Diamonds are one of 100 varieties of minerals classified as gems.
There are more than 2,700 different types of minerals buried beneath the earth's surface, but according to the U.S. Geological Survey, just 100 of these qualify as gemstones. In order to be considered a gem, a mineral must meet three requirements: exceptional beauty, durability and rarity. Individuals who like to hunt for gems are often called "rockhounds." While you can attempt to dig for gems just about anywhere, your highest chances of success are in locations where gemstones have previously been mined.
Instructions
1. Decide which type of gem you are most interested in mining. Because different minerals are formed under different geological conditions, multiple varieties of gems are rarely found in a single location.
2. Visit a website such as the U.S. Geological Survey for information on which locations are hot spots for the gem you'd like to mine. For example, the community of Hiddenite, North Carolina is a prime location for emeralds; the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas offers rockhounds a chance to hunt for diamonds; Garnet Hill, Nevada is a top spot for those searching for garnets.
3. Ask a person familiar with the area -- such as a park tour guide -- for information on where the best spots are for mining the gem of your choice. You may also choose to pick up a visitors' guide from the local tourism and visitors' center.
4. Mine by hand if you find yourself at a gem hot spot without the use of tools. If you will be mining for gems by hand, the experts at Crater of Diamonds State Park recommend using a tool you can use anytime -- your eyes. They suggest scanning the ground for a stone that matches the gem for which you are hunting. If you find a stone that looks like what you're looking for, pick it up, dust it off and examine it. A field guide on gemstones is a good tool to have with you.
5. Search for gemstones with the use of tools. Garnet Hill in Nevada allows rockhounds to search for gems free of charge. While hand-digging is also allowed, so is the use of simple tools, such as a shovel or rock hammer. The Ouachita National Forest permits only the use of a screwdriver-sized hand-prying tool.
6. Remove only the amount of rock allowed under local regulations. Ouachita National Forest limits quartz collection to no more than 25 pounds.
7. Consult a gemologist after your day of rockhounding is over. An expert can tell you the size (carat), clarity and value of your gemstones. The expert can also tell you if you've found the real thing or a fake.
Tags: Crater Diamonds, Crater Diamonds State, Diamonds State, Diamonds State Park, Garnet Hill
