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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Ynotisay · M

I know it's legal and a lot of people do it. I have no problem with that. There's some crazy cool things out there. So I totally get rock hounds. But as someone who spends a lot of time in the wilderness I've never taken a thing. Although a fossil from the Jurassic period might be hard to pass up. I know it's nonsense but I personally subscribe to "taking" as bad mojo. And as I've yet to have a legit life or death situation out there, I need to continue with my strategy and hope the Nature Gods keep looking out for me. But then again, maybe the Nature Gods are looking out for you and leading you to something awesome. There's no book on it so...anyone's guess. :)