Who Should Read This Book?

We’ve all heard the scenario: the family on vacation stops at a roadside “dig your own” gem mine. Junior finds a sapphire the size of a peach and ends up on national television telling the world how he will spend his fortune.

This book is for those who have read these stories and want their chance to find their own fortune. It is also a book for those who would enjoy the adventure of finding a few gems, getting them cut or polished, and making their own jewelry. It is a book for those people who want to plan a gem hunting vacation with their family. It is a book for those who study the metaphysical properties of gems and minerals and would like to add to their personal collections.

This book is for those who would like to keep the art of rockhounding alive and pass it on to their children. It is a book on where to find your own gems and minerals and on how to begin what for many is a lifelong hobby.

This is a book for those who aren’t interested in the “hidden treasure map through mosquito-infested no-man’s-land” approach to treasure hunting but do want to find gems and minerals. It is for those who want to get out the pick and shovel and get a little dirty. (Although at some mines they bring the buckets of predug dirt to you at an environmentally temperature-controlled sluicing area.)

Many an unsuspecting tourist has stopped at a mine to try his or her luck and become a rockhound for life. Watch out! Your collection may end up taking the place of your car in your garage.

Good hunting!

This volume is one in a four-volume series.

VOLUME 1:

Northwest States

Alaska

Idaho

Iowa

Minnesota

Montana

Nebraska

North Dakota

Oregon

South Dakota

Washington

Wyoming

VOLUME 2:

Southwest States

Arizona

California

Colorado

Hawaii

Kansas

Nevada

New Mexico

Oklahoma

Texas

Utah

VOLUME 3:

Southeast States

Alabama

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

Missouri

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

VOLUME 4:

Northeast States

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Illinois

Indiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Vermont

Wisconsin

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Dedications, with love, to our parents and children:

To my parents, Joe and Helen Rygle, who taught me the love of nature; my earliest remembrances of “rockhounding” are hikes with my dad in the fields, forests, and streams near our home. I also remember weekend trips with my mother to a shop that sold specimens of minerals from around the world. To my daughter, Anastasia (Annie) Rygle, who shares with me the wonders of nature. I love you, Annie, and am proud of your own literary accomplishments.

—K. J. R.

To my parents, Cliff and Leone Pedersen, who taught me to value nature and to not quit. To my daughters Kristi and Debbie, who challenge me to keep growing.

—S. F. P.

To our combined families, including son-in-law Brian Wagner (Debbie’s husband) and grandsons Jennings and Creighton, and to family no longer with us.

To Blossom, for her support throughout the sixth edition updates.

With special thanks:

To all the owners of fee dig mines and guide services, curators and staff of public and private museums, mine owners, miners, and fellow lapidarists. Our thanks to all those individuals both past and present who share the wonders of the earth with us.

To our agent, Barb Doyen, and her childhood rock collection.

To our publisher, Stuart M. Matlins; editors Emily Wichland, Rachel Shields, and Catherine Woodard; production members Tim Holtz and Thor Goodrich; and all the staff at GemStone Press for their guidance, assistance, patience, and attention to detail in this enormous project.

To Mrs. Betty Jackson for, in her own way, telling Kathy to write the books.

To God and the wonders He has given us.

And finally, to each other, with love and the perseverance to keep on trying.

Volume 3—Southeast States

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

How to Use This Guide

Equipment and Safety Precautions

Mining Techniques

Notes on Gem Faceting, Cabbing, and Mounting Services

State Listings

Alabama

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

Missouri

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Indexes

Index by State

Index by Gems and Minerals

Enjoying Stones

Annual Events

State Gem and Mineral Symbols

Finding Your Own Birthstone

Finding Your Anniversary Stone

Finding Your Zodiac Stone

Some Publications on Gems and Minerals

Disclaimer

Have We Missed Your Mine or Museum?

Do You Have a Rockhounding Story to Share?

A Request to Mines and Museums

Notes on Museums

Reader’s Contribution

About the Author

Copyright

Also Available

About Gemstone Press

Sign Up for E-mail Updates

Send Us Your Feedback

PREFACE

All-American Gems

by Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA

When Americans think of costly and fabled gems, they associate them with exotic origins—Asia, South Africa, or Brazil. They envision violent jungle quests or secret cellars of a sultanate, perhaps scenes from a Jorge Amado novel or from A Thousand and One Nights, a voluptuous Indian princess whose sari is adorned with the plentiful rubies and sapphires of her land, or a Chinese emperor sitting atop a throne flanked by dragons carved from exquisitely polished jade.

Asked what gems are mined in the United States, most Americans would probably draw a blank. We know our country is paved with one of the finest highway systems in the world, but we don’t know that just below the surface, and sometimes on top of it, is a glittering pavement of gemstones that would color Old Glory. The red rubies of North Carolina, the white diamonds of Arkansas, the blue sapphires of Montana—America teems with treasures that its citizens imagine come from foreign lands. These include turquoise, tourmaline, amethyst, pearls, opals, jade, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and even gem-quality diamonds.

Not only does America have quantity, it has quality. American gems compare very favorably with gems from other countries. In fact, fine gemstones found in the U.S. can rival specimens from anywhere else in the world. Some gems, like the luxurious emerald-green hiddenite and steely blue benitoite, are found only in America. Others, like the tourmalines of Maine and California, rival specimens found in better-known locations such as Brazil and Zambia.

The discovery of gemstones in U.S. terrain has been called a lost chapter in American history. It continues to be a saga of fashion and fable that, like the stones themselves, are a deep part of our national heritage. Appreciation of our land’s generous yield of sparkling colored stones reached a zenith at the end of the nineteenth century with the art nouveau movement and its utilization of them. When the Boer Wars ended, South Africa’s diamonds and platinum eclipsed many of our own then so-called semiprecious stones. Not until the 1930s, and again starting with the 1960s, did economics and the yen for color make gems more desirable again.

In the late 1800s, the nation sought out and cherished anything that was unique to the land. The search for gemstones in America coincided with the exploration of the West, and nineteenth-century mineralogists, some bonafide and others self-proclaimed, fulfilled that first call for “Made in America.” Their discoveries created sensations not only throughout America but in the capitals of Europe and as far away as China. The Europeans, in fact, caught on before the Americans, exhibiting some of America’s finest specimens in many of Europe’s great halls.

But the search for gemstones in this country goes back even further than the nineteenth century. In 1541, the Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado trekked north from Mexico in the footsteps of Cortés and Pizarro, searching not only for gold but also for turquoise, amethyst and emeralds. In the early 1600s, when English settlers reached Virginia, they had been instructed “to searche for gold and such jeweles as ye may find.”

But what eluded the Spanish explorers and early settlers was unearthed by their descendants. Benitoite, which may be our nation’s most uniquely attractive gem, was discovered in 1907 in California’s San Benito River headwaters. A beautiful, rare gem with the color of fine sapphire and the fire of a diamond, benitoite is currently found in gem quality only in San Benito, California.

Like many of America’s finest stones discovered during the “Gem Rush” of the nineteenth century, benitoite was held in higher regard throughout the rest of the world than it was on its native U.S. soil.

The gem occurs most commonly in various shades of blue. A fine-quality blue benitoite can resemble fine blue sapphire, but it is even more brilliant. It has one weakness, however: in comparison to sapphire, it is relatively soft. It is therefore best used in pendants, brooches and earrings, or in rings with a protective setting.

While benitoite is among the rarest of our gems, our riches hardly stop there. America is the source of other unusual gems, including three even more uniquely American stones, each named after an American: kunzite, hiddenite and morganite.

The story of all-American kunzite is inseparable from the achievements of two men: Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co., and Dr. George Frederick Kunz, world-renowned gemologist. By seeking, collecting and promoting gems found in America, these two did more for the development of native stones than anyone else during, or since, their time.

While working for Tiffany in the late 1800s, Dr. Kunz received a package in the mail containing a stone that the sender believed to be an unusual tourmaline. The stone came from an abandoned mine at Pala Mountain, California, where collectors had found traces of spodumene—a gemstone prized by the ancients but which no one had been able to find for many years. Dr. Kunz was ecstatic to find before him a specimen of “extinct spodumene of a gloriously lilac color.” A fellow gemologist, Dr. Charles Baskerville, named the find “kunzite” in his honor.

Kunzite has become a favorite of such designers as Paloma Picasso, not only because of its distinctive shades—lilac, pink, and yellow-green orchid—but because it is one of a diminishing number of gems available in very large sizes at affordable prices. It is a perfect choice for the centerpiece around which to create a very bold, dramatic piece of jewelry. Designer Picasso’s creations include a magnificent necklace using a 400-carat kunzite. Although it is a moderately hard stone, kunzite is easily fractured, and care must be taken to avoid any sharp blows.

Kunzite’s sister gem, hiddenite, is also a truly “all-American” stone. In 1879, William Earl Hidden, an engraver and mineralogist, was sent to North Carolina on behalf of the great American inventor and prospector Thomas Alva Edison to search for platinum. Hidden found none of the precious white metal but in his pursuit unearthed a new green gemstone, which was named “hiddenite” in his honor.

Less well known than kunzite, hiddenite is an exquisite, brilliant emerald-green variety of spodumene not found anyplace else in the world. While light green and yellow-green shades have been called hiddenite, the Gemological Institute of America—this country’s leading authority on gemstones—considers only the emerald-green shade of spodumene, found exclusively in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Mitchell County, North Carolina, to be true hiddenite.

The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains also possess America’s most significant emerald deposits. While output is minimal compared to Colombia, Zambia or Pakistan, the Rist Mine in Hiddenite, North Carolina, has produced some very fine emeralds, comparable to Colombian stones. The discovery was first made by a farmer plowing his field who found them lying loose on the soil. The country folk, not knowing what they had come across, called the stones “green bolts.”

In August 1970, a 26-year-old “rock hound” named Wayne Anthony found a glowing 59-carat “green bolt” at the Rist Mine only two feet from the surface. It was cut into a 13.14-carat emerald of very fine color. Tiffany & Co. later purchased the stone and called it the Carolina Emerald. “The gem is superb,” said Paul E. Desautels, then the curator of mineralogy at the Smithsonian Institution. “It can stand on its own merits as a fine and lovely gem of emerald from anywhere, including Colombia.” In 1973, the emerald became the official state stone of North Carolina.

A California prize, the warm peach- or pink-shaded morganite, was named by Dr. Kunz for financier John Pierpont Morgan, who purchased the Bement gem collection for donation to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where it can be viewed today. Morganite is a member of the beryl family, which gives us aquamarine (the clear blue variety of beryl) and emerald (the deep green variety of beryl). However, morganite is available in much larger sizes than its mineralogical cousins and is much more affordable.

Many consider the core of our national treasure chest to be gems like the tourmalines of Maine and California and the sapphires of Montana, gems that are mined in commercial quantities and have earned worldwide reputations. One day in the fall of 1820, two young boys, Ezekiel Holmes and Elijah Hamlin, were rock hunting on Mount Mica in Oxford County, Maine. On the way home, one of the boys saw a flash of green light coming from underneath an uprooted tree. The find was later identified as tourmaline, and Mount Mica became the site of the first commercial gem mine in the United States. The mine was initially worked by Elijah Hamlin and his brother Hannibal, who later became Abraham Lincoln’s vice president.

The colors of the rainbow meld delicately in the tourmalines of Maine, producing some of the finest specimens in the world, rivaling in Quality even those from Brazil. A 150-mile strip in central Maine provides shades of apple green, burgundy red and salmon pink, to mention just a few. Some stones are bi-colored.

Miners are kept busy in the Pala district of San Diego County, California, as well. California, in fact, is North America’s largest producer of gem-quality tourmaline.

The hot-pink tourmalines, for which California is famous, began to come into greater demand in 1985, as pastel-colored stones became more and more coveted by chic women around the globe. Curiously enough, over one hundred years ago the Chinese rejoiced in the fabulous colors of this fashionable stone. The Empress Dowager of the Last Chinese Imperial Dynasty sent emissaries to California in search of pink tourmalines. She garnished her robes with carved tourmaline buttons and toggles, and started a fad which overtook China. Much of the empress’s collection of fine carvings was lost or stolen when the dynasty fell around 1912, but artifacts made from California’s pink tourmaline can be seen today in a Beijing museum. China’s fascination with pink tourmalines lasted long after the empress. In 1985, a contingent of the Chinese Geological Survey came to California with two requests: to see Disneyland and the Himalaya Mine, original site of California pink tourmaline.

While the Chinese are mesmerized by our tourmalines, Americans have always been attracted to China’s jade. But perhaps we ought to take stock of our own. Wyoming, in fact, is the most important producer of the stone in the Western Hemisphere. The state produces large quantities of good-quality green nephrite jade—the type most commonly used in jewelry and carvings. California also boasts some jade, as does Alaska. Chinese immigrants panning for gold in California in the late 1800s found large boulders of nephrite and sent them back to China, where the jade was carved and sold within China and around the world.

The U.S. is also one of the largest producers of turquoise. Americans mostly associate this stone with American Indian jewelry, but its use by mainstream designers has regularly come in and out of fashion.

Some of the most prized gems of America are the stunning sapphires from Yogo Gulch, Montana. These sapphires emit a particularly pleasing shade of pale blue, and are known for their clarity and brilliance.

The Montana mine was originally owned by a gold-mining partnership. In 1895, an entire summer’s work netted a total of only $700 in gold plus a cigar box full of heavy blue stones. The stones were sent to Tiffany & Co. to be identified. Tiffany then sent back a check for $3,750 for the entire box of obviously valuable stones.

Once one can conceive of gem-quality sapphires in America, it takes only a small stretch of the mind to picture the wonderful diamonds found here. A 40.23-carat white gem found in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, was cut into a 14.42-carat emerald-cut diamond named Uncle Sam. Other large diamonds include a 23.75-carat diamond found in the mid-nineteenth century in Manchester, Virginia, and a greenish 34.46-carat diamond named the Punch Jones, which was claimed to have been found in Peterstown, West Virginia.

Each year, thousands of people visit Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where, for a fee, they can mine America’s only proven location of gem-quality diamonds. Among them is a group known as “regulars” who visit the park looking for their “retirement stone.”

In 1983, one of the regulars, 82-year-old Raymond Shaw, came across a 6.7-carat rough diamond. He sold it for $15,000 uncut. According to Mark Myers, assistant superintendent of the state park, the stone was cut into an exceptionally fine, 2.88-carat gem (graded E/Flawless by the Gemological Institute of America). Myers says the cut stone, later called the Shaw Diamond, was offered for sale for $58,000.

Diamonds have also been found along the shores of the Great Lakes, in many localities in California, in the Appalachian Mountains, in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, New York, Idaho and Texas. Exploration for diamonds continues in Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado and Wyoming, according to the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The discovery of gem-quality diamonds in Alaska in 1986 initiated a comprehensive search there for man’s most valued gem.

Many questions concerning this country’s store of gems remain unanswered. “Numerous domestic deposits of semiprecious gem stones are known and have been mined for many years,” wrote the Bureau of Mines in a 1985 report. “However, no systematic evaluations of the magnitude of these deposits have been made and no positive statements can be made about them.” Even as the United States continues to offer up its kaleidoscopic range of gems, our American soil may hold a still greater variety and quantity of gems yet to be unearthed.

And here, with the help of these down-to-earth (in the best possible way!) guides, you can experience America’s gem and mineral riches for yourself. In these pages rockhounds, gemologists, vacationers, and families alike will find a hands-on introduction to the fascinating world of gems and minerals … and a treasure map to a sparkling side of America. Happy digging!

Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA, is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of jewelry and gems (Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide alone has over 400,000 copies in print). Her books are published in nine languages and are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry fields. An internationally respected gem and jewelry expert and a popular media guest, she is frequently quoted as an expert source in print media and is seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, educating the public about gems and jewelry and exposing fraud. Ms. Matlins has gained wide recognition as a dedicated consumer advocate, and continues to spearhead the Accredited Gemologists Association’s nationwide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams and other types of consumer misrepresentation. In addition, Matlins is active in the gem trade. Her books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide; Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites; Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide—How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gems with Confidence and Knowledge; Diamonds: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide—How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Diamonds with Confidence and Knowledge; Engagement & Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love; The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide; and Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling (all GemStone Press).

Introduction

This is a guide to commercially operated gem and mineral mines (fee dig mines) within the United States that offer would-be treasure hunters the chance to “dig their own,” from diamonds to thundereggs.

For simplicity, the term fee dig site is used to represent all types of fee-based mines or collection sites. However, for liability reasons, many mines no longer let collectors dig their own dirt, but rather dig it for them and provide it in buckets or bags. Some fee-based sites involve surface collection.

This book got its start when the authors, both environmental scientists, decided to make their own wedding rings. Having heard stories about digging your own gems, they decided to dig their own stones for their rings. So off to Idaho and Montana they went, taking their three children, ages 8, 13, and 15 at the time, in search of opals and garnets, their birthstones. They got a little vague information before and during the trip on where to find gem mines and in the process got lost in some of those “mosquito-infested lands.” But when they did find actual “dig your own” mines (the kind outlined in this book), they found opals, garnets, and even sapphires. They have since made other trips to fee dig mines and each time have come home with treasures and some incredible memories.

Upon making their second collecting trip out west, the authors purchased some lapidary equipment, i.e., rock saw and rock polisher. They first used them to cut thundereggs collected from a mine in Oregon.

Types of Sites

The purpose of this book is principally to guide the reader to fee dig mine sites. These are gem or mineral mines where you hunt for the gem or mineral in ore at or from the mine. At fee dig sites where you are actually permitted to go into the field and dig for yourself, you will normally be shown what the gem or mineral you are seeking looks like in its natural state (much different from the polished or cut stone). Often someone is available to go out in the field with you and show you where to dig. At sites where you purchase gem- or mineral-bearing ore (either native or enriched) for washing in a flume, the process is the same: there will usually be examples of rough stones for comparison, and help in identifying your finds.

Also included are a few areas that are not fee dig sites but that are well-defined collecting sites, usually parks or beaches.

Guided field trips are a little different. Here the guide may or may not have examples of what you are looking for, but he or she will be with you in the field to help in identifying finds.

For the more experienced collector, there are field collecting areas where you are on your own in identifying what you have found. Several fee areas and guided field trips appropriate for the experienced collector are available. Check out the listings for Ruggles Mine (Grafton, NH, volume 4); Harding Mine (Dixon, NM, volume 2); Poland Mining Camps (Poland, ME, volume 4); and Perham’s (West Paris, ME, volume 4).

Knowing What You’re Looking For

Before you go out into the field, it is a good idea to know what you are looking for. Most of the fee dig mines listed in this guide will show you specimens before you set out to find your own. If you are using a guide service, you have the added bonus of having a knowledgeable person with you while you search to help you find the best place to look and help you identify your finds.

Included in this guide is a listing of museums that contain rock and gem exhibits. A visit to these museums will help prepare you for your search. You may find examples of gems in the rough and examples of mineral specimens similar to the ones you will be looking for. Museums will most likely have displays of gems or minerals native to the local area. Some of the gems and minerals listed in this guide are of significant interest, and specimens of them can be found in museums around the country. Displays accompanying the exhibits might tell you how the gems and minerals were found, and their place in our nation’s history. Many museums also hold collecting field trips or geology programs, or may be able to put you in touch with local rock and lapidary clubs.

For more information on learning how to identify your finds yourself—and even how to put together a basic portable “lab” to use at the sites—the book Gem Identification Made Easy by Antoinette Matlins and A. C. Bonanno (GemStone Press) is a good resource.

Rock shops are another excellent place to view gem and mineral specimens before going out to dig your own. A listing of rock shops would be too extensive to include in a book such as this. A good place to get information on rock shops in the area you plan to visit is to contact the chamber of commerce for that area. Rock shops may be able to provide information not only on rockhounding field trips but also on local rock clubs that sponsor trips. There are numerous listings on the Internet of rock and mineral clubs. Among these are the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (www.amfed.org), which lists member clubs, and Bob’s Rock Shop (www.rockhounds.com), which has a U.S. club directory (supplied information).

Through mine tours you can see how minerals and gems were and are taken from the earth. On these tours, visitors learn what miners go through to remove the ores from the earth. This will give you a better appreciation for those sparkly gems you see in the showroom windows, and for many of the items we all take for granted in daily use.

You will meet other rockhounds at the mine. Attending one of the yearly events listed in the guide will also give you the chance to meet people who share your interest in gems and minerals and exchange ideas, stories, and knowledge of the hobby.

How to Use This Guide

To use this book, you can pick a state and determine what mining is available there, or pick a gem or mineral and determine where to go to “mine” it.

In this guide are indexes that will make the guide simple to use. If you are interested in finding a particular gem or mineral, go to the Index by Gem or Mineral in the back of the book. In this index, gems and minerals are listed in alphabetical order with the states and cities where fee dig sites for that gem or mineral may be found.

If you are interested in learning of sites near where you live, or in the area where you are planning a vacation, or if you simply want to know whether there are gems and minerals in a particular location, go to the Index by State, located in the back of the guide. The state index entries are broken down into three categories: Fee Dig Sites/Guide Services, Museums and Mine Tours, and Special Events and Tourist Information. Please note that the information provided in each individual listing is subject to availability.

There are also several special indexes for use in finding your birthstone, anniversary stone, or zodiac stone.

Site Listings

The first section of each chapter lists fee dig sites and guide services that are available in each state. Included with the location of each site (if available) is a description of the site, directions to find it, what equipment is provided, and what you must supply. Costs are listed, along with specific policies of the site. Also included are other services available at the site and information on camping, lodging, etc. at the site. Included in the section with fee dig sites are guide services for collecting gems and minerals.

In the second section of each chapter, museums of special interest to the gem/mineral collector and mine tours available to the public are listed. Besides being wonderful ways to learn about earth science, geology, and mining history (many museums and tours also offer child-friendly exhibits), museums are particularly useful for viewing gems and minerals in their rough or natural states before going out in the field to search for them.

The third section of each chapter lists special events involving gems and minerals, and resources for general tourist information.

A sample of the listings for fee dig mines and guide services (Section 1 in the guides) is on the next page.

Tips for mining:

1. Learn what gems or minerals can be found at the mine you are going to visit.

2. Know what the gem or mineral that you’re hunting looks like in the rough before you begin mining. Visiting local rock shops and museums will help in this effort.

3. When in doubt, save any stone that you are unsure about. Have an expert at the mine or at a local rock shop help you identify your find.

Sample Fee Dig Site Listing

TOWN in which the site is located / Native or enriched¹ Easy, moderate, difficult²

Dig your own

The following gems may be found:

List of gems and minerals found at the mine

Mine name

Owner or contact (where available)

Address

Phone number

E-mail address

Website address

Open: months, hours, days

Info: Descriptive text regarding the site, including whether equipment is provided

Admission: Fee to dig; costs for predug dirt

Other services available

Other area attractions (at times)

Information on lodging or campground facilities (where available)

Directions

Notes:

1. Native or enriched. Native refers to gems or minerals found in the ground at the site, put there by nature. Enriched means that gems and minerals from an outside source have been brought in and added to the soil. Enriching is also called “salting”—it is a guaranteed return. Whatever is added in a salted mine is generally the product of some commercial mine elsewhere. Thus, it is an opportunity to “find” gemstones from around the world the easy way, instead of traveling to jungles and climbing mountains in remote areas of the globe. Salted mines are particularly nice for giving children the opportunity to find a wide variety of gems and become involved in gem identification. The authors have tried to indicate if a mine is enriched, but to be sure, ask at the mine beforehand. If the status could not be determined, this designation was left out.

2. Sites are designated as easy, moderate, or difficult. This was done to give you a feel for what a site may be like. You should contact the site and make a determination for yourself if you have any doubts.

Easy: This might be a site where the gem hunter simply purchases bags or buckets of predug dirt, washes the ore in a flume or screens the gem-bearing gravel to concentrate the gems, and flips the screen. The gems or minerals are then picked out of the material remaining in the screen. A mine which has set aside a pile of mine material for people to pick through would be another type of site designated as “Easy.”

Moderate: Mining at a “Moderate” site might mean digging with a shovel, then loading the dirt into buckets, followed by sifting and sluicing. Depending on your knowledge of mineral identification, work at a “Moderate” site might include searching the surface of the ground at an unsupervised area for a gem or mineral you are not familiar with (this could also be considered difficult).

Difficult: This might be a site requiring tools such as picks and shovels, or sledgehammers and chisels. The site may be out of the way and/or difficult to get to. Mining might involve heavy digging with the pick and shovel or breaking gems or minerals out of base rock using a sledge or chisel.

Maps

Maps are included to help you locate the sites in the guide. At the beginning of each state, there is a state map showing the general location of towns where sites are located.

Local maps are included in a listing when the information was available. These maps are not drawn to scale! These maps provide information to help you get to the site but are not intended to be a substitute for a road map. Please check directly with the site you are interested in for more detailed directions.

Special Note:

Although most museums and many fee dig sites are handicapped accessible, please check with the listing directly.

Fees

Fees listed in these guides were obtained when the book was updated, and may have changed. They are included to give you at least a general idea of the costs you will be dealing with. Please contact the site directly to confirm charges.

Many museums have discounts for members and for groups, as well as special programs for school groups. Please check directly with the institution for information. Many smaller and/or private institutions have no fee, but do appreciate donations to help meet the costs of staying open.

Many sites accept credit cards; some may not. Please check ahead for payment options if this is important.

Requesting Information by Mail

When requesting information by mail, it is always appreciated if you send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with your request. Doing this will often speed up the return of information.

Equipment and Safety Precautions

Equipment

The individual sites listed in these guides often provide equipment at the mine. Please note that some fee dig sites place limitations on the equipment you can use at their site. Those limitations will be noted where the information was available. Always abide by the limitations; remember that you are a guest at the site.

On the following pages are figures showing equipment for rockhounding. Figures A and B identify some of the equipment you may be told you need at a site. Figure C shows material needed to collect, package, transport, and record your findings. Figure D illustrates typical safety equipment.

Always use safety glasses with side shields or goggles when you are hammering or chiseling. Chips of rock or metal from your tools can fly off at great speed in any direction when hammering. Use gloves to protect your hands as well.

Other useful tools not shown include an ultraviolet hand lamp, and a hand magnifier.

Not pictured, but something you don’t want to forget, is a device (camera, phone, etc.) for photos or video of your adventures and “big” find, no matter what it might be.

Not pictured, but to be considered: knee pads and seat cushions.

1. Crowbar

2. Pry bar

3. Smaller pick

4. Rock pick

5. Various-sized chisels ( Note: When working with a hammer and chisel, you may want to use a chisel holder, not shown, for protecting your hand if you miss. Always use eye protection with side shields and gloves!)

6. Rock hammer ( Note: Always use eye protection.)

7. 3-pound hammer ( Note: Always use eye protection.)

8. Sledgehammer ( Note: When working with a sledgehammer, wear hard-toed boots along with eye protection.)

Other Safety Precautions

Never go into the field or on an unsupervised site alone. With protective clothing, reasonable care, proper use of equipment, and common sense, accidents should be avoided, but in the event of an illness or accident, you always want to have someone with you who can administer first aid and seek help.

Always keep children under your supervision.

Never enter old abandoned mines or underground diggings!

Never break or hammer rocks close to another person!

9. Garden trowel

10. Camp shovel

11. Long-handled shovels

12. Garden cultivators

13. Screwdrivers

14. Bucket of water

15. (Plastic) jug of water

16. Squirt bottle of water; comes in handy at many of the mines to wash off rocks so you can see if they are or contain gem material

17. Backpack

18. Waist pack to hold specimens

19. Bucket to hold specimens

20. Coffee can to hold specimens

21. Boxes to pack, transport, and ship specimens

22. Bags—various sized bags to carry collected specimens in the field

23. Newspaper to wrap specimens for transport

24. Egg cartons to transport delicate specimens

25. Empty film canisters to hold small specimens

26. Plastic box with dividers to hold small specimens

27. Margarine containers to hold small specimens

28. Reclosable plastic bags to hold small specimens

29. Gummed labels to label specimens (Whether you are at a fee dig site or with a guide, usually there will be someone to help you identify your find. It is a good idea to label the find when it is identified so that when you reach home, you won’t have boxes of unknown rocks.)

30. Waterproof marker for labeling

31. Field log book to make notes on where specimens were found

32. Sketching pencils, sketchbook (waterproof notebooks are available), paint to record your finds and the surrounding scenery

33. Food and water—always carry plenty of drinking water. ( Note: many sites tell you in advance if they have food and water available or if you should bring some; however, it is always a good idea to bring extra drinking water. Remember—if you bring it in, pack it back out.)

34. Hats. Many of the sites are in the open, and the summer sun can be hot and dangerous to unprotected skin. Check with the site to see if they have any recommendations for protective clothing. Also, don’t forget sunscreen.

35. First aid/safety kit

36. Snakebite kit. If the area is known to have snakes, be alert and take appropriate safety measures, such as boots and long pants. ( Note: while planning our first gem-hunting trip, we read that the first aid kit should contain a snakebite kit. Just like rockhounds, snakes seem to love rocky areas!) In most cases, if you visit sites in the book, you will be either at a flume provided by the facility, or with an experienced guide. At the first, you will most likely never see a snake; at the second, your guide will fill you in on precautions. For listings where you will be searching on a ranch or state park, ask about special safety concerns such as snakes and insects when you pay your fee. These sites may not be for everyone.

37. Gloves to protect your hands when you are working with sharp rock or using a hammer or chisel

38. Boots—particularly important at sites where you will be doing a lot of walking, or walking on rocks

39. Safety glasses with side shields, or goggles. Particularly important at hard rock sites or any site where you or others may be hitting rocks. Safety glasses are available with tinted lenses for protection from the sun.

40. Hard hats—may be mandatory if you are visiting an active quarry or mine; suggested near cliffs

Mining Techniques

How to Sluice for Gems

This is the most common technique used at fee dig mines where you buy a bucket of gem ore (gem dirt) and wash it at a flume.

1. Place a quantity of the gem ore in the screen box, and place the screen box in the water. Use enough gem ore to fill the box about a third.

2. Place the box in the water, and shake it back and forth, raising one side, then the other, so that the material in the box moves back and forth. What you are doing is making the stones move around in the screen box, while washing dirt and sand out of the mixture.

3. After a minute or two of washing, take the screen box out of the flume, and let it drain. Look through the stones remaining in the screen box for your treasure. If you’re not sure about something, ask one of the attendants.

4. When you can’t find anything more, put the box back in the flume and wash it some more, then take it out and search again.

5. If possible, move your screen box into bright light while you are searching, since the gems and minerals often show up better in bright light.

Clockwise from top: Gold pan; screen box used for sluicing; screen box used for screening.

How to Build a Screen Box

1. A screen box that is easy to handle is generally built from 1” x 4” lumber and window screening.

2. Decide on the dimensions of the screen box you want, and cut the wood accordingly. Dimensions generally run from 12” x 12” up to 18” x 18”. Remember that the end pieces will overlap the side pieces, so cut the end pieces 1½” longer.

3. There are two alternative methods of construction. In one, drill pilot holes in the end pieces, and use wood screws to fasten the end pieces to the side pieces. In the other, use angle irons and screws to attach the ends and sides.

4. Cut the screening to be ¼” smaller than the outside dimensions of the screen box, and use staples to attach the screen to the bottom of the box. Use metal screening rather than plastic if possible. For a stronger box, cut ¼” or ⅜” hardware cloth to the same dimensions as the screening, and staple the hardware cloth over the screening. The hardware cloth will provide support for the screening.

5. Cut ¼” wood trim to fit, and attach it to the bottom of the box to cover the edges of the screening and hardware cloth and staples.

6. If you like, add rope handles or cut handholds in the side pieces for easier handling.

How to Screen for Gems

This is another common technique used at fee dig mines where you buy a bucket of gem ore and screen it for gems. (The authors used this technique for garnets and sapphires in Montana.)

1. Place a quantity of the gem ore in the screen box, and place the screen box in the water. Use enough gem dirt to fill the box about a third.

2. Place the box in the water, and begin tipping it back and forth, raising one side, then the other, so that the material in the box moves back and forth. What you are doing is making the gemstones, which are heavier than the rock and dirt, move into the bottom center of the screen box while at the same time washing dirt and sand out of the mixture.

3. After a minute or two, change the direction of movement to front and back.

4. Repeat these two movements (Steps 2 and 3) three or four times.

5. Take the box out of the water and let it drain, then place a board on top and carefully flip the box over onto the sorting table. It may be helpful to put a foam pad in the box, then put the board over it. This helps keep the stones in place when you flip the box. If you have done it right, the gemstones will be found in the center of the rocks dumped onto the board. Use tweezers to pick the rough gemstones out of the rocks, and place them in a small container.

How to Pan for Gold

The technique for panning for gold is based on the fact that gold is much heavier than rock or soil. Gently washing and swirling the gold-bearing soil in a pan causes the gold to settle to the bottom of the pan. A gold pan has a flat bottom and gently slanting sides. Some modern pans also have small ridges or rings around the inside of the pan on these slanting sides. As the soil is washed out of the pan, the gold will slide down the sides, or be caught on the ridges and stay in the pan. Here’s how:

1. Begin by filling the pan with ore, about ⅔ to ¾ full.

2. Put your pan in the water, let it gently fill with water, then put the pan under the water surface. Leave the pan in the water, and mix the dirt around in the pan, cleaning and removing any large rocks.

3. Lift the pan out of the water, then gently shake the pan from side to side while swirling it at the same time. Do this for 20–30 seconds to get the gold settled to the bottom of the pan.

4. Still holding the pan out of the water, continue these motions while tilting the pan so that the dirt begins to wash out. Keep the angle of the pan so that the crease (where the bottom and sides meet) is the lowest point.

5. When there is only about a tablespoon of material left in the pan, put about ½ inch of water in the pan, and swirl the water over the remaining material. As the top material is moved off, you should see gold underneath.

6. No luck? Try again at a different spot.

Notes on Gem Faceting, Cabbing, and Mounting Your Finds

Many of the fee dig sites offer services to cut and mount your finds. Quality and costs vary. Trade journals such as Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist and Rock & Gem (available at most large bookstores or by subscription) list suppliers of these services, both in the United States and overseas. Again, quality and cost vary. Local rock and gem shops in your area may offer these services, or it may be possible to work with a local jeweler. Your local rock club may be able to provide these services or make recommendations.

After their first gem-hunting trip, the authors had some of their finds faceted and cabochoned. They then designed rings and had them made using these stones, as shown in the photos below.

After saying for years that they would like to learn to cabochon and facet (and in the process learn how better to collect “usable” material), the authors were fortunate enough to meet a local gemologist at a gem and mineral show who taught classes in the lapidary arts. They have since cut their own cabochons and faceted gemstones, getting a true appreciation for the art and knowledge of what to look for when field collecting.

The authors sent their rough gems away for faceting. Using the faceted gems, they made crude mock-ups and sketches of the rings they wanted; then they sent the mock-ups, sketches, and gems to be made into rings.

The finished rings.

Cutting your own finds can be a very rewarding hobby, and this hobby works two ways. You can cabochon, facet, and carve your special finds to your specifications, then make or have them made into jewelry. A cabochon is a highly polished convex-cut, but unfaceted gem. Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes which are cut into a rough gemstone in order to improve their appearance. The angles used for each facet affect the appearance of the gemstone. In learning the lapidary procedures, you also gain knowledge of what is a good find. You can look at a stone in the field and see if it is facetable, or if the pattern would make a spectacular cabochon.

Understanding what beautiful pieces you can make from your discoveries will amaze you, be they dug from a native mine, sluiced at a salted site, purchased from a local rock shop, or traded at a club meeting.

The first step to learning the lapidary arts is to do some research to see if it is for you. Search out books and articles on the topic and contact local clubs or rock shops to see if there are any classes near you.

A sample of the authors’ lapidary work.

Authors and daughters on their first adventure to fee-dig mines, taking sifted gravel to the jig at a sapphire mine in Helena, Montana. Pictured from left to right: Steve, Kathy, Anastasia (Annie) Rygle, Debra Pedersen, Kristin Pedersen.

ALABAMA

State Gemstone: Star Blue Quartz (1990)

State Mineral: Hematite (1967)

State Stone/Rock: Marble (1969)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

LINEVILLE / Native Easy to Moderate

Pan or Prospect for Gold

The following gems or minerals can be found:

Gold; also garnets and citrine

Alabama Gold Camp

1398 County Road 5

Lineville, AL 36266

Phone: (256) 396-0389

E-mail: gold@alabamagoldcamp.com

www.alabamagoldcamp.com

Open: December, January, and February: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily; 7:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday; rest of the year: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily; 7:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday.

Info: The camp is located in the heart of the Alabama gold belt, with miles of creek to pan, sluice, dredge, high-bank, and metal detect.

Rates: Equipment is available to rent for additional fees. If you bring your own equipment, the prices are as follows: pan, sluice, or metal detector, $5.00/day per person; 11 and under, free with adult; dredges range from $15.00/day for a 2” dredge to $60.00/day for a 6” dredge; high-bankers range from $15.00–$25.00/ day. You must sign a disclaimer before entering the prospecting areas.

Note: Cash/check only. Credit cards not accepted at this time.

Other services available: Primitive camping, $5.00/night per person over 17; full hook-ups, $25.00/night (30-AMP site) or $30.00/night (50-AMP site); prospecting shacks, $65.00/night for two adults, additional people $10.00 each, 17 and under free with adult. General store on-site sells all kinds of supplies. Washer/dryer and Wi-Fi available.

Directions: Call or check the website for detailed directions.

Note: Do not use GPS to find Alabama Gold Camp. GPS will put you on impassable dirt roads.

TRENTON / Native Moderate

Collecting Trip for Agate

The following gems or minerals can be found:

Paint rock agate

Dixie Euhedrals

Rodney Moore

E-mail: rodney@digforcrystals.com

www.digforcrystals.com

Open: Collecting occurs on specific dates; reservations required. Contact Rodney by e-mail.

Info: Paint rock agate is usually red and yellow, but can be other colors. On occasion, agate nodules are found with hollow places that may have quartz crystals. Paint rock agate is very good for making cabochons or other lapidary processing. Collecting involves looking for pieces of agate and breaking them open with a hammer to look for color inside. In some cases, a piece may be partially exposed and must be pried from the ground. Getting to the site and collecting involves hiking on a mountain slope; a back-pack and good hiking shoes are a must. At least four 12-ounce bottles of water or Gatorade, bug spray, rock hammer, pick or small mattock, and safety glasses are required. Children are not normally allowed on this collecting site.

Rates: $35.00/person; children, if approved, $10.00.

Directions: Meet at a local meeting point in Hollytree, Alabama, on the morning of the dig.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

ALDRICH

Museum

Aldrich Coal Mine Museum

137 County Road 203

Montevallo, AL 35115

Phone: (205) 665-2886; (205) 999-0689 (cell)

Open: 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Thursday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M. Sunday, or by appointment. In winter, call ahead to be sure they are open.

Info: Learn about the local coal mining history and history of the area. The museum is housed in the old Montevallo Coal Company company store, and includes a simulated coal mine.

Admission: Adults $5.00, children $3.00.

Directions: Take County Road 10 West in Montevallo to Aldrich, cross the railroad tracks, and turn left on County Road 203 and look for the museum.

ANNISTON

Museum

Anniston Museum of Natural History

P.O. Box 1587

800 Museum Drive

Anniston, AL 36202

Phone: (256) 237-6766

E-mail: info@annistonmuseum.org

www.annistonmuseum.org

Open: Winter hours: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday; 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Summer: Also open 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday. Call or check website for hours, as opening times change when the museum is having special exhibitions. The museum is closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Info: The Dynamic Earth exhibit details the processes and products of the formation of the earth as it traces the history of our ever-changing planet. A mineral exhibit is included. Explore a cave and get a shake from an earthquake in the Native Space exhibit (closes at 4:00 P.M. daily).

Admission: Adults $6.00, seniors (60+) $5.50, children (4–17) $5.00, ages 3 and under free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Directions: Anniston, in Calhoun County, is 60 miles northeast of Birmingham and 80 miles west of Atlanta, GA. Located in Lagarde Park, Anniston, AL, at the junction of Highways 431 and 21. From Interstate 20, exit 185, 7 miles north on Highway 21. Allow 1½ hours driving time from Birmingham or Atlanta.

DORA

Museum

Alabama Mining Museum

120 E. Street

Dora, AL 35062

Phone: (205) 648-2442

Open: All year, 8:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Saturday. Call ahead for changes.

Info: The museum has been designated by the Alabama Legislature as the official State Coal Mining Museum, and has a focus on coal mining between 1890 and 1940.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Call for directions.

McCALLA

Museum

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama

12632 Confederate Parkway

McCalla, AL 35111

Phone: (205) 477-5711

E-mail: tannehillsp@bellsouth.net

www.tannehill.org

Open: Visitors’ center: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Tuesday–Friday; 9:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Saturday; 12:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M. Sunday. Park open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.

Info: Exhibits include geology, iron furnace fuels, and the Birmingham cast iron pipe industry. The museum focuses on the Roupes Valley Ironworks at Tannehill, which operated nearby and which gave birth to the Birmingham iron and steel district. Museum exhibits graphically demonstrate how iron was made during the Civil War when thirteen different iron companies and six rolling mills made Alabama the arsenal of the Confederacy. Civil War weaponry actually used in battle is exhibited. A timeline traces growth of the iron trade from ancient Egypt to the modern steel industry.

Admission: Adults $2.00, seniors (62+) and children (6–11) $1.00, children 5 and under free.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel

Phone: (800) 252-2262

www.alabama.travel

Gold was discovered in the 1830s in the Piedmont Upland area of Alabama. When the California Gold Rush occurred the prospectors left and the Alabama gold fields were forgotten.

ARKANSAS

State Gemstone: Diamond (1967)

State Mineral: Quartz Crystal (1967)

State Stone/Rock: Bauxite (1967)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

Quartz Crystals

Although quartz makes up nearly 25% of the earth’s surface, only three known places have enough high-quality crystal to warrant commercial mining. These are Brazil, Madagascar, and the Ouachita Mountain range of Arkansas. Quartz is the leading mineral mined in the Ouachita Mountains, which rank among the oldest mountain ranges in the U.S. Quartz is found in open crystal pockets formed in the sandstone, shale, and other rocks of the region. Crystals were once dug by Native Americans, who may have used and traded the crystals for religious and medicinal purposes.

Quartz crystals formed of silicon and oxygen are hexagonal structures that have the unique property of piezoelectricity, which means that they respond in a direct vibratory pattern when stimulated electrically or by pressure. Because of its piezoelectric qualities, quartz crystal can be used to amplify, transform, focus, and transfer energy. During World War II, quartz from Fisher Mountain was used by the U.S. Government for oscillators in radios.

There are several types of crystals, including single and double terminated, small to large clusters, and tabulars. Although a crystal can shatter, it is hard enough to cut glass (on the Mohs hardness scale a crystal is rated 7; a diamond 10). It is considered a semiprecious stone and is valuable to those who invest in and collect minerals.

Crystals are used in several fields, including industry, jewelry, and electronics. The piezoelectricity property makes quartz crystals indispensable to the international electronics industry for use in everything from radios and watches to Silicon Valley micro-computer chips, and thousands of products in between.

The use of quartz crystals in the metaphysical field to amplify, transform, focus, and transfer energy has led to a growing interest in them by groups and individuals who use the clear crystals for purposes generally described as healing. Quartz crystals are said to be healers that balance all elements needed to make a person whole. Quartz is claimed to be a purifier, which creates harmony and balance.

You can dig these quartz crystals in several mines located in the Mount Ida area.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

JESSIEVILLE / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Ron Coleman Mining, Inc.

211 Crystal Ridge Lane

Jessieville, AR 71949

Phone: (800) 291-4484

E-mail: colemanquartz@gmail.com

www.colemanquartz.com

Open: Year round, 7 days/week, 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Gift shop stays open a half-hour after mine closes.

Info: This is a working mine. Crystal digging is in 40 acres of mine tailings (material left over during mining operations) with fresh material routinely excavated, weather permitting. Keep all you find. Equipment is provided, including crystal washing stations. Leashed pets are welcome.

Rates: Adults $20.00, seniors $15.00, students (7–16) $5.00, children under 7 free. Guaranteed findings or trade in for your pick from the “back porch.”

Other services available: Retail shop, wholesale showroom for dealers, gift shop, open 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily. Mine tour: Take an Army truck ride down through the mine to see the crystal veins and water source, then on to the processing area.

Campground: Crystal Ridge RV Park (located on the grounds of Ron Coleman Mining, Inc.) has 24 quiet, shady sites (and one pull through) on a paved circle. Services offered: modern restrooms, clean hot showers, wash station, dump station, water and electric hookups; $12.50 + tax/night. Call for info.

Directions: Call for directions.

JESSIEVILLE / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals (clear and white, some with adularia and calcite)

Jim Coleman’s Rock Shop & Crystal Mines

5837 North Highway 7

Jessieville, AR 71949

Phone: (501) 984-5328

E-mail: jimcoleman@jimcolemancrystals.com

www.jimcolemancrystals.com

Open: 8:00 A.M.–dusk, daily, closed Christmas Day. Caretaker on site 24 hours/day.

Info: This is a working mine. Simply dig in the piles brought up daily by the mine workers. Mine personnel will show you where to find crystals. Stay away from flagged areas and from machinery. Coleman’s sells digging tools for cost that guests can then take home with them. They also have drinks, water, and snacks, and sell cleaning material with instructions for the correct way to clean crystals that you find. Restrooms available.

Digging Quartz

Bring a suitable digging tool such as a rock hammer, screwdriver, shovel, trowel, or anything to scratch around with. Wear old clothes, since the red clay stains anything it comes in contact with. On sunny days, a hat and sunscreen are suggested, along with drinking water. Hand tools are recommended to preserve the crystallography of the specimens.

Cleaning Quartz

One process for cleaning quartz is to soak the crystals in a mild solution of oxalic acid. Use 1 pound of oxalic acid to 2½ gallons water. The cleaning procedure should be carried out only by an adult. Dissolve the oxalic acid in warm water in any container except aluminum. Soak crystals 4 to 5 days. Keep the solution properly labeled and in a secure place covered from the sun when in use or not. The solution can be reused up to three times. Be sure to follow the safety instructions when working with oxalic acid.

(Information provided by Sonny Stanley’s Mine)

Rates: Adults $10.00, children under 10 free. Pets on leash allowed. You will get directions to the mine when you pay your fee.

Directions: The Rock Shop is located on Highway 7, approximately 16 miles north of Hot Springs.

MENA / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Board Camp Campground and Crystal Mine

110 Hickory Ridge Road

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: (479) 243-0771

www.boardcampcampground.com

Open: Crystal digging is by prior reservation only. Mine and rock shop open March–October, 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. or dusk daily. Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before closing.

Rates: Adults (16 and older) $10.00, plus mandatory mining bucket rental of $10.00/bucket.

Info: This is a relatively new crystal surface mine (opened to the public in 2012), located in the Ouachita National Forest. Bring containers, buckets, or bags to take your crystals home, as well as water, food, bug spray, sunscreen, allergy medications, and chairs or old rugs to sit on. People-friendly dogs are allowed on short leashes; bring water, pick up after them, and keep them away from other guests.

Other services available: Rock shop, public restroom at the shop, day use campground. Crystal Music Festival every July.

Directions: The mine is located about 10 miles east of Mena. Check the website or contact the camp for specific directions.

MOUNT IDA / Native or Enriched Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals, wavelite

The Crystal Seen Trading Co.

Dennis & Julie Kincaid

2568 Highway 270 E

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-4072; (870) 490-1026 (cell)

E-mail: ravenhawk@cebridge.net

www.digyourowncrystals.com

Open: Year-round. Mount Ida shop open 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M Thursday–Sunday; later in the summer. If no one is at the shop, keys are also available at the Royal Oak Inn in Mount Ida. Mine open until dark, 7 days/week. New crystal and jewelry store and gallery in Hot Springs open 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Tuesday–Thursday; 10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. Friday–Saturday.

Info and Rates: The Crystal Seen Trading Co. offers four different packages for rockhounding visitors.

Package 1: Day’s dig in the mine. Collect natural crystals and seeded material; a fun, treasure-hunting adventure for kids of all ages. Adults (12+) $22.00, children (7–11) $11.00, and children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.

Package 2: Four-hour crystal workshop (8:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Wednesday–Sunday). This workshop will be “preseeded” to approximate digging in an actual crystal pocket. You will be taught about the geology of the area, what to look for, and how to dig and identify these crystals. You will learn about the different crystal formations and some of their metaphysical properties. You will receive printed material with the course, and you will learn how to clean the crystals. Cost is $150.00 for the first person and $95.00 for each additional adult. You will have the rest of the day to dig in the mine. Package by appointment only.

Package 3: Workshop geared toward families who come to dig in the mine with children from 7–15. Introductory discussion at the shop, collection, and discussion of assorted minerals and fossils. Dig at the mine, and at the end of the day receive a certificate naming participants as honorary miners. The cost is $32.00 for children 7–11 and $42.00 for those 12 and up. By appointment only. (Girl and Boy Scout requirements for badges can be met with this program).

Package 4: Dig in over 100 yards of tailings at the shop. $12.00/hour/person for adults (12+). Children (7–11) are half-price and children 6 and under are free with a paying adult (use of tools free).

Other services available: Jewelry and gift shop; crystal workshops; jewelry design and repair.

Directions: On Highway 270, 4 miles east of Mount Ida. Call for specific directions.

MOUNT IDA / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own

Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Fiddler’s Ridge Rock Shop & Bear Mt. Crystal Mine

Jim and Kathy Fecho

3752 U.S. Highway 270 E

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2127

E-mail: fecho@ipa.net

www.fiddlersridgecrystals.com

Open: Year round, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M., 6 days/week; closed Sunday.

Rates: Adults $20.00/day, children (7–11) $10.00, children under 6 free.

Other services available: Gift shop. Get permit and instructions at gift shop. Supply your own tools, or small tools and gloves are sold at shop. Wear sturdy shoes. No sandals.

Info: The Bear Mt. Mine is located within a 20-minute driving distance from the rock shop. The area is primitive. There is a restroom on-site. Collect your own crystals. There are designated areas for you to collect in that are safe, and certain rules apply. You are not permitted in the pit area.

Directions: Located 7 miles east of Mount Ida on U.S. 270 E , and 28 miles west of Hot Springs. You will receive a map to the mine at the shop.

MOUNT IDA / Native Easy

Collect Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Ouachita National Forest

Crystal Vista Crystal Collecting Site

Caddo/Womble Ranger District Office

1523 Highway 270 E

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2101

www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita (Recreation

> Rocks and Minerals > Rockhounding

> Crystal/Vista)

Open: All year, weather permitting.

Info: This is a former quartz crystal mine located at the end of a steep, mile-long hiking trail on top of Gardner Mountain in the Womble Ranger District in central Arkansas. No digging is allowed at the site; collect only the crystals lying on the ground surface. The Forest Service advises that the site is well picked over.

Note: This is a primitive site. You must bring water and food with you, and take all trash out.

Rates: Free.

Directions: South on Highway 27, 3.8 miles from Mount Ida, then turn left (east) on Owley Road (County Road 2237). The trailhead is 4.1 miles on Owley Road.

MOUNT IDA / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Judy’s Crystals and Things

P.O. Box 956

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2523

Cell: (501) 276-2439

E-mail: judyscrystals@windstream.net

www.judyscrystals.com

Open: March–December, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 6 days/week; closed Monday.

Info: Fisher Mountain, also called the Stanley Mine (one of the oldest and best-known mines in Montgomery County), is located about 4 miles from the shop. You must sign a release and pay the fees before mining, and follow a few simple rules: Dig in designated areas; don’t dig under high walls or overhangs; supervise any children; wear suitable shoes (no open-toe shoes permitted), gloves, and clothing; and bring water and sunscreen. Bring your own hand tools for digging, and remember that the red Arkansas clay is nearly impossible to clean from your clothes.

Rates: Adults $15.00, children (7–15) $7.50, children 6 and under free.

Other services available: Rock shop, acid for cleaning crystals.

Directions: Call for directions.

MOUNT IDA / Native and Enriched

* Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals, amethyst, garnets, rubies

Twin Creek Crystal Mine

Dixie Crystal Mining Co.

177 Collier Springs Rd.

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-4945

www.dixiecrystalco.com

Open: Year round, 7 days/week, 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.

Rates: Adults $25.00, children (12 and under) $12.00.

Info: Dig your own quartz crystals.

Other Services Available: Rock shop, picnic area.

Directions: The mine is 5 miles east of Mount Ida, on Hwy 270. Turn onto Logan Gap Road at Judy’s Crystals and travel 2 miles. When the houses end you will cross a one-lane bridge; turn right onto Collier Springs Road. Go another mile across a low bridge, and pass the first gate. Enter at the second gate, which is open on the left side. Follow the signs. The “Do Not Enter—DANGER” sign on the gate refers to when the gate is closed.

MOUNT IDA / Native and Enriched

*Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz

Crystals or Pan for Gemstones

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals; also rubies, emeralds, and diamonds

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

82 Wegner Ranch Road

P.O. Box 205

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2309

E-mail: wegner@wegnercrystalmines.com

www.wegnercrystalmines.com

Open: March 15–December 1, 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M., 7 days/week; December 2–March 14, 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Info: There are six mining options. All are open from 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. all year; except closed weekends December 2–March 14, and closed some holidays.

1. Crystal Forest Mine: This is a forty-acre surface mine—collect tailings or dig your own. Groups leave at 9:30, 11:30, and 1:30; arrive 15 minutes before sign-up for a safety briefing. Transportation and tools provided; refundable deposit required. Cost is $15.00 per person for 2 hours collecting.

2. Gemstone sluice: Sluice buckets of enriched gem ore in a shaded 100-foot-long gemstone sluice near the tailings area. Buckets are $10.00 to 15.00, and there are family fees and discounts—check website for more details.

3. Tailings area: Dig for crystals in truckloads of mine tailings hauled from the mine. A picnic area is near the tailings area. Adults $10.50, seniors and children (under 12) $6.60. Buckets and tools provided.

4. Phantom Mine. Advance reservations required—minimum of 10 people. In this pit and the surrounding area are quartz crystals and clusters with manganese inclusions that look like small dark crystals. $24.00 per person for 4 hours of digging. Transportation and tools provided.

5. Diamond Adventure. Search through a bag of diamond ore (not from nearby Crater of Diamonds State Park) on a light table. Each bag is guaranteed to have at least ½ carat of diamonds. Use of tools plus a velvet pouch and magnification display case is included. $29.00/bag.

6. Gems of the World. Search through a bag of gemstone ore on a light table. Each bag contains emerald, amethyst, peridot, opals, garnets, and more. $16.00/bag.

Directions: 3 miles south of Mount Ida.

MURFREESBORO / Native *Moderate

Dig Your Own Diamonds and Other Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Diamonds are the chief attraction; however, amethyst, agate, jasper, quartz, calcite, barite, peridot, and up to 40 other gems or minerals can also be found

Crater of Diamonds State Park

209 State Park Road

Murfreesboro, AR 71958

Phone: (870) 285-3113

E-mail: craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com

www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com

Open: Year-round except major winter holidays. Memorial Day–Labor Day, 8:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M. daily, except the last two weeks in August, when the site closes at 5:00 P.M. Sunday–Thursday, but is open until 8:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday. Labor Day–Memorial Day, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily.

Diamond-Hunting Tips

Look for small, well-rounded crystals. A diamond weighing several carats may be no larger than a marble. Look for clean crystals, since diamonds have an oily, slick outer surface that dirt and mud don’t stick to. The diamonds come in several colors. The most common found at the crater are clear, white, yellow, and brown.

Info: Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure—the chance to find and keep real diamonds. You can search a 37-acre field of lamproite soil, which is the eroded surface of an ancient gem-bearing volcanic pipe (lava tube). Prospectors enter the field through a visitors center that includes exhibits and an audiovisual program explaining the area’s geology and providing tips on recognizing diamonds in the rough.

Since diamonds were first discovered there in 1906, more than 70,000 have been found. Since the crater became a state park in 1972, over 30,000 diamonds have been found by visitors, and on the average, more than 600 diamonds are found each year. Among the diamonds that have been found are the Uncle Sam (40.23 carats), the Star of Murfreesboro (34.2 carats), the Star of Arkansas (15.33 carats), and the Amarillo Starlight (16.37 carats).

On June 24, 2015, an 8.52-carat white diamond was found at the park! The diamond, named Esperanza, was cut and polished at a jewelry store in North Little Rock that September. The public was invited to watch the process.

The park consists of 911 pine-covered acres along the banks of the Little Missouri River. The first diamond was found in 1906; the property has changed hands several times over the years. Previous owners made several attempts to mine diamonds commercially. These attempts are mostly shrouded in mystery, and all ultimately failed; lawsuits, fires, or lack of capital are some of the reasons for failure. In 1972, the State of Arkansas bought the property and established Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Lamproite, a relatively rare rock of magmatic origin, is a source rock for diamonds. The lamproite soil, very different from red Arkansas clay, is dark green to black, gummy when wet, and powdery when dry.

This is the only diamond field open to the public in North America. The field is plowed approximately monthly. The park staff at the park’s Diamond Discovery Center will aid you in the identification of any stone you find.

Diamond mining tools, such as army shovels, trowels, gardening tools, and screen boxes, can be rented at the park. Two mineral-washing pavilions contain long troughs filled with water to aid in screening for diamonds.

Organized groups may dig at a discount. Advance notice must be given to obtain the reduced rate.

The state park offers a variety of orientation programs during the summer months: programs cover nature, geology, diamond-hunting methods, and history.

Rates: Adults $8.00, children (6–12) $5.00, children under 5 free.

Other services available: Restaurant (seasonal), gift shop, water park (March–November), restrooms, nature trails, interpretive exhibits, historical structures, fishing.

Pets are allowed in all facilities, with the exception of the gift shop, water park, and cafe, as long as they remain on a leash under the owner’s control at all times.

A 1.2-mile-long river trail winds its way through the woods to the scenic Little Missouri River. This provides a relaxing 1-hour hike over level terrain.

Campground: Forty-seven class AAA campsites in a secluded woodsview setting. Water, electric hookups, laundry and sewers are available on these campsites. Five primitive tent sites with water only.

Other services available: Shady sites, modern restrooms, clean hot showers, laundry facilities, dump station, tent sites, nearby fishing.

Directions: The state park is located 2 miles southeast of the Murfreesboro courthouse on Arkansas Route 301.

STORY / Native * Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Quartz crystals

Sweet Surrender Crystals

269 Cleo Circle (mailing address only)

Sims, AR 71969

Phone: (870) 867-0104

Cell: (870) 867-7014; (870) 867-7075

E-mail: randyskates@windstream.net

www.sweetsurrendercrystals.com

Open: Hours vary depending on weather. Normal hours are 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M., or until it gets too late to dig. Call ahead for appointment.

Info: This is a working mine. Mine personnel will give you a brief lesson on safety and show you where to find crystals. This is a primitive area, with no facilities, services, or phones. Bring your own digging equipment, containers, and food and drinks. Suggested tools for digging: an old screwdriver, hand garden tools, sometimes a rock hammer, old digging bar. Stay away from flagged areas and machinery.

Rates: Adults $20.00, children (10–14) $10.00, children under 10 free with paying adult.

Directions: Take Highway 27 north from Mount Ida through Washita. A half mile north of Washita you will see the Sweet Surrender Mine sign on Horseshoe Bend Road. Turn right, go ½ mile. At the first mailbox on the right will be a sign for the crystal mine entrance. Turn right and go to the top of the hill until you see the picnic tables.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

LITTLE ROCK

Geology Learning Center

Vardelle Parham Geology Center

Arkansas Geological Survey

3815 W. Roosevelt Road

Little Rock, AR 72204

Phone: (501) 296-1877

E-mail: ags@arkansas.gov

www.geology.ar.gov

Open: All year, 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. The learning center is open by appointment only.

Info: Some exhibits can be seen at the survey offices. The learning center is intended to give students of all ages who are interested in earth sciences direct exposure to rocks, minerals, fossils, and fuels. Exhibits include the Arkansas Geological Survey, Arkansas’ mineral wealth, fossil fuels in Arkansas, Arkansas gems and minerals, Arkansas fossils, and economic minerals and mining.

Admission: Free.

Directions: The survey offices are located at 3815 W. Roosevelt Road. The learning center is located at 1911 Thayer Street, just south of the intersection of Asher and Wright Avenues.

MOUNT IDA

Museum

Heritage House Museum of

Montgomery County, Arkansas

819 Luzerne Street

P.O. Box 1362

Mount Ida, AR 71957-1362

Phone: (870) 867-4422

E-mail: museum@hhmmc.org

www.hhmmc.org

Open: 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 1:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M. Saturday–Sunday; closed Tuesday and Thursday.

Info: The museum has a display on Quartz crystals and samples of minerals from the area with information about mining in Montgomery County, AR.

Admission: Free; donations appreciated.

Other services available: Gift shop.

Directions: Located at 819 Luzerne Street in Mount Ida (at the intersection of Highway 27 and Luzerne Street).

PIGGOTT

Museum

Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center

1071 Heritage Park Drive

Piggott, AR 72454

Phone: (870) 598-3228

E-mail: pfeiffernd@centurytel.net

www.pfeifferfoundation.com

Open: 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday, 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Saturday. Groups of ten or more by appointment.

Info: The museum has a collection of more than 1,400 mineral specimens and geodes, some of which are on permanent display, and some of which are displayed on a rotating basis.

Admission: Free, donations accepted.

Directions: Piggott is in the northeast corner of Arkansas. From U.S. 62, take N 12th Street south to Heritage Park Drive, then turn left to the museum.

STATE UNIVERSITY

Museum

ASU Museum

Arkansas State University

Museum/Library Building

P.O. Box 490

State University, AR 72467

Phone: (870) 972-2074

E-mail: museum@astate.edu

www.astate.edu/museum

Open: All year, closed campus holidays. 9:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. Tuesday; 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday and Wednesday–Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Info: Exhibits include a chart showing relative lengths of the periods of the earth’s formation, several fossils, and a variety of minerals, including a large number found in Arkansas. Arkansas minerals displayed include fluorite, bauxite, calcite clusters, halite, granite, gypsum, quartz and drusy quartz, smithsonite, golden dolomite and dolomite crystals, selenite, nepheline syenite and septarian concretions.

Admission: Free; donations appreciated.

Directions: ASU is on the eastern out-skirts of Jonesboro. The museum occupies the west wing of the Dean B. Ellis Library building.

In Benton, AR, there is a building constructed entirely from bauxite, which is aluminum ore. It was originally the medical office of Dr. Dewell Gann, built by his patients who were unable to pay him, and who built him an office instead. It is the only known building in the world built from bauxite. It now houses the Gann Museum.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

ANNUAL EVENT

Quartz Crystal Festival and World Championship Dig, Mount Ida

In Mount Ida (Quartz Crystal Capital of the World), dig in actual working quartz crystal mines in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains. The contest is held as part of the Annual Quartz, Quiltz, and Craftz Festival. The festival includes a gem and mineral show and is held on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October.

Dig your own crystals with participating local mines. Contestants keep everything they dig. There is a judging session each afternoon to see who found the best crystals. Win crystal trophies, prizes, and $1,500 in cash. The dig begins on Friday. Diggers have two days to dig. The hours are 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Prize money is awarded to the top five winners in each division; crystal trophies go to the first-and second-place winners in each division. Diggers may compete on behalf of their gem or mineral club.

Pre-registration fee: $75.00/person; after August 31, $85.00; after October 1, $100.00. K–6 Kids Dig: Only $1 to enter. Two categories: kindergarten–3rd grade and 4th–6th grades.

Prizes, costs, and deadlines change from year to year, so call for details. Keep all you dig; use hand tools only (provide your own). Ages 10–16 permitted to dig with adult supervision. Primitive toilets are available at dig sites. At the festival, crystals, gems, minerals, jewelry, equipment, supplies, books, dealers, and exhibits are available. For further details and a registration form, write to:

Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 6

124 Hwy 270 West

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2723

E-mail: director@mtidachamber.com

www.mtidachamber.com

The Chamber of Commerce can also provide information on the Ouachita National Forest, the South’s oldest and largest national forest, covering 1.6 million acres. Features include Lake Ouachita, which offers fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, sailing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking; 480 miles of hiking trails run throughout the National Forest.

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Phone: (501) 682-7777

E-mail: info@arkansas.com

www.arkansas.com

Rockhounding Arkansas

www.rockhoundingar.com

Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 6

124 Hwy 270 West

Mount Ida, AR 71957

Phone: (870) 867-2723

E-mail: director@mtidachamber.com

www.mtidachamber.com

Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau

134 Convention Boulevard

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 321-2835; (800) 722-2489

E-mail: hscvb@hotsprings.org

www.hotsprings.org

FLORIDA

State Gemstone: Moonstone (1970)

State Stone/Rock: Agatized Coral (1979)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

OKEECHOBEE / Native Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Calcite Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Calcite crystals on fossil shells, micropyrite, iridescent marcasite

Fort Drum Crystal Mine (also known as Ruck’s Pit)

Eddie and Debbie Ruck

28320 NE 55th Avenue

Okeechobee, FL 34972

E-mail: info@thefortdrumcrystalmine.com

www.thefortdrumcrystalmine.com

Open: 7 days/week, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Call a couple of days ahead for arrangements.

Info: Dig through piles of material from the pit. Ruck’s Pit was worked primarily for limerock used for road base material. The aggregate from these workings was found to be rich in golden calcite crystals. Changes in mining regulations have closed the active mine to public access, but material from the mine is now hauled to the shop where collectors can dig through it for crystals. This is said to be the only location in the world where calcified marine clam shells can be found. Tools and water hoses are available. Wear old clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat for shade. Bring food, drinking water, chair, your own 5-gallon bucket, newspaper for wrapping your specimens, and cardboard boxes.

Rates: Adults $60.00; children 13–15, $35.00, 8–12, $25.00, 5–7, $15.00, under 5, free. This covers admission and collection of one 5-gallon bucket (bring your own) of specimens. Additional buckets $5.00 each.

Other services available: Large gift shop. Campsites: $25.00/day.

Directions: The Fort Drum Crystal Mine is now located 2 blocks west and across the street from its former location off 304th Street. Take exit 193 off the Florida Turnpike and look for signs. Call for detailed directions.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

DELAND

Museum

Gillespie Museum

Stetson University

Physical address:

234 E Michigan Avenue

DeLand, FL 32723

Mailing address:

Stetson University, Unit 8403

421 N Woodland Boulevard

DeLand, FL 32723

Phone: (386) 822-7330

E-mail: gillespie@stetson.edu

www.stetson.edu/other/gillespiemuseum

Open: August–April, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday. Closed Saturday–Monday, except once a month for Science Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. June: 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday. Always check ahead; may be closed for school holidays. Closed May and July.

Info: The Gillespie Museum was created out of a lifelong love of mineral collecting by T. B. and Nellie Gillespie. Learn about their hobby in an exhibit detailing the creation of the museum. The geological collection contains more than 15,000 items. Permanent exhibits include: Minerals A–Z, Meteorites, Petrified Wood, The Ancient Art of Marble Inlay, Gemstones and Birthstones, and Volcanoes.

Admission: Free; donations greatly appreciated.

Directions: Located on the southeast corner of the Stetson University campus in DeLand (intersection of Amelia Avenue and East Michigan Avenue).

GAINESVILLE

Museum

Geological Museum

Santa Fe College Department of Natural Sciences

3000 NW 83rd Street

Gainesville, FL 3260

Phone: (352) 395-5349

www.sfcollege.edu/naturalsciences

Open: When the college is in session; call for hours.

Info: Exhibits include Florida gems and minerals, gemstone carvings, a large collection of fluorescent minerals, prehistoric amber, fossils, and agatized Tampa Bay coral.

Admission: Free

Directions: Take the NW 39th Avenue exit (exit 390) off I-75 in Gainesville. Turn east toward Gainesville, turn right (south) on NW 83rd Street and right on North Road. Parking is free. The museum is in the Department of Natural Science building.

ISLAMORADA

Geological Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

84900 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, Florida 33036

Phone: (305) 664-2540

www.floridastateparks.org/park/Windley-Key

Open: Visitors’ center: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Thursday–Sunday. Guided tours 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.; self-guided tours are also available when the park is open.

Info: This state park is a former quarry, used to mine Key Largo limestone (fossilized coral). The Florida East Coast Railroad used this stone to build Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to mine decorative stone called Keystone. Visitors can walk within the eight-foot-high quarry walls to see a cross-section of the ancient coral reef formed nearly 125,000 years ago, learn about the quarry and its operation, and see samples of the quarry machinery. There is also a picnic area.

Admission: $2.50; includes self-guided tours. Guided tours are an additional $2.00 per person, 6 and over.

MIAMI

Museum

Coral Castle Museum

28655 South Dixie Highway

Miami, FL 33033

Phone: (305) 248-6345

www.coralcastle.com

Open: 8:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Sunday–Thursday; 8:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday.

Info: Walled sculpture garden with over one thousand tons of coral rock carvings created by one man from in the 1920s through 1950s.

Admission: Adults $15.00, seniors (65+) $12.00, children (7–12) $7.00, under 6 free.

Directions: Check website for detailed directions.

MULBERRY

Museum

Mulberry Phosphate Museum

101 SE 1st Street

Mulberry, FL 33860

Phone: (863) 425-2823

www.mulberryphosphatemuseum.org

Open: All year, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday.

Info: The museum houses educational exhibits on the phosphate industry.

Admission: Free; donations greatly appreciated.

Directions: One block south of State Highway 60 on State Highway 37 in downtown Mulberry.

Phosphate is a key ingredient in fertilizers, and is also used in soda pop, toothpaste, and fine china. The deposits of phosphate in Florida occurred when prehistoric oceans that covered present-day Florida evaporated, leaving beds of sand, clay, and phosphate. Remains of prehistoric marine animals (like sharks) also contributed phosphate material to these beds. The state of Florida is thought to have approximately 80 percent of the total U.S. phosphate reserves. The first discovery of phosphate pebbles in the Peace River led to a phosphate mining rush like the California and Alaskan gold rushes.

Note: The phosphate deposits are rich in fossils. You can dig for small phosphate pebbles (containing fossils) next to the museum.

TAMPA

Museum

Ed and Bernadette Marcin Museum

School of Geosciences

University of South Florida

4207 East Fowler Avenue, NES 109

Tampa, FL 33620

Phone: (813) 974-2236

Open: All year by appointment only, Monday–Friday, except holidays. Special arrangements can be made for groups.

Info: Located in Room 534 of the science center at the University of South Florida’s Tampa Campus. This is a small museum created through the donations of Dr. and Mrs. Pious, and it includes minerals and gemstones. They accumulated their collection over a period of about 20 years, largely while traveling through the western U.S. and Florida. The museum collection is augmented and maintained through gifts to the departmental collection and by collectors throughout Florida. Included in the museum collections are an agatized wood collection and a mineral collection.

Admission: Free.

Directions: The museum is located in the science center at the University of South Florida–Tampa campus.

WEST PALM BEACH

Museum

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

4081 Dreher Trail N

West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Phone: (561) 832-1988

www.sfsciencecenter.org

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Friday; 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday.

Information: The Out of This World exhibit contains a collection of rare space artifacts and real rocks from space, including a 232-pound meteorite and a moon rock brought back on an Apollo mission.

Admission: Adults $16.95, seniors (60+) $14.95, children (3–12) $12.95.

Directions: From the Florida Turnpike, take the Southern Boulevard exit east, past I-95, to the Dreher Park entrance on the right. From I-95, exit at Southern Boulevard. Turn into Dreher Park and follow Dreher Trail to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Coquina, a variety of limestone, has been mined on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine for more than three thousand years, since St. Augustine was settled around 1565. Coquina, Spanish for “bulletproof sea-shells,” consists of a mass of shells cemented together by calcium carbonate. After being cut into blocks and exposed to air, any moisture evaporates and calcium carbonate in solution deposits out, cementing the mixture into a firm rock. It was found that this stone makes a very good material for forts, particularly in the period of cannon use. Because of the stone’s softness, cannonballs would sink into rather than shatter or puncture the walls. (Coquina rock forms the walls of Costello de San Marcos in St. Augustine.) Pieces of coquina are usually sold in the Colonial Quarter as souvenirs of St. Augustine.

Unlike most gemstones, which of mineral origin, coral is organic, formed by living organisms. Florida designated agatized coral as the official state stone in 1976. Agatized coral is the remains of primal coral reefs that grew in the warm waters of ancient oceans. It forms through a process similar to petrified wood: decaying organic materials are replaced with silica from silica-rich solutions, which over millennia, under pressure, grow into chalcedony formations.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

www.visitflorida.com

GEORGIA

State Gemstone: Quartz (1976)

State Mineral: Staurolite (1976)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

CLEVELAND / Native and Enriched

Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Minerals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethyst, topaz

Gold’n Gem Grubbin

75 Gold Nugget Lane

Cleveland, GA 30528

Phone: (706) 865-5454; (800) 942-4436

E-mail: info@goldngem.com

www.goldngem.com

Open: All year, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily.

Info: North Georgia’s only commercially operating gold mine. Pan buckets of concentrate taken from the strip mine. Pan for gold in the mine’s sluice buckets. The gold ore from the strip mine on the property has been concentrated to increase the likelihood of finding gold. Free panning lessons for first-timers. Buckets of gem ore can be purchased for sluicing. You can also dig your own gold and gems from the stream. Equipment is provided.

Rates: No admission fee; pay by the bucket. Gold buckets: 1 gallon Fine Gold, $30.00; Picker Nugget Bucket, $75.00; Paydirt Bucket, $145.00. Gem buckets: $20.00 for standard 1-gallon bucket; other options range from $30.00–$100.00/bucket and include credits toward having jewelry made. Mining in the creek: Ore dug from mining pit is put on the edge of the creek to be mined. Screen and pan right in the creek. Adults $15.00/half day, $25.00/full day; children (7–12) $7.50/half day, $12.50/full day. You can also dredge in the creek. Check website for fees.

Other services available: Gift shop, gem cutting, jewelry, and mining equipment sales. Free parking. Handicap facilities.

Camping: Campground with primitive sites for tents, and full hook ups for RVs. Tent sites are $20.00/night and RV sites are $28.00/night. Weekly rates available.

Directions: Two miles west from Cleveland Square, turn right onto Town Creek Road, then go 2 miles.

DAHLONEGA / Native Easy

Pan for Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, amethyst, quartz, moonstone, garnets

Consolidated Gold Mines

185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Dahlonega: Site of America’s First Gold Rush

DAH-LON-E-GA is the word in the Cherokee language for the “precious yellow metal” found in these hills. In 1828, the cry “We’ve found gold” was heard far and near. With the discovery of gold in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega emerged in 1833 as a full-blown “hustle and bustle” town. Gold was mined into the early 20th century. Now, several attractions highlight the town’s historic activities, including a gold museum, gold panning, and gold mine tours. Attend Gold Rush Days, or attend the gold panning championships.

Information on the area may be obtained by contacting the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, 13 S Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533; phone: (706) 864 3711 or (800) 231-5543.

Phone: (706) 864-8473

E-mail: info@consolidatedgoldmine.com

www.consolidatedgoldmine.com

Open: All year, 7 days/week. Winter, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Friday, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Saturday–Sunday; summer, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily. Arrive at least one hour before closing.

Info: For further information on the Consolidated Gold Mine tour, see Section 2.

Rates: Rates vary. Gold pans: Regular panning, $6.00/pan; high-grade material, $11.00/pan. Gem buckets range from $15.00 to $1,000.00.

Other services available: Mine tour, shops, gem cutting on site, jewelry making.

Directions: The site is just beside the Walmart shopping center in Dahlonega.

DAHLONEGA / Native and Enriched Easy

Pan for Gold or Gemstones

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold, rubies, emeralds, garnets, sapphires, and many more

Crisson Gold Mine

2736 Morrison Moore Parkway East

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Phone: (706) 864-6363

www.crissongoldmine.com

Open: All year, 7 days/week. March–October, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; November–February, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Info: The mine offers indoor panning in winter; ore is also sold “to go.”

Rates: Basic admission: $9.95/person, ages 4 and up. This includes 1 pan gold dirt, 2-gallon bucket of gemstones, self-guided tour of stamp mill. Additional options available: Gold ore, 5-gallon non-concentrated, $15.00; wheelbarrow, $75.00. Tractor scoops, concentrates, and use of highbanker or gold cube among other options, check website. Wagon rides, $3.00.

Other services available: Tour and demonstration of a 125-year-old stamp mill, picnic area, gift shop, restrooms. Trail ride and farm equipment display available during spring, summer, and fall.

Directions: On U.S. 19, 2½ miles north of downtown Dahlonega.

GAINESVILLE / Native Easy to Moderate

Pan for Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold

Forest Supervisor’s Office (not actually in the forest)

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest 1755 Cleveland Highway

Gainesville, GA 30501

Phone: (770) 297-3000

www.fs.usda.gov (Search “Gold Panning.”)

Open: Call ahead for information. Offices are closed weekends and all federal holidays. Office hours are 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M., 1:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Info: Recreational gold panning and rockhounding are both allowed within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. In-stream sluicing and dredging are not allowed. Significant surface excavation is not allowed, and no mechanical equipment can be used. In addition, there may be claims that affect where you can pan or collect. Check with the forest ranger’s office for information and maps. Note: The Appalachian Trail starts in this forest.

LA GRANGE / Native Moderate to Difficult

Hunt for Your Own Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Star rose quartz, aquamarine, beryl, black tourmaline

Hogg Mine

Chris Painter

LaGrange, GA

Phone: (770) 262-7852

E-mail: rockdgr@yahoo.com

www.hoggmine.com

Open: All year, by reservation. Call or check website for days and times of scheduled digs. Digging times 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.

Info: This is a working mine that allows tailings digging, and sometimes has a machine dig for digging in newly excavated material (spaces limited). Digging in mine tailings occurs once or twice a month. Diggers meet with the miner at a specified meeting place in LaGrange at 9:00 A.M. to sign releases and have a safety briefing, then travel to the mine and dig in the tailings until 5:00 P.M. Bring your own tools, such as pick, shovel, potato rake, rock hammer, sledge hammer, chisel, rock bar, 5-gallon bucket, gloves, and safety glasses. There is a limit of one 5-gallon bucket of material per person and one yard rock per dig. Machine digs are similar, but the mine owner will have an excavator at the mine and will excavate new material from the pit for diggers to search.

Rates: Scheduled tailings digging rates are $35.00/person per day; children 16 and under dig free. Machine digs are an additional $100.00/person per day. Private group digs are $35.00/person plus $100.00 guide fee for under 10 people or $250.00 guide fee for larger groups. Private machine digs are the same as private group digs plus the rental cost of the machine, fuel, and operator. Mobile rockshop on site.

Directions: Meeting place: McDonald’s next to the Pilot truck stop at exit 13 off 1-85.

LINCOLNTON / Native Difficult

Dig Your Own Minerals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rutile, lazulite, pyrophyllite, kyanite, iridescent hematite, pyrophyllite, pyrite, ilmenite, muscovite, fuchsite, barite, sulfur, blue quartz, quartz crystals, and microcrystals such as woodhouseite, variscite, strengite, phosphosiderite, cacoxenite, crandallite

Graves Mountain

Clarence Norman Jr., caretaker

Lincolnton, GA

Phone: (706) 401-3173 (business);

E-mail: gmsmail@gamineral.org

www.gamineral.org/ft/commercial/ftgravesmain.html

Open: The collecting area will be open to the public for a 3-day period twice each year. Call or check on the website for dates (usually in April and October). Open to all, no need to make a reservation.

Info: Dig in the soil or rocks, or simply pick up crystals from the tailings. Bring your own digging equipment and containers. Stay away from the high walls and only collect in designated areas. Sign a liability release and leave a donation at the Hospitality Tent. Portable toilets will be provided. In addition, food and beverages will be available for purchase, and tables can be set up for a “Rock Swap.”

Rates: Donations accepted for expenses in opening the mountain to the public and providing portable toilets.

Other information: The mountain will be open to collecting at other times only to colleges, universities, and gem and mineral societies. Fee: donation. Contact the caretaker, Clarence Norman Jr., for reservations.

Directions: From I-285 in Atlanta, take I-20 east to the exit for Washington, which is Georgia Route 78 (SR 10/SR 17). Turn left and travel north to Washington, and take Georgia Route 378 for 11 miles to the Graves Mountain area. The entrance to Graves Mountain is on your right about .8 miles past the Lincoln County line. The entrance is a paved road that goes through a gate and up a hill. Please park along the access road and then proceed to the Welcome Tent at the end of the pavement to obtain a liability release form and to make a donation. (Alternate directions are listed on website.)

TIGNALL / Native Moderate to Difficult

Hunt for Your Own Amethyst Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Amethyst crystals, druse quartz

Jackson’s Crossroads Amethyst Mine (JxR)

Ledford Minerals

Christopher Ryan and Rachel Ledford

Phone: (303) 319-9199

E-mail: ledfordminerals@gmail.com

www.ledfordminerals.com

Open: All year, by prior reservation at least one week in advance. Must be at least 12 years old to dig at the Jackson Crossroads mine, and must sign a release before entering. All visitors must arrive at the mine promptly at 9:00 A.M. on the day they go to the mine.

Info: This is a working mine that allows digging in mine tailings; do not enter the roped off areas. Surface hunt for crystals, dig in clay lumps, break open promising-looking rocks, and keep all you find. Bring your own tools; suggested tools include a pick, shovel, rock hammer, sledge hammer, chisels, rock bars, 5-gallon buckets, gloves, and safety glasses.

Rates: Contact owners.

Directions: From Tignall, turn off Highway 17 onto Independence Road (Country Road 184). Go west about 7.8 miles and turn right at the church onto Hollis Norman Road. The mine is the second entrance on the right.

WARRENTON / Native Moderate to Difficult

Hunt for Your Own Amethyst Crystals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Amethyst crystals

Dixie Euhedrals

Rodney Moore

1320 Chappell Road

Jackson, GA 30233

E-mail: rodney@digforcrystals.com

www.digforcrystals.com

Open: Collecting occurs on specific dates; check the website for the schedule. Reservations required.

Info: Go through tailings piles as machines bring them up. Some pit digs may be scheduled. Rock hammer, pick or small mattock, and safety glasses and closed-toe shoes are required. Quarterinch screens are helpful if you have them.

Admission: $50.00/person. Requires release form (on website).

Directions: Meet at a local meeting point on the morning of the dig.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

ATLANTA

Museum

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

767 Clifton Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone: (404) 929-6300

www.fernbankmuseum.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, noon–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Info: Some gemstones from the museum’s Joachim Gem Collection are included within the Reflections of Culture exhibit, and a children’s exhibition, Fernbank NatureQuest, includes a mineral cave feature. Gems from the collection can also be featured in temporary displays; check the website for current exhibitions.

Admission: Adults $18.00, seniors (65+) and students $17.00, children (3–12) $16.00, children 2 and under and museum members free. Accessible to people with disabilities.

Other services available: Museum store.

Directions: Call for directions, or see website.

ATLANTA

Museum

DeKalb County School Districts

Fernbank Science Center

156 Heaton Park Drive NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone: (678) 874-7102

Fax: (678) 874-7110

www.fernbank.edu

Open: School year hours: Noon–5:00 P.M. Monday–Wednesday; noon–9:00 P.M. Thursday–Friday; 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Saturday; closed Sunday. (Check website for days science center is closed, based on the school schedule.) Summer hours: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Wednesday and Saturday; 10:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. Thursday and Friday.

Info: The science center has a meteorite collection and periodically holds programs on rocks and minerals.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Call or check website for directions.

CARTERSVILLE

Museum

Tellus Science Museum (formerly Weinman Mineral Museum)

100 Tellus Drive

Cartersville, GA 30120

Phone: (770) 606-5700

www.tellusmuseum.org

Open: 7 days/week, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Info: The Weinman Mineral Gallery, one of four galleries at the Tellus Science Museum, showcases one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the southeast.

Admission: Adults $14.00, children (3–17) and students (with ID) $10.00 (tax added to admission price).

Other services available: Search for precious gems in the Vulcan Materials Company Gem Panning area. Free with the cost of admission. Check website for info on mineral symposium in April and Rockfest in June.

Directions: From Atlanta: Take I-75 North to Exit 293 (Highway 411), and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Travel less than ½ mile and turn left at the traffic light on to Tellus Drive, which terminates in the museum parking lot.

DAHLONEGA

Mine Tour

Consolidated Gold Mines

185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Phone: (706) 864-8473

E-mail: info@consolidatedgoldmine.com

www.consolidatedgoldmine.com

Open: All year, 7 days/week. Winter, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Friday, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Saturday–Sunday; summer, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily. Arrive at least one hour before closing.

Info: Tour an actual underground gold mine as it appeared at the turn of the century. See displays of the actual equipment used, and discuss the excavating and mining techniques used. Learn the geology of the quartz and pyrite formations with which the early miners worked. Walk through the tunnel network complete with the original track system. The tour lasts 40 to 45 minutes. The mine is 60°F all year, so dress appropriately.

Admission: Adults $16.00, children (4–14) $11.00. All paid admissions receive gold panning instructions and a sample of material.

Other services available: Souvenir shop (offers a variety of rocks and minerals), restrooms.

Directions: The site is just beside the Walmart shopping center in Dahlonega.

DAHLONEGA

Museum, State Historic Site

Dahlonega Gold Museum

State Historic Site

1 Public Square

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Phone: (706) 864-2257

www.gastateparks.org/info/dahlonega

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Info: The museum tells the story of the nation’s first major gold rush. In 1828, 20 years before the discovery of gold in California, thousands of gold seekers flocked to the area inhabited by the Cherokee Nation in north Georgia. For more than 20 years prospectors continued to arrive, and the gold towns of Auraria and Dahlonega prospered. Between 1838 and 1861, more than $6 million in gold was coined by the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega.

Note: Some exhibits are on the second floor and are not wheelchair-accessible.

Admission: Adults $7.00, seniors (62+) $6.50, children (6–17) $4.50, under 6 $2.00.

Directions: Inside the city limits of Dahlonega, on the Public Square.

Elberton Granite

Elberton is hailed as the Granite Capital of the World. While most granite quarries are less than 150 feet deep, geologists estimate the Elberton deposit to be 2 to 3 miles in depth. The physical properties and characteristics are perfect for the over 200,000 granite monuments, markers, and mausoleums made in Elberton each year.

ELBERTON

Museum

Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit

Elberton Granite Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 640

1 Granite Plaza

Elberton, GA 30635

Phone: (706) 283-2551

www.egaonline.com/learn/elberton-granite-museum

Open: 2:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday. Closed major holidays.

Info: The museum contains historical exhibits and artifacts, educational displays, and materials about the granite industry. Exhibit space on three levels graphically displays the unique granite products of the past, antique graniteworking tools, and yesteryear’s methods of quarrying, sawing, polishing, cutting, and sandblasting granite cemetery memorials. Exhibits also show how current quarrying methods and fabricating processes are carried out in Elberton’s 35 different quarries and more than 100 manufacturing plants.

Admission: Free. Visitors may obtain a small specimen of granite for their collections.

Directions: Elberton is located in northeast Georgia, midway between I-85 and I-20. From the north, take State Highway 17 south from the Lavonia Exit on I-85 until you come to the granite museum. From the south, take State Highway 77 from the Union Point exit on I-20, to Elberton, then turn left on Highway 17 to the museum, or from the Washington exit on I-20, take State Highway 17/U.S. 78 north and follow State Highway 17 to Elberton, and the museum.

MACON

Museum

Museum of Arts and Sciences

4182 Forsyth Road

Macon, GA 31210

Phone: (478) 477-3232

E-mail: info@masmacon.org

www.masmacon.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday; 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed some national holidays.

Info: The museum has a collection of gems and minerals.

Admission: Adults $10.00, seniors (62+) and military $8.00, students (with ID) $7.00, children (3–17) $7.00, under 3 free.

Directions: The museum is located on U.S. 4/SR 19 just north of downtown Macon.

TALLAPOOSA

Museum

West Georgia Museum of Tallapoosa

185 Mann Street

P.O. Box 725

Tallapoosa, GA 30176

Phone: (770) 574-3125

E-mail: westgeorgiamuseum@gmail.com

www.tallapoosaga.gov/museum

www.westgeorgiamuseum.com

Open: 9:00 A.M–4:00 P.M. Monday–Friday, 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Saturday.

Info: The museum has a small collection of minerals from Haralson County.

Admission: Adults $2.00, children (4–12) $1.00, children under 4 free.

Directions: From Interstate 20, take exit 5 (Highway 100), and go north on Highway 100 to Tallapoosa. In Tallapoosa, stay on Highway 100 to Mann Street; turn left to the museum.

VILLA RICA

Museum

Pine Mountain Gold Museum at Stockmar Park

1881 Stockmar Road

Villa Rica, GA 30180

Phone: (770) 459-8455

www.pinemountaingoldmuseum.com

Open: 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; 1:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M. Sunday. Panning and tram close at 3:30 P.M. Closed major holidays.

Info: Exhibits and a documentary tell the story of gold mining in the Villa Rica area. The 27-acre park has over 3 miles of self-guided walking trails with interpretive signage through the intact ruins of the gold mines. An authentic 19th-century gold-stamp mill is on display.

Admission: Adults $5.00 donation, seniors and children (3–12) $4.00 donation, children under 3 free. Group rates available.

Other services available: Gold and gemstone panning; picnic area.

Directions: From Atlanta: Take I-20 West to Exit 26, Liberty Road. Turn right and go 1.3 miles until the road ends at Hwy 61. Turn right and go 0.2 miles to Stockmar Road. Turn right and go 1.2 miles and the park is on your left.

From Alabama: Take I-20 East to Exit 26, Liberty Road. Turn left and go 1.8 miles until the road ends at Hwy 61. Turn right and go 0.2 miles to Stockmar Road. Turn right and go 1.2 miles and the park is on your left.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

ANNUAL EVENT

Pickens County Marble Festival, Jasper, GA

First full weekend of October

For more information:

Pickens County Chamber of Commerce

500 Stegall Drive

Jasper, GA 30143

Phone: (706) 692-5600

Fax: (706) 692-9453

E-mail: info@pickenschamber.com

www.pickenschamber.com

www.georgiamarblefestival.com

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Info: Originally the Cherokee Indians’ homeland, this part of north Georgia received its first white settlers in the 18th century. In 1834, Sam Tate purchased a large tract of land and opened a tavern. An enormous vein of marble, 2,000 feet wide, 4 miles long, and up to ½ mile deep was soon discovered in the area owned by Sam Tate. Sam’s son Stephen began the mining industry, which put Tate on the map. Through his efforts, the railroad was built through Pickens County, and Georgia marble was shipped throughout the country as construction material for many important buildings and monuments.

The Georgia Marble Company currently operates the world’s largest open-pit marble quarry. It is open to the public by special tour only during the Marble Festival. Tours leave every half hour from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. except noon. Limited handicapped tour available, which can be reserved online or by calling.

World’s Largest Open-Pit Marble Quarry

What is reported to be the world’s largest open-pit marble quarry is located in Tate. A tract of land purchased in 1834 by Sam Tate was found to have a large deposit of marble. Mining began a few years later, and marble from this quarry has been used in building construction around the country. The Marble Festival is held in nearby Jasper, Georgia, every October; this is the only time when the quarry can be toured.

No pets are allowed at the festival.

Festival admission: Adults $5.00, students $3.00, children under 5 free.

Quarry tour: Adults $15.00, children (6–12) $13.00, 5 and under free. Tour price includes festival admission.

Directions: Take I-575 to U.S. 515, which goes to the festival grounds.

ANNUAL EVENT

Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega, GA

Third full weekend of October

For more information:

Dahlonega Jaycees

P.O. Box 774

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Phone: (706) 864-7247

E-mail: festival@dahlonegajaycees.com

http://dahlonegajaycees.com/gold-rush

Info: This festival commemorates the first major gold rush in America, which occurred in 1828. Among the various arts and crafts activities is a gold panning contest.

Directions: Most of the activities are located in and around the Town Square.

ANNUAL EVENT

World Open Gold Panning Championship, Dahlonega, GA

Held annually at the same time as Gold Rush Days in October.

Info: Eight gold nuggets are placed in a gold pan filled with sand. The miner who pans the nuggets the fastest wins. The same pan and nuggets are used each year, ensuring consistency of the contest. As a result, this is the only contest of its kind to be recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

For more information, contact:

Consolidated Gold Mines

185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road

Dahlonega, GA 30533

Phone: (706) 864-8473

E-mail: consolidatedgoldmine@gmail.com

Contest website: www.worldopenpanning.homestead.com

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Georgia Department of Tourism

Phone: (800) 847-4842

www.exploregeorgia.org

KENTUCKY

State Gemstone: Freshwater Pearl (1986)

State Mineral: Coal (1998)

State Rock: Kentucky Agate (2000)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

MARION / Native Easy to Moderate

Collect Fluorite at an Old Open-Pit Mine

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Fluorite and related minerals, fluorescent minerals

The Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum

205 N. Walker Street

Marion, KY 42064

Phone: (270) 965-4263

E-mail: beclement@att.net

www.clementmineralmuseum.org

Open: Day and night digs are scheduled once a month from April to October. Check the museum website for specific dates.

Info: Two digs are scheduled on the mine dumps once each month—one during the day, and a second that night. During the day, dig for fluorite and related minerals. The night digs are for UV fluorescent minerals. Each person must bring his or her own equipment; suggested equipment includes rock hammers, small pick, small sledge hammer, pry bar, insect repellent, a 5-gallon bucket, and a UV light. You may want to bring food, water, and extra clothing as needed.

Rates: The fee for the day dig is $25.00, and the night dig is $40.00. This allows you to collect one 5-gallon bucket of specimens; additional buckets are $20.00 for day digs and $30.00 for night digs. You must make a reservation; attendance is limited to 30 during the day digs, and 20 for the night digs. Registration forms are available on the website. Private digs may be arranged for groups.

Other services available: Mineral digs and annual gem, mineral, and jewelry show the first weekend in June.

Directions: Contact the mineral museum for directions.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

BENHAM

Museum

Kentucky Coal Mine Museum

231 Main Street

Benham, KY 40807

Phone: (606) 848-1530

www.benhamky.org

Open: Year round; closed some holidays. 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Info: Benham was originally a company town owned by International Harvester; the museum is located in the former company commissary. Photographs, memorabilia, videos, and scale models are used to present the story of coal mining in Kentucky. See the floor plan of a typical underground coal mine, and view displays on the formation of coal. (A personal collection of country music legend Loretta Lynn is displayed on the third floor of the museum.) A mine tour is available in Lynch, 2 miles away. There is an opportunity for visitors to obtain a piece of coal for their personal collections.

Admission: Museum: Adults $8.00, seniors (62+) $6.00, college and high school students $5.00, children (3–12) $3.00, children under 3 free. Combination tickets available for museum and Portal 31 Mine Tour. (See entry on next page under Lynch.)

Directions: The museum is located in Benham, which is on State Highway 160, just off of U.S. 119, 25 miles east of Harlan and approximately 55 miles from 25 E.

COVINGTON

Museum

Behringer-Crawford Museum

Devou Park

1600 Montague Road

Covington, KY 41011

Phone: (859) 491-4003

E-mail: info@bcmuseum.org

www.bcmuseum.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Thuesday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed Mondays and national holidays.

Info: The museum has periodic displays of gems and minerals from their collection, which includes quartz, barite roses, gold, pyrite, and a large geode.

Admission: Adults $9.00, seniors $8.00, children $5.00. Accessible to visitors with mobility impairment. Free parking.

Other services available: Museum store.

Directions: See website for detailed directions.

LEXINGTON

Museum

Headley-Whitney Museum

4435 Old Frankfort Pike

Lexington, KY 40510

Phone: (859) 255-6653

www.headley-whitney.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday, noon–5:00 P.M. Saturday–Sunday. Closed December 20–March 10. Call or check website for Thanksgiving and other holiday hours.

Info: The museum’s Jewel Room exhibits George Headley’s collection of jewelry, bibelots (decorative art objects), and mounted semi-precious stones. Pieces date from the early 1930s to the late 1970s.

Admission: Adults $10.00, seniors (62+) and students $8.00, children under 8 free. Group rates available.

Other services available: Gift shop.

Directions: Located 6 miles from downtown Lexington. Take New Circle Road (Route 4) to Exit 6, Old Frankfort Pike. At the end of the ramp, follow signs to Frankfort. The museum is located 4 miles from the exit at 4435 Old Frankfort Pike.

LYNCH

Mine Tour

Portal No. 31 Mine Tour

c/o Kentucky Coal Mine Museum

231 Main Street

Benham, KY 40807

Phone: (606) 848-1530

E-mail: kycoalmuseumportal31@kctcs.edu

www.portal31.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday. Mine closes for the winter; check website for dates.

Info: The mine tour is presented in association with the Kentucky Coal Mine Museum in Benham (see previous listing). Mine tours are available by reservation only; make reservations through the museum. Lynch, located 2 miles from Benham, was originally a company town owned by U.S. Steel. The mine tour features a ride into the mine by rail car. Visitors will be outfitted with the traditional protective gear of coal miners. The tour also includes an exhibit on the pony mine days, and displays of mining technology at various time periods are along the tour. The Louisville and Nashville RR station is open to the public with an exhibit on the UMWA. Portal 31 RV park is located directly across from the Portal.

Admission: Portal 31: Adults $15.00, seniors (62+) $12.00, high school and college students $9.00, students (3–12) $6.00, children under 3 free with parents. Combo Portal and Museum: Adults $20.00, seniors (62+) $16.00, high school and college students $12.00, students (3–12) $9.00, children under 3 free with parents.

Directions: Follow U.S. 119 to Cumberland and follow 160 on to Lynch.

MARION

Museum

The Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum

205 N. Walker Street

P.O. Box 391

Marion, KY 42064

Phone: (270) 965-4263

E-mail: beclement@att.net

www.clementmineralmuseum.org

Open: June–September, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday. January–May and October–December, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Wednesday–Saturday. Closed all major holidays and from December 24 to January 1.

Info: Ben E. Clement operated a succession of fluorspar mines in Kentucky during the period of economic growth of the fluorspar industry. Beginning in the 1920s, the mines supplied fluorspar ore to the steel industry for use as flux (a cleaning or flowing agent). In the 1960s, faced with competition from cheaper foreign fluorspar, Clement turned to supplying fluorite and accessory minerals to a growing collector market. During his career he undertook an effort to preserve the mining past. The resulting museum houses thousands of fluorite specimens, accessory minerals, photographs, and other memorabilia.

Admission: Adults $5.00, seniors $4.50, children (6–11) $3.00. Children under 5 free with a paid adult. Group rates and educational classes are available.

Other services available: Gift shop. Mineral digs and annual gem, mineral, and jewelry show the first weekend in June.

Directions: Call for directions. Map available on website. Parking is off the College Street entrance.

OLIVE HILL

Museum

Northeastern Kentucky Museum

1385 Carter Caves Road

Olive Hill, KY 41164

Phone: (606) 286-6012

E-mail: jimplummer@gmail.com

www.kymuseum.org

Open: Spring and fall, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; summer, 9:00 A.M.–dark; winter, by appointment only.

Info: The museum has displays of rocks, minerals, jewelry, and fossils.

Admission: Free.

Other services available: Gift shop.

Directions: The museum is located just outside of Olive Hills, KY, near Carter Caves State Resort Park.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism

Capital Plaza Tower, 22nd floor

500 Mero Street

Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: (800) 225-8747; (502) 564-4930

www.kentuckytourism.com

In 1986, freshwater pearls were designated Kentucky’s official state gemstone. Pearls are formed by organisms such as oysters, clams, mussels, and even snails. Freshwater pearls can be found in the Tennessee River Valley and the Mississippi River Valley of Kentucky. While most gemstones come from minerals, which are inorganic, pearls belong to a group of gemstones that come from organic sources, created by or formed from living organisms.

LOUISIANA

State Gemstone: Cabochon-Cut Oyster Shell (2011)

State Mineral: Agate (1976)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

No information available.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

LAFAYETTE

Museum

Lafayette Science Museum

433 Jefferson Street

Lafayette, LA 70506

Phone: (337) 291-5544

www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–6:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: Meteorite exhibit containing meteorites and tektites from around the world.

Admission: Adults $5.00, seniors (62+) $3.00, children (4–17) $2.00, under 4 free.

Directions: Located in downtown Lafayette. See website for street map.

MONROE

Museum

Museum of Natural History

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Hanna Hall 1st Floor

Monroe, LA 71209

Phone: (318) 342-1868

www.ulm.edu/mnh

Open: During university semesters, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. Monday–Thursday; 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Friday; 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. first Saturday of the month. Closed major holidays and university vacations.

Info: Exhibits of rocks, gems, and minerals, with an emphasis on the natural history of North Louisiana.

Admission: Donations greatly appreciated.

Directions: Located on the first floor of Hanna Hall on University Avenue on the ULM campus.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Louisiana Office of Tourism

Phone: (800) 677-4082

www.louisianatravel.com

Louisiana House Bill 246, signed in 2011, created a new Louisiana state gemstone. The new oyster-shell gemstone is fashioned from a species of mollusk that is bountiful off the Louisiana coast. It is hoped that the new gemstone will be a boost to tourism and the state’s struggling seafood industry. As a result of this bill, the former official state gemstone, the agate, found in Louisiana gravel, has been renamed the official state mineral.

MISSISSIPPI

State Stone/Rock: Petrified Wood (1976)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

No information available.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

FLORA

Geological Site

Mississippi Petrified Forest National Natural Landmark

124 Forest Park Road

Flora, MS 39071

Phone: (601) 879-8189

E-mail: info@mspetrifiedforest.com

www.mspetrifiedforest.com

Open: 7 days/week. April 1–Labor Day, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Labor Day–April 1, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Info: Huge stone logs along the nature trail give a glimpse into prehistoric times. The earth science museum contains a large map with examples of petrified wood found in every state and other countries. The museum also displays minerals from around the world and a black–light display of fluorescent minerals.

Admission: Adults $7.00, seniors $6.00, students (grades 1–12) $6.00. Admission price includes use of the picnic area, museum and displays, and petrified forest nature trail. Gem sluicing is available at an additional $4.00 per person (+ tax). Pieces of petrified wood can be purchased at the gift shop.

Other services available: A campground is available: $22.00 (+tax) for full hookups and $12.00 (+tax) for primitive camping. Leashed pets are welcome when accompanied by a responsible owner.

Directions: Detailed directions can be obtained on the website.

STARKVILLE

Museum

Dunn-Seiler Museum

Department of Geosciences

108 Hilburn Hall

P.O. Box 5448

Mississippi State, MS 39762-5448

Phone: (662) 325-3915

www.geosciences.msstate.edu/museum.htm

Open: By appointment during the school year.

Info: Mineral and rock collections, including meteorites. Displays on mineral families and properties, the three classes of rocks, plate tectonics, and Mississippi geology.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Call for directions.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Visit Mississippi

P.O. Box 849

Jackson, MS 39205

Phone: (601) 359-3297

www.visitmississippi.org

While most gemstones are mineral materials, there are organic materials and organic materials that have been mineralized which are considered gemstones. Petrified wood is one such gemstone in which the organic materials in the wood have been replaced by minerals. Petrified wood is not organic, but it does preserve an organic structure. Some other organic materials considered gemstones are pearl, amber, and coral. Mineralized organisms include petrified wood, fossil coral, dinosaur bone, and other fossilized organisms.

MISSOURI

State Mineral: Galena (1967)

State Rock: Mozarkite (1967)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

Recreational Mineral and Rock Collecting in the Mark Twain National Forest

The occasional surficial removal of small amounts of rocks or minerals for personal use only is permitted in the Mark Twain National Forest. No new ground disturbance is permitted. For information on the forest, see www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf. The rockhounding area is in the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District. National forest office: Mark Twain National Forest, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401, (573) 364-4621. Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District office: 10019 West State Highway 8, Potosi, MO 63664, (573) 438-5427.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

ALEXANDRIA / Native Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Geodes

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Crystal-lined geodes

Sheffler’s Rock Shop and Geode Mine

Tim Sheffler

R.R.1, Box 171

Alexandria, MO 63430

Phone: (660) 754-1134

E-mail: shefflerrockshop@hotmail.com

Open: April 1–December 1, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M., 6 days/week (closed Sundays). Call ahead for conditions at the mine, since weather affects digging at the mine.

Info: Geode mine digging; easily accessible strip mine. You can find geodes lined with minerals such as calcites, pyrites, barites, selenite needles, dolomite, sphalerite, kaolinite, aragonite, and goethite. You must provide your own equipment; you will need a bucket, pry bar, pick, chisel, or rock hammer. A shovel may be useful. Bring plenty of drinking water.

Rates: $25.00 per person for 50 pounds of geodes; $0.75/pound for over 50 pounds. Call to make reservations.

Geodes

Geodes are round stones that have a crystal-filled hollow in the middle. They began as gas-filled bubbles in lava, or as soft areas in rock, which were eroded. Over time, water containing minerals seeped into the hollow and evaporated, leaving the minerals behind as crystals.

The geodes from eastern Missouri are lined with a layer of chalcedony, a form of quartz, which holds the geode together. These geodes have clear and smoky quartz crystals inside, with different mineral buildups in them. The buildups could be clear or white calcite, iron pyrite, goethite, or pink dogtooth calcite with brown calcite crystals; some have fluorescent crystals.

Other services available: Rock shop includes a display of opened geodes, mineral specimens, and fossils.

Directions: On U.S. 61, 6 miles west of Alexandria; 3 miles south of Wayland; mile north of the intersection of Route 27 and U.S. 61. See Facebook for maps and detailed directions.

ST. FRANCISVILLE / Native Easy to Moderate

Dig Your Own Geodes

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Geodes

Hill Top Mud Bogg

St. Francisville, MO 63465

Phone: (660) 754-6361

E-mail: r_k_alvis@hotmail.com

www.randkfireandice.com

Open: Contact in advance for dig dates.

Info: Dig for geodes.

Rates: Call for rates.

Directions: ½ mile south of the Iowa state line on Hwy 27.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

GOLDEN

Museum

Golden Pioneer Museum

Highway 86 and “J”

P.O. Box 216

Golden, MO 65658

Phone: (417) 271-3300

Open: Mid-April–mid-November, 10:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday.

Info: The museum displays minerals from around the world, including what is reported to be the world’s largest turquoise carving, made from a 68-pound nugget. The museum also contains what is reported to be the largest double terminated single quartz crystal (1,250 pounds), a single cluster of quartz crystals weighing over 4,000 pounds, and a large display of amethyst, fluorite crystals, and selenite clusters. Recent donations of gem and mineral collections have increased the museum exhibits.

Admission: Free. Donations appreciated.

Directions: Located in Golden at the intersection of Highway 86 and “J,” on Table Rock Lake, between Branson, MO, and Eureka Springs, AR.

JOPLIN

Museum

Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum

Schifferdecker Park

P.O. Box 555

Joplin, MO 64802

Phone: (417) 623-1180

www.joplinmuseum.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. Tuesday, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Wednesday–Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Info: The museum has exhibits of ore specimens and mining artifacts depicting the story of lead and zinc mining in the Tri-State (Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) area.

Admission: Adults $2.00, family rate $5.00/family, free Tuesdays. Group rates available.

Other services available: Schifferdecker Park also contains a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, tennis and basketball courts, and a golf course.

Directions: Located in the Joplin Museum Complex. From I-44, take exit 4 for Coyote Drive north (MO 43) to Schifferdecker Avenue to Schifferdecker Park.

KANSAS CITY

Museum

University of Missouri–Kansas City

Richard L. Sutton, Jr., MD

Museum of Geoscience

Rm. 271 Robert H. Flarsheim Hall

5110 Rockhill Road

Kansas City, MO 64110

Phone: (816) 235-1334

E-mail: geosciences@umkc.edu

www.cas.umkc.edu/geosciences/geomuseum.asp

Open: 8:30 A.M–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday, when school is in session.

Info: The museum has the following displays: a large collection of petrified wood; agates, including several dozen specimens from the basalt lavas of Lake Superior; thirty crystals containing liquid inclusions; more than 500 matched cabochons of semiprecious stones and unusual stones; selenite crystals, minerals from the Joplin mining district; specimens from the Kansas City area; and a spectacular fulgurite, several feet long, formed when lightning struck the ground and fused the soil and shale.

Admission: Free.

Directions: See website.

PARK HILLS

Museum

Missouri Mines State Historic Site

P.O. Box 492

Highway 32

Park Hills, MO 63601

Phone: (573) 431-6226; (800) 334-6446

www.mostateparks.com/momines.htm

Open: April–November, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, noon–6:00 P.M. Sunday; December–March, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Friday–Saturday, noon–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed major holidays.

Info: The museum has 1,100 specimens of minerals, ores, and rocks on display. The collection is based on an original collection by Missouri’s first great mineral collector, Fayette P. Graves. The mineral gallery has 27 cases, some of which are antique display cases built in the 1920s. Eleven of the cases contain a collection demonstrating the systematic classification of minerals. The museum also has a fluorescent mineral room, dominated by minerals from Franklin, N.J., zinc mines. There is also a display featuring Missouri minerals as well as specimens of other minerals easily collected in the state.

The museum has a gallery featuring some of the underground mining machinery used in area mines. In addition, some of the mining buildings at the museum complex are being restored, and historical interpretations and walking tour trails will be installed.

The area is known as the “Old Lead Belt.” Major corporation lead mining occurred between 1864 and 1972, and the area was the nation’s leading producer of lead for 60 of those years.

The museum is handicapped accessible.

Special note: The mine mill area designated as Missouri Mines State Historic Site is part of the St. Joe State Park, where there is a lead advisory for off-road vehicle riding in effect.

Admission: Adults $4.00, students (6–12) $2.50, children under 6 free.

Directions: On the south side of Highway 32, 1½ miles west of the junction with U.S. 67 in Park Hills.

POINT LOOKOUT

Museum

Ralph Foster Museum College of the Ozarks

1 Cultural Court

Point Lookout, MO 65726

Phone: (417) 690-3407

E-mail: museum@cofo.edu

www.rfostermuseum.com

Open: February–mid-December, 9:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving week.

Info: The museum has several displays of minerals and rocks. These include a display of minerals in the Ozarks, which has varied types of quartz, jasper, graphite, mica, pyrite, copper, and others. There are also displays of many types of geodes, quartz crystals, and over 150 different minerals. There is a display of mineral spheres and of fluorescent minerals.

Admission: Adults $6.00, seniors (62+) $5.00, high school age and under free.

Directions: On the college campus in Point Lookout two miles south of Branson.

ROLLA

Museum

Mineral Museum–Missouri University of Science and Technology

Department of Geology and Geophysics

129 McNutt Hall

1400 N Bishop Avenue

Rolla, MO 65409

Phone: (573) 341-4616

Open: 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday, when school is in session.

Info: The museum has about 3,500 specimens of minerals, ores, and rocks from 92 countries and 47 states on display. The collection is based on an original collection from the state of Missouri exhibit displayed at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, along with minerals donated by Mexico and the Missouri geology collection from the 1893 Chicago World Fair. Displays of gemstones and gold specimens from Peru are among the museum highlights.

Admission: Free.

Directions: On the university campus in Rolla.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Missouri Division of Tourism

P.O. Box 1055

Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (800) 519-2100; (573) 751-4133

www.visitmo.com

NORTH CAROLINA

State Gemstone: Emerald (1973)

State Stone/Rock: Unakite/Granite (1979)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

Introduction to Gem Mining in North Carolina: Cowee Valley Mines

The list of gems and minerals native to this valley in Franklin is said to include the following:

Rubies

Sapphires

Rhodolite, almandite, and pyrope garnet

Periodot

Sillimanite

Quartz crystal

Rutile

Kyanite

Mica

Feldspar

Moonstone

Although Native Americans probably collected gemstones in the Cowee Creek Valley long before 1800, gemstones found in the valley in the gravel of the Caler Fork of Cowee Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River, soon after the Civil War resulted in a systematic search of the area. Rubies and sapphires were found in the gravel of the Caler Fork for a distance of 3 miles. These finds led to commercial exploration by two developers in particular, the American Mining and Prospecting Co. and the United States Ruby Mining Co. These developers searched for the source of the gems found in the creek gravel; however, to this day, this source has never been discovered. One theory is that the gem-bearing matrix has completely washed out of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, and consequently there is no mother lode in the range. All that remains are the crystals that settled into the relatively protected beds of the valley.

There are only two places in the world where sandy gravel yields blood-red rubies. One is in the Mogok Valley in Burma, India, and the other is in the Cowee Valley of North Carolina. The blood-red rubies are considered to be more valuable than diamonds of equal quality.

The commercial ventures, meeting failure, pulled out of the area in the early 1900s, and the land was divided into small farms. The sands of the valley were never subjected to intensive commercial mining, thus leaving a wealth of material for the collector. In response, several mines opened to offer mining of gems from the Cowee Valley gravel.

Actually, calling them mines is somewhat misleading. There are no tunnels or shafts or any of the equipment associated with underground mining. The gem-bearing ore is located along the Caler Fork of Cowee Creek in a layer of mud, clay, and gravel, which varies from 2 to 10 feet in depth.

Most mine owners excavate the ore in a shallow surface mine and supply the excavated ore to collectors in buckets or bags; the collector washes the same dirt he or she would have dug, but without the work of digging and transporting the ore to the flume. At the time of this writing, the authors have located only one mine in the Franklin area where a collector can still dig his or her own gem ore from the source. There are also mines where prospectors can screen natural gravel, which the mine owners/operators say has not been salted or enriched.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

BLOWING ROCK / Native and Enriched Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Ruby, emerald, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, moonstone, rhodolite, aquamarine, turquoise, ametrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine

111 Mystery Hill Lane

Blowing Rock, NC 228605

Phone: (828) 264-4499

E-mail: goldsmith@docsrocks.net; or doc@docsrocks.net

www.docsrocks.net

Open: Year round, 7 days/week, 9:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed Christmas day.

Info: Gemstone and fossil ore from several different mines in the Appalachian Mountain range (North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia) are mixed, then put in buckets. If you don’t find anything of value in your first bucket, the mine will provide second bucket free. There is seeded ore available in the gift shop.

Rates: Gem ore buckets $12.00–$55.00.

Other services available: Rockhound tours; gemstone cutting.

Directions: On U.S. 321, approximately one mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

BOONE / Enriched Easy

Screen Your Own Gems and Minerals

The following gems or minerals can be found:

Topaz, garnet, aquamarine, peridot, ruby, star sapphire, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, tourmaline, emerald

Foggy Mountain Gem Mine

Nik Vames

4416 NC Highway 105 S

Boone, NC 28607

Phone: (828) 963-GEMS (4367)

www.foggymountaingems.com

The Old Pressley Sapphire Mine is the source of the Star of the Carolinas, a 1,445-carat sapphire, and the Southern Star, a 1,035-carat sapphire.

Open: All year, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; closed major holidays.

Info: Screen your own gems and minerals. Foggy Mountain provides buckets of gem ore that you screen in their flume. Indoor flume for use during bad weather. All equipment is provided.

Rates: Buckets containing both local and non-local ore range in price from $30.00–$325.00.

Other services: Gift shop, gem cutting.

Directions: Located on Highway 105, just south of Boone, NC.

BRYSON CITY / Native and Enriched Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems and minerals can be found:

Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, moonstone, rhodolite, aquamarine, turquoise, ametrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz

Nantahala River Gem Mine

Carolina Outfitters, Inc.

12121 Highway 19 West

Bryson City, NC 28713

Phone: (800) 468-7238; (828) 488-6345

E-mail: raft@carolinaoutfitters.com

www.nantahalarafts.com

Open: Memorial Day–Labor Day, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily; rest of the year by reservation.

Info: Sluice a bucket of gem dirt in a covered, lighted gem sluice.

Rates: Gem ore bucket: $45.00. Can be shared by 2 miners.

Other services available: River rafting, cabin rentals, horseback riding,

Directions: On Highway 19 West. Detailed directions are available on website.

CANTON / Native Material Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Sapphires (pink, blue, gray, white, bronze), zircon, garnet, mica

Old Pressley Sapphire Mine

George and Brenda McCannon

240 Pressley Mines Road

Canton, NC 28716

Phone: (828) 648-6320

www.oldpressleymine.com

Open: 7 days/week. Summer, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Winter, 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.

Info: Buy buckets of ore from the mine (native stones only) or prospect in mine tailings.

Rates: Buckets of ore range from $10.00–$100.00. Prospecting: April–October $25.00, November–March $20.00. Group rates available.

Other services available: Refreshments, restrooms, picnic area, mountain scenery, rock shop, souvenirs.

Directions: From I-40, take exit 33 and travel north on New Found Road for ½ mile, turn left, and follow the signs to the mine.

CHEROKEE / Enriched Native Ore Easy

Pan for Gold or Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, topaz, garnet, citrine, smoky quartz, gold

Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine

Highway 441 North

Cherokee, NC 28719

Phone: (828) 497-6574

E-mail: info@smgrm.com

www.smgrm.com

Open: 7 days/week, March–November, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.

Info: Enriched native ore is sold by the bag or the bucket.

Rates: Bag of gold ore: $5.00, bag of gem ore: $4.00–$10.00.

Other services available: Gem, jewelry, and rock shop. Jeweler and lapidary on site.

Directions: Located on Highway 441 North by the river, about ½ mile south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

CHIMNEY ROCK / Enriched Easy

Screen Your Own Gems l and Minerals

The following gems or minerals can be found:

Aquamarine, emerald, ruby, peridot, garnet, quartz, agate, hematite, amethyst, sodalite, and more

Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine

397 Main Street

Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Phone: (828) 625-5524

E-mail: info@chimneyrockgemmine.com

www.chimneyrockgemmine.com

Mining in North Carolina

Essential equipment is provided by the mine: the flume, a trough with running water, and the sluice box, a wooden tray with a wire mesh screen for a bottom.

Mining at North Carolina mines basically involves putting a small amount of the gem ore (soil) in the sluice box, and then holding and gently shaking the box in the flume so that the dirt is washed away and the stones are left. The stones are then examined, and gems or minerals or stones that the miner wants are removed and placed in a container or small bag. The remaining material is dumped out, and more ore placed in the box and sluiced.

When mining in the natural soil, you may not always find a large quantity of stones, and those found may not be of gem quality or worth cutting. But for the true rockhound, the thrill is in knowing there is always the possibility that one may find that special gem or mineral at a mine, and searching until it is found. Many mines in the area have begun “enriching” or “salting” their native soil to provide additional material to find. Gems and minerals of pretty colors from around the world are mixed in with the ore in the bucket or bag. Children especially enjoy finding and identifying these added materials. When looking for a mine, ask if the gem-bearing soil is native or enriched. (See “How to Use This Guide” in the Introduction for a definition of enriched or salted material.)

Open: 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Info: Screen your own gems and minerals. Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine provides buckets of gem ore that you screen in their flume. Some dirt comes from local mines. All equipment is provided.

Rates: Buckets range in price from $8.00–$500.00.

Other services: Gift shop.

Directions: Located in the village of Chimney Rock, NC, east of Asheville on 64 and Highway 74A.

FRANKLIN / Native Easy to Moderate

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, sillimanite, rutile, moonstone, rhodolite garnet, quartz, kyanite, and pyrope garnet

Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine

41 Cherokee Mine Road

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 349-2941

www.cherokeerubymine.com

Open: May 1–late October, 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; noon–5:00 P.M. Sunday, weather permitting. Mid-September–end of the season closed Wednesdays. Check website for other closings. Note: Last “dig your own” customer accepted at 2:00 P.M. No admission to mine after 4:00 P.M.

Info: Native gem-bearing soil dug from the mine is provided in buckets for sluicing. The mine also offers a “dig your own.” Be aware that this is a strenuous physical activity. Well-behaved pets permitted.

Rates: Cash only. Adults $25.00 (includes 2 starter buckets), children 5 and under free (no separate mining screen). Additional buckets $5.00 each.

Other services available: Dig your own: $30.00 to fill six buckets; $10.00 to fill an additional four buckets.

Directions: Approximately 12 miles from Franklin. Take Highway 28 north from Franklin to Cowee Baptist Church. Just past the church, turn right on Cowee Creek Road. Stay on Cowee Creek Road to the fork of Ruby Mine Road and Leatherman Gap Road. Turn right and follow Ruby Mine Road to the Cherokee Ruby Mine.

FRANKLIN / Enriched Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone and topaz

Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine

6771 Sylva Road (441 North)

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 369-5271

E-mail: cowee@yahoo.com

www.coweemtnrubymine.com

Open: March 1–December 1, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 7 days/week. Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Info: Soil containing gems native to the region and enriched material from elsewhere can be purchased and sluiced. Help is provided to beginners, and there is a covered, lighted flume for sluicing. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Rates: Bags and buckets of gem ore range from $5.00 to $500.

Other services available: Gem cutting, rock and mineral shop, clean restrooms.

Directions: North of Franklin on Highway 441.

FRANKLIN / Native and Enriched Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz, aquamarine, gold

Gold City Gem Mine

Curtis and Susan Rhoades

9410 Sylva Road, Highway 441 North

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (800) 713-7767

E-mail: goldcity1@windstream.net

www.goldcityamusement.com

Open: May–November, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 7 days/week; winter: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Wednesday–Sunday.

Info: Soil containing gems native to the region can be purchased and sluiced. Gold panning is offered. Help is provided, and there is a covered flume for sluicing, which has been specially constructed for handicapped needs. There is a heated flume in the winter.

Rates: Gem dirt buckets: $15.00 and up. Gold dirt buckets: $25.00. Call or check website for details. Group and students rates are available.

Other services available: Clean restrooms, snacks and cold drinks, and picnic tables.

The jewelry and gift shop offers gifts and souvenirs, custom jewelry made on the premises, and jewelry repair. The rock shop sells natural rocks and minerals.

Directions: Six miles north of Franklin on Highway 441.

In 1996, a woman found a 1½-pound sapphire in a 5-gallon bucket at the Mason Mountain Rhodolite and Ruby Mine. That same year, Gem City Gold Mine yielded a 1,061-carat sapphire and a 1,104-carat ruby.

FRANKLIN / Native and Enriched Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rhodolite garnets, rubies, sapphires, kyanite, crystal quartz, smoky quartz, moonstones

Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine, aka TJRocks

Tom and Ginger Johnson

5315 Bryson City Road

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 524-4570

E-mail: tjrocks@tjrocks.org

www.tjrocks.org

Open: March–November: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: Offers native dig only and gem buckets with added gems from other locations.

Rates: Gem buckets: $30.00–$1,000.00. Dig your own pile: whole day $30.00, half day $20.00.

Other services available: Gift shop, gem cutting (cabbing and faceting), crafts and jewelry, restrooms.

Directions: From Franklin, take Highway 28 north approximately 5½ miles and look for the mine.

FRANKLIN / Native and Enriched Easy to Moderate

Dig and Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Sapphires (all colors) and pink and red rubies, garnets, rutile, kyanite, silimanite, mica, and quartz

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

The Klatt Family

6961 Upper Burningtown Road

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 369-9742

E-mail: miner.al@masonsmine.com

www.masonsmine.com

Open: March–October, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 7 days/week. November–February, call for availability.

Info: Only mine in the area where you can dig and sluice your own native gembearing dirt. All equipment is furnished at no charge, and help is provided for all. It is strongly recommend that you do not wear open-toe shoes in the mine. Dig from a pile of enriched gem ore, then screen your diggings in the flume, or buy a pre-dug bucket of gem dirt, then screen it in the flume. A night ultraviolet mine tour is also offered. Sapphires glow bright red under long-wave UV light and can be seen on the ground; no digging required. This tour lasts 45 minutes to one hour, and begins one hour after sunset; guaranteed to find a minimum of 50 carats of sapphires for the group. Available all year, weather permitting. Must be scheduled in advance.

Rates: Native mine: Adults $30.00, children (6–11) $15.00. Enriched mining: Dig your own: $25.00 for 5 buckets. Pre-dug buckets $25.00–$100.00. Emerald buckets $40.00 each. Night ultraviolet tour $120.00 for up to four miners; $15.00 each additional miner, to a maximum of 6. No children under 8. Equipment provided. $60.00 to mine using your own light.

Other services available: Picnic tables, portable toilets, free parking, primitive camping. Pets welcome.

Directions: Take Highway 28 north from Franklin to Airport Road. Turn left, and follow signs 8½ miles to the mine.

FRANKLIN / Native and Enriched Orew Easy

Dig and Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, garnets, moonstones, amethysts, smoky quartz, citrine, rose quartz, topaz, quartz crystals

Rose Creek Mine and Rock Shop

The Sterrett Family

115 Terrace Ridge Drive

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone (828) 349-3774

E-mail: rocks@rosecreekmine.com

www.rosecreekmine.com

Open: April 1–October 31, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M., 6 days/week. Closed Sunday. Last new miners admitted at 4:00 P.M.

Info: Dig your own gems in the gem tunnel.* Help is provided for beginners, and there is a covered flume for panning rain or shine. Enriched buckets can also be purchased.

* Gem tunnel: dirt from the mine is placed in a covered shed for digging.

Rates: Super buckets and concentrates $50.00–$300.00. Group rates available. Gem tunnel: $10.00 to fill two buckets; refills $5.00 each.

Other services available: Lapidary supplies and equipment, gem rough for cutting and specimens available. Clean restroom, snacks, picnic tables.

Directions: Take Highway 28 north from Franklin. Turn left on Bennett Road at the Little Tennessee River.

FRANKLIN / Native and Enriched as Indicated Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Native rubies and sapphires, or enriched material from around the world

Sheffield Mine

385 Sheffield Farm Road

Franklin, NC 28734

Gems from the Cowee Valley and Around the World

The Cowee Valley remains a location where natural precious gemstones can be found, but is also a location where you can learn identification of gem specimens from around the world.

The lure of gems has brought people to the Cowee Valley for over 400 years, beginning with Spanish explorers in the 1500s. In recent times, the area has seen the growth of the tourism industry and many “salted” mines have sprung up. These “salted” locations may be actual mine sites or just a flume line set up alongside the road. At these “mines” you can sluice for gemstones from around the world. Besides the educational value of identifying these finds, some of the material can be cabbed or faceted. In addition, they provide practice for sluicing native materials.

On a trip to the Cowee Valley, after only two hours of sluicing, the author’s daughter, Annie, found a 12-carat sapphire which could be cabbed to a 7½-carat gem. The authors also found several smaller facetable sapphires—proving to them, at least, that there are natural gems to be found at the mines. While mining, the authors saw another gentleman who had just found a beautiful pigeon-blood-red ruby.

Phone: (828) 369-8383

E-mail: sheffieldmine@yahoo.com

www.sheffieldmine.com

Open: April 1–October 31, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. It is advisable to arrive at least 2½ hours before closing for native mining.

Info: The only native Star Ruby mine in all of the Americas; the mine has been in continuous operation for over 100 years.

Rates: Adults (15–60) $20.00, all others $15.00. Each admission includes three starter buckets of dirt. Additional buckets: native dirt $3.00 or 2/$5.00, enriched rainbow dirt $5.00 or 2/$8.00. Many types of specialty buckets, such as emerald buckets, available. Group discounts available; call for more information. Cash only. Check website for updates on credit card availability.

Other services available: Stone cutting is available, along with snacks and cold drinks.

Directions: Take Highway 28 north from Franklin. Turn right on Cowee Creek Road, then, after a mile and a quarter, turn left on Leatherman Gap Road. The sign to the mine is on the left after you cross the little bridge.

HENDERSONVILLE / Enriched Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, quartz crystals, citrine, amethyst, garnets, aventurine, sodalite, opal, fluorite, aquamarine, and more

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine

2120 Brevard Road

Hendersonville, NC 28739

Phone: (828) 692-6560

www.elijahmountain.com

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. daily. Closed some holidays.

Info: Pan for gems; indoor flume available for rainy or winter weather.

Rates: Buckets range from $10.00–$140.00; specialty buckets are available.

Other services available: Picnic tables; gift shop.

Directions: Located just 2½ miles west of Hendersonville on Hwy 64 West. From Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 49 B and go 5 miles on Hwy 64 West. The mine is on the left. From Brevard, take Hwy 64 East for about 12 miles. The mine is on the right.

HIDDENITE / Native or Enriched Easy to Moderate

Dig and Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Sapphires, garnets, emeralds, hiddenite, smoky quartz, rutile, tourmaline, clear quartz, aquamarine, sillimanite, and others

Emerald Hollow Mine—Hiddenite Gems, Inc.

Dottie Watkins

P.O. Box 276

484 Emerald Hollow Mine Drive

Hiddenite, NC 28636

Phone: (828) 625-1125; (828) 632-3394 (sluiceway)

E-mail: info@hiddenitegems.com

www.hiddenitegems.com

Open: All year, 8:30 A.M.–sunset, 7 days/week; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Info: Sluice for gems in buckets of predug dirt, dig your own, or search for gems in the creek. Help is provided, and there is a covered flume for sluicing.

What Is Hiddenite?

Hiddenite is a transparent, emerald-green variation of the mineral spodumene. Spodumene is a member of a group of rocks known as pyroxenes and occurs in granite pegmatites, together with minerals such as tourmaline and beryl. Hiddenite is found only in Alexander County and is rarer and more valuable than emerald.

Rates: Sluicing at the flume: $5.00/person admission, includes one bucket of mine dirt. Sluicing/creeking: $10.00/person, includes one bucket of ore. Combination (includes digging or prospecting at the mine, as well as sluicing and creeking) $20.00/person. Set of digging tools can be rented for $5.00 with a $10.00 refundable deposit. Additional buckets at the sluice range up to $100.00/bucket. For serious diggers at the mine with serious equipment (more than buckets, shovels, and small rock hammers), the digging permit is $45.00/person per day, and the equipment must be approved by mine personnel before being used.

Other services available: Beverages, picnic tables, lapidary shop, gift shop, and restrooms.

The mine also offers special educational programs for students. The trip includes surface collection, searching creeks for gems, and sluicing a bucket of ore.

Directions: The mine is approximately 20 minutes from I-40 in Statesville. From I-40, take US-64/NC-90 (exit 148) off I-40. Go west on US-64 towards Taylorsville for approximately

11.2 miles. Turn right on Old Mountain Rd. (There will be a small “Hiddenite Next Right” sign at the turnoff.) Proceed through downtown Hiddenite to a stop sign where the road ends. Turn left and look for a sign and Emerald Hollow Mine Drive immediately on the right. Turn right onto the gravel drive. Observe caution signs when approaching the mine.

HIGHLANDS / Native or Enriched Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz

Jackson Hole Trading Post and Gem Mine

9770 Highlands Road

Highlands, NC 28741

Phone: (828) 524-5850

E-mail: jacksonholenc@gmail.com

www.jacksonholegemmine.com

Open: 7 days/week, May 1–November 1, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.

Info: Purchase soil containing gems native to the region and buckets of enriched material, and sluice for gems. Help is provided, and there is a covered flume for sluicing.

Rates: Buckets of ore: Small: $10.00 each. Ultimate: $30.00 each, or 2 for $50.00. Bucket Club: $100.00 each, comes with a $45.00 free cut of a gemstone from your bucket.

Other services available: Clean restrooms, gem shop, gem cutting.

Directions: East of Franklin on US 64 and Highway 28, halfway between Franklin and Highlands.

LEICESTER / Native and Enriched Easy to Moderate

Pan for Gold and Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, rose quartz, citrine, amethyst, garnets, fluorite, moonstone, smoky topaz, calcite, blue kyanite, gold

Randall Glen Gem Mine

96 Randall Cove Road

Leicester, NC 28748

Phone: (828) 683-5758

E-mail: info@RandallGlen.com

www.randallglen.com

Open: 10:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Tuesday–Sunday; last bucket at 4:00 P.M. From December 1 through April 1, call beforehand to be sure the mine is open.

Info: Dig a bucket of gem dirt at the mine shaft and sluice it at the mine’s flume. Keep all that you find. Pan for gold in the creek. All equipment is provided.

Rates: Gem mining: Buckets range from $10.00–$150.00. There is even a wooden chest for $1,000.00. Gold panning: $12.50 or $25.00 per person per day.

Other services provided: Picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, gem dirt or gold dirt shipped by mail, luxury vacation cabin rentals.

Directions: The mine is 15 miles northwest of Asheville. Randall Glen is part of the Pisgah National Forest.

MARION / Native Moderate

Mine Your Own Gold and Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold, emeralds, aquamarine, moonstone, feldspar crystals, garnets, smoky quartz, rose quartz, blue quartz, quartz crystals, and tourmaline

Carolina Emerald Mine and Vein Mountain Gold Camp

Donald Davidson

1694 Polly Spout Road

Marion, NC 28752

Phone: (828) 738-9544

Open: All year, 7 days/week. Water flume opens at 8:30 A.M.

Info: Pan for gold at this mine, and you may also discover gems. Gold recovery equipment can be rented, including highbankers or a dredge. Gold can be found in the river gravel; gems can also be found there, or can be dug from the pegmatite.

Rates: Gem sluicing: adults $25.00, children under 11 $15.00. Gold panning and gem hunting in the creek (hand panning and digging only) $5.00.

Other services available: Gift shop.

Campground: Campsites are available for $15.00/night; $2.50 per each person more than three.

Directions: From Interstate 40, take exit 85, and drive south on Route 221 for 6½ miles. Turn left onto Polly Spout Road and drive 1¾ miles to the mine.

MARION / Enriched Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems or Pan for Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold and gemstones

The Lucky Strike

Liz McCormick

251 Lucky Strike Drive

Marion, NC 28752

Phone: (828) 738-4893

www.luckystrikegoldandgem.com

Open: All year, 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M., except Christmas Day.

Info: All equipment is supplied, and help is available. Instructions on panning are provided. Highbankers and sluice boxes are available for rent.

Rates: Gem buckets range from $10.00–$100.00. Gold nugget bags $25.00–$500.00. Gold buckets $10.00 and $15.00. Crevising for gold in the river: $5.00/day. Highbanking equipment for rent. Dredging: $12.00–$25.00/day, based on nozzle size.

Other services available at the mine: Restaurant; campground. BBQ and Music Jamboree one or two times a year. Call for dates and cost.

Directions: 5.3 miles south of I-40 on Route 221, then turn left on Polly Spout Road.

MARSHALL / Native Difficult

Take a Horseback Ride to an Old Garnet Mine or Dig Your Own

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Garnets

Little Pine Garnet Mine

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

1459 Caney Fork Road

Marshall, NC 28753

Phone: (800) 959-3513, or (828) 649-3464; (828) 649-3788 (evenings)

E-mail: info@sandybottomtrailrides.net

www.sandybottomtrailrides.net

Open: All year; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rides normally leave at 10:00 A.M., noon, and 2:00 P.M., but other times can be arranged. Digging at the mine is from 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.

Info: Rides of three or more hours go to the Little Pine Garnet Mine, where you can dig for gem quality garnets, and keep all that you find. Those who prefer can go directly to the mine for garnets. Horse and wagon rides to the mine can be arranged. For fee-digging only, you must first call to obtain permission and fill out a waiver before you will be allowed to collect at the mine. When you pay, you will be issued a ticket.

Rates: 3-hour trail ride, $85.00; 4-hour ride, $125.00. Fee-digging only $25.00/day. Fee allows collection of 1 gallon of garnet.

Directions: From Asheville, NC, take Highway 19-23 north, then take Highway 25-70 west at Exit 19A. Travel 12.6 miles, then turn left on Little Pine Road, and travel 3.8 miles to Caney Fork Road. Signs are provided.

MIDLAND / Native Easy

Pan for Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site

9621 Reed Mine Road

Midland, NC 28107

Phone: (704) 721-4653

E-mail: reed@ncdcr.gov

www.nchistoricsites.org/reed

Open: Year round, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays.

Info: Gold panning is available only during the summer months (April 1–October 31) and closes at 4:00 P.M. See full entry in Section 2 for details on the Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site.

Panning fees: $3.00 + tax/pan of ore. Instruction included. Group rate available.

Directions: From I-85 or I-77 in Charlotte, take I-485 to the NC 24/27 (Albemarle) exit #41. Turn left at the top of the ramp to take NC 24/27 east. Go 11 miles east through the community of Midland and across the Rocky River. Watch for the large brown Reed Gold Mine, NC Historic Site signs. Just across the Rocky River, turn left onto Reed Mine Road. Follow this road for 2½ miles. Entrance is on the right.

NEW LONDON / Native Easy to Moderate

Pan for Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold

Mountain Creek Gold Mine

Bill Tucker

41787A Gurley Road

New London, NC 28127

Phone: (704) 463-7749;

(704) 985-8374 (cell)

www.mtcreekgold.com

Open: All year, 7 days/week, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.

Info: Originally part of the Crowell Mine, you can pan washed or unwashed dirt, or use a highbanker or dredge to look for gold.

Rates: Call for current prices.

Other services available: Camping: $10.00/night for camp site; $15.00/night for small camper; $20.00/night for camper sites with sewer, water, and dump station. Cabins and campers available for rental—call for info.

Directions: From I-85 take the Southmont exit, and go south on Highway 8 for 28 miles, to Highway 49. Go south on Highways 8/49 4 miles, then follow Highway 8 when it splits from Highway 49. Drive 2 miles to Baldwin Road, turn left on Baldwin Road, and follow it to the end at Highway 740. Turn left on Highway 740 and travel 1½ miles to Gurley Road (first right). Turn right on Gurley Road, travel 2 miles to the sign for the mine, and follow the signs to the creek.

SPRUCE PINE / Native and Enriched Ore Easy to Difficult

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Over 100 different rocks, minerals, and gems, including rubies, sapphires, aquamarine, emeralds, garnets, smoky quartz, beryl, uranium, and fluorescent minerals

Emerald Village

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 98

McKinney Mine Road

Little Switzerland, NC 28749

Physical address:

331 McKinney Mine Road

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (828) 765-6463

E-mail: info@emeraldvillage.com

www.emeraldvillage.com

Open: 7 days/week. April, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M., May, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; summer (Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day Weekend), 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M., September and October, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed November–March.

Info: Emerald Village is located at two gem mines: Big McKinney and Bon Ami Mines. See Section 2 on Mine Tours for more information.

Sluice enriched gem-bearing soil at a shaded flume. All equipment is supplied, and help is available. Emerald Village gives you the opportunity to prospect and dig for emeralds in the dumps at the Crabtree Emerald Mine. Dig for $20.00/day by permit only—purchase permit at Emerald Village. Only hand tools are allowed, and you can keep anything you find. Must sign a waiver of liability at Emerald Village. The mine is remote and primitive, and there are no facilities of any kind. Requires digging rocks and breaking boulders.

In addition to gem mining, Emerald Village now offers gold panning, using ore from a North Carolina gold mine that has produced gold for over 100 years. The mine staff will show you how to pan and how to collect any gold in your pan.

Rates: Gem buckets range in price from $10.00 to $500.00. Gold buckets range from $10.00–$500.00. Group rates available by reservation only. Mineral collecting on the McKinney Mine Dumps: Adult $20.00, children (12 and under) $10.00.

Other services available: North Carolina Mining Museum; mine tour; picnic area; snacks and drinks; restrooms; cab shop; gemstone identification; gem cutters at work; rock and gift shop offering mining material, cut gems, finished jewelry, rocks and minerals, souvenirs, lapidary equipment; Discovery Mill exhibits and blacklight tours.

Directions: Take exit 334 (Little Switzerland) off the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, loop around and go under the parkway. Drive approximately 1 mile, then turn left onto McKinney Mine Road (the first paved left). The gemstone mine is at Emerald Village, 2 miles down the road, on the right.

Note: Most mapping systems do not recognize Little Switzerland. To find Emerald Village on MapQuest or GPS, use the street address: 331 McKinney Mine Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

SPRUCE PINE / Enriched Native Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Sapphire, crabtree emeralds, Wiseman and Brushy Creek aquamarine, rubies, tourmaline, topaz, garnets, amethyst, citrine, moonstone

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine

13780 Highway 226 South

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (888) 817-5829

E-mail: info@gemmountain.com

www.gemmountain.com

Open: All year except January and February, 6 days/week. 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. until Memorial Day, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. until Labor Day. Closed Sundays.

Info: Sluice-enriched gem-bearing soil provided in buckets. All equipment is furnished.

Gem Mountain also offers trips to 2 area mines where you can dig your own gems. Equipment, transportation and a guide are furnished. Whatever you find, you get to keep. The Brushy Creek Aquamarine Mine is a relatively new mine that has been producing aquamarine, garnet, golden beryl, tourmaline, and some smoky quartz. The Hoot Owl Mine is a historic mine that has been dormant for many years. Material from other mines will be brought to this location and mixed with material from the Hoot Owl Mine. Years ago the Hoot Owl Mine was worked mainly for feldspar, but aquamarine specimens as large as 150 pounds have been reported along with some small emeralds.

Rates: No admission fee. Buckets are sold at the flume line. Prices range from $20.00 each for a 2-gallon bucket to $125.00 for a 5-gallon bucket. Reservations are not normally required at the flume line unless you have a large group. Prices are subject to change.

Trip fee: Brushy Creek Aquamarine Mine: Adults $75.00, children (11 and under) $35.00. Check with Hoot Owl Mine for fees. At least 6 people required for mine tours. Mine tours are by reservation only; call 888-817-5829. Trips run April–October, Monday–Saturday, weather permitting. Leave from Gem Mountain around 10:00 A.M. and return around 2:00 P.M.

Taking small children is discouraged; if you do bring them, keep your eyes on children at all times. A waiver must be signed before anyone goes on the trip.

Other services available: Displays of local minerals and specimens from all over the U.S. and the world, gem cutting, jewelry making, gift shop, sandwich and ice cream shop, picnic area.

Gem Mountain General Store featuring quilts, crafts, candies, gifts, and more. Open 6 days/week from March through December. Groups welcome.

Directions: Located between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway, 1 mile north of the North Carolina Mineral Museum.

SPRUCE PINE / Enriched Native Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Emeralds; rubies; aquamarine; tourmaline; topaz; garnets; amethyst; rose, clear, rutilated, and smoky quartz; citrine; beryl

Rio Doce Gem Mine

14622 Highway 226 South

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Little Switzerland, NC 28749

E-mail: ejriodoce@att.net

www.riodoce.com

Open: Easter–October 31, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M., 7 days/week.

Info: Sluice enriched gem-bearing soil. The gem material is from local area mines and from famous mines in Brazil. All equipment is supplied, and help is available.

Rates: Call for prices.

Other services available at the mine: Picnic area, free stone identification, gem and gift shop, mineral specimens, gem cutting school, rough stones, gem cutting, jewelry.

Spruce Pine Area Mines

Another major gem-hunting area in North Carolina is Spruce Pine in Mitchell County. Just as the Cowee Valley is known for rubies and sapphires, the Spruce Pine area is known for emeralds and aquamarine. The only working emerald mine in North America is in Mitchell County. Approximately 250 different kinds of minerals and gems are found there. About 46% of the feldspar used in the production of porcelain, china, and glass in the U.S. comes from Mitchell County. The following gems and minerals are said to be found in mines in the Spruce Pine area:

Beryl (including emerald)

Hyalite

Autunite

Torbernite

Tourmaline

Garnet

Columbite

Sphalerite

Thulite

Epidote

Amethyst

Hiddenite

Oligoclase

Moonstone

Apatite

Uranium minerals

Kyanite

Quartz, rose and smoky

Actinolite

Spodumene

Talc

Aquamarine

Citrine

Directions: On Highway 226, ½ mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

SPRUCE PINE / Enriched Native Ore Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Many local gems, such as rubies, sapphires, garnets, aquamarine, smoky quartz, moonstone, amethyst, crystal quartz, and emeralds

Spruce Pine Gem Mine

15090 Highway 226 S

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (828) 765-7981

E-mail: sprucepinegemmine@gmail.com

www.sprucepinegemmine.com

Open: Hours vary seasonally.

Info: Spruce Pine Gem Mine has been mining the mountains of North Carolina for over 200 years. Use a covered flume to sluice enriched native gembearing soil. All equipment is furnished and experienced help is available.

Rates: Gem buckets: $15.00–$125.00.

Other services available: Free gem identification, gem cutting, custom jewelry, local mineral specimens, gift shop.

Directions: Exit 331 off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Highway 226 (next to the North Carolina Museum of Minerals).

Note: Numerous gem, mineral, and/or lapidary stores in each of the two N.C. mining areas (Franklin and Spruce Pine) have collections of native gemstones (both uncut and cut) and native minerals on display so you can view rough stones before mining. You can also bring your stones for evaluation, cutting, and mounting. Check with the Chamber of Commerce or look in the phone directory in the area of interest.

UNION MILLS / Native and Enriched Easy

Pan for Gold and Gemstones

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gold, gemstones

Thermal City Gold Mine

5240 U.S. 221 N. Highway

Union Mills, NC 28167

Phone: (828) 286-3016

E-mail: info@thermalcitygoldmine.com

www.thermalcitygoldmine.com

www.huntforgold.com

Open: March 15–October 31, 8:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 7 days/week.

Info: Site of a family-operated 1830s-era gold mine. Fine gold and an occasional nugget are found; a 7.26-ounce nugget was found in 1993. The site consists of a 1-mile section of the Second Broad River and about 60 acres of placer gravel deposits. Material for gold panning is brought up from the river using a backhoe, and this panning material is not enriched or salted. Gemstone panning material is enriched with native material.

Panning fee: Gold panning: $10.00/day per person. Gem buckets: $5.00–$75.00. Trommel, highbanker, and regular loads $50.00–$60.00, delivered 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. No loads delivered on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Other services available: Complete line of prospecting equipment, on-site gem flume and rock shop, campground (cabin rentals available), riverside camping, hot showers, most sites have electricity.

Rates: $20.00/night for primitive sites, $25.00/night for full hookup sites. Long-term rates available.

Directions: Take U.S. 221, exit 85 off I-40 at Marion, and go south toward Rutherfordton for approximately 9 miles. Look for the sign on the left and follow the signs to the mine.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

ASHEVILLE

Museum

Asheville Museum of Science

43 Patton Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

Phone: (828) 254-7162

info@colburnmuseum.org

www.colburnmuseum.org

Open: All year, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: The museum is home to an extraordinary permanent collection of gems and minerals. Opened in 1960 through a bequest by mineral collector Burnham Standish Colburn, the museum’s exhibits feature North Carolina minerals (including the rare gem hiddenite), cut gemstones, spectacular crystals from the Elmwood mine, and minerals and gems from around the world. Other exhibits include geology, meteorology, and plate tectonics.

The museum hosts an annual Gem Fest each June featuring gem and mineral dealers from all over the U.S. The museum hosts an after-school Junior Rockhounds Club and summer camps.

Admission: Adults $6.50; children (6–16), students, and seniors $5.50; under 6 free.

Directions: From Interstate 240, take exit 5A/Merrimon Avenue, and follow the signs for Highway 25 South for four blocks to Patton Avenue and turn right. From Interstate 40, take exit 50 (Highway 25, South Asheville) and continue on Highway 25 north through Biltmore Village for three miles. Parking is available streetside or in the parking garage adjacent to Rankin Avenue. Handicapped accessible.

AURORA

Museum

Aurora Fossil Museum

P.O. Box 352

400 Main Street

Aurora, NC 27806-0352

Phone: (252) 322-4238

E-mail: aurfosmus@yahoo.com

www.aurorafossilmuseum.org

Open: 9:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Saturday, and open Sundays from 12:30 P.M.–4:30 P.M. March 1–Labor Day. Closed major holidays.

Info: Collections include marine fossils (including teeth from the large shark C. megalodon) discovered in the neighboring phosphate mine. Other displays include Native American artifacts, fluorescent mineral room, rocks & minerals, and fossils from around the world. Fossil digging also available in museum’s park.

Admission: Free; donations are gladly accepted.

Directions: Call for directions.

FRANKLIN

Museum

Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum (The Old Jail Museum)

c/o The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC, Inc.

25 Phillips Street

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 369-7831

E-mail: franklingemsociety@gmail.com

www.fgmm.org

Open: May–October, noon–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; November–April, noon–4:00 P.M. Saturday only. Run by volunteers, so hours may change. Call ahead to be sure.

Info: The museum is located in the old Macon County Jail behind Rankin Square. It is operated by the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, N.C., Inc.

Collections include mineral specimens from North Carolina and around the world, and feature gemstones, rocks, minerals, Native American artifacts, and related items.

Admission: Free; donations welcome.

Directions: At the intersection of Main Street and Phillips Street in Franklin. Take a left and the museum is behind Rankin Square or left off of Palmer Street onto Phillips Street. Park on Phillips Street or in museum parking lot.

FRANKLIN

Museum

Ruby City Gems & Minerals

130 E. Main Street

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 524-3967 or

(800) 821-RUBY

E-mail: gems@rubycity.com

www.rubycity.com

Open: April–December, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday. January–March, check website or call for hours.

Info: The museum is located in the Ruby City Gem and Mineral Store on East Main Street, and can be entered from the shop.

The museum features a collection of 500 spheres, cut, ground, and polished by the original owner of the Gem Shop. In addition, there is a collection of fluorescent minerals, local minerals, as well as worldwide specimens, boasting the world’s largest sapphire and an extensive pre-Columbian artifacts collection.

Admission: Free.

Directions: On East Main Street in Franklin.

GASTONIA

Museum

Schiele Museum

1500 East Garrison Boulevard

Gastonia, NC 28054

Phone: (704) 866-6908

www.schielemuseum.org

Open: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, 1:00–5:00 P.M. Sunday; closed major holidays.

Info: The museum has a number of displays, including North Carolina gems and minerals, gold, properties of minerals, examples of gem and mineral classification systems, and faceting.

Admission: Adults $7.00, students and seniors $6.00, children under 3 free. Discounts are available for City of Gastonia residents, and museum members are free. Group rates available; call (704) 854-6676.

Directions: Located just 2 miles off of I-85. Check website for directions.

GREENSBORO

Museum

Greensboro Science Center

4301 Lawndale Drive

Greensboro, NC 27455

Phone: (336) 288-3769

E-mail: info@natsci.org

www.natsci.org

Open: All year, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 7 days/week. Closed major holidays.

Info: The collection of minerals is located in the Gem and Mineral Gallery. There are over 50 faceted N.C. mineral specimens on display.

Admission: Adults $12.50, children (3–13) and seniors (65+) $11.00, children under 2 free.

Directions: Off U.S. 220, on the north side of the city.

HENDERSONVILLE

Museum

Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, Inc.

400 N. Main Street

Hendersonville, NC 28792

Phone: (828) 698-1977

E-mail: info@mineralmuseum.org

www.mineralmuseum.org

Open: 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Friday, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Saturday; closed some holidays.

Info: Exhibits cover mineralogy, geology, paleontology, and associated lapidary art. View the Hendersonville meteorite. Geode cracking service available for a moderate fee.

Admission: Free; donations and gift shop purchases appreciated.

Directions: Corner of North Main Street and 4th Avenue, Hendersonville.

LINVILLE

Museum

Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum

P.O. Box 129

2050 Blowing Rock Highway

Linville, NC 28646

Phone: (828) 733-1059 or (800) 468-7325

E-mail: nature@grandfather.com

www.grandfather.com

Open: Spring and fall, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; winter, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; summer, 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M., 7 days/week. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Info: Grandfather Mountain has been singled out by the United Nations as a biosphere reserve because of its significance to the biodiversity of the planet. It is a privately owned and protected wildlife sanctuary, which is home to 73 rare or endangered species.

The nature museum exhibits represent most of the historically important mines and miners of the last 100 years. Through these exhibits the history of rockhounding in N.C. is traced. Each specimen is identified as to where and by whom it was found.

Displays include most of the gems and minerals found in N.C., organized by common mineral families and location. Families include quartz, garnet, radioactives, kyanite, beryl, and corundum; locations include the Foote Mineral Company in Kings Mountain and the Hiddenite area. The exhibit includes choice N.C. specimens with a focus on emeralds and the largest amount of N.C. gold on display to the public in the state.

Admission: Adults $20.00, seniors (60+) $18.00, children (4–12) $9.00, children under 4 free. Group rates available.

Other services available: Gift shop, family restaurant, hiking and picnicking, highest suspension footbridge in America, hourly nature films.

Directions: Off U.S. 221, one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and two miles north of Linville.

MIDLAND

Mine Tour/State Historic Site

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site

9621 Reed Mine Road

Midland, NC 28107

Phone: (704) 721-4653

E-mail: reed@ncdcr.gov

www.nchistoricsites.org/reed

Open: Year-round, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays.

Info: Site of the first documented discovery of gold and the first intensive mining operation in the United States as part of the nation’s first gold rush. The mine was in operation from 1803 to 1912. It was noted for the large size and purity of its gold nuggets. Gold discovery spread to nearby counties and into other southern states. North Carolina maintained a leadership in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed in importance by the great rush to California. Reed Gold Mine Historic Site is operated by the N.C. Department of Cultural Affairs, Resource Division of Archives and History, Historic Sites Section.

The site’s visitors’ center features an introductory film and exhibits on historical events, gold mining processes, and equipment. Other features include:

Mine tour: A guided tour is conducted through a restored section of the old underground mine.

Equipment tour: A tour is available of the 19th-century stamp mill used to crush ore (a mechanical engineering landmark).

Walking trails: Trails wind through the historic mining area past several shafts and tunnels and an exhibit interpreting the 1850s Engine House.

Admission: Free.

Directions: From Charlotte, take N.C. Routes 24/27 (Albemarle Road) into Cabarrus County, and travel until you cross Route 601. After crossing 601, look for Reed Mine Road; turn left and travel approximately 3 miles to the site on the right.

SPRUCE PINE

Museum

Museum of North Carolina Minerals

214 Parkway Maintenance Road

Milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (828) 765-2761

www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/museum-of-north-carolina-minerals-mp-331.htm

Open: 7 days/week, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Info: The museum is operated by the National Park Service; specimens have been provided by local individuals and commercial enterprises.

The museum provides an introduction to the region’s wealth of mineral resources. The primary focus is on minerals mined in the Spruce Pine district. Included are gemstones, fluorescent minerals, and rare radioactive rocks. Featured are quartz, local gold, and several commercial rocks and minerals, including famed feldspar. Various stages of refinement and everyday objects made from end products are displayed. The facing of the museum building itself is made of quartzite from a quarry on nearby Grandfather Mountain.

The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, located inside the museum, provides visitors with information about nearby attractions in western N.C.

Park rangers are at the museum during the summer.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Located at milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at the junction with NC Highway 226.

SPRUCE PINE

Museum/Mine Tour

North Carolina Mining Museum and Mine Tour

Emerald Village, Inc.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 98

Little Switzerland, NC 28749

Physical address:

331 McKinney Mine Road

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (828) 765-6463

E-mail: info@emeraldvillage.com

www.emeraldvillage.com

Open: 7 days/week. April, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.; May, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; summer (Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day Weekend), 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; September and October, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed November–March.

Info: Take a walking tour of a now-closed feldspar mine. The mine was originally developed by the Bon Ami Company to mine feldspar as an ingredient for its polishing cleaner. Quartz and mica were also found in the mine, along with a complex uranium mineral known as samarskite, specimens of which can be seen in the mine ceiling. Because of the presence of uranium minerals in the mine, many of the rocks contain trace amounts of uranium, making them highly fluorescent when exposed to ultraviolet light. Emerald Village offers special black light tours on selected nights between May and October. Starting time varies with the season, as the tour must begin after dark. Check the website for specific weekends when the tour will be held. Reservations not necessary.

The museum tells the story of the miners, the mining, the ores and minerals found in the mine, the equipment used, and the Bon Ami Mining Company. There are displays of antique equipment, with explanations of how they operated. The displays are in the visitors center, at the entrance to the mine, and inside part of the mine as well. Also included is a replica of a 1920s mining store.

Admission: Bon Ami Mine: Adults $8.00, seniors (60+) $7.00, students $6.00. Black light tour: Adults $15.00, students $10.00.

Directions: Take exit 334 (Little Switzerland) off the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right onto Chestnut Grove Road and go under the parkway. Drive approximately 1 mile then turn left onto McKinney Mine Road. The museum is at Emerald Village, 2 miles down the road, on the right.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

ANNUAL EVENTS

Mother’s Day Gemboree, Franklin, NC

Held during Mother’s Day weekend in May.

Macon County Gemboree, Franklin, NC

Second-oldest gem and mineral show in the southeast. Held for 4 days in July.

Admission: Adults $3.00, children 12 and under free. Phone: (888) 337-7529

“Leaf-Looker” Gemboree, Franklin, NC

Held for 3 days in October.

Admission: Adults $2.00, children (under 12) free.

Info: All three events are sponsored by the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC, Inc., and by the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. They are held at:

Macon County Community Building

U.S. 441 South

Franklin, NC

All three events offer rough and cut gems, minerals, jewelry, equipment, supplies, books, dealers, and exhibits.

For more information:

Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter Street

Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: (828) 524-3161; (866) 372-5546

Fax: (828) 369-7516

E-mail: facc@franklinchamber.com

www.franklin-chamber.com

ANNUAL EVENT

North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival, Spruce Pine, NC

Retail shows held for 4 days at the end of July and/or the beginning of August.

Admission: Adults $3.00, children (under 10) free.

Info: The festival is held at 12121 Highway 226 in Spruce Pine, at the Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center.

For information on the festival and on gem mines in Mitchell County, contact:

Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 858

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone: (828) 765-9033

www.mitchellcountychamber.org

www.ncgemfest.com

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

North Carolina Department of Commerce

Division of Tourism, Film and Sports

Development

Phone: (800) VISIT-NC or

(800) 847-4862

www.visitnc.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

State Gemstone: Amethyst (1969)

State Stone: Blue Granite (1969)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

ANTREVILLE / Native Moderate

Dig Your Own Quartz

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Milky white quartz crystals, skeletal quartz, amethyst (less common), smoky quartz (less common), pseudomorphs

Diamond Hill

Gina Clary

P.O. Box 158

Belton, SC 29627

Phone: (864) 934-3744

E-mail: dhmine@rocketmail.com

www.diamondhillmine.com

Open: Every day of the year. Sign-in is 9:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. May dig until dark. If you plan to arrive after 2:00 or wish to camp, make arrangements by calling.

Info: Collect crystals from dump/spoil piles over approximately 5 acres. May also search for veins. Bring gloves, tools (screwdriver, shovel, rake, rock hammer, sledge hammer, pick), boxes, newspaper, drinks, food, snacks, sunscreen, first aid kit. Reservations not required.

Admission: Adults $20.00, seniors (65+) and teens (13–17) $10.00, children (12 and under) $5.00. Camping is free.

Other services available: Outhouse, but no running water. Convenience store about 5 minutes away.

Directions: Take exit 21 off I-85. Go south on US 178 for about a mile and bear right onto SR 28. Stay on SR 28 all the way to Antreville. Drive past Crawford’s store till you see Emmanuel Baptist Church and turn right onto SR 284. After 2.3 miles turn right onto Suber Road. Go .7 miles and you will see a gravel road on your right, Diamond Mine Road (be careful not to turn into the gravel driveway just before this road). Turn right. The mine entrance will be on your right after half a mile.

GREENVILLE / Enriched Easy

Sluice for Gems

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gems and minerals from around the world

Greenville Gemstone Mine

205 N. Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Phone: (864) 283-6300

www.greenvillegemstonemine.com

Note: This is a secondary location of the Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine in Chimney Rock, N.C.

Open: All year, 10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. Fridays and Saturdays.

Rates: Buckets range from $8.00 to $50.00.

Other services available: Store sells jewelry and natural wonders like gems, minerals, and fossils from around the world.

Directions: Inside the storefront across from Atlanta Bread Co. on Main Street in downtown Greenville.

Mineral Collecting and Gold Panning in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Rockhounding and mineral specimen collecting in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests allows for the occasional removal of small amounts of material by hand from surface exposures of rock and quartz veins. Check website for additional information and contacts (www.fs.usda.gov/scnfs.)

The Long Cane and Andrew Pickens districts are the two primary areas of interest for recreational gold panning. A letter of authorization is required before you can pan for gold. Prospectors must submit a request for a letter of authorization to the district before arriving. Andrew Pickens Ranger District: 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mt. Rest, SC 29664; (864) 638-9568; 8:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. and 12:30 P.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. Long Cane Ranger District: 810 Buncombe Street, Edgefield, SC 29824; (803) 637-5396; 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

CHARLESTON

Museum

The Charleston Museum

360 Meeting Street

Charleston, SC 29403

Phone: (843) 722-2996

E-mail: info@charlestonmuseum.org

www.charlestonmuseum.org

Open: All year, closed major holidays. 12:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: The museum has a small display of gems and minerals, including some from Russia.

Admission: Adults $12.00, youth (13–17), children (3–12) $5.00, children under 3 free.

Directions: The museum is located in Charleston on Meeting Street at John Street.

CLEMSON

Museum

Bob Campbell Geology Museum

Clemson University

140 Discovery Lane

Clemson, SC 29634

Phone: (864) 656-4600

E-mail: bcgm@clemson.edu

www.clemson.edu/geomuseum

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M Closed university holidays.

Info: The museum houses over ten thousand rocks, minerals, fossils, lapidary objects (carvings, gemstones), and artifacts, including mining equipment from locations in South Carolina and around the world. A research library and reference collection is available. Staff members are available to identify specimens during the museum’s two open houses (Earth Day in April and Museum ID Day in September), or by appointment. The museum is handicapped accessible.

Admission: Free, but donations encouraged and appreciated. Suggested donation $3.00/person.

Directions: The museum is located in the South Carolina Botanical Garden, on the east side of Clemson University’s campus. The main entrance is located on Perimeter Road between Highway 76 and Cherry Road. If using GPS, you may need to use 103 Garden Trail as the address.

COLUMBIA

Museum

McKissick Museum

College of Arts and Sciences

University of South Carolina Campus

816 Bull Street

Columbia, SC 29208

Phone: (803) 777-7251

www.cas.sc.edu/mcks

Open: All year, 8:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Friday, 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Saturday. Closed Sundays and all university and state holidays.

Info: The museum has exhibits on natural history study, geology, and gemstones.

Admission: Free.

Directions: The museum is located at the head of the Horseshoe area on the USC Campus, near Bull and Pendleton Streets.

COLUMBIA

Museum

South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 898-4921

www.scmuseum.org

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 10:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M. Tuesday; 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday; noon–5:00 P.M Sunday. Closed major holidays.

Info: The museum has displays of gems and minerals, mostly as part of other exhibits. Others are found as part of a hands-on natural history exhibit called “NatureSpace.” The museum is fully handicapped accessible.

Admission: Adults $8.95, seniors (62+) $7.95, children (3–12) $6.95, infants 2 and under free. Military discount $1.00 off.

Directions: The museum is located at 301 Gervais Street, beside the historic Gervais Street Bridge and just a few blocks west of the state capitol in down-town Columbia.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

South Carolina Department of Parks,

Recreation and Tourism

1205 Pendleton Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 734-1700)

www.discoversouthcarolina.com

TENNESSEE

State Gemstone: Tennessee River Pearls (1979)

State Rock: Limestone (1979) and Tennessee Paint Rock Agate (1969)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

DUCKTOWN / Native Moderate

Collect Minerals in Tailings

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Garnets, pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, actinolite

Burra Burra Mine

Ducktown Basin Museum

P.O. Box 458

Ducktown, TN 37326

Phone: (423) 496-5778

www.ducktownbasinmuseum.com

Open: November–December: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday; April–October: 10:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Saturday. Previously open by appointment only, mineral collecting area is now accessible during normal hours of operation.

Info: Burra Burra mine closed in 1958, and the last mine in the Copper Basin closed in 1987. Since their closing, all the mines in the Basin have been allowed to flood. The Basin was mined for copper, iron, sulfur, and zinc from 1850.

Collection area on site (must be reached through the museum). The collection area consists of three dump truck loads of ore, not tailings, that were moved on site from the ore bins at the Tennessee Shaft. This site is in a gated area behind the Shop Building. Bring your own tools, such as a small sledge-hammer, chisels, rock hammer, and safety glasses.

Rates: Ore collecting fee: $10.00. (For museum fees, see entry under “Museums.”)

Other services available: Gift shop, mine overlook.

Directions: From Atlanta: Take Interstate 575 north from I-75. I-575 will turn into SR 5, then into U.S. 76 (SR 5-SR 515). Stay on SR 5 through McCaysville, and at Copperhill, SR 5 becomes SR 68; stay on SR 68 to Duck-town. The museum is on the right-hand side of the road, about ¾ miles past the intersection with U.S. 64.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

CAMDEN KENTUCKY LAKE

Museum, Pearl Farm Tour

Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum

Birdsong Resort and Marina

255 Marina Road

Camden Kentucky Lake, TN 38320

Phone: (731) 584-7880

www.tennesseeriverpearls.com

Open: Year round from 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: North America’s only freshwater pearl-culturing facility. See tour information under admission. Museum displays depict the freshwater pearls and mussel industry. The current location in Birdsong Creek was narrowed down from eight pilot locations, all started in 1979. The founders attempted for many years to adapt Japanese culturing techniques to our native waters and species of mussels, and 1984 was the first year they had a productive harvest.

Other services available: Gift shop features Tennessee River pearl designs. Birdsong resort, marina and camp-ground provides accommodations and recreational activities.

Admission: All tours require advance reservations and 15 or more people. Singles and small groups may add on to other existing booked tours. The full tour is $55.00 per person and lasts 3–5 hours. It includes orientation, viewing the facility, visiting with a local diver, meeting the farm manager, lunch, and souvenir shopping. Mini tour $39.50, 1–2 hours, does not include lunch or diver. School and tour bus tours are available.

In the 1800s it was common for people to collect mussels and look for pearls in the Upper Mississippi River. Some historians have compared this treasure hunt to the gold rush in California. People killed millions of mussels in the search, eliminating entire mussel beds in some areas of the river. A much greater “rush” occurred when German button-maker Johann Bopple pioneered the use of freshwater mussel shells for button-making in America in 1889. In 1889, sixty button factories were located in the Mississippi River valley, and the industry supported thousands of workers. But by 1930 the industry began to decline rapidly as mussel beds were wiped out. In the 1950s mussel hunting was again brought to life, as Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan discovered that beads created from the shells of freshwater mussels, placed into marine pearl oysters, served as nuclei for pearl creation. Pearls, valued as gemstones, are organic and formed from living organisms, unlike most other gemstones, which are minerals.

Directions: 9 miles north of exit 133 on I-40.

DUCKTOWN

Museum

Ducktown Basin Museum

212 Burra Burra Hill

Ducktown, TN 37326

Phone: (423) 496-5778

E-mail: burrabill@ellijay.com

www.ducktownbasinmuseum.com

Open: November–December: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; January–March: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Tuesday–Saturday; April–October: 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday.

Info: They say that when the first astronauts were in orbit around the earth, only two landmarks were clearly visible from space—the Great Wall of China and the denuded mining area of the Copper Basin in Tennessee. The Burra Burra Mine was a major copper-producing mine. Trees for miles around were cut for fuel to smelt the copper, and the fumes of the process devastated all vegetation for miles around. The area has since been re-vegetated, and a small museum exists at the old mine site. The State of Tennessee purchased the museum on March 9, 1988, to be the first state-owned historic industrial site. The 300 acres of denuded land has been set aside as a memorial to the devastation of the Copper Basin.

Admission: Adults $5.00, seniors $4.00, youth (13–17) $2.00, children (6–12) $1.00. For mineral collecting, see prices in entry under “Fee Dig Sites.”

Other services available: Gift shop, mine overlook.

Directions: From Atlanta: Take Interstate 575 north from I-75. I-575 will turn into SR 5, then into U.S. 76 (SR 5-SR 515). Stay on SR 5 through McCaysville, and at Copperhill, SR 5 becomes SR 68; stay on SR 68 to Duck-town. The museum is on the right-hand side of the road, about ¾ miles past the intersection with U.S. 64.

JOHNSON CITY

Museum

Hands On! Regional Museum

315 E. Main Street

Johnson City, TN 37601

Phone: (423) 928–6508

E-mail: handson@handsonmuseum.org

www.handsonmuseum.org

Open: March, June–August only. 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M Sunday. Closed major holidays.

Info: The museum is aimed at children. As part of its exhibits, it has a simulated coal mine.

Admission: Adults and children 3 and up $8.00, children 2 and under free.

Directions: Take the Market Street exit (exit 23) off I-26. Museum is located one block west, between Main and Market streets.

KNOXVILLE

Museum

The Frank H. McClung Museum

The University of Tennessee

1327 Circle Park Drive

Knoxville, TN 37996-3200

Phone: (865) 974-2144

E-mail: museum@utk.edu

http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Open: 9:00 A.M Monday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday; Closed major holidays.

Info: Exhibits explore Tennessee’s geologic history, including the rock cycle, crystals—the building blocks of rocks—and videos explaining geologic processes.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Detailed directions on museum website.

MEMPHIS

Museum

Memphis Pink Palace Museum

c/o Pink Palace Family of Museums

3050 Central Avenue

Memphis, TN 38111

Phone: (901) 636-2362

www.memphismuseums.org

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, noon–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed major holidays.

Info: A geology exhibit with two parts: physical geology and historical geology. The physical geology exhibit covers meteorites, including the Canyon Diabolo meteorite, which is as old as the sun and moon; earthquakes; seismology; and mineral exhibits. The mineral exhibit includes minerals from around the world and cases of minerals from famous mid-South localities, and spectacular geodes.

Admission: Adults $12.75, seniors (60+) $12.25, children (3–12) $7.25.

Directions: Take exit 29 off I-240 and drive east on Lamar Avenue. Take the left branch at the Y onto Central Avenue, and follow Central Avenue for several blocks. The museum will be on the left.

MURFREESBORO

Museum

The Earth Experience:

Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History

816 Old Salem Road

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 893-6565

www.theearthexperience.org

Open: 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Thursday–Saturday.

Info: Has a display of minerals from Tennessee, and a large display of fluorite and calcite crystals from the Elmwood Mine in Carthage, TN, gemstones, and artisan jewelry. New location—formerly housed in limited space as the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Mineral, Gem, and Fossil Museum.

Admission: Adults and children 13 and up: $5.00.

Directions: Take I-24 to exit 80 for New Salem Highway. Go left on New Salem, right on Middle Tennessee Boulevard, left on Old Salem Highway. Museum located on the left.

SAVANNAH

Museum

Tennessee River Museum

495 Main Street

Savannah, TN 38372

Phone: 800-552-FUNN

E-mail: info@tennesseerivermuseum.com

www.tennesseerivermuseum.org

Open: 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: Exhibit on musseling tells the story of the historic pearl button and the modern cultured pearl industries. Included in this exhibit is a section of a mussel boat, along with tools and methods used to harvest them. There are also items from a local 1930s button factory.

Admission: Adults $3.00, students and children free.

Directions: Located on Main Street in Savannah.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Tennessee Department of Tourism Development

Phone: (800) 462-8366

E-mail: tourdev@tn.gov

www.tnvacation.com

VIRGINIA

(No State Gemstone, Mineral, or Stone/Rock.)

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

AMELIA / Native Easy to Difficult

Dig for Gems and Minerals

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Beryl, amazonite, calcite, fluorite, pyrite, quartz, topaz, tourmaline, mica, feldspar, phenakite, minerals in the tantalite-columbite series, microcrystals, and more

Morefield Gem Mine, Inc.

Sam and Sharon Dunaway

13400 Butlers Road

Amelia, VA 23002

Phone: (804) 561-4050 (mine) or (804) 561-0344 (home office)

www.morefieldgemmine.com

Open: The mine is seasonal. Call or check website for schedule before visiting.

Info: Mine dump collecting, outcrop digging, and sluicing can all be done at the Morefield Mine. There are at least 80 minerals that can be found here. A collection from the Morefield Mine is on exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute.

Wear sturdy footwear to the mine and bring a container to carry your treasures home.

Rates: Adults $15.00, children ages 4–18 $8.00–$12.00, age 3 and under free.

Other services available: Gift shop, gem cutting, vending machines, restrooms, picnic area.

Directions: Get on U.S. 360 west into Amelia County. 4.8 miles after crossing the Appomattox River, turn left onto County Road 628, and continue 0.9 miles south to the mine. Map available on website.

MCKENNEY / Native and Enriched Easy

Dig or Sluice for Gems and Minerals

The following gems and minerals may be found:

Garnet, citrine, topaz, smoky quartz, tourmaline (rare), plus other gems and minerals from around the world

Lucky Lake Gem and Mineral Mine of Virginia

4125 Harpers Road

McKenney, VA

Phone: (804) 478-5468

E-mail: luckylakegems@yahoo.com

www.luckylakeva.com

Open: Mid-March–August, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; noon–6:00 P.M. Sunday. September, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Monday and Wednesday–Saturday; noon–3:00 P.M. Sunday; closed Tuesday. October–November, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: Material excavated from the mine is placed in a pile for digging and sluicing, or sold in buckets enriched with gems and minerals from around the world.

Rates: Admission is free. Dig a bucket and sluice of native gem ore from the pile: $25.00. Buckets of enriched native gem ore range from $15.00–$150.00. A $60.00 bucket includes cutting one stone, a $110.00 bucket includes some rare minerals. The flume is partially covered.

Other services available: Cutting and mounting of gems, picnic area, gift shop, snacks. Handicapped accessible.

Directions: Located on the Nottoway River, just west of McKenney, VA. Take I-85 to exit 4 (Route 40W) toward McKenney. Go 5½ miles, then turn left onto Old Beaver Pond Road (Route 612). Go approximately 1 mile and continue straight on Harpers Road for 2.3 miles. Turn left into Lucky Lake Gem and Mineral Mine (at the yellow sign).

Fairy Stones

Fairy Stone State Park takes its name from the amazing little crystals called fairy stones. Formed and found within the park boundaries, these stone crosses are composed of iron aluminum silicate, which is called staurolite. Single crystals are hexagonal and often intersect at right angles to form Roman or Maltese crosses, or at other angles to form St. Andrew’s crosses.

The formation of staurolite crystals involves an exact combination of heat and pressure such as that provided by the folding and crumpling of the earth’s crust during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. Certain types of rock that have been folded and crumpled in this manner are called schists. The staurolite crystals are usually harder than the surrounding schist and less easily weathered. As the staurolite-bearing schist is weathered away, the more resistant crystals are uncovered and come to lie on the surface. Occasionally, staurolites can be found still embedded in their schist matrix.

The crystals are found in various schist bodies from New England, southward through Virginia, and into Alabama and Georgia. Staurolite is also reported to have been found in Montana. Colors range from light brown to dark brownish-black, and sometimes even a deep red. Staurolite has the habit of forming cross-like twinned crystals; 60º twins are most common; and exceptional 90º crosses are the most prized. Also found are staurolite rosettas, unusual specimens found when three crystals grow together to form a common center.

STUART / Native Easy to Moderate

Hunt for Fairy Stones

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Staurolite crystals, also called fairy stones

Fairy Stone State Park

967 Fairystone Lake Drive

Stuart, VA 24171

Phone: (276) 930-2424

E-mail: fairystone@dcr.virginia.gov

www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/fairy-stone

Open: All year, daylight hours.

Info: No digging equipment is permitted. Bring a small container for your finds.

Rates: Free. Can take a small number of crystals for personal use; no commercial digging is permitted.

Other services available: Picnic area; hiking trails; restrooms; boat dock and rentals; swimming Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting).

State Park campground and cabins are available for use; to get more information or make a reservation, call (800) 933-7275.

Directions: Park is located off High-way 57 between Stuart and Bassett. To get to the fairy stone area, leave the park (Route 346) and turn left onto Route 57. Travel approximately 3 miles to the first service station (Haynes 57) on the left. The land on the left of the station is park property, and fairy stones may be hunted in that area.

The Legend of Fairy Stones

It is said that long, long, ago, fairies inhabited a certain quiet and remote region in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The fairies roamed freely and enjoyed the beauty and serenity of that enchanted place.

One day, they were playing in a sunny glade when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far, far away bearing the sad news of the death of Christ. When the fairies heard the terrible details of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell to the earth, they crystallized into little stone crosses. Though the fairies are no longer to be found there, the fairy stones remain in that enchanted spot as mementos of that day. (Information courtesy of Fairy Stone State Park)

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

BIG STONE GAP

Museum

Harry W. Meador, Jr., Coal Museum

East Third and Shawnee Avenue

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

Phone: (276) 523-9209

www.bigstonegap.org/attract/coal.htm

Open: 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Wednesday–Saturday. 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: Displays in the museum include a collection of photographs, mining equipment and tools, office equipment, and coal company items. The museum is owned and operated by the town of Big Stone Gap, Parks and Recreation Department.

Admission: Free.

Directions: The museum is located in the building that once served as the library and study of John Fox, Jr., author of The Trail of the Lonesome Dove and other folk tales, at the intersection of East Third and Shawnee Avenues.

BLACKSBURG

Museum

Virginia Tech Museum of Geosciences

Department of Geosciences

2062 Derring Hall

Virginia Tech

140 S Perry Street

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: (540) 231-6894

www.outreach.geos.vt.edu/museum

Open: 8:00 A.M.–5.00 P.M. Monday–Friday. Closed university holidays. Check website or call.

Info: The museum features gemstones, a large display of minerals from Virginia, and exhibits highlighting faculty research.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Derring Hall is on the northwest side of the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA.

BREAKS

Museum

Breaks Interstate Park

P.O. Box 100

627 Commission Circle

Breaks, VA 24607

Phone: (276) 865-4413

E-mail: info@breakspark.com

www.breakspark.com

Open: The park is open year-round to visitors but some activities aren’t available during the off season. Visitors’ Center: March 26–May 27, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday; May 28–June 30, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Friday–Sunday; July 1–31: daily from 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; August 1–October 30: 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Thursday–Sunday. A twenty-four-hour touch-screen kiosk is located outside the Visitor Center which offers park information and trail maps. See website for weekly tours and special events and festivals.

Info: The Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River cut a 5-mile-long gorge as deep as 1,650 feet. Trails provide access to overlooks of the rock formations in the gorge. A museum at the visitor center provides explanations of the park’s unusual geological features, and the science behind the local coal industry.

Admission: There is a $2.00/car entrance fee.

Other services provided: Campground and lodges.

Directions: Website gives detailed instructions for coming from multiple directions.

GOLDVEIN

Museum

The Gold Mining Camp Museum

Monroe Park

14421 Gold Dust Parkway

Goldvein, VA 22720

Phone: (540) 422-8170

E-mail: monroepark@fauquiercounty.gov

www.goldvein.com

Open: 9:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Wednesday–Sunday, noon–4:00 P.M. Sunday, closed major holidays. From March–October, gold panning demonstrations are held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday–Sunday, with an additional demonstration on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. (weather permitting).

Info: At one time, there were 18 gold mines in Fauquier County. The park presents the history of the search for gold in Virginia, shows everyday life in a gold camp, and demonstrates gold panning. Development of the park is ongoing.

Admission: Museum and gold panning demonstration are free.

Other services available: Office sells a variety of basic prospecting equipment, bags of creek sand concentrate with flakes of real gold, and gem specimens. Goldvein Jubilee held annually in September.

Directions: On U.S. 17, approximately 13 miles north from I-95, in Goldvein, VA.

HARRISONBURG

Museum

The James Madison University Mineral Museum

Memorial Hall, Room 6139

James Madison University

Curator: Dr. Lance E. Kearns

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Phone: (540) 568-6421

E-mail: kearnsle@jmu.edu

www.csm.jmu.edu/minerals

Open: 8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday, when the university is in session.

Info: Has approximately 600 minerals and gems from around the world, including specialty collections of Virginia minerals; Elmwood, TN; and Franklin Sterling Hill fluorescent display.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Memorial Hall is located at the intersection of Route 42 and W. Grace Street. Enter building at entrance on the south side, on W. Grace Street.

MARTINSVILLE

Museum

Stone Cross Mountain Museum

Don Hopkins

17529 A.L. Philpot Highway

Martinsville, VA 24112

Phone: (276) 957-4873

Open: By appointment only.

Info: A museum of staurolite crystals, which are natural rock formations in the shape of a cross. The museum has specimens from Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico, Russia, and Australia.

Admission: Adults $4.00, children $2.00.

Directions: On Highway 58, west 2 miles from Highway 220 bypass.

MARTINSVILLE

Museum

Virginia Museum of Natural History

21 Starling Avenue

Martinsville, VA 24112

Phone: (276) 634-4141

E-mail: information@vmnh.virginia.gov

www.vmnh.net

Open: All year, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday; closed major holidays.

Info: The museum has a collection of rocks and minerals, some of which are displayed. Check website for current exhibits.

Admission: Adults $5.00; seniors, college students, and active military $3.00; children (3–18) $4.00; children under 3 free.

Directions: The museum is located on Business U.S. 58 between E. Church Street and E. Market Street.

POCAHONTAS

Mine Tour

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum

Town of Pocahontas

300 Centre Street

P.O. Box 128

Pocahontas, VA 24635-0128

Phone: (276) 945-9522

E-mail: info@pocahontasva.org

www.pocahontasva.org/visitors/

Open: Mid-April–end of September, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Saturday, 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Info: The mine was originally opened as an exhibition mine in 1938, reportedly the first in the country. The mine is in a 13-foot-high coal seam.

Admission: Mine: Adults $7.00, children (6–12) $4.50, children under 6 free. Museum: Free.

Directions: Call or e-mail for directions.

RADFORD

Museum

Museum of the Earth Sciences

First floor of Curie Hall

Radford University

801 East Main Street

Radford, Virginia 24142

Phone: (540) 831-5257

www.radford.edu/content/csat/home/mes.html

Open: The Museum is currently under construction; expected completion date is fall 2016. Check the website or call for information. When construction is complete, the museum will be open when school is in session, or by appointment.

Info: The museum has exhibits of gems, minerals, rocks, and fluorescent minerals. They have a petrified log from Virginia, and a scale model of the Rock of Ages granite quarry; this model was originally displayed in the Smithsonian.

Admission: Free.

Directions: On the Radford University campus. Check the website for detailed directions.

RICHMOND

Museum

University of Richmond Museums

Lora Robins Gallery of Design by Nature

28 Westhampton Way

University of Richmond

Richmond, VA 23173

Phone: (804) 289-8000

E-mail: museums@richmond.edu

www.museums.richmond.edu

Open: 1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M. Sunday–Friday. Closed Saturdays and university holidays.

Info: Displays include a wide variety of Virginia minerals. Check website for current exhibits.

Admission: Free.

Directions: From I-64, take exit 183/Glenside Drive south to Three Chopt Road. Turn left onto Three Chopt for one mile, and turn right onto Boatwright Drive, to the main entrance to the University. At the main entrance, turn left onto Campus Drive, and after ¼ mile, turn right onto Gateway Road, then turn right onto Richmond Way. Take Richmond Way down the hill, and the museum is the last building on the left before the lakefront turn, across from Thomas Hall. Limited parking is available on Richmond Way. The museum is located on the ground floor of the Boatwright Memorial Library, with its own entrance of Richmond Way.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

Virginia Tourism Corp.

901 East Byrd Street

Richmond, VA 23219

www.virginia.org

WEST VIRGINIA

State Gemstone: Silicified Mississippian Fossil Coral (Lithostrotionella) (1990)

State Stone/Rock: Bituminous Coal (2009)

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

SECTION 1: Fee Dig Sites and Guide Services

SHADY SPRING / Enriched Easy

Find your own Gems,

Minerals, and Gold

The following gems or minerals may be found:

Gems from around the world:

Rubies, garnets, emeralds, blue apatite, green/blue kyanite, rose quartz, sodalite, jasper, lepidolite

Someplace Special Gem Mine

323 Rakes Road

Shady Spring, WV 25918

Phone: (304) 575-9732

E-mail: someplacespecialjlt@yahoo.com

www.someplacespecialgemmine.com

Open: Hours vary according to weather. Call or check website for days and times.

Info: Purchase buckets of gem ore, then screen the ore in a sluice with running water. Keep anything you find. There is also an area where you can use your metal detector and keep what you discover.

Rates: Cash only. Bucket of ore (2½ gallons) $10.00, or four buckets for $35.00. Additional discounts for larger quantities.

Other services available: Gem cutting and jewelry making.

Directions: From I-64 take exit 129 (Shady Spring) onto Route 307 East toward Shady Spring. Continue on this road until it intersects with Route 19, then turn left onto 19 and travel 200 yards. Just as you start around the curve, turn right onto Ransom Drive, travel ¹⁄10 mile and turn right on Rakes Road. Do not stop at the first set of buildings that you come to. The mine is located 5 miles up Rakes road at the end.

Note: Do not use a GPS to find the mine. It will not bring you there. There are no signs near the main road, so be sure to bring the directions along.

SECTION 2: Museums and Mine Tours

BECKLEY

Mine Tour

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

513 Ewart Ave.

P.O. Box 2514

Beckley, WV 25801

Phone: (304) 256-1747

E-mail: info@beckleymine.com

www.beckleymine.com

Open: April 1–November 1, 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. Last tour at 5:30 P.M.

Info: Listed on the National Register of Historical sites, and now part of New River Park, is the restored vintage mine operated by the Phillips family in the late 1800s. Visitors ride a “man trip” car guided through the mine by veteran miners for an authentic view of low seam coal mining from its earliest manual stages to modern mechanized operation. (Bring a jacket—the temperature in the mine is always 58º.)

Visit a company house and a super’s (mine superintendent’s) house, both of which have been moved to the park and restored. The super’s house also has reproductions of the company doctor’s offices, the company post office, and the company barbershop. The museum features displays of mining photographs and artifacts from the mining era.

Admission: Adults $20.00, seniors (55+) $15.00, children (4–17) $12.00.

Other services available: Craft and souvenir shop. A 17-site campground at the park provides full hookups.

Directions: From I-77 take exit 44. Turn east on Route 3 (Harper Road). Go 1½ miles, then turn left on Ewart Avenue to Ewart Avenue. Drive 1 mile to the mine entrance.

CHARLESTON

Museum

The Avampato Discovery Museum at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia

One Clay Square

Charleston, WV 25301

Phone: (304) 561-3570

www.theclaycenter.org

Open: All year, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Wednesday–Saturday, noon–5:00 P.M. Sunday. Closed major holidays.

Info: Earth City provides a variety of exhibits that show the story behind West Virginia’s geology.

Admission: Museum and galleries: Adults $7.50, seniors and children $6.00.

Other services available: Art museum, performance center, café.

Directions: Take Interstate 64 to exit 100 for Leon Sullivan Way. After exiting, quickly change into the left lane (Leon Sullivan Way). Take the first left onto Washington Street.

MADISON

Museum

Bituminous Coal Heritage Foundation Museum

347 Main Street

Madison, WV 25130

Phone: (304) 369-5180; (304) 369-9118

E-mail: boonedevcorp@yahoo.com

www.wvcoalmuseum.org

Open: Noon–4:00 P.M. Wednesday–Friday. Call (304) 369-9118 to schedule a tour during other hours.

Info: Coal in West Virginia was first discovered in Boone County in 1742; the museum showcases the history and culture of the industry and the people in it.

Admission: Free

Directions: Located in downtown Madison. Take the Danville-Madison exit off Route US 119, and drive 2 miles to Madison.

MORGANTOWN

Museum/Visiting

Geologist Program

West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Mini-Museum

Mont Chateau Research Center

1 Mont Chateau Road

Morgantown, WV 26508-8079

Phone: (800) 984-3656 or (304) 594-2331

E-mail: info@geostv.wvnet.edu, or curator@prehistoricplanet.com

www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/museum/museum.htm

Open: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Info: Small display of geologic specimens and geologic processes relating to West Virginia. Repository for specimens, books, maps, manuscripts, and artifacts. The survey also has a geology outreach program in which survey geologists present lectures at different West Virginia state parks in the evening, and then conduct a guided geologic walk in the park the next morning. Check the WVGES website for a schedule.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Located along Cheat Lake, near I-68, east of Morgantown, WV.

Note: The annual gem and mineral show previously held at Cheat Lake is now held in Morgantown and sponsored by Prehistoric Enterprises. Check www.prehistoricstore.com.

SECTION 3: Special Events and Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION

State Tourist Agency

West Virginia Travel

Phone: (800) 225-5982

www.wvtourism.com

Index by State

ALABAMA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Lineville

Alabama Gold Camp—Pan, sluice, dredge, highbank, and metal detect for gold, find garnets and citrine

Trenton

Dixie Euhedrals—Paint rock agate collecting trip

Museums and Mine Tours

Aldrich

Aldrich Coal Mine Museum—Mining history and simulated coal mine

Anniston

Anniston Museum of Natural History—Minerals, artificial indoor cave, earthquake exhibit

Dora

Alabama Mining Museum—Focus on coal mining

McCalla

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama—Geology relevant to the iron industry

ALASKA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Anchorage

Alaska DNR—Pan, prospect, excavate, limited suction dredging for gold

Chicken

Chicken Gold Camp and Outpost—Pan or dig for gold

Chugach National Forest

Chugach National Forest—Pan for gold

Copper Center

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve—Pan for gold, hunt for rocks and minerals (see exceptions in listing)

Fairbanks

Gold Daughters—Pan gold ore from local mines Gold Dredge No. 8—Gold panning

Girdwood

Crow Creek Mine—Pan, dredge, or use metal detectors for gold

Nome

AKAU/Alaska Gold and Resort—Recreational gold panning Nome Beaches—Pan for gold

Skagway

Klondike Gold Fields—Pan for gold

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake—Pan for gold

Museums and Mine Tours

Anchorage

Alaska Museum of Science and Nature—Displays of rocks and minerals

Central

Circle Historical Museum—Mining equipment and gold display

Chicken

The Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost—Gold dredge tour

Copper Center

George Ashby Memorial Museum/Copper Valley Historical Society—Exhibits on gold and copper mining in the valley

Fairbanks

Gold Dredge No. 8—Gold dredge tour

University of Alaska Museum of the North—Minerals and gems from Alaska, Arctic Canada, and the Pacific Rim; includes gold and meteorites

Hope

Hope and Sunrise Historical and Mining Museum—Commemorates Turnagain Arm Gold Rush

Juneau

Juneau-Douglas City Museum—History of gold mining

Last Chance Mining Museum—Hard-rock gold mining museum

Skagway

Klondike Gold Fields—Gold dredge tour

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake—Tour of gold rush camp

Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park—History of area gold mining

Wasilla

Independence Mine State Historical Park—Guided mine tour

Annual Event

Anchorage

Chugach Gem & Mineral Society—Field trips

ARIZONA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Apache Jct.

Apache Trail Tours—Gold panning jeep tours

Prescott

Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area—Pan for gold

Safford

Black Hills Rockhound Area—Dig for fire agates

Round Mountain Rockhound Area—Search for fire agates, chalcedony, small geodes

Museums and Mine Tours

Apache Jct.

Superstition Mountain Museum—Geology, minerals, and mining

Bisbee

Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum—Displays on local mining

Queen Mine Tours—Tour an underground copper mine

Flagstaff

Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc.—View a meteor crater, museum of astrogeology

Museum of Northern Arizona—History of Colorado Plateau, geologic models, mineral specimens

Goldfield

Goldfield Ghost Town, Scenic Railroad, and Mine Tours—Gold mine tour, museum, ghost town

Quartzsite

Tyson’s Well Stage Station Museum—Displays of mining equipment

Sahuarita

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center—Geology, mining, minerals, and tour of open-pit mine

Sun City

The Mineral Museum, Sun City Rockhound Club—2,000 rocks and minerals from the U.S. and the world, with emphasis on minerals from Arizona. Over 150 fluorescent rocks and minerals, most from Franklin and Sterling Hill, NJ

Tombstone

Good Enough Mine—Silver mine tour

Tucson

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum—Mineral collection from Sonora Desert region

U. A. Science: Flandrau—Arizona minerals, meteorites, fluorescents, borate minerals

Wickenburg

Vulture Gold Mine—Self-guided mine tour

Annual Events

Bisbee

Hunt for Bisbee’s Fabulous Blue—Yearly collecting tours of tailings pile from historic No. 7 Mine stockpile

Quartzsite

Gem and Mineral Shows—Mid-January–mid-February

Tucson

Gem and Mineral Shows—End of January through mid-February

Minerals of Arizona—Symposium three days in March or April

ARKANSAS

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Jessieville

Ron Coleman Mining, Inc.—Dig for quartz crystals

Jim Coleman’s Crystal Mines and Rock Shop—Dig for quartz crystals

Mena

Board Camp Campgrounds & Crystal Mine—Dig for quartz

Mt. Ida

The Crystal Seen Trading Co.—Dig for quartz crystals, wavelite

Fiddler’s Ridge Rock Shop and Bear Mt. Crystal Mine—Dig for quartz crystals

Judy’s Crystals and Things—Dig for quartz crystals

Ouachita National Forest, Crystal Vista Collecting Site—Collect quartz crystals on the ground, no digging permitted

Twin Creek Crystal Mine—Dig for crystals

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines—Dig, sluice, or pick through tailings for quartz crystals

Murfreesboro

Crater of Diamonds State Park—Dig and screen for diamonds, amethyst, agates, barite, calcite, jasper, quartz, other gems

Story

Sweet Surrender Crystal Mine—Dig for quartz crystals

Museums and Mine Tours

Little Rock

Vardelle Parham Geology Center—Arkansas gems, minerals, fossil fuels

Mt. Ida

Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County—Quartz and mineral exhibits

Piggott

Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center—Collection of minerals and geodes

State University

ASU Museum—Minerals, many from Arkansas

Annual Event

Mt. Ida

Quartz Crystal Festival and World Championship Dig—Second weekend in October

CALIFORNIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Angels Camp

Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House—Pan native gold, quartz, and enriched soil for gems and minerals from around the world

Blythe

BLM, Hauser Geode Beds—Collect geodes, agate, chalcedony roses, jasper, psilomelane, amygdules

Coalinga

California State Gem Mine—Hunt for benitoite and other gems and minerals

Coloma

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park—Gold panning

Columbia

Hidden Treasures Gold Mine—Pan for gold and garnets

Jamestown

Gold Prospecting Adventures, LLC—Sluice, pan, and prospect with metal detectors for gold

Lower Lake

Six Sigma Ranch and Winery—Tour to search for “Lake County Diamonds” (clear quartz) at winery

Lucerne

Lake County Marketing and Economic Development—Rock-hounding for Lake County “diamonds” or “moon tears”

Mariposa

Little Valley Inn—Gold panning

Mesa Grande

Himalaya Tourmaline Mine—Look for California tourmaline in mine tailings

Nevada City

Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park—Gold panning

Pala

Oceanview Mine—Hunt for tourmaline (pink, green, bicolor), smoky crystals, garnets, book mica, cleavelandite, kunzite, morganite, gossanite (clear beryl), purple lepidolite, muscovite, aquamarine

Pala Chief Mine—Dig for tourmaline, kunzite, morganite, aquamarine, quartz, garnets

Palo Verde

Fire Mountain Fire Agate Mine—Dig or screen for fire agate

Pine Grove

Roaring Camp Mining Company—Pan for gold, rockhound for quartz crystals, jade, jasper, and river rubies

Placerville

Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park and Mine—Learn gold panning

Museums and Mine Tours

Alleghany

Underground Gold Miners Tours and Museum—Tour an active gold mine

Angels Camp

Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House—Museum features rocks and minerals, gold stamping mill, mining equipment

Avalon

Catalina Island Museum—Exhibits on mining on Catalina Island

Boron

Borax Visitor Center—Story of borax

Boron Twenty Mule Team Museum—History of area borate mining

Coloma

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park—Gold mining exhibit/museum

Columbia

Museum and State Historic Park—Gold Rush-era artifacts and photographs, tours of gold-mining boom town

Death Valley

Furnace Creek Borax Museum—Rocks and minerals, featuring borate minerals

El Cajon

Heritage of the Americas Museum—Rocks, minerals, and meteorites

Fallbrook

Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society Museum—Features of minerals from San Diego County

Grass Valley

Empire Mine State Historic Park—Hard-rock gold mine

Independence

Eastern California Museum—Regional gem and mineral collection

Jackson

Kennedy Gold Mine Tours—Surface tour of gold mine

Julian

Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine Tours—Hard-rock gold mine tour

Julian Pioneer Museum—Rock and mineral display, gold mining tools and equipment displays

Lakeport

Historic Courthouse Museum—Minerals and gems found in Lake County

Los Angeles

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County—150,000 specimens, minerals of California, native gold, gems, and minerals

Mariposa

California State Mining and Mineral Museum—Gold from California, gems and minerals from around the world

Needles

Needles Regional Museum—Collection of Needles blue agate, Colorado River pebble terrace stones

Nevada City

Malakoff Diggins Park Association—History of hydraulic gold mining

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History—Monterey County rocks, fluorescent minerals

Paso Robles

Paso Robles Area Pioneer Museum—Display of local minerals

Placerville

Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park and Mine—Tour hard-rock gold mine

Quincy

Plumas County Museum—Exhibits on gold and copper mining in Plumas County

Rancho Palos Verdes

Point Vicente Interpretive Center—Exhibits on area geology

Red Bluff

Gaumer’s Jewelry—Minerals from around the world

Redlands

San Bernardino County Museum—45,000 rocks, minerals, and gems

Ridgecrest

Maturango Museum—Small but well-rounded regional gem and mineral collection

Riverside

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center—Crestmore minerals display, minerals from around the world on display and for sale, family education programs

World Museum of Natural History—Fluorescent minerals, meteorites, tektites, over 1,300 mineral spheres

San Diego

San Diego Natural History Museum—26,000 mineral specimens, includes minerals found in San Diego County mines

Santa Barbara

Department of Earth Science, UCSB—Gem and mineral collection, minerals and their tectonic settings

Shoshone

Shoshone Museum—Rock collection reflecting the geology of the area

Sierra City

Kentucky Mine and Museum—Exhibits of local gold mining

Sonora

Tuolumne County Museum—Gold from local mines

Yreka

Siskiyou County Museum—Gold exhibit

Yucca Valley

Hi-Desert Nature Museum—Rock and mineral collection, includes fluorescent minerals

Annual Events

Big Sur

Big Sur Jade Festival—Three days in early October

Coloma

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: Gold Rush Live—Usually second weekend of October

Trona

Gem-O-Rama Searles Lake—Second Saturday in October

COLORADO

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Breckenridge

Country Boy Mine—Pan for gold

Idaho Springs

Argo Gold Mine and Mill—Pan for gold and gemstones Phoenix Mine—Pan for gold

Ouray

Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour—Learn to pan for gold

Silverton

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tours, Inc.—Pan for gold

Museums and Mine Tours

Breckenridge

Country Boy Mine—Hard-rock gold mine tour

Central City

Gilpin History Museum—Displays of local minerals

Hidee Gold Mine—Gold mine tour and gold ore sample

Colorado Springs

Western Museum of Mining and Industry—Displays of mining and demonstrations on gold panning

Creede

Creede Underground Mining Museum—Displays of rocks, minerals, and mining equipment

Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek District Museum—Mineral displays

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine—Gold mine tour

Denver

Denver Museum of Nature and Science—Over 2,000 specimens; includes gold, topaz, aquamarine, amazonite, and other Colorado minerals

Georgetown

Lebanon Silver Mine—Ride a narrow-gauge train, then take a walking tour of the silver mine

Golden

Geology Museum, Colorado School of Mines—50,000 specimens, minerals from Colorado and from around the world, gemstones and precious metals

Idaho Springs

Argo Gold Mine and Mill—Historic gold mill, mining museum, Double Eagle Mine

Edgar Experimental Mine—Tour an experimental mine (silver, gold, lead, copper)

Phoenix Mine—See a working underground hard-rock mine (gold, silver)

Lake City

Hard Tack Mine—Gold mine tour

Leadville

Matchless Mine—Tour a symbol of the financial hazards of silver mining

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum—Story of the American mining industry from coal to gold

Ouray

Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour—Underground tour of gold and silver mine

Ouray County Historical Society—Mineral and mining displays

Salida

Lost Mine Tour—Tour a closed manganese mine

Silverton

Mayflower Gold Mill—Tour a gold mill

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, Inc.—Gold mine tour

San Juan County Historical Society Museum—Minerals and gems from the Silverton area

Victor

Mine View—View of Colorado’s largest open-pit gold mine

CONNECTICUT

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Portland

Brownstown Quarries—National landmark

East Granby

Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine—Tour an old copper mine

Greenwich

Bruce Museum—Exhibits of minerals and rocks

Kent

Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science—Local minerals

New Haven

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History—Minerals of New England and the world

Special Event

Connecticut DEP Educational Mineral Collecting—3 sites

DELAWARE

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Georgetown

Delaware Technical and Community College, Stephen J. Betze Library, Treasures of the Sea Exhibit—Jewels recovered from Spanish galleon Atocha

Newark

Iron Hill Museum—Natural history of Delaware, rock and mineral collections

University of Delaware, Mineralogical Museum—10,000 specimens (450 on display), crystals, gems, minerals

Special Event

Delaware Geological Survey—Geo Adventures

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

National Museum of Natural History—Gems and minerals (over 375,000 specimens and a research collection)

FLORIDA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Okeechobee

Ft. Drum Crystal Mine—Collect calcite encrusted fossil shells, micropyrite, iridescent marcasite

Museums and Mine Tours

Deland

Gillespie Museum, Stetson University—Minerals, gemstones, faceting equipment, replica mine, and a cave

Gainesville

Geological Museum, Santa Fe College Department of Natural Sciences—Florida gems and minerals, gemstone carvings, fluorescent minerals, amber, agatized Tampa Bay coral

Islamorada

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park—Walk through former fossilized coral quarry

Miami

Coral Castle Museum—Coral rock carvings

Mulberry

Mulberry Phosphate Museum—Exhibits on the phosphate industry, dig for phosphate pebbles

Tampa

Ed and Bernadette Marcin Museum, University of Florida—Minerals and gemstones, mainly from Florida and the western U.S.

West Palm Beach

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium—Meteorites and moon rock from an Apollo mission

GEORGIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Cleveland

Gold’n Gem Grubbin—Dig and pan for gold, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethyst, topaz

Dahlonega

Consolidated Gold Mines—Gold panning, gem sluicing

Crisson Gold Mine—Pan gold ore or enriched gemstone ore

Gainesville

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest—Gold panning, rockhounding (restrictions apply)

LaGrange

Hogg Mine—Collect star rose quartz, aquamarine, beryl, black tourmaline

Lincolnton

Graves Mountain—Search for lazulite, pyrophyllite, kyanite, iridescent hematite, pyrite, ilmenite, muscovite, fuchsite, barite, sulfur, blue quartz, quartz crystals, and microcrystals such as woodhouseite, variscite, strengite, phosphosiderite, cacoxenite, crandallite (collecting allowed on special dates only)

Tignall

Jacksons Crossroads Amethyst Mine—Hunt for amethyst crystals, druse quartz

Warrenton

Dixie Euhedrals—Hunt for amethyst crystals

Museums and Mine Tours

Atlanta

Fernbank Museum of Natural History—Joachim Gem Collection, mineral cave

Fernbank Science Center—Meteorite collection, outdoor rock and mineral walk

Cartersville

Tellus Science Museum—Weinman Mineral Gallery

Dahlonega

Consolidated Gold Mines—Mine tour

Dahlonega Gold Museum—Tells the story of the Georgia gold rush

Elberton

Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit—Granite quarry and products

Macon

Museum of Arts and Sciences—Display of gems and minerals

Tallapoosa

West Georgia Museum of Tallapoosa—Small collection of local minerals

Villa Rica

Pine Mountain Gold Museum at Stockmar Park—Story of gold mining in the Villa Rica area

Annual Events

Jasper

Pickens County Marble Festival—First weekend in October

Dahlonega

Gold Rush Days—Third full weekend in October

World Open Gold Panning Championship—Third Saturday in October, at the same time as Gold Rush Days

HAWAII

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Thomas A. Jaggar Museum—Museum on vulcanology and seismology, tour of volcano

Hilo

Lyman Museum—Rocks, minerals, gems

IDAHO

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Rathdrum

Eagle City Park—Mine for gold

Spencer

Spencer Opal Mines—Pick through a stockpile for opal

St. Maries

Emerald Creek Garnet Area—Screen for star garnets

Museums and Mine Tours

Boise

Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology—Exhibits on mining and geology

Challis

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park—Museum exhibits, gold panning station

Cottonwood

The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude—Displays of gems and minerals from Idaho and around the world

Kellogg

Crystal Gold Mine—Mine tour

Shoshone County Mining and Smelting Museum—Rocks, minerals, mining equipment

Pocatello

Idaho Museum of Natural History—Displays of specimens from Idaho and the Intermountain West

Wallace

Sierra Silver Mine Tour—Mine tour

Wallace District Mining Museum—Story of mining in Northern Idaho

ILLINOIS

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Hamilton

Jacobs Geode Shop and Mine—Hunt for geodes containing calcite, barite, quarts, kaolinite

Nick’s Geodes (aka Evans Property)—Dig for geodes

Vickers Geodes—Dig for geodes in mine, or hunt for geodes in creek Woodie’s Rock Shop—Guided geode collecting trips

Rosiclare

American Fluorite Museum—Dig for fluorite in mine ore

Harrisburg

Shawnee National Forest—Recreational gold panning and rockhounding

Museums and Mine Tours

Carbondale

University Museum—Over 26,000 geological specimens

Chicago

The Field Museum—Grainger Hall of Gems

Museum of Science and Industry—Simulated coal mine

Elmhurst

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art—1,300 pieces of cut and polished gems, fluorescent rocks, a birthstone display

Rockford

Burpee Museum of Natural History—Displays of rocks, minerals, and gems

Rock Island

Augustana Fryxell Geology Museum—Rock and mineral museum

Rosiclare

The American Fluorite Museum—Story of fluorospar industry

Shirley

The Funk Prairie Home and Gem and Mineral Museum—Gem and mineral collection, petrified wood

Springfield

Illinois State Museum—Illinois specimens, rock collections, copper

Annual Event

Hamilton

Geode Fest—Last weekend in September

INDIANA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Knightstown

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camping Resort—Midwestern gold prospecting

Museums and Mine Tours

Bedford

Land of Limestone Exhibit, StoneGate Arts and Entertainment Center—History of Indiana limestone industry

Lawrence County Museum of History—Exhibits on limestone, geological specimens from Lawrence County.

Fort Wayne

Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne—Hallway displays of minerals, meteorites, and rocks

Indianapolis

Indiana State Museum—Indiana and regional minerals

Richmond

Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, Earlham College—Geology exhibit from local Ordovician limestone

IOWA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

(See annual event—Geode Fest)

Museums and Mine Tours

Cedar Falls

Rod Library—Rock and mineral collection

Centerville

Appanoose County Historical Coal Mining Museum—Coal mine replicas

Cherokee

Sanford Museum and Planetarium—School-age programs and field trips in geology

Danville

Geode State Park—Display of geodes

Decora

Luther College Geology Collection—Geological specimens

Des Moines

State Historical Museum of Iowa—Crystal formations from coal mines and quarry waste piles, geodes, exhibit on how coal is mined

Iowa City

University of Iowa—Displays on state geology

Minburn

Voas Nature Area and Museum—Collection of rocks and minerals

Sioux City

Sioux City Public Museum—Mineralogy exhibit

West Bend

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption—Grotto made of precious stones and gems

Winterset

Madison County Historical Society—Rock and mineral collection

Annual Events

Keokuk

Geode Fest—Three-day weekend at the end of September; field trips for geodes

Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Office—Display of Brevard Collection of Keokuk geodes found in the tri-state area

KANSAS

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Emporia

Johnston Geology Museum—Evaporative minerals (salt), fluorescent minerals, selenite, crystalline form of ores from Tri-State Mining District

Galena

Galena Mining and Historical Museum—Focus on local lead mining and smelting industry, including mineral specimens

Greensburg

Brenham Pallasite Meteorite at the Big Well Museum—1,000-pound meteorite on display

Hutchinson

Stratica Kansas Underground Salt Museum—Explains the underground mining of rock salt

La Crosse

Post Rock Museum—History and “post rocks”

McPherson

McPherson Museum—Meteorites, rocks, and minerals

Minneapolis

Ottawa County Historical Museum—Display of rocks and meteorites

Riley

Arts and Memories Museum—Display of gems and minerals

Scott City

El Quartelejo Museum—Geology exhibits featuring the area’s famous rock and fossil formations

KENTUCKY

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Marion

The Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum—Fluorite and fluorescent mineral collecting

Museums and Mine Tours

Benham

Kentucky Coal Mine Museum—Displays on coal mining and formation of coal

Covington

Behringer-Crawford Museum—Periodic displays of gems and minerals

Lexington

Headley-Whitney Museum—Jewelry and mounted semi-precious stones

Lynch

Lynch Portal No. 31 Mine Tour—Mine tour

Marion

The Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum—Thousands of fluorite specimens and accessory minerals

Olive Hill

Northeastern Kentucky Museum—Displays of rocks, minerals, and jewelry

LOUISIANA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Lafayette

Lafayette Science Museum—Meteorite and tektite exhibit

Monroe

Museum of Natural History—Rocks, gems, and minerals with emphasis on North Louisiana

MAINE

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Auburn

Mt. Apatite Quarry—Hunt for apatite, tourmaline, and quartz

Mt. Apatite Farm/Hatch Ledge—Hunt for tourmaline, garnet, graphic granite, clevelandite, autenite, mica, beryl, and more

Bethel

Maine Mineralogy Expeditions—Collect albite, almandine garnet, beryl, rose and other quartz, black tourmaline, biotite, autunite, zircon, and many others

Poland

Poland Mining Camps—Collect tourmaline and other Maine gems and minerals

Stoneham

Lord Hill Mineral Collecting Area—Search for gems and minerals

Stow

Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area—Search for gems and minerals

West Paris

Perham’s of West Paris—Collect tourmaline and other Maine gems and minerals

Woodstock

Maine Mineral Adventures—Screen mine material or go on a field trip to search for gems and minerals

Museums and Mine Tours

Augusta

Maine State Museum—Gems and minerals of Maine

Bethel

Maine Mineral and Gem Museum—Maine minerals and historical mining materials

Caribou

Nylander Museum of Natural History—Minerals of Maine, lithic artifacts

Presque Isle

The Northern Maine Museum of Science—Rotating displays of Maine minerals, fluorescent minerals, Maine slate

Annual Events

East Portland

New England Mineral Conference—One weekend in May

Poland

Maine Pegmatite Workshop—Week-long program at the end of May or beginning of June

MARYLAND

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Hancock

Hancock Visitor’s Center—Exhibit on road cut geology

Potomac

C&O Canal National Historical Park—Gold Mine Trail tours scheduled periodically

MASSACHUSETTS

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Amherst

Beneski Museum of Natural History—Mineral specimens, meteorites

Boston

Museum of Science, Boston—Rocks and minerals

Cambridge

Harvard Museum of Natural History—Gems, minerals, ores, meteorites

Gloucester

Cape Ann Historical Museum—Exhibits of local granite and the granite industry

Pittsfield

Berkshire Museum—Specimens from Berkshire County and Massachusetts, polished stones, meteorites, fluorescent display

Quincy

Quincy Historical Society Museum—Exhibits on granite industry in Quincy

Saugus

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site—Guided tours

Springfield

Springfield Science Museum—Minerals from around the world

MICHIGAN

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Grand Marais

Woodland Park Campground—Search beaches for agates

Mohawk

Delaware Copper Mine—Search for souvenir copper

Ontonagon

The Caledonia Copper Mine—Collect copper specimens, silver, epidote, calcite, datolite, quartz

Petoskey

Petoskey State Park—Hunt for Petoskey Stones

Museums and Mine Tours

Ann Arbor

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History—Exhibits of rocks and minerals

Battle Creek

Kingman Museum—Gem and mineral display

Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook Institute of Science—1,800 on display of more than 11,000 mineral specimens

Calumet

Coppertown, U.S.A.—Exhibits on copper mining

Caspian

Iron County Museum and Park—Iron mining complex

Chelsea

Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center—Michigan rocks, minerals, crystals, and mining

Copper Harbor

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park—History of copper mining in the area

Grand Marais

Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum—Displays of agates, beach rocks, crystals, fluorescent rocks, historical displays on iron and copper mining

Greenland

Adventure Mine—Tour underground copper mine

Hancock

The Quincy Mine Hoist Association—Tour an underground copper mine

Houghton

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum—Crystal collection, minerals from the Lake Superior copper district

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain Iron Mine—Iron mine tour

Iron Mining Museum and Gift Shop—Display of underground mining equipment

Ishpeming

Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum—Take guided tour of an iron mine, displays of rocks, gems and minerals

Lake Linden

Houghton County Historical Museum—Copper mining and refining equipment displays

Mohawk

Delaware Copper Mine—Mine tour

Mt. Pleasant

The Museum of Cultural and Natural History, Central Michigan University—Michigan rocks and minerals

Negaunee

Michigan Iron Industry Museum—Story of Michigan iron industry

Republic

Republic Iron Mine—Mine view

South Range

The Copper Range Historical Museum—Exhibits on miners’ lives and families

Annual Events

Eastport

Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival—One day during early summer

Houghton

Keweenaw Mineral Days—End of July, in collaboration with Keweenaw Gem and Gift

MINNESOTA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Moose Lake

Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce—Hunt for Agates

Museums and Mine Tours

Calumet

Hill Annex Mine State Park—Tour an open-pit iron mine

Chisholm

Minnesota Discovery Center—Tour and mining displays

Minnesota Museum of Mining, Inc.—Indoor and outdoor exhibits

Taconite Mine Tours—Iron industry taconite mining tours

Hibbing

Hull-Rust Mahoning Mine—Observe an open-pit iron mine

Moose Lake

Minnesota Agate and Geological Interpretive Center—Showcases Minnesota’s gemstone, the Lake Superior Agate

Pipestone

Pipestone National Monument—Tour a Native American pipestone quarry

Soudan

Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground Mine State Park—Tour an underground iron mine

Virginia

Mine Views/Iron Range Tourism Bureau—Information on mine view sites

Annual Event

Moose Lake

Agate Days—One weekend in July

MISSISSIPPI

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Flora

Mississippi Petrified Forest National Natural Landmark—Petrified wood, minerals, fluorescent display

Starkville

Dunn-Seiler Museum—Mineral and rock collections

MISSOURI

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Alexandria

Sheffler’s Rock Shop and Geode Mine—Dig geodes lined with crystals

St Francisville

Hill Top Mud Bogg—Dig for geodes

Museums and Mine Tours

Golden

Golden Pioneer Museum—Large mineral exhibit

Joplin

Everett J. Richie Tri-State Mineral Museum—Story of area’s lead and zinc mining

Kansas City

University of Missouri–Kansas City, Richard L. Sutton, Jr., MD, Museum of Geoscience—Local and regional specimens

Park Hills

Missouri Mines State Historic Site—1,100 specimens of minerals, ores, and rocks

Point Lookout

Ralph Foster Museum, College of the Ozarks—Area minerals, mineral spheres and fluorescent minerals

Rolla

Mineral Museum, Missouri University of Science and Technology—3,500 specimens of minerals, ores, and rocks from 92 countries and 47 states

MONTANA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Alder

Red Rock Mine and Garnet Gallery—Screen for garnets and corundum (some star)

Dillon

Crystal Park Recreational Mineral Collecting Area—Dig for quartz and amethyst crystal

Hamilton

Sapphire Studio—Purchase and wash bags of ore for sapphires

Helena

Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and Gold Fever Rock Shop—Dig and screen for sapphires and other gems and minerals

Libby

Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area—Pan for gold

Philipsburg

Gem Mountain—Search for sapphires

Sapphire Gallery—Wash bags of gravel to look for sapphires

Museums and Mine Tours

Butte

The Berkeley Pit—Observation point for closed open-pit copper mine

Butte-Silver Bow Visitor and Transportation Center—Presents information on area geology and its mining, including local gold and silver mining

Mineral Museum, Montana Tech of the University of Montana—Gold, fluorescent minerals, Yogo Gulch sapphires, meteorites, and minerals from Butte and MT

World Museum of Mining—Tour of underground mine

Ekalaka

Carter County Museum—Fluorescent mineral display

Lewistown

Central Montana Museum—Rocks, minerals, and Yogo sapphires

Philipsburg

Granite County Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.—Tells story of mining community and has a replica of an underground mine

NEBRASKA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Crawford

High Plains Homestead—Hunt for chalcedony and prairie agate

Museums and Mine Tours

Chadron

Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology—Displays of rocks and minerals

Crawford

Trailside Museum of Natural History—Displays of western Nebraska geology, photos of Toadstool Geological Park

Hastings

Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History—Minerals, rocks, fluorescent minerals, and translucent slabs

Lincoln

University of Nebraska State Museum—Displays of rocks, minerals, and fluorescent minerals

Annual Event

Crawford

Crawford Rock Swap—Labor Day weekend

NEVADA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Black Rock Desert

High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area—Rock collecting

Denio

Bonanza Opal Mines, Inc.—Dig crystal, white and black fire opal

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine—Tailings digging for wood opal Royal Peacock Opal Mine, Inc.—Dig black and fire opal

Ely

Garnet Fields Rockhound Area—Hunt for almandine garnets

Hawthorne

Bonanza Turquoise Mine—Gem mine collecting tours

Tonopah

Otteson’s Turquoise—Dig in mine tailings for turquoise

Museums and Mine Tours

Ely

White Pine Public Museum—Displays of gems, minerals, mining equipment

Las Vegas

Nevada State Museum and Historical Society—Natural history of Nevada

Nelson

Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours, Inc.—Hard-rock gold mine tour

Reno

W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum—Collection of minerals and ores

Virginia City

Chollar Mine—Underground mine tour (gold and silver)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Conway

Moat Mountain Mineral Collecting Area—Search for gems and minerals

Grafton

Ruggles Mine—Collect up to 150 different minerals

Museums and Mine Tours

Dover

Woodman Museum—1,300 specimens including local rocks

Warner

The Little Nature Museum—Rocks, minerals, and ores

Wolfeboro

Libby Museum—Rocks and minerals

NEW JERSEY

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Cape May

Cape May Welcome Center—Hunt for Cape May “diamonds”

Franklin

Franklin Mineral Museum and Nature Center—Tailings diggings for fluorescent minerals and franklinite

Ogdensburg

Sterling Hill Mining Museum—Collect fluorescent minerals

Museums and Mine Tours

Franklin

Franklin Mineral Museum—Minerals and rocks from local and worldwide sources, fluorescent room

Monroe Township

Displayworld’s Stone Museum—Minerals, hands-on exhibits

Morristown

The Morris Museum—Specimens from five continents

New Brunswick

Rutgers Univeristy Geology Museum—Minerals and geologic specimens that emphasize the geology of New Jersey and surrounding states

Ogdensburg

Sterling Hill Mining Museum—Underground mine tour

Paterson

The Paterson Museum—Specimens from local basalt flows and basalt flow in the Poona region of India, minerals from NJ and around the world

Rutherford

Meadowlands Museum—Fluorescent minerals, quartz, minerals from NJ

Trenton

New Jersey State Museum—Minerals and rocks, including fluorescents and magnetite ore

NEW MEXICO

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Bingham

Blanchard Rock Shop—Collect over 84 different kinds of minerals in a former lead mine

Deming

Rockhound State Park—Collect a variety of semiprecious stones

Dixon

Harding Mine—Look for over 50 minerals

Gila

Casitas de Gila Guesthouses and Art Gallery—Rockhound on 60 acres when lodging in the Guesthouses. Some of the 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. Pan for gold in the creek.

Museums and Mine Tours

Albuquerque

Geology Museum, University of New Mexico—Displays of New Mexico minerals and geology

UNM Meteorite Museum and Geology Museum—Meteorites New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science—Displays with igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock, Harding pegmatite geology

The Turquoise Museum—Displays of turquoise, focus on New Mexico and Southwest

Grants

New Mexico Mining Museum—Uranium mining

Portales

Miles Mineral Museum—Displays of minerals, gems, and meteorites

Socorro

New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Mineralogical Museum—Minerals from New Mexico, the southwestern U.S., and the world

Annual Events

Socorro

New Mexico Mineral Symposium—Two days in November

NEW YORK

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Herkimer

Herkimer Diamond Mines Inc.—Dig for “Herkimer diamonds” quartz crystals

Middleville

Ace of Diamonds Mine and Campground—Prospect for Herkimer “diamonds,” calcite crystals, and dolomite crystals

North River

Garnet Mine Tours—Tour and hunt for garnets in the Historic Barton Mines

St. Johnsville

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine and Campground—Dig for Herkimer “diamonds”

Museums and Mine Tours

Albany

New York State Museum—Minerals of New York

Hicksville

The Hicksville Gregory Museum—10,000 specimens from the major mineral groups, also NJ zeolites, Herkimer “diamonds,” fluorescent minerals

New York City

American Museum of Natural History—Gems, meteorites, emphasis on exceptional specimens from the U.S., ornamental stones, cut and uncut, coral, amber, synthetic stones, decorative objects, and jewelry

Olean

Rock City Park—Museum with fluorescent mineral room

Pawling

The Gunnison Natural History Museum—Minerals

NORTH CAROLINA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Blowing Rock

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine—Sluice gem ore from natural and enriched mines

Boone

Foggy Mountain Gem Mine—Screen for topaz, garnet, aquamarine, peridot, ruby, star sapphire, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, tourmaline, emerald

Bryson City

Nantahala River Gem Mine—Sluice for gems, natural and enrched

Canton

Old Pressley Sapphire Mine—Sluice for sapphires, zircon, garnet, mica

Cherokee

Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine—Sluice for gold and gems

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine—Screen for aquamarine, emerald, ruby, peridot, garnet, quartz, agate, hematite, amethyst, sodalite, and more

Franklin

Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine—Sluice for rubies, sapphires, sillimanite, rutile, moonstone, rhodolite garnet, pyrope garnet

Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine—Sluice for rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz

Gold City Gem Mine—Sluice for rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz, aquamarine, gold

Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine, aka TJRocks—Sluice for rhodolite garnets, rubies, sapphires, kyanite, crystal quartz, smoky quartz, moonstones

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine—Dig and sluice for sapphires (all colors), pink and red rubies

Rose Creek Mine and Rock Shop—Sluice for rubies, sapphires, garnets, moonstones, amethysts, smoky quartz, citrine, rose quartz, topaz, emerald

Sheffield Mine—Sluice for native rubies and sapphires, or enriched material from around the world

Hendersonville

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine—Pan for a variety of gems and minerals

Hiddenite

Emerald Hollow Mine–Hiddenite Gems, Inc.—Sluice for rutile, sapphires, garnets, hiddenite, smoky quartz, tourmaline, clear quartz, aquamarine, sillimanite, and others

Highlands

Jackson Hole Trading Post and Gem Mine—Sluice for rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmaline, smoky quartz, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz

High Point

Kersey Valley Gem Dig—Educational family activity

Leicester

Randall Glen Gem Mine—Pan for a variety of gems and gold

Marion

Carolina Emerald Mine and Vein Mountain Gold Camp—Mine for gold, emerald, aquamarine, moonstone, feldspar crystals, garnets, smoky, rose, blue, and clear quartz, tourmaline

The Lucky Strike—Sluice for gems and pan for gold

Marshall

Little Pine Garnet Mine—Dig for garnets; can take a horseback ride to the mine

Midland

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site—Gold panning

New London

Mountain Creek Gold Mine—Gold panning

Spruce Pine

Emerald Village—Sluice for 45 different rocks, minerals, and gems

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine—Sluice for sapphires, crabtree emeralds, rubies, Brushy Creek and Wiseman aquamarine, and more Rio Doce Gem Mine—Sluice for emeralds, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, topaz, garnets, amethysts, citrine, beryl, rose, clear, rutilated, and smoky quartz

Spruce Pine Gem Mine—Sluice for local gems such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, aquamarine, garnets, amethyst, moonstone, smoky quartz, crystal quartz

Union Mills

Thermal City Gold Mine—Gold and gemstone panning

Museums and Mine Tours

Asheville

Colburn Earth Science Museum—Collection of mineral specimens from NC and the world

Aurora

Aurora Fossil Museum—Geology of the NC Coastal Plain

Franklin

Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum—Specimens from NC and around the world

Ruby City Gems and Minerals—Specimens from NC and around the world

Gastonia

Schiele Museum—North Carolina gems and minerals

Greensboro

Greensboro Science Center—Mineral specimens from NC

Hendersonville

Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, Inc.—Minerals and lapidary arts

Linville

Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum—Specimens from NC

Midland

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site—Gold mine tour

Spruce Pine

Museum of North Carolina Minerals—Specimens primarily from local mines

North Carolina Mining Museum and Mine Tour—Tour a closed feldspar mine

Annual Events

Franklin

Mother’s Day Gemboree—Mother’s Day weekend in May

Macon County Gemboree—4 days in July

“Leaf Looker” Gemboree—3 days in October

Spruce Pine

NC Mineral and Gem Festival—Four days at the end of July/beginning of August

NORTH DAKOTA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Beulah, Center, Underwood

Tours at several area lignite strip mines

Bismarck

State Museum—Story of geology in the state

Medora

Theodore Roosevelt National Park—Petrified forest

Parshall

Paul Broste Rock Museum—Displays of rocks from the area and around the world

OHIO

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Hopewell

Hidden Springs Ranch—Dig for flint (groups only) Nethers Flint—Dig for flint

Museums and Mine Tours

Cadiz

Harrison County History of Coal Museum—Look at history of coal mining to present

Cleveland

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History—The Wade Gallery of Gems and Minerals has over 1,500 gems and minerals

Columbus

Orton Geological Museum—Rocks and minerals from OH and the world

Dayton

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery—Minerals and crystals

Glenford

Flint Ridge State Memorial—Ancient flint quarrying

Lima

Allen County Museum—Rock and mineral exhibit

Oxford

Karl E. Limper Geology Museum—Geology of Oxford area

Put-in-Bay

Heineman’s Crystal Cave—Tour the world’s largest geode

Springfield

Hartman Rock Garden—Tour a rock garden filled with folk art and sculptures constructed from rocks

Youngstown

The Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum—Mineral display

Annual Event

Glenford

Flint Ridge Knap-In—Learn how prehistoric Native Americans worked flint

OKLAHOMA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Jet

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge—Dig for selenite crystals

Moyers

K River Campground—Gold panning, events for gold prospecting, treasure hunting

Museums and Mine Tours

Catoosa

D. W. Correll Museum—Displays of rocks, gems, minerals

Coalgate

Coal County Mining and Historical Museum—Mining museum

Enid

The Midgley Museum—Rock and mineral collection predominantly from Oklahoma and the Texas shoreline

Noble

Timberlake Rose Rock Museum—Displays of barite roses

Tulsa

Elsing Museum, Oral Roberts University—Gems and minerals

OREGON

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Federal lands

Recreational mining on federal lands

Lakeview

Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area—Dig for sunstones

Madras

Richardson’s Rock Ranch—Dig for thundereggs, agate

Mitchell

Lucky Strike Geodes—Dig for thundereggs (picture jasper)

Plush

Dust Devil Mining Co.—Dig for sunstones

Double Eagle Mining Company—Dig for sunstones

Spectrum Sunstone Mines—Dig for sunstones

Roseburg

Cow Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area—Pan for gold

Sweet Home

Holleywood Ranch—Collect petrified wood

Tillamook

Oregon Coast Visitors’ Association—Information on collecting agates on Oregon Beaches

Museums and Mine Tours

Baker City

Branch of US Bank—Gold display, including Armstrong nugget

Central Point

Crater Rock Museum—Displays of minerals, thundereggs, fossils, geodes, cut and polished gemstones

Corvallis

Oregon State University Dept. of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences—Mineral displays

Cottage Grove

Bohemia Gold Mining Museum—Memorial to gold mining era of the Bohemia District

Hillsboro

The Rice Northwest Rock and Mineral Museum—Crystals, north-west minerals, petrified wood, fluorescent minerals, lapidary arts

Redmond

Petersen Rock Garden—Unusual rock garden, fluorescent display

Sumpter

Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area—View a gold dredge, tour historic gold mine towns

Annual Events

Cottage Grove

Bohemia Mining Days—Held during the third weekend in July, gold panning and exposition

Nyssa

Thunderegg Days—Starts on the 2nd Thursday in July

Prineville

Rockhound Pow-Wow—Third weekend in June

PENNSYLVANIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Spring Grove

Jones Geological Services—Guide services for mineral collecting

Museums and Mine Tours

Ashland

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train—Tour an anthracite coal mine

Bryn Mawr

Museum, Department of Geology, Bryn Mawr College—Rotating display of 1,500 minerals from a collection of 23,500 specimens, fluorescent minerals from Franklin Mine in NJ

Cornwall

Cornwall Iron Furnace—Displays of iron ore mining and iron production

Elysburg

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Anthracite Mining Museum—Early mining artifacts

Harrisburg

The State Museum of Pennsylvania—Practical applications of geology

Hellertown

The Gilman Museum/Lost River Caverns—Display of minerals and gems, cavern tour

Lancaster

North Museum of Natural History and Science—Extensive geology collection

Lansford

No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum—Coal mine tour

Media

Delaware County Institute of Science—Minerals from around the world

Patton

Seldom Seen Tourist Coal Mine—Tour a bituminous coal mine

Philadelphia

Academy of Natural Sciences—Mineral collection for research only Wagner Free Institute of Science—Rocks and minerals

Pittsburgh

Carnegie Museum of Natural History—One of the premier gem and mineral exhibits in the country

Scranton

Anthracite Museum Complex—Several anthracite coal-related attractions, including a mine tour and a museum

Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art—Displays of rocks and minerals

State College

Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery—Displays of minerals, mining equipment, scientific instruments

Tarentum

Tour-Ed Mine—Bituminous coal mine tour

Uniontown

The Coal & Coke Heritage Center—Connellsville Coke Region

Waynesburg

Paul R. Stewart Museum, Waynesburg University—Outstanding mineral collection

West Chester

Geology Museum, West Chester University—Specimens from Chester County, fluorescent specimens

Wilkes-Barre

Luzerne County Historical Society Museum—Display on anthracite coal mining

RHODE ISLAND

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Providence

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium—Collections of rocks and minerals

SOUTH CAROLINA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Antreville

Diamond Hill—Dig your own quartz

Greenville

Greenville Gemstone Mine—Sluice for gems and minerals from around the world

Edgefield

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests—Rockhounding and mineral specimen collecting, recreational gold panning

Museums and Mine Tours

Charleston

The Charleston Museum—Small display of gems and minerals

Clemson

Bob Campbell Geology Museum—Rocks, minerals, lapidary objects

Columbia

McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina campus—Exhibits on geology and gemstones

South Carolina State Museum—Displays of gems and minerals

SOUTH DAKOTA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Deadwood

Broken Boot Gold Mine—Pan for gold

Hill City

Wade’s Gold Mill—Pan for gold

Keystone

Big Thunder Gold Mine—Pan for gold

Lead

Black Hills Mining Museum—Pan for gold

Wall

Buffalo Gap National Grassland—Hunt for agates

Museums and Mine Tours

Deadwood

Broken Boot Gold Mine—Gold mine tour

Hill City

Wade’s Gold Mill—Guided tour and displays of mining equipment

Keystone

Big Thunder Gold Mine—Mine tour

Lead

Black Hills Mining Museum—Simulated underground mine tour

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center—Gold mining displays

Murdo

National Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame—Gems and minerals

Rapid City

Journey Museum—Geology of the Black Hills

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology—Local minerals

TENNESSEE

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Ducktown

Burra Burra Mine—Collection area on site; look for garnets, pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, actinolite

Museums and Mine Tours

Camden Kentucky Lake

Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm and Museum—Farm, tour

Ducktown

Ducktown Basin Museum—Copper mining heritage

Johnson City

Hands On! Regional Museum—Simulated coal mine

Knoxville

The Frank H. McClung Museum—Geology of Tennessee

Memphis

Memphis Pink Palace Museum—Geology and minerals from famous mid-South localities

Murfreesboro

The Earth Experience: Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History—Minerals from Tennessee, fluorite, calcite, gemstones, artisan jewelry

Savannah

Tennessee River Museum—Exhibit of historic pearl button and modern cultured pearl industries

TEXAS

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Alpine

Stillwell Ranch—Hunt for agate and jasper

Mason

Lindsay Ranch Guesthouses—Hunt for topaz and other minerals Seaquist Ranch—Hunt for topaz

Three Rivers

House’s Mother Lode Ranch—Hunt for agate and petrified wood

Museums and Mine Tours

Alpine

Last Frontier Museum and Antelope Lodge—Display of rocks from West Texas

Austin

Texas Memorial Museum—Gems and minerals

Canyon

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum—Geology of Davis Mountain, mine replica with minerals and ores

Dallas

Lyda Hill Gems and Mineral Hall, Perot Museum of Nature and Science—Learn about colors, shapes, hardness of rocks; how crystals form

Fort Davis

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center—Displays on area mining and minerals

Fort Stockton

Annie Riggs Memorial Museum—Rocks and minerals of Pecos County and the Big Bend area

Fort Worth

Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery—Meteorites display

Fritch

Alibates Flint Quarries—View ancient flint quarries

Houston

Houston Museum of Natural Science—Displays of gem and mineral specimens

Marble Falls

Granite Mountain—View marble mining operations

Odessa

Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum—Meteorite crater and museum

UTAH

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Delta

Dugway Geodes—The Bug House—Private claim to Dugway Geodes Topaz Mountain Adventures—Collecting tours for amber and sherry colored topaz

Dugway Mountains

Dugway Geode Beds—Dig for geodes

Kanab

Joe’s Rock Shop—Dig for septarian nodules

Moab

Deep Desert Expeditions—Guided collecting tours, dig through mine tailings for azurite, malachite, geodes

Orem

Orem Simple Elegance Rock Shop—Rockhounding excursions

Price

Manti-La Sal National Forest—Hunt for birdseye marble

Salt Lake City

Rockpick Legend Co.—Collecting trips for topaz, red beryl, azurite, malachite and other minerals

Museums and Mine Tours

Bingham Canyon

Bingham Canyon Mine Visitors’ Center—Overlook for open-pit copper mine

Eureka

Tintic Mining Museum—Mineral display and mining artifacts

Helper

Western Mining and Railroad Museum—Mining exhibits, simulated 1900 coal mine

Lehi

John Hutchings Museum of Natural History—Displays linked to mining districts, display of uncut gems

Moab

Dan O’Laurie Museum of Moab—Displays of rocks and minerals, mining history

Salt Lake City

Natural History Museum of Utah—Utah ores and minerals

VERMONT

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Ludlow

Camp Plymouth State Park—Gold panning

Museums and Mine Tours

Barre

Rock of Ages Visitors’ Center—Watch granite being quarried Vermont Granite Museum and Stone Arts School—Displays on geology, history, art of Vermont’s granite heritage. Sculptors from around the world explore stone carving

Proctor

Vermont Marble Museum—Learn how marble is formed, quarried and sculpted

St. Johnsbury

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium—Display of rocks and minerals from Vermont

Annual Event

Barre

Granite Festival—One Saturday in summer or early fall

VIRGINIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Amelia

Morefield Gem Mine, Inc.—Dig and sluice for quartz, topaz, and many others

McKenney

Lucky Lake Gem and Mineral Mine of Virginia—Sluice for natural minerals and salted material

Stuart

Fairy Stone State Park—Hunt for staurolite crystals (fairy stones)

Museums and Mine Tours

Big Stone Gap

Harry W. Meador, Jr., Coal Museum—Exhibits and mining equipment

Blacksburg

Virginia Tech Geosciences Museum—Large display of Virginia minerals

Breaks

Breaks Interstate Park—Overlook and museum, explains geological features and science behind local coal industry

Goldvein

The Gold Mining Camp Museum, Monroe Park—Tour a mine camp, gold panning demonstrations

Harrisonburg

The James Madison University Mineral Museum—Minerals, gems, specimens from Virginia

Martinsville

Stone Cross Mountain Museum—A museum of staurolite crystals Virginia Museum of Natural History—Rocks and minerals

Pocahontas

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum—Coal mine tour

Radford

Museum of the Earth Sciences, Radford University—Gems, minerals, rocks, fluorescent minerals

Richmond

University of Richmond Museums—Displays Virginia minerals and a 2,400-carat blue topaz

WASHINGTON

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Ravensdale

Geology Adventures, Inc.—Field trips; collect quartz, garnets, and others

Museums and Mine Tours

Castle Rock

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument—Focus on geology

Cle Elum

Coal Mines Trail—Historical walk through mining history

Ellensburg

Kittitas County Historical Museum—Polished rocks

Pullman

Washington State University—Petrified wood, minerals

Seattle

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture—Rocks, minerals, the geology of Washington, and a walk-through volcano Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park—Commemorates gold rush

WEST VIRGINIA

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Shady Spring

Someplace Special Gem Mine—Dig, screen, and sluice for various gems, metal detect

Museums and Mine Tours

Beckley

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine—Tour a bituminous coal mine

Charleston

The Avampato Discovery Museum at the Clay Center—Exhibits show the story behind West Virginia’s geology

Madison

Bituminous Coal Heritage Foundation Museum—History of coal mining in Boone County

Morgantown

West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Mini-Museum—Geology of West Virginia

WISCONSIN

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

Rhinelander

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest—Pan for gold or collect rocks

Museums and Mine Tours

Dodgeville

The Museum of Minerals and Crystals—Local mineral specimens, specimens from around the world

Hurley

Iron County Historical Museum—History of area mining, last remaining mine head frame in Wisconsin (nearby site)

Madison

University of Wisconsin Geology Museum—Minerals, fluorescent minerals, meteorites

Menasha

Weis Earth Science Museum, University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley—Official state mineralogical museum of Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Milwaukee Public Museum—Displays of geological specimens

Platteville

The Mining and Rollo Jameson Museum—Lead and zinc mining in the upper Mississippi Valley

Shullsburg

Badger Mine and Museum—Displays of lead mining equipment, tour a hand-dug mine

Stevens Point

UW–Stevens Point Museum of Natural History—Rock and mineral display

Annual Event

Neenah

Quarry Quest—Kid-oriented collecting activities, held in September and sponsored by many businesses in the local community

WYOMING

Fee Dig Mines and Guide Services

None

Museums and Mine Tours

Casper

Tate Geological Museum—Rocks and minerals, including Wyoming jade, and fluorescent minerals

Cheyenne

Wyoming State Museum—Minerals of Wyoming, coal “swamp”

Kemmerer

Fossil County Frontier Museum—Replica of underground coal mine

Laramie

Geological Museum, University of Wyoming—Rocks and minerals, fluorescent minerals from Wyoming

Rawlins

Rawlins Paint Mines—Geologic feature

Rock Springs

Rock Springs Historical Museum—Coal mining exhibits

Saratoga

Saratoga Museum—Gem and mineral museum

Worland

Washakie Museum and Cultural Center—Geology of Big Horn Basin

Index by Gems and Minerals

This index lists all the gems and minerals that can be found at fee dig mines in the U.S., and shows the city and state where the mine is located. To use the index, look up the gem or mineral you are interested in, and note the states and cities where they are located. Then go to the state and city to find the name of the mine, and information about the mine.

The following notes provide additional information:

(#)

A number in parentheses is the number of mines in that town that have that gem or mineral.

(*)

Gem or mineral is found in the state, but the mine may also add material to the ore. Check with the individual mine for confirmation.

(FT)

Field trip.

(GS)

Guide service (location listed is the location of the guide service, not necessarily the location of the gems or minerals being collected).

(I)

Mineral has been identified at the mine site but may be difficult to find (rare).

(M)

Museum that allows collection of one specimen as a souvenir.

(MM)

Micromount (a very small crystal, which, when viewed under a microscope or magnifying glass, is found to be a high-quality crystal).

(O)

Available at mine but comes from other mines (native U.S.).

(S)

Not the main gem or mineral for which the site is known.

(SA)

“Salted” or enriched gem or mineral (not from native U.S. mines).

(U)

Unique to the site.

(Y)

Yearly collecting event.

Actinolite Tennessee: Ducktown

Agate Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); California: Blythe; Michigan: Grand Marais; Minnesota: Moose Lake; Montana: Helena (S); Nebraska: Crawford; New Mexico: Deming; North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O); Oregon: Madras; South Dakota: Wall; Texas: Three Rivers

Banded agate Texas: Alpine; New Mexico: Gila

Fire agate Arizona: Safford (2); California: Palo Verde

Ledge agate Oregon: Madras

Moss agate Oregon: Madras; Texas: Alpine

Paint rock agate Alabama: Trenton (GS)

Polka-dot jasp-agate Oregon: Madras

Prairie agate Nebraska: Crawford

Pom pom agate Texas: Alpine

Rainbow agate Oregon: Madras

Albite Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon

Albite (cleavelandite var.) Maine: Poland (GS)

Amazonite Virginia: Amelia

Amber Texas: Mason (R); Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Amethyst Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega, Tignall, Warrenton; Maine: Stow, West Paris, Woodstock; Montana: Dillon; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville

Ametrine North Carolina: Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA)

Amblygonite Maine: West Paris

Amphibolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Amygdule California: Blythe

Andesite New Mexico: Gila

Apatite Maine: Auburn, Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton; New Mexico: Dixon

Blue apatite Maine: Auburn; West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Fluorapatite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton

Hydroxylapatite Maine: Poland (GS)

Purple apatite Maine: Auburn, West Paris

Aplite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Aquamarine California: Pala (2); Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (2), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Marion, Spruce Pine (2) (FT)

Brushy Creek aquamarine North Carolina: Spruce Pine (I) (FT)

Weisman aquamarine North Carolina: Spruce Pine (I) (FT)

Arsenopyrite Maine: Poland (GS)

Augelite Maine: Poland (GS)

Autunite Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Azurite Utah: Moab (GS), Salt Lake City

Aventurine North Carolina: Hendersonville

Barite Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Lincolnton; New Mexico: Bingham; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Benitoite California: Coalinga

Beraumite Maine: Poland (GS)

Bermanite Maine: Poland (GS)

Bertrandite Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Beryl Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stow, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: Amelia

Aqua beryl New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Blue beryl (see also aquamarine) New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Golden beryl Maine: Woodstock (I); North Carolina: Spruce Pine (FT); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Red beryl Utah: Salt Lake City

Beryllonite Maine: Poland (GS)

Beta-uranophane New Hampshire: Grafton

Biotite Maine: Bethel; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Bornite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Brazilianite Maine: Poland (GS)

Brochantite New Mexico: Bingham

Cacoxenite Georgia: Lincolnton

Calcite Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); Florida: Okeechobee; Michigan: Ontonagon; New Hampshire: Grafton; New Mexico: Bingham; New York: Middleville; North Carolina: Leicester; Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia

Cape May “Diamonds” See Quartz

Casserite New Hampshire: Conway

Cassiterite Maine: Poland (GS); West Paris, Woodstock; Texas: Mason

Chalcedony Arizona: Safford; Nebraska: Crawford; New Mexico: Deming

Pink New Mexico: Gila

Chalcedony roses California: Blythe; New Mexico: Gila

White New Mexico: Gila

Chalcopyrite Tennessee: Ducktown

Childrenite Maine: Poland (GS)

Chrysoberyl New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Citrine Alabama: Lineville (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: McKenney

Clarkite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Cleavelandite California: Pala; Maine: Auburn, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon

Columbite Maine: Poland (GS), Stow, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Compotite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Cookeite Maine: West Paris

Copper, pure Michigan: Mohawk, Ontonagon

Copper minerals Michigan: Mohawk (M)

Corundum Montana: Alder

Crandallite Georgia: Lincolnton

Cryolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Cymatolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Datolite Michigan: Ontonagon

Dendrite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Diadochite Maine: Poland (GS)

Diamond Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro

Dickinsonite Maine: Poland (GS)

Djurleite California: Coalinga

Dolomite crystals New York: Middleville

Earlshannonite Maine: Poland (GS)

Elabite See listing under Tourmaline

Emerald Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Eosphorite Maine: Poland (GS)

Epidote Michigan: Ontonagon; Texas: Mason

Fairfieldite Maine: Poland (GS)

Fairy stones (See Staurolite crystals)

Feldspar Maine: Stoneham, Stow; Michigan: Ontonagon; New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton (I); North Carolina: Marion; Oregon: Plush; Virginia: Amelia

Albite feldspar Maine: Bethel

Flint Ohio: Hopewell (2)

Fluoroapatite Maine: Stoneham; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Fluorescent minerals Kentucky: Marion; New Jersey: Franklin, Ogdensburg; North Carolina: Spruce Pine; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Fluorite Illinois: Rosiclare; Kentucky: Marion; New Hampshire: Conway; New Mexico: Bingham; North Carolina: Hendersonville, Leicester; Virginia: Amelia; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Franklinite New Jersey: Franklin

Fuchsite Georgia: Lincolnton

Gahnite (spinel) Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham, West Paris

Gainsite Maine: Poland (GS)

Galena New Mexico: Bingham; Texas: Mason

Garnet Alabama: Lineville (S); Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Arizona: Apache Junction; California: Columbia, Pala (2); Georgia: Dahlonega (2); Idaho: St. Maries; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, Stow, West Paris; Montana: Alder, Helena (S); Nevada: Ely; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; New York: North River; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Canton, Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (5), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Marshall, Spruce Pine (4) (FT); South Dakota: Hill City; Tennessee: Ducktown; Texas: Mason; Utah: Delta; Virginia: McKenney; Washington: Ravensdale (GS); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Almandine garnet Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS); Nevada: Ely

Pyrope garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Rhodolite garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Star garnet Idaho: St. Maries

Geodes Arizona: Safford; California: Blythe; Illinois: Hamilton (4); Iowa: Keokuk (FT); Missouri: Alexandria, St. Francisville; New Mexico: Deming, Gila; Utah: Dugway Mountains, Moab (GS)

Lined with:

Agate, blue New Mexico: Deming

Aragonite Illinois: Hamilton; Missouri: Alexandria

Barite Illinois: Hamilton; Missouri: Alexandria

Calcite Illinois: Hamilton; Missouri: Alexandria

Chalcedony New Mexico: Deming

Crystal Missouri: Alexandria; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Dolomite Missouri: Alexandria

Goethite Missouri: Alexandria

Kaoline Missouri: Alexandria

Kaolinite Illinois: Hamilton

Opal, common New Mexico: Deming

Pyrite Missouri: Alexandria

Quartz New Mexico: Deming

Selenite needles Missouri: Alexandria

Sphalerite Missouri: Alexandria

Gold (*) Alabama: Lineville; Alaska: Anchorage, Chicken, Chugach, Copper Center, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Nome, Skagway (2); Arizona: Apache Junction, Prescott; California: Angels Camp, Coloma, Columbia, Jamestown, Mariposa, Nevada City, Pine Grove; Colorado: Breckenridge, Idaho Springs (2), Ouray, Silverton; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2), Gainesville; Idaho: Rathdrum; Indiana: Knightstown; Montana: Helena (S), Libby; New Hampshire: Conway; New Mexico: Gila; North Carolina: Cherokee, Franklin (2), Leicester, Marion (2), Midland, New London, Union Mills; Oklahoma: Moyers; Oregon: Roseburg; Pennsylvania: Spring Grove (GS); South Dakota: Deadwood, Hill City, Keystone, Lead; Vermont: Ludlow; Wisconsin: Rhinelander

Gossanite (clear beryl) California: Pala

Goyazite Maine: Poland (GS)

Graftonite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Granite, graphic Maine: Auburn

Gummite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Hematite Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O)

Banded welded tuff New Mexico: Gila

Iridescent Georgia: Lincolnton

Massive New Mexico: Gila

Herderite hydroxyl Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris

Herkimer “diamonds” See Quartz

Heterosite Maine: Poland (GS)

Hiddenite (spodumene) California: Pala; North Carolina: Hiddenite

Hureaulite Maine: Poland (GS)

Ilmenite Georgia: Lincolnton

Iron ore Michigan: Iron Mountain (M)

Jade California: Pine Grove

Jadite Montana: Helena (S)

Jahnsite Maine: Poland (GS)

Jasper Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); California: Blythe, Pine Grove; Montana: Helena (S); Oregon: Madras; South Dakota: Hill City; Texas: Alpine; West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Brown jasper New Mexico: Deming, Gila

Chocolate jasper New Mexico: Deming

Jasper breccia New Mexico: Gila

Orange jasper New Mexico: Deming

Picture jasper New Mexico: Gila; Oregon: Mitchell

Pink jasper New Mexico: Deming

Red jasper New Mexico: Gila

Variegated jasper New Mexico: Deming

Yellow jasper New Mexico: Deming, Gila

Joaquinite California: Coalinga

Kaolinite Maine: Poland (GS)

Kasolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Kosnarite Maine: Poland (GS)

Kunzite California: Pala (2)

Kyanite Georgia: Lincolnton; North Carolina (*): Franklin (2), Leicester; West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Labradorite Oregon: Plush (2)

Lake County “diamonds” See Quartz

Landsite Maine: Poland (GS)

Laueite Maine: Poland (GS)

Lazulite Georgia: Lincolnton

Lepidolite Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock; New Mexico: Dixon; North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine; West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Lemon yellow lepidolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Purple lepidolite California: Pala

Lepidomelane New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Limonite New Mexico: Gila

Linarite New Mexico: Bingham

Lithiophilite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Lollingite Maine: Poland (GS), Woodstock

Ludlamite Maine: Poland (GS)

Magnesium oxide See Psilomellane

Malachite Utah: Moab (GS), Salt Lake City

Manganapatite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Manganese minerals New Mexico: Deming

Manganese oxide minerals New Mexico: Deming

Marble (Birdseye) Utah: Price

Marcasite Florida: Okeechobee; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

McCrillisite Maine: Poland (GS)

Mica California: Pala; Maine: Auburn, Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I), Laconia; North Carolina: Canton, Franklin; Virginia: Amelia

Biotite mica Maine: Poland (GS)

Book mica California: Pala

Lepidolite mica Maine: Poland (GS)

Muscovite mica Maine: Poland (GS)

Microcline Maine: Poland (GS)

Microlite New Mexico: Dixon

Micropyrite Florida: Okeechobee

Mitridatite Maine: Poland (GS)

Molybdenite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Montebrasite Maine: Poland (GS), Woodstock

Montmorillonite Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Monzaite Maine: Poland (GS)

Moonstone Georgia: Dahlonega; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Franklin (6), Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (2)

Moraesite Maine: Poland (GS)

Morganite California: Pala (2)

Muscovite California: Pala; Georgia: Lincolnton; Maine: Stow; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon

Natrolite California: Coalinga

Neptunite California: Coalinga

Opal Nevada: Denio; North Carolina: Hendersonville (SA)

Black opal Nevada: Denio

Common opal New Mexico: Deming

Fire opal Nevada: Denio (2)

Precious opal Idaho: Spencer

Wood opal Nevada: Denio

Palm Wood Texas: Alpine, Three Rivers

Perhamite Maine: Poland (GS)

Peacock Ore Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Petrified Wood Oregon: Sweet Home; Texas: Alpine, Three Rivers

Parsonite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Perlite (black to gray) New Mexico: Deming

Peridot Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Boone, Chimney Rock (O)

Petalite Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris

Petoskey Stones Michigan: Petoskey

Phenakite Maine: Stoneham; Virginia: Amelia

Phosphosiderite Georgia: Lincolnton; Maine: Poland (GS)

Phosphouranylite Maine: Poland (GS)

Phosphyanylite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Pitch Stone (with seams of red and brown) New Mexico: Deming

Pollucite Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock

Psilomelane California: Blythe; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Purpurite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Pseudomorphs South Carolina: Antreville

Pyrite Georgia: Lincolnton; Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), Stow; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); Tennessee: Ducktown; Virginia: Amelia; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Iron pyrite Arizona: Apache Junction

Pyrophyllite Georgia: Lincolnton

Pyrrhotite New Hampshire: Grafton (I); Tennessee: Ducktown

Quartz Arkansas: Jessieville (2), Mena, Mt. Ida (6) (Y), Murfreesboro (S), Story; California: Angels Camp, Pala, Pine Grove; Delaware: Wilmington; Georgia: Dahlonega, Lincolnton; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, West Paris, Woodstock; Michigan: Ontonagon; Montana: Dillon, Helena (S); New Mexico: Bingham, Deming, Dixon; North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (3), Hendersonville, Marion, Spruce Pine; South Dakota: Hill City; Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Blue Georgia: Lincolnton; North Carolina: Marion

Clear Arkansas: Jessieville; Maine: Woodstock; North Carolina (*): Hiddenite, Spruce Pine

Doubly Terminated Scepters Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Druse Georgia: Tignall

Milky South Carolina: Antreville

Phantoms Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Pseudocubic crystals Maine: West Paris

Rose Maine: Bethel, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Franklin, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (O); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Rutilated North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine

Skeletal quartz South Carolina: Antreville

Smoky California: Pala; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Hiddenite, Highlands, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville; Virginia: McKenney

Star rose Georgia: LaGrange

White Arkansas: Jessieville; New Hampshire: Grafton

Quartz “diamonds”

Lake Co. “diamonds” (moon tears) California: Lower Lake, Lucerne

Cape May “diamonds” New Jersey: Cape May

Herkimer “diamonds” New York: Herkimer, Middleville, St. Johnsville

Reddingite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton

Rhodochrosite Maine: Poland (GS)

Rhodolite (garnet) North Carolina: Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Franklin (2)

Rhyolite, banded New Mexico: Gila

Riebeckite New Hampshire: Conway

Rochbridgeite Maine: Poland (GS)

Rose rocks See Barite

Rubalite Maine: Auburn

Ruby Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Rutile Georgia: Lincolnton; Maine: Poland (GS); North Carolina: Franklin, Hiddenite

Safflorite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Sapphire Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Scheelite Maine: West Paris

Scoria New Mexico: Gila

Selenite crystals New Mexico: Bingham; Oklahoma: Jet

Septarian nodules Utah: Kanab

Serpentine Montana: Helena (S)

Silica minerals New Mexico: Deming

Sillimanite New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Franklin, Hiddenite

Silver Michigan: Ontonagon

Sodalite North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O), Hendersonville (SA); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Soddylite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Spessartine New Mexico: Dixon

Spodumene Maine: Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock; New Mexico: Dixon

Altered spodumene Maine: West Paris

Staurolite New Hampshire: Grafton (I); Virginia: Stuart

Stewartite Maine: Poland (GS)

Strengite Georgia: Lincolnton

Strunzite Maine: Poland (GS)

Sulfur Georgia: Lincolnton

Sunstone Oregon: Lakeview, Plush (3)

Switzerite Maine: Poland (GS)

Tantalite-Columbite Virginia: Amelia

Thundereggs New Mexico: Deming; Oregon: Madras, Mitchell, Nyssa (Y)

Tobernite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Topaz Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega; Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; Montana: Helena (S); New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason (2); Utah: Delta, Salt Lake City; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney

Torberite Maine: Poland (GS)

Tourmaline California: Mesa Grande, Pala; Maine: Auburn (2), Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Boone, Franklin (3), Hiddenite, Highlands, Marion, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney (I)

Bi-colored California: Pala

Black tourmaline Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Green tourmaline California: Pala; Maine: West Paris

Pink tourmaline California: Pala

Triphyllite Maine: Poland (GS); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Triplite Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham

Turquoise Nevada: Hawthorne, Tonopah; North Carolina: Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA)

Uralolite Maine: Poland (GS)

Uranite Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; New Hampshire: Grafton (I) (species with gummite, world-famous)

Uranium minerals New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Uranophane New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Vandendriesscheite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Variscite Georgia: Lincolnton

Vesuvianite Maine: West Paris (I)

Vivianite Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Voelerkenite New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Volcanic Bombs New Mexico: Gila

Wardite Maine: Poland (GS)

Wavelite Arkansas: Mt. Ida

Whitlockite Maine: Poland (GS)

Whitmoreite Maine: Poland (GS)

Woodhouseite Georgia: Lincolnton

Wodginite Maine: Poland (GS)

Zeolite New Mexico: Gila

Zircon Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina: Canton; Texas: Mason

Annual Events

JANUARY

Quartzite, AZ, Gem and Mineral Shows—Mid-January–mid-February

Tucson, AZ, Gem and Mineral Shows—End of January–mid-February

FEBRUARY

Quartzsite, AZ, Gem and Mineral Shows—Mid-January–mid-February

Tucson, AZ, Gem and Mineral Shows—End of January–mid-February

MARCH

Tucson, AZ, Minerals of Arizona—Symposium one day in March or April

APRIL

Jet, OK, Birding and Crystal Festival—One weekend in late April or early May

Tucson, AZ, Minerals of Arizona—Symposium one day in March or April

MAY

Bisbee, AZ, Bisbee’s Fabulous Blue—Friday afternoon or Saturday morning in May

Eastport, MI, Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival—Held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend

Franklin, NC, Mother’s Day Gemboree—Mother’s Day weekend in May

Glenford, OH, Flint Ridge Knap-In—Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend

Jet, OK, Birding and Crystal Festival—One weekend in late April or early May

Newry, ME, New England Mineral Conference—One weekend in May

Poland, ME, Maine Pegmatite Workshop—One week at the end of May or beginning of June

JUNE

Poland, ME, Maine Pegmatite Workshop—One week at the end of May or beginning of June

Prineville, OR, Rockhound Pow-Wow—Third weekend in June

JULY

Cottage Grove, OR, Bohemia Mining Days—Third weekend of July

Franklin, NC, Macon County Gemboree—Four days in July

Houghton, MI, Keweenaw Mineral Days—end of July

Hurley, WI, Iron County Heritage Days—From the last week in July to mid-August

Moose Lake, MN, Agate Days—One weekend in July

Nyssa, OR, Thunderegg Days—Begins on the second Thursday of July

Spruce Pine, NC, North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival—Four days at the end of July and / or the beginning of August

AUGUST

Hurley, WI, Iron Country Heritage Days—From the last week in July to mid-August

Spruce Pine, NC, North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival—Four days at the end of July and / or the beginning of August

SEPTEMBER

Crawford, NE, Crawford Rock Swap—Labor Day weekend

Glenford, OH, Flint Ridge Knap-In—Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend

Hamilton, IL, Geode Fest—Last weekend in September

Keokuk, IA, Geode Fest—Held end of September

OCTOBER

Big Sur, CA, Big Sur Jade Festival—Second weekend in October

Coloma, CA, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: Gold Rush Live—Usually second weekend in October

Dahlonega, GA

Gold Rush Days—Third full weekend in October

World Open Gold Panning Championship, in October, at the same time as Gold Rush Days

Franklin, NC, “Leaf Looker” Gemboree—Three days in October

Jasper, GA, Pickens County Marble Festival—First full weekend in October

Mt. Ida, AR, Quartz Crystal Festival and World Championship Dig—Second weekend in October

Trona, CA, Gem-O-Rama Searles Lake—Second Saturday in October

NOVEMBER

Socorro, NM, New Mexico Mineral Symposium and Mining Artifact Collectors Symposium—Two days in November

DECEMBER

No information available.

OTHER

Barre, VT, Granite Festival—Held one Saturday in summer or early fall

Newry, ME, New England Mineral Conference

State Gem and Mineral Symbols

Dates refer to when stones and minerals were adopted by the state legislature.

STATE

GEMSTONE

MINERAL

STONE/ROCK

Alabama

Star Blue Quartz (1990)

Hematite (1967)

Marble (1969)

Alaska

Jade (1968)

Gold (1968)

Arizona

Turquoise (1974)

Copper

Arkansas

Diamond (1967)

Quartz crystal (1967)

Bauxite (1967)

California

Benitoite (1985)

Gold (1965)

Serpentine (1965)

Colorado

Aquamarine (1971)

Rhodochrosite (2002)

Yule Marble (2004)

Connecticut

Almadine Garnet (1977)

Delaware

Sillimanite (1977)

Florida

Moonstone (1970)

Agatized Coral (1979)

Georgia

Quartz (1976)

Staurolite (1976)

Hawaii

Black Coral (1987)

Idaho

Star Garnet (1967)

Illinois

Fluorite (1965)

Indiana

Salem Limestone (1971)

Iowa

Geode (1967)

Kansas

Kentucky

Freshwater Pearl (1986)

Coal (1998)

Kentucky Agate (2000)

Louisiana

Cabochon-cut Oyster Shell (2011)

Agate (2011)

Petrified Palm

Maine

Tourmaline (1971)

Maryland

Patuxent River Stone (2004)

Massachusetts

Rhodonite (1979)

Babingtonite (1971)

Roxbury Pudding Stone (Conglomerate), Granite (Building and Monuments Stone), Plymouth Rock (Historic Rock), Dighton Rock (Explorer Rock) (1983)

Michigan

Isle Royal Greenstone (Chlorostrolite) (1973)

Petoskey Stone (1965)

Minnesota

Lake Superior Agate (1969)

Mississippi

Petrified Wood (1976)

Missouri

Galena (1967)

Mozarkite (1967)

Montana

Sapphire & Montana Agate (1969)

Nebraska

Blue Chalcedony (Agate) (1967)

Prairie Agate (1967)

Nevada

Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal (1987) (Precious) Nevada Turquoise (1987) (Semiprecious)

Silver (State metal)

Sandstone (1987)

New Hampshire

Smoky Quartz (1985)

Beryl (1985)

Granite (1985)

New Jersey

Stockton Sandstone (Brownstone) (legislation pending)

New Mexico

Turquoise (1967)

New York

(Barton) Garnet (1969)

North Carolina

Emerald (1973)

Unakite/Granite (1979)

North Dakota

Ohio

Flint (1965)

Oklahoma

Hourglass Selenite Crystals (2005)

Barite Rose (1968)

Oregon

Sunstone (1987)

Thunderegg (1965)

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Bowenite (1966)

Cumberlandite (1966)

South Carolina

Amethyst (1969)

Blue Granite (1969)

South Dakota

Fairburn Agate (1966)

Rose Quartz (1966) (Mineral/Stone)

Black Hills Gold (1988) (official jewelry)

Tennessee

Tennessee River Pearls (1979)

Limestone (1979) and Tennessee Paint Rock Agate (1969)

Texas

Texas Blue Topaz (1969) Lone Star Cut (1977) (Gemstone Cut)

Silver (2007)

Petrified Palm Wood (1969)

Utah

Topaz (1991)

Copper (1994)

Coal (1991)

Vermont

Grossular Garnet (1991)

Talc (1991)

Granite, Marble, Slate (1991)

Virginia

Washington

Petrified Wood (1975)

West Virginia

Mississippian Fossil Coral (Lithostrotionella) (1990)

Bituminous coal (2009)

Wisconsin

Galena (1971)

Red Granite (1971)

Wyoming

Jade (Nephrite) (1967)

Finding Your Own Birthstone

Following is a listing of fee dig sites presented in this four-volume guide where you can find your birthstone! Refer to the individual mine listings for more information on individual mines.

Garnet (January Birthstone) Alabama: Lineville (S); Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Arizona: Apache Junction; California: Columbia, Pala (2); Georgia: Dahlonega (2); Idaho: St. Maries; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, Stow, West Paris; Montana: Alder, Helena (S); Nevada: Ely; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; New York: North River; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Canton, Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (5), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Marshall, Spruce Pine (4) (FT); South Dakota: Hill City; Tennessee: Ducktown; Texas: Mason; Utah: Delta; Virginia: McKenney; Washington: Ravensdale (GS); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Almandine garnet Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS); Nevada: Ely

Pyrope garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Rhodolite garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Star garnet Idaho: St. Maries

Amethyst (February Birthstone) Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega, Tignall, Warrenton; Maine: Stow, West Paris, Woodstock; Montana: Dillon; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville

Aquamarine or Bloodstone (March Birthstone)

Aquamarine California: Pala (2); Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (2), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Marion, Spruce Pine (2) (FT)

Brushy Creek aquamarine North Carolina: Spruce Pine (I) (FT)

Weisman aquamarine North Carolina: Spruce Pine (I) (FT)

Bloodstone No listing

Diamond (April Birthstone) Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro

Emerald (May Birthstone) Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Alexandrite, Moonstone, or Pearl (June Birthstone)

Alexandrite No listing

Moonstone Georgia: Dahlonega; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Franklin (6), Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (2)

Pearl Tennessee: Camden Kentucky Lake (M)

Ruby (July Birthstone) Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Peridot or Sardonyx (August Birthstone)

Peridot Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Chimney Rock (O)

Sardonyx No listing

Sapphire (September Birthstone) Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Opal or Tourmaline (October Birthstone)

Opal Nevada: Denio; North Carolina: Hendersonville (SA)

Black opal Nevada: Denio

Common opal New Mexico: Deming

Fire opal Nevada: Denio (2)

Precious opal Idaho: Spencer

Wood opal Nevada: Denio

Tourmaline California: Mesa Grande, Pala; Maine: Auburn (2), Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Boone, Franklin (3), Hiddenite, Highlands, Marion, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney (I)

Bi-colored California: Pala

Black tourmaline Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Green tourmaline California: Pala; Maine: West Paris

Pink tourmaline California: Pala

Topaz or Citrine (November Birthstone)

Citrine Alabama: Lineville (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: McKenney

Topaz Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega; Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; Montana: Helena (S); New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason (2); Utah: Delta, Salt Lake City; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney

Turquiose, Tanzanite, or Zircon (December Birthstone)

Turquoise Nevada: Hawthorne, Tonopah; North Carolina: Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA)

Tanzanite No listing

Zircon Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina: Canton; Texas: Mason

The preceding list of birthstones is taken from a list adopted in 1912 and updated in 2013 by the American National Association of Jewelers (“The Evolution of Birthstones” from Jewelry & Gems—The Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins and A. C. Bonanno, GemStone Press, 2009; and “Birthstones, Modern Myth, and Industry” from Gems and Gemstones: Timeless Natural Beauty of the Mineral World by Lance Grande and Allison Augustyn, University of Chicago Press, 2009).

Finding Your Anniversary Stone

The following is a listing of fee dig sites contained in this four-volume guide where you can find the stone that is associated with a particular anniversary.

First: Gold (Jewelry) Alabama: Lineville; Alaska: Anchorage, Chicken, Chugach, Copper Center, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Nome, Skagway (2); Arizona: Apache Junction, Prescott; California: Angels Camp, Coloma, Columbia, Jamestown, Mariposa, Nevada City, Pine Grove; Colorado: Breckenridge, Idaho Springs (2), Ouray, Silverton; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2), Gainesville; Idaho: Rathdrum; Indiana: Knightstown; Montana: Helena (S), Libby; New Hampshire: Conway; New Mexico: Gila; North Carolina: Cherokee, Franklin (2), Leicester, Marion (2), Midland, New London, Union Mills; Oklahoma: Moyers; Oregon: Roseburg; Pennsylvania: Spring Grove (GS); South Dakota: Deadwood, Hill City, Keystone, Lead; Vermont: Ludlow; Wisconsin: Rhinelander

Second: Garnet Alabama: Lineville (S); Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Arizona: Apache Junction; California: Columbia, Pala (2); Georgia: Dahlonega (2); Idaho: St. Maries; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, Stow, West Paris; Montana: Alder, Helena (S); Nevada: Ely; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; New York: North River; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Canton, Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (5), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Marshall, Spruce Pine (4) (FT); South Dakota: Hill City; Tennessee: Ducktown; Texas: Mason; Utah: Delta; Virginia: McKenney; Washington: Ravensdale (GS); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Almandine garnet Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS); Nevada: Ely

Pyrope garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Rhodolite garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Star garnet Idaho: St. Maries

Third: Pearl Tennessee: Camden Kentucky Lake (M)

Fourth: Blue topaz No listing

Fifth: Sapphire Georgia: Cleveland (2), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Sixth: Amethyst Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega, Tignall, Warrenton; Maine: Stow, West Paris, Woodstock; Montana: Dillon; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville

Seventh: Onyx No listing

Eighth: Tourmaline California: Mesa Grande, Pala; Maine: Auburn (2), Poland (GS), West Paris, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Boone, Franklin (3), Hiddenite, Highlands, Marion, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney (I)

Bi-colored California: Pala

Black tourmaline Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Green tourmaline California: Pala; Maine: West Paris

Pink tourmaline California: Pala

Ninth: Lapis Lazuli No listing

Tenth: Diamond (Jewelry) Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro

Eleventh: Turquoise Nevada: Hawthorne, Tonopah; North Carolina: Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA)

Twelfth: Jade California: Pine Grove

Thirteenth: Citrine Alabama: Lineville (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Hendersonville, High-lands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: McKenney

Fourteenth: Opal Nevada: Denio; North Carolina: Hendersonville (SA)

Black opal Nevada: Denio

Common opal New Mexico: Deming

Fire opal Nevada: Denio (2)

Precious opal Idaho: Spencer

Wood opal Nevada: Denio

Fifteenth: Ruby Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Twentieth: Emerald Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Twenty-fifth: Silver Michigan: Ontonagon

Thirtieth: Pearl Tennessee: Camden Kentucky Lake (M)

Thirty-fifth: Emerald Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Fortieth: Ruby Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4)

Forty-fifth: Sapphire Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock, Bryson City, Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Fiftieth: Gold (*) Alabama: Lineville; Alaska: Anchorage, Chicken, Chugach, Copper Center, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Nome, Skagway (2); Arizona: Apache Junction, Prescott; California: Angels Camp, Coloma, Columbia, Jamestown, Mariposa, Nevada City, Pine Grove; Colorado: Breckenridge, Idaho Springs (2), Ouray, Silverton; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2), Gainesville; Idaho: Rathdrum; Indiana: Knightstown; Montana: Helena (S), Libby; New Hampshire: Conway; New Mexico: Gila; North Carolina: Cherokee, Franklin (2), Leicester, Marion (2), Midland, New London, Union Mills; Oklahoma: Moyers; Oregon: Roseburg; Pennsylvania: Spring Grove (GS); South Dakota: Deadwood, Hill City, Keystone, Lead; Vermont: Ludlow; Wisconsin: Rhinelander

Fifty-fifth: Alexandrite No listing

Sixtieth: Diamond Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro

Finding Your Zodiac Stone

The following is a listing of fee dig sites contained in this four-volume guide where you can find the stone that is associated with a particular zodiac sign. Refer to the individual mine listings for more information.

Aquarius (January 21–February 21) Garnet Alabama: Lineville (S); Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Arizona: Apache Junction; California: Columbia, Pala (2); Georgia: Dahlonega (2); Idaho: St. Maries; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, Stow, West Paris; Montana: Alder, Helena (S); Nevada: Ely; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; New York: North River; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Canton, Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (5), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Marshall, Spruce Pine (4) (FT); South Dakota: Hill City; Tennessee: Ducktown; Texas: Mason; Utah: Delta; Virginia: McKenney; Washington: Ravensdale (GS); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Almandine garnet Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS); Nevada: Ely

Pyrope garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Rhodolite garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Star garnet Idaho: St. Maries

Pisces (February 22–March 21) Amethyst Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega, Tignall, Warrenton; Maine: Stow, West Paris, Woodstock; Montana: Dillon; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville

Aries (March 22–April 20) Bloodstone (green chalcedony with red spots) No listing

Taurus (April 21–May 21) Sapphire Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Gemini (May 22–June 21) Agate Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); California: Blythe; Michigan: Grand Marais; Minnesota: Moose Lake; Montana: Helena (S); Nebraska: Crawford; New Mexico: Deming; North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O); Oregon: Madras; South Dakota: Wall; Texas: Three Rivers

Banded agate Texas: Alpine; New Mexico: Gila

Fire agate Arizona: Safford (2); California: Palo Verde

Ledge agate Oregon: Madras

Moss agate Oregon: Madras; Texas: Alpine

Paint rock agate Alabama: Trenton (GS)

Polka-dot jasp-agate Oregon: Madras

Prairie agate Nebraska: Crawford

Rainbow agate Oregon: Madras

Cancer (June 22–July 22) Emerald Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Leo (July 23–August 22) Onyx No listing

Virgo (August 23–September 22) Carnelian No listing

Libra (September 23–October 23) Peridot (Chrysolite)

Peridot Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Chimney Rock (O)

Scorpio (October 24–November 21) Beryl Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stow, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: Amelia

Aqua beryl New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Blue beryl (see also aquamarine) New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Golden beryl Maine: Woodstock (I); North Carolina: Spruce Pine (FT); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Red beryl Utah: Salt Lake City

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21) Topaz Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega; Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; Montana: Helena (S); New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason (2); Utah: Delta, Salt Lake City; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney

Capricorn (December 22–January 21) Ruby Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

The preceding list of zodiacal stones has been passed on from an early Hindu legend (taken from Jewelry & Gems—The Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins and A. C. Bonanno; GemStone Press, 2009).

The following is an old Spanish list, probably representing Arab traditions, which ascribes the following stones to various signs of the zodiac (taken from Jewelry & Gems—The Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins and A. C. Bonanno; GemStone Press, 2009).

Aquarius (January 21–February 21) Amethyst Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro (S); Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega, Tignall, Warrenton; Maine: Stow, West Paris, Woodstock; Montana: Dillon; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (4), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville

Pisces (February 22–March 21) Undistinguishable in original list

Aries (March 22–April 20) Quartz Arkansas: Jessieville (2), Mena, Mt. Ida (6) (Y), Murfreesboro (S), Story; California: Angels Camp, Pala, Pine Grove; Delaware: Wilmington; Georgia: Dahlonega, Lincolnton; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, West Paris, Woodstock; Michigan: Ontonagon; Montana: Dillon, Helena (S); New Mexico: Bingham, Deming, Dixon; North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (3), Hendersonville, Marion, Spruce Pine; South Dakota: Hill City; Texas: Mason; Virginia: Amelia; Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Blue Georgia: Lincolnton; North Carolina: Marion

Clear Arkansas: Jessieville; Maine: Woodstock; North Carolina (*): Hiddenite, Spruce Pine

Doubly Terminated Scepters Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Druse Georgia: Tignall

Milky South Carolina: Antreville

Phantoms Washington: Ravensdale (GS)

Pseudocubic crystals Maine: West Paris

Rose Maine: Bethel, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Franklin, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (O); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Rutilated North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine

Skeletal quartz South Carolina: Antreville

Smoky California: Pala; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Woodstock; New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Hiddenite, Highlands, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); South Carolina: Antreville; Virginia: McKenney

Star rose Georgia: LaGrange

White Arkansas: Jessieville; New Hampshire: Grafton

Quartz “diamonds”

Lake Co. “diamonds” (moon tears) California: Lower Lake, Lucerne

Cape May “diamonds” New Jersey: Cape May

Herkimer “diamonds” New York: Herkimer, Middleville, St. Johnsville

Taurus (April 21–May 21) Ruby and Diamond

Ruby Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA) (2); California: Pine Grove; Georgia: Cleveland, Dahlonega (2); Montana: Helena (S); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (4); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Diamond Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA), Murfreesboro

Gemini (May 22–June 21) Sapphire Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); Montana: Hamilton, Helena, Philipsburg (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (7), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2)

Sapphire, blue North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, gray North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, white North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, bronze North Carolina: Canton

Sapphire, pink North Carolina: Canton

Star sapphire North Carolina: Boone (SA)

Cancer (June 22–July 22) Agate and Beryl

Agate Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); California: Blythe; Michigan: Grand Marais; Minnesota: Moose Lake; Montana: Helena (S); Nebraska: Crawford; New Mexico: Deming; North Carolina: Chimney Rock (O); Oregon: Madras; South Dakota: Wall; Texas: Three Rivers

Banded agate Texas: Alpine; New Mexico: Gila

Fire agate Arizona: Safford (2); California: Palo Verde

Ledge agate Oregon: Madras

Moss agate Oregon: Madras; Texas: Alpine

Paint rock agate Alabama: Trenton (GS)

Polka-dot jasp-agate Oregon: Madras

Prairie agate Nebraska: Crawford

Rainbow agate Oregon: Madras

Beryl Georgia: LaGrange; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stow, West Paris; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; North Carolina (*): Spruce Pine (2); Virginia: Amelia

Aqua beryl New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Blue beryl (see also aquamarine) New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Golden beryl Maine: Woodstock (I); North Carolina: Spruce Pine (FT); New Hampshire: Grafton (I)

Red beryl Utah: Salt Lake City

Leo (July 23–August 22) Topaz Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega; Maine: Poland (GS), Stoneham; Montana: Helena (S); New Hampshire: Conway, Grafton (I); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Franklin (4), Highlands, Leicester, Spruce Pine (2); Texas: Mason (2); Utah: Delta, Salt Lake City; Virginia: Amelia, McKenney

Virgo (August 23–September 22) Lodestone (Magnet) No listing

Libra (September 23–October 23) Jasper Arkansas: Murfreesboro (S); California: Pine Grove; Montana: Helena (S); Oregon: Madras; South Dakota: Hill City; Texas: Alpine; West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Brown jasper New Mexico: Deming, Gila

Chocolate jasper New Mexico: Deming

Jasper braccia New Mexico: Gila

Orange jasper New Mexico: Deming

Picture jasper New Mexico: Gila; Oregon: Mitchell

Pink jasper New Mexico: Deming

Red jasper New Mexico: Gila

Variegated jasper New Mexico: Deming

Yellow jasper New Mexico: Deming, Gila

Scorpio (October 24–November 21) Garnet Alabama: Lineville (S); Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Arizona: Apache Junction; California: Columbia, Pala (2); Georgia: Dahlonega (2); Idaho: St. Maries; Maine: Auburn, Bethel, Poland (GS), Stoneham, Stow, West Paris; Montana: Alder, Helena (S); Nevada: Ely; New Hampshire: Grafton (I); New Mexico: Dixon; New York: North River; North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Canton, Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin (5), Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Highlands, Leicester, Marion, Marshall, Spruce Pine (4) (FT); South Dakota: Hill City; Tennessee: Ducktown; Texas: Mason; Utah: Delta; Virginia: McKenney; Washington: Ravensdale (GS); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Almandine garnet Maine: Bethel, Poland (GS); Nevada: Ely

Pyrope garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Rhodolite garnet North Carolina: Franklin

Star garnet Idaho: St. Maries

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21) Emerald Arkansas: Mt. Ida (SA); Georgia: Cleveland (SA), Dahlonega (2); North Carolina (*): Blowing Rock (O), Boone, Bryson City (SA), Cherokee, Chimney Rock (O), Franklin, Hendersonville, Hiddenite, Leicester, Marion, Spruce Pine (3); West Virginia: Shady Spring (SA)

Crabtree emerald North Carolina: Spruce Pine

Capricorn (December 22–January 21) Chalcedony Arizona: Safford; Nebraska: Crawford; New Mexico: Deming

Pink New Mexico: Gila

Chalcedony roses California: Blythe; New Mexico: Gila

White New Mexico: Gila

Some Publications on Gems and Minerals

Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist

P.O. Box 433289

Palm Coast, FL 32142

(800) 676-4336, US and Canada

www.jewelryartistmagazine.com

jewelryartist@emailcustomerservice.com

Rocks & Minerals

Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

530 Walnut Street, Suite 850

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(800) 354-1420 press 4; (215) 625-8900

www.rocksandminerals.org

customerservice@taylorandfrancis.com

Rock & Gem

Beckett Media, LLC

4635 McEwen Road

Dallas, TX 75244

(972) 448-4626

www.rockngem.com

editor@rockngem.com

Gold Prospectors Magazine

Gold Prospectors Association of America, Inc.

43445 Business Park Drive

Temecula, CA 92590

(800) 551-9707

www.goldprospectors.org

info@goldprospectors.org

The Mineralogical Record

5347 N. Ridge Spring Place

Tucson, AZ 85749

www.mineralogicalrecord.com

ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal

California Mining Journal, Inc.

P.O. Box 2260

Aptos, CA 95001-2260

(831) 479-1500

www.icmj.com

Other sources of information are local and regional rock, gem, and mineral clubs and federations, and rock, gem, and mineral shows. Many times clubs offer field trips and some shows have collecting trips associated with their annual event. Among these are The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (www.amfed.org), which lists member clubs (many have yearly shows/swaps), and Bob’s Rock Shop (www.rockhounds.com), which has a U.S. club directory (supplied information).

Disclaimer

The authors have made every reasonable effort to obtain accurate information for this guide. However, much of the information in the book is based on material provided by the sites and has not been verified independently. The information given here does not represent recommendations, but merely a listing of information. The authors and publisher accept no liability for any accident or loss incurred when readers are patronizing the establishments listed herein. The authors and publisher accept no liability for errors or omissions. Since sites may shut down or change their hours of operations or fees without advance notice, please call the site before your visit for confirmation before planning your trip.

The authors would appreciate being informed of changes, additions, or deletions that should be made to this guide. To that end, a form is attached, which can be filled out and mailed to the authors for use in future editions of the guide.

Have We Missed Your Mine or Museum?

This is a project with a national scope, based on extensive literature search, phone and mail inquiry, and personal investigation. However, we are dealing with a business in which many owners are retiring or closing and selling their sites. In addition, many of the mines, guide services, and smaller museums have limited publicity, known more by word of mouth than by publication. Thus, it is possible that your operation or one you have visited was not included in this guide. Please let us know if you own or operate a mine, guide service, or museum, or have visited a mine, guide service, or museum that is not in the guide. It will be considered for inclusion in the next edition of the guide. Send updates to:

Treasure Hunter’s Guides

GemStone Press

Route 4, Sunset Farm Offices

P.O. Box 237

Woodstock, VT 05091

Do You Have a Rockhounding Story to Share?

If you have a special story about a favorite dig site, send it in for consideration for use in the next edition of the guide.

A Request to Mines and Museums

For sites already included in this guide, we request that you put us on your annual mailing list so that we may have an updated copy of your information.

Notes on Museums

In this guide we have included listings of museums with noteworthy gem, mineral, or rock collections. We particularly tried to find local museums displaying gems or minerals native to the area where they are located. This list is by no means complete, and if you feel we missed an important listing, let us know by completing the following form. Since these guides focus specifically on gems and minerals, only those exhibits have been recognized in the museum listings, and we generally do not mention any collection or exhibits of fossils. See our sequel on fossils for information on fossil collections.

The authors are considering a sequel that will cover authorized fossil collecting sites and educational digs, as well as museums on fossils and dinosaurs. It will include such topics as where to view and even make plaster casts of actual dinosaur tracks. There are even museums where kids of all ages can dig up a full-sized model of a dinosaur. If you represent such a site, or have visited one you would recommend, please consider sending us the site’s information for possible inclusion in such a guide.

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About the Authors

Kathy J. Rygle & Stephen F. Pedersen combine their scientific training with a hobbyist’s passion. Lifelong rockhounds, both authors have shared this hobby—begun with their parents—with their children, and have traveled to many “fee dig” sites, museums and mine tours across the United States.

The Treasure Hunter’s Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A., 6th Edition:

Where & How to Dig, Pan, and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals

Volume 3: Southeast States

2016 First Digital Edition

© 2016 by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen

Preface © 2008 by Antoinette Matlins

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

For information regarding permission to reprint material from this book, please mail or fax your request in writing to GemStone Press, Permissions Department, at the address / fax number listed below, or e-mail your request to permissions@gemstonepress.com.

ISBNs for sixth edition:

Volume 1 (NW): 978-0-9904152-8-2 (pbk.), 978-0-9970145-8-7 (eBook)

Volume 2 (SW): 978-0-9904152-9-9 (pbk.), 978-0-9970145-9-4 (eBook)

Volume 3 (SE): 978-0-9970145-1-8 (pbk.), 978-0-9970145-7-0 (eBook)

Volume 4 (NE): 978-0-9970145-0-1 (pbk.), 978-0-9970145-6-3 (eBook)

Cover design by Bronwen Battaglia

Text design by Chelsea Dippel

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Manufactured in the United States of America

Published by GemStone Press

A Division of LongHill Partners, Inc.

Sunset Farm Offices, Route 4, P.O. Box 237

Woodstock, VT 05091

Tel: (802) 457-4000     Fax: (802) 457-4004

www.gemstonepress.com

Also Available in the Treasure Hunter’s Guides to the U.S.A. Series

By Kathy J. Rygle & Stephen F. Pedersen

Preface by Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA

A guidebook for traveling rockhounds—or anyone with an interest in gems, rocks or minerals—exploring hidden treasures across the United States. Easy-to-use listings on "fee dig" mining, museum exhibits and more, with information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms, will help make every trip a success.

Northeast Treasure Hunter’s Gem & Mineral Guide, 6th Edition Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals Connecticut • Delaware • District of Columbia • Indiana • Illinois • Maine Massachusetts • Maryland • Michigan • New Hampshire • New Jersey New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • Vermont • Wisconsin 6 x 9, 240 pp, illus.; includes maps & b/w photographs, indexes Quality Paperback Original, 978-0-9970145-0-1

Northwest Treasure Hunter’s Gem & Mineral Guide, 6th Edition Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals Alaska • Idaho • Iowa • Minnesota • Montana • Nebraska North Dakota • Oregon • South Dakota • Washington • Wyoming 6 x 9, 208 pp, illus.; includes maps & b/w photographs, indexes Quality Paperback Original, 978-0-9904152-8-2

Southwest Treasure Hunter’s Gem & Mineral Guide, 6th Edition Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals Arizona • California • Colorado • Hawaii • Kansas Nevada • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas • Utah 6 x 9, 224 pp, illus.; includes maps & b/w photographs, indexes Quality Paperback Original, 978-0-9904152-9-9

About GemStone Press

GemStone Press is an international source for books, gem identification equipment and other items designed to help consumers and people in the gem trade learn more about jewelry, gems and gemology.

GemStone Press books are easy to read, easy to use. They are designed for the person who does not have a scientific or technical background.

Visit www.gemstonepress.com/category/GII.html for more information on our extensive selection of gem identification equipment. All gem identification equipment we supply has been tested and chosen by Antoinette Matlins for its quality.

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Cover

Title

Dedication

Contents

Preface

Introduction

How to Use This Guide

Equipment and Safety Precautions

Mining Techniques

Notes on Gem Faceting, Cabbing, and Mounting Services

State Listings

Alabama

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

Missouri

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Indexes

Index by State

Index by Gems and Minerals

Enjoying Stones

Annual Events

State Gem and Mineral Symbols

Finding Your Own Birthstone

Finding Your Anniversary Stone

Finding Your Zodiac Stone

Some Publications on Gems and Minerals

Disclaimer

Have We Missed Your Mine or Museum?

Do You Have a Rockhounding Story to Share?

A Request to Mines and Museums

Notes on Museums

Reader’s Contribution

Send Us Your Feedback

Sign Up for Email Updates

About the Authors

Copyright

Also Available

About GemStone Press