Did you know South Carolina has a rare gem mine where you can dig all day and keep what you find? Leave with crystals of all kinds, like amethysts and more when you visit the Diamond Hill Mine in Abbeville, South Carolina. What’s more, this mine does not salt the dirt, meaning they do not add gemstones to the loot you’ll find here. Everything you find is native to the mine itself.
That’s pretty special, considering many gem mines around the U.S. commonly salt their mine with foreign treasure.
Google Maps/Joshua Savage
But not Diamond Hill Mine; everything you’ll find on this six acre mine is native treasure.
Google Maps/Mike H
One of the most common rare gems found here is the amethyst. People walk away with both large and small ones!
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
When you go, you’ll want to bring certain things to help with your digging. The mine doesn’t supply tools.
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine Pack a pair of gloves. Digging all day is hard on the hands. Also bring a screwdriver and shovel. If you have rock hammer or sledgehammer, that will also be very helpful.
Don’t forget boxes to store your treasure in for transport. Having big stones loose in the back of your vehicle isn’t the safest way to get your precious gems home.
Google Maps/Brad Duke
Also don’t forget to bring food and drinks. Digging all day helps work up an appetite and the mine has plenty of picnic tables that are perfect for a snack break.
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
If you’re new to rockhounding, then Diamond Hill Mine is a great place to get your start.
Google Maps/Thumper Crackish The soil here seems laced with loads of natural gemstones!If you’re planning to arrive the night before your dig, you can camp for free at Diamond Hill as long as you arrive after 8 p.m. Find out the cost of digging at this link.
Learn all about mining at Diamond Hill Mine from the mine’s website here. You can also follow on Facebook!
Google Maps/Joshua Savage
Google Maps/Mike H
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
Pack a pair of gloves. Digging all day is hard on the hands. Also bring a screwdriver and shovel. If you have rock hammer or sledgehammer, that will also be very helpful.
Google Maps/Brad Duke
Google Maps/Thumper Crackish
The soil here seems laced with loads of natural gemstones!If you’re planning to arrive the night before your dig, you can camp for free at Diamond Hill as long as you arrive after 8 p.m. Find out the cost of digging at this link.
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Address: Diamond Hill Mine, 100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
