Treasure Hunt

Discounted Treasures for the Holidays Like Metal Detectors

2011-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

GREAT METAL GARRETT DETECTOR

THIS IS THE TIME TO SEARCH FOR THOSE SPECIAL TREASURES FOR LOVED ONES. WITH THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN MOST MERCHANTS ARE OFFERING GREAT PRICES ON MOST ITEMS IN STOCK. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND QUALITY METAL DETECTORS, GREAT JEWELRY AT THE LOWEST PRICES AS WELL MANY OTHER ITEMS. I'VE BEEN CHECKING AROUND ON LINE THIS PAST WEEK AND MUST TELL YOU I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH BARGAINS. YOU CAN FIGHT THE LONG LINES AND CROWDS IN THE STORES OR SHOP THE NET AND GET FAR BETTER DEALS ON WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. TAKE YOUR TIME AND SHOP WISELY FOR THOSE GREAT TREASURES.

Christmas and a Metal Detector

2011-10-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

IT'S GETTING CLOSE TO THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN AND I'M STARTING TO THINK ABOUT THOSE PRESENTS FOR THE KIDS. SOMEHOW IT GETS HARDER EACH YEAR THINKING ABOUT WHAT TO GET THE GRAND KIDS. I HAVE ONE GRANDSON WHO IS NOW 14 AND I'M SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING A METAL DETECTOR. HE LOVES TO GO WITH ME ON MY OUTINGS AND IF HE HAD HIS OWN PERSONAL "TREASURE FINDER" IT WOULD BE THAT MUCH MORE EXCITING FOR THE YOUNGSTER. I'M ON A LIMITED BUDGET, FORTUNATELY THESE DETECTORS COME IN A WIDE RANGE OF PRICES. THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT ONES ON THE MARKET THAT I HONESTLY FEEL LOST TRYING TO RECOMMEND A CERTAIN ONE. JUST LOOK AROUND IF YOU'RE THINKING ALONG THESE LINES. I'M ALSO THINKING ABOUT AN EXPENSIVE PELLET RIFLE FOR THE OTHER GRANDSON WHO IS NOW 12 AND LIVES IN THE COUNTRY. AGAIN THESE CAN BE FOUND FOR ABOUT $50 - UP!

Flea Market Treasures

2011-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

This past week I had a chance to visit a flea market in a nearby town in south Mississippi. The trips are always exciting, but generally don't yield great finds. This weekend however, was the exception. I noticed a young couple sitting at the very end of a long row of vendors. Keep in mind, this was very early in the day. I always get there early to get the best buys. To make a long story short their Great Aunt has recently passed away and the items were from that estate. They had many great items at bargain prices, but what caught by eye was a box in the back of their tent. That was full of old costume jewelry. I immediately realized that most of the some 100+ pieces were from the 1930's-'40's. I tried not too show to much interest but my heart was pounding with excitement. I've often sold old pieces like the ones I was eyeing for over $100 each. I knew what I was going to do---heck, I wanted the whole box. I filtered through the items and asked what they wanted for the pieces and they said they were planning to ask $5 each for them. I think my jaw dropped. I ended up getting the whole box for $275 dollars---they were happy and I was over-joyed. When I got back home I counted the items and found the box to contain some 87 pieces. I can easily sell them items for over $2000. Not a bad days work. Below is a repost of some Flea Market tips.

Flea markets are a great place to find hidden treasures. Often for a few dollars you can buy something worth much more. Below are just a few tips to follow on your Flea Market Treasure Hunt.

1. Dress down. If you look too dressed up, I guarantee you'll pay more. A sweatshirt and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate attire. I once made the mistake of going to a flea market in my Sunday best. I certainly don't remember any bargains or savings from that outing! Also bring a hat, as too much sun can deplete your energy and concentration, not to mention giving you a sunburn.

2. Get there early. You know you've arrived too late if all you see is people walking out with lamps and picture frames. These, according to flea market specialists, are the two most popular items. When they're gone, you know the place has been picked over.

3. Take cash. Lots of single bills and nothing higher than a $20 bill will give you some bargaining power. I like to take $5 bills, which seem to be the most versatile. If I have a list of items to find, I usually take about $300. This doesn't mean I have to spend it, but it assures me that if I find a true treasure I can buy it.

4. Don't be fooled by booth appearances. A few things on a blanket will cost less than a fully arranged booth. The general rule is that the higher vendor merchandises, the more you'll end up paying, so shop carefully. Many of these booths are simply extensions of retail outlets. If that's the case, you might as well get the benefit of retail services and purchase the items in the store.

5. Make a list. Write down the accessories for which you're searching. This prevents impulse buying and makes sure you don't end up with something you didn't want or didn't need.

6. Bring plastic bags. Your old grocery bags w ill come in handy if a vendor should run out. If unused, the bags simply collapse into nothing.

7. Drive an appropriate vehicle. Flea-market shopping is usually cash-and-carry, and most vendors don't deliver. Consider borrowing a friend's truck or van if you don't have one and know you'll be looking for a large-sized item. Sometimes a vendor will let you pay in full for an item and pick it up later, but that makes me nervous, especially when I pay with cash.

Remember, the flea-market experience is about finding hidden treasures. The most valuable items are not those that you think will be valuable for resale. The really priceless things are the objects you personally love.

My Trusty Metal Detector

2011-09-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS ABLE GO GAIN EXCESS TO A SITE ON AN OLD FARM IN THE OLD NATCHEZ DISTRICT IN SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI. I KNEW FROM MY CHILDHOOD DAYS THAT THERE WAS A HOUSE SITE THAT DATED BACK TO THE 1860'S. OF COURSE THE HOUSE IS LONG GONE, AND THE AREA OVERGROWN WITH ONLY A FEW BRICKS FROM THE CHIMNEY REMAINING. ANYWAY, I TOOK MY TRUSTY FRIEND, MY BOUNTY HUNTER IV METAL DETECTOR AND BEGAN SCANNING THE AREA AROUND THE OLD SITE. AFTER DIGGING UP A FEW OLD CANS AND SOME PLOW POINTS I TRIED A SPOT DOWN HILL FROM THE HOUSE SITE AND BEGAN TO GET MORE NOISE FROM MY DETECTOR. AFTER DIGGING SEVERAL HOLES, NOT ONLY DID I FIND MORE OLD CANS, BUT BEGAN TO GET PIECES OF GLASS MIXED IN. I STARTED TO DIG CAREFULLY AND SOON REALIZED I HAD FOUND THE OLD GARBAGE DUMP. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY I HAD RECOVERED 8 OLD BOTTLES---I MEAN VERY OLD BOTTLES DATING BACK TO THE 1860'S AND BEFORE. NO GOLD THIS TIME, BUT THERE IS GOLD IN THEM OLD BOTTLES. HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED THEM YET, BUT WORKING ON IT AND WILL KEEP YOU POSTED. HAPPY TREASURE HUNTING.

Arrowhead Hunt

2011-08-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

WHEN OUT ON AN OLD GRAVEL ROAD THIS PAST WEEKEND IN SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI. THE ROAD HAD VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC, I COUNTED ONLY ABOUT 4 OR 5 CARS IN THE TWO HOURS I SPENT THERE. WHAT ATTRACTED ME TO THIS SPOT WAS THE WAY THE ROAD WAS CUT THROUGH THE SURROUNDING HILLS. I MANY PLACES THE BANKS ALONG SIDE OF THE OLD ROAD HAD EXPOSED SOIL WHICH CONTAINED A NUMEROUS ROCKS OF ALL SIZES. IN SOUTHWEST MS ITS QUITE RARE TO FIND A REALLY LARGE STONE. MOST ARE UNDER THE SIZE OF A HARDBALL. IN ONE AREA I BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOT OF EXPOSED FLAKE---NEEDLESS TO SAY I TOOK MY TIME THERE AND IT PAID OFF. AFTER A SHORT TIME I NOTICED WHAT I BELIEVED TO BE POINT OF A PROJECTILE PROTRUDING FROM THE BANK. BEING VERY CAREFUL I DUG IT OUT ONLY TO FIND IT WAS AN INTACT POINT ABOUT 2 3/4" IN LENGTH. I'VE YET TO IDENTIFY IT AS THE BASE IS UNLIKE THOSE I'VE FOUND BEFORE IN THAT GENERAL AREA. I SUSPECT IT IS MUCH OLDER THAT THOSE I'VE FOUND IN OLD PLOWED FIELDS BECAUSE OF THE DEPTH FROM THE TOP ON THE CUT-AWAY BANK. AT ANY RATE I THINK I WILL TRY THESE OLD ROADS AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. HUNTING IN SUCH PLACES ELIMATES THE NEED OF GET THE LAND OWNERS PERMISSION AS THIS IS ON PUBLIC RIGHT-A-WAY. HAPPY HUNTING!!!!!!

Put Money in Your Pocket

2011-07-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

Often in our effort to find treasure we over look the potential treasure in our homes, the money we could put in our pocket instead of letting it go out the window. Yes, home owners let millions of dollars go out the window each year in the form of high heating and cooling cost---dollars they could easily pocket by installing more efficient windows . Double-hung vinyl windows are a great investment and although the initial cost is high the long-term savings are tremendous and well worth that one-time expense. One can find many different brands on the market as well as numerous companies that install the windows you select. You should always shop around and never purchase without getting several estimates. If you plan to stay in your home for many more years and have those old single pane windows check out the modern double-hung, energy efficient vinyl windows. And even if you plan to sell your home in the next few years you may find the installation of new windows will increase the value of your home and make an investment in such an improvement worthwhile.

Sexy Native American Girl

2011-07-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

I POST A LOT ON NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS AND THOUGHT TO GIVE YOU A REAL CHANGE OF PACE WITH REAL NATIVE AMERICAN TREASURE! HAPPY TREASURE HUNTING GUYS!

Paleo Hammer Stone

2011-06-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend while on a search in a nearby dry creek bed near an early Archaic quarry I made a very unusual find. A very unique hammer stone. It is not the one shown above. Mine is about the size of a baseball and has been worked all the way around. The very special part however is the shape---that of a human skull with deep eye sockets. I could just as easily call it a effigy, which it may have been. My camera is broke now, but I will try and post a image when I can. Happy hunting everyone!!!

Lake Shore Treasure Hunting

2011-03-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last week while fishing a new lake in southwest Mississippi I decided to check the eroding shoreline in search of any ancient artifacts and much to my surprise my efforts were rewards after about a hour's hunt. I found several Indian points dating back about 5000+ years. Not too bad for a short search. The fishing was bad however, suppose if the fish had been biting I would have never got side tracked to the artifact hunting.

The lake is not that old and the waters cut into the steep hillsides in certain spots exposing ancient camp sites---one has only need to take time to look closely and be aware that the ancients were in many places and left evidence of their passing.

Finding Arrowheads

2011-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

WHEN OUT YESTERDAY TO A FIELD THAT WAS PLOWED A FEW WEEKS AGO AND AFTER SEVERAL BIG RAINS MUCH OF THE DIRT HAS BEEN WASHED FROM THE NEWLY EXPOSED ROCKS. FOUND MANY FLAKES, AS THIS WAS AN OLD CAMP SITE OR PERHAPS A SMALL VILLAGE THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO. I FOUND ONE COMPLETE POINT, BUT AS YET NOT IDENTIFIED IT. I LOVE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR AND OFTEN STOP AT MANY FARMS TRYING TO GET PERMISSION TO WALK THE FIELDS---SOMETIME WITHOUT SUCCESS, BUT OFTEN THE FARMER DOESN'T MIND. IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK!

Treasure of Love

2011-02-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

OF ALL THE TREASURES ON EARTH THE ONE SOME OVER LOOK IS THAT OF LOVE. I RECENTLY LOST MY WIFE OF MANY YEARS AFTER A LONG ILLNESS. ALL THE GOLD, ALL THE TREASURES IN THE WORLD WILL NEVER REPLACE THE LOVE THAT ONE PERSON FEELS FOR ANOTHER. OFTEN WE DON'T LEARN THIS UNTIL ITS TOO LATE. I WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR THE TREASURES OF THE WORLD, BUT LOVE IS BY FAR THE GREATEST AND OFTEN THE EASIEST AND HARDEST FOR ONE TO FIND!

Carport Sales Treasures

2011-02-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

I OFTEN GO TO CARPORT SALES LOOKING FOR THAT GOOD BUY AND OFTEN THAT UNIQUE TREASURE. NORMALLY, I TRY TO GET TO THE VARIOUS CARPORT SALES AS SOON AS THEY OPEN, AS THE GREAT BARGAINS ARE SNATCHED UP QUICKLY. JUST LAST WEEKEND I MANAGED TO GET TO 4 DIFFERENT SALES AND QUICKLY SPENT OVER A $100, BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I CAN SEE THE THINGS I GOT FOR OVER $500---I GO TO VARIOUS FLEA MARKETS IN DIFFERENT AREAS TO SELL MY ITEMS. MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS I HAVE FOUND SOME GREAT ITEMS THAT I KEEP SUCH AS OLD BOOKS SOME OF WHICH I PICKED UP FOR LESS THAT $1 ONLY TO CHECK AND FIND THEY ARE WORTH OVER $100. IT'S A LOT OF FUN GOING TO THESE EVENTS AND YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND!

South Dakota Treasure Hunt

2011-01-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

THERE IS TREASURE IN THEM THERE HILLS. IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT "BUFFALO GAP NATIONAL GRASSLAND" AND THE FRENCH CREEK CAMP. YOU CAN GET THERE BY GOING SOUTH FROM RAPID CITY ON HWY 79 TO FAIRBURN, SD THEN TURNING EAST ON COUNTY RD 18 TOWARD RED SHIRT. THE PRIMARY SITE IS NORTH OF THE CAMP GROUNDS WITH HILL OF GRAVEL TO EAST AND WEST CONTAINING VARIOUS GEMS. ONE CAN FIND FAIRBURN AGATE, GEM STONES, PRAIRIE AGATE AND EVEN PETRIFIED WOOD. FAIRBURN AGATE IS THE MOST PRIZED AGATE IN THE WORLD WITH LARGE PIECES WORTH THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Treasures of the Heart

2011-01-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE'S DAY IF FAST APPROACHING, A TIME TO SHOW THAT SPECIAL ONE IN OUR LIFE JUST HOW MUCH WE CARE. THERE ARE MANY BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF JEWELRY ON THE MARKET, BUT FOR VALENTINE'S DAY NOTHING SAYS "I LOVE YOU" BETTER THAT "HEART JEWELRY". PERSONALLY I LIKE JADE AND TURQUOISE JEWELRY, BUT I DID COME ACROSS THIS LOVELY PIECE AT ONE ON LINE SITE. SHOP AROUND AND GET THAT PIECE THAT BEST EXPRESSES YOUR LOVE. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.

Flea Market Tips

2011-01-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

Flea markets are a great place to find hidden treasures. Often for a few dollars you can buy something worth much more. Below are just a few tips to follow on your Flea Market Treasure Hunt.

1. Dress down. If you look too dressed up, I guarantee you'll pay more. A sweatshirt and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate attire. I once made the mistake of going to a flea market in my Sunday best. I certainly don't remember any bargains or savings from that outing! Also bring a hat, as too much sun can deplete your energy and concentration, not to mention giving you a sunburn.

2. Get there early. You know you've arrived too late if all you see is people walking out with lamps and picture frames. These, according to flea market specialists, are the two most popular items. When they're gone, you know the place has been picked over.

3. Take cash. Lots of single bills and nothing higher than a $20 bill will give you some bargaining power. I like to take $5 bills, which seem to be the most versatile. If I have a list of items to find, I usually take about $300. This doesn't mean I have to spend it, but it assures me that if I find a true treasure I can buy it.

4. Don't be fooled by booth appearances. A few things on a blanket will cost less than a fully arranged booth. The general rule is that the higher vendor merchandises, the more you'll end up paying, so shop carefully. Many of these booths are simply extensions of retail outlets. If that's the case, you might as well get the benefit of retail services and purchase the items in the store.

5. Make a list. Write down the accessories for which you're searching. This prevents impulse buying and makes sure you don't end up with something you didn't want or didn't need.

6. Bring plastic bags. Your old grocery bags w ill come in handy if a vendor should run out. If unused, the bags simply collapse into nothing.

7. Drive an appropriate vehicle. Flea-market shopping is usually cash-and-carry, and most vendors don't deliver. Consider borrowing a friend's truck or van if you don't have one and know you'll be looking for a large-sized item. Sometimes a vendor will let you pay in full for an item and pick it up later, but that makes me nervous, especially when I pay with cash.

Remember, the flea-market experience is about finding hidden treasures. The most valuable items are not those that you think will be valuable for resale. The really priceless things are the objects you personally love.

Turquoise Stones

2011-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Turquoise Coyote in Ponchatula, LA

MIDDENDORF'S RESTAURANT, MANCHAC, LA

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR LOOSE TURQUOISE STONES TO BUY I SELDOM RECOMMEND A SPECIFIC PLACE TO SHOP FOR TURQUOISE, BUT THE ONE PLACE I VISIT ABOUT ONCE EACH YEAR STANDS OUT. "THE TURQUOISE COYOTE" IN PONCHATULA, LA IS THE PLACE TO GO. YOU CAN FIND DIRECTIONS BY SIMPLY SEARCHING UNDER THAT NAME. THE STORE IS SMALL AND OUT OF THE WAY AND YOU WILL FIND THE OWNER AND HIS WIFE AND STAFF EAGER TO ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY. THE PRICES ARE VERY REASONABLE AND THE SELECTION OF TURQUOISE BEADS, STONES, AND FINISHED JEWELRY IS GREAT. IF THE OWNER TELLS YOU THE TURQUOISE IS GENUINE YOU CAN BELIEVE HIM. HIS WIFE IS ZUNI INDIAN AND HE BUYS MUCH OF HIS STUFF FROM THE ZUNI TRIBES IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST. ITS REALLY WORTH A VISIT WHEN YOU ARE IN SOUTH LOUISIANA. IF YOU SHOULD VISIT THE STORE, WHILE YOU ARE IN THE AREA JUST A FEW MINUTES SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 59 I WOULD RECOMMEND A VISIT TO MIDDENDORF'S RESTAURANT FOR THE BEST SEAFOOD IN LOUISIANA. IT IS THE FAVORITE OF LOCALS AND HAS BEEN AT THE SAME LOCATION IN MANCHAC, LA FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS. STOP BY!

Find Gold in Georgia

2011-01-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

NO YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO WEST TO PAN FOR GOLD. NOT TOO FAR FROM CLEVELAND, GA, THAT'S IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE YOU CAN PAN FOR GOLD AT A MODEST COST PER DAY. AROUND $25 WILL SET YOU UP FOR A DAYS FUN AT "GOLD N GEM GRUBBIN". I DON'T PROVIDE LINKS, BUT USE THAT NAME IN GOOGLE AND THE SITE WILL COME UP WITH MAPS AND OTHER DETAILS. I HAVE BEEN TO THIS SPOT AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MY DAY AT THE CREEK WITH MY KIDS. WE DID MANAGE TO FIND A FEW GRAINS OF GOLD, NOTHING TO SPEAK OF, BUT OCCASIONALLY FAIR SIZED NUGGETS ARE FOUND. CHECK IT OUT NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN NORTH GA.

Finding Old Buried Bottles

2011-01-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

ONE CAN USE A METAL DETECTOR TO LOCATE OLD BURIED ANTIQUE BOTTLES BECAUSE USUALLY THEY ARE FOUND AT OLD DUMP SITES AND HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF METAL MIXED IN WITH THEM. IF YOU CAN FIND THE LOCATION OF AN OLD HOME SITE AND GET THE LAND OWNERS PERMISSION TO SEARCH THESE ARE EXCELLENT PLACES TO LOOK. IF THE LOCATION IS IN A HILLY SECTION OF THE COUNTRY TRY YOU LUCK DOWN THE HILLSIDE AS MOST OLD DUMP SITES WERE LOCATED DOWNHILL FROM THE OLD HOUSE SITE, BUT USUALLY WITHIN SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS OF THE MAIN HOUSE. IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO FIND AN OLD DUG WELL SITE, OFTEN WHEN THE WELL WAS ABANDON THE OWNERS WOULD FILL THE HOLE WITH TRASH. UNFORTUNATELY THE DEPTH ONE MANY HAVE TO DIG HERE IS A DEFINITE DRAWBACK. I HAVE A GREAT COLLECTION OF OLD BOTTLES I HAVE DUG UP OVER THE YEARS MANY DATING BACK TO THE PERIOD BEFORE 1900 AND SOME PRE-CIVIL WAR. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR SEARCH.

North Carolina Gold Hunt

2011-01-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

YES, YOU CAN FIND GOLD NOT ONLY IN THE AMERICAN WEST, BUT IN MANY AREAS EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. ONE SUCH PLACE IS FOUND ON HWY 221 IN NORTH CAROLINA BETWEEN MARION AND RUTHERFORDTON ON THE SECOND BROAD RIVER. FOR AS LITTLE AS $8 PER DAY YOU CAN SEARCH FOR THIS TREASURE AND KEEP WHAT YOU FIND. NEAT MINER'S CABINS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WHICH TO SPEND THE NIGHT OR WEEK. TRY YOU LUCK IN NC.

Searching Alluvial Deposits

2011-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

SAND AND GRAVEL DEPOSITS

SMALL STREAMS IN MANY PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES ARE THE BEST SOURCE OF ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS AND ONE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A LARGE VARIETY OF MINERALS IN THESE OVER LOOKED AREAS. THE SECRET IS TO KNOW WHAT YOU PICK UP. THIS WILL REQUIRE SOME RESEARCH ON THE PART OF THE TREASURE HUNTER AND A BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF GEOLOGY. THE SMALL STREAMS OF SW MISSISSIPPI ARE ONE SUCH PLACE WHERE SUCH DEPOSITS OFFER A WIDE SELECTION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED PEDDLES OF ALL KINDS. I HAVE EVEN FOUND SMALL RUBIES IN THESE SHALLOW WATERS, ALTHOUGH THE VALUE IS SMALL THE HOPE FOR A BIG FIND IS ALWAYS WITH ME AS I WALK ALONG THE SHALLOW CREEK BEDS. AFTER ALL ITS OFTEN THE HUNT AS MUCH AS THE FIND.

Finding Petrified Wood in Mississippi

2011-01-19T09:17:00.001-08:00

MISSISSIPPI IN THE BEST POSSIBLE PLACE TO FIND PETRIFIED WOOD EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. THERE IS A LARGE PETRIFIED FOREST JUST NW OF JACKSON, THE CAPITAL, BUT THE BEST PLACE TO GO AND KEEP WHAT YOU FIND IS A SMALL CREEK IN THE SW CORNER OF THE STATE. McCALL CREEK LOCATED ON HWY 84 BETWEEN BROOKHAVEN AND MEADVILLE IS ONE OF THE BEST BETS. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEARCHED THE CREEK FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE NUMEROUS FINDS. THE LARGEST PIECE I WAS ABLE TO BRING OUT WEIGHED ABOUT 65 LBS, ALTHOUGH I HAVE FOUND MUCH LARGER PIECES, JUST TOO LARGE TO MOVE. SOME OF THE WOOD IS SOFT AND NOT OF GOOD QUALITY, BUT MUCH IS VERY HARD AND BEAUTIFUL WHEN CUT AND POLISHED. THE CREEK IS VERY EASY TO WALK BEING WIDE AND SHALLOW WITH BEAUTIFUL SANDS BARS. VERY ISOLATED AND LOVELY COUNTRY. CHECK IT OUT NEXT TIME YOU VISIT THE AREA.

Hunting for the American Black Opal

2011-01-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL BLACK OPAL IN WAITING FOR THE LUCKY PROSPECTOR IN NEVADA. LARGE QUANTITIES CAN BE FOUND IN THE VIRGIN VALLEY IN NW HUMBOLDT COUNTY SOUTH OF HWY 140 ABOUT 25 MILES SOUTHWEST OF DENIO. NO GUARANTEE, BUT FOR THOSE EAGER TREASURE HUNTERS IT SOMETHING TO CONSIDER WHEN IN THAT AREA! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TREASURE HUNTS WHERE EVER THEY TAKE YOU!!!

Find Rough Diamonds in the United States

2011-01-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

The chance of finding a raw diamond in the United States is slim, but then it slim anywhere in the world. Should you choose to search however Arkansas Crater of Diamonds is the best bet, but one could go to other areas as those mentions below.

Although diamonds are the most popular gemstone with United States consumers, domestic production of diamonds is very low. There is currently only one active diamond mine in the United States. This is at Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas. There, recreational prospectors have been finding a few hundred carats of diamonds per year since the early 1970s. However, this is a tiny amount compared to the millions of carats of diamonds consumed per year.

Crater of Diamonds is a dig-for-fee operation maintained by the State of Arkansas. The diamonds there are hosted in a lamproite breccia tuff and its overlying soil. Collectors pay a fee of a few dollars per day to prospect and can keep any diamonds that they find. This is the only diamond mine in the world that is open to the public. It has yielded a few significant finds: 1) the "Strawn-Wagner Diamond" - found at the Park as a 3.03 carat rough stone, it was cut to yield a 1.09 carat, "round brilliant" shape stone which received a perfect grading of 0/0/0 and stands as the most perfect diamond the American Gem Society has ever certified. 2) The "Uncle Sam" diamond, a 40.23 carat white diamond is the largest diamond ever found in North America.

At present, there are no commercial diamond mines operating in the United States. The Kelsey Lake Mine near the Colorado-Wyoming border was closed in April 2002. Estimated resources of the Kelsey Lake Mine at closure were about 17 million tons - containing approximately 4 carats of diamonds per 100 metric tons. About 50-65% of the diamonds produced at Kelsey Lake Mine were gem quality and almost one third of the gems produced were over one carat in size. The two most valuable stones reported to have been from the Kelsey Lake Mine were valued at $89,000 and $300,000.

Search for Turquoise

2011-01-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

THE BELOW VIDEO WILL GIVE GREAT INSIGHTS FOR YOUR SEARCH FOR NATURAL TURQUOISE IN THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TREASURE HUNT!

Find Emerals in North Carolina

2011-01-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the United States open to the public for prospecting. Nestled snugly in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains, this North Carolina Emerald mine is located in the small town of Hiddenite, North Carolina. This locality is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations on the North American continent.

Host to more than sixty-three different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, a virtual treasure trove of gemstones can be found at our gem mine! Many of these are very rare, including emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline, along with an abundance of world class smoky and clear quartz crystals. Hiddenite is also famous as the only place on earth where the very rare gemstone "Hiddenite" can be found!

Each year, thousands of rockhounds, tourists and educational field trip participants flock to this popular North Carolina attraction to experience the thrill of finding rare gemstones in the rough. Whether a serious or amateur prospector hoping to fulfill dreams of finding hidden treasures, a student experiencing an enriching "hands on" learning experience or a family seeking quality outdoor recreation, a trip to the Emerald Hollow Mine guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for people of all ages!

Our hours of operation are 8:30am to sunset (ranging from 5:00pm in mid-winter to 7:00pm in mid-summer). We are open 362 days a year, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are RV parks with complete hookups very nearby. Our friendly, knowledgable and helpful staff is always available to answer your questions, offer instructions, and help identify your finds. We also have a complete lapidary shop that will turn your rough gemstones into beautiful cut stones and jewelry.