Across the U.S., there are places where you can dig for real gemstones without needing special gear or expert skills. Some are old mines, others are beaches or rocky hillsides—but all let you keep what you find. If that sounds like fun, consider checking out these 15 spots.
Crater Of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
Set inside an ancient volcanic crater, Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only public ground on Earth where you can dig for natural diamonds and keep them. Over 75,000 have been found since 1972, and with on-site equipment rentals and free gem identification, you don’t need any experience to get started.
Emerald Hollow Mine, North Carolina
Each year, more than 50,000 people try their luck at the only public emerald mine in the U.S. That includes digging through soil and water channels for over 60 gemstones, including the locally rare Hiddenite. It’s a hands-on experience that combines geology with the thrill of discovering something unexpected in the dirt.
Gem Mountain, North Carolina
Ruby and emerald hunters head to Gem Mountain for a guided adventure. This family-friendly destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers guests the choice between sifting prepared soil or joining a guided dig. When you spot a good piece, gem-cutting services are available on-site to turn it into a polished keepsake.
Royal Peacock Opal Mine, Nevada
Rare black fire opals hide beneath the volcanic ash beds of Virgin Valley, and this mine gives you a chance to find one. Seasonal digging is open to anyone, and nearby camping makes it simple to extend your trip. It’s a shimmering reward for those who don’t mind getting dusty.
Benitoite Gem Mine, California
Bragging rights come easy at this niche destination—if you can find Benitoite. At this reservation-only hotspot, collectors search for California’s state gem, known for its rarity and high quality. What makes it even more remarkable is its glow under UV light, hidden deep within the site’s blue serpentine rock.
Spectrum Sunstone Mine, Oregon
At this high desert mine in Oregon, copper-rich Sunstones shimmer in shades of red or green. Guests get tools and access to dig for stones worth keeping. If you locate something special, on-site cutting services can turn it into a polished souvenir that shows off the gem’s natural sparkle.
Cherokee Ruby And Sapphire Mine, North Carolina
Authenticity is the draw here—this mine uses native, unsalted soil, so every ruby or sapphire you uncover is the real deal. It’s located near Franklin, a town known for its gem-hunting history, and on-site identification helps confirm your finds. The whole setup feels refreshingly down-to-earth.
Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York
Herkimer Diamonds aren’t actual diamonds—they’re quartz crystals with sharp, natural points found in ancient dolostone. At a New York mine, guests use hammers to break open the rock and find them inside. Some even stay for workshops that turn their discoveries into one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Morefield Mine, Virginia
Amazonite and smoky quartz top the list of finds in the Morefield Mine, but garnets and topaz also appear. The location offers both underground tours and surface collecting areas, as well as seasonal group digs that bring hobbyists together. Whether you’re exploring a tunnel or sifting soil, there’s always a new stone to uncover.
Jade Cove, California
With the ocean as your backdrop, gemstone hunting takes on a relaxed, beachy vibe. That’s why rockhounds and beachcombers line this Big Sur shoreline, scanning the surf for flashes of nephrite jade. Storms sometimes reveal new pieces, and collecting is allowed as long as you stay below the high tide line.
Gem Institute Of America Field Site, California
If you’re brand-new to gem hunting, this educational zone makes things easy. It’s located near some of Southern California’s gem-rich zones and focuses on teaching the basics of gem identification. The relaxed, family-friendly setup provides space to learn, explore, and perhaps even discover a hobby you didn’t know you’d enjoy.
Topaz Mountain, Utah
This free-access public venue is a favorite among amateur geologists, thanks to both the scenic desert setting and the amber-colored topaz hidden in volcanic cavities. With just a set of hand tools, you’re ready to dig, and the real thrill comes from spotting something that sparkles where most would only see a stone.
Garnet Hill, Nevada
Regardless of your experience level, it’s a low-pressure place to dig—dark red garnets lie close to the surface at this official BLM rockhounding site. Collecting them is easy, and the sweeping views make the search even better. With no entry fee, anyone can come out and hunt.
Woodward Ranch, Texas
Ancient lava flows have left behind red plume agate and jasper, and this Texas ranch provides rockhounds with access to these colorful finds. It’s privately owned and charges a fee, but guided tours are available to help visitors maximize their experience. During peak digging season, the stories can be just as memorable as the stones.
Oceanview Mine, California
Located in California’s Pala mining district, this half-day dig lets you search through tailings rich in pink and green tourmaline. Kunzite and morganite also show up in the mix. Since equipment is provided, you can dive straight into the adventure, whether you’re chasing gemstones or simply enjoying a day in the dirt.
