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.

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Bushranger · 70-79, M

Shame you're not in Australia. Over here we can noodle for free.

Grateful4you · M

@Bushranger You can here too, the privately owned one's just charge a small fee for a few extras like water, or assistance if the silica flaten's a car tire or whatever. I would LOVE to explore the mines in AUS. I watch them on YouTube.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@Grateful4you There's three main areas, Coober Pedy in South Australia and Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs in New South Wales. A smaller producer in South Australia is Andamooka, if you ever get over here I'd strongly recommend you visit all of them, but I'm not very keen on Lighting Ridge. Too commercialised for my liking. Andamooka is a place I would recommend to anyone, lovely little town, often described as a living ghost town.

Grateful4you · M

@Bushranger You never know. One of my best buds here used to be Perth Surfer but I never see him anymore. Maybe I should say "Mate" more often and manifest my way to "down under" lol. Your country is beautiful.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@Grateful4you Looks like Perth Surfer might be taking a break. Hope he's OK, he's a top bloke.

Grateful4you · M

@Bushranger Yup, I may not find a lot of gems out in nature but I sure find them here. All my long time friends are quality people. If you see him please send my best wishes. Thanks bud.