Gem hunting in South Carolina is a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience for all ages. The state is home to a diverse landscape and numerous gemstones, making it an excellent spot for gem hunters.
Whether you are an experienced gem miner or a beginner looking to find your first semi-precious stone, there are many great locations to search for gems throughout the state.
From the hot spots near the major cities of Charleston and Columbia to the hidden gems in the rural areas, plenty of gems and minerals will fit your needs. So, if you are ready to explore gem mining, here are some of the best locations in this state!
- The extensive local experience and understanding of our team
- Input from several gem hunting groups and organizations
- The accessibility of the mining locations
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Private and public locations
- A desire to include locations for both experienced gem hunters and those who are just starting out
Overall we’ve been able to put together a great list that anyone can use to locate a lot of beautiful gems.
The Gemstones Found In South Carolina You Can Mine
We are fortunate enough to have access to a wealth of gemstones in this state. These rare and common gemstones can be discovered with the correct understanding and good fortune.
Rare gemstones found in South Carolina
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Garnet
- Kyanite
- Tourmaline
More common gemstones found here
- Agate
- Andalusite
- Barite
- Beryl
- Calcite
- Cassiterite
- Corundum
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Epidote
- Hematite
- Lazulite
- Monazite
- Pyrrhotite
- Rutile
- Quartz
- Sapphire
- Serpentine
- Sillimanite
- Topaz
- Zircon
Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in South Carolina
We have selected five outstanding places to dig for gems out of the many suitable locations. These locations are perfect for both experienced gem hunters who want to participate in searching for gems and young children who are just beginning to explore gem hunting.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Diamond Hill Mine
100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620, United States
Diamond Hill Mine is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been producing some of the finest gems and minerals since it opened in 1989. You can experience hands-on mining by digging for their gems, crystals, and minerals and are welcome to take home their finds. With its unique setting and friendly staff, Diamond Hill Mine is the perfect destination for families exploring nature’s hidden treasures.
The Types Of Gems Found At Diamond Hill Mine
This area is distinguished for its variety of unique and more common gems, but the most gems found here include:
- Amethyst
- Beryl
- Epidote
- Garnet
- Smoky Quartz
The Best Time To Visit Diamond Hill Mine
The best time to visit Diamond Hill Mine is spring and summer when the weather is warm. It is much easier to find gems due to the increased water levels.
The tools every gem hunter will need
When you're out looking for gems it's very important that you bring the right tools with you. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced gem miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The gem-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Paris Mountain State Park
2401 State Park Rd., Greenville, SC 29609, United States
Paris Mountain State Park is a popular destination for discovering gemstones. It is one of the top activities at the park, with gem hunters flocking to the area to try their luck at finding precious stones. The park is home to several gem mines that offer buckets of dirt filled with semi-precious stones. You can pan for gems in the creek at the mountain’s base or use sluice boxes and screens to sift through soil. You can also search for fascinating South Carolina crystals in this spot.
For those who want a more hands-on experience, guided tours will help you identify different gems and teach you how to use proper mining techniques. Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity or hoping to uncover valuable gems, Paris Mountain State Park is a great place to explore!
The Types Of Gems Found At Paris Mountain State Park
Rare and more common gems are abundant in this area, although the most gemstones found here are:
- Beryl
- Garnet
- Quartz
- Sillimanite
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Paris Mountain State Park
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Paris Mountain State Park and find gems. From April to August, the park offers activities like finding gems in its man-made flume. The flume is filled with a mix of soil and gems, which makes it easy for gem miners to search for precious stones. During this time of year, temperatures are mild, and the weather is generally pleasant.
Myrtle Beach
1200 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Myrtle Beach is an ideal spot to explore the wonders of finding gems and uncovering valuable stones. It offers a variety of activities, including panning for gems, fossil hunting, and jewelry making. You can also purchase custom-cut gemstones to take home as souvenirs or gifts. With its beautiful beaches, friendly staff, and wide range of activities, Myrtle Beach is an excellent location for searching for gems that the whole family will enjoy!
The Types Of Gems Found At Myrtle Beach
This location is rich in gemstones, but the most frequent ones are:
- Agate
- Chalcedony
- Quartz
The Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach
The best time to visit Myrtle Beach to mine gems is during the summer, from June to August. During this time, the water is generally calm enough for divers to explore the ocean floor for gems safely. The beaches provide an excellent place to search for beach glass and other gems washed ashore from the ocean.
Greenville Gemstone Mine – Great for kids
205 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
Greenville Gemstone Mine is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation for over 20 years. The mine offers a unique experience for all ages to search for gemstones and minerals, where you can purchase buckets of material or use the sluice box to search for gems and minerals on-site. The staff provides helpful advice on the best methods to dig for gems and minerals and provides an educational experience with their rock identification classes. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase jewelry made from the gems they find and other souvenirs.
Types Of Gemstones Found At Greenville Gemstone Mine
Here are the featured gemstones at Greenville Gemstone Mine:
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Citrine
- Garnet
- Kyanite
- Peridot
- Rose Quartz
- Rutilated Quartz
- Sapphire
- Smoky Quartz
- Topaz
The Best Time To Visit Greenville Gemstone Mine
The best time to visit the Greenville Gemstone Mine is in the spring. The mine is open year-round, and you can take advantage of guided tours, gemstone panning activities, and more.
Coastal Gem Mining – Great for kids
Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Coastal Gem Mining is a family-owned business located in Myrtle Beach. The rock shop specializes in mining for precious gems, minerals, and fossils from around the world. The shop offers a unique experience for gem hunters of all ages, allowing them to search through their large selection of rough gems, sorting through dirt and rocks to find hidden treasures.
They also have a variety of handcrafted jewelry made with the gemstones found in their shop or provided by their customers. Coastal Gem Mining has something for everyone and provides a fun way to explore the natural beauty of gemstones!
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Coastal Gem Mining
In this area, you can discover a huge variety of gemstones. The gemstones you may find here are:
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Citrine
- Emerald
- Garnet
- Moonstone
- Opal
- Peridot
- Quartz
- Ruby
- Sapphire
The Best Time To Visit Coastal Gem Mining
The best time to visit Coastal Gem Mining is during the summer months. The area experiences mild temperatures and sunny days, making it an excellent place for outdoor activities like searching for gems.
Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in South Carolina
There are more incredible places in the state besides our top gem hunting areas. Adults who want to do real gem mining can visit these locations on our list:
- Bowens River – Amethyst, Emerald, Quartz, Sapphire
- Flat Creek – Pyrite
- Haile Gold Mine – Pyrite, Quartz
- Henry’s Knob – Kyanite, Lazulite, Tourmaline
- King’s Creek – Barite, Chalcopyrite, Kyanite, Quartz, Pyrite, Sillimanite
- Lake Murray Dam – Kyanite
- Liberty Hill – Smoky Quartz, Zircon
- Savannah River Bank – Aquamarine, Beryl
- Shoals Junction – Amethyst, Quartz
- Turkey Creek – Serpentine
The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in South Carolina
We have areas for more family-friendly public gem mining. The wonderful locations listed below are perfect for families and children.
- A&A Rockshop – 1614, 1624 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072, United States
- Dixie Gem – 2517 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29609, United States
South Carolina Gem Mining Laws And Regulations
Although the state does not have any specific regulations related to recreational gem hunting, it is illegal to remove or disturb rocks, minerals, and fossils from state parks or other public lands without permission from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
It is essential to understand that the state does have laws and regulations for prospecting and collecting minerals on public lands. It is also unlawful to sell or trade any rocks, minerals, or fossils collected on public lands without a valid permit from the DNR.
Visitors should note that some areas may be closed to recreational gem hunting for ecological reasons. Before visiting an area for gem hunting purposes, you have to check with local land managers for any restrictions that may be in place.
For more information about South Carolina’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) link above.
Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states
As soon as you’ve had the chance to visit all places on the list we’ve provided above, use the recommendations we’ve created below to discover more gems in nearby states:
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered, please leave them in the comments below!
