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Learn about Minerals, Gems, Prospecting & Mining, how to find deposits, and where to dig:

You can easily learn about the Geology of where and how gems and minerals form from reading a few simple books, joining a local rock, gem, mineral or lapidary club, going to nearby gem & mineral shows, and/or by joining an online mineral forum.   Some recommended reading is shown below on this page.   After that, you can begin trying your luck at public fee dig mines.  With a little more knowledge, you can even try to go out and prospect to find your own deposit to mine.     Good luck and happy prospecting!​

CLUBS:

There are many rock, gem, mineral and lapidary clubs across the USA, and likely one in your area.  Below is a link to the AFMS list of Rock & Mineral clubs by State.  These clubs are a great place to learn and meet new friends!  There is also an interactive Google Map of AFMS Affiliated clubs, courtesy of the AFMS.  Please go to their website for the most recent information.

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CLICK HERE FOR CLUB LIST

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Gem Shows Links LEARN

Books:

I have outlined some of my favorite books below.  Most of the book images have links to where copies can be purchased.  Click on the book image.

GEM & MINERAL SHOWS:

There is nothing like attending a good gem & mineral show.  Some of the best shows in the USA are:

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  • Quartzsite AZ (QIA Pow Wow, Desert Gardens & others);

  • Tucson AZ (TGMS Main Show; Mineral City & others);

  • Denver CO (Hardrock Summit, DGMS Show & others)

  • West Cost CA

  • East Coast __

 

There are also many smaller local shows near you.  Here is a link to a listing of shows across the USA:

 

And then the great European Shows:

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Books Magazines Learn
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hausel gemstones book.jpg
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Opal: The Phenomenal Gemstone (Lithographie); Out of Print
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Pegmatites by David London
Pegmatites and their gem minerals book link
Tourmaline Queen Mine Pala Blue Caps Article 1972
IKONS The Beauty of Fine Minerals Book Mineralogical Record
Ikons of the Mineral World Natures Finest Art BOOK
agates book zenz best book for agate collectors
agates mcmahan collection book
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Agates Jaspers Ron Gibbs
Ancient Forests Petrified Fossil Wood book excellent Daniels Dayvault
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MORE excellent books and reference material can be found at the following recommended sellers:

Magazines:

magazines learn
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online forums sites learn

ONLINE SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

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  • MINDAT

  • FRIENDS MINERAL FORUM

  • AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MINERALOGICAL SOCIETIES (AFMS) (Clubs)

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DO YOU OR YOUR KIDS HAVE AN INTEREST IN GEOLOGY, ROCKS, MINERALS, CRYSTALS, AND DISCOVERY?  WATCH THIS 7 MINUTE VIDEO BELOW OF THE AMAZING BLUE SHEPPARD TALKING ABOUT MINING, MINERALS AND DISCOVERY.  I AM HONORED AND BLESSED TO BOTH KNOW THIS GREAT MAN AND TO CALL HIM MY FRIEND.  I WISH MORE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WERE LIKE HIM.  BLUE WAS ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO REALLY GOT ME GOING WHEN I WAS YOUNGER AND I OWE HIM IMMENSELY  FOR EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE TO HELP ME.  THANKS BLUE!   YOU CAN BUY GEM PAYDIRT BAGS AND SEARCH FOR YOUR OWN GEMS AND TOURMALINE FROM BLUE'S FAMOUS STEWART LITHIA MINE AT PALA CALIFORNIA AT THIS LINK (CLICK HERE), AND THIS LINK TO HIS WEBSITE AT GEMS OF PALA HERE.

Links to FEE DIGS & SHOPS, where you can pay to dig & find your own gems and minerals:

Dominion Gems Fee Dig Sites List

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