How to Hunt for Gems

Honing in on the target

• 1

  Determine the type of gem you wish to seek. If unsure, choose a geographic region where you'd like to hunt for gems.

• 2

  Search online or in library books for appropriate details. If you decide to hunt for amethyst, for instance, query "where to search for amethyst" as your search terms. If searching by state, you could type "gems found in Nevada."

• 3

  Gather as much information as possible about the gem and its native locations. Examine pictures of the gem in its natural form so one knows what to look for. Also note what other kinds of rocks are commonly found with the gem and learn how to identify those rocks.

• 4

  Find (via blogs, forums and books) public areas in the selected region where one may search for gems and legally keep them. Alternatively, there may be a popular hot spot where one could pay to search for gemstones.

Hunting time

• 5

  Choose equipment based on the type of gem-hunting one will do. If hunting in water, waders or wading boots would be helpful, as well as a gold pan or a sluice. If digging for gems, one would wear sturdy clothing and gloves. Digging also requires a pick or geologist's hammer, a shovel and protective eyewear. A sturdy brush, collection bag and a magnifying glass are handy for any gem-hunting methods.

• 6

  Find a safe location to begin one's hunt.

• 7

  Start searching: look in loose gravel, riverbed stones, limestone deposits, etc. Look for telltale signs specific to your chosen gemstone. If hunting in water, scoop up potential stones with the pan or sluice and strain out unwanted matter.

• 8

  Examine any potential gems closely. Dust off the stone with the sturdy brush, or rinse it in water.Pick at any difficult-to-remove dirt with the dental pick. Does the stone have the telltale signs of being a gem?

• 9

  Keep any stone that is potentially your chosen gem. One can always get help identifying it later.