Utah's Rare Gemstones and Minerals

Tips for a Successful Visit

• Listen to Your Guide: TheGemTours' guides are experts in the field. Follow their instructions to increase your chances of finding rare minerals.
• Work Strategically: Focus on areas where others may not have dug yet. Look for cracks, veins, or unusual rock formations.
• Use the Right Tools: Bring a variety of tools to handle different types of rocks and minerals.
• Be Patient: Gem hunting is a game of patience. Take your time and enjoy the process.
• Document Your Finds: Take photos and notes of where you found each gemstone for future reference.

Pricing & Special Rules

Admission Fees:

• Searle Canyon Red Beryl & Topaz Mine: See booking calendar for current pricing.
• Solar Wind Bixbyite & Pink Topaz Mine: See booking calendar for current pricing.
• Combo-Pass: A discounted package for those who want to visit both mines, either on the same day or on consecutive days.

Reservations: Advance booking is required via the online booking calendar. No walk-ins allowed-spaces are limited and fill up quickly!

Children & Family Policy: For a limited time, children aged 12 and under can participate for FREE (one child per paying adult). The tours are not recommended for children under 4 due to the physical nature of the activity.

Liability Waiver: All participants must complete a liability waiver before the tour begins.

Rockhounding at TheGemTours is an adventure that combines skill, patience, and a little bit of luck. Whether you're exploring the Searle Canyon Red Beryl & Topaz Mine or the Solar Wind Bixbyite & Pink Topaz Mine, these expert techniques will help you maximize your chances of uncovering Utah's rarest gemstones. Let's dig in!

1. Start with Surface Collecting

Before diving into deep digging, take a moment to scan the surface. Many gemstones, especially smaller ones like topaz or bixbyite fragments, can be found lying right on top of the ground. Look for:

• Shiny or colorful pebbles that catch your eye.
• Cracks or crevices in rocks where gemstones might be hiding.
• Piles of tailings (leftover material from previous digs), which can often yield surprising finds.

Surface collecting is a great way to warm up and get a feel for the area before committing to a specific digging spot.

2. Follow the Veins

Gemstones often form in veins or pockets within the rock. Look for lines or streaks of color in the rock face, as these can indicate the presence of gems. For example:

• Red Beryl: Often found in rhyolite formations, so focus on areas with reddish or pinkish rock.
• Topaz: Look for clear or pastel-colored crystals embedded in volcanic rock.
• Bixbyite: Often found in dark, metallic clusters within basalt or other volcanic rocks.

Your guide will point out these features, but keep an eye out for them as you explore.

3. Use the Right Tools

Having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to rockhounding. Here's what you'll need:

• Rock Pick or Geologist's Hammer: Perfect for breaking apart rocks and extracting gemstones.
• Chisel and Brush: Ideal for carefully extracting delicate crystals without damaging them.
• Screwdrivers: Great for prying apart cracks and crevices.
• Sifter or Screen: Use this to separate smaller gemstones from dirt and debris.

While TheGemTours provides basic tools, bringing your own can give you an edge-especially if you have a favorite pick or sifter.

4. Dig Strategically

When it's time to dig, don't just start hacking away-plan your approach!

• Work in Layers: Dig systematically, removing layers of dirt and rock one at a time. This helps you cover more ground and increases your chances of finding something special.
• Check for Loose Material: Gemstones can sometimes be found in loose gravel or dirt, so sift through these areas carefully.
• Focus on Promising Areas: If you find a small gemstone on the surface, dig deeper in that spot-there may be more nearby.

5. Use the Sifting Technique

Sifting is one of the most effective ways to find smaller gemstones. Here's how to do it:

• Fill your sifter or screen with dirt or gravel from your digging site.
• Shake the sifter gently to let the smaller particles fall through.
• Inspect what's left in the sifter for gemstones or interesting minerals.

This technique is especially useful for finding smaller stones like topaz crystals or bixbyite fragments.

6. Look for Clues in the Rock

Gemstones often leave behind clues that can help you locate them. Keep an eye out for:

• Color Changes: A sudden shift in color within a rock can indicate the presence of a gemstone.
• Crystal Formations: Look for geometric shapes or patterns, which are often a sign of crystals growing within the rock.
• Mineral Stains: Discoloration on rocks can sometimes point to nearby gem deposits.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

Rockhounding is as much about patience as it is about skill. Don't get discouraged if you don't find something right away-sometimes the best treasures take time to uncover. Take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and keep digging. Remember, every swing of the pickaxe brings you closer to a potential discovery!

8. Respect the Environment

While it's exciting to find gemstones, it's important to respect the mines and the surrounding environment.

• Fill in Holes: After digging, fill in any holes to keep the area safe for others.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave the mines as pristine as you found them.
• Follow the Rules: Adhere to all mine regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

9. Learn from Your Guide

One of the best parts of TheGemTours is the expert guidance provided by your tour leader. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice-they're there to help you succeed!