Have you ever mined for precious gems or semi-precious?

I'm hoping to go to the "Peacock Opal mine" Jan. or Feb. In Nevada while the weather is still cool. ( The Opal is my favorite gemstone) This site gives you the option of either digging through the trailings where other miners have left huge pilings and have overlooked smaller gemstones, this is easier for someone like me with a bad back.

I might spend a little time digging part of an un-touched bank for a little higher fee.

I have done prehistoric fossel digs in Wyo. from an earth bank above Lake Alcova found these squid-like specimens that go back to the Jurassic period. The MOST fun I've ever had.