One of the things I have always wanted to do is take a gem mining vacation. Now digging around in the dirt may not be you idea of an exciting vacation , but I happen to find the idea fascinating. The idea that I might find a rare stone or exquisite gem appeals to the gambler in me. I know that I will not find anything right away and it will take hours of work. It is kind of like writing hubs, it takes time and dedication to make it pay off. I have scoured the Internet for possible gem mining locations and reviews. I have put them together for you in case you would want to become a gem hunter too.

Just like diamonds you look for the Color and Clarity of the crystals. Some gem stones are clear and some gems are milky. Some gem stones have pearl like color and some crystals come in box like shapes. As you can see in the slides on the left there are many beautiful gem stones. But before you get excited and trudge out to the southern part of the USA , be wary that gem stones of this stature have been found in Gem Mines in Africa and Australia

Mining for Gems is an all day affair so wear you most comfortable clothing. You are going to get dirty so it may best to bring an old towel to wipe off with. A picnic lunch is advisable,  The gem mines provide places for you to eat out of the weather. Bring with you an old container with a lid such as a margarine container or a a zip lock bag to keep all of our valuables.Most of the time you will be given a bucket of dirt and you will have to use a screen to clean off your gems in the water. Some of the gem mines allow digging. I was surprised that a lot of the mines a lot do not..

Gem Mining seems to be plentiful in the southern states. North Carolina's Macon County has Sapphires and Rubies. The claim is that they are the Gem Mining capital of the world. The Website boasts that they have uncovered a 2 and a half pound ruby. Below is a website that features many of the gem mines available in North Carolina.

In Arizona you will find a an abundance of copper and turquoise in their Gem mines.

If Diamonds are more your taste then Off to Arkansas you go to experience the best in Diamond mining. Diamond Crater state park has a 37 acre plowed field you can go and plunder for diamonds of any color. According to the website valuable diamonds are still being found on the property. The Website keeps an up to date listing of the most valuable diamonds found by the prospectors. This sounds like a great place to go. You can dig for your own treasure and you have the hope of finding a neat prize.

Below are some links to other gem mines in the United States. Maybe you will find one that is near you!

According to some blogging gem finders... yes. the two samples to the right are examples of gems that were located at the Rio Doce Gem Mine in Western North Carolina. Good luck on your search and have fun finding your treasure.

 You know sometimes you ask a question and somebody comes along and answers it!   A reader Larry Coleman shared with me in the comments below that he had found the largest sapphaire in the Ruby and Sapphire mine in Mason, NC.  I have included his pic and the link to the site below.  Way to go Larry and thanks for sharing!