How to Mine Rubies

Locate an area that has known ruby deposits. Ruby deposits are common in India, Thailand and Vietnam. In the United States, star rubies can be mined in and around North Carolina.

Prepare for a dirty job. Wear old clothes to the mine, as most of the time will be spent sifting through mound after mound of dirt. Gloves are recommended.

Bring along an immersion tray. This is a simple box with low sides.

Place a sufficient amount of dirt into the tray and cover the soil with water. Swirl this solution around to separate the loose dirt from the solid rocks and rubies. Scrub the dirt deposits from any of the larger rocks found. Rinse carefully in running water to wash away remaining dirt. Continue this process until all of the dirt has been washed away and only rock remains in the tray.

Inspect the remaining rocks. Look at each cleaned rock carefully. Identify any areas of the rocks that exhibit a reddish, purple color. Have a gemologist examine the specimens to determine their exact composition.