Native American sacred sites. Ask Permission before collecting on private property and as always respect the land, keep it as wildly beautiful as it is. The following link provides information on the area: http://www.chadron.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag 2.Water - this is very remote country 3.GPS 4. Boots 5. Rock Hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not strike a nodule of agate with your hammer to see what's in it. A rock worth hundreds of dollars could be ruined.
Location #2: Crawford General description: North west of town on the White River drainage system. The agate is similar to Tee Pee Canyon Agate (see South Dakota) in that it has a high degree of matrix material. How to get there: Crawford Nebraska is in northwest corner of Nebraska in the Black Hills region on HWY 20. This link contains helpful information about the area.http://www.crawfordnebraska.net/ Grade this location: (A to F): A
Handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag or buckets 2.Water 3.Boots or hiking shoes 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #3: Agate Fossils Beds National Monument
General description: A unique national park that combines scenic beauty with the fascination of a prehistoric world. During the Miocene era the plains were populated with a wide diversity of unusual wildlife. Agate Fossils Beds National Monuments is one of the best places in America to see what it was like by viewing the fossil record. How to get there: The National Monument is south of Harrison on HWY 29.View the Nation Monument web site: http://www.nps.gov/agfo/ Handy to bring along: 1. camera 2. comfortable shoes
Location #4: Homestead Cookshack & Bunkhouse General description: Hunt your own fossils in style with real western flair and at a reasonable price. The fossil sites are on private ranches that allow collecting through Homestead. The food is excellent and the lodging is first class. How to get there: Homestead The following web site gives directions and information :http://www.bbc.net/highplainshomestead/index.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets or backpack 2. Tools for Digging 3. Call ahead for details Helpful notes to newcomers: I have included a link from the University of Nebraska for the hobbyist on the importance of the scientific value of fossils and how to properly collect them. The amateur collector can contribute to the advancement of knowledge. One of my most valuable finds, I donated to the University of North Alabama for future geologist to learn from and the general public to enjoy. After discovering the site , I called the University and set up a field trip. The site was some of the best Silurian fossils recovered in Tennessee. http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/vertpaleo/musnote2.html
Location #5: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park General description: Nebraska is fossil country and if you hike the country side you are bound to run into a fossil. However, Ashfall Fossil Beds is not a museum where bones have been collected from far and wide and reassembled in a unnatural poise. These animals were covered with volcanic ash and left in place to give the visitor an amazing look at a prehistoric catechism. How to get there: The park is west of Creighton Nebraska on HWY 59. The following web site gives information about your visit : http://ashfall.unl.edu/ Handy to bring along:
1. Camera 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The facility is handicapped assessable.
Location #6: Cass County Nebraska General Description: Lake Superior Agates in Nebraska? Yes, the period of glaciation brought Lake Superior agates to a number of states. Dr. Roger Pabian at the University of Nebraska has a nice collection of Lakers found in local gravel deposits around Nebraska. Dr. Pabian's book on Banded Agate is a must read for people crazy about agates. He is one of the most recognized scientist on agate formation. How to get there: Cass County is just south of Omaha. Take I 80 then exit HWY 50. I have included a list of gravel operations in the area: http://maps.unomaha.edu/Maher/urbanseminar/Bill/ Handy to bring along: 1. Hand tools 2. Bucket 3. Keene eye site Helpful notes to newcomers: Most gravel operations will allow you to look through the gravel piles. Ask permission at the office. Explain that you are a collector and that you will observe their rules.
nevada
Location #1: Garnet Hill Recreation Area General description: The garnets found at this site are dark maroon to black that average in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. The specimens are in cavities called vugs and occasionally an attractive 1 inch specimen can be found. The stones are generally not of gem quality but make very nice collector specimens. The garnets are a mixture of spessartine and almandine Garnet. How to get there: 4 miles Northwest of Central Ely in the Eagan mountain range. The major access road to this area joins US Highway 50 about 6.4 miles West of the traffic signal at US 395 and US 50 junction in Ely. The following link gives information on the site and where to stay: http://nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammers and chisels 2. Safety glasses 3. Gloves 4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is a Nationally known rockhound site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There is limited camping and RV hook-ups. There are a number of garnet location within 100 miles of Ely. The following link is the BLM web site and gives information on Garnet Hill. http://www.webpanda.com/white_pine_county/historical_society/attractions/garnet.htm
Location #2: The Royal Peacock Opal Mine general description: Virgin Valley has yielded the world's most beautiful black opal since mining began in 1905. Much of the opal is formed from tree limb casts of an ancient forest that covered Nevada some twenty million years ago. How to get there: Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada: The following link provides information on site: http://www.royalpeacock.com/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Short handled ick, shovel, or garden rake 2 Long Screw driver,ice pick or similar tools 3. Small bucket-like container,ZipLoc Bags 4. Gloves ,Hat, Sunblock
5. Water squirt bottle Helpful notes to newcomers: RV hookups, camper and tent sites are available plus shower,restroom and a laundry room. more Information on visiting the Virgin Valley Opal area can be found at: Virgin Valley Opal area Info
Location #3: Otteson Turquoise Mine
General description: An operating turquoise mine visited by the crew of "Cash & Treasures". Mine tours are available for group of 10 and more. The tour includes an opportunity to mine the tailings piles. How to get there:The following website gives information on booking you tour:http://tonopahturquoise.homestead.com/3.html Another good website with information on this area is: Bunker Hill Turquoise Mine, oyston Handy to bring along: 1.Tools & bucket provided 2.Sunscreen 3.Hat & gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:The tours are about four hours long. Two weeks in advance booking is required.
Location #4: Big Springs General description: A world of obsidian and Apache tears free for the taking near the opal mines of Virgin Valley. How to get there: Take A34 at the intersection of 140. This is about 8 miles north west of Virgin Valley and 12 miles from the Oregon state line. About 3 miles from the intersection is a large field of obsidian and Apache tears. Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses 2. Gloves 3. Buckets 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Obsidian is Volcanic glass and therefore can be very sharp. When struck with a hammer, it sends off splinters of glass. Obsidian can make very attractive cabochons. Polish with tin oxide on a felt wheel.
Location #5: Oak Springs Summit Trilobite Area General description: Six different species of triobites are found in a gravel quarry. The fossils are 530 million year old deposit of Cambrain age marine life The trilobites are located in a trench on the south side of the pit.. How to get there: "Located 12 miles west of Caliente on US highway 93 on the south side of Oak Springs Summit, a dirt road to the north will take you to a gravel pit. The fossils are located at the west end of the pit on the east slope of a knob." Bureau of Land Management Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand tools 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There is a BLM sign in roster at the parking lot and pamphlets explaining the history and the tribites.
Location #6: Hallelujah Mining and Exploration Company General Description: Well known collecting site for smokey quartz, amethyst crystals including scepters. Many of the points can be quite longup to 10 inches. How to get there: The sit is a mining claim operated by: Jon Johnson at 702-786-3271 or Ed Christiansen 702-677-1722. For organizing a field trip contact Jon or Ed. handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand pick 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #7: West of Rye Patch Placer Mines General description: How to get there: Go north on Highway 80, past Lovelock to the Rye Patch exit. Go west, over the dam, outside the recreation area and head north for about 4 miles. Turn west and head up into the placer gold area. Grade this location: A+ - This site has produced some valuable gold nuggets, and still produces gold for those who are willing to work hard. GPS coordinates: W 118.41856 N 40.62040 Handy to bring along: 1. A good metal detector 2. All the food and equipment you need - there are no supplies or stores.
3. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Information and maps of the gold producing area can be found at the following website:
Rye Patch Gold Information
new hampshire
Location #1: Chickering Mine General description:Mine is located in Walpole. Massive blue and green tourmalines can be found on quartzite matrix. Blades of albite cystystals and small pinkish spodumenes can be found. Childrenite and other micro minerals have been found here. How to get there: handy to bring anlong bring along: 1.Digging materials 2.sledge hammer and hand pick 3.safety gear and hand lense Helpful notes to newcomers:There is a lot of tourmaline to be found here.
Location #2:Palermo No.1 Mine general description:Mineral collectors who enjoy collecting phosphates and beryl will like this location. At the Palermo Mine, rare phosphates can be found. Small cystals of apatite and fluorapatite can also be found here. Gemmy, blue aquamarine beryls have been found here. How to get there: Some rock and mineral clubs in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire will host trips to this location.
Handy to bring along: 1.Hammers and hand pick 2.chisels and shovel 3.safety gear and handheld lense Helpful notes to newcomers: Dump digging materials would be usefull at this location
NJ
Location #1: Sunset Beach at the southernmost tip of New Jersey.
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: How to get there: Go to New Jersey, and then go south on the New Jersey Parkway. Keep going until there's nothing but the Atlantic Ocean in front of you! Handy to bring along: 1. Small and medium sized containers and kiddy beach toys - shovels and buckets with holes to wash the diamonds. Use the small containers to put the diamonds in as you stroll on the beach. Then when they're full, take them back and put them into the larger buckets. 2. 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: If you continue talking down the beach (away from Cape May), you might want to be conscious of how the folks are dressed further down the beach. The lower area is a 'free beach' where bathing suits are optional. But no matter, there are plenty of 'diamonds' before you get close to this area.
Location #2: Sterling Hill Mining Museum &
The Franklin Mineral Museum General description: Over 300 different minerals were found in the mines of Franklin and Sterling Hill. Sixty new minerals were described at these sites. Not only are the museums first class but mineral collecting is available for a small fee.The following site gives examples of the types of minerals found in the mines:http://www.galleries.com/minerals/fablocal/franklin.htm How to get there: Franklin and the Sterling Hill Mine are at Ogdensburg, Sussex County New Jersey The links provides directions and information about the mines: http://sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/ http://www.franklinmineralmuseum.com/ Handy to bring along: 1.UV light 2.Hand tools 3.Bucket 4.Gloves . Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district is on the itinerary of mineral collectors and serious rockhounds everywhere. The florescence minerals are amazing under UV light.
this place i have been to above and it is really good you can go throw rocks and some are furcesentent and others are cool to look at. also they have a tour in the mine and you can get a free furcentent rock on the tour and you can buy stuff in the gift shop
NM
Location #1: Rockhound State Park
General description: Rugged slopes of the Florida and Little Florida Mountains are home to Rockhound State Park. Hiking trails offer views of nearby "sky islands." Agates and quartz crystals can be found at the park. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/Rockhound.htm How to get there: To get to Rockhound State Park from Deming, take NM 11 south for 5 miles, and then go east on NM 141 for about 9 miles.
Handy to bring along:1. Rock Hammer . Chisel . Collecting Bucket . Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: acilities Activities Visitor Center camping Group Shelter Picnicking Developed Sites (29) Wildlife Viewing Electric Sites Hiking RV Dump Station Interpretive Exhibits
Restrooms/Showers Playground
#2: Kelly Mine
General description: World class Smithsonite specimens can be collected from tons of stockpiled ore. How to get there:
Take I-25 South from Albuquerque to Socorro. Then HWY 60 west 26 miles. Turn at Kelly Road and go 3.2 miles South.
Handy to bring along:1. Collecting bucket . Hand tools . Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information: ttp://www.mmmgems.com/kelly_mine/index.htm
Location #3: Casitas de Gila Guesthouse acres of private lands with lots of interesting rocks and gemstones right on the property. Minerals found are white and pink chalcedony, chalcedony roses, red, brown and yellow jasper, jasper breccia, picture jasper, banded agate, zeolites, geodes, massive hematite, banded rhyolite, andesite, volcanic bombs, scoria, limonite and hematite-banded welded tuff, and lots of really nice colorful rocks! How to get there:
CASITAS DE GILA GUESTHOUSES becky & Michael O'Connor, Owners 50 Casita Flats Road (Off Hooker Loop) P.O. Box 325 • Gila, New Mexico 88038 • USA Tel: 575-535-4455 • Fax 575-535-4456 Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 2. Rock hammer 3. Hand tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Grant County, with its county seat in Silver City, lies at the heart of this vast mineralized area and is New Mexico’s richest mineral producing county.
Location #4: The Blanchard Rock Shop General description:The "local" collecting area is located here in the world famous Hansonburg Mining District, which is also known as the Blanchard Claims. This district is considered one of the "richest" when it comes to the variety of mineral species it produces, which is over 80 different ones; including Fluorite, Barite, Galena, Quartz and Smoky Quartz. How to get there: ighway 380, about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is halfway between San Antonio and Carrizozo at mile marker 30 on U.S. Highway 380, in the "town" of Bingham, New Mexico. For more information: http://www.peaktopeak.com/blanchard/ Helpful notes to newcomers:We do recommend that you call a few days prior to coming out to make sure that we are open and that the roads to the mining claim are passable. Also, if you need RV hook-ups, we can provide them.
#5: KILBOURNE HOLE General description:Kilbourne Hole is one of several volcanic maars located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Volcanic maars are unusual volcanic features, and Kilbourne is probably the best example to be seen anywhere in the world. With a lot of work and effort gem grade peridot can be collected. http://www.mtlilygems.com/mineinfo/KHinfo.html How to get there: From El Paso Texas take TX 178 West the road will become New Mexico 136 continue 6.4 miles and turn right on Columbus Road/ NM-9. Drive 16.2 miles and turn right on CR-008 until you reach CR-AO11 and turn right and continue 3.7 miles. Handy to bring along: 1.Water 2.Rock hammer 3. Collecting bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting conditions at Kilbourne Hole can be extreme with intense summer heat in excess of 100°F and freezing temperature in winter. Spring time, March in particular, can be very windy with violent dust storms.
missouri
Location #1: Lincoln, Missouri - Mozarkite General Description: Mozarkite is a pastel colored chert with swirls, blossoms, and bands. The color varies from pink,yellow, blue, and sometimes green. In 1967 the Missouri Legislature proclaimed Mazarkite the state gemstone. How to get there: The chert is found in streams, ditches, fields, and road cuts around a wide area around Lincoln, Missouri. The area extends along the Cotter Dolomite Formation of Ordovician age. The word is a combination of Mo for Missouri, Ozark for the region and ite for rock. Lincoln is south of Sedalie on HWY 65. I have also found Mozarkite at Harry Truman lake west of Lincoln. http://www.dnr.mo.gov./pubs/pub653.pdf
http://www.mazarkite.com Rate this site: (A to F) A Plenty of good material Handy to bring along: 1. Rock Hammer 2. Safety Glasses 3. Pick or Maul Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be granted from the land owner. I have found all I wanted in ditches, road cuts and along the lake.
Location #2: Everett J. Ritchie Mineral Museum General description: The best museum to study an extensive collection of Tri-State minerals from the mines of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Galena, calcite,sphalerite, dolomite and chalcoprite crystals are truly impressive. How to get there: The museum is at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin Missouri. The complex is at the corner of 7th street and Schifferdecker Drive. If you desire to collect some samples, drive north on Schifferdecker Park to W Perkins and turn right. There are tailing dumps from the mining operations on your left. Calcite , dolomite , galena, and sphalerite specimens can be found. Grade this location: (A to F): A for the museum C+ for the mine tailing piles. GPS coordinates: http://www.joplinmuseum.org/info.htm Handy to bring along: 1.camera 2.Hand tools 3.Rock Hammer 4. Safety Glasses - the host rock is chert (flint) and can be extremely sharp especially with fresh breaks. Flint has a conical fractures and used by flint nappers to create Native American tools. Some Mozarkite that is free of fractures makes incredible arrowheads, spear points and other tools. 5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The museum is one of the finest collections of the Tri-State Mining district. It is known for the size and beauty of the crystal habitat of the minerals. There is a scale model of the Lead and Zinc mines and the extraction process. Be careful when handling sharp edged chert. It is best not to hit the chert with a hammer. A friend of mine went to the hospital to have a flint shard removed from his hand from holding a nodule in his hand and hitting the flint with a hammer. Bad Idea
Location #3: Elephant Rocks State Park General description: Giant Boulders of pink granite resemble huge elephants marching in a circus area. A nature hike circles through 1.6 billion year old pre-Cambrian formations How to get there: htp://www.mostateparks.com/elephantrock/geninfo.htm Handy to bring along: .Camera 2.Hiking shoes . Helpful notes to newcomers: colecting is illegal in the park. However, there is an operating quarry at the backside of the park. Ask at the office to gather some pieces from the scrape piles. The pink granite is cut for monuments and building stone, The scape has been sawed and is quite attractive.
Location #4: Potosi, Old Mine, Cadet, Missouri
General description: Missouri lace agate, drusy quartz, and barite blades Missouri Lace agate resembles Mexican Lace agate with tight banding, swirls, and grays, blues, and some red colors. How to get there: Potosi is in south east Missiouri. The area around Potosi contains a number a abandoned mine pits. Go east from Potosi on HWY 8 and turn on CR O. Tailing piles are on both the right on left sides of the road. Do not cross no trespassing signs. Handy to bring along: .Hammer .Rock bag or 5 gallon bucket .Hang tools Helpful notes to newcomers: The drusy can be quite large specimens (2 square feet) with bitroydal formations. Very little digging is necessary. The mine waste piles are extensive.
Location #5: Keokuk Geodes General description: The Warsaw formation of Iowa, Illinois, and northeast Missouri has yielding immense amounts of geodes with as many as 30 different minerals. The most common minerals are quartz and calcite. How to get there: . The streams and rivers around St Franceville and Fox Missouri have exposed geodes. The well know Betty Sheffler's Rock Shop and Mine is being closed due to highway cnstruction http://www.ruralmissouri.org/02pages/Feb02geodes.html http://www.geodegallery.com/keokuk.html Handy to bring along: .Shovel 2.Hand tools. Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not break the Geodes with a hammer. Many a valuable stone has been destroyed by an over zealous rockhound.
NY
Location #1: Middleville N.Y. Rt.28 (the herkimer diamond mine and the ace of diamonds mine) for a fee you can prospect and keep all you find. The mines also have tool rental ,rock shop and snacks. Handy to bring along: 1.water 2.gloves and hat 3.first aid
Location #2: Barton Garnet Mine
General description: Mining operations began in 1878 in one of largest garnet mines in the world. Garnet is the New York gemstone and garnets can easily be found at this site. Gore mountain is known for producing very large garnets industrial, some a foot in diameter or larger. How to get there:From I 87 take Exit 23 to Route 9 through Warrensburg. Left on Route 28 for Approximately 21 miles to the old North River General Store (now a rafting company). Left on paved Barton Mines Road for 5 miles to Garnet Mine http://www.garnetminetours.com/shop.html Grade this location: (A to F): A Geology of Gore Moutain: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments
SEM/pages/Erica/SEM.html Handy to bring along: 1. Hat 2. Collecting bag 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The mine is handicapped accessible. There are a number of other activities for the family.
Location #3: Powers Farm General description: The Powers farm has been a source of black uvite tourmaline for over one hundred years. How to get there:
Take HWY 68 east from canton New York. Powers farm is at the intersection of HWY 68 and county road 24.
Grade this location: (A to F): A Handy to bring along: 1. Shovel 2. Pick 3. Rock bag or bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be obtained to collect at this site. Examples of the specimens can be seen at:
http://www.geologicdesires.com/newyorkstateselfcollectedspecimens.htm
NC
Location #1: Chunky Gal Mountain
General description: Chunky Gal Mountain and Buck Creek is a must stop on a treasure hunt to North Carolina. Red and pink rubies are found in a green host rock (smaragdite). A prospector can choose to mine the matrix material or shift the dirt around the boulders. The clear cold waters of Buck Creek at the base of Chunky Gal Mountain holds bright red almandine garnets. Also there a specimens of spinel, rutile and other peridotite minerals. How to get there: The site is just off HWY 64 in Clay County between Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina. Going east from Hayseville on HWY 64 look for old HWY 64 about a two miles past Shooting Creek. The old highway is the best landmark because it still has some asphalt paving. Turn left on a steep gravel forest road where the old and new highways meet. The site is about a mile up the mountain. Parking is available at the site. The old road parallels the new and leads to Buck Creek Road.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: 35 04.792 N 083 37.656W Chunky Gal 35 05.019 N 083 36.759 W Buck Creek Garnet
Handy to bring along: 1. Shifting screens 2. Small sledge hammer 3. Pry bars 4. Gloves 5. Safety Glasses Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is in the Nantahala National Forest. In order to keep this site open; the rules of conservation must be followed. Leave the site better than you found it. Carry your trash out and be careful with fire.
location #2: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
General description: The Mason Mine is a personal favorite. There is absolutely no salting. Mason is one of the few mines that you can dig your own dirt. Last July a 40 carat pink sapphire was found. If you stay long enough you will find gems. How to get there:6961 Upper Burningtown Road Franklin, North Carolina http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/ Handy to bring along: 1. Latex lined gloves to keep your hands warm while washing the mine run 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There are snacks and drinks available at the mine.
Location #3: Gold regions of North Carolina
General description: North Carolina has historically produced more gold than any other state in the south east. From the early 1800s gold has been prospected and mined in North Carolina. The Reynolds mine in Montgomery County was owned by a distant ancestor of mine. How to get there: The following link is to the North Carolina Geological Survey Gold Pages. http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us Handy to bring along: 1. Gold pan 2. Digging tools 3. Depending on your commitment much more productive equipment can be brought along Helpful notes to newcomers: Join the GPAA to find the best sites and meet people with a common interest - YELLOW GOLD!! http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/gpaa.html
Location #4: Emerald Mines
General description: As Kirsten found out North Carolina is emerald country. North Carolina has supplied the largest and most valuable emeralds in the nation.No wonder that in 1973 the emerald was designated the state precious gemstone. How to get there: Hiddenite North Carolina is east of Taylorsville on HWY 90.Ed Speer, a North Carolina Geologist, has an excellent web site on emerald mines of North Carolina: http://www.northcarolinaemeralds.info/ One of the best mines is the Emerald Hollow Mine http://www.hiddenitegems.com/
Handy to bring along: 1. Screens 2.Tools for digging - shovel & pick 3.Gloves 4. Probe Helpful notes to newcomers: Emeralds are crystals of of the mineral beryl. You might find a rare crystal of green Hiddenite. Don't discard it Read Kristen 's report: http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Emeralds.show?vgnextfmt=show
location #5: Franklin North Carolina
General description: The Gem Capital of North Carolina. It is a regular vacation spot for my family and me. There is always something new to see and do; the mountains, the rivers, the prospecting. My wife will shop till we drop at the gem shows. Some of the best gem, mineral, and fossil shows in the east are held in Franklin. How to get there: Franklin is in western North Carolina just south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on HWY 64.The following link gives information about Franklin including mines in the area , the museum and a calender of events. http://www.franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/gemMining.asp http://pakasdollmaker.com/gemmining.html
Handy to bring along: 1. Prospecting Tools - pick, shovel, rock hammer, pry bar 2. Hiking shoes 3. Safety equipment - safety glasses, first aid kit 4. Screens, pans Helpful notes to newcomers: This part of the God's creation will capture your heart. You will be back. Plan - but don't over plan your trip, let the county lead your where it will. You will find surprises at every turn.
Location #6 : Sheffield Mine
General Description: Lots of mud washing, gravel inspecting, gem finding fun for the whole family. I hope you will find some big honker rubies and sapphires. How to get there: 385 Sheffield Farms Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 http://www.sheffieldmine.com/ Handy to bring along:
1. a change of clothes 2. Helpful notes to newcomers: Ask for advise. The owners will more than willing to help identify the treasures
Location #7 : Cherokee Ruby Mine
General Description: A completely unsalted native mine in Franklin, N.C., where some of the best rubies in the region (in North America, for that matter) are to be found. The "Cherokee Chief," a huge 1070 ct. gem quality ruby, was found here in 1993. Sapphires, garnet, moonstone, rutile, and even the occasional Indian artifact (pottery and arrowheads) may be found here as well. Great place, with very friendly and helpful staff. http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/ How to get there: Click here for directions From Franklin: Business Hwy 441 North, to Hwy 28-North, located near the center of town. Follow 28N until passing Cowee Baptist Church on your right.Merge right, on Cowee Creek Road just ahead. Follow Cowee Creek Rd. until it becomes Ruby Mine Road by staying right at any fork-in the road.
Stay on Ruby Mind Rd to the mine entrance, on the left. Approximate drive time from Franklin is 25-30 minutes. handy to bring along:
1. Gloves-- not needed, but some will find them helpful 2. Lunch/Snacks 3. Cash only, so bring it to pay. Helpful notes to newcomers: The staff are really the most wonderful people in the world, and will be able to provide newbies with any help needed, and will also look through your tailings to be sure that you do not miss anything. Drinks are available for sale, and there are umbrellas for rent, but bring your lunch.
Location #8: Bearfoot Gold
Family owned and opererated recreational prospecting camp that offers a unique experience for Families regardless of your skill level or preferred method of prospecting How to get there: Http://www.bearfootgold.com Located on a historic lode mine, the possibility of
finding an old treasure from mine itself is there for everyone. The location of the old miners camp and homestead produces bottles, keys, and even some coins on occasion, including two Morgan dollars found near the mine itself. Even older treasure in the form of arrowheads is a fairly common occurence! Rockhounds will be excited to find some of the minerals that the area is known for: quartz and amethyst crystals, garnets, fluorite, and others can be found by the lucky collector. handy to bring along: 1.Gold pan , digging tools 2.unlike alot of other places They incourage dredging and high banking 3.Food,drinks and snacks Bearfoot offers primitive camping for tents and pop-ups, There is RV camping in Carthage and Days Inn in Biscoe both only 15 minutes away
Oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is: http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636 Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates: E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W., Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho Handy to bring along: 1.Buckets or Back pack 2.Shovel and pick 3.Rock Hammer 4. Pry bar 4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones. If you can not find gemstones in this area you should find a new hobby.
Location #2: Spectrum Mine - featured on Cash & Treasures General description: Oregon Sunstone became the state gemstone in 1987. The gems are a plagioclase feldspar formed in basalt lava flows that cover much of southeast Oregon. The Spectrum mine in part of 40 mining claims operated by High Desert Gems & Minerals. Spectrum mine is open to the public for a daily fee. The mine was once owned by Tiffany's of New York. How to get there: The following link gives detailed directions to the mine: http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com/index.htm The mine is 23 miles from Plush, Oregon.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates: Latitude: 42 25 11.84 N; Longitude: 119 54 34.25 W Handy to bring along: 1.1/4 " mesh screens 2.Hammer & chisel 3.Rock pick 4. Buckets 5. Plastic bags Helpful notes to newcomers: Primitive camping is available at the site but there are no RV hook ups. However, there are a number of camping sites and RV pull overs. Well water is available. Becky Worley found a Sunstone valued at between $5000 - $6000. Read all about it!
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Sunstones_-_Becky.show?vgnextfmt=show
#3: Richardson' Rock Ranch General description: The Richardson's have a variety Thunderegg and ledge agate. The list of digging sites includes:Pony Butte, Blue Bed, Red Bed,Moss bed, Flat Bed, and Opal Bed. The different sites are from easy digging to expert digging. Even if you don't dig the rockshop is worth visiting. How to get there: Take HWY 75 North from Madras untill you come to mile post 81. You will see the Richardson sign. Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. The following link gives the information on the site: http://richardsonrockranch.com/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N 44 43.956 W 120 58.564 Handy to bring along: 1.Pick 2.Bucket 3.Rock hammer
4. Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: The fee is based upon the weight of the material collected. The current price is $0.75 per pound.
location #4: Oregon Beaches - especially around Newport
General description: The beaches of Oregon are littered with a sampling of the amazing rocks and minerals of Oregon. Agates are the prize that most rockhounds go after; however colorful jaspers and even bloodstones are found. Since the gravels and cobbles are a mixture of Oregon rocks, keep an eye out for petrified wood and marine fossils. The best part is that it is free. For more information:
http://4facets.com/polished_AccentStones.html How to get there: Newport is at the intersection of HWY 101 and HWY 20. The Oregon coast is a treasure in and of itself. I have included links to area attractions and places to stay or eat. http://www.aquarium.org/
http://www.newportoregon.com/ http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Hand tool 3.Sun screen Helpful notes to newcomers: The Oregon waves can be impressive, so be careful when collecting near the surf. Keep an eye on the breakers especially with young children around.The smaller stones are ideal for a tumbler, however, you might find a fist size keeper.
Location #5: White Fir Spring
General description: Oregon thunderegg site courtesy of the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. The thundereggs contain jasper or agate cores in a diamond shaped center. How to get there: drive east out of Prineville on HWY 26 to mile post 41and turn left on 3359. Drive approximately 5.5 miles until you reach the sign : Chamber of Commerce Claim. You made it to the jasper site. For the agate filled site turn right before the sign. Handy to bring along: .Small Pick .Shovel .Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Thundereggs have been collected for years don't expect surface float. It will require some elbow grease to recover the thundereggs,
Location #6: Glass Buttes
General description: Glass Butte is one of the best sites anywhere to collect Obsidian. Technically Obsidian is not a mineral but occurs when Basalt cools quickly forming a volcanic glass. Several types of Obsidian are found at Glass Butte including black, silver sheen, mahogany,fire etc, How to get there: ten miles southeast of Hampton on HWY 20, turn south on Obsidian Road. Follow this road until the roads tees. Your are at Glass Butte ww.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/rockhounding Handy to bring along: .Gloves .Rock Hammer
3. safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:obsidian can be very sharp. Be careful when handling broken shards.
location #7: Madras - Jefferson County
General description: Several sites are in the area including: McDonald Ranch, Marston Ranch, Nartz Ranch, Friend Ranch, Ochs Ranch, and the Richardson's Recreation Ranch. The McDonald Ranch was featured on "Cash and Treasures". The sites are known for petrified wood, thundereggs, and agates. All these sites have great collecting materials. How to get there: The Richardson's Rock ranch is featured in Location #3. The McDonald Ranch is by appointment only:
McDonalds Ranch
Ashwood, Oregon
Phone: (541) 489-3290
The following link gives information on the
sites in the area:
http://www.madraschamber.com/rockhounding.cfm
Grade this location: A GPS Coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Pick
2.Shovel
3.Buckets
4.Rock Hammer
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are a number of sites in the area, and I have included a link for lodging and food.
http://www.madraschamber.com/
Kristen's report on Oregon Petrified Wood
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Petrified_Wood_Blog.show?vgnextfmt=show
Location #8: Dust Devil Mine - Sunstones
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Dust Devil Mining operates a mine for sunstones, but is open to the public from gem hunting. Lots of good gems are found here each year, including some very spectacular finds. How to get there:North out of Plush, Oregon to the Rabbit Hills Basin. The site is near to the Spectrum mine noted above.
Grade this location: (A to F):A - you only pay for the best sunstones you find and the rest are free. GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Screens and digging tools.
2. All necessary water, food and other supplies
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Many beautiful gems come from this location. For more info on Oregon sunstones, check out the following website:
Oregon Sunstones
Alabama Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
ALABAMA Gold Prospecting Map- 140 gold sites - One hundred forty Alabama gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in seven counties. Gold mining in Alabama began in the 1830's and the hobby of recreational gold prospecting and panning is enjoyed by many people today. A geological report states: “The Hilton Brothers reopened the pit. They succeeded in obtaining 65 ounces of gold from a hole 3 feet by 2 feet by 20 inches; the result of half a day’s work.”
Gold sites continue to the east on the Georgia map.
To read more about gold in Alabama
Town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to
take the rugged road up Mt. Antero. High danger of lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
Be respectful of private claims. : Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Scre
SackMore Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
fire opals:
Klamath Falls, OR Lake County
Tips for finding it:Pay at the fee dig.
Georgia Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
GEORGIA Gold Prospecting Map- 500 gold sites - Five hundred Georgia gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in 37 counties extending from south of Atlanta to the North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama state lines. Georgia is a wonderful state for gold prospecting, gold panning, treasure hunting and rockhounding. There was a major gold rush in 1828 at Dahlonega. Vice President John C. Calhoun mined gold at Auraria, Georgia. Villa Rica, west of Atlanta, and just off of Interstate 20, is another Georgia gold rush town. It is known as “The Golden City”.
Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum. It has displays of Georgia gold nuggets and gold coins minted at Dahlonega, plus a film and lectures about Georgia gold (706-864-2257). The Consolidated Gold Mine at Dahlonega is open to visitors and gold panning may be done there. You will also enjoy panning for gold and gemstones at "Gold 'n Gem Grubbin" at Cleveland, Georgia.
Gold sites continue to the north on the North Carolina gold map, to the east on the South Carolina gold map and to the west on the Alabama gold map.
To read more about gold in Georgia
oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains
General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.
Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is:
http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636
Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates:
E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W.,
Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets or Back pack
2.Shovel and pick
3.Rock Hammer
4. Pry bar
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones.
PA:
Location #1: Swatara State Park
General description: Fossil beds are exposed along the Old State Road and provides a variety of Devonian age (375 million years ago) marine fossils. The fossils can be incredible. Pennsylvania even has a state fossil, the trilobite.
How to get there:
Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, 14 miles north of Lebanon and three miles west of Pine Grove. The park is easily reached from I-81: at Exit 90, Lickdale, take PA 72 north; at Exit 100, take PA 443 west.http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/swatara.aspx
Handy to bring along:
1. Collecting bag
2. Small hand tools
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The park is not developed but does offer numerous activities including fishing, hiking/biking trails. hunting and boating.
location 2: Tamaqua Elementary School, Tamaqua, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania 18252
genaral description : you have to go up the hill to the soccer/football feild then go up anoughter hill the the crystal area if you go to the top of the big hill/small mountain you can find slate slice them on the side to find fossils basicly there you find crystals and fossils also some time s you can find coal but rarely tools to bring: gloves, a bucket or back pack and something to dig/move around gravel and dirt pre pare for steep climbs look for orangish dirt that means big good crystals
RI:
Location #1:Diamond Hill
General description: At the mines at Diamond Hill, large plates of quartz crystals with small amounts of geothite and hematite can be found. The quartz crystals here are usually stained with rust. On way up old ski slope, take path to right. Rocks dumped down side of hill to build ski lifts contain Quartz crystals.
How to get there:
Providence, Rhode Isl
1. Head southeast on Dorrance St toward Westminster St 0.2 mi
2. Slight right to merge onto I-195 W/US-6 W 0.3 mi
3. Take the exit onto I-95 N/US-6 W toward Boston
Continue to follow I-95 N 1.3 mi
4. Slight right at RI-146 N (signs for Woonsocket/RI-146 N) 7.8 mi
5. Take the exit onto I-295 N toward Boston MA. 4.0 mi
6. Take exit 11 for RI-114 N toward Cumberland 0.2 mi
7. Turn left at Diamond Hill Rd/RI-114 2.7 mi
Diamond HillCumberland, Rhode Island Grade this location: (A to F):B
Handy to bring along:
1.hammers and a hand pick
2.chisels and safety gear
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Small vugs of quartz crystals can be found in very large quartz boulders.
sapphires
Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields | Pat's Gems
GPS: Latitude: -23.417170, Longitude: 147.698425; S23°25.0302, E147°41.9055
Where: Rubyvale Road, Sapphire, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 07 4985 4544
email: [email protected]
website: Pat's Gems Toolkit ,Jackhammer ,Trommel ,Screen,Wheelbarrow,Rockhammer ,Shovel
More About Sapphire Mining
Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. The finest specimens are mined in Sri Lanka and the disputed territory of Kashmir. Both the Logan sapphire and the Star of Bombay originate from Sri Lankan mines. Sapphires are also mined in Australia, Madagascar, Thailand, and Myramar. Madagascar leads the world in sapphire production (as of 2007) specifically in and around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as of 1987). Ilakaka is prone to violence, but sapphires are found everywhere including on the ground and in the river mud. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tanzania and Kenya also produce sapphires. The US state of Montana has produced sapphires from both the El Dorado Bar and Spokane Bar deposit near Helena. Well-known for their intense, pure blue color, yogo sapphires are found in Yogo Gulch, near Utica, Montana. Gem grade sapphires and rubies are also found in and around Franklin, North Carolina, USA. Several mines are open to the public.
Appraisal Information Get your sapphires appraised at The Rubyvale Gem Gallery. The Gallery is located on 7 Keilamete Road in Rubyvale, Queensland, 4702, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
email: [email protected]
You can also contact Don at Gillett's Jewellers or email him at [email protected].
SC:
Location #1: Diamond Hill Quartz Property
General description: The state gem stone is amethyst. Diamond Hill is an excellent site to collect this rich purple gem. Skeletal crystals , smokey quartz, cacoxenite on quartz and other minerals are found at at the big pit. How to get there:
The following site gives contact information to collect at the site for a fee:
http://www.gamineral.org/commercial-diamondhill.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Pick
3. Bucket
4. Rock hammer
5. Safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:
Diamond Hill is one of the better sites in South Caroline. On the web site, there is a page to apply to collect.
location #2: Lee Creek
General description: The mine itself is an open-pit phosphate mine on the south shore of the Pamlico River which exposes: Pungo River Marl (Lower Miocene), Yorktown ( Early Pliocene), Chowan River (Late Pliocene) and James City (Pleistocene) Formations Fossils are collected at the mine or from tailings used by local highway departments as road fill. Sharks, rays, boney fish, corals, clams and many other fossils.
Ref: http://www.elasmo.com/ How to get there:
The PCS Phosphate mine is private. However, they welcome fossil hunters. Each season, the mine allows clubs and individuals that apply for collecting slots to enter the mine. The mine simply asks that hunters only come in once a season, to give other hunters a fair chance to obtain slotsSee the folowing link to reserve a slot: http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/l_creek/
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Screens
3.Hand pick
5. Bucket
6. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Visit the Auora Fossil Museum to see fossils from the area:.
400 MAIN STREET; P.O. BOX 352; AURORA, NC 27806-0352
TELEPHONE: (252)322-4238 FAX: (252) 322-2220
SD:
Location #1:
Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
Camping is available at the French Creek Camp Ground. Do not expect the Waldorf. It is nice camping but somewhat primitive. General description:
The area around Fairburn is known for for the South Dakota state Gemstone: Fairburn Agate. The French Creek Campground is a collecting site for Fairburn Agate as well as Prairie Agate, Petrified Wood and other gemstones.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/units/frrd/bgng.html How to get there:
Drive south from Rapid City on HWY 79 to Fairburn SD. Turn east on CR 18 toward Red Shirt. The site is at the camp grounds. Hills of gravel contain the gems. Prairie agate and petrified wood are much more common.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Water & Food. This place is in the boondocks
2.Hand tools
3.Shovel
4. Good hiking shoes
5. GPS Helpful notes to newcomers: Look for parallel tight banding. Prairie agate does not have the parallel banding.Prairie agate is a beautiful agate when the right one is found. fairburn will have several different colors of concentric bands.
Location #2: Two Hearts Ranch http://www.twoheartbuffalohunt.com/
General description: Jerry & Bev Austin own a piece of heaven on the Cheyenne River near Fairburn SD. They own a hunting lodge that can be rented by the week. During the off season for hunting rockhounds are welcome. It is one of my favorite places to spend a week. Jerry and Bev are great hosts and the gemstone finds are really something to write home about. How to get there: Two Hearts Ranch is located just a few miles from the Fairburn agate site at French Creek Camping Area.(see above) The pickings are better at Two Hearts and the facilities are far better. In the cool of the morning you can set on the front porch drinking coffee and watch the deer and the antelope play.
The movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed in this part of South Dakota.
Grade this location: (A to F): A One of the best GPS coordinates:
43.686749, -103.208206
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools for collecting
2. Bucket for putting the goodies in
3. Food for the week. The cabin has full cooking facilities.
4. Fishing tackle - It has nothing to do with treasures but it is a lot of fun.
5. Binoculars for viewing the wild life
6. Desire to get away from it all and really relax Helpful notes to newcomers: The River has carried a wide variety of gemstones, minerals, marine fossils and petrified wood down from the Black Hills. Long gravel bars are easy pickings. Be sure to high grade and leave some goodies for the next person. To the Lakota the Black Hills are sacred
and now I know why.
Location #3:
Homestake Gold Mine
General description: Tour the largest Gold mine in North America and do some panning.
http://www.mining-museum.blackhills.com/contact.html How to get there: The Homestake Mine is located at Lead, Deadwood - South Dakota
Grade this location: (A to F): A for a tour of the history of Gold mining and a look into a Wild West Boom town Handy to bring along:
1.Good walking shoes
2.Camera
3.Comfortable clothing Helpful notes to newcomers: The tour is about 40 minutes and the surrounding area has many attractions including one of the Wild West's most historic towns (Deadwood).
Location #4: TEE PEE CANYON AGATE SITE
general description: Tee Pee Canyon is a banded agate enclosed in a chert matrix. Roger Clark's book "Fairburn Agate" maintains that the Hill's Agate and the Fairburn Agate are from the same source. The Fairburns are eroded out of a sedimentary matrix. How to get there: Tee Pee canyon is just west of Jewel Cave National Park on HWY 16. Drive about 3 miles west of the Park's western entrance. I usually turn north on FDR282 and drive a mile or two and search the slopes. There is a Ranger Station about a mile farther on HWY 16. Check at the station for local forest conditions and rock hunting regulations. The Agate is in inside of nodules of a tan chert.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/
Handy to bring along:
1.Hiking Boots
2.Water
3.Hand tools
4. Rock Hammer - you must high-grade but do not destroy the agate by shattering it with a hammer. Be sure to wear safety glasses if you hit a rock with a hammer. Helpful notes to newcomers: Please be very, very careful with fire. The Hills are in drought conditions and are a tinderbox. Do not park in deep grass as the conventer is hot and could start a fire. The authorities won't over look carelessness with fire. Don't start campfires other than in designated camping areas and if you smoke carefully dispose of cigarette buts. I don't mean to preach but the Black Hills are the real Treasure and we are the stewards of the land.
Location #5: Road Cut
General description: The road cut has a metamorphic schist and glassy-gray quartz, pink feldspar, silvery micas, and shiny black tourmaline. How to get there: From Custer SD drive west on HWY 16 toward Jewel Cave National Park. The road cut is on the right about 2 miles from Custer. Be sure to see Jewel Cave and the beauty of the Black Hills from underground.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+
Handy to bring along:
1. Only small amounts of mineral specimens can be taken from South Dakota roadways and only after notifying the nearest highway department office. ( see web page)
2. http://www.northern.edu/natsource/EARTH/Fairbu1.htm
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: This site is an educational stop to learn about the unique mineralogy of the Black Hills. I have collected some very nice specimens fom this site.
Name of Destination: Crater of Diamonds State Park
What you can hunt for: diamonds (natch)
Phone: (870) 285-3113 / http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/diamond-hunting/ Nearest city or town: Murfreesboro, Ark.
Chances of finding anything?:
Low, but it's fun.
Name of Destination: Rocky Candy Mine
What you can hunt for: Crystals of Fluorite, Barite, and quartz geodes
Phone/website: (250) 442 2833 / www.rockcandymine.com
Nearest city or town: Grand Forks, BC Canada
Chances of finding anything?: 100% of visitors find pretty fluorite pieces, they are all over,
you just hammer them out with the hammers provided. Most people find the small quartz geodes, you have to
be lucky to find barite
Name of Destination: Crystal Mine
What you can hunt for: Quartz & pyrite crystals, copper minerals.
Phone/website: www.geologyadventures.com
Nearest city or town: Seattle, WA
Chances of finding anything: You'll find dozens of pretty
crystals in a 4 hour trip. Name of Destination: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
What you can hunt for: Mostly sapphires in the lavender to pink color range, but rubies
and other stones may also be found.
Phone/website: http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/
Name of Destination: Richardson's Rock Ranch
What you can hunt for: Thunder Eggs, Jasper
Phone/website: www.richardsonrockranch.com
Nearest city or town: Madras, OR
Chances of finding anything?: 100% Name of Destination: U-Dig Fossils
What you can hunt for: Trilobites
Phone/website: www.u-digfossils.com
Nearest city or town: Delta, Utah
Chances of finding anything?: 100% I love this place!
Name of Destination: StoneRose Fossil Center
What you can hunt for: Eocene plant, insect, & fish fossils
Phone/website: www.stonerosefossils.org
Nearest city or town: Republic, WA
Chances of finding anything?: Very good, fossils, particularly plants,
are abundant. The center allows visitors to keep 3 fossils per day, if you discover more,
they are donated to the centers non-profit programs. A low-cost family destination. Name of Destination:
Saddle Mountain
What you can hunt for: Petrified Wood
Phone/website: N/A
Nearest city or town: Mattawa, Wa
Chances of finding anything?:100% Good digging and surface hunting in tailings
Name of Destination: Opal Hill Mine
What you can hunt for: Fire agate
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100%, this site is a winter site ONLY. We are already
over 110 degrees
For lots more vacation ideas check out this blog.
www.myoutdoorchannel.com/cswiita
Name of Destination: The Middle Camp Mining district
What you can hunt for: GOLD
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100 %
Name of Destination: Jalama Beach
What you can hunt for: Rootbeer agate, fossils
Phone/website: www.jalamabeachstore.com
Nearest city or town: Lompoc
Chances of finding anything?:100% Name of Destination: Cherokee Ruby Mine
What you can hunt for: Rubies, sapphires, garnet, rutile, moonstone, and more.
Phone/website: http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/
Nearest city or town: Franklin, N.C.
Chances of finding anything?: Very good. The staff is just wonderful
and will provide plenty of help in your search. Because this mine is completely
native and unlike most other Franklin mines, NEVER salted, you won't find as much
as with the salted places, but what you find may be of very high quality
agates
Agate Diving/Copper Harbor
GPS: Latitude: 47° 27' 30.4884" Longitude: -88° 9' 43.8948"
Where: Agate diving near Eagle Harbor, MI
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Superior Divers Center
Cost: Agateering Class Fee = $40
Additional dives available,
cost varies
Private Farm Fields
Where: Five to six hours south of Duluth, MN Toolkit
Scuba Gear
Container for "finds"
How-To Guide
Agate hunters are advised to take a basic non-certification course on agateering. A two-hour class, offered in Copper Harbor, MI, covers the identification and location of these precious gemstones. This is a one-tank dive (air furnished). Recommended reading for treasure hunters includes "Lake Superior Agate: One Man's Journey" by Scott Wolter.
Learn More!
More on Agates
Know other places to hunt for Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Enjoy the Moose Lake Agate Festival and have your collection of agates appraised.
alaska
Location #1: Moore Creek Alaska
This historic gold mine still produces some big nuggets for those who visit. Its a private property, but they allow visitors for a free. Visitors keep all the gold they find. For More info, see:
Moore Creek Pay To Mine
General description: How to get there:You have to fly from Anchorage to Mc Grath, then via bush pilot by plane to the Moore Creek Mine. This beautiful remote part of Alaska, with no roads, is quite an adventure.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Metal Detector
2. Yourown camping gear
3. The mine provides all food and other mining equipment. Helpful notes to newcomers:
See my story of my visitot the mine and the gold I found at:
Alaskan Gold Prospecting Adventure
Location #2: Nome
Many folks prospect the historic beach area and find gold there.
General description: How to get there: By plane or barge - there are no roads
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Helpful notes to newcomers:
History and information about Nome:
Digging Gold at Nome, Alaska
austrillia
Australia's Golden Triangle
GPS: Latitude: -36.593021, Longitude: 143.924637; S36°35.58126, E143°55.47822
Where: Victoria, Australia
Address: 19 Hayes Street, Bendigo
Victoria 3550, Australia
Phone: (61) 04 2902 4834
email: [email protected]
website: Golden Triangle Tours
Toolkit
Metal detector
Headphones
Gold pan
Pick
Plastic scoop
Bucket/sieve
Rake
Golden Triangle Packages
Golden Triangle Tours offer a number of different service. They have four main packages. The Three-Hour Tuition package is suited to someone who may have just purchased a metal detector and wants to learn the ins and out and best methods when using it. The Half-Day Tour are as the name suggest are half day tour. They combine all the intense tuition of the three hour package as well providing morning tea, lunch, and more time for detecting. The Full-Day Tour are tours that provide a full day of prospecting as well as meals. The package is limited to only two customers per tour per day so you really do experience totally intense tuition. The final service offered is the Overnight Tour. These can also include multiple days to suit your needs. This tour is truly the deluxe of all tours offered anywhere in the Australian Goldfields.
Learn More!
More on Aussie Gold
Know other places to hunt for gold Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Get your gold appraised at
The Mining Exchange Gold Shop. The address is 8a Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, 3350
Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
brazil
Location Information
Rio Doce Information
GPS: Latitude: -18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: Southeastern Brazil
Phone: (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected]
Chang Express
This travel agent and tour guide company will offer tours and recreational tailing pile digs for Rio Doce and Jaco Mines. Visit their website for more information. Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Mine information
Need more info? Check out the Rio Doce Gem Mine website. This is the site for Jerry Call's sister mine in North Carolina. Information will be available about the Brazilian mine. It does not have its own website, but Jerry owns both and can provide info on each.
Learn More!
More on Brazilian Bling
Know other places to hunt for Brazilian Bling? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
For more information on appraising your finds, visit H. Stern Jewelers, located on Rua Garcia D'Avila 113 in Ipanema, Rio. Call Christian Hallot at 55-11-2106-0001 or 55-11-3865-5583 or 55-11-8188-5900. His email address is [email protected] or visit the website.
Jaco Mine Info
GPS: Latitude: 18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: State of Minas Gerais in Brazil
Phone: Jerry Call (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected] Toolkit Shovel
Screen
Sack
More Rio Doce Gem Mine information
Treasure hunters can call Jerry Call from Easter through the end of October. During all other times, people can write to him at his email address listed above.Wondering how you'll haul all the dirt to find those gems? There is a $100 fee per wheelbarrow. Each additional wheelbarrow may be discounted, but it's safe to say that the price starts at $100 and goes up. So be prepared.Learn More!
More on Aquamarine Know other places to hunt for Aquamarine? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationFor more information on appraising your finds, contact Tergemas Ind. Exp Ltd at [email protected].
You can also head to the Amsterdam Sauer Museum located on Rua Garcia D'Avila, 105, Ipanema, Rio 22421-010. The phone number is 55-21-2512-1132 or 55-21-2239-8045. You can also visit their website.
canada
Rock Candy Mine
GPS: Latitude: 49.032370, Longitude: -118.443264; N49°1.9422, W118°26.59584
Where: Grand Forks, British Columbia
Phone: (250) 442-2833
Website: Rock Candy Mine
Email: [email protected]
Advanced Booking Recommended Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Safety Goggles
Chisel
For Rock Candy Hunters:
Collect all you can carry in one load. Rock Candy Mine provides hammers and safety goggles. If you would like to use a chisel, you can bring one. Chisel use is not recommended for kids under 10; hammers can't distinguish between chisels and fingers.
The mine also offers the Rock Candy Safari, an introduction to Rock Candy's colorful minerals and mining history. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect green fluorite, banded purple fluorite, sparkling quartz and barite crystals.
Learn More!
More on Rock Candy
Know other places to hunt for rock candy? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Glen Saurdiff at Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent, WA, gives Kirsten and the crew an appraisal of their finds and helps transform their rock candy into jewelry. For more information, visit Jerry's Rock and Gem website.
british Columbia
TREASURE HUNTING IN [PROVENCE, CITY, REGION]
Add what you know about this area to create a handy guide for other treasure hunters. Click EasyEdit to add to this page!
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What this area is known for:
1. Jade, agates, fluorite/barite/quartz crystals, gold panning, fossils.
2. Sapphires, iolite, smoky quartz, aquamarine in the Slocan valley.
4. Biggest finds in this area:
1. Canada's finest barite crystals are found at Rock Candy Mountain
2. Good jade and agate hunting in the lower Frasier valley
3. Fun fossil sites near Harrison Lake
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. Club name, contact info.
Best time of year to go: year round on the Frasier, better in the wet months. Summer for the higher places Other helpful resources:
(newspapers, websites, etc)
1.www.rockcandymine.com
Have a question about treasure hunting or geocaching in this region?
Post a comment for fellow treasure hunters below!THE BEST PLACES TO HUNT
Regions can have multiple good spots to go — add details to build a complete guide.
Location #1:
Rock Candy Mountain, Grand Forks (Boundary area)
General description: Historic fluorite mine converted to family-friendly collecting site. How to get there: Join a guided Safari trip, run by the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. Trips run several days/week in spring/summer. Serious mineral collectors prefer more expensive Vugs trips, where a fresh vug will await each collector.
www.rockcandymine.com
Handy to bring along:
1. Closed toe shoes (rocks are sharp!)
2. Collecting bag (plastic grocery bags will not work (rocks are sharp!)
3. Sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Helpful notes to newcomers: Fluorite occurs here in green and purple. To assess gem quality, dip pieces in water and hold toward the sky ... choose fracture-free pieces.
Location #2: Frasier River beaches and gravel bars
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Jade and agates are found, particularly in spring. How to get there: Anywhere along the lower river valley, good access exists near Harrison, Hope, and Yale.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Boots
Location #3:
McAbee Fossil site
General description: Plant, insect, and fish fossils, open to the public spring/summer/fall How to get there: 8 k west of Cache Creek
info at www.dll-fossils.com
Handy to bring along:
1. magnifier
2. sharp, flat chisel
3. Sunscreen & hat
Helpful notes to newcomers: splitting pieces of shale in the huge piles below the road is often as fruitful as working in the bank.
Nova Scotia
What this area is known for:
1.Zeolites and calcite
2.Agates and jasper
3.Amethyst and quartz
4.copper and many other minerals
5.Fossils Biggest finds in this area:
1.Pockets of Zeolite minerals (Natrolite, Stilbite) in the coastal ledges of various spots in Nova Scotia.
2.Amethyst, quartz, and chalcedony geodes
3.Dinosaur bones in Wasson's Bluff
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. http://www.accesswave.ca/~nsm
Location #1:Wasson's Bluff
General description:Wasson's Bluff is located in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Recently, Dinosaur bones were discovered in the sandstone ledges, preventing mineral collecting. Beautiful orange chabazite crystals can be seen at the lower portion of the ledge.
Location #2: Bramber Shore
How to get there:
Take Exit 5 (Newport) off 101, through Newport Station and left onto 215 (Glooscap Trail along Minas Basin). Drive to shore along left access roads from Cheverie to Bramber. Hike along shore for unusual rock formations and fossil hunting.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock Bag
2.Rock Hammer
3.Hand Tools (my favorite is a hand awl) Helpful notes to newcomers:
Please watch tides!
Location #3: Cape D Or Lightgeneral description: Cape d'Or was once the site of a copper mining operation and you can still find traces of copper in the rocks along the shoreline. How to get there:
Follow Hwy 102 from Halifax to Truro, exiting left (exit #15) onto Hwy 104 towards New Brunswick. Exit right onto Glenholme Loop, then turn right onto old highway. Follow a short distance and exit left on Hwy 2 towards Parrsboro. Turn right in Parrsboro and follow road out of town, then exit left onto 209. Follow route 209 towards Advocate Harbour, and exit left onto dirt road at signs for Cape d'OrExplore trails overlooking lighthouse; then walk down road to lighthouse area. http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Joggins Fossil Cliffs
general description: Follow road through town of Joggins, turning right on unpaved road towards shore. Park in lot at left and walk to shore. Follow shoreline and look for petrified trees in cliffs, or search for fossils along the beach. Look for coal mine shafts in the cliffs (long since collapsed), identified by red groundwater (rust) and old rails poking out of ground. A visit to Joggins is not complete without a stop at the Fossil Interpretation Centre to view the extensive fossil display gathered over many years by a local collector. How to get there:
There are two suggested routes to reach Joggins:From Parrsboro, follow Highway 2 north; keep left through "Boar's Back" area of Chignecto Game Sanctuary towards River Hebert and follow signage to Joggins.
Follow Highway 102 to Truro, and exit left on Highway 104 towards Amherst. Turn off at Exit #4 and follow road south through Upper Nappan, keeping right. Turn right onto Highway 302 south through Nappan and exit right onto Highway 242 towards River Hebert and Joggins.
http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand Tools Helpful notes to newcomers:
Be sure to visit the Joggins Fossil Center:
http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/
Location #5: Truro to Parrsboro
General description: Amethysts, quartz and other semi- precious stones can be found along its shores. Headlands and fields reveal fossils of animals that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Fossilized tree trunks stand high on cliff faces for all to see. Blueberries reign supreme. The brigantine Mary Celeste was built on its shore. How to get there:
You'll be driving Highway #2 which follows the shore of the Cobequid Bay and the Minas Channel. A popular diversion is Highway #209 that meets with Highway #2 at Parrsboro. #209 swings past Port Greville, Spencer's Island, Cape d'Or and Advocate Harbour. When leaving Truro, it's important to remember to drive across the bridge and to always keep Cobequid Bay on your left-hand side!http://www.mestern.net/canada/novascotia/truro/index.php
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Bucket
3. Hand Tools
Helpful notes to newcomers: Parrsboro, a small town with a big heart, is a regional centre with a population of approximately 1,500. As there's lots to see and do in the area, the community is a good place to stay for several days. Gillespie House B & B was built c1890 for merchant & lumberman David Huntley, in the Queen Anne style with Italianate features. The accommodation with its lovely interior wood trim is close to downtown and area attractions. Rooms are nicely decorated and a hearty breakfast is served.
CA
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on BenitoiteKnow other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationThe crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on Benitoite Know other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information The crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
CO
Location #1: Pinon Mesa General description: Agate , jasper and petrified wood are found in the flats and the gullies.
How to get there: From Grand Junction take HWY 340 west to CR D5 and turn left. At Glade Park turn left to the Mesa. Altitude 8600 feet
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock bag
2.Shovel
3.Small pick-maul
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The Colorado National Monument is a well worth a stop on the way to the site.
Location #2: Copper Creek
General description: The real find is the amethyst but you can find pink feldspar and some agate. How to get there:Take HWY 50 south from Grand Junction. At Whitewater turn south on HWY 141 foe about 11 miles. There is a small bridge and a parking area on the right.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand Tolls
2.Rock bag
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: There are No trespassing signs in the area but there is plenty of material outside of the posted areas.
Location #3: Opal Hill General description: Common opal and opalized wood are found at the site plus colorful jasper. How to get there: Take HWY 340 south from Fruita . Travel 1.5 miles to Kingview Road and turn right. It is about .6 miles to Horse thief Canyon Road turn left and look for a dirt road on the right about .1 mile. Turn right get as close to the hill as you can.
Handy to bring along:
1. Small pick
2. Shovel
3. Rock hammer
4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a well known site. The farther from the road you venture the more material you will find.
NC
Emerald Hollow Mine
GPS: Latitude: 35° 53' 34.584" Longitude: -81° 5' 52.1514"
Where: Just off Old Mountain Road in Hiddenite, NC
Phone: (828) 632-3394
(866) 600-4367
Web: Emerald Hollow Mine
Hours: Open every day, 8:30 a.m. to sunset (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Costs: Fees vary based on what you want to do (e.g. camping, sluicing, creeking, digging, and bucket/tool rental). Get more info on Emerald Hollow Mine's website above. Toolkit Shovel
Pick
Screen
Bucket
Scraper
Screwdriver/Probe
How-To Guide
Creeking: Prospecting or looking for gems, minerals or other treasures in a creek by using a screen.
Sluicing: Flowing water is used to wash away sediment to find gems, minerals or other treasures.
Screening: Loose dirt is shoveled onto a screen; the screen is then shaken to remove small particles, leaving larger chunks of earth, which can be examined for gems.
Picking: A pick ax can be used on the walls of a mine to reveal treasure hidden among loose rocks or within broken rocks.Learn More!
More on EmeraldsKnow other places to hunt for Emeralds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information"Cash and Treasures" went to R. Gregory Jewelers for an appraisal. They are located in Statesville, NC, and can be reached at (704) 872-8941.
a mine
Nine miles down Opal Hill Road, Follow signs
GPS: Latitude: 33.433071; Longitude: -114.731789, N33 25.98426, W114 43.90734
Where: Palo Verde, CA 92266
Phone: (760) 854-3000 or (760) 550-2420
Website: Opal Hill Mine Info
Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Chisel
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
How-To Guide
If you visit the mine, plan to stay a full day or longer. It takes some time to find a good spot to dig and, once you find a spot, you will need time to extract the agate. If you only want to spend a few hours, Howard said that there is quite a bit of agate to be found in the tailing piles and dumps left behind by others. You can find some beautiful treasures without the hard work of digging out a vein.
Learn More!
More on Fire Agates
Know other places to hunt for Fire Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Bryan Shoemate gives us an appraisal of our fire agates. For more info: Fire Agate Gems
The crew heads to Ken's Jewelry, at 325 Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach, CA, to have an exquisite piece of jewelry made from our find. You can reach Ken at [email protected].
FL
Peace River General description: The Peace River gravel you can Fossils from the Miocene and from the Pleistocene can be found in the gravel bars and in the river bed. February through May the water is lower than normal, and is the best time for collecting fossils. How to get there:
Take HWY17 south to Zolfo Springs (Hardee county). Pioneer Park is located at the the intersection of HWY 64 & 66. The following link gives additional information:http://english.fossiel.net/locations/location.php?plaats=Peace%20River
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Bucket
4, Helpful notes to newcomers: There is camping available at the site.
A family resort is at 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 for more fossil collecting:
http://www.peacerivercampground.com/
: Shell Creek
General description: As the name implies there is a great variety of fossils in the creek and along the bank including huge Megalodon teeth. How to get there:
Take Hwy 17 east from Punda Gorda. The bridge across Shell Creek has a boat ramp and parking.
Handy to bring along:
1.Wading shoes
2.Screen
3.Shovel
4. Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting Vertebrate fossils requires a permit. Florida is famous for Miocene and Pleistocene mammals and reptile fossils. Information on the permit can be found at:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
WACISSA RIVER
General description: A canoe trip down the Wacissa River will net a haul of fossils. The water is clear, the scenery beautiful and the float is worth the trip. How to get there:
The spring is accessed one mile S. of the town of Wacissa, off Hwy. 59. More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.treasuresites.com/members/fossil.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Helpful notes to newcomers: Watch for springs and creeks along the way. The fossils are more plentiful at these location.
Ruck's Pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co., Florida
General description: Ruck's Pit is well known for fossilized bivalves containing golden calcite crystals of excellent quality. This is a fee mine, so people have to pay a fee to gain access to the mine.
-Geoff909 How to get there: For directions, etc.
http://www.dreamworlds.org/ruck's_crystal_mine.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Sledge hammer and hand pick
2. Chisels, collecting bag
3. safety gear
Helpful notes to newcomers:
Peace River
Arcadia Area includes Brownville Park (off US 17), DeSoto Park (off SR 70), and on canoe trips from Brownville to Canoe Outpost (CR 661 & SR 70). These locations are in DeSoto County, Florida.
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: How to get there: DeSoto Park and public boat ramp: 2 miles west of Arcadia. For Brownville Park and public boat ramp: 5 miles north of Arcadia on US 17 and turn west on Brownville Street. Canoe Outpost is 2 miles west of Arcadia behind the Peace River Campground and offers canoe rentals for those wanting to get to more remote spots other than the boat ramps. go to www.canoeoutpost.com and click on Peace River for canoe rentals.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N27-13.919, W081-53.452 for Canoe Outpost
Handy to bring along:
1. see checklist at www.canoeoutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm
2.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Canoe Outpost has fossil hunting pages geared to beginners at www.canoeutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm. Also have fossil book & fossil i.d. sheet for sale. Have sifters for borrowing for those renting canoes.
GA
Hogg Mine
GPS: Latitude: 33.041415, Longitude: -85.031084; N33°2.4849, W085°1.86504
Where: Meeting location in LaGrange, GA.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Hogg Mine website
Join the North Georgia Gem and Mineral Club.
Toolkit
Hammer
Shovel
Pick
Bucket
More Information
No one is allowed on the property without prior approval, signing a release and paying the fee. Open Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only! Star rose quartz, tourmaline crystals, Aquamarine Beryl crystals. The Star Rose Quartz at Hogg Mine has a beautiful quality; you cut and polish it, and it makes a star, much like star sapphire. The site features a virgin area to dig with a pegmatite of mica, feldspar, a rose quartz core and, if your lucky, Beryl!
Learn More!
More on Star Rose Quartz
Know other places to hunt for Star Rose Quartz? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
The crew heads to gem cutter Clyde Gilbert's Greenwood Studio. Treasure hunters can also go to Prospectors Pouch for an appraisal.
Visit Jim Olson's website. Jim is a Georgia rockhound and author of "Take a Hike: Gem and Mineral Collecting in Georgia."
Need to transform your star rose quartz? Get more information about jewelry designer Susan Zimmerman. Visit her website.
geodes
Thunderbird Park | Thunderegg Mine
GPS: Latitude: -27.947929, Longitude: 153.191360; S27°56.87574, E153°11.481
Where: corner of Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd
Address: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, 4247
Phone: +617 5545 1468
Fax: +617 5545 2707
email: [email protected]
website: Thunderbird Park website
Accommodations: [email protected]
Surfing Lessons
($75 per 90-minute lesson): [email protected]
Toolkit
Small spade or pick
More Thunderbird Park Info:
Thunderbird Park sits on the largest deposit of thundereggs in the world. The mineral rich seam that runs through Mount Tamborine was discovered at Thunderbird Park in 1967. Today, the ground at 300m by 50m open-cut mine has an endless supply of thundereggs.
Admission to the mine includes a detailed explanation of how and where to find your thundereggs, a mine safety induction, list of all the tools needed to find your treasures, and a souvenir miner's permit to take home. ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR MUST BE WORN to the mine as this requirement is a condition under Thunderegg Mine's mining license with the Department of Mines. Children should be accompanied by a paying adult.
Learn More!
More on Australian Geodes
Know other places to hunt for geodes? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Collecting thunder eggs and want your finds appraised? Visit Middleton's website. The Australian jeweler is located on Sea World Drive, Marina Mirage, Main Beach, Gold Coast 4217, Queensland, Australia.
Phone: +61 (0)7 5531 0500
NY
erkimer Diamond Mines
GPS: Latitude: 43° 0' 10.8"; Longitude: -74° 59' 16.7994"
Where: Herkimer, NY
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Herkimer Diamond Mine
Hours: April 15-Oct. 31,
9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: 4 and under = Free 5 to 12 = $8 13 and up = $10 Ace of Diamonds Mine Where: Middleville, NY
Phone: (315) 891-3855 Website: Ace of Diamonds Mine hours: April 15-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost: 3 and under = $3 4 and over = $7.50 Toolkit Hammer Chisel Gardening Tools Crowbar Air Compressor how-To Guide
At Herkimer Diamond Mine, you can purchase an all-day prospecting ticket, just remember to keep your wristband on! Be sure to view the seven-minute instructional video before you exit the store for the mines. Staff will hold your driver's license or another form of identification to use their hammers (1 per person). Your identification will be returned when you return the hammer.
Learn More!
More on Herkimer DiamondsKnow other places to hunt for Herkimer Diamonds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal InformationPaul Geffner gives us an appraisal of our Herkimer diamond finds. He can be reached at (415) 331-2102
idaho
Location #1: Bruneau jasper
General description: The most well known jasper from Idaho is the primarily red and brown cryto-crystaline quartz from Bruneau Canyon. The Bruneau jasper flow is the most silica-rich rhyolite flow in the area and is the source of silica that fills gas cavities in the upper zones of the rhyolite. The most prized Bruneau has egg shaped swirls in the jasper. How to get there:
50 road miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County.
Take HWY 50 south from Bruneau for 39 miles then turn east on Rowland Rd. Travel 11.6 miles and take the left road 11 miles to Indian Hot Springs. There are two exposures of the jasper rhyolite flow in the area.
42°20'15"N , 115°39'0"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Sledge hammer
2.Chisel
3.Safety glasses
4. Bucket
5. Pry bar Helpful notes to newcomers:
Find out the status of the land before taking jasper.
Location #2: Spencer Opal Deposit
General description:Opal is a variety of non crystalline Si02 that contains up to 20% water. The lower water levels, 10%, are more stable. It is the water in the silica gel that gives opal is flashing colors. Spencer, population 38, holds one of the largest opal deposits in the United States and is home to rare star opals. Though white is the most common color worldwide, Spencer miners find rarer blue, pink or red gems How to get there:
The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site. The Deer Hunt Mine is open to rock hounds interested in digging the opal for a set price per pound.
For additional information :
imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/mining/gemstns.htm
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets
2.Hand tools
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are shops where the tourist can buy finished pieces and opal rough.
Location #3: Fire Opals
General Description: Opals of salmon pink or cherry color, showing much brilliance and play of light are found in Gem County . Fortification and water agates of light blue color are found close to the opal deposits. How to get there:
Take 52 north from Emmett and turn est on Butte Road. At the intersection of lookout Road turn north to Squaw Butte.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
44°1'58"N , 116°24'40"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand pick
2, Collecting bag
3. Rock hammer
4. Safety glasses. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Emerald Creek
General description: India and Idaho are the only two locations in the world ehere star garnets are found.
The Forest Service has constructed an area where the public can purchase a permit, remove material from
stockpiled,
garnet-bearing gravels and take them to one of two sluice boxes to wash the material in search of the
garnets. How to get there:
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road
447 to the parking area. Permits,
information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch.
For additional information see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools, and screens are provided
Helpful notes to newcomers: First hand report from
kabnfvr:Yes, I'd do it again in a heart beat. You know, it's all about "the hunt" so even though
it was a lot of work, there is always the chance you'll find something great! Regarding the the rangers
, there are there to help you. They frequently came around asking to help out. If I was going to do the
math on this trip, I'd have to admit that the return may not make it worth it. That said ... I'm a slow
learner I guess. It took us most of the day to figure out where in the pile to dig and what to keep. On
e of the rangers told us to tumble our garnets with Soft Scrub to determine which were good. There were
people taking 5 lbs each and their garnets were much bigger than the majority of ours. I'm going back
tomorrow with my grandkids so will share my results then as well... Everyone found garnets - I'd just
say don't spend too much time pouring over each screen.
One of the rangers told me that the #2 garnets make good tumbling grit so I'll likely use them that way. If you plan to facet, then I likely found many more because you can but out the fractures. I want to make a cabochon with mine so only the very dark, glassy stones will work. Of those, we only found a couple. If either of those polish up to make a 4 or 6 ray star garnet, then I absolutely got enough to pay for my day. I'd say I went through a dozen buckets of "sifted" material. (there are 2 stages, you take the dirt/rock out of a big pile and sift the loose dirt and big rocks out - THEN you take that material to the sluice box). Overall, we likely sifted out 25 buckets of raw materia
iowa
Location #1: 35 mile radius of Keokuk Iowa General description: The geode was designated as the state rock by the Legislature in 1967. The area around Keokuk is famous for the variety of mineralization found in the nodules. Over twenty different minerals line the cavities. The geodes weather out of the Warsaw formation of a Mississippian age limestone and shaley dolomite. How to get there:Search the steams, road cuts, and fields around Keokuk.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Buckets or rock bag
3. Gloves
4. rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Resist the urge to break open the geodes. Instead compare the weight of various stones and save the lighter ones.The very heavy nodules are probably solid.
Location #2: General description: Agates (notable the lake Superior agates), jaspers, petrified wood can be found in the gravel bars on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.Clayton county is a good place to start collecting. (see photo) How to get there:Clayton County is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River, It is northwest of Dubuque on HWY 52.http://www.claytoncountyiowa.com/
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2. Walking shoes
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Also check the gravel operations in the area. Stop at the office and ask permission to collect.
Location #3: Rockford
General description: One of the best collecting sites for Devonian age marine fossils. The Floyd County Fossil and Prairie Park was once a brick clay pit. The Rockford Brick and Tile Company's pit has been transformed into a top fossil site and a recreation center. How to get there:
The Park is west of Rockford on HWY B27
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates:
43.052833, -92.949203
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand tools
2.Bucket or rock bag
3.Long handle screw driver Helpful notes to newcomers:
The following link provides information on the park:
http://www.fossilcenter.com/
kentucky
Location #1: Ben Clements Museum and Mine Digs
General description: One of the nation's finest collections of fluorite and related minerals from the Kentucky-Illinois mining district, and a large collection of other minerals from across the world. There are planned digs scheduled from the spring through the fall. How to get there: The museum is located in Marion Kentucky in the northwest corner of the state.http://www.marionkentucky.us/clementmineralmuseum/The town of Marion has a good Bed & Breakfast (Myers see link below) and a great little restaurant "The Front Porch". Real southern home cooking with a casual atmosphere. Be sure to stop in on your treasure hunt.http://members.tripod.com/~MarionKYKingdomHall/Marion.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A - I have enjoyed rockhounding trips to Marion. Every time I've gone and I have some fine specimens that I dug.
Handy to bring along:
1. Digging tools
2. Collecting buckets
3. Rock Hammer
4. Safety Glasses
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district extends into Illinois. Cave in Rock and Rosiclair are also great spots on your trip.
Location #2: Kentucky Agate General description: Kentucky Agate is the State Rock by act of the State Legislature on July 14, 2000, It is a sedimentary agate found in the Borden Formation of Early Mississippian Age. The agate is beautifully colored and contains bands, fortifications,and sometime plumes or moss formations. It can be found in the creeks and river drainage where it has been weathered out of the host rock. How to get there:
Estill, Jackson, Powell, Madison, and Rockcastle Counties in Kentucky.For more information and pictures of the agates see:
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/rocksmn/kentuckyagate.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Wading shoes
2. Small mattock
3. Rock bag
4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Do not strike the nodules of agate with a rock hammer. There is the temptation to see what is inside but many valuable specimens have been destroyed by an overly eager rockhound.
Location #3: Geodes
General description: Geodes have cavities lined with crystals of quartz or calcite. Occasionally celestite, millerite or other minerals can be found in the geodes. How to get there:
Along the roadside highway 60, east of Garrett.
Road cuts on highway 31 west.
Almost any creek bed.
Handy to bring along:
1. Water
2. Brick hammer
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:Some will look like potatoes lying along the ditches. If they feel lighter than they should for their size, they are probably hollow.
location #4: Fossils
General description:
Types of fossils: brachiopods, bryozoans, cephalopods, conodonts, corals, gastropods, monoplacophorans, pelecypods, scolecodont teeth, stromatoporoids, trace fossils, trilobites. Mineralized brachiopods, aulocerid stromatoporoids and colonial corals with calcite, dolomite, celestine and other minerals.
This link contains a number of collecting sites : http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/collecting.htmlGreat site for fossil information. How to get there:State Road 155 between Fisherville (Jefferson Co.), KY and Taylorsville (Spencer Co.), KY Type of exposure: Road cut Rock type: interbedded shale and limestone
Handy to bring along:
1. Hand tools
2. Rock bag
3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Kentucky has designated the generic "brachiopod" as its state fossil.
louisianna
Location #1: Petrified Palm Wood
General description: The state fossil is petrified palm wood. It can be found with other wood of Oligoce
ne age Catahoula Formation especially around Toledo Bend Lake. The wood is found on the lake shore and
below the dam. I have collected near the lake in clear cut areas where logging is occurring. The log
trucks and the heavy equipment uncovers the wood. How to get there: Toledo Bend Lake is on the border
of Louisiana and Texas. Palm wood can be found on Texas side also. The dam site is on LA HWY191 in
western Louisiana. Toledo Bend is a well known resort area famous for its fishing.
http://www.toledo-bend.com/srala/
Grade this location: (A to F): A I have a great deal of wood from this area.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging tools
2.Bug spray
3.Buckets
4. Strong back Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are plenty of places to stay in the area. Plan on doing some site seeing. Palm wood makes very attractive jewelry. Most of the wood is cream color, however, the black wood demands a premium price.
Be sure to visit Natchitoches: my favorite city in Louisiana.
http://www.historicnatchitoches.com/
Location #2: Alluvial Deposits - Gravels General description: The state gemstone of Louisiana is the agate. The Paleocene gravels of
the state are a source of gemstones transported from a wide range of the United States.
It is not uncommon to find jaspers, chalcedony, carnelian, agate, colorful chert even metamorphic
and igneous stones in the vast amounts of material the Mississippi River and its tributaries have
deposited in Louisiana. How to get there: Much of Louisiana has gravel bars along it many streams
and bayous. As you travel across keep a watchful eye for gravel operations and exposed road cuts that
look promising. One good site is northern Catahoula County in the gravel hills of the region
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2.Sunscreen and a hat. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Searching a gravel pit requires that you train your eyes to look for the stone that appears different. I have seen rockhounds overlook great gemstones because it all runs together if you don't look closely.
maryland
Location #1:
Brownie Beach in Chesapeake, MDGeneral description: Miocene fossils that include. sharks, rays, turtles, shells, fish and other marine fossils. fossils from Beach can be seen at:
http://mysite.verizon.net/browniebeach/ How to get there: From Routes 2 or 4 in northern Calvert County, take Route 260 to Chesapeake Beach, where you turn right (south) on Route 261. Immediately after crossing a stream at the bottom of the first hill south of Chesapeake Beach, you will see a locked gate and a parking area on the left (east) side of the road. From the parking area, follow a path for roughly 1/4 mile to the cliffs.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ best in the country from what I have heard handy to bring along
1. beach shoes
2. plastic bags to hold findings
3. shifting screen Helpful notes to newcomers:
Two other collecting sites are listed on the Maryland Geological Survey .
http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/fs/fs10.html
Location #2: Rock Run General description: Gold was discovered in southern Montgomery County during the Civil War and the first of many mines and prospects began operating in 1867. There were 5 gold mines along Rock Run, including a placer mining operation using water under high pressure to wash the stream and flood plain sediments through long California-style sluice boxes. How to get there:
Rock Run is a small stream in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, that originates just north of Potomac Village and flows about 9.1 kilometers (about 5.5 miles) in a generally southeasterly direction to the Potomac River at the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Gold pan
4, Hand Pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
1. Most of the richest gold mines were in a few gold-bearing quartz veins that had a higher concentration of gold than most of the others in the area.
2. All of the gold-bearing veins run roughly parallel with the general direction of the Appalachian Mountains, which trend a little east of north in this area. Some veins vary in their strike (direction) by as much as 25 to 30 degrees to the east or to the west of north.
3. Nearly all streams and smaller tributaries have been explored in the past by miners who were quite thorough in their recovery methods, so most stream sediments have been pretty well cleaned of gold.
4. Therefore, I have learned to use a compass to determine the approximate strike of a stream's bedrock, which, in this area, is generally a nearly vertical quartz/mica schist. Then I search for exposures of the bedrock or dig deep enough in the stream's alluvium to reach the upper levels of the bedrock. Most of the upper levels of the bedrock encountered in this fashion are either chemically altered to a soft consistency (saprolite - disintegrated rock that lies in its original place), or nearly so and can be removed and broken up in the gold pan. By exploiting the altered areas of the bedrock, I increase the chances of finding gold. Most of what I find in this fashion is lode gold (freshly broken out of the rock it formed in) rather than placer gold (naturally eroded out of its host rock and then stream worn). Needless to say, finding the gold in the pan is exciting since the finder is the first person to see it since it was first formed here about 200 million years ago through the actions of tremendous tectonic forces
From Mineral News, Vol. 16, No. 3, March, 2000. Reprinted with permission of the author and the publisher. This article may be reprinted or copied as desired for other mineral publications
Location #3: Calvert Cliffs General description: The Calvert cliffs contain an amazing Miocene fauna. More than 600 species of plants and animals have been found here (Glaser, 1979, p.56). On the beaches you can find a wide spetrum of marine fossils including sharks & rays. How to get there:
"The Calvert Cliffs run for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the western shore of Maryland in Calvert County"
Fossil GuySee the following link for additional information:
://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Bucket or rock bag
3. Camera Helpful notes to newcomers:
The scenery is spectacular. Even without the fossils this is a great place to visit.
Location #4:
Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Besides being able to find sharks teeth, the beach is long and clean, and perfect for small children. There is a lovely walk through the woods to get to the park.general description: How to get there:
Take Route 4 South from the Capital Beltway.
Pass Prince Frederick.
The small sign for Flag Ponds is on the left. Cross the highway and follow the signs.
Handy to bring along:
1.sun tan oil
2.towel
3.picnic lunch Helpful notes to
maine
Location #1: Mount Apatite I Would suggest this place to anyone comming to the area. It is a town park that was once a feldspar mine. It is loaded with treasures if your willing to do a little work general description:Lots of minerals, Tourmaline, Beryl Quartz crystals ect... How to get there:It is in Auburn Maine, Near the Auburn Suburban little league fields off of Garfield road.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Sifter
3.Small Hammer and Chisels Helpful notes to newcomers:This location has a lot of minerals to be sifted out of the dirt. As you go up the hill, the first pit was the Greenlaw Quarry. this spot still has a lot of Tourmaline and Beryl. I would suggest picking a spot that doesn't look like it's been worked in a while and stick with it.
Location #2:Trenton, Havey, and Square Pit quarries general description:The main pit of the Trenton quarry has been flooded, but well formed smokey quartz crystals, green tourmalines and beryls have been found here. At the Square pit quarries, well formed almandine garnets have been found here. I have recently found very good heliodor beryl crystals at this location.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging equipment
2.hammers, hand pick, chisels
3.safety gear& bug spray
Helpful notes to newcomers: Digging equipment
location #3: Lord Hill General description:In the past, the Lord Hill quarries have produced massive pockets containing blue apatites, gemmy quartz crystals, autunite coating feldspar, beryl, topaz, and other minerals. Massive topaz crystals, some weighing over 50 pounds have been found here. Serious digging in the mine dumps could yield the mineral collector fine specimens. How to get there: Rock in mineral clubs in the New England Region will sometimes host trips to these mines.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hammer and hand pick
2.Sifter and shovel
3.Safety gear and chisels
massachusetts
Location #1: Loudville Lead Mine General description: " Over 30 minerals are found at Loudville, including anglesite, cerussite, pyromorphite, wulfenite (the "queen" of Loudville minerals, in a vast array of xl habits), and many more (quartz, barite, calcite, galena, malachite, sphalerite, and others). The most desirable and beautiful minerals are available as micromounts, though the occasional worthwhile thumbnail or even larger specimen may reward the hard worker. Wulfenites up to 1/4" have been found in recent years."Eric Greene How to get there:Take Mass Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 3. Take Route 10 north and follow until you reach Glendale Street on left (.8 miles south of city of Easthampton). Turn left and continue on Glendale 3.2 miles to dirt road on left leading to the mine dump Aditional information can be found:http://www.cumberlandite.com/cumberlandite1_024.htm Handy to bring along:1.Bucket
2.Brush
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
In the summer heat you can cool off in the nearby waters of a clean stream.
Location #2: Lime Quarry Reservation
General description: City owned quarry with an assortments of minerals including: actinolite , calcite.
blue apatite, titanite, scapolite & fluorite. How to get there: Chelmsford is located at the intersection of I 496 and US HWY 3. Handy to bring along:1.Hand pick 2.Shovel 3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:Fill in holes and leave the quarry better than you found it.
location #3: Betts Manganese Mine General description: Rhodonite is the Massachusetts state gemstone. It is a pink or red stone that makes attractive jewelry. the Betts Manganese Mine is a famous location for this mineral and pyrite, chalcopyrite, and fasioulite. How to get there:The Betts Mine is in Plainview From Springfield take I 91 north. The Plainfield exit is RD 118 west. Continue through Ashfield to Plainfield.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
I have not personally collected at this site so permission to collect must be obtained from the Mine owners. Several AFMS clubs have collected at this site and I would recommend contacting one of the clubs for information. AFMS @ http://www.amfed.org/
Location #4: Chipman Silver Mine
General description:Old silver mine in Newbury. A lot of galena, pyrite, and siderite can be found here. Minor amounts of malachite and chalcopyrite have been found here. How to get there:Complicated directions
Handy to bring along: 1.shovel 2.hammer and hand pick 3.chisel & safety gear Helpful notes to newcomers:If you ever go to this location, the mine is currently behind houses on a place called Scotland Heights. To find galena and pyrite, one will have to dig in the mine dumps. Bug spray can be quite handy at this location.
Location #5: Blueberry Mountain Quarry,Woburn ,Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
General description: An abandoned "Trap Rock", quarry. Some of the finest babingtonite crystals have been found here. Other minerals found here include prehnite, calcite, laumonite, stilbite, heulandite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, orthoclase var: adularia, quartz, epidote, chlorite, garnet, sphene, analcime, hematite, and less common minerals such as radioactive minerals.
MI
Location #1: Along the lake shores
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers General description: How to get there:Peterson Park in Leland, MI grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village Platt Lake and River Handy to bring along:1. Bucket2. Water3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
Location #2: Great Sand Bay on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Misery Bay (NE of Ontanogan, MI)Almost any beach all of the Southern Lake Superior shoreline Small agates on Lake Michigan Shores General description: How to get there: Take US 41 North of Houghton/Hancock MI to Phoenix. Turn left on M 26 which will take you to and along Lake Superior shoreline. There are numerous places to pull over and park. It is a steep, stone bluff to the lake; but worth it. (Sand Bay)US 41 North. Turn left at Tivolia village onto Misery Bay Road; follow to lake. Nice campground here also. Handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Water shoes 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The rock shops at Ahmeek and Christmas, MI are very helpful. They will give you maps - buy something from them. Seaman's Mineral Museumhttp://www.museum.mtu.edu/
Location #3: Ontonagon Copper Mine General description: The mine was featured on the Cash & Treasures Show. The variety of minerals found sounds like a museum. Native copper,silver, datolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite, and epidote can be found working the huge ore piles. How to get there:The mine is easy to reach, a 20 minute drive from Ontonagon, Michigan Red Metal Minerals 202 Ontonagon Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 Phone: 906-884-6618 Fax: 906-884-6753 Link: www.exploringthenorth.com/redmetal/tours.html Handy to bring along:
1. Gloves 2. Safety glasses 3. Rock hammer 4. Metal detector 5. Buckets 6, Chisel 7. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers:The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the heart of one of the best rock collecting ares in the Mid West. The attractions are numerous. The beauty is breath taking. //www.exploringthenorth.com/keweenaw/home.html
Location #4: Jasper Knob General description: Imagine the world's largest gemstone: a hill of beautifully banded jasper and specular hematite How to get there: Ishpeming, Michigan is in the Upper Peninsula. From downtown, take Division/BR 28 east to Jasper St., turn south. The Knob is in one block.Handy to bring along: 1. Safety Gear 2. Rock Hammer 3. Chisel 4. Rock bag
Location #5: Leelanau Peninsula Beaches
General description: Fossil coral (Petoskey stones) can be found along the beach . Red jasper and local stone Leland Bluestone is actually slag from the 1800's iron foundry operations can be collected. How to get there: Take HWY 22 north of Traverse. The road follows the Lake shore.
Lake Michigan beaches North from Frankfort to the Mackinaw Bridge.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Water
There are many different fossils to be found. Read an article on Petoskey Stone: http://www.visittraversecity.com/looking-for-mr.-petoskey-stone-167/
Location #6: Ropes Gold Mine
There is an abundance of dark green serpentine as well as : quartz, calcite, rutile, pyrite and at least 24 other minerals. During the most productive period (1883-1897) $645,792 worth of gold was shipped from the mine. How to get there:Go west from Ishpeming on US-41 to Cooper Lake Road, turn right and go 2.5 miles, left on CR-572 for less than 1 mile, walk 0.3 mile to Ropes Gold Mine Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:46°32'9"N , 87°43'59"W Handy to bring along:1. Rock hammer 2. Safety glasses & gloves 3. Hand tools 4, Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers
For additional collecting sites visit:http://www.exploringthenorth.com/rocks/east.html
location #7: SENECA MINE Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI
General description: Abandoned mine dumps yield specimens of epidote, quartz, adularia, and copper How to get there:Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI Turn west off US 41 onto First Street in Mohawk. Go 0.3 miles to a red gate on the left. This leads right into the mine dump Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses, gloves 2. Rock hammer 3. Digging tools 4. Hand pick An excellent resource for field trips in the area and elsewhere in Michigan is:
http://www.sauktown.com/fieldlist.htm
Location #8: Petoskey State Park General description: Petoskey State Park, located on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, is situated on 304 scenic acres and offers a beautiful sandy beach on the bay. The park has two separate modern campgrounds. Tannery Creek offers 98 campsites, and Dunes offers 70 campsites. How to get there: Take HWY 31 from toskey, Michigan. Turn left on to C119 into the park. Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bucket 2. Sun Great information to the attractions of the park can be found at: http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=G10185
Location #9: Lake Superior Greenstone
In 1972, chlorastrolite a variety of pumpellyite became the official State Gem for Michigan. Chlorastrolite is a beautiful green mineral with a chatlyant "turtle-back" pattern. How to get there: The Central Mine, located just off US 41 north of Calumet, has been the source of some of the largest greenstones.Handy to bring along: 1. Rock bag 2. Hand tools 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers Look for the dark green, small round or almond shape nodules in country rock. Sometimes they will have weathered out of the rock and can be found lying on the ground.
Location #10: Delaware Mine
The mine is one of the better locations to find dalotite nodules. Datolite is It is associated with copper at this location and is found in porcelain-like masses and nodules. The nodules are various colors and can be cut and polished.The chemical composition is CaBSiO4(OH), Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide. How to get there:
u.S. 41 just Twelve Miles South of Copper Harborwww.copperharbor.org/site_files/del_mine/del_mine.html
For further information, Contact us: Delaware Copper Mine (906) 289-4688Handy to bring along:1. Hand tools2. Handy pick and maul3. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: Tours are available of this historic under ground mine dating back to 1847-87. Eight million pounds of Copper were removed from the five shafts that reached a depth of 1400 feet with ten various levels.
minnesota
Location #1: Hill Annex Mine State Park
General description: Chose one of three tours. A tour of a massive open pit iron ore mine. A tour of the lake formed by the mining operations. A fossils hunt to recover marine fossils. All three tours take about 1 1/2 hours each. How to get there:Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.More information can be found at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hill_annex_mine/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
City of Calumet maintains a nice picnic area just outside the park gate.
Location #2: Moose Lake State Park
General description: Minnesota's gemstone is Lake Superior Agate. At Moose Lake visit the Agate and Geological Interpretive Center. It is a 4500 square foot center that features agates, rocks, minerals and geology of Minnesota. Lakers as the locals call the agates can be found wherever gravels are exposed along shores, gravel pits, road cuts and stream gravel bars. Collecting is not allowed in the state park but here are near by gravel pits were collecting is allowed with permission.State Park site:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/moose_lake/index.html How to get there:Located 1/4 miles east of I-35 at the Moose Lake exit #214. The park entrance is off County Road 137. Take the Moose Lake exit off I-35. Then go east on County Road 137 until you see the park signs about 1/2 mile down the road.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Wading shoes 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The state park has camping, fishing, swimming, and other attractions.
Location #3: Grand Marais General description:Thomsonite is a zeolite mineral with pink, red, and white patterns. It is a very attractive semi-precious gemstone suitable for cutting and polishing. How to get there:Nodules of Thomsonite can be found in the basaltic lava flows about 5 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota or small pebbles collected along the beach.See Worrld Wide Museum of Natural histoty@http://www.wmnh.com/wmhome.htm visit the folloeing link for Thomsonite rough and jewelry:http://www.thomsonite.com/thomsonite.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammer and chisel 2. Pry bar 3. Bucket 4. Or you can look for pebbles along the Lake Superior Shore I vote for picking up pieces, it is easier than breaking it out of basalt lava. Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a resort area with many places to stay or vacation. http://grandmarais.com/
Location #4: Minnesota Staurolite General description: Commonly called fairy crosses, staurolite can be found on the banks of the muddy Mississippi below the dam at yalton. How to get there: The following web site gives complete directions: home.att.net/~bjgoetteman/Staurolite_Screen.html handy to bring along: 1. Boots for sinking in the mud. 2.Got to have a screen box 3. Shovel 4. There is plenty of water for screening - the Whole River Helpful notes to newcomers: Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen and the screen box.
aquamarine in CO
town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to Location #1: Along the lake shores
(Local beach, park, etc)
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)
Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers
General description: How to get there:
Peterson Park in Leland, MI
Grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village
Platt Lake and River
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Bucket
2. Water
3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
auqa marine in GA town/region: Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
gold
Town/region: Sutters Mill
State, country: California
Tips for finding it: This is where the
Gold Rush first started, and there is still
Gold in them thar hills. You can sit on the
river's edge
and pan for gold. It is a great way to
spend a nice afternoon in the california heat.
St. Louis has a rich history that few
people stop to consider. How many
flat-boats sank while crossing the
Mississippi River during the settling
of St. Louis and the westward
expansion before bridges were built?
How many homes were washed away
by the great flood of 1993?
I would be checking the sandbars and
river banks when the water is at low
flood stage. That old muddy river
may hold a few surprises yet.
As of yet, I have only found old lead
fishing weights with my trusty $60.00
metal detector. But that is actually
good news because gold and lead are
very close to one another on the Element
Chart. If I am finding lead fishing weights,
it means that it is only a matter of time
before I find something of greater interest.
This also tells me that it would be a good
idea to walk old creek beds with my metal
detector, since no one else has thought
of doing so. The perfect excuse to get out
for a walk in the woods on the weekend
and go camping with a backpack.
Just stay clear of private land unless
you have permission from it's owner.
a mine and store
Royston Mine/Otteson's Jewelry
GPS: Latitude: 38° 4' 5.415" Longitude: -117° 13' 52.107"
Where: Tonopah, NV
Phone: (775) 482-9352
(775) 482-9889
Website: Royston Mine
Otteson's Jewelry
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for appt. in the winter
Cost: $50 per day Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Pick Ax
Bucket
How-To Guide
Richness of color is the chief determiner of value in turquoise; generally speaking, the most desirable is a strong sky to robin's egg blue. Value decreases with the increase of green hue, lightening of color and mottling. Whatever the color, turquoise should not be excessively soft or chalky; otherwise, it is liable to fade over time, and will not hold up to normal use in jewelry. The mother rock, or matrix, in which turquoise is found, often has splotches or a network of brown or black veins running through the stone; this veining may add value to the stone if the result is complementary, but such a result is uncommon.
turquise (below)
turquise
Town/region: Various Locations In Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico
State, country:
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
Be careful and respect private claims as most good turquoise deposits
are under private mining claim.
sunstones
GPS Coordinates, if known: W 119.87244 N 42.72584
Town/region: Rabbit Hills Basin, near Plush, Harney Co.
State, country: Harney Co. Oregon
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
tormaline
Town/region: San Diego County, California
State, country: California
Tips for finding it:Look for exposed pegmatite dykes that contain lepidolite.
GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: La Grange, Hogg Mine
State, country:Georgia, US
Tips for finding it:Black Schorl. Loose on the road in small quantities, but mostly weathered. In quartz matrix in the same area that is dug and then broken to expose the crystals (eye protection is a MUST). Nice specimens including an inch in diameter and inches long with classic termination. Also found in the main pit in small quantities (less than the amount of aquamarine found.)
sapphires
Town/region: Philipsburg, Rock Creek
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Gem Mountain GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: Helena, Lake Hauser
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Eldorado Bar Mine
Town/region:Helena/ Hauser Lake
State, country:Montana, USA
Tips for finding it: Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine(they own the Eldorado Mine) On the internet
mississippi
Location #1: Mississipi Petrified Wood Most of the best petrified wood from Mississippi comes from trees which grew in the state during the Oligocene Epoch, around 30 million years ago. The Gulf of Mexico's shoreline extended further north at that time, which explains why the wood is found in the more northern parts of the state. This petrified wood formed when a tree was buried by sediment, and its tissues were replaced by silica in the groundwater. A variety of chalcedony, fossil wood replaced by chalcedony (silica), sometimes also by Opal. The material replacing the wood may vary. Most commonly, quartz, in the form of agate, opal, or jasper, will be the replacement material. Occasionally, limonite, carnotite (an uranium mineral), or other minerals will be the replacement material. Trace minerals included within the silica impart a variety of hues, ranging from black to blue to red. General description: How to get there: The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately operated park and museum located at 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, Mississippi. This site has been known since the mid-19th century, but it was not until 1966 that it was named a Registered National Natural Landmark, and subsequently developed and opened to the public Link to Petrified Forest: http://www.mspetrifiedforest.com/Attractions.cfm Handy to bring along: 1. Hand Pick 2. Rock Hammer 3. Rock Pack Helpful notes to newcomers: Tour the Petrified Forest. Wood can be collected over a large area in the ditches and stream near the park.
Location #2: Fossils of Ice Age animals General description: During the past several years Lonnie and Freida Looper of Greenville, Mississippi have collected over 500 fossil bones of Ice Age animals which lived in our loess area between 10,000 and 250,000 years ago. They were often accompanied by their son, Zachary Horne, who contributed many rare and exciting finds. These animals lived during the Rancholabrean Epoch which gets its name from the famous "Tar pits" locality in Los Angeles, California Link: http://www.backyardnature.net/loess/fossils.htm How to get there:
All of the fossils were recovered between river mile markers 499 (near the town of Glen Allen, Mississippi) and 639 (a point on a line with Sherard and Clarksdale, Mississippi 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The family found these treasures by walking gravel bars in the Mississippi River bed during seasonal
montana
Location #1: West Fork of Rock Creek in the Sapphire Mtn. RangeThis is a place to find natural sapphires. Many in the creek, or you can buy gravel at a mine (Gem Mtn) which is much easier on the body and the sapphires are more consistently high grade.(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Sapphire location How to get there: Take Hwy 1 out of Butte to Hwy 38 (if you go to Phillipsburg you've missed the turn onto 38) and it will run you right into the creek. You will go past "Gem Mtn" which is a commercial sapphire site (and you can dig and screen there).Handy to bring along: .Shovel .Buckets . 1/4" mesh screens Helpful notes to newcomers: If you have a gold wheel, tilt the wheel back until it catches a sapphire, then use the wheel to catch them. You will double your take that way.
Location #2: Missouri River Sapphires
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: Seven operations mine sapphires from the Missouri River including dig for fee operations The best known is Spokane Bar. How to get there: northeast of Helena. Take York Road to Mile Marker 8, turn right on Hart Lane, turn left on Castles Road. Additional information: ttp://www.sapphiremine.com/ More information on Montana Sapphires, including maps, can be found at: Montana Sapphire Info Handy to bring along: . Screens available at the site . . Helpful notes to newcomers: he mine and rock shop is 10 miles from Helena, therefore, there are many places to stay in the area. A campground is within 3 miles of the mine.
Location #3: Scratchgravel Hills
General description: The exposure is in a low cut in massive green diopside which has cavities with euhedral crystals to about an inch long, although most are much smaller. Most of the cavities are filled with blue calcite which must be etched away to expose the diopside. How to get there: north of Helena a few miles, is a well known occurrence in a low cut alongside a railroad track. This location is on the east side of the Scratchgravel Hills. Access is by going north out of Helena on Green Meadow Drive to the road to the Scratchgravel landfill, parking at the railroad tracks and walking up the railroad tracks. Handy to bring along: .rock hammer .cheisel .rock bag . safety equipment - glasses, gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information on Montana skarns:http://www.lrream.com/montanaskarns.html
Location #4: Garnets
General description:Garnet is a historic mining ghost town located in west central Montana and sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet at the head of First Chance Creek. It was named after the brown garnet rock which was used as an abrasive and a semi-precious stone found in the area. How to get there:The Garnet Ghost Town from the west, take I-90 east to Exit 109, the Bonner Exit. Continue on Highway 200 east for 23 miles. Shortly after the 22 mile marker turn south at the sign Garnet Ghost Town. The parking lot is 11 miles up the gravel road. Ask at the visitors center about garnet collecting. contact info
/goldwest.visitmt.com/listings/908.htm 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: in winter Garnet is a popular snowmobile and cross-country ski trip. Winter cabin rentals are available.
Nebraska Location #1: Northwest Panhandle -Cadron. Nebraska General description: Fairburn, Prairie, and Nebraska Blue Agates can be found. The Nebraska Blue Agate is the State Gemstone. The nodules appear to be more plentiful than in South Dakota. (Roger Cark).I have collected in Nebraska and found a wide variety of agates. The Nebraska Blue is a truely beautiful stone. How to get there: Travel Northwest of Chadron on HWY 385. The Oglala National Grasslands allows rockhounding for personal use. Neither vertebrate fossils or Native American artifacts are allowed to be collected. It is a crime and rightly so to violate Native American sacred sites. Ask Permission before collecting on private property and as always respect the land, keep it as wildly beautiful as it is. The following link provides information on the area: http://www.chadron.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag 2.Water - this is very remote country 3.GPS 4. Boots 5. Rock Hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not strike a nodule of agate with your hammer to see what's in it. A rock worth hundreds of dollars could be ruined.
Location #2: Crawford General description: North west of town on the White River drainage system. The agate is similar to Tee Pee Canyon Agate (see South Dakota) in that it has a high degree of matrix material. How to get there: Crawford Nebraska is in northwest corner of Nebraska in the Black Hills region on HWY 20. This link contains helpful information about the area.http://www.crawfordnebraska.net/ Grade this location: (A to F): A
Handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag or buckets 2.Water 3.Boots or hiking shoes 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #3: Agate Fossils Beds National Monument
General description: A unique national park that combines scenic beauty with the fascination of a prehistoric world. During the Miocene era the plains were populated with a wide diversity of unusual wildlife. Agate Fossils Beds National Monuments is one of the best places in America to see what it was like by viewing the fossil record. How to get there: The National Monument is south of Harrison on HWY 29.View the Nation Monument web site: http://www.nps.gov/agfo/ Handy to bring along: 1. camera 2. comfortable shoes
Location #4: Homestead Cookshack & Bunkhouse General description: Hunt your own fossils in style with real western flair and at a reasonable price. The fossil sites are on private ranches that allow collecting through Homestead. The food is excellent and the lodging is first class. How to get there: Homestead The following web site gives directions and information :http://www.bbc.net/highplainshomestead/index.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets or backpack 2. Tools for Digging 3. Call ahead for details Helpful notes to newcomers: I have included a link from the University of Nebraska for the hobbyist on the importance of the scientific value of fossils and how to properly collect them. The amateur collector can contribute to the advancement of knowledge. One of my most valuable finds, I donated to the University of North Alabama for future geologist to learn from and the general public to enjoy. After discovering the site , I called the University and set up a field trip. The site was some of the best Silurian fossils recovered in Tennessee. http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/vertpaleo/musnote2.html
Location #5: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park General description: Nebraska is fossil country and if you hike the country side you are bound to run into a fossil. However, Ashfall Fossil Beds is not a museum where bones have been collected from far and wide and reassembled in a unnatural poise. These animals were covered with volcanic ash and left in place to give the visitor an amazing look at a prehistoric catechism. How to get there: The park is west of Creighton Nebraska on HWY 59. The following web site gives information about your visit : http://ashfall.unl.edu/ Handy to bring along:
1. Camera 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The facility is handicapped assessable.
Location #6: Cass County Nebraska General Description: Lake Superior Agates in Nebraska? Yes, the period of glaciation brought Lake Superior agates to a number of states. Dr. Roger Pabian at the University of Nebraska has a nice collection of Lakers found in local gravel deposits around Nebraska. Dr. Pabian's book on Banded Agate is a must read for people crazy about agates. He is one of the most recognized scientist on agate formation. How to get there: Cass County is just south of Omaha. Take I 80 then exit HWY 50. I have included a list of gravel operations in the area: http://maps.unomaha.edu/Maher/urbanseminar/Bill/ Handy to bring along: 1. Hand tools 2. Bucket 3. Keene eye site Helpful notes to newcomers: Most gravel operations will allow you to look through the gravel piles. Ask permission at the office. Explain that you are a collector and that you will observe their rules.
nevada
Location #1: Garnet Hill Recreation Area General description: The garnets found at this site are dark maroon to black that average in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. The specimens are in cavities called vugs and occasionally an attractive 1 inch specimen can be found. The stones are generally not of gem quality but make very nice collector specimens. The garnets are a mixture of spessartine and almandine Garnet. How to get there: 4 miles Northwest of Central Ely in the Eagan mountain range. The major access road to this area joins US Highway 50 about 6.4 miles West of the traffic signal at US 395 and US 50 junction in Ely. The following link gives information on the site and where to stay: http://nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammers and chisels 2. Safety glasses 3. Gloves 4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is a Nationally known rockhound site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There is limited camping and RV hook-ups. There are a number of garnet location within 100 miles of Ely. The following link is the BLM web site and gives information on Garnet Hill. http://www.webpanda.com/white_pine_county/historical_society/attractions/garnet.htm
Location #2: The Royal Peacock Opal Mine general description: Virgin Valley has yielded the world's most beautiful black opal since mining began in 1905. Much of the opal is formed from tree limb casts of an ancient forest that covered Nevada some twenty million years ago. How to get there: Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada: The following link provides information on site: http://www.royalpeacock.com/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Short handled ick, shovel, or garden rake 2 Long Screw driver,ice pick or similar tools 3. Small bucket-like container,ZipLoc Bags 4. Gloves ,Hat, Sunblock
5. Water squirt bottle Helpful notes to newcomers: RV hookups, camper and tent sites are available plus shower,restroom and a laundry room. more Information on visiting the Virgin Valley Opal area can be found at: Virgin Valley Opal area Info
Location #3: Otteson Turquoise Mine
General description: An operating turquoise mine visited by the crew of "Cash & Treasures". Mine tours are available for group of 10 and more. The tour includes an opportunity to mine the tailings piles. How to get there:The following website gives information on booking you tour:http://tonopahturquoise.homestead.com/3.html Another good website with information on this area is: Bunker Hill Turquoise Mine, oyston Handy to bring along: 1.Tools & bucket provided 2.Sunscreen 3.Hat & gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:The tours are about four hours long. Two weeks in advance booking is required.
Location #4: Big Springs General description: A world of obsidian and Apache tears free for the taking near the opal mines of Virgin Valley. How to get there: Take A34 at the intersection of 140. This is about 8 miles north west of Virgin Valley and 12 miles from the Oregon state line. About 3 miles from the intersection is a large field of obsidian and Apache tears. Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses 2. Gloves 3. Buckets 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Obsidian is Volcanic glass and therefore can be very sharp. When struck with a hammer, it sends off splinters of glass. Obsidian can make very attractive cabochons. Polish with tin oxide on a felt wheel.
Location #5: Oak Springs Summit Trilobite Area General description: Six different species of triobites are found in a gravel quarry. The fossils are 530 million year old deposit of Cambrain age marine life The trilobites are located in a trench on the south side of the pit.. How to get there: "Located 12 miles west of Caliente on US highway 93 on the south side of Oak Springs Summit, a dirt road to the north will take you to a gravel pit. The fossils are located at the west end of the pit on the east slope of a knob." Bureau of Land Management Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand tools 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There is a BLM sign in roster at the parking lot and pamphlets explaining the history and the tribites.
Location #6: Hallelujah Mining and Exploration Company General Description: Well known collecting site for smokey quartz, amethyst crystals including scepters. Many of the points can be quite longup to 10 inches. How to get there: The sit is a mining claim operated by: Jon Johnson at 702-786-3271 or Ed Christiansen 702-677-1722. For organizing a field trip contact Jon or Ed. handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand pick 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #7: West of Rye Patch Placer Mines General description: How to get there: Go north on Highway 80, past Lovelock to the Rye Patch exit. Go west, over the dam, outside the recreation area and head north for about 4 miles. Turn west and head up into the placer gold area. Grade this location: A+ - This site has produced some valuable gold nuggets, and still produces gold for those who are willing to work hard. GPS coordinates: W 118.41856 N 40.62040 Handy to bring along: 1. A good metal detector 2. All the food and equipment you need - there are no supplies or stores.
3. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Information and maps of the gold producing area can be found at the following website:
Rye Patch Gold Information
new hampshire
Location #1: Chickering Mine General description:Mine is located in Walpole. Massive blue and green tourmalines can be found on quartzite matrix. Blades of albite cystystals and small pinkish spodumenes can be found. Childrenite and other micro minerals have been found here. How to get there: handy to bring anlong bring along: 1.Digging materials 2.sledge hammer and hand pick 3.safety gear and hand lense Helpful notes to newcomers:There is a lot of tourmaline to be found here.
Location #2:Palermo No.1 Mine general description:Mineral collectors who enjoy collecting phosphates and beryl will like this location. At the Palermo Mine, rare phosphates can be found. Small cystals of apatite and fluorapatite can also be found here. Gemmy, blue aquamarine beryls have been found here. How to get there: Some rock and mineral clubs in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire will host trips to this location.
Handy to bring along: 1.Hammers and hand pick 2.chisels and shovel 3.safety gear and handheld lense Helpful notes to newcomers: Dump digging materials would be usefull at this location
NJ
Location #1: Sunset Beach at the southernmost tip of New Jersey.
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: How to get there: Go to New Jersey, and then go south on the New Jersey Parkway. Keep going until there's nothing but the Atlantic Ocean in front of you! Handy to bring along: 1. Small and medium sized containers and kiddy beach toys - shovels and buckets with holes to wash the diamonds. Use the small containers to put the diamonds in as you stroll on the beach. Then when they're full, take them back and put them into the larger buckets. 2. 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: If you continue talking down the beach (away from Cape May), you might want to be conscious of how the folks are dressed further down the beach. The lower area is a 'free beach' where bathing suits are optional. But no matter, there are plenty of 'diamonds' before you get close to this area.
Location #2: Sterling Hill Mining Museum &
The Franklin Mineral Museum General description: Over 300 different minerals were found in the mines of Franklin and Sterling Hill. Sixty new minerals were described at these sites. Not only are the museums first class but mineral collecting is available for a small fee.The following site gives examples of the types of minerals found in the mines:http://www.galleries.com/minerals/fablocal/franklin.htm How to get there: Franklin and the Sterling Hill Mine are at Ogdensburg, Sussex County New Jersey The links provides directions and information about the mines: http://sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/ http://www.franklinmineralmuseum.com/ Handy to bring along: 1.UV light 2.Hand tools 3.Bucket 4.Gloves . Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district is on the itinerary of mineral collectors and serious rockhounds everywhere. The florescence minerals are amazing under UV light.
this place i have been to above and it is really good you can go throw rocks and some are furcesentent and others are cool to look at. also they have a tour in the mine and you can get a free furcentent rock on the tour and you can buy stuff in the gift shop
NM
Location #1: Rockhound State Park
General description: Rugged slopes of the Florida and Little Florida Mountains are home to Rockhound State Park. Hiking trails offer views of nearby "sky islands." Agates and quartz crystals can be found at the park. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/Rockhound.htm How to get there: To get to Rockhound State Park from Deming, take NM 11 south for 5 miles, and then go east on NM 141 for about 9 miles.
Handy to bring along:1. Rock Hammer . Chisel . Collecting Bucket . Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: acilities Activities Visitor Center camping Group Shelter Picnicking Developed Sites (29) Wildlife Viewing Electric Sites Hiking RV Dump Station Interpretive Exhibits
Restrooms/Showers Playground
#2: Kelly Mine
General description: World class Smithsonite specimens can be collected from tons of stockpiled ore. How to get there:
Take I-25 South from Albuquerque to Socorro. Then HWY 60 west 26 miles. Turn at Kelly Road and go 3.2 miles South.
Handy to bring along:1. Collecting bucket . Hand tools . Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information: ttp://www.mmmgems.com/kelly_mine/index.htm
Location #3: Casitas de Gila Guesthouse acres of private lands with lots of interesting rocks and gemstones right on the property. Minerals found are white and pink chalcedony, chalcedony roses, red, brown and yellow jasper, jasper breccia, picture jasper, banded agate, zeolites, geodes, massive hematite, banded rhyolite, andesite, volcanic bombs, scoria, limonite and hematite-banded welded tuff, and lots of really nice colorful rocks! How to get there:
CASITAS DE GILA GUESTHOUSES becky & Michael O'Connor, Owners 50 Casita Flats Road (Off Hooker Loop) P.O. Box 325 • Gila, New Mexico 88038 • USA Tel: 575-535-4455 • Fax 575-535-4456 Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 2. Rock hammer 3. Hand tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Grant County, with its county seat in Silver City, lies at the heart of this vast mineralized area and is New Mexico’s richest mineral producing county.
Location #4: The Blanchard Rock Shop General description:The "local" collecting area is located here in the world famous Hansonburg Mining District, which is also known as the Blanchard Claims. This district is considered one of the "richest" when it comes to the variety of mineral species it produces, which is over 80 different ones; including Fluorite, Barite, Galena, Quartz and Smoky Quartz. How to get there: ighway 380, about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is halfway between San Antonio and Carrizozo at mile marker 30 on U.S. Highway 380, in the "town" of Bingham, New Mexico. For more information: http://www.peaktopeak.com/blanchard/ Helpful notes to newcomers:We do recommend that you call a few days prior to coming out to make sure that we are open and that the roads to the mining claim are passable. Also, if you need RV hook-ups, we can provide them.
#5: KILBOURNE HOLE General description:Kilbourne Hole is one of several volcanic maars located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Volcanic maars are unusual volcanic features, and Kilbourne is probably the best example to be seen anywhere in the world. With a lot of work and effort gem grade peridot can be collected. http://www.mtlilygems.com/mineinfo/KHinfo.html How to get there: From El Paso Texas take TX 178 West the road will become New Mexico 136 continue 6.4 miles and turn right on Columbus Road/ NM-9. Drive 16.2 miles and turn right on CR-008 until you reach CR-AO11 and turn right and continue 3.7 miles. Handy to bring along: 1.Water 2.Rock hammer 3. Collecting bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting conditions at Kilbourne Hole can be extreme with intense summer heat in excess of 100°F and freezing temperature in winter. Spring time, March in particular, can be very windy with violent dust storms.
missouri
Location #1: Lincoln, Missouri - Mozarkite General Description: Mozarkite is a pastel colored chert with swirls, blossoms, and bands. The color varies from pink,yellow, blue, and sometimes green. In 1967 the Missouri Legislature proclaimed Mazarkite the state gemstone. How to get there: The chert is found in streams, ditches, fields, and road cuts around a wide area around Lincoln, Missouri. The area extends along the Cotter Dolomite Formation of Ordovician age. The word is a combination of Mo for Missouri, Ozark for the region and ite for rock. Lincoln is south of Sedalie on HWY 65. I have also found Mozarkite at Harry Truman lake west of Lincoln. http://www.dnr.mo.gov./pubs/pub653.pdf
http://www.mazarkite.com Rate this site: (A to F) A Plenty of good material Handy to bring along: 1. Rock Hammer 2. Safety Glasses 3. Pick or Maul Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be granted from the land owner. I have found all I wanted in ditches, road cuts and along the lake.
Location #2: Everett J. Ritchie Mineral Museum General description: The best museum to study an extensive collection of Tri-State minerals from the mines of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Galena, calcite,sphalerite, dolomite and chalcoprite crystals are truly impressive. How to get there: The museum is at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin Missouri. The complex is at the corner of 7th street and Schifferdecker Drive. If you desire to collect some samples, drive north on Schifferdecker Park to W Perkins and turn right. There are tailing dumps from the mining operations on your left. Calcite , dolomite , galena, and sphalerite specimens can be found. Grade this location: (A to F): A for the museum C+ for the mine tailing piles. GPS coordinates: http://www.joplinmuseum.org/info.htm Handy to bring along: 1.camera 2.Hand tools 3.Rock Hammer 4. Safety Glasses - the host rock is chert (flint) and can be extremely sharp especially with fresh breaks. Flint has a conical fractures and used by flint nappers to create Native American tools. Some Mozarkite that is free of fractures makes incredible arrowheads, spear points and other tools. 5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The museum is one of the finest collections of the Tri-State Mining district. It is known for the size and beauty of the crystal habitat of the minerals. There is a scale model of the Lead and Zinc mines and the extraction process. Be careful when handling sharp edged chert. It is best not to hit the chert with a hammer. A friend of mine went to the hospital to have a flint shard removed from his hand from holding a nodule in his hand and hitting the flint with a hammer. Bad Idea
Location #3: Elephant Rocks State Park General description: Giant Boulders of pink granite resemble huge elephants marching in a circus area. A nature hike circles through 1.6 billion year old pre-Cambrian formations How to get there: htp://www.mostateparks.com/elephantrock/geninfo.htm Handy to bring along: .Camera 2.Hiking shoes . Helpful notes to newcomers: colecting is illegal in the park. However, there is an operating quarry at the backside of the park. Ask at the office to gather some pieces from the scrape piles. The pink granite is cut for monuments and building stone, The scape has been sawed and is quite attractive.
Location #4: Potosi, Old Mine, Cadet, Missouri
General description: Missouri lace agate, drusy quartz, and barite blades Missouri Lace agate resembles Mexican Lace agate with tight banding, swirls, and grays, blues, and some red colors. How to get there: Potosi is in south east Missiouri. The area around Potosi contains a number a abandoned mine pits. Go east from Potosi on HWY 8 and turn on CR O. Tailing piles are on both the right on left sides of the road. Do not cross no trespassing signs. Handy to bring along: .Hammer .Rock bag or 5 gallon bucket .Hang tools Helpful notes to newcomers: The drusy can be quite large specimens (2 square feet) with bitroydal formations. Very little digging is necessary. The mine waste piles are extensive.
Location #5: Keokuk Geodes General description: The Warsaw formation of Iowa, Illinois, and northeast Missouri has yielding immense amounts of geodes with as many as 30 different minerals. The most common minerals are quartz and calcite. How to get there: . The streams and rivers around St Franceville and Fox Missouri have exposed geodes. The well know Betty Sheffler's Rock Shop and Mine is being closed due to highway cnstruction http://www.ruralmissouri.org/02pages/Feb02geodes.html http://www.geodegallery.com/keokuk.html Handy to bring along: .Shovel 2.Hand tools. Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not break the Geodes with a hammer. Many a valuable stone has been destroyed by an over zealous rockhound.
NY
Location #1: Middleville N.Y. Rt.28 (the herkimer diamond mine and the ace of diamonds mine) for a fee you can prospect and keep all you find. The mines also have tool rental ,rock shop and snacks. Handy to bring along: 1.water 2.gloves and hat 3.first aid
Location #2: Barton Garnet Mine
General description: Mining operations began in 1878 in one of largest garnet mines in the world. Garnet is the New York gemstone and garnets can easily be found at this site. Gore mountain is known for producing very large garnets industrial, some a foot in diameter or larger. How to get there:From I 87 take Exit 23 to Route 9 through Warrensburg. Left on Route 28 for Approximately 21 miles to the old North River General Store (now a rafting company). Left on paved Barton Mines Road for 5 miles to Garnet Mine http://www.garnetminetours.com/shop.html Grade this location: (A to F): A Geology of Gore Moutain: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments
SEM/pages/Erica/SEM.html Handy to bring along: 1. Hat 2. Collecting bag 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The mine is handicapped accessible. There are a number of other activities for the family.
Location #3: Powers Farm General description: The Powers farm has been a source of black uvite tourmaline for over one hundred years. How to get there:
Take HWY 68 east from canton New York. Powers farm is at the intersection of HWY 68 and county road 24.
Grade this location: (A to F): A Handy to bring along: 1. Shovel 2. Pick 3. Rock bag or bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be obtained to collect at this site. Examples of the specimens can be seen at:
http://www.geologicdesires.com/newyorkstateselfcollectedspecimens.htm
NC
Location #1: Chunky Gal Mountain
General description: Chunky Gal Mountain and Buck Creek is a must stop on a treasure hunt to North Carolina. Red and pink rubies are found in a green host rock (smaragdite). A prospector can choose to mine the matrix material or shift the dirt around the boulders. The clear cold waters of Buck Creek at the base of Chunky Gal Mountain holds bright red almandine garnets. Also there a specimens of spinel, rutile and other peridotite minerals. How to get there: The site is just off HWY 64 in Clay County between Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina. Going east from Hayseville on HWY 64 look for old HWY 64 about a two miles past Shooting Creek. The old highway is the best landmark because it still has some asphalt paving. Turn left on a steep gravel forest road where the old and new highways meet. The site is about a mile up the mountain. Parking is available at the site. The old road parallels the new and leads to Buck Creek Road.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: 35 04.792 N 083 37.656W Chunky Gal 35 05.019 N 083 36.759 W Buck Creek Garnet
Handy to bring along: 1. Shifting screens 2. Small sledge hammer 3. Pry bars 4. Gloves 5. Safety Glasses Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is in the Nantahala National Forest. In order to keep this site open; the rules of conservation must be followed. Leave the site better than you found it. Carry your trash out and be careful with fire.
location #2: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
General description: The Mason Mine is a personal favorite. There is absolutely no salting. Mason is one of the few mines that you can dig your own dirt. Last July a 40 carat pink sapphire was found. If you stay long enough you will find gems. How to get there:6961 Upper Burningtown Road Franklin, North Carolina http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/ Handy to bring along: 1. Latex lined gloves to keep your hands warm while washing the mine run 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There are snacks and drinks available at the mine.
Location #3: Gold regions of North Carolina
General description: North Carolina has historically produced more gold than any other state in the south east. From the early 1800s gold has been prospected and mined in North Carolina. The Reynolds mine in Montgomery County was owned by a distant ancestor of mine. How to get there: The following link is to the North Carolina Geological Survey Gold Pages. http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us Handy to bring along: 1. Gold pan 2. Digging tools 3. Depending on your commitment much more productive equipment can be brought along Helpful notes to newcomers: Join the GPAA to find the best sites and meet people with a common interest - YELLOW GOLD!! http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/gpaa.html
Location #4: Emerald Mines
General description: As Kirsten found out North Carolina is emerald country. North Carolina has supplied the largest and most valuable emeralds in the nation.No wonder that in 1973 the emerald was designated the state precious gemstone. How to get there: Hiddenite North Carolina is east of Taylorsville on HWY 90.Ed Speer, a North Carolina Geologist, has an excellent web site on emerald mines of North Carolina: http://www.northcarolinaemeralds.info/ One of the best mines is the Emerald Hollow Mine http://www.hiddenitegems.com/
Handy to bring along: 1. Screens 2.Tools for digging - shovel & pick 3.Gloves 4. Probe Helpful notes to newcomers: Emeralds are crystals of of the mineral beryl. You might find a rare crystal of green Hiddenite. Don't discard it Read Kristen 's report: http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Emeralds.show?vgnextfmt=show
location #5: Franklin North Carolina
General description: The Gem Capital of North Carolina. It is a regular vacation spot for my family and me. There is always something new to see and do; the mountains, the rivers, the prospecting. My wife will shop till we drop at the gem shows. Some of the best gem, mineral, and fossil shows in the east are held in Franklin. How to get there: Franklin is in western North Carolina just south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on HWY 64.The following link gives information about Franklin including mines in the area , the museum and a calender of events. http://www.franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/gemMining.asp http://pakasdollmaker.com/gemmining.html
Handy to bring along: 1. Prospecting Tools - pick, shovel, rock hammer, pry bar 2. Hiking shoes 3. Safety equipment - safety glasses, first aid kit 4. Screens, pans Helpful notes to newcomers: This part of the God's creation will capture your heart. You will be back. Plan - but don't over plan your trip, let the county lead your where it will. You will find surprises at every turn.
Location #6 : Sheffield Mine
General Description: Lots of mud washing, gravel inspecting, gem finding fun for the whole family. I hope you will find some big honker rubies and sapphires. How to get there: 385 Sheffield Farms Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 http://www.sheffieldmine.com/ Handy to bring along:
1. a change of clothes 2. Helpful notes to newcomers: Ask for advise. The owners will more than willing to help identify the treasures
Location #7 : Cherokee Ruby Mine
General Description: A completely unsalted native mine in Franklin, N.C., where some of the best rubies in the region (in North America, for that matter) are to be found. The "Cherokee Chief," a huge 1070 ct. gem quality ruby, was found here in 1993. Sapphires, garnet, moonstone, rutile, and even the occasional Indian artifact (pottery and arrowheads) may be found here as well. Great place, with very friendly and helpful staff. http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/ How to get there: Click here for directions From Franklin: Business Hwy 441 North, to Hwy 28-North, located near the center of town. Follow 28N until passing Cowee Baptist Church on your right.Merge right, on Cowee Creek Road just ahead. Follow Cowee Creek Rd. until it becomes Ruby Mine Road by staying right at any fork-in the road.
Stay on Ruby Mind Rd to the mine entrance, on the left. Approximate drive time from Franklin is 25-30 minutes. handy to bring along:
1. Gloves-- not needed, but some will find them helpful 2. Lunch/Snacks 3. Cash only, so bring it to pay. Helpful notes to newcomers: The staff are really the most wonderful people in the world, and will be able to provide newbies with any help needed, and will also look through your tailings to be sure that you do not miss anything. Drinks are available for sale, and there are umbrellas for rent, but bring your lunch.
Location #8: Bearfoot Gold
Family owned and opererated recreational prospecting camp that offers a unique experience for Families regardless of your skill level or preferred method of prospecting How to get there: Http://www.bearfootgold.com Located on a historic lode mine, the possibility of
finding an old treasure from mine itself is there for everyone. The location of the old miners camp and homestead produces bottles, keys, and even some coins on occasion, including two Morgan dollars found near the mine itself. Even older treasure in the form of arrowheads is a fairly common occurence! Rockhounds will be excited to find some of the minerals that the area is known for: quartz and amethyst crystals, garnets, fluorite, and others can be found by the lucky collector. handy to bring along: 1.Gold pan , digging tools 2.unlike alot of other places They incourage dredging and high banking 3.Food,drinks and snacks Bearfoot offers primitive camping for tents and pop-ups, There is RV camping in Carthage and Days Inn in Biscoe both only 15 minutes away
Oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is: http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636 Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates: E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W., Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho Handy to bring along: 1.Buckets or Back pack 2.Shovel and pick 3.Rock Hammer 4. Pry bar 4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones. If you can not find gemstones in this area you should find a new hobby.
Location #2: Spectrum Mine - featured on Cash & Treasures General description: Oregon Sunstone became the state gemstone in 1987. The gems are a plagioclase feldspar formed in basalt lava flows that cover much of southeast Oregon. The Spectrum mine in part of 40 mining claims operated by High Desert Gems & Minerals. Spectrum mine is open to the public for a daily fee. The mine was once owned by Tiffany's of New York. How to get there: The following link gives detailed directions to the mine: http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com/index.htm The mine is 23 miles from Plush, Oregon.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates: Latitude: 42 25 11.84 N; Longitude: 119 54 34.25 W Handy to bring along: 1.1/4 " mesh screens 2.Hammer & chisel 3.Rock pick 4. Buckets 5. Plastic bags Helpful notes to newcomers: Primitive camping is available at the site but there are no RV hook ups. However, there are a number of camping sites and RV pull overs. Well water is available. Becky Worley found a Sunstone valued at between $5000 - $6000. Read all about it!
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Sunstones_-_Becky.show?vgnextfmt=show
#3: Richardson' Rock Ranch General description: The Richardson's have a variety Thunderegg and ledge agate. The list of digging sites includes:Pony Butte, Blue Bed, Red Bed,Moss bed, Flat Bed, and Opal Bed. The different sites are from easy digging to expert digging. Even if you don't dig the rockshop is worth visiting. How to get there: Take HWY 75 North from Madras untill you come to mile post 81. You will see the Richardson sign. Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. The following link gives the information on the site: http://richardsonrockranch.com/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N 44 43.956 W 120 58.564 Handy to bring along: 1.Pick 2.Bucket 3.Rock hammer
4. Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: The fee is based upon the weight of the material collected. The current price is $0.75 per pound.
location #4: Oregon Beaches - especially around Newport
General description: The beaches of Oregon are littered with a sampling of the amazing rocks and minerals of Oregon. Agates are the prize that most rockhounds go after; however colorful jaspers and even bloodstones are found. Since the gravels and cobbles are a mixture of Oregon rocks, keep an eye out for petrified wood and marine fossils. The best part is that it is free. For more information:
http://4facets.com/polished_AccentStones.html How to get there: Newport is at the intersection of HWY 101 and HWY 20. The Oregon coast is a treasure in and of itself. I have included links to area attractions and places to stay or eat. http://www.aquarium.org/
http://www.newportoregon.com/ http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Hand tool 3.Sun screen Helpful notes to newcomers: The Oregon waves can be impressive, so be careful when collecting near the surf. Keep an eye on the breakers especially with young children around.The smaller stones are ideal for a tumbler, however, you might find a fist size keeper.
Location #5: White Fir Spring
General description: Oregon thunderegg site courtesy of the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. The thundereggs contain jasper or agate cores in a diamond shaped center. How to get there: drive east out of Prineville on HWY 26 to mile post 41and turn left on 3359. Drive approximately 5.5 miles until you reach the sign : Chamber of Commerce Claim. You made it to the jasper site. For the agate filled site turn right before the sign. Handy to bring along: .Small Pick .Shovel .Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Thundereggs have been collected for years don't expect surface float. It will require some elbow grease to recover the thundereggs,
Location #6: Glass Buttes
General description: Glass Butte is one of the best sites anywhere to collect Obsidian. Technically Obsidian is not a mineral but occurs when Basalt cools quickly forming a volcanic glass. Several types of Obsidian are found at Glass Butte including black, silver sheen, mahogany,fire etc, How to get there: ten miles southeast of Hampton on HWY 20, turn south on Obsidian Road. Follow this road until the roads tees. Your are at Glass Butte ww.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/rockhounding Handy to bring along: .Gloves .Rock Hammer
3. safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:obsidian can be very sharp. Be careful when handling broken shards.
location #7: Madras - Jefferson County
General description: Several sites are in the area including: McDonald Ranch, Marston Ranch, Nartz Ranch, Friend Ranch, Ochs Ranch, and the Richardson's Recreation Ranch. The McDonald Ranch was featured on "Cash and Treasures". The sites are known for petrified wood, thundereggs, and agates. All these sites have great collecting materials. How to get there: The Richardson's Rock ranch is featured in Location #3. The McDonald Ranch is by appointment only:
McDonalds Ranch
Ashwood, Oregon
Phone: (541) 489-3290
The following link gives information on the
sites in the area:
http://www.madraschamber.com/rockhounding.cfm
Grade this location: A GPS Coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Pick
2.Shovel
3.Buckets
4.Rock Hammer
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are a number of sites in the area, and I have included a link for lodging and food.
http://www.madraschamber.com/
Kristen's report on Oregon Petrified Wood
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Petrified_Wood_Blog.show?vgnextfmt=show
Location #8: Dust Devil Mine - Sunstones
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Dust Devil Mining operates a mine for sunstones, but is open to the public from gem hunting. Lots of good gems are found here each year, including some very spectacular finds. How to get there:North out of Plush, Oregon to the Rabbit Hills Basin. The site is near to the Spectrum mine noted above.
Grade this location: (A to F):A - you only pay for the best sunstones you find and the rest are free. GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Screens and digging tools.
2. All necessary water, food and other supplies
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Many beautiful gems come from this location. For more info on Oregon sunstones, check out the following website:
Oregon Sunstones
Alabama Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
ALABAMA Gold Prospecting Map- 140 gold sites - One hundred forty Alabama gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in seven counties. Gold mining in Alabama began in the 1830's and the hobby of recreational gold prospecting and panning is enjoyed by many people today. A geological report states: “The Hilton Brothers reopened the pit. They succeeded in obtaining 65 ounces of gold from a hole 3 feet by 2 feet by 20 inches; the result of half a day’s work.”
Gold sites continue to the east on the Georgia map.
To read more about gold in Alabama
Town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to
take the rugged road up Mt. Antero. High danger of lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
Be respectful of private claims. : Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Scre
SackMore Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
fire opals:
Klamath Falls, OR Lake County
Tips for finding it:Pay at the fee dig.
Georgia Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
GEORGIA Gold Prospecting Map- 500 gold sites - Five hundred Georgia gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in 37 counties extending from south of Atlanta to the North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama state lines. Georgia is a wonderful state for gold prospecting, gold panning, treasure hunting and rockhounding. There was a major gold rush in 1828 at Dahlonega. Vice President John C. Calhoun mined gold at Auraria, Georgia. Villa Rica, west of Atlanta, and just off of Interstate 20, is another Georgia gold rush town. It is known as “The Golden City”.
Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum. It has displays of Georgia gold nuggets and gold coins minted at Dahlonega, plus a film and lectures about Georgia gold (706-864-2257). The Consolidated Gold Mine at Dahlonega is open to visitors and gold panning may be done there. You will also enjoy panning for gold and gemstones at "Gold 'n Gem Grubbin" at Cleveland, Georgia.
Gold sites continue to the north on the North Carolina gold map, to the east on the South Carolina gold map and to the west on the Alabama gold map.
To read more about gold in Georgia
oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains
General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.
Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is:
http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636
Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates:
E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W.,
Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets or Back pack
2.Shovel and pick
3.Rock Hammer
4. Pry bar
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones.
PA:
Location #1: Swatara State Park
General description: Fossil beds are exposed along the Old State Road and provides a variety of Devonian age (375 million years ago) marine fossils. The fossils can be incredible. Pennsylvania even has a state fossil, the trilobite.
How to get there:
Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, 14 miles north of Lebanon and three miles west of Pine Grove. The park is easily reached from I-81: at Exit 90, Lickdale, take PA 72 north; at Exit 100, take PA 443 west.http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/swatara.aspx
Handy to bring along:
1. Collecting bag
2. Small hand tools
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The park is not developed but does offer numerous activities including fishing, hiking/biking trails. hunting and boating.
location 2: Tamaqua Elementary School, Tamaqua, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania 18252
genaral description : you have to go up the hill to the soccer/football feild then go up anoughter hill the the crystal area if you go to the top of the big hill/small mountain you can find slate slice them on the side to find fossils basicly there you find crystals and fossils also some time s you can find coal but rarely tools to bring: gloves, a bucket or back pack and something to dig/move around gravel and dirt pre pare for steep climbs look for orangish dirt that means big good crystals
RI:
Location #1:Diamond Hill
General description: At the mines at Diamond Hill, large plates of quartz crystals with small amounts of geothite and hematite can be found. The quartz crystals here are usually stained with rust. On way up old ski slope, take path to right. Rocks dumped down side of hill to build ski lifts contain Quartz crystals.
How to get there:
Providence, Rhode Isl
1. Head southeast on Dorrance St toward Westminster St 0.2 mi
2. Slight right to merge onto I-195 W/US-6 W 0.3 mi
3. Take the exit onto I-95 N/US-6 W toward Boston
Continue to follow I-95 N 1.3 mi
4. Slight right at RI-146 N (signs for Woonsocket/RI-146 N) 7.8 mi
5. Take the exit onto I-295 N toward Boston MA. 4.0 mi
6. Take exit 11 for RI-114 N toward Cumberland 0.2 mi
7. Turn left at Diamond Hill Rd/RI-114 2.7 mi
Diamond HillCumberland, Rhode Island Grade this location: (A to F):B
Handy to bring along:
1.hammers and a hand pick
2.chisels and safety gear
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Small vugs of quartz crystals can be found in very large quartz boulders.
sapphires
Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields | Pat's Gems
GPS: Latitude: -23.417170, Longitude: 147.698425; S23°25.0302, E147°41.9055
Where: Rubyvale Road, Sapphire, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 07 4985 4544
email: [email protected]
website: Pat's Gems Toolkit ,Jackhammer ,Trommel ,Screen,Wheelbarrow,Rockhammer ,Shovel
More About Sapphire Mining
Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. The finest specimens are mined in Sri Lanka and the disputed territory of Kashmir. Both the Logan sapphire and the Star of Bombay originate from Sri Lankan mines. Sapphires are also mined in Australia, Madagascar, Thailand, and Myramar. Madagascar leads the world in sapphire production (as of 2007) specifically in and around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as of 1987). Ilakaka is prone to violence, but sapphires are found everywhere including on the ground and in the river mud. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tanzania and Kenya also produce sapphires. The US state of Montana has produced sapphires from both the El Dorado Bar and Spokane Bar deposit near Helena. Well-known for their intense, pure blue color, yogo sapphires are found in Yogo Gulch, near Utica, Montana. Gem grade sapphires and rubies are also found in and around Franklin, North Carolina, USA. Several mines are open to the public.
Appraisal Information Get your sapphires appraised at The Rubyvale Gem Gallery. The Gallery is located on 7 Keilamete Road in Rubyvale, Queensland, 4702, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
email: [email protected]
You can also contact Don at Gillett's Jewellers or email him at [email protected].
SC:
Location #1: Diamond Hill Quartz Property
General description: The state gem stone is amethyst. Diamond Hill is an excellent site to collect this rich purple gem. Skeletal crystals , smokey quartz, cacoxenite on quartz and other minerals are found at at the big pit. How to get there:
The following site gives contact information to collect at the site for a fee:
http://www.gamineral.org/commercial-diamondhill.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Pick
3. Bucket
4. Rock hammer
5. Safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:
Diamond Hill is one of the better sites in South Caroline. On the web site, there is a page to apply to collect.
location #2: Lee Creek
General description: The mine itself is an open-pit phosphate mine on the south shore of the Pamlico River which exposes: Pungo River Marl (Lower Miocene), Yorktown ( Early Pliocene), Chowan River (Late Pliocene) and James City (Pleistocene) Formations Fossils are collected at the mine or from tailings used by local highway departments as road fill. Sharks, rays, boney fish, corals, clams and many other fossils.
Ref: http://www.elasmo.com/ How to get there:
The PCS Phosphate mine is private. However, they welcome fossil hunters. Each season, the mine allows clubs and individuals that apply for collecting slots to enter the mine. The mine simply asks that hunters only come in once a season, to give other hunters a fair chance to obtain slotsSee the folowing link to reserve a slot: http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/l_creek/
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Screens
3.Hand pick
5. Bucket
6. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Visit the Auora Fossil Museum to see fossils from the area:.
400 MAIN STREET; P.O. BOX 352; AURORA, NC 27806-0352
TELEPHONE: (252)322-4238 FAX: (252) 322-2220
SD:
Location #1:
Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
Camping is available at the French Creek Camp Ground. Do not expect the Waldorf. It is nice camping but somewhat primitive. General description:
The area around Fairburn is known for for the South Dakota state Gemstone: Fairburn Agate. The French Creek Campground is a collecting site for Fairburn Agate as well as Prairie Agate, Petrified Wood and other gemstones.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/units/frrd/bgng.html How to get there:
Drive south from Rapid City on HWY 79 to Fairburn SD. Turn east on CR 18 toward Red Shirt. The site is at the camp grounds. Hills of gravel contain the gems. Prairie agate and petrified wood are much more common.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Water & Food. This place is in the boondocks
2.Hand tools
3.Shovel
4. Good hiking shoes
5. GPS Helpful notes to newcomers: Look for parallel tight banding. Prairie agate does not have the parallel banding.Prairie agate is a beautiful agate when the right one is found. fairburn will have several different colors of concentric bands.
Location #2: Two Hearts Ranch http://www.twoheartbuffalohunt.com/
General description: Jerry & Bev Austin own a piece of heaven on the Cheyenne River near Fairburn SD. They own a hunting lodge that can be rented by the week. During the off season for hunting rockhounds are welcome. It is one of my favorite places to spend a week. Jerry and Bev are great hosts and the gemstone finds are really something to write home about. How to get there: Two Hearts Ranch is located just a few miles from the Fairburn agate site at French Creek Camping Area.(see above) The pickings are better at Two Hearts and the facilities are far better. In the cool of the morning you can set on the front porch drinking coffee and watch the deer and the antelope play.
The movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed in this part of South Dakota.
Grade this location: (A to F): A One of the best GPS coordinates:
43.686749, -103.208206
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools for collecting
2. Bucket for putting the goodies in
3. Food for the week. The cabin has full cooking facilities.
4. Fishing tackle - It has nothing to do with treasures but it is a lot of fun.
5. Binoculars for viewing the wild life
6. Desire to get away from it all and really relax Helpful notes to newcomers: The River has carried a wide variety of gemstones, minerals, marine fossils and petrified wood down from the Black Hills. Long gravel bars are easy pickings. Be sure to high grade and leave some goodies for the next person. To the Lakota the Black Hills are sacred
and now I know why.
Location #3:
Homestake Gold Mine
General description: Tour the largest Gold mine in North America and do some panning.
http://www.mining-museum.blackhills.com/contact.html How to get there: The Homestake Mine is located at Lead, Deadwood - South Dakota
Grade this location: (A to F): A for a tour of the history of Gold mining and a look into a Wild West Boom town Handy to bring along:
1.Good walking shoes
2.Camera
3.Comfortable clothing Helpful notes to newcomers: The tour is about 40 minutes and the surrounding area has many attractions including one of the Wild West's most historic towns (Deadwood).
Location #4: TEE PEE CANYON AGATE SITE
general description: Tee Pee Canyon is a banded agate enclosed in a chert matrix. Roger Clark's book "Fairburn Agate" maintains that the Hill's Agate and the Fairburn Agate are from the same source. The Fairburns are eroded out of a sedimentary matrix. How to get there: Tee Pee canyon is just west of Jewel Cave National Park on HWY 16. Drive about 3 miles west of the Park's western entrance. I usually turn north on FDR282 and drive a mile or two and search the slopes. There is a Ranger Station about a mile farther on HWY 16. Check at the station for local forest conditions and rock hunting regulations. The Agate is in inside of nodules of a tan chert.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/
Handy to bring along:
1.Hiking Boots
2.Water
3.Hand tools
4. Rock Hammer - you must high-grade but do not destroy the agate by shattering it with a hammer. Be sure to wear safety glasses if you hit a rock with a hammer. Helpful notes to newcomers: Please be very, very careful with fire. The Hills are in drought conditions and are a tinderbox. Do not park in deep grass as the conventer is hot and could start a fire. The authorities won't over look carelessness with fire. Don't start campfires other than in designated camping areas and if you smoke carefully dispose of cigarette buts. I don't mean to preach but the Black Hills are the real Treasure and we are the stewards of the land.
Location #5: Road Cut
General description: The road cut has a metamorphic schist and glassy-gray quartz, pink feldspar, silvery micas, and shiny black tourmaline. How to get there: From Custer SD drive west on HWY 16 toward Jewel Cave National Park. The road cut is on the right about 2 miles from Custer. Be sure to see Jewel Cave and the beauty of the Black Hills from underground.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+
Handy to bring along:
1. Only small amounts of mineral specimens can be taken from South Dakota roadways and only after notifying the nearest highway department office. ( see web page)
2. http://www.northern.edu/natsource/EARTH/Fairbu1.htm
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: This site is an educational stop to learn about the unique mineralogy of the Black Hills. I have collected some very nice specimens fom this site.
vaca spots of rock hunting
Name of Destination: Crater of Diamonds State Park
What you can hunt for: diamonds (natch)
Phone: (870) 285-3113 / http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/diamond-hunting/ Nearest city or town: Murfreesboro, Ark.
Chances of finding anything?:
Low, but it's fun.
Name of Destination: Rocky Candy Mine
What you can hunt for: Crystals of Fluorite, Barite, and quartz geodes
Phone/website: (250) 442 2833 / www.rockcandymine.com
Nearest city or town: Grand Forks, BC Canada
Chances of finding anything?: 100% of visitors find pretty fluorite pieces, they are all over,
you just hammer them out with the hammers provided. Most people find the small quartz geodes, you have to
be lucky to find barite
Name of Destination: Crystal Mine
What you can hunt for: Quartz & pyrite crystals, copper minerals.
Phone/website: www.geologyadventures.com
Nearest city or town: Seattle, WA
Chances of finding anything: You'll find dozens of pretty
crystals in a 4 hour trip. Name of Destination: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
What you can hunt for: Mostly sapphires in the lavender to pink color range, but rubies
and other stones may also be found.
Phone/website: http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/
Name of Destination: Richardson's Rock Ranch
What you can hunt for: Thunder Eggs, Jasper
Phone/website: www.richardsonrockranch.com
Nearest city or town: Madras, OR
Chances of finding anything?: 100% Name of Destination: U-Dig Fossils
What you can hunt for: Trilobites
Phone/website: www.u-digfossils.com
Nearest city or town: Delta, Utah
Chances of finding anything?: 100% I love this place!
Name of Destination: StoneRose Fossil Center
What you can hunt for: Eocene plant, insect, & fish fossils
Phone/website: www.stonerosefossils.org
Nearest city or town: Republic, WA
Chances of finding anything?: Very good, fossils, particularly plants,
are abundant. The center allows visitors to keep 3 fossils per day, if you discover more,
they are donated to the centers non-profit programs. A low-cost family destination. Name of Destination:
Saddle Mountain
What you can hunt for: Petrified Wood
Phone/website: N/A
Nearest city or town: Mattawa, Wa
Chances of finding anything?:100% Good digging and surface hunting in tailings
Name of Destination: Opal Hill Mine
What you can hunt for: Fire agate
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100%, this site is a winter site ONLY. We are already
over 110 degrees
For lots more vacation ideas check out this blog.
www.myoutdoorchannel.com/cswiita
Name of Destination: The Middle Camp Mining district
What you can hunt for: GOLD
Phone/website: www.wiitaminingandexploration.com
Nearest city or town: Blythe, CA
Chances of finding anything?: 100 %
Name of Destination: Jalama Beach
What you can hunt for: Rootbeer agate, fossils
Phone/website: www.jalamabeachstore.com
Nearest city or town: Lompoc
Chances of finding anything?:100% Name of Destination: Cherokee Ruby Mine
What you can hunt for: Rubies, sapphires, garnet, rutile, moonstone, and more.
Phone/website: http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/
Nearest city or town: Franklin, N.C.
Chances of finding anything?: Very good. The staff is just wonderful
and will provide plenty of help in your search. Because this mine is completely
native and unlike most other Franklin mines, NEVER salted, you won't find as much
as with the salted places, but what you find may be of very high quality
agates
Agate Diving/Copper Harbor
GPS: Latitude: 47° 27' 30.4884" Longitude: -88° 9' 43.8948"
Where: Agate diving near Eagle Harbor, MI
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Superior Divers Center
Cost: Agateering Class Fee = $40
Additional dives available,
cost varies
Private Farm Fields
Where: Five to six hours south of Duluth, MN Toolkit
Scuba Gear
Container for "finds"
How-To Guide
Agate hunters are advised to take a basic non-certification course on agateering. A two-hour class, offered in Copper Harbor, MI, covers the identification and location of these precious gemstones. This is a one-tank dive (air furnished). Recommended reading for treasure hunters includes "Lake Superior Agate: One Man's Journey" by Scott Wolter.
Learn More!
More on Agates
Know other places to hunt for Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Enjoy the Moose Lake Agate Festival and have your collection of agates appraised.
alaska
Location #1: Moore Creek Alaska
This historic gold mine still produces some big nuggets for those who visit. Its a private property, but they allow visitors for a free. Visitors keep all the gold they find. For More info, see:
Moore Creek Pay To Mine
General description: How to get there:You have to fly from Anchorage to Mc Grath, then via bush pilot by plane to the Moore Creek Mine. This beautiful remote part of Alaska, with no roads, is quite an adventure.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Metal Detector
2. Yourown camping gear
3. The mine provides all food and other mining equipment. Helpful notes to newcomers:
See my story of my visitot the mine and the gold I found at:
Alaskan Gold Prospecting Adventure
Location #2: Nome
Many folks prospect the historic beach area and find gold there.
General description: How to get there: By plane or barge - there are no roads
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Helpful notes to newcomers:
History and information about Nome:
Digging Gold at Nome, Alaska
austrillia
Australia's Golden Triangle
GPS: Latitude: -36.593021, Longitude: 143.924637; S36°35.58126, E143°55.47822
Where: Victoria, Australia
Address: 19 Hayes Street, Bendigo
Victoria 3550, Australia
Phone: (61) 04 2902 4834
email: [email protected]
website: Golden Triangle Tours
Toolkit
Metal detector
Headphones
Gold pan
Pick
Plastic scoop
Bucket/sieve
Rake
Golden Triangle Packages
Golden Triangle Tours offer a number of different service. They have four main packages. The Three-Hour Tuition package is suited to someone who may have just purchased a metal detector and wants to learn the ins and out and best methods when using it. The Half-Day Tour are as the name suggest are half day tour. They combine all the intense tuition of the three hour package as well providing morning tea, lunch, and more time for detecting. The Full-Day Tour are tours that provide a full day of prospecting as well as meals. The package is limited to only two customers per tour per day so you really do experience totally intense tuition. The final service offered is the Overnight Tour. These can also include multiple days to suit your needs. This tour is truly the deluxe of all tours offered anywhere in the Australian Goldfields.
Learn More!
More on Aussie Gold
Know other places to hunt for gold Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Get your gold appraised at
The Mining Exchange Gold Shop. The address is 8a Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, 3350
Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
brazil
Location Information
Rio Doce Information
GPS: Latitude: -18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: Southeastern Brazil
Phone: (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected]
Chang Express
This travel agent and tour guide company will offer tours and recreational tailing pile digs for Rio Doce and Jaco Mines. Visit their website for more information. Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Mine information
Need more info? Check out the Rio Doce Gem Mine website. This is the site for Jerry Call's sister mine in North Carolina. Information will be available about the Brazilian mine. It does not have its own website, but Jerry owns both and can provide info on each.
Learn More!
More on Brazilian Bling
Know other places to hunt for Brazilian Bling? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
For more information on appraising your finds, visit H. Stern Jewelers, located on Rua Garcia D'Avila 113 in Ipanema, Rio. Call Christian Hallot at 55-11-2106-0001 or 55-11-3865-5583 or 55-11-8188-5900. His email address is [email protected] or visit the website.
Jaco Mine Info
GPS: Latitude: 18.847099, Longitude: -41.951000; S18°50.82594, W041°57.06
Where: State of Minas Gerais in Brazil
Phone: Jerry Call (828) 765-2099
Website: Rio Doce Gem Mine
Email: [email protected] Toolkit Shovel
Screen
Sack
More Rio Doce Gem Mine information
Treasure hunters can call Jerry Call from Easter through the end of October. During all other times, people can write to him at his email address listed above.Wondering how you'll haul all the dirt to find those gems? There is a $100 fee per wheelbarrow. Each additional wheelbarrow may be discounted, but it's safe to say that the price starts at $100 and goes up. So be prepared.Learn More!
More on Aquamarine Know other places to hunt for Aquamarine? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationFor more information on appraising your finds, contact Tergemas Ind. Exp Ltd at [email protected].
You can also head to the Amsterdam Sauer Museum located on Rua Garcia D'Avila, 105, Ipanema, Rio 22421-010. The phone number is 55-21-2512-1132 or 55-21-2239-8045. You can also visit their website.
canada
Rock Candy Mine
GPS: Latitude: 49.032370, Longitude: -118.443264; N49°1.9422, W118°26.59584
Where: Grand Forks, British Columbia
Phone: (250) 442-2833
Website: Rock Candy Mine
Email: [email protected]
Advanced Booking Recommended Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Safety Goggles
Chisel
For Rock Candy Hunters:
Collect all you can carry in one load. Rock Candy Mine provides hammers and safety goggles. If you would like to use a chisel, you can bring one. Chisel use is not recommended for kids under 10; hammers can't distinguish between chisels and fingers.
The mine also offers the Rock Candy Safari, an introduction to Rock Candy's colorful minerals and mining history. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect green fluorite, banded purple fluorite, sparkling quartz and barite crystals.
Learn More!
More on Rock Candy
Know other places to hunt for rock candy? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Glen Saurdiff at Jerry's Rock and Gem in Kent, WA, gives Kirsten and the crew an appraisal of their finds and helps transform their rock candy into jewelry. For more information, visit Jerry's Rock and Gem website.
british Columbia
TREASURE HUNTING IN [PROVENCE, CITY, REGION]
Add what you know about this area to create a handy guide for other treasure hunters. Click EasyEdit to add to this page!
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What this area is known for:
1. Jade, agates, fluorite/barite/quartz crystals, gold panning, fossils.
2. Sapphires, iolite, smoky quartz, aquamarine in the Slocan valley.
4. Biggest finds in this area:
1. Canada's finest barite crystals are found at Rock Candy Mountain
2. Good jade and agate hunting in the lower Frasier valley
3. Fun fossil sites near Harrison Lake
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. Club name, contact info.
Best time of year to go: year round on the Frasier, better in the wet months. Summer for the higher places Other helpful resources:
(newspapers, websites, etc)
1.www.rockcandymine.com
Have a question about treasure hunting or geocaching in this region?
Post a comment for fellow treasure hunters below!THE BEST PLACES TO HUNT
Regions can have multiple good spots to go — add details to build a complete guide.
Location #1:
Rock Candy Mountain, Grand Forks (Boundary area)
General description: Historic fluorite mine converted to family-friendly collecting site. How to get there: Join a guided Safari trip, run by the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. Trips run several days/week in spring/summer. Serious mineral collectors prefer more expensive Vugs trips, where a fresh vug will await each collector.
www.rockcandymine.com
Handy to bring along:
1. Closed toe shoes (rocks are sharp!)
2. Collecting bag (plastic grocery bags will not work (rocks are sharp!)
3. Sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Helpful notes to newcomers: Fluorite occurs here in green and purple. To assess gem quality, dip pieces in water and hold toward the sky ... choose fracture-free pieces.
Location #2: Frasier River beaches and gravel bars
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Jade and agates are found, particularly in spring. How to get there: Anywhere along the lower river valley, good access exists near Harrison, Hope, and Yale.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Boots
Location #3:
McAbee Fossil site
General description: Plant, insect, and fish fossils, open to the public spring/summer/fall How to get there: 8 k west of Cache Creek
info at www.dll-fossils.com
Handy to bring along:
1. magnifier
2. sharp, flat chisel
3. Sunscreen & hat
Helpful notes to newcomers: splitting pieces of shale in the huge piles below the road is often as fruitful as working in the bank.
Nova Scotia
What this area is known for:
1.Zeolites and calcite
2.Agates and jasper
3.Amethyst and quartz
4.copper and many other minerals
5.Fossils Biggest finds in this area:
1.Pockets of Zeolite minerals (Natrolite, Stilbite) in the coastal ledges of various spots in Nova Scotia.
2.Amethyst, quartz, and chalcedony geodes
3.Dinosaur bones in Wasson's Bluff
Local appraisers:
1. Name, contact info/website
4. Local geocaching/treasure hunting clubs:
1. http://www.accesswave.ca/~nsm
Location #1:Wasson's Bluff
General description:Wasson's Bluff is located in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Recently, Dinosaur bones were discovered in the sandstone ledges, preventing mineral collecting. Beautiful orange chabazite crystals can be seen at the lower portion of the ledge.
Location #2: Bramber Shore
How to get there:
Take Exit 5 (Newport) off 101, through Newport Station and left onto 215 (Glooscap Trail along Minas Basin). Drive to shore along left access roads from Cheverie to Bramber. Hike along shore for unusual rock formations and fossil hunting.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock Bag
2.Rock Hammer
3.Hand Tools (my favorite is a hand awl) Helpful notes to newcomers:
Please watch tides!
Location #3: Cape D Or Lightgeneral description: Cape d'Or was once the site of a copper mining operation and you can still find traces of copper in the rocks along the shoreline. How to get there:
Follow Hwy 102 from Halifax to Truro, exiting left (exit #15) onto Hwy 104 towards New Brunswick. Exit right onto Glenholme Loop, then turn right onto old highway. Follow a short distance and exit left on Hwy 2 towards Parrsboro. Turn right in Parrsboro and follow road out of town, then exit left onto 209. Follow route 209 towards Advocate Harbour, and exit left onto dirt road at signs for Cape d'OrExplore trails overlooking lighthouse; then walk down road to lighthouse area. http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Joggins Fossil Cliffs
general description: Follow road through town of Joggins, turning right on unpaved road towards shore. Park in lot at left and walk to shore. Follow shoreline and look for petrified trees in cliffs, or search for fossils along the beach. Look for coal mine shafts in the cliffs (long since collapsed), identified by red groundwater (rust) and old rails poking out of ground. A visit to Joggins is not complete without a stop at the Fossil Interpretation Centre to view the extensive fossil display gathered over many years by a local collector. How to get there:
There are two suggested routes to reach Joggins:From Parrsboro, follow Highway 2 north; keep left through "Boar's Back" area of Chignecto Game Sanctuary towards River Hebert and follow signage to Joggins.
Follow Highway 102 to Truro, and exit left on Highway 104 towards Amherst. Turn off at Exit #4 and follow road south through Upper Nappan, keeping right. Turn right onto Highway 302 south through Nappan and exit right onto Highway 242 towards River Hebert and Joggins.
http://www.explorenovascotia.com/trails/index.cfm?rid=4
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Rock Bag
3. Hand Tools Helpful notes to newcomers:
Be sure to visit the Joggins Fossil Center:
http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/
Location #5: Truro to Parrsboro
General description: Amethysts, quartz and other semi- precious stones can be found along its shores. Headlands and fields reveal fossils of animals that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Fossilized tree trunks stand high on cliff faces for all to see. Blueberries reign supreme. The brigantine Mary Celeste was built on its shore. How to get there:
You'll be driving Highway #2 which follows the shore of the Cobequid Bay and the Minas Channel. A popular diversion is Highway #209 that meets with Highway #2 at Parrsboro. #209 swings past Port Greville, Spencer's Island, Cape d'Or and Advocate Harbour. When leaving Truro, it's important to remember to drive across the bridge and to always keep Cobequid Bay on your left-hand side!http://www.mestern.net/canada/novascotia/truro/index.php
Handy to bring along:
1. Rock Hammer
2. Bucket
3. Hand Tools
Helpful notes to newcomers: Parrsboro, a small town with a big heart, is a regional centre with a population of approximately 1,500. As there's lots to see and do in the area, the community is a good place to stay for several days. Gillespie House B & B was built c1890 for merchant & lumberman David Huntley, in the Queen Anne style with Italianate features. The accommodation with its lovely interior wood trim is close to downtown and area attractions. Rooms are nicely decorated and a hearty breakfast is served.
CA
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on BenitoiteKnow other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal InformationThe crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material. Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.Learn More!
More on Benitoite Know other places to hunt for Benitoite? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards! Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information The crew heads to W. Scott Forrest's shop to get their gems appraised. Check out the W. Scott Forrest Gemstones website for more information. Then the crew stopped at Lehrer Design, an award-winning custom-design jewelry and gemstone operation in Larkspur, CA.
CO
Location #1: Pinon Mesa General description: Agate , jasper and petrified wood are found in the flats and the gullies.
How to get there: From Grand Junction take HWY 340 west to CR D5 and turn left. At Glade Park turn left to the Mesa. Altitude 8600 feet
Handy to bring along:
1.Rock bag
2.Shovel
3.Small pick-maul
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The Colorado National Monument is a well worth a stop on the way to the site.
Location #2: Copper Creek
General description: The real find is the amethyst but you can find pink feldspar and some agate. How to get there:Take HWY 50 south from Grand Junction. At Whitewater turn south on HWY 141 foe about 11 miles. There is a small bridge and a parking area on the right.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand Tolls
2.Rock bag
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: There are No trespassing signs in the area but there is plenty of material outside of the posted areas.
Location #3: Opal Hill General description: Common opal and opalized wood are found at the site plus colorful jasper. How to get there: Take HWY 340 south from Fruita . Travel 1.5 miles to Kingview Road and turn right. It is about .6 miles to Horse thief Canyon Road turn left and look for a dirt road on the right about .1 mile. Turn right get as close to the hill as you can.
Handy to bring along:
1. Small pick
2. Shovel
3. Rock hammer
4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a well known site. The farther from the road you venture the more material you will find.
NC
Emerald Hollow Mine
GPS: Latitude: 35° 53' 34.584" Longitude: -81° 5' 52.1514"
Where: Just off Old Mountain Road in Hiddenite, NC
Phone: (828) 632-3394
(866) 600-4367
Web: Emerald Hollow Mine
Hours: Open every day, 8:30 a.m. to sunset (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Costs: Fees vary based on what you want to do (e.g. camping, sluicing, creeking, digging, and bucket/tool rental). Get more info on Emerald Hollow Mine's website above. Toolkit Shovel
Pick
Screen
Bucket
Scraper
Screwdriver/Probe
How-To Guide
Creeking: Prospecting or looking for gems, minerals or other treasures in a creek by using a screen.
Sluicing: Flowing water is used to wash away sediment to find gems, minerals or other treasures.
Screening: Loose dirt is shoveled onto a screen; the screen is then shaken to remove small particles, leaving larger chunks of earth, which can be examined for gems.
Picking: A pick ax can be used on the walls of a mine to reveal treasure hidden among loose rocks or within broken rocks.Learn More!
More on EmeraldsKnow other places to hunt for Emeralds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information"Cash and Treasures" went to R. Gregory Jewelers for an appraisal. They are located in Statesville, NC, and can be reached at (704) 872-8941.
a mine
Nine miles down Opal Hill Road, Follow signs
GPS: Latitude: 33.433071; Longitude: -114.731789, N33 25.98426, W114 43.90734
Where: Palo Verde, CA 92266
Phone: (760) 854-3000 or (760) 550-2420
Website: Opal Hill Mine Info
Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Chisel
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
How-To Guide
If you visit the mine, plan to stay a full day or longer. It takes some time to find a good spot to dig and, once you find a spot, you will need time to extract the agate. If you only want to spend a few hours, Howard said that there is quite a bit of agate to be found in the tailing piles and dumps left behind by others. You can find some beautiful treasures without the hard work of digging out a vein.
Learn More!
More on Fire Agates
Know other places to hunt for Fire Agates? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal Information
Bryan Shoemate gives us an appraisal of our fire agates. For more info: Fire Agate Gems
The crew heads to Ken's Jewelry, at 325 Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach, CA, to have an exquisite piece of jewelry made from our find. You can reach Ken at [email protected].
FL
Peace River General description: The Peace River gravel you can Fossils from the Miocene and from the Pleistocene can be found in the gravel bars and in the river bed. February through May the water is lower than normal, and is the best time for collecting fossils. How to get there:
Take HWY17 south to Zolfo Springs (Hardee county). Pioneer Park is located at the the intersection of HWY 64 & 66. The following link gives additional information:http://english.fossiel.net/locations/location.php?plaats=Peace%20River
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Bucket
4, Helpful notes to newcomers: There is camping available at the site.
A family resort is at 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 for more fossil collecting:
http://www.peacerivercampground.com/
: Shell Creek
General description: As the name implies there is a great variety of fossils in the creek and along the bank including huge Megalodon teeth. How to get there:
Take Hwy 17 east from Punda Gorda. The bridge across Shell Creek has a boat ramp and parking.
Handy to bring along:
1.Wading shoes
2.Screen
3.Shovel
4. Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting Vertebrate fossils requires a permit. Florida is famous for Miocene and Pleistocene mammals and reptile fossils. Information on the permit can be found at:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/vppermit.htm
WACISSA RIVER
General description: A canoe trip down the Wacissa River will net a haul of fossils. The water is clear, the scenery beautiful and the float is worth the trip. How to get there:
The spring is accessed one mile S. of the town of Wacissa, off Hwy. 59. More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.treasuresites.com/members/fossil.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Helpful notes to newcomers: Watch for springs and creeks along the way. The fossils are more plentiful at these location.
Ruck's Pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co., Florida
General description: Ruck's Pit is well known for fossilized bivalves containing golden calcite crystals of excellent quality. This is a fee mine, so people have to pay a fee to gain access to the mine.
-Geoff909 How to get there: For directions, etc.
http://www.dreamworlds.org/ruck's_crystal_mine.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Sledge hammer and hand pick
2. Chisels, collecting bag
3. safety gear
Helpful notes to newcomers:
Peace River
Arcadia Area includes Brownville Park (off US 17), DeSoto Park (off SR 70), and on canoe trips from Brownville to Canoe Outpost (CR 661 & SR 70). These locations are in DeSoto County, Florida.
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: How to get there: DeSoto Park and public boat ramp: 2 miles west of Arcadia. For Brownville Park and public boat ramp: 5 miles north of Arcadia on US 17 and turn west on Brownville Street. Canoe Outpost is 2 miles west of Arcadia behind the Peace River Campground and offers canoe rentals for those wanting to get to more remote spots other than the boat ramps. go to www.canoeoutpost.com and click on Peace River for canoe rentals.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N27-13.919, W081-53.452 for Canoe Outpost
Handy to bring along:
1. see checklist at www.canoeoutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm
2.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Canoe Outpost has fossil hunting pages geared to beginners at www.canoeutpost.com/peace/prfossil.htm. Also have fossil book & fossil i.d. sheet for sale. Have sifters for borrowing for those renting canoes.
GA
Hogg Mine
GPS: Latitude: 33.041415, Longitude: -85.031084; N33°2.4849, W085°1.86504
Where: Meeting location in LaGrange, GA.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Hogg Mine website
Join the North Georgia Gem and Mineral Club.
Toolkit
Hammer
Shovel
Pick
Bucket
More Information
No one is allowed on the property without prior approval, signing a release and paying the fee. Open Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only! Star rose quartz, tourmaline crystals, Aquamarine Beryl crystals. The Star Rose Quartz at Hogg Mine has a beautiful quality; you cut and polish it, and it makes a star, much like star sapphire. The site features a virgin area to dig with a pegmatite of mica, feldspar, a rose quartz core and, if your lucky, Beryl!
Learn More!
More on Star Rose Quartz
Know other places to hunt for Star Rose Quartz? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
The crew heads to gem cutter Clyde Gilbert's Greenwood Studio. Treasure hunters can also go to Prospectors Pouch for an appraisal.
Visit Jim Olson's website. Jim is a Georgia rockhound and author of "Take a Hike: Gem and Mineral Collecting in Georgia."
Need to transform your star rose quartz? Get more information about jewelry designer Susan Zimmerman. Visit her website.
geodes
Thunderbird Park | Thunderegg Mine
GPS: Latitude: -27.947929, Longitude: 153.191360; S27°56.87574, E153°11.481
Where: corner of Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd
Address: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, 4247
Phone: +617 5545 1468
Fax: +617 5545 2707
email: [email protected]
website: Thunderbird Park website
Accommodations: [email protected]
Surfing Lessons
($75 per 90-minute lesson): [email protected]
Toolkit
Small spade or pick
More Thunderbird Park Info:
Thunderbird Park sits on the largest deposit of thundereggs in the world. The mineral rich seam that runs through Mount Tamborine was discovered at Thunderbird Park in 1967. Today, the ground at 300m by 50m open-cut mine has an endless supply of thundereggs.
Admission to the mine includes a detailed explanation of how and where to find your thundereggs, a mine safety induction, list of all the tools needed to find your treasures, and a souvenir miner's permit to take home. ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR MUST BE WORN to the mine as this requirement is a condition under Thunderegg Mine's mining license with the Department of Mines. Children should be accompanied by a paying adult.
Learn More!
More on Australian Geodes
Know other places to hunt for geodes? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Find out what happened behind the scenes in the Host and Crew Blogs.
Appraisal Information
Collecting thunder eggs and want your finds appraised? Visit Middleton's website. The Australian jeweler is located on Sea World Drive, Marina Mirage, Main Beach, Gold Coast 4217, Queensland, Australia.
Phone: +61 (0)7 5531 0500
NY
erkimer Diamond Mines
GPS: Latitude: 43° 0' 10.8"; Longitude: -74° 59' 16.7994"
Where: Herkimer, NY
Phone: (315) 891-7355
Website: Herkimer Diamond Mine
Hours: April 15-Oct. 31,
9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: 4 and under = Free 5 to 12 = $8 13 and up = $10 Ace of Diamonds Mine Where: Middleville, NY
Phone: (315) 891-3855 Website: Ace of Diamonds Mine hours: April 15-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost: 3 and under = $3 4 and over = $7.50 Toolkit Hammer Chisel Gardening Tools Crowbar Air Compressor how-To Guide
At Herkimer Diamond Mine, you can purchase an all-day prospecting ticket, just remember to keep your wristband on! Be sure to view the seven-minute instructional video before you exit the store for the mines. Staff will hold your driver's license or another form of identification to use their hammers (1 per person). Your identification will be returned when you return the hammer.
Learn More!
More on Herkimer DiamondsKnow other places to hunt for Herkimer Diamonds? Suggest your own hunt on our message boards!
Appraisal InformationPaul Geffner gives us an appraisal of our Herkimer diamond finds. He can be reached at (415) 331-2102
idaho
Location #1: Bruneau jasper
General description: The most well known jasper from Idaho is the primarily red and brown cryto-crystaline quartz from Bruneau Canyon. The Bruneau jasper flow is the most silica-rich rhyolite flow in the area and is the source of silica that fills gas cavities in the upper zones of the rhyolite. The most prized Bruneau has egg shaped swirls in the jasper. How to get there:
50 road miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County.
Take HWY 50 south from Bruneau for 39 miles then turn east on Rowland Rd. Travel 11.6 miles and take the left road 11 miles to Indian Hot Springs. There are two exposures of the jasper rhyolite flow in the area.
42°20'15"N , 115°39'0"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Sledge hammer
2.Chisel
3.Safety glasses
4. Bucket
5. Pry bar Helpful notes to newcomers:
Find out the status of the land before taking jasper.
Location #2: Spencer Opal Deposit
General description:Opal is a variety of non crystalline Si02 that contains up to 20% water. The lower water levels, 10%, are more stable. It is the water in the silica gel that gives opal is flashing colors. Spencer, population 38, holds one of the largest opal deposits in the United States and is home to rare star opals. Though white is the most common color worldwide, Spencer miners find rarer blue, pink or red gems How to get there:
The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site. The Deer Hunt Mine is open to rock hounds interested in digging the opal for a set price per pound.
For additional information :
imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/mining/gemstns.htm
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets
2.Hand tools
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are shops where the tourist can buy finished pieces and opal rough.
Location #3: Fire Opals
General Description: Opals of salmon pink or cherry color, showing much brilliance and play of light are found in Gem County . Fortification and water agates of light blue color are found close to the opal deposits. How to get there:
Take 52 north from Emmett and turn est on Butte Road. At the intersection of lookout Road turn north to Squaw Butte.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
44°1'58"N , 116°24'40"W
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand pick
2, Collecting bag
3. Rock hammer
4. Safety glasses. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #4: Emerald Creek
General description: India and Idaho are the only two locations in the world ehere star garnets are found.
The Forest Service has constructed an area where the public can purchase a permit, remove material from
stockpiled,
garnet-bearing gravels and take them to one of two sluice boxes to wash the material in search of the
garnets. How to get there:
From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road
447 to the parking area. Permits,
information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch.
For additional information see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools, and screens are provided
Helpful notes to newcomers: First hand report from
kabnfvr:Yes, I'd do it again in a heart beat. You know, it's all about "the hunt" so even though
it was a lot of work, there is always the chance you'll find something great! Regarding the the rangers
, there are there to help you. They frequently came around asking to help out. If I was going to do the
math on this trip, I'd have to admit that the return may not make it worth it. That said ... I'm a slow
learner I guess. It took us most of the day to figure out where in the pile to dig and what to keep. On
e of the rangers told us to tumble our garnets with Soft Scrub to determine which were good. There were
people taking 5 lbs each and their garnets were much bigger than the majority of ours. I'm going back
tomorrow with my grandkids so will share my results then as well... Everyone found garnets - I'd just
say don't spend too much time pouring over each screen.
One of the rangers told me that the #2 garnets make good tumbling grit so I'll likely use them that way. If you plan to facet, then I likely found many more because you can but out the fractures. I want to make a cabochon with mine so only the very dark, glassy stones will work. Of those, we only found a couple. If either of those polish up to make a 4 or 6 ray star garnet, then I absolutely got enough to pay for my day. I'd say I went through a dozen buckets of "sifted" material. (there are 2 stages, you take the dirt/rock out of a big pile and sift the loose dirt and big rocks out - THEN you take that material to the sluice box). Overall, we likely sifted out 25 buckets of raw materia
iowa
Location #1: 35 mile radius of Keokuk Iowa General description: The geode was designated as the state rock by the Legislature in 1967. The area around Keokuk is famous for the variety of mineralization found in the nodules. Over twenty different minerals line the cavities. The geodes weather out of the Warsaw formation of a Mississippian age limestone and shaley dolomite. How to get there:Search the steams, road cuts, and fields around Keokuk.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Buckets or rock bag
3. Gloves
4. rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Resist the urge to break open the geodes. Instead compare the weight of various stones and save the lighter ones.The very heavy nodules are probably solid.
Location #2: General description: Agates (notable the lake Superior agates), jaspers, petrified wood can be found in the gravel bars on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.Clayton county is a good place to start collecting. (see photo) How to get there:Clayton County is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River, It is northwest of Dubuque on HWY 52.http://www.claytoncountyiowa.com/
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2. Walking shoes
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Also check the gravel operations in the area. Stop at the office and ask permission to collect.
Location #3: Rockford
General description: One of the best collecting sites for Devonian age marine fossils. The Floyd County Fossil and Prairie Park was once a brick clay pit. The Rockford Brick and Tile Company's pit has been transformed into a top fossil site and a recreation center. How to get there:
The Park is west of Rockford on HWY B27
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates:
43.052833, -92.949203
Handy to bring along:
1.Hand tools
2.Bucket or rock bag
3.Long handle screw driver Helpful notes to newcomers:
The following link provides information on the park:
http://www.fossilcenter.com/
kentucky
Location #1: Ben Clements Museum and Mine Digs
General description: One of the nation's finest collections of fluorite and related minerals from the Kentucky-Illinois mining district, and a large collection of other minerals from across the world. There are planned digs scheduled from the spring through the fall. How to get there: The museum is located in Marion Kentucky in the northwest corner of the state.http://www.marionkentucky.us/clementmineralmuseum/The town of Marion has a good Bed & Breakfast (Myers see link below) and a great little restaurant "The Front Porch". Real southern home cooking with a casual atmosphere. Be sure to stop in on your treasure hunt.http://members.tripod.com/~MarionKYKingdomHall/Marion.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A - I have enjoyed rockhounding trips to Marion. Every time I've gone and I have some fine specimens that I dug.
Handy to bring along:
1. Digging tools
2. Collecting buckets
3. Rock Hammer
4. Safety Glasses
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district extends into Illinois. Cave in Rock and Rosiclair are also great spots on your trip.
Location #2: Kentucky Agate General description: Kentucky Agate is the State Rock by act of the State Legislature on July 14, 2000, It is a sedimentary agate found in the Borden Formation of Early Mississippian Age. The agate is beautifully colored and contains bands, fortifications,and sometime plumes or moss formations. It can be found in the creeks and river drainage where it has been weathered out of the host rock. How to get there:
Estill, Jackson, Powell, Madison, and Rockcastle Counties in Kentucky.For more information and pictures of the agates see:
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/rocksmn/kentuckyagate.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Wading shoes
2. Small mattock
3. Rock bag
4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Do not strike the nodules of agate with a rock hammer. There is the temptation to see what is inside but many valuable specimens have been destroyed by an overly eager rockhound.
Location #3: Geodes
General description: Geodes have cavities lined with crystals of quartz or calcite. Occasionally celestite, millerite or other minerals can be found in the geodes. How to get there:
Along the roadside highway 60, east of Garrett.
Road cuts on highway 31 west.
Almost any creek bed.
Handy to bring along:
1. Water
2. Brick hammer
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:Some will look like potatoes lying along the ditches. If they feel lighter than they should for their size, they are probably hollow.
location #4: Fossils
General description:
Types of fossils: brachiopods, bryozoans, cephalopods, conodonts, corals, gastropods, monoplacophorans, pelecypods, scolecodont teeth, stromatoporoids, trace fossils, trilobites. Mineralized brachiopods, aulocerid stromatoporoids and colonial corals with calcite, dolomite, celestine and other minerals.
This link contains a number of collecting sites : http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/collecting.htmlGreat site for fossil information. How to get there:State Road 155 between Fisherville (Jefferson Co.), KY and Taylorsville (Spencer Co.), KY Type of exposure: Road cut Rock type: interbedded shale and limestone
Handy to bring along:
1. Hand tools
2. Rock bag
3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Kentucky has designated the generic "brachiopod" as its state fossil.
louisianna
Location #1: Petrified Palm Wood
General description: The state fossil is petrified palm wood. It can be found with other wood of Oligoce
ne age Catahoula Formation especially around Toledo Bend Lake. The wood is found on the lake shore and
below the dam. I have collected near the lake in clear cut areas where logging is occurring. The log
trucks and the heavy equipment uncovers the wood. How to get there: Toledo Bend Lake is on the border
of Louisiana and Texas. Palm wood can be found on Texas side also. The dam site is on LA HWY191 in
western Louisiana. Toledo Bend is a well known resort area famous for its fishing.
http://www.toledo-bend.com/srala/
Grade this location: (A to F): A I have a great deal of wood from this area.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging tools
2.Bug spray
3.Buckets
4. Strong back Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are plenty of places to stay in the area. Plan on doing some site seeing. Palm wood makes very attractive jewelry. Most of the wood is cream color, however, the black wood demands a premium price.
Be sure to visit Natchitoches: my favorite city in Louisiana.
http://www.historicnatchitoches.com/
Location #2: Alluvial Deposits - Gravels General description: The state gemstone of Louisiana is the agate. The Paleocene gravels of
the state are a source of gemstones transported from a wide range of the United States.
It is not uncommon to find jaspers, chalcedony, carnelian, agate, colorful chert even metamorphic
and igneous stones in the vast amounts of material the Mississippi River and its tributaries have
deposited in Louisiana. How to get there: Much of Louisiana has gravel bars along it many streams
and bayous. As you travel across keep a watchful eye for gravel operations and exposed road cuts that
look promising. One good site is northern Catahoula County in the gravel hills of the region
Handy to bring along:
1.Bucket
2.Sunscreen and a hat. Helpful notes to newcomers:
Searching a gravel pit requires that you train your eyes to look for the stone that appears different. I have seen rockhounds overlook great gemstones because it all runs together if you don't look closely.
maryland
Location #1:
Brownie Beach in Chesapeake, MDGeneral description: Miocene fossils that include. sharks, rays, turtles, shells, fish and other marine fossils. fossils from Beach can be seen at:
http://mysite.verizon.net/browniebeach/ How to get there: From Routes 2 or 4 in northern Calvert County, take Route 260 to Chesapeake Beach, where you turn right (south) on Route 261. Immediately after crossing a stream at the bottom of the first hill south of Chesapeake Beach, you will see a locked gate and a parking area on the left (east) side of the road. From the parking area, follow a path for roughly 1/4 mile to the cliffs.
Grade this location: (A to F): A+ best in the country from what I have heard handy to bring along
1. beach shoes
2. plastic bags to hold findings
3. shifting screen Helpful notes to newcomers:
Two other collecting sites are listed on the Maryland Geological Survey .
http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/fs/fs10.html
Location #2: Rock Run General description: Gold was discovered in southern Montgomery County during the Civil War and the first of many mines and prospects began operating in 1867. There were 5 gold mines along Rock Run, including a placer mining operation using water under high pressure to wash the stream and flood plain sediments through long California-style sluice boxes. How to get there:
Rock Run is a small stream in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, that originates just north of Potomac Village and flows about 9.1 kilometers (about 5.5 miles) in a generally southeasterly direction to the Potomac River at the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Screen
3. Gold pan
4, Hand Pick Helpful notes to newcomers:
1. Most of the richest gold mines were in a few gold-bearing quartz veins that had a higher concentration of gold than most of the others in the area.
2. All of the gold-bearing veins run roughly parallel with the general direction of the Appalachian Mountains, which trend a little east of north in this area. Some veins vary in their strike (direction) by as much as 25 to 30 degrees to the east or to the west of north.
3. Nearly all streams and smaller tributaries have been explored in the past by miners who were quite thorough in their recovery methods, so most stream sediments have been pretty well cleaned of gold.
4. Therefore, I have learned to use a compass to determine the approximate strike of a stream's bedrock, which, in this area, is generally a nearly vertical quartz/mica schist. Then I search for exposures of the bedrock or dig deep enough in the stream's alluvium to reach the upper levels of the bedrock. Most of the upper levels of the bedrock encountered in this fashion are either chemically altered to a soft consistency (saprolite - disintegrated rock that lies in its original place), or nearly so and can be removed and broken up in the gold pan. By exploiting the altered areas of the bedrock, I increase the chances of finding gold. Most of what I find in this fashion is lode gold (freshly broken out of the rock it formed in) rather than placer gold (naturally eroded out of its host rock and then stream worn). Needless to say, finding the gold in the pan is exciting since the finder is the first person to see it since it was first formed here about 200 million years ago through the actions of tremendous tectonic forces
From Mineral News, Vol. 16, No. 3, March, 2000. Reprinted with permission of the author and the publisher. This article may be reprinted or copied as desired for other mineral publications
Location #3: Calvert Cliffs General description: The Calvert cliffs contain an amazing Miocene fauna. More than 600 species of plants and animals have been found here (Glaser, 1979, p.56). On the beaches you can find a wide spetrum of marine fossils including sharks & rays. How to get there:
"The Calvert Cliffs run for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the western shore of Maryland in Calvert County"
Fossil GuySee the following link for additional information:
://www.fossilguy.com/sites/calvert/
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Bucket or rock bag
3. Camera Helpful notes to newcomers:
The scenery is spectacular. Even without the fossils this is a great place to visit.
Location #4:
Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Besides being able to find sharks teeth, the beach is long and clean, and perfect for small children. There is a lovely walk through the woods to get to the park.general description: How to get there:
Take Route 4 South from the Capital Beltway.
Pass Prince Frederick.
The small sign for Flag Ponds is on the left. Cross the highway and follow the signs.
Handy to bring along:
1.sun tan oil
2.towel
3.picnic lunch Helpful notes to
maine
Location #1: Mount Apatite I Would suggest this place to anyone comming to the area. It is a town park that was once a feldspar mine. It is loaded with treasures if your willing to do a little work general description:Lots of minerals, Tourmaline, Beryl Quartz crystals ect... How to get there:It is in Auburn Maine, Near the Auburn Suburban little league fields off of Garfield road.
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Sifter
3.Small Hammer and Chisels Helpful notes to newcomers:This location has a lot of minerals to be sifted out of the dirt. As you go up the hill, the first pit was the Greenlaw Quarry. this spot still has a lot of Tourmaline and Beryl. I would suggest picking a spot that doesn't look like it's been worked in a while and stick with it.
Location #2:Trenton, Havey, and Square Pit quarries general description:The main pit of the Trenton quarry has been flooded, but well formed smokey quartz crystals, green tourmalines and beryls have been found here. At the Square pit quarries, well formed almandine garnets have been found here. I have recently found very good heliodor beryl crystals at this location.
Handy to bring along:
1.Digging equipment
2.hammers, hand pick, chisels
3.safety gear& bug spray
Helpful notes to newcomers: Digging equipment
location #3: Lord Hill General description:In the past, the Lord Hill quarries have produced massive pockets containing blue apatites, gemmy quartz crystals, autunite coating feldspar, beryl, topaz, and other minerals. Massive topaz crystals, some weighing over 50 pounds have been found here. Serious digging in the mine dumps could yield the mineral collector fine specimens. How to get there: Rock in mineral clubs in the New England Region will sometimes host trips to these mines.
Handy to bring along:
1.Hammer and hand pick
2.Sifter and shovel
3.Safety gear and chisels
massachusetts
Location #1: Loudville Lead Mine General description: " Over 30 minerals are found at Loudville, including anglesite, cerussite, pyromorphite, wulfenite (the "queen" of Loudville minerals, in a vast array of xl habits), and many more (quartz, barite, calcite, galena, malachite, sphalerite, and others). The most desirable and beautiful minerals are available as micromounts, though the occasional worthwhile thumbnail or even larger specimen may reward the hard worker. Wulfenites up to 1/4" have been found in recent years."Eric Greene How to get there:Take Mass Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 3. Take Route 10 north and follow until you reach Glendale Street on left (.8 miles south of city of Easthampton). Turn left and continue on Glendale 3.2 miles to dirt road on left leading to the mine dump Aditional information can be found:http://www.cumberlandite.com/cumberlandite1_024.htm Handy to bring along:1.Bucket
2.Brush
3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
In the summer heat you can cool off in the nearby waters of a clean stream.
Location #2: Lime Quarry Reservation
General description: City owned quarry with an assortments of minerals including: actinolite , calcite.
blue apatite, titanite, scapolite & fluorite. How to get there: Chelmsford is located at the intersection of I 496 and US HWY 3. Handy to bring along:1.Hand pick 2.Shovel 3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:Fill in holes and leave the quarry better than you found it.
location #3: Betts Manganese Mine General description: Rhodonite is the Massachusetts state gemstone. It is a pink or red stone that makes attractive jewelry. the Betts Manganese Mine is a famous location for this mineral and pyrite, chalcopyrite, and fasioulite. How to get there:The Betts Mine is in Plainview From Springfield take I 91 north. The Plainfield exit is RD 118 west. Continue through Ashfield to Plainfield.
3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
I have not personally collected at this site so permission to collect must be obtained from the Mine owners. Several AFMS clubs have collected at this site and I would recommend contacting one of the clubs for information. AFMS @ http://www.amfed.org/
Location #4: Chipman Silver Mine
General description:Old silver mine in Newbury. A lot of galena, pyrite, and siderite can be found here. Minor amounts of malachite and chalcopyrite have been found here. How to get there:Complicated directions
Handy to bring along: 1.shovel 2.hammer and hand pick 3.chisel & safety gear Helpful notes to newcomers:If you ever go to this location, the mine is currently behind houses on a place called Scotland Heights. To find galena and pyrite, one will have to dig in the mine dumps. Bug spray can be quite handy at this location.
Location #5: Blueberry Mountain Quarry,Woburn ,Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
General description: An abandoned "Trap Rock", quarry. Some of the finest babingtonite crystals have been found here. Other minerals found here include prehnite, calcite, laumonite, stilbite, heulandite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, orthoclase var: adularia, quartz, epidote, chlorite, garnet, sphene, analcime, hematite, and less common minerals such as radioactive minerals.
MI
Location #1: Along the lake shores
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers General description: How to get there:Peterson Park in Leland, MI grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village Platt Lake and River Handy to bring along:1. Bucket2. Water3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
Location #2: Great Sand Bay on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Misery Bay (NE of Ontanogan, MI)Almost any beach all of the Southern Lake Superior shoreline Small agates on Lake Michigan Shores General description: How to get there: Take US 41 North of Houghton/Hancock MI to Phoenix. Turn left on M 26 which will take you to and along Lake Superior shoreline. There are numerous places to pull over and park. It is a steep, stone bluff to the lake; but worth it. (Sand Bay)US 41 North. Turn left at Tivolia village onto Misery Bay Road; follow to lake. Nice campground here also. Handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Water shoes 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The rock shops at Ahmeek and Christmas, MI are very helpful. They will give you maps - buy something from them. Seaman's Mineral Museumhttp://www.museum.mtu.edu/
Location #3: Ontonagon Copper Mine General description: The mine was featured on the Cash & Treasures Show. The variety of minerals found sounds like a museum. Native copper,silver, datolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite, and epidote can be found working the huge ore piles. How to get there:The mine is easy to reach, a 20 minute drive from Ontonagon, Michigan Red Metal Minerals 202 Ontonagon Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 Phone: 906-884-6618 Fax: 906-884-6753 Link: www.exploringthenorth.com/redmetal/tours.html Handy to bring along:
1. Gloves 2. Safety glasses 3. Rock hammer 4. Metal detector 5. Buckets 6, Chisel 7. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers:The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the heart of one of the best rock collecting ares in the Mid West. The attractions are numerous. The beauty is breath taking. //www.exploringthenorth.com/keweenaw/home.html
Location #4: Jasper Knob General description: Imagine the world's largest gemstone: a hill of beautifully banded jasper and specular hematite How to get there: Ishpeming, Michigan is in the Upper Peninsula. From downtown, take Division/BR 28 east to Jasper St., turn south. The Knob is in one block.Handy to bring along: 1. Safety Gear 2. Rock Hammer 3. Chisel 4. Rock bag
Location #5: Leelanau Peninsula Beaches
General description: Fossil coral (Petoskey stones) can be found along the beach . Red jasper and local stone Leland Bluestone is actually slag from the 1800's iron foundry operations can be collected. How to get there: Take HWY 22 north of Traverse. The road follows the Lake shore.
Lake Michigan beaches North from Frankfort to the Mackinaw Bridge.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Water
There are many different fossils to be found. Read an article on Petoskey Stone: http://www.visittraversecity.com/looking-for-mr.-petoskey-stone-167/
Location #6: Ropes Gold Mine
There is an abundance of dark green serpentine as well as : quartz, calcite, rutile, pyrite and at least 24 other minerals. During the most productive period (1883-1897) $645,792 worth of gold was shipped from the mine. How to get there:Go west from Ishpeming on US-41 to Cooper Lake Road, turn right and go 2.5 miles, left on CR-572 for less than 1 mile, walk 0.3 mile to Ropes Gold Mine Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates:46°32'9"N , 87°43'59"W Handy to bring along:1. Rock hammer 2. Safety glasses & gloves 3. Hand tools 4, Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers
For additional collecting sites visit:http://www.exploringthenorth.com/rocks/east.html
location #7: SENECA MINE Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI
General description: Abandoned mine dumps yield specimens of epidote, quartz, adularia, and copper How to get there:Mohawk, Keweenaw Co., MI Turn west off US 41 onto First Street in Mohawk. Go 0.3 miles to a red gate on the left. This leads right into the mine dump Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses, gloves 2. Rock hammer 3. Digging tools 4. Hand pick An excellent resource for field trips in the area and elsewhere in Michigan is:
http://www.sauktown.com/fieldlist.htm
Location #8: Petoskey State Park General description: Petoskey State Park, located on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, is situated on 304 scenic acres and offers a beautiful sandy beach on the bay. The park has two separate modern campgrounds. Tannery Creek offers 98 campsites, and Dunes offers 70 campsites. How to get there: Take HWY 31 from toskey, Michigan. Turn left on to C119 into the park. Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bucket 2. Sun Great information to the attractions of the park can be found at: http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=G10185
Location #9: Lake Superior Greenstone
In 1972, chlorastrolite a variety of pumpellyite became the official State Gem for Michigan. Chlorastrolite is a beautiful green mineral with a chatlyant "turtle-back" pattern. How to get there: The Central Mine, located just off US 41 north of Calumet, has been the source of some of the largest greenstones.Handy to bring along: 1. Rock bag 2. Hand tools 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers Look for the dark green, small round or almond shape nodules in country rock. Sometimes they will have weathered out of the rock and can be found lying on the ground.
Location #10: Delaware Mine
The mine is one of the better locations to find dalotite nodules. Datolite is It is associated with copper at this location and is found in porcelain-like masses and nodules. The nodules are various colors and can be cut and polished.The chemical composition is CaBSiO4(OH), Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide. How to get there:
u.S. 41 just Twelve Miles South of Copper Harborwww.copperharbor.org/site_files/del_mine/del_mine.html
For further information, Contact us: Delaware Copper Mine (906) 289-4688Handy to bring along:1. Hand tools2. Handy pick and maul3. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: Tours are available of this historic under ground mine dating back to 1847-87. Eight million pounds of Copper were removed from the five shafts that reached a depth of 1400 feet with ten various levels.
minnesota
Location #1: Hill Annex Mine State Park
General description: Chose one of three tours. A tour of a massive open pit iron ore mine. A tour of the lake formed by the mining operations. A fossils hunt to recover marine fossils. All three tours take about 1 1/2 hours each. How to get there:Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.More information can be found at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hill_annex_mine/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 3. Helpful notes to newcomers:
City of Calumet maintains a nice picnic area just outside the park gate.
Location #2: Moose Lake State Park
General description: Minnesota's gemstone is Lake Superior Agate. At Moose Lake visit the Agate and Geological Interpretive Center. It is a 4500 square foot center that features agates, rocks, minerals and geology of Minnesota. Lakers as the locals call the agates can be found wherever gravels are exposed along shores, gravel pits, road cuts and stream gravel bars. Collecting is not allowed in the state park but here are near by gravel pits were collecting is allowed with permission.State Park site:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/moose_lake/index.html How to get there:Located 1/4 miles east of I-35 at the Moose Lake exit #214. The park entrance is off County Road 137. Take the Moose Lake exit off I-35. Then go east on County Road 137 until you see the park signs about 1/2 mile down the road.handy to bring along: 1. Bucket 2. Wading shoes 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The state park has camping, fishing, swimming, and other attractions.
Location #3: Grand Marais General description:Thomsonite is a zeolite mineral with pink, red, and white patterns. It is a very attractive semi-precious gemstone suitable for cutting and polishing. How to get there:Nodules of Thomsonite can be found in the basaltic lava flows about 5 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota or small pebbles collected along the beach.See Worrld Wide Museum of Natural histoty@http://www.wmnh.com/wmhome.htm visit the folloeing link for Thomsonite rough and jewelry:http://www.thomsonite.com/thomsonite.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammer and chisel 2. Pry bar 3. Bucket 4. Or you can look for pebbles along the Lake Superior Shore I vote for picking up pieces, it is easier than breaking it out of basalt lava. Helpful notes to newcomers: This is a resort area with many places to stay or vacation. http://grandmarais.com/
Location #4: Minnesota Staurolite General description: Commonly called fairy crosses, staurolite can be found on the banks of the muddy Mississippi below the dam at yalton. How to get there: The following web site gives complete directions: home.att.net/~bjgoetteman/Staurolite_Screen.html handy to bring along: 1. Boots for sinking in the mud. 2.Got to have a screen box 3. Shovel 4. There is plenty of water for screening - the Whole River Helpful notes to newcomers: Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen and the screen box.
aquamarine in CO
town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to Location #1: Along the lake shores
(Local beach, park, etc)
Any Lake MI beach from Manistee north to the Mackinaw Bridge (Petoskey's)
Gravel pits and/or in creeks/rivers
General description: How to get there:
Peterson Park in Leland, MI
Grandma's Beach in Torch Lake Village
Platt Lake and River
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Bucket
2. Water
3. Wear shoes that can get wet Helpful notes to newcomers:If you're new to hunting petoskey's, hunt along the edge of the beach where the stones are wet. It will be easier to see their "eyes". Use a bucket of water to wet the dry limestone above the swash zone. Lots of Petoskey's and many folks don't hunt in the dry zone.
auqa marine in GA town/region: Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Screen
Sack
More Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
gold
Town/region: Sutters Mill
State, country: California
Tips for finding it: This is where the
Gold Rush first started, and there is still
Gold in them thar hills. You can sit on the
river's edge
and pan for gold. It is a great way to
spend a nice afternoon in the california heat.
St. Louis has a rich history that few
people stop to consider. How many
flat-boats sank while crossing the
Mississippi River during the settling
of St. Louis and the westward
expansion before bridges were built?
How many homes were washed away
by the great flood of 1993?
I would be checking the sandbars and
river banks when the water is at low
flood stage. That old muddy river
may hold a few surprises yet.
As of yet, I have only found old lead
fishing weights with my trusty $60.00
metal detector. But that is actually
good news because gold and lead are
very close to one another on the Element
Chart. If I am finding lead fishing weights,
it means that it is only a matter of time
before I find something of greater interest.
This also tells me that it would be a good
idea to walk old creek beds with my metal
detector, since no one else has thought
of doing so. The perfect excuse to get out
for a walk in the woods on the weekend
and go camping with a backpack.
Just stay clear of private land unless
you have permission from it's owner.
a mine and store
Royston Mine/Otteson's Jewelry
GPS: Latitude: 38° 4' 5.415" Longitude: -117° 13' 52.107"
Where: Tonopah, NV
Phone: (775) 482-9352
(775) 482-9889
Website: Royston Mine
Otteson's Jewelry
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for appt. in the winter
Cost: $50 per day Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Pick Ax
Bucket
How-To Guide
Richness of color is the chief determiner of value in turquoise; generally speaking, the most desirable is a strong sky to robin's egg blue. Value decreases with the increase of green hue, lightening of color and mottling. Whatever the color, turquoise should not be excessively soft or chalky; otherwise, it is liable to fade over time, and will not hold up to normal use in jewelry. The mother rock, or matrix, in which turquoise is found, often has splotches or a network of brown or black veins running through the stone; this veining may add value to the stone if the result is complementary, but such a result is uncommon.
turquise (below)
turquise
Town/region: Various Locations In Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico
State, country:
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
Be careful and respect private claims as most good turquoise deposits
are under private mining claim.
sunstones
GPS Coordinates, if known: W 119.87244 N 42.72584
Town/region: Rabbit Hills Basin, near Plush, Harney Co.
State, country: Harney Co. Oregon
Tips for finding it: Use a topo Map, but its easy to find.
tormaline
Town/region: San Diego County, California
State, country: California
Tips for finding it:Look for exposed pegmatite dykes that contain lepidolite.
GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: La Grange, Hogg Mine
State, country:Georgia, US
Tips for finding it:Black Schorl. Loose on the road in small quantities, but mostly weathered. In quartz matrix in the same area that is dug and then broken to expose the crystals (eye protection is a MUST). Nice specimens including an inch in diameter and inches long with classic termination. Also found in the main pit in small quantities (less than the amount of aquamarine found.)
sapphires
Town/region: Philipsburg, Rock Creek
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Gem Mountain GPS Coordinates, if known:
Town/region: Helena, Lake Hauser
State, country:Montana
Tips for finding it:Eldorado Bar Mine
Town/region:Helena/ Hauser Lake
State, country:Montana, USA
Tips for finding it: Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine(they own the Eldorado Mine) On the internet
mississippi
Location #1: Mississipi Petrified Wood Most of the best petrified wood from Mississippi comes from trees which grew in the state during the Oligocene Epoch, around 30 million years ago. The Gulf of Mexico's shoreline extended further north at that time, which explains why the wood is found in the more northern parts of the state. This petrified wood formed when a tree was buried by sediment, and its tissues were replaced by silica in the groundwater. A variety of chalcedony, fossil wood replaced by chalcedony (silica), sometimes also by Opal. The material replacing the wood may vary. Most commonly, quartz, in the form of agate, opal, or jasper, will be the replacement material. Occasionally, limonite, carnotite (an uranium mineral), or other minerals will be the replacement material. Trace minerals included within the silica impart a variety of hues, ranging from black to blue to red. General description: How to get there: The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately operated park and museum located at 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, Mississippi. This site has been known since the mid-19th century, but it was not until 1966 that it was named a Registered National Natural Landmark, and subsequently developed and opened to the public Link to Petrified Forest: http://www.mspetrifiedforest.com/Attractions.cfm Handy to bring along: 1. Hand Pick 2. Rock Hammer 3. Rock Pack Helpful notes to newcomers: Tour the Petrified Forest. Wood can be collected over a large area in the ditches and stream near the park.
Location #2: Fossils of Ice Age animals General description: During the past several years Lonnie and Freida Looper of Greenville, Mississippi have collected over 500 fossil bones of Ice Age animals which lived in our loess area between 10,000 and 250,000 years ago. They were often accompanied by their son, Zachary Horne, who contributed many rare and exciting finds. These animals lived during the Rancholabrean Epoch which gets its name from the famous "Tar pits" locality in Los Angeles, California Link: http://www.backyardnature.net/loess/fossils.htm How to get there:
All of the fossils were recovered between river mile markers 499 (near the town of Glen Allen, Mississippi) and 639 (a point on a line with Sherard and Clarksdale, Mississippi 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The family found these treasures by walking gravel bars in the Mississippi River bed during seasonal
montana
Location #1: West Fork of Rock Creek in the Sapphire Mtn. RangeThis is a place to find natural sapphires. Many in the creek, or you can buy gravel at a mine (Gem Mtn) which is much easier on the body and the sapphires are more consistently high grade.(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Sapphire location How to get there: Take Hwy 1 out of Butte to Hwy 38 (if you go to Phillipsburg you've missed the turn onto 38) and it will run you right into the creek. You will go past "Gem Mtn" which is a commercial sapphire site (and you can dig and screen there).Handy to bring along: .Shovel .Buckets . 1/4" mesh screens Helpful notes to newcomers: If you have a gold wheel, tilt the wheel back until it catches a sapphire, then use the wheel to catch them. You will double your take that way.
Location #2: Missouri River Sapphires
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: Seven operations mine sapphires from the Missouri River including dig for fee operations The best known is Spokane Bar. How to get there: northeast of Helena. Take York Road to Mile Marker 8, turn right on Hart Lane, turn left on Castles Road. Additional information: ttp://www.sapphiremine.com/ More information on Montana Sapphires, including maps, can be found at: Montana Sapphire Info Handy to bring along: . Screens available at the site . . Helpful notes to newcomers: he mine and rock shop is 10 miles from Helena, therefore, there are many places to stay in the area. A campground is within 3 miles of the mine.
Location #3: Scratchgravel Hills
General description: The exposure is in a low cut in massive green diopside which has cavities with euhedral crystals to about an inch long, although most are much smaller. Most of the cavities are filled with blue calcite which must be etched away to expose the diopside. How to get there: north of Helena a few miles, is a well known occurrence in a low cut alongside a railroad track. This location is on the east side of the Scratchgravel Hills. Access is by going north out of Helena on Green Meadow Drive to the road to the Scratchgravel landfill, parking at the railroad tracks and walking up the railroad tracks. Handy to bring along: .rock hammer .cheisel .rock bag . safety equipment - glasses, gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information on Montana skarns:http://www.lrream.com/montanaskarns.html
Location #4: Garnets
General description:Garnet is a historic mining ghost town located in west central Montana and sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet at the head of First Chance Creek. It was named after the brown garnet rock which was used as an abrasive and a semi-precious stone found in the area. How to get there:The Garnet Ghost Town from the west, take I-90 east to Exit 109, the Bonner Exit. Continue on Highway 200 east for 23 miles. Shortly after the 22 mile marker turn south at the sign Garnet Ghost Town. The parking lot is 11 miles up the gravel road. Ask at the visitors center about garnet collecting. contact info
/goldwest.visitmt.com/listings/908.htm 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: in winter Garnet is a popular snowmobile and cross-country ski trip. Winter cabin rentals are available.
Nebraska Location #1: Northwest Panhandle -Cadron. Nebraska General description: Fairburn, Prairie, and Nebraska Blue Agates can be found. The Nebraska Blue Agate is the State Gemstone. The nodules appear to be more plentiful than in South Dakota. (Roger Cark).I have collected in Nebraska and found a wide variety of agates. The Nebraska Blue is a truely beautiful stone. How to get there: Travel Northwest of Chadron on HWY 385. The Oglala National Grasslands allows rockhounding for personal use. Neither vertebrate fossils or Native American artifacts are allowed to be collected. It is a crime and rightly so to violate Native American sacred sites. Ask Permission before collecting on private property and as always respect the land, keep it as wildly beautiful as it is. The following link provides information on the area: http://www.chadron.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag 2.Water - this is very remote country 3.GPS 4. Boots 5. Rock Hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not strike a nodule of agate with your hammer to see what's in it. A rock worth hundreds of dollars could be ruined.
Location #2: Crawford General description: North west of town on the White River drainage system. The agate is similar to Tee Pee Canyon Agate (see South Dakota) in that it has a high degree of matrix material. How to get there: Crawford Nebraska is in northwest corner of Nebraska in the Black Hills region on HWY 20. This link contains helpful information about the area.http://www.crawfordnebraska.net/ Grade this location: (A to F): A
Handy to bring along: 1.Rock bag or buckets 2.Water 3.Boots or hiking shoes 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #3: Agate Fossils Beds National Monument
General description: A unique national park that combines scenic beauty with the fascination of a prehistoric world. During the Miocene era the plains were populated with a wide diversity of unusual wildlife. Agate Fossils Beds National Monuments is one of the best places in America to see what it was like by viewing the fossil record. How to get there: The National Monument is south of Harrison on HWY 29.View the Nation Monument web site: http://www.nps.gov/agfo/ Handy to bring along: 1. camera 2. comfortable shoes
Location #4: Homestead Cookshack & Bunkhouse General description: Hunt your own fossils in style with real western flair and at a reasonable price. The fossil sites are on private ranches that allow collecting through Homestead. The food is excellent and the lodging is first class. How to get there: Homestead The following web site gives directions and information :http://www.bbc.net/highplainshomestead/index.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets or backpack 2. Tools for Digging 3. Call ahead for details Helpful notes to newcomers: I have included a link from the University of Nebraska for the hobbyist on the importance of the scientific value of fossils and how to properly collect them. The amateur collector can contribute to the advancement of knowledge. One of my most valuable finds, I donated to the University of North Alabama for future geologist to learn from and the general public to enjoy. After discovering the site , I called the University and set up a field trip. The site was some of the best Silurian fossils recovered in Tennessee. http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/vertpaleo/musnote2.html
Location #5: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park General description: Nebraska is fossil country and if you hike the country side you are bound to run into a fossil. However, Ashfall Fossil Beds is not a museum where bones have been collected from far and wide and reassembled in a unnatural poise. These animals were covered with volcanic ash and left in place to give the visitor an amazing look at a prehistoric catechism. How to get there: The park is west of Creighton Nebraska on HWY 59. The following web site gives information about your visit : http://ashfall.unl.edu/ Handy to bring along:
1. Camera 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The facility is handicapped assessable.
Location #6: Cass County Nebraska General Description: Lake Superior Agates in Nebraska? Yes, the period of glaciation brought Lake Superior agates to a number of states. Dr. Roger Pabian at the University of Nebraska has a nice collection of Lakers found in local gravel deposits around Nebraska. Dr. Pabian's book on Banded Agate is a must read for people crazy about agates. He is one of the most recognized scientist on agate formation. How to get there: Cass County is just south of Omaha. Take I 80 then exit HWY 50. I have included a list of gravel operations in the area: http://maps.unomaha.edu/Maher/urbanseminar/Bill/ Handy to bring along: 1. Hand tools 2. Bucket 3. Keene eye site Helpful notes to newcomers: Most gravel operations will allow you to look through the gravel piles. Ask permission at the office. Explain that you are a collector and that you will observe their rules.
nevada
Location #1: Garnet Hill Recreation Area General description: The garnets found at this site are dark maroon to black that average in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. The specimens are in cavities called vugs and occasionally an attractive 1 inch specimen can be found. The stones are generally not of gem quality but make very nice collector specimens. The garnets are a mixture of spessartine and almandine Garnet. How to get there: 4 miles Northwest of Central Ely in the Eagan mountain range. The major access road to this area joins US Highway 50 about 6.4 miles West of the traffic signal at US 395 and US 50 junction in Ely. The following link gives information on the site and where to stay: http://nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm Handy to bring along: 1. Hammers and chisels 2. Safety glasses 3. Gloves 4. Rock bag Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is a Nationally known rockhound site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There is limited camping and RV hook-ups. There are a number of garnet location within 100 miles of Ely. The following link is the BLM web site and gives information on Garnet Hill. http://www.webpanda.com/white_pine_county/historical_society/attractions/garnet.htm
Location #2: The Royal Peacock Opal Mine general description: Virgin Valley has yielded the world's most beautiful black opal since mining began in 1905. Much of the opal is formed from tree limb casts of an ancient forest that covered Nevada some twenty million years ago. How to get there: Virgin Valley of Northern Nevada: The following link provides information on site: http://www.royalpeacock.com/index.html Handy to bring along: 1. Short handled ick, shovel, or garden rake 2 Long Screw driver,ice pick or similar tools 3. Small bucket-like container,ZipLoc Bags 4. Gloves ,Hat, Sunblock
5. Water squirt bottle Helpful notes to newcomers: RV hookups, camper and tent sites are available plus shower,restroom and a laundry room. more Information on visiting the Virgin Valley Opal area can be found at: Virgin Valley Opal area Info
Location #3: Otteson Turquoise Mine
General description: An operating turquoise mine visited by the crew of "Cash & Treasures". Mine tours are available for group of 10 and more. The tour includes an opportunity to mine the tailings piles. How to get there:The following website gives information on booking you tour:http://tonopahturquoise.homestead.com/3.html Another good website with information on this area is: Bunker Hill Turquoise Mine, oyston Handy to bring along: 1.Tools & bucket provided 2.Sunscreen 3.Hat & gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:The tours are about four hours long. Two weeks in advance booking is required.
Location #4: Big Springs General description: A world of obsidian and Apache tears free for the taking near the opal mines of Virgin Valley. How to get there: Take A34 at the intersection of 140. This is about 8 miles north west of Virgin Valley and 12 miles from the Oregon state line. About 3 miles from the intersection is a large field of obsidian and Apache tears. Handy to bring along: 1. Safety glasses 2. Gloves 3. Buckets 4. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: Obsidian is Volcanic glass and therefore can be very sharp. When struck with a hammer, it sends off splinters of glass. Obsidian can make very attractive cabochons. Polish with tin oxide on a felt wheel.
Location #5: Oak Springs Summit Trilobite Area General description: Six different species of triobites are found in a gravel quarry. The fossils are 530 million year old deposit of Cambrain age marine life The trilobites are located in a trench on the south side of the pit.. How to get there: "Located 12 miles west of Caliente on US highway 93 on the south side of Oak Springs Summit, a dirt road to the north will take you to a gravel pit. The fossils are located at the west end of the pit on the east slope of a knob." Bureau of Land Management Handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand tools 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There is a BLM sign in roster at the parking lot and pamphlets explaining the history and the tribites.
Location #6: Hallelujah Mining and Exploration Company General Description: Well known collecting site for smokey quartz, amethyst crystals including scepters. Many of the points can be quite longup to 10 inches. How to get there: The sit is a mining claim operated by: Jon Johnson at 702-786-3271 or Ed Christiansen 702-677-1722. For organizing a field trip contact Jon or Ed. handy to bring along: 1. Buckets 2. Hand pick 3. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Location #7: West of Rye Patch Placer Mines General description: How to get there: Go north on Highway 80, past Lovelock to the Rye Patch exit. Go west, over the dam, outside the recreation area and head north for about 4 miles. Turn west and head up into the placer gold area. Grade this location: A+ - This site has produced some valuable gold nuggets, and still produces gold for those who are willing to work hard. GPS coordinates: W 118.41856 N 40.62040 Handy to bring along: 1. A good metal detector 2. All the food and equipment you need - there are no supplies or stores.
3. Digging tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Information and maps of the gold producing area can be found at the following website:
Rye Patch Gold Information
new hampshire
Location #1: Chickering Mine General description:Mine is located in Walpole. Massive blue and green tourmalines can be found on quartzite matrix. Blades of albite cystystals and small pinkish spodumenes can be found. Childrenite and other micro minerals have been found here. How to get there: handy to bring anlong bring along: 1.Digging materials 2.sledge hammer and hand pick 3.safety gear and hand lense Helpful notes to newcomers:There is a lot of tourmaline to be found here.
Location #2:Palermo No.1 Mine general description:Mineral collectors who enjoy collecting phosphates and beryl will like this location. At the Palermo Mine, rare phosphates can be found. Small cystals of apatite and fluorapatite can also be found here. Gemmy, blue aquamarine beryls have been found here. How to get there: Some rock and mineral clubs in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire will host trips to this location.
Handy to bring along: 1.Hammers and hand pick 2.chisels and shovel 3.safety gear and handheld lense Helpful notes to newcomers: Dump digging materials would be usefull at this location
NJ
Location #1: Sunset Beach at the southernmost tip of New Jersey.
(Local beach, park, etc)General description: How to get there: Go to New Jersey, and then go south on the New Jersey Parkway. Keep going until there's nothing but the Atlantic Ocean in front of you! Handy to bring along: 1. Small and medium sized containers and kiddy beach toys - shovels and buckets with holes to wash the diamonds. Use the small containers to put the diamonds in as you stroll on the beach. Then when they're full, take them back and put them into the larger buckets. 2. 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: If you continue talking down the beach (away from Cape May), you might want to be conscious of how the folks are dressed further down the beach. The lower area is a 'free beach' where bathing suits are optional. But no matter, there are plenty of 'diamonds' before you get close to this area.
Location #2: Sterling Hill Mining Museum &
The Franklin Mineral Museum General description: Over 300 different minerals were found in the mines of Franklin and Sterling Hill. Sixty new minerals were described at these sites. Not only are the museums first class but mineral collecting is available for a small fee.The following site gives examples of the types of minerals found in the mines:http://www.galleries.com/minerals/fablocal/franklin.htm How to get there: Franklin and the Sterling Hill Mine are at Ogdensburg, Sussex County New Jersey The links provides directions and information about the mines: http://sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/ http://www.franklinmineralmuseum.com/ Handy to bring along: 1.UV light 2.Hand tools 3.Bucket 4.Gloves . Helpful notes to newcomers: The mining district is on the itinerary of mineral collectors and serious rockhounds everywhere. The florescence minerals are amazing under UV light.
this place i have been to above and it is really good you can go throw rocks and some are furcesentent and others are cool to look at. also they have a tour in the mine and you can get a free furcentent rock on the tour and you can buy stuff in the gift shop
NM
Location #1: Rockhound State Park
General description: Rugged slopes of the Florida and Little Florida Mountains are home to Rockhound State Park. Hiking trails offer views of nearby "sky islands." Agates and quartz crystals can be found at the park. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/Rockhound.htm How to get there: To get to Rockhound State Park from Deming, take NM 11 south for 5 miles, and then go east on NM 141 for about 9 miles.
Handy to bring along:1. Rock Hammer . Chisel . Collecting Bucket . Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: acilities Activities Visitor Center camping Group Shelter Picnicking Developed Sites (29) Wildlife Viewing Electric Sites Hiking RV Dump Station Interpretive Exhibits
Restrooms/Showers Playground
#2: Kelly Mine
General description: World class Smithsonite specimens can be collected from tons of stockpiled ore. How to get there:
Take I-25 South from Albuquerque to Socorro. Then HWY 60 west 26 miles. Turn at Kelly Road and go 3.2 miles South.
Handy to bring along:1. Collecting bucket . Hand tools . Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: or more information: ttp://www.mmmgems.com/kelly_mine/index.htm
Location #3: Casitas de Gila Guesthouse acres of private lands with lots of interesting rocks and gemstones right on the property. Minerals found are white and pink chalcedony, chalcedony roses, red, brown and yellow jasper, jasper breccia, picture jasper, banded agate, zeolites, geodes, massive hematite, banded rhyolite, andesite, volcanic bombs, scoria, limonite and hematite-banded welded tuff, and lots of really nice colorful rocks! How to get there:
CASITAS DE GILA GUESTHOUSES becky & Michael O'Connor, Owners 50 Casita Flats Road (Off Hooker Loop) P.O. Box 325 • Gila, New Mexico 88038 • USA Tel: 575-535-4455 • Fax 575-535-4456 Handy to bring along: 1. Collecting bag 2. Rock hammer 3. Hand tools Helpful notes to newcomers: Grant County, with its county seat in Silver City, lies at the heart of this vast mineralized area and is New Mexico’s richest mineral producing county.
Location #4: The Blanchard Rock Shop General description:The "local" collecting area is located here in the world famous Hansonburg Mining District, which is also known as the Blanchard Claims. This district is considered one of the "richest" when it comes to the variety of mineral species it produces, which is over 80 different ones; including Fluorite, Barite, Galena, Quartz and Smoky Quartz. How to get there: ighway 380, about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is halfway between San Antonio and Carrizozo at mile marker 30 on U.S. Highway 380, in the "town" of Bingham, New Mexico. For more information: http://www.peaktopeak.com/blanchard/ Helpful notes to newcomers:We do recommend that you call a few days prior to coming out to make sure that we are open and that the roads to the mining claim are passable. Also, if you need RV hook-ups, we can provide them.
#5: KILBOURNE HOLE General description:Kilbourne Hole is one of several volcanic maars located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Volcanic maars are unusual volcanic features, and Kilbourne is probably the best example to be seen anywhere in the world. With a lot of work and effort gem grade peridot can be collected. http://www.mtlilygems.com/mineinfo/KHinfo.html How to get there: From El Paso Texas take TX 178 West the road will become New Mexico 136 continue 6.4 miles and turn right on Columbus Road/ NM-9. Drive 16.2 miles and turn right on CR-008 until you reach CR-AO11 and turn right and continue 3.7 miles. Handy to bring along: 1.Water 2.Rock hammer 3. Collecting bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Collecting conditions at Kilbourne Hole can be extreme with intense summer heat in excess of 100°F and freezing temperature in winter. Spring time, March in particular, can be very windy with violent dust storms.
missouri
Location #1: Lincoln, Missouri - Mozarkite General Description: Mozarkite is a pastel colored chert with swirls, blossoms, and bands. The color varies from pink,yellow, blue, and sometimes green. In 1967 the Missouri Legislature proclaimed Mazarkite the state gemstone. How to get there: The chert is found in streams, ditches, fields, and road cuts around a wide area around Lincoln, Missouri. The area extends along the Cotter Dolomite Formation of Ordovician age. The word is a combination of Mo for Missouri, Ozark for the region and ite for rock. Lincoln is south of Sedalie on HWY 65. I have also found Mozarkite at Harry Truman lake west of Lincoln. http://www.dnr.mo.gov./pubs/pub653.pdf
http://www.mazarkite.com Rate this site: (A to F) A Plenty of good material Handy to bring along: 1. Rock Hammer 2. Safety Glasses 3. Pick or Maul Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be granted from the land owner. I have found all I wanted in ditches, road cuts and along the lake.
Location #2: Everett J. Ritchie Mineral Museum General description: The best museum to study an extensive collection of Tri-State minerals from the mines of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Galena, calcite,sphalerite, dolomite and chalcoprite crystals are truly impressive. How to get there: The museum is at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin Missouri. The complex is at the corner of 7th street and Schifferdecker Drive. If you desire to collect some samples, drive north on Schifferdecker Park to W Perkins and turn right. There are tailing dumps from the mining operations on your left. Calcite , dolomite , galena, and sphalerite specimens can be found. Grade this location: (A to F): A for the museum C+ for the mine tailing piles. GPS coordinates: http://www.joplinmuseum.org/info.htm Handy to bring along: 1.camera 2.Hand tools 3.Rock Hammer 4. Safety Glasses - the host rock is chert (flint) and can be extremely sharp especially with fresh breaks. Flint has a conical fractures and used by flint nappers to create Native American tools. Some Mozarkite that is free of fractures makes incredible arrowheads, spear points and other tools. 5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers: The museum is one of the finest collections of the Tri-State Mining district. It is known for the size and beauty of the crystal habitat of the minerals. There is a scale model of the Lead and Zinc mines and the extraction process. Be careful when handling sharp edged chert. It is best not to hit the chert with a hammer. A friend of mine went to the hospital to have a flint shard removed from his hand from holding a nodule in his hand and hitting the flint with a hammer. Bad Idea
Location #3: Elephant Rocks State Park General description: Giant Boulders of pink granite resemble huge elephants marching in a circus area. A nature hike circles through 1.6 billion year old pre-Cambrian formations How to get there: htp://www.mostateparks.com/elephantrock/geninfo.htm Handy to bring along: .Camera 2.Hiking shoes . Helpful notes to newcomers: colecting is illegal in the park. However, there is an operating quarry at the backside of the park. Ask at the office to gather some pieces from the scrape piles. The pink granite is cut for monuments and building stone, The scape has been sawed and is quite attractive.
Location #4: Potosi, Old Mine, Cadet, Missouri
General description: Missouri lace agate, drusy quartz, and barite blades Missouri Lace agate resembles Mexican Lace agate with tight banding, swirls, and grays, blues, and some red colors. How to get there: Potosi is in south east Missiouri. The area around Potosi contains a number a abandoned mine pits. Go east from Potosi on HWY 8 and turn on CR O. Tailing piles are on both the right on left sides of the road. Do not cross no trespassing signs. Handy to bring along: .Hammer .Rock bag or 5 gallon bucket .Hang tools Helpful notes to newcomers: The drusy can be quite large specimens (2 square feet) with bitroydal formations. Very little digging is necessary. The mine waste piles are extensive.
Location #5: Keokuk Geodes General description: The Warsaw formation of Iowa, Illinois, and northeast Missouri has yielding immense amounts of geodes with as many as 30 different minerals. The most common minerals are quartz and calcite. How to get there: . The streams and rivers around St Franceville and Fox Missouri have exposed geodes. The well know Betty Sheffler's Rock Shop and Mine is being closed due to highway cnstruction http://www.ruralmissouri.org/02pages/Feb02geodes.html http://www.geodegallery.com/keokuk.html Handy to bring along: .Shovel 2.Hand tools. Helpful notes to newcomers: Do not break the Geodes with a hammer. Many a valuable stone has been destroyed by an over zealous rockhound.
NY
Location #1: Middleville N.Y. Rt.28 (the herkimer diamond mine and the ace of diamonds mine) for a fee you can prospect and keep all you find. The mines also have tool rental ,rock shop and snacks. Handy to bring along: 1.water 2.gloves and hat 3.first aid
Location #2: Barton Garnet Mine
General description: Mining operations began in 1878 in one of largest garnet mines in the world. Garnet is the New York gemstone and garnets can easily be found at this site. Gore mountain is known for producing very large garnets industrial, some a foot in diameter or larger. How to get there:From I 87 take Exit 23 to Route 9 through Warrensburg. Left on Route 28 for Approximately 21 miles to the old North River General Store (now a rafting company). Left on paved Barton Mines Road for 5 miles to Garnet Mine http://www.garnetminetours.com/shop.html Grade this location: (A to F): A Geology of Gore Moutain: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments
SEM/pages/Erica/SEM.html Handy to bring along: 1. Hat 2. Collecting bag 3. Small hand tool Helpful notes to newcomers: The mine is handicapped accessible. There are a number of other activities for the family.
Location #3: Powers Farm General description: The Powers farm has been a source of black uvite tourmaline for over one hundred years. How to get there:
Take HWY 68 east from canton New York. Powers farm is at the intersection of HWY 68 and county road 24.
Grade this location: (A to F): A Handy to bring along: 1. Shovel 2. Pick 3. Rock bag or bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Permission must be obtained to collect at this site. Examples of the specimens can be seen at:
http://www.geologicdesires.com/newyorkstateselfcollectedspecimens.htm
NC
Location #1: Chunky Gal Mountain
General description: Chunky Gal Mountain and Buck Creek is a must stop on a treasure hunt to North Carolina. Red and pink rubies are found in a green host rock (smaragdite). A prospector can choose to mine the matrix material or shift the dirt around the boulders. The clear cold waters of Buck Creek at the base of Chunky Gal Mountain holds bright red almandine garnets. Also there a specimens of spinel, rutile and other peridotite minerals. How to get there: The site is just off HWY 64 in Clay County between Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina. Going east from Hayseville on HWY 64 look for old HWY 64 about a two miles past Shooting Creek. The old highway is the best landmark because it still has some asphalt paving. Turn left on a steep gravel forest road where the old and new highways meet. The site is about a mile up the mountain. Parking is available at the site. The old road parallels the new and leads to Buck Creek Road.
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: 35 04.792 N 083 37.656W Chunky Gal 35 05.019 N 083 36.759 W Buck Creek Garnet
Handy to bring along: 1. Shifting screens 2. Small sledge hammer 3. Pry bars 4. Gloves 5. Safety Glasses Helpful notes to newcomers: The site is in the Nantahala National Forest. In order to keep this site open; the rules of conservation must be followed. Leave the site better than you found it. Carry your trash out and be careful with fire.
location #2: Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
General description: The Mason Mine is a personal favorite. There is absolutely no salting. Mason is one of the few mines that you can dig your own dirt. Last July a 40 carat pink sapphire was found. If you stay long enough you will find gems. How to get there:6961 Upper Burningtown Road Franklin, North Carolina http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/ Handy to bring along: 1. Latex lined gloves to keep your hands warm while washing the mine run 3. Helpful notes to newcomers: There are snacks and drinks available at the mine.
Location #3: Gold regions of North Carolina
General description: North Carolina has historically produced more gold than any other state in the south east. From the early 1800s gold has been prospected and mined in North Carolina. The Reynolds mine in Montgomery County was owned by a distant ancestor of mine. How to get there: The following link is to the North Carolina Geological Survey Gold Pages. http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us Handy to bring along: 1. Gold pan 2. Digging tools 3. Depending on your commitment much more productive equipment can be brought along Helpful notes to newcomers: Join the GPAA to find the best sites and meet people with a common interest - YELLOW GOLD!! http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/gpaa.html
Location #4: Emerald Mines
General description: As Kirsten found out North Carolina is emerald country. North Carolina has supplied the largest and most valuable emeralds in the nation.No wonder that in 1973 the emerald was designated the state precious gemstone. How to get there: Hiddenite North Carolina is east of Taylorsville on HWY 90.Ed Speer, a North Carolina Geologist, has an excellent web site on emerald mines of North Carolina: http://www.northcarolinaemeralds.info/ One of the best mines is the Emerald Hollow Mine http://www.hiddenitegems.com/
Handy to bring along: 1. Screens 2.Tools for digging - shovel & pick 3.Gloves 4. Probe Helpful notes to newcomers: Emeralds are crystals of of the mineral beryl. You might find a rare crystal of green Hiddenite. Don't discard it Read Kristen 's report: http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Emeralds.show?vgnextfmt=show
location #5: Franklin North Carolina
General description: The Gem Capital of North Carolina. It is a regular vacation spot for my family and me. There is always something new to see and do; the mountains, the rivers, the prospecting. My wife will shop till we drop at the gem shows. Some of the best gem, mineral, and fossil shows in the east are held in Franklin. How to get there: Franklin is in western North Carolina just south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on HWY 64.The following link gives information about Franklin including mines in the area , the museum and a calender of events. http://www.franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/gemMining.asp http://pakasdollmaker.com/gemmining.html
Handy to bring along: 1. Prospecting Tools - pick, shovel, rock hammer, pry bar 2. Hiking shoes 3. Safety equipment - safety glasses, first aid kit 4. Screens, pans Helpful notes to newcomers: This part of the God's creation will capture your heart. You will be back. Plan - but don't over plan your trip, let the county lead your where it will. You will find surprises at every turn.
Location #6 : Sheffield Mine
General Description: Lots of mud washing, gravel inspecting, gem finding fun for the whole family. I hope you will find some big honker rubies and sapphires. How to get there: 385 Sheffield Farms Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 http://www.sheffieldmine.com/ Handy to bring along:
1. a change of clothes 2. Helpful notes to newcomers: Ask for advise. The owners will more than willing to help identify the treasures
Location #7 : Cherokee Ruby Mine
General Description: A completely unsalted native mine in Franklin, N.C., where some of the best rubies in the region (in North America, for that matter) are to be found. The "Cherokee Chief," a huge 1070 ct. gem quality ruby, was found here in 1993. Sapphires, garnet, moonstone, rutile, and even the occasional Indian artifact (pottery and arrowheads) may be found here as well. Great place, with very friendly and helpful staff. http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/ How to get there: Click here for directions From Franklin: Business Hwy 441 North, to Hwy 28-North, located near the center of town. Follow 28N until passing Cowee Baptist Church on your right.Merge right, on Cowee Creek Road just ahead. Follow Cowee Creek Rd. until it becomes Ruby Mine Road by staying right at any fork-in the road.
Stay on Ruby Mind Rd to the mine entrance, on the left. Approximate drive time from Franklin is 25-30 minutes. handy to bring along:
1. Gloves-- not needed, but some will find them helpful 2. Lunch/Snacks 3. Cash only, so bring it to pay. Helpful notes to newcomers: The staff are really the most wonderful people in the world, and will be able to provide newbies with any help needed, and will also look through your tailings to be sure that you do not miss anything. Drinks are available for sale, and there are umbrellas for rent, but bring your lunch.
Location #8: Bearfoot Gold
Family owned and opererated recreational prospecting camp that offers a unique experience for Families regardless of your skill level or preferred method of prospecting How to get there: Http://www.bearfootgold.com Located on a historic lode mine, the possibility of
finding an old treasure from mine itself is there for everyone. The location of the old miners camp and homestead produces bottles, keys, and even some coins on occasion, including two Morgan dollars found near the mine itself. Even older treasure in the form of arrowheads is a fairly common occurence! Rockhounds will be excited to find some of the minerals that the area is known for: quartz and amethyst crystals, garnets, fluorite, and others can be found by the lucky collector. handy to bring along: 1.Gold pan , digging tools 2.unlike alot of other places They incourage dredging and high banking 3.Food,drinks and snacks Bearfoot offers primitive camping for tents and pop-ups, There is RV camping in Carthage and Days Inn in Biscoe both only 15 minutes away
Oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is: http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636 Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates: E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W., Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho Handy to bring along: 1.Buckets or Back pack 2.Shovel and pick 3.Rock Hammer 4. Pry bar 4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones. If you can not find gemstones in this area you should find a new hobby.
Location #2: Spectrum Mine - featured on Cash & Treasures General description: Oregon Sunstone became the state gemstone in 1987. The gems are a plagioclase feldspar formed in basalt lava flows that cover much of southeast Oregon. The Spectrum mine in part of 40 mining claims operated by High Desert Gems & Minerals. Spectrum mine is open to the public for a daily fee. The mine was once owned by Tiffany's of New York. How to get there: The following link gives detailed directions to the mine: http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com/index.htm The mine is 23 miles from Plush, Oregon.
Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates: Latitude: 42 25 11.84 N; Longitude: 119 54 34.25 W Handy to bring along: 1.1/4 " mesh screens 2.Hammer & chisel 3.Rock pick 4. Buckets 5. Plastic bags Helpful notes to newcomers: Primitive camping is available at the site but there are no RV hook ups. However, there are a number of camping sites and RV pull overs. Well water is available. Becky Worley found a Sunstone valued at between $5000 - $6000. Read all about it!
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Sunstones_-_Becky.show?vgnextfmt=show
#3: Richardson' Rock Ranch General description: The Richardson's have a variety Thunderegg and ledge agate. The list of digging sites includes:Pony Butte, Blue Bed, Red Bed,Moss bed, Flat Bed, and Opal Bed. The different sites are from easy digging to expert digging. Even if you don't dig the rockshop is worth visiting. How to get there: Take HWY 75 North from Madras untill you come to mile post 81. You will see the Richardson sign. Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. The following link gives the information on the site: http://richardsonrockranch.com/index.html
Grade this location: (A to F): A GPS coordinates: N 44 43.956 W 120 58.564 Handy to bring along: 1.Pick 2.Bucket 3.Rock hammer
4. Shovel Helpful notes to newcomers: The fee is based upon the weight of the material collected. The current price is $0.75 per pound.
location #4: Oregon Beaches - especially around Newport
General description: The beaches of Oregon are littered with a sampling of the amazing rocks and minerals of Oregon. Agates are the prize that most rockhounds go after; however colorful jaspers and even bloodstones are found. Since the gravels and cobbles are a mixture of Oregon rocks, keep an eye out for petrified wood and marine fossils. The best part is that it is free. For more information:
http://4facets.com/polished_AccentStones.html How to get there: Newport is at the intersection of HWY 101 and HWY 20. The Oregon coast is a treasure in and of itself. I have included links to area attractions and places to stay or eat. http://www.aquarium.org/
http://www.newportoregon.com/ http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/ handy to bring along: 1.Bucket 2.Hand tool 3.Sun screen Helpful notes to newcomers: The Oregon waves can be impressive, so be careful when collecting near the surf. Keep an eye on the breakers especially with young children around.The smaller stones are ideal for a tumbler, however, you might find a fist size keeper.
Location #5: White Fir Spring
General description: Oregon thunderegg site courtesy of the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. The thundereggs contain jasper or agate cores in a diamond shaped center. How to get there: drive east out of Prineville on HWY 26 to mile post 41and turn left on 3359. Drive approximately 5.5 miles until you reach the sign : Chamber of Commerce Claim. You made it to the jasper site. For the agate filled site turn right before the sign. Handy to bring along: .Small Pick .Shovel .Bucket Helpful notes to newcomers: Thundereggs have been collected for years don't expect surface float. It will require some elbow grease to recover the thundereggs,
Location #6: Glass Buttes
General description: Glass Butte is one of the best sites anywhere to collect Obsidian. Technically Obsidian is not a mineral but occurs when Basalt cools quickly forming a volcanic glass. Several types of Obsidian are found at Glass Butte including black, silver sheen, mahogany,fire etc, How to get there: ten miles southeast of Hampton on HWY 20, turn south on Obsidian Road. Follow this road until the roads tees. Your are at Glass Butte ww.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/rockhounding Handy to bring along: .Gloves .Rock Hammer
3. safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:obsidian can be very sharp. Be careful when handling broken shards.
location #7: Madras - Jefferson County
General description: Several sites are in the area including: McDonald Ranch, Marston Ranch, Nartz Ranch, Friend Ranch, Ochs Ranch, and the Richardson's Recreation Ranch. The McDonald Ranch was featured on "Cash and Treasures". The sites are known for petrified wood, thundereggs, and agates. All these sites have great collecting materials. How to get there: The Richardson's Rock ranch is featured in Location #3. The McDonald Ranch is by appointment only:
McDonalds Ranch
Ashwood, Oregon
Phone: (541) 489-3290
The following link gives information on the
sites in the area:
http://www.madraschamber.com/rockhounding.cfm
Grade this location: A GPS Coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Pick
2.Shovel
3.Buckets
4.Rock Hammer
5. Gloves Helpful notes to newcomers:
There are a number of sites in the area, and I have included a link for lodging and food.
http://www.madraschamber.com/
Kristen's report on Oregon Petrified Wood
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Cash_and_Treasures/ci.Petrified_Wood_Blog.show?vgnextfmt=show
Location #8: Dust Devil Mine - Sunstones
(Local beach, park, etc)
General description: Dust Devil Mining operates a mine for sunstones, but is open to the public from gem hunting. Lots of good gems are found here each year, including some very spectacular finds. How to get there:North out of Plush, Oregon to the Rabbit Hills Basin. The site is near to the Spectrum mine noted above.
Grade this location: (A to F):A - you only pay for the best sunstones you find and the rest are free. GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1.Screens and digging tools.
2. All necessary water, food and other supplies
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Many beautiful gems come from this location. For more info on Oregon sunstones, check out the following website:
Oregon Sunstones
Alabama Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
ALABAMA Gold Prospecting Map- 140 gold sites - One hundred forty Alabama gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in seven counties. Gold mining in Alabama began in the 1830's and the hobby of recreational gold prospecting and panning is enjoyed by many people today. A geological report states: “The Hilton Brothers reopened the pit. They succeeded in obtaining 65 ounces of gold from a hole 3 feet by 2 feet by 20 inches; the result of half a day’s work.”
Gold sites continue to the east on the Georgia map.
To read more about gold in Alabama
Town/region: Mt. Antero, just to the west of Nathrop, CO
State, country: Colorado
Tips for finding it: Try to use an ATV to
take the rugged road up Mt. Antero. High danger of lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
Be respectful of private claims. : Hogg Mine, LaGrange
State, country: Georgia, US
Tips for finding it: Gem quality aquamarine is found in the old dump piles.
Most of it has been found surface collecting. If the soil is dry, screening may work.
Check Dixieeuhedrals.com page for days that the mine is open. This is a fee site.
Featured on Cash and Treasures for star rose quartz. Large aquamarine specimens and black
tourmaline are also found here.
benitoite
California State Gem Mine
GPS: Latitude: 36.137020, Longitude: -120.362889; N36°8.2212, W120°21.77334
Where: Southeast corner of San Benito, CA, between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Phone: (559) 935-5909 or (559) 284-4126
Website: Cal State Gem Mine Toolkit
Rock Hammer
Scre
SackMore Cal State Gem Mine information
You must make reservations. The mine opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
The cost is $100 per day. Each person is allowed to take home a 5-gallon bucket of material.
Screens are available, although most screeners bring their own.
fire opals:
Klamath Falls, OR Lake County
Tips for finding it:Pay at the fee dig.
Georgia Gold Prospecting, Gold Panning, Treasure Hunting and Rockhounding.
GEORGIA Gold Prospecting Map- 500 gold sites - Five hundred Georgia gold mines and prospecting sites are shown in 37 counties extending from south of Atlanta to the North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama state lines. Georgia is a wonderful state for gold prospecting, gold panning, treasure hunting and rockhounding. There was a major gold rush in 1828 at Dahlonega. Vice President John C. Calhoun mined gold at Auraria, Georgia. Villa Rica, west of Atlanta, and just off of Interstate 20, is another Georgia gold rush town. It is known as “The Golden City”.
Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum. It has displays of Georgia gold nuggets and gold coins minted at Dahlonega, plus a film and lectures about Georgia gold (706-864-2257). The Consolidated Gold Mine at Dahlonega is open to visitors and gold panning may be done there. You will also enjoy panning for gold and gemstones at "Gold 'n Gem Grubbin" at Cleveland, Georgia.
Gold sites continue to the north on the North Carolina gold map, to the east on the South Carolina gold map and to the west on the Alabama gold map.
To read more about gold in Georgia
oregon
Location #1: Owyhee Mountains
General description: Near the top of my favorite agates is Graveyard Plume from the Owyhee mountains of eastern Oregon. The colors vary from creams to yellows, pinks and blues. The polished pieces explode with feathery plumes of delicate texture and pastel colors. The agate forms in seams in basalt and requires hard rock mining. There is plenty of agate in the area so an enthusiastic prospector should go away happy. I have a piece that weighs in excess of 75 pounds. How to get there: Just south of Homedale Idaho and just two miles into Oregon is the famous Graveyard Point site.. From Homedale drive south on HWY 95 2.7 miles to Graveyard Point Road . Turn west and travel 4.8 miles to the footbridge across the canal. The trail up the hill leads to one of two sites in the area.
Do you want to see how unbeatable this agate is:
http://www.erniel.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=636
Grade this location: (A to F): A Coordinates:
E 1/2, NW 1/4, sec. 26, T. 3 N., R. 6 W.,
Owyhee County, Idaho, Graveyard Point Quadrangle, Oregon-Idaho
Handy to bring along:
1.Buckets or Back pack
2.Shovel and pick
3.Rock Hammer
4. Pry bar
4. Water Helpful notes to newcomers: The entire Owyhee area has a variety of famous gemstones.
PA:
Location #1: Swatara State Park
General description: Fossil beds are exposed along the Old State Road and provides a variety of Devonian age (375 million years ago) marine fossils. The fossils can be incredible. Pennsylvania even has a state fossil, the trilobite.
How to get there:
Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, 14 miles north of Lebanon and three miles west of Pine Grove. The park is easily reached from I-81: at Exit 90, Lickdale, take PA 72 north; at Exit 100, take PA 443 west.http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/swatara.aspx
Handy to bring along:
1. Collecting bag
2. Small hand tools
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: The park is not developed but does offer numerous activities including fishing, hiking/biking trails. hunting and boating.
location 2: Tamaqua Elementary School, Tamaqua, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania 18252
genaral description : you have to go up the hill to the soccer/football feild then go up anoughter hill the the crystal area if you go to the top of the big hill/small mountain you can find slate slice them on the side to find fossils basicly there you find crystals and fossils also some time s you can find coal but rarely tools to bring: gloves, a bucket or back pack and something to dig/move around gravel and dirt pre pare for steep climbs look for orangish dirt that means big good crystals
RI:
Location #1:Diamond Hill
General description: At the mines at Diamond Hill, large plates of quartz crystals with small amounts of geothite and hematite can be found. The quartz crystals here are usually stained with rust. On way up old ski slope, take path to right. Rocks dumped down side of hill to build ski lifts contain Quartz crystals.
How to get there:
Providence, Rhode Isl
1. Head southeast on Dorrance St toward Westminster St 0.2 mi
2. Slight right to merge onto I-195 W/US-6 W 0.3 mi
3. Take the exit onto I-95 N/US-6 W toward Boston
Continue to follow I-95 N 1.3 mi
4. Slight right at RI-146 N (signs for Woonsocket/RI-146 N) 7.8 mi
5. Take the exit onto I-295 N toward Boston MA. 4.0 mi
6. Take exit 11 for RI-114 N toward Cumberland 0.2 mi
7. Turn left at Diamond Hill Rd/RI-114 2.7 mi
Diamond HillCumberland, Rhode Island Grade this location: (A to F):B
Handy to bring along:
1.hammers and a hand pick
2.chisels and safety gear
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: Small vugs of quartz crystals can be found in very large quartz boulders.
sapphires
Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields | Pat's Gems
GPS: Latitude: -23.417170, Longitude: 147.698425; S23°25.0302, E147°41.9055
Where: Rubyvale Road, Sapphire, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 07 4985 4544
email: [email protected]
website: Pat's Gems Toolkit ,Jackhammer ,Trommel ,Screen,Wheelbarrow,Rockhammer ,Shovel
More About Sapphire Mining
Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. The finest specimens are mined in Sri Lanka and the disputed territory of Kashmir. Both the Logan sapphire and the Star of Bombay originate from Sri Lankan mines. Sapphires are also mined in Australia, Madagascar, Thailand, and Myramar. Madagascar leads the world in sapphire production (as of 2007) specifically in and around the city of Ilakaka. Prior to Ilakaka, Australia was the largest producer of sapphires (as of 1987). Ilakaka is prone to violence, but sapphires are found everywhere including on the ground and in the river mud. Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tanzania and Kenya also produce sapphires. The US state of Montana has produced sapphires from both the El Dorado Bar and Spokane Bar deposit near Helena. Well-known for their intense, pure blue color, yogo sapphires are found in Yogo Gulch, near Utica, Montana. Gem grade sapphires and rubies are also found in and around Franklin, North Carolina, USA. Several mines are open to the public.
Appraisal Information Get your sapphires appraised at The Rubyvale Gem Gallery. The Gallery is located on 7 Keilamete Road in Rubyvale, Queensland, 4702, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 5333 4242
email: [email protected]
You can also contact Don at Gillett's Jewellers or email him at [email protected].
SC:
Location #1: Diamond Hill Quartz Property
General description: The state gem stone is amethyst. Diamond Hill is an excellent site to collect this rich purple gem. Skeletal crystals , smokey quartz, cacoxenite on quartz and other minerals are found at at the big pit. How to get there:
The following site gives contact information to collect at the site for a fee:
http://www.gamineral.org/commercial-diamondhill.htm
Handy to bring along:
1. Shovel
2. Pick
3. Bucket
4. Rock hammer
5. Safety glasses Helpful notes to newcomers:
Diamond Hill is one of the better sites in South Caroline. On the web site, there is a page to apply to collect.
location #2: Lee Creek
General description: The mine itself is an open-pit phosphate mine on the south shore of the Pamlico River which exposes: Pungo River Marl (Lower Miocene), Yorktown ( Early Pliocene), Chowan River (Late Pliocene) and James City (Pleistocene) Formations Fossils are collected at the mine or from tailings used by local highway departments as road fill. Sharks, rays, boney fish, corals, clams and many other fossils.
Ref: http://www.elasmo.com/ How to get there:
The PCS Phosphate mine is private. However, they welcome fossil hunters. Each season, the mine allows clubs and individuals that apply for collecting slots to enter the mine. The mine simply asks that hunters only come in once a season, to give other hunters a fair chance to obtain slotsSee the folowing link to reserve a slot: http://www.fossilguy.com/sites/l_creek/
Handy to bring along:
1.Shovel
2.Screens
3.Hand pick
5. Bucket
6. Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers:
Visit the Auora Fossil Museum to see fossils from the area:.
400 MAIN STREET; P.O. BOX 352; AURORA, NC 27806-0352
TELEPHONE: (252)322-4238 FAX: (252) 322-2220
SD:
Location #1:
Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
Camping is available at the French Creek Camp Ground. Do not expect the Waldorf. It is nice camping but somewhat primitive. General description:
The area around Fairburn is known for for the South Dakota state Gemstone: Fairburn Agate. The French Creek Campground is a collecting site for Fairburn Agate as well as Prairie Agate, Petrified Wood and other gemstones.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/units/frrd/bgng.html How to get there:
Drive south from Rapid City on HWY 79 to Fairburn SD. Turn east on CR 18 toward Red Shirt. The site is at the camp grounds. Hills of gravel contain the gems. Prairie agate and petrified wood are much more common.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+ GPS coordinates:
Handy to bring along:
1. Water & Food. This place is in the boondocks
2.Hand tools
3.Shovel
4. Good hiking shoes
5. GPS Helpful notes to newcomers: Look for parallel tight banding. Prairie agate does not have the parallel banding.Prairie agate is a beautiful agate when the right one is found. fairburn will have several different colors of concentric bands.
Location #2: Two Hearts Ranch http://www.twoheartbuffalohunt.com/
General description: Jerry & Bev Austin own a piece of heaven on the Cheyenne River near Fairburn SD. They own a hunting lodge that can be rented by the week. During the off season for hunting rockhounds are welcome. It is one of my favorite places to spend a week. Jerry and Bev are great hosts and the gemstone finds are really something to write home about. How to get there: Two Hearts Ranch is located just a few miles from the Fairburn agate site at French Creek Camping Area.(see above) The pickings are better at Two Hearts and the facilities are far better. In the cool of the morning you can set on the front porch drinking coffee and watch the deer and the antelope play.
The movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed in this part of South Dakota.
Grade this location: (A to F): A One of the best GPS coordinates:
43.686749, -103.208206
Handy to bring along:
1. Tools for collecting
2. Bucket for putting the goodies in
3. Food for the week. The cabin has full cooking facilities.
4. Fishing tackle - It has nothing to do with treasures but it is a lot of fun.
5. Binoculars for viewing the wild life
6. Desire to get away from it all and really relax Helpful notes to newcomers: The River has carried a wide variety of gemstones, minerals, marine fossils and petrified wood down from the Black Hills. Long gravel bars are easy pickings. Be sure to high grade and leave some goodies for the next person. To the Lakota the Black Hills are sacred
and now I know why.
Location #3:
Homestake Gold Mine
General description: Tour the largest Gold mine in North America and do some panning.
http://www.mining-museum.blackhills.com/contact.html How to get there: The Homestake Mine is located at Lead, Deadwood - South Dakota
Grade this location: (A to F): A for a tour of the history of Gold mining and a look into a Wild West Boom town Handy to bring along:
1.Good walking shoes
2.Camera
3.Comfortable clothing Helpful notes to newcomers: The tour is about 40 minutes and the surrounding area has many attractions including one of the Wild West's most historic towns (Deadwood).
Location #4: TEE PEE CANYON AGATE SITE
general description: Tee Pee Canyon is a banded agate enclosed in a chert matrix. Roger Clark's book "Fairburn Agate" maintains that the Hill's Agate and the Fairburn Agate are from the same source. The Fairburns are eroded out of a sedimentary matrix. How to get there: Tee Pee canyon is just west of Jewel Cave National Park on HWY 16. Drive about 3 miles west of the Park's western entrance. I usually turn north on FDR282 and drive a mile or two and search the slopes. There is a Ranger Station about a mile farther on HWY 16. Check at the station for local forest conditions and rock hunting regulations. The Agate is in inside of nodules of a tan chert.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/
Handy to bring along:
1.Hiking Boots
2.Water
3.Hand tools
4. Rock Hammer - you must high-grade but do not destroy the agate by shattering it with a hammer. Be sure to wear safety glasses if you hit a rock with a hammer. Helpful notes to newcomers: Please be very, very careful with fire. The Hills are in drought conditions and are a tinderbox. Do not park in deep grass as the conventer is hot and could start a fire. The authorities won't over look carelessness with fire. Don't start campfires other than in designated camping areas and if you smoke carefully dispose of cigarette buts. I don't mean to preach but the Black Hills are the real Treasure and we are the stewards of the land.
Location #5: Road Cut
General description: The road cut has a metamorphic schist and glassy-gray quartz, pink feldspar, silvery micas, and shiny black tourmaline. How to get there: From Custer SD drive west on HWY 16 toward Jewel Cave National Park. The road cut is on the right about 2 miles from Custer. Be sure to see Jewel Cave and the beauty of the Black Hills from underground.
Grade this location: (A to F): B+
Handy to bring along:
1. Only small amounts of mineral specimens can be taken from South Dakota roadways and only after notifying the nearest highway department office. ( see web page)
2. http://www.northern.edu/natsource/EARTH/Fairbu1.htm
3. Helpful notes to newcomers: This site is an educational stop to learn about the unique mineralogy of the Black Hills. I have collected some very nice specimens fom this site.