Gemstone Mining in the United States

Gemstone mining in the United States has been done for centuries. Native Americans mined all sorts of things, such as turquoise, which they would use to create beads or jewelry. Many of them also believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would never miss their mark. Flint (a variety of quartz) was also mined by the Native Americans and used to make a variety of tools, weapons, jewelry and ceremonial pieces. It was also used for trade among many Native American tribes across the United States.

Current Gemstone Mining in the United States

There are many types of gemstones that are currently being mined in the U.S. Below is a partial list of some of the gems found here.

Alabama-Beryl, Smoky Quartz, Hematite

Alaska-White Quartz, Jade

Delaware-Pearl

Florida-Chalcedony, Conch Pearl

Hawaii-Coral, Peridot

Illinois-Fluorite, Pearl

Indiana-Obsidian, Pearl

Maryland-Beryl, Clam Pearl

New Hampshire-Beryl, Garnet, Rock Crystal

New Jersey-Agate, Pearl, Prehnite, Smoky Quartz

New Mexico-Garnet, Obsidian, Peridot, Rock Crystal, Turquoise

South Carolina-Beryl, Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz

Vermont-Aquamarine, Pearl

Washington-Agate, Pearl

Wisconsin-Agate, Pearl

*For more information on gemstone mining in the United States , please see my rough gemstones page.

Fee Gemstone Mining in the United States (Fee Mining)

If you are interested in learning where you can mine your own gemstones, here is a list of a few places in the United States that will let you do just that.

Gold ‘n’ Gem Grubbin Mine

75 Gold Nugget Lane

Cleveland, Georgia 30528

www.goldngem.com

Phone: (706) 865-5454

Email: info@goldngem.com

Description : Gems that can be found here include amethyst, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz. Gemstone grubbing prices can be found on the website. You have the option of having your finds cut and mounted into 14kt gold jewelry. You can also pan for gold with dirt removed from the 100 acre mine. Buckets range from $10.00 to $160.00. There is no admission charge and parking is free. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Poland Mining Camps

34 Groves Lane

PO Box 26

www.polandminingcamps.com

Poland, Maine 04274

Phone: (207) 998-2350

Description : Gain access to exclusive pegmatite quarries and collect unique mineral specimens. Lodging at the camps is available starting on Labor Day weekend and ends on September 30th. Other mining dates may be accommodated if advance notice is given. Information on what to bring can be found on the website. Caters to beginners as well as to advanced collectors. Call for pricing.

U-Dig Fossils

350 East 300 South

PO Box 1113

Delta, Utah 84624

www.u-digfossils.com

Phone: (435) 864-3638

Fax: (435) 864-4294

Email: udig@xmission.com

Description : Dig for trilobite fossils in limestone shale. The average visitor will find 10-20 trilobites in a four-hour period. Open from April 2nd through October 31st. See website for pricing and other important information.

Emerald Creek Garnet Collecting Site

222 South 7th Street

Saint Maries, Idaho 83861

http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/activities/garnets/

Phone: (208) 245-2531

Phone: (208) 245-1134

Description : Dig for star garnets in one of only two places in the world where they can be found! Open weekly Friday through Tuesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please call ahead to check for unexpected closures. See website for more details.

Interested in more information on gemstone mining in the United States? Read on to discover information about Arkansas gem mining and to learn about places where you can mine your own gemstones in Arkansas!