See what’s inside…. For 2020 Virgin Valley COVID-19 UPDATES click HERE. Photo by ZhaoScorpio. “Quincy Picking Sapphires,” Philipsburg, MT. For questions about the individual mines or fee digs, please contact each mine separately using the, Website Design by Christopher Wentzell of, contact information provided on our fee digs page, VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL, Don't forget to also visit and like our Virgin Valley Opal Mines Facebook Page. You could find gemstones worth thousands of dollars where you never imagined treasure lies. Used with permission. Aquamarines are fairly tough jewelry stones, but they do have some weaknesses. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! Big game seasons are established for antelope, deer, There are also … Thanks for visiting! The Emerald Hollow Mine is home to the only emerald mine in the United States open for public treasure hunting. Crater of Diamonds State Park. © Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine. The 6,600 gold mining and gold prospecting sites shown on our six California gold prospecting and panning maps are continuous from Mexico to Oregon and to the Arizona and Nevada state lines. Please also "like" and follow our Facebook page to stay updated! Morefield Pegmatite Mine, Amelia Co., Virginia, USA. Photo by Didier Descouens. Since the 1800s, some fee ground has been sold to mining companies — for example, Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM), which controls a large allotment of fee ground in Nevada. Learn more. If you’re looking for something different but affordable for your wedding, here are 10 rare engagement…, With study, care, and the right tools, hobbyist gem cutters can add diamond cutting to their repertoire. Its colors — always red — can reach vivid levels of saturation.…, Found all over the world, moonstone is prized for its blue to white adularescence — a billowy, moonlight-like sheen. Gem Mountain, Philipsburg, MT. A 195 pound mass was also found. Learn how these stones are made and how to distinguish them from…, Although often overlooked, quartz is available in many styles at reasonable prices. Stay at the park campsite and enjoy wildlife and natural scenery as well as some sparkling stones. Once you have a pan of stones, head over to the office so an appraiser can check your stash to see how much your sparklers are worth. © The Gem Trader. In June, 2015, an 8.52-carat diamond was discovered at Crater of Diamonds. In the collection of Sam Dunaway. News Reader. International Gem Society LLC. Mining for gemstones in Hiddenite, NC. The International Gem Society (IGS) is the world's top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and industry content. Used with permission. Onsite gemologists can inspect your findings to see if they’re the real deal, and lapidaries can spruce up and turn your gems into pieces of jewelry before you head home.   |   VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL NEVADA OPAL MINES, home of the world-famous Nevada Black Fire Opal and source of the world's finest opal specimens and collector opal gems. Lapis Lazuli Gemstones: As a general rule, solid blue lapis or solid blue with a few grains of gold pyrite are the most desirable colors. Mine your own at the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine. This page is NOT owned or associated with any of the existing fee dig mines and is a collective resource of information maintained by CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL DBA VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES. Check out Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine for some stellar prospecting. The most common aquamarine enhancements try to turn blueish green stones pure blue. Idaho, constituent state of the United States of America.It ranks 14th among the 50 U.S. states in terms of total area. All rights reserved. Public Domain. Ready to learn how to identify gems on your own? In 1987, the agency started the Abandoned Mine Lands program. Although frequently associated with golden yellow as well as blue, it can be found…, Emerald has been synonymous with the color green since ancient times. You can pick these so-called “fairy stones” or “fairy crosses” right off the ground in Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart, Virginia. When you think of mining for the “big four” gemstones —, The Esperanza diamond with a custom-designed “triolette” cut by Mike Botha. So far, visitors to the park have found well over 30,000 diamonds, including a 16-carat beauty in 1975, so your chances of landing a stone are high. The Emerald Hollow Mine is home to the only emerald mine in the United States open for public treasure hunting. Open year-round, the mine boasts gorgeous scenery, too. © The mine is open for gem hunting to the public from April through October. Readily available and moderately priced, the…, Tourmaline is a name applied to a family of related minerals with widely varying properties. The Crater of Diamonds State Park, 120 miles from Little Rock, AR, is the only existing mine where visitors can prospect for diamonds and keep their findings. © Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine. Parti sapphires can show two or three colors at the same time. You can sluice through rocks and dirt with a screen and look for precious treasures, including sapphires, garnets, and rutile. A great find. By visiting and/or using this website, you agree to our terms of use, privacy policy, and sales terms/return policy. Three pieces of opal from Virgin Valley, Nevada. Prospectors can use the sluicing technique or collect from the mine dumps. <<<, This website is not managed by any of the fee dig mines. ©, Choosing a Ring Style, Setting, and Metal, Read more about this unique diamond named “Esperanza.”, Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). Although jet jewelry has been long associated with mourning,…. What will you find when you sift through the dirt and gravel at Gem Mountain? Several mines are open to rockhounds for fee digging of  precious black, crystal, fire, conk, wood, limb cast, and other opal types. Its boundaries—with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north and the U.S. states of Montana and Wyoming to the east, Utah and Nevada to the south, and Oregon and Washington to the west—are both historical and geographic in derivation. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. The four-week public exhibition period has started prior to a final decision around development approval of the KI Seaport development. Information about the Royal Peacock, Rainbow Ridge and Bonanza Opal Mines Fee Digs and the Virgin Valley Opal and Mines. In the photo above the bottom two cabochons approach that ideal. Don't forget to also visit and like our Virgin Valley Opal Mines Facebook Page. Fire agates for sale at the Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase. Offers for services are void where prohibited by law. You can also purchase sapphire gravel to take home or ready-made jewelry designs featuring the gorgeous Montana sapphires. Get started with these tips from expert…, Historically a popular black gem, jet has declined in popularity in modern times. Thanks for submitting your message. Discover Top Blogs & Best Websites in 2021. You can rent or bring your own prospecting tools. Used with permission. Little Finland (also known as Hobgoblin’s Playground and Devil’s Fire) is a scenic red rock area, located in a remote section of Clark County, Nevada south of Mesquite, known for its red rock scenery and strangely-shaped, delicate rock formations.The landscape is similar to Valley of Fire State Park, which is about 20 miles (32 km) to the west, across Lake Mead. You’ll see diamonds everywhere, even laying in the dirt, but you can rent equipment at the park for deeper digging. You can check out findings from the mine at sluiceways or do your own prospecting, digging, and hunting for a small fee. A gem hunting trip is a great way for beginners to learn about gemology, especially kids. Photo by BuzzFarmers. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has reserved one area in Lake County as a public collecting area where anyone can enter, look for sunstone, and keep what they find for personal use. Photo by Glenn Harper. Elko County is a hunter's paradise. With an estimated value of $1 million, it’s the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Opal Gem Mines & Mining Claims for sale. Our emails are designed to keep you up to date on the news and events impacting the minerals-related industries. As with other diamond deposits, most of the stones are small and included, but some fine gems have been found here. Licensed under CC By-SA 2.0. gem ID checklist tutorial. Licensed under CC By 2.0. Home » Learning Center » Gemology » Gem Tourism » Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US. Learn how heating and other aquamarine treatments work. FREE Recent Articles. The information on … If legal advice or assistance is required or desired, the services of a competent licensed attorney or other appropriate professional should be sought. There are mining opportunities here for all skill levels. Due to reopen to the public in the Spring of 2019, Jackson’s Crossroads Amethyst Mine in Wilkes County, Georgia produces amethysts with beautiful purple colors and red and blue flashes. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to prospect for the beautiful blue stones as well as rubies and moonstones. The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is an association for minerals industry professionals. “Treasures from the Morefield Mine.” Photo by Ryan Somma. Photo by Richard Sprague. Terms of Use Group mining. Rutile find. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. It’s worth the effort. These crystals were first discovered in New York, and the perfect clarity of some of these stones makes them very popular with gem hunters. This website is not managed by any of the fee dig mines. Grab your gear and head to one of these prominent US destinations. The largest true California gold nugget weighed 54 pounds. Search for rubies inside the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine. © Bonanza Opal Mines, Inc. Used with permission. Ruby find. Read content from different sources in one place. Our crystalline quartz buying guide can help you pick your…, A BriteCo survey reveals how Covid is changing the retail jewelry world. This mine has produced very valuable stones, some worth upwards of $50,000. The pure blue colors and excellent durability of this gem-quality member of…, One of the most popular traditional jewelry stones, ruby is exceptionally durable. © Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine, Spruce Pine, NC. See the results and learn how jewelers can adapt to a digital marketplace.…, Not all rare gemstones cost a fortune. Quartzsite, Arizona also hosts a well-known annual gem show from January to February. Feel free to contact us by using the form or the info below, thanks! VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL NEVADA OPAL MINES, home of the world-famous Nevada Black Fire Opal and source of the world's finest opal specimens and collector opal gems. For big embedded crystals, you may need a chisel or hammer to break them out of the rocks. Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Natural cruciform staurolite or “fairy stone,” found at the Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia. The backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains will make it a beautiful summer vacation.   |   The price of admission is low, and the fun level is high, so make it a family outing. Licensed under CC By 2.0. Used with permission. By using fees from the mining industry, they are able to inventory and secure these areas. Photo by Robert Nunnally. Information about the other mines including Kokopelli Opal Mine, Opal Negra Mine,  and John Church Swordfish Mining Virgin Valley Opal. See what’s inside…, • Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), • Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. Tucson Show 2021 - Live Report (Virtual Show)Jolyon & Katya Ralph - 5th Feb 2021 Minerals in Buckinghamshire and the Watermead PliosaurDavid Carter - 27th Jan 2021; Under Construction: Hart Mountain Amygdales and Surrounding InterestsSteve Ewens - 27th Jan 2021; Winter Wanderings and Desert WindowsSteve Ewens - 9th Jan 2021; George Gabriel Stokes and the … Despite being somewhat…, Opals are in a class by themselves. Photo by Matt Howry. Every February, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona attracts visitors from around the world. © Addison Rice. Nevada hunting season is a big draw from regional and out-of-state enthusiasts. Find glittering, gorgeous emeralds in Hiddenite, only about an hour’s drive from Winston-Salem, NC. The February birthstone makes a fine, durable gemstone…, Although commonly associated with the color red, garnets can be found in almost any color and are popular choices for jewelry of all types. You can check out findings from the mine at sluiceways or do your own prospecting, digging, and hunting for a small fee. The mine is open from May to September. • Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts! Head to Spruce Pine’s own Gem Mountain. Topaz in situ. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! The January…, Named after the color of sea water, aquamarine is the blue to blue-green member of the beryl family. Licensed under CC By-SA 3.0. 2021 Join our mailing list below to download a FREE gem ID checklist tutorial. Looking for aquamarines? Nevada is comprised of 87 percent public land with huge areas of open country. Licensed under CC By-SA 2.0. Although known mostly for its emeralds, the 70-acre site can also yield sapphire, tourmaline, garnet, topaz, and aquamarine. Thanks! Privacy Policy The Morefield Mine, just under an hour from Richmond, VA, is known for its vast amount of amazonite. Used with permission. As a species, opal is so unique it has its own descriptive vocabulary. Tourmalines make very popular jewelry stones and…, The traditional November birthstone, topaz is a popular gem. The staff will help you clean your gems and assess them, so you’ll know which stones are worth saving and possibly turning into wearable pieces. Sifting under a covered flume. Crater of Diamonds State Park. Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite, North Carolina. For questions about the individual mines or fee digs, please contact each mine separately using the contact information provided on our fee digs page. More than any other gem, each opal is distinctly…. e.g. You’ll be doing some serious digging to get to the treasure here, but your hard work could pay off. The Oregon basalt flows that contain sunstone are located mainly on public land, and many productive or promising areas are held by mining claims. All rights reserved. Affiliate Disclosure All content © 2017 to present by VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL individually.   |   The gem known as “Herkimer diamond” is actually a type of quartz, like this crystal from Herkimer County, New York, USA (2 x 1.3cm). (The town of Hiddenite was named in 1913 after the gemstone hiddenite, a rare variety of spodumene discovered in the area). Harvest and photo by Mark Joseph Wylie. You can also see our FAQs. Several mines are open to rockhounds for fee digging of precious black, crystal, fire, conk, wood, limb cast, and other opal types. Colorful and unusual, opal is an eye-catching gem. Gem sluice, Hiddenite, NC. The large cabochon on the top right has a few thin veins of calcite and some calcite mottling. The information and services provided on this website are done so with the understanding that VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, its owner/s and agents, are not engaged in rendering any legal, accounting, or investment services. Prospecting here may also reward you with garnet, amethyst, beryl, topaz, and many other minerals. © Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine. Learn how each factor affects aquamarine grading and pricing.…. The Nevada Division of Minerals has determined that of the more than 200,000 historic mine features scattered throughout Nevada, approximately 50,000 are considered hazardous. Crystal Grove Diamond Mine is the place to go to find Herkimer diamonds, beautiful quartz crystals that are fun to mine. Learn how to get started with the International Gem Society’s guide to gemstone identification. Photo by Virginia State Parks. Website Design by Christopher Wentzell of DOMINION GEMS. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl…, Few gems have held our attention over millennia as well as sapphire. The letters "CSM" after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff's ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. Murfreesboro is the place to go. Bring tools and buckets. Aquamarines are evaluated based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Accessibility Statement, Join our mailing list below to download a Learn about aquamarine durability and what precautions you should…, Synthetic aquamarines are relatively rare, but gemologists may encounter them. Licensed under CC By 2.0. The Morefield Mine has its own exhibit of stones onsite as well as one at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Opal Gem Mines & Mining Claims for sale. >>> If you are considering buying an Opal Mining Claim in Virgin Valley, PLEASE READ THIS INFO First by clicking HERE. ", Amethyst is crystalline quartz in colors ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. Want to take a gem-themed vacation but not really into the outdoors? Read more about this unique diamond named “Esperanza.”. Staurolite gems can form in natural cross shapes that have inspired numerous legends. Licensed under CC By-SA 2.0. Find glittering, gorgeous emeralds in Hiddenite, only about an hour’s drive from Winston-Salem, NC. New York is home to Broadway shows, plenty of shopping, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, but did you know New York state is a great place to mine for gemstones? We will respond as soon as possible! The mine is open from May to September. Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts. Denver, Colorado hosts an annual Gem and Mineral Showcase with many diverse offerings. One of the most beautiful states in the country, Montana also makes a great destination for gem hunting. Learn why recent trends will soon make these beautiful gems very popular. Want to mine for diamonds? Used with permission. Sapphires — and lots of them. Licensed under CC By 2.0. Licensed under CC By 2.0. There are numerous gem shows throughout the US where you can do your gem hunting indoors (or at least in the shade). Before traveling to any of these sites, please confirm their dates and times of operation as well as their rules and guidelines by visiting their websites or calling ahead. If you’re gem hunting for fire opals, visit the Bonanza Opal Mine in Denio, Nevada. Violetish purple amethyst, 8.55 cts, 16 x 12 mm, oval brilliant, Jackson’s Crossroads, Wilkes Co., Georgia. Any copying, reproduction, storing or transmittal prohibited without prior express written permission. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book "Modern Faceting, the Easy Way. Used with permission. Blogs, RSS, Youtube channels, Podcast, Magazines, etc.
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