Do you love spending time outdoors in your backyard? What if we told you that you could find beautiful gemstones right there in your own backyard? It’s true! With a little bit of knowledge and some basic tools, you can start finding gemstones all around you. In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about finding gemstones in your backyard. We’ll provide tips on where to look, what tools to use, and how to identify different types of gemstones. So get ready to explore the world of backyard gem hunting!
Can You Find Gemstones in Your Backyard?
The answer is yes! You can find gemstones in your backyard, but there are a few things you need to know first. Here are some tips on how to find gemstones in your backyard:
First, you need to know what kind of rocks and minerals are found in your area. The best way to do this is to talk to a local geologist or visit a local rock shop. They will be able to tell you what kinds of rocks and minerals are common in your area.
Second, you need to look for areas where there has been recent geological activity. This could be an area that has been eroded by water or wind or an area that has had a lot of seismic activity. These areas are more likely to have exposed rocks that are rich in minerals.
Third, you need to look for rocks that are a different color than the surrounding rocks. This is an indication that the rock has been exposed to a different environment and is more likely to be rich in minerals.
Fourth, you need to look for rocks that are shiny or have a metallic luster. This is an indication that the rock contains metals such as iron or copper.
Fifth, your chances rise if you have a stream or any other water source nearby.
Common Gems You Can Find in Backyard
So now that you know it’s possible to find gemstones in your backyard, you’re probably wondering what kinds of gems you can find. Here are some of the most common gemstones that you can find in your backyard!
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz that is most often found in shades of purple. It’s the official state gemstone of Georgia and South Carolina, and it can also be found in many other parts of the world. You can often find amethyst in your backyard if you live near a geode!
To find amethyst in your backyard, look for rocks that are a deep purple color. Amethyst typically forms in large crystals, so you may be able to see them with the naked eye. If you’re having trouble finding any amethysts, try using a metal detector to help locate them.
Once you’ve found an amethyst, take it to a jeweler to have it cut and polished!
Quartz
One of the most common gemstones that you can find in your backyard is quartz. Quartz comes in a variety of colors, including clear, white, pink, and purple. You can find quartz in many different parts of the world, including the United States, Brazil, Australia, and Africa.
Quartz is a very popular gemstone because it is so versatile. It can be used in a variety of jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Quartz is also a popular choice for making sculptures and other decorative items.
To check if you found a quartz, hold it up to the light. If you see a six-sided crystal, then you probably found quartz!
Agate
Agate is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a wide variety of colors. It’s found all over the world, but some of the most popular agates come from Brazil and Madagascar. Agates are often used in jewelry and can be carved into beautiful sculptures.
If you’re lucky enough to find an agate in your backyard, it’s likely that it will be a small stone. However, larger agates are not unheard of! The largest agate ever found weighed more than 134 pounds (61 kilograms).
Agates can be found in many different colors including:
- Red;
- Orange;
- Yellow;
- Green;
- Blue;
- Purple;
- Brown;
- Black;
Some agates even have more than one color. This is called “banding” and it’s one of the things that makes agates so special.
If you’re not sure whether or not the rock you found is an agate, there are a few things you can do to test it. First, try scratching the surface of the rock with a nail or a piece of glass. If the surface scratches easily, it’s probably not an agate. Agates are very hard rocks and they’re difficult to scratch.
Or, you can try using a magnifying glass to look at the surface of the rock. Agates have a smooth surface that’s often shiny. If you see these characteristics, there’s a good chance that you’ve found an agate!
Garnet
Garnet is a beautiful, red gemstone that is commonly found in many backyards. If you’re lucky enough to find a garnet in your backyard, it’s sure to be a cherished addition to your gemstone collection!
When searching for garnets, be sure to bring along a magnifying glass. Once you’ve found a likely-looking rock, check the colors of the crystals inside. If you see any red, orange, or pink tones, chances are that’s a garnet.
Jade
Jade is a green gemstone that is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It can be found in many different colors, but green is the most common. Jade is found all over the world, but it is most commonly found in Asia.
Jade is a relatively soft stone, so it can be easily scratched or chipped. However, it is still a popular choice for jewelry and other items because of its beauty and durability.
If you live in an area where jade is common, then you have a good chance of finding some in your backyard!
Malachite
Malachite is a green gemstone that is often used in jewelry. It is found in many different parts of the world, but it is most commonly found in Africa. Malachite is also sometimes used as a decorative stone for buildings and sculptures.
Other than its beautiful color, some people believe malachite has a unique ability to absorb negative energy. If you are looking for a gemstone that can help you get rid of negative energy, then malachite is a great choice!
Like jade, malachite is a relatively soft gemstone, so it is not ideal for use in rings or other jewelry that will be worn every day. If you do want to use malachite in jewelry, it is best to set it in a pendant or earrings.
Obsidian
Obsidian is formed when molten rock cools so quickly that it doesn’t have time to crystallize. This means that it has a very smooth surface and is very hard.
Obsidian can be used to make knives and other sharp tools because it’s so hard. It’s also used for jewelry and other ornamental objects.
Opal
Opal is a type of gemstone that is typically found in countries like Australia and Mexico. However, it is possible to find opal in your backyard! This gemstone typically has a white or blue color.
You can also try searching for opal underwater! This gemstone is often found in rivers and creeks. Look for areas with clear water so that you can see the bottom clearly.
Finally, keep an eye out for opal in rocks that have a lot of cracks. This gemstone is often found in areas where there has been a lot of geological activity.
Peridot
Peridot is a gemstone that ranges in color from olive green to yellowish green. It is relatively soft, so it’s not used for items that will be constantly exposed to force. You can find peridot in many parts of the world, but it is most commonly found in Arizona, China, and Myanmar.
If you think you’ve found a peridot, take it to a professional to have it examined. Peridot is valuable, so you will want to make sure that you have found a genuine gemstone before trying to sell it.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. It’s found all over the world, including in the United States. You can find tourmaline in many different colors, including pink, green, blue, and black.
Tourmalines are not only beautiful, but they are also very durable. They are perfect for making jewelry because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry, then a tourmaline is definitely the way to go!
Turquoise
One of the most popular gemstones, turquoise is a beautiful blue-green stone that has been used in jewelry for centuries. This gemstone is relatively soft, so it’s not ideal for everyday wear, but it makes for beautiful statement pieces. You can often find turquoise in the southwestern United States.
To look for turquoise, keep your eyes peeled for blue or green stones in areas where there are known copper deposits. You can also look for rocks that have a ‘botryoidal’ growth pattern, which means they look like a bunch of grapes. [1] [2]
What Do You Need to Find Gemstones in Your Backyard
Now that was a lot of information on where to find gemstones! But what do you need to actually start finding gemstones in your backyard?
A shovel
The first thing you’re going to need is a shovel. You’ll need something to dig with! It doesn’t have to be a big shovel, but it should be sturdy enough to help you dig up rocks.
A pickaxe
Gemstones can rarely be found just lying on the ground. In most cases, you’re going to have to break them out of the rocks they’re embedded in. For this, you’ll need a pickaxe.
If you don’t have a pickaxe, a good alternative is a rock hammer. A rock hammer is a tool that is specifically designed for breaking rocks. It has a pointy end that you can use to chip away at stones. This is probably the most important tool you will need for finding gemstones.
A trovel
Next, you will need a trowel. A trovel is a small, handheld tool used for prospecting and mining. It can be as simple as a screwdriver or hammer, or as complex as a rock saw or power drill. You’ll need one to dig up your gemstones!
Mining pan
But by far the most important tool you will need is a mining pan. This is a special type of pan that has ridges on the bottom. These ridges help to separate the gemstones from the sand and dirt. You can find mining pans at most hardware stores or online.
Keep in mind that panning is a very slow process. It can take hours to find just a few gemstones. But it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while also getting a little bit of exercise. And who knows, you might just find that elusive diamond!
Plastic container
You’re going to want to have a plastic container on hand to store your gemstones in. Make sure the container has a lid so that your gemstones don’t get lost!
Microfiber cloth
Of course, your gems won’t be as shiny when you first find them. Most likely they will be pretty dirty. So, the must-have thing you need is a microfiber cloth to clean off your gems.
You can find microfiber cloths at most stores that sell cleaning supplies. Make sure to get a good quality microfiber cloth so that it doesn’t scratch your gems. [1] [2]
Can a Metal Detector Detect Gems?
You might be wondering if your metal detector can be used to find gems. The answer is: unfortunately no.
You see, metal detectors work by detecting metals. And while some gemstones are made of metal, most are not. This means that your metal detector will not be able to detect most gemstones.
So, if you’re looking for gemstones, you’ll need to use a different method. Luckily, there are several ways to find gemstones without a metal detector. We will discuss them below!
How to Find Gemstones in Your Backyard
As you can see, it is possible to find gemstones in your backyard. However, it is important to remember that gemstone hunting is a slow process. It can take hours or even days to find just a few gems.
Find a location
One of the most important things you need to do when looking for gemstones is to find a good location.
The vast majority of gemstones are found in what is called primary deposits. Primary deposits are created when rocks and minerals are carried by rivers and deposited in lakes.
The gems are then washed downstream and end up in alluvial deposits. Alluvial deposits are basically sandbars or riverbanks where the water has slowed down enough to drop its load of sediment. These alluvial deposits can be quite large, sometimes covering hundreds of square miles.
Most people think that you have to go to a mine to find gems, but this simply isn’t true. In fact, some of the best places to look for gems are right in your own backyard… or at least close by. Here are a few tips on how to find gemstones in your backyard:
- Look for areas where there has been recent construction. Construction crews often uncover alluvial deposits when they are digging foundations or leveling ground;
- Pay attention to roadcuts. Roadcuts are created when roads are built or widened. The soil and rock that are removed are usually dumped alongside the road, creating a small hill of dirt and rock. These hills are often good places to look for gemstones;
- Check out riverbanks and lakeshores. These areas are prime real estate for alluvial deposits;
- If you live near a mountain, take a hike! Mountain streams often contain alluvial deposits of gems and minerals;
When searching for a good location, it is important to keep safety in mind. Never put yourself in danger by climbing up cliffs or hiking in dangerous terrain. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you will be and when you plan on returning.
Once you have found a good location, it’s time to start looking for gems! The best way to find gems is to look for them in the daylight. This allows you to see what you are looking for and also makes it easier to spot any potential hazards. It is also a good idea to bring a shovel, bucket, and sifter with you. These tools will come in handy when it’s time to start searching for gems.
If you find gems on your own property, you’re in luck. You can keep them for yourself or even sell them! However, even if you’re looking to find a large number of gems, it’s best to stick to private land. That way, you won’t run into any legal trouble.
Panning
Once you have your mining pan, head to an area where there is running water. A river or creek is ideal, but even a puddle will work in a pinch! Scoop some sand and gravel into your pan and swirl it around in the water. The gemstones will settle to the bottom while the lighter sand and dirt float to the top. Finally, you pour everything out onto the sieve and allow all of the water to drain away. You should be left with a small pile of gemstones! [1] [2]
FAQ
What is the easiest gemstone to find?
The easiest gemstone to find is quartz. You can find it in many different colors, including white, clear, pink, purple, green, and brown. It is usually found in sedimentary rocks such as sandstone or shale.
Other easy-to-find gemstones include pyrite (fool’s gold), hematite, and calcite. They are often found in metamorphic rocks such as marble or slate.
How do you know where to find gemstones?
The best way to find gemstones is to look for them in areas where they are known to occur. Gemstones can be found in many different types of rocks, but some rocks are more likely to contain gemstones than others. Certain types of rocks, such as metamorphic and igneous rocks, are more likely to contain gemstones than sedimentary rocks.
Where is the most common place to find gemstones?
The most common place to find gemstones is actually in your own backyard! With a little bit of research and some elbow grease, you can be on your way to becoming a backyard gemstone prospector in no time.
How do you tell if a rock has a gem in it?
The best way to tell if a rock has a gem in it is to look for signs of sparkle or color. If the rock is shiny and colorful, it’s likely that it contains a gem. Another way to tell if a rock has a gem in it is to hold it up to the light. If you see a rainbow of colors, that’s another sign that the rock contains a gem.
Gemstones are often found in areas where there is running water, so if you live near a river or stream, those are good places to start looking. You can also look for Gemstones in your backyard if you have rocks there.
Useful Video: Gemstones in Your Backyard! | Amethyst, Opal, Garnet, and more!
Conclusion
As you can see, finding gemstones in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience! With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can find all sorts of treasures right in your own backyard. So get out there and start exploring!
Take your shovel, pan, and other tools, and start looking for those hidden gems! While it may be unlikely that you’ll find a diamond in your backyard, you never know what you might find. From quartz to amethyst, there are all sorts of gemstones that can be found right in your own backyard. With a little patience and some luck, you might just find the treasure of a lifetime! Thanks for reading and good luck with your gemstone-hunting adventures!
References:
- https://howtofindrocks.com/gemstones-in-your-backyard/
- https://gardeniaorganic.com/valuable-rocks-find-backyard/