Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

How to Pan for Creek Gems

Panning and screening for gems was once a way of life and is still a popular hobby. Gems and minerals can be found in creeks and streams; the water flowing across the ground pulls precious stones from the gravel beds. Certain techniques are helpful in enabling you to successfully pan for gems.

Things You'll Need

Pie pan
Screen, 12 inches square

Instructions

- 1
  Stand in a creek with your feet planted firmly in the gravel creek bed.
- 2
  Scoop up sediment from the creek bed into a pie pan.
- 3
  Pour the pan of sediment onto a 12-inch square screen.
- 4
  Hold the sides of the screen firmly in your hands and lower it into the water. Make sure that the screen remains horizontal in the water. Lower the screen until the water covers the sediment with 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water.
- 5
  Swish the screen slightly in a small circle to wash off dirt and soil, leaving behind stones and minerals.
- 6
  Inspect the screen for gemstones or precious minerals. Dump the excess back into the water.
- 7
  Repeat the process of panning and screening until you have found the number of gems you desire.

Other Collecting