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How to Go Gem Hunting

No matter where a person is on the globe, there is a good possibility of finding some sort of gem nearby. Many gem hunters in the U.S. head for the Midwest region and mountainous areas to search for gems. You don't need much equipment to gem hunt, and with a little skill and effort, you can find a quality gem suitable for mounting.

Things You'll Need

Food
Water
Sunblock
First aide/snake bite kit
Shovel
Sluice pan
Gem tester

Instructions

- 1
  Consult with a travel agent at a licensed travel agency about travel packages that include gem hunting and prospecting. The staff will have a myriad of locations across the globe to travel to hunt for gems.
- 2
  Pack accordingly for a gem hunting trip. Include sluice pans, storage containers and a first aid kit. Small plastic sandwich baggies are ideal for securing any found gems. Take along a gem tester to help you identify the gems you find.
- 3
  Take along insect repellent and a snakebite kit, as many gem hunting sites are in remote areas. Sunblock, water and food are other must haves.
- 4
  Get permission from any landowners or authorities before venturing onto gem hunting sites that aren't a commercial operation. Many landowners are aware of gem hunters and allow gem hunting on their land for a small fee or the option to buy any gems found on their land.
- 5
  Bring a shovel or other digging implements to dig and to back fill any holes created during the gem hunt. Leave no holes for others to step in.

Gemology