Travel to a Gem Mine for a Bedazzling Good Time

Visiting a gem mine is an extraordinary experience for both adults and children. Gem mines offer an experience similar to a treasure hunt. The precious stones that are found will vary from state to state.

Several years ago, my daughters and I had the opportunity to visit a gem mine. We traveled to Amelia, Va., with a group of friends to visit Morefield Gem Mine. We lived in Virginia Beach at the time, and it was close to a three-hour drive each way. After packing our lunch, we headed for the car to begin our day trip. We had a blast! We found an abundance of turquoise colored amazonite crystals. We also found purple amethyst, which happens to be my birthstone.

Gem mines do all of the mining for you. They distribute the gems in a mining field so guests can use shovels to find buried treasure. Treasure is put into buckets and then taken to a flume line. Flume lines allow you to clean your gems. Many gem mines have stores that will turn your rough treasure into smooth finished gemstones. Turning your gemstones into jewelry is another exquisite option. Transform your diamond in the rough into a bedazzling piece of jewelry by finding a jeweler.

Expect to get dirty, since gem mining offers messy yet mesmerizing fun. Rain boots and gloves are excellent attire to wear to a gem mine.

Amelia isn't the only place to offer gem mining. Let's explore some other great locations to dig for buried treasure.

Jellystone Parks

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks and Camp-Resorts have more than 30 locations across the United States. In addition, they have four locations in Canada. Gem mining is available in 27 locations at this time. Pack a picnic, and then head to Jellystone Park to search for treasure. Just watch out for Yogi Bear!

Sheffield Mine

Sheffield Mine is in Franklin, N.C. If you are searching for rubies or sapphires, Sheffield Mine is the place for you. This mine has been featured on the Travel Channel, which adds to its brilliance.

Gold n Gem Grubbin

Gold n Gem Grubbin is in Cleveland, Ga., about an hour drive from Atlanta. Do you want to find gold and gemstones? That is not a problem at Gold n Gem Grubbin. You can dig for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts and topazes, or you can pan for gold. In addition, you have the option to mine at the creek. When mining at the creek, you may find both gold and gemstones.

California State Gem Mine

Do you live on the West Coast? If so, head to California State Gem Mine. Once there, you will search for the state gemstone, Benitoite. Benitoite is a a rare gemstone that is sapphire-blue in color. The mine is in Coalinga, Calif.

Happy mining!

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