Vacationing at a gold mine could yield valuable results.
If you are somewhat adventurous and like the idea of possibly finding a treasure while on vacation, looking for gems might be a good choice for you. Throughout America there are places where you can, for a fee, search for gems that you can keep.
Emerald Hollow Mine
Emerald Hollow Mine, in Hiddenite, North Carolina, is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public. Sluicing is the easiest method of prospecting for gemstones; you sit on a covered sluiceway and wash buckets of ore to find gemstones. Creeking involves walking through shallow creek beds, working with a screen or just your eyes. Digging is hard work, but may be profitable. Emerald Hollow Mine has digging tools available for rent. The Travel Channel named Emerald Hollow Mine one of America's top 10 treasure-hunting hot spots.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. You can keep any diamonds that you find. Surface searching involves looking for diamonds lying on top of the ground; after a hard rain, this is the most productive method. Searching through up to one foot of soil is a popular method; some people use a screen to sift the soil. Digging deep holes requires hard work; this method is usually preferred by experienced visitors.
Cherokee Ruby Mine
Cherokee Ruby Mine, in Franklin, North Carolina, is among the last native gemstone-only mines open to the public. Rubies, sapphires, garnets and moonstones -- all native to the area -- are found at the mine. Upon arriving, you receive a screen box and a seat cushion. You view samples of gemstones and receive tips for identifying them. After filling the screen box with dirt and washing the gravel, you sort through the gravel looking for signs of gemstones. Attendants are available to help you.
Juniper Ridge Opal Mine
At Juniper Ridge Opal Mine, in the mountains of southeastern Oregon, you can hunt for fire opals. The fee for digging, as of 2011, is $250 per person per day or per one-gallon bucket, whichever comes first. Since the mine is small, digging parties are limited to six or fewer, and reservations are required. The mine is in a remote wilderness area, so you will need to bring food and water. The Travel Channel named Juniper Ridge Opal Mine one of America's top 10 treasure-hunting hot spots.
Tags: Emerald Hollow, Emerald Hollow Mine, Hollow Mine, Juniper Ridge, Juniper Ridge Opal, Opal Mine, open public
