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How to Find Gem Stones

Gem stones have been sought after for centuries by mankind as a form of wealth. There have been gemstones found, bought and sold since the first human picked up a shell and traded it for a scrap of food. Rubies, sapphires, diamonds, amethysts and other gemstones can be found all over the world. Some places have better-quality gemstones than others, but nearly everywhere in the Earth's crust has some type of gem. Learn how to find gems in your locality.

Things You'll Need

Masonry hammer
Leather work gloves
Safety glasses
Pie pan
Small shovel
Water supply
5-gallon bucket
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a spot on public or private land. Although gems can be found just about anywhere, a creek, or dry creek bed, at the foot of a mountain is a good spot for the beginner to start. Obtain permission from the owner, or overseer, of the land before digging.
- 2
  Dig a sample bucket in your starting spot. Start on the upstream side of a bend in the creek. Fill your 5-gallon bucket with rocks and soil using your shovel.
- 3
  Place a small bit of the sample into your pie pan along with just enough water to cover the soil and rocks. Swirl the pan in a circular motion to loosen dirt from the rocks. Continue the swirling motion and let the soil-laden water spill over the edge, leaving only rock.
- 4
  Add more water to the pan and clean the rocks again with the swirling motion. Lay the rocks onto a rag. Save any shiny or translucent rocks and discard the others. Refill your pan and repeat the process until all of your "gems" are separated and cleaned.
- 5
  Dry your stones with a clean cloth. Label them by using a field guide to identify them. Wrap your stones individually in pieces of clean, dry cloth and store them in a solid container to prevent damage.

Rocks & Minerals