Pay-to-Dig Gem Mines in the United States

Pay-to-dig gem mines charge a fee to dig or to buy buckets of mine rough that you wash in a sluice. Prices, seasons and what you may keep vary by mine, so call before you go. We list 17 in 8 states; most are in North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia.

Verify before visiting. Hours, fees, access and collecting rules change, and some listings come from community-edited data. Call or check the operator's official page before you go. Details we could not confirm are marked "call to confirm".

Arkansas (3)

California (1)

Georgia (1)

Michigan (1)

Montana (2)

New York (1)

North Carolina (6)

Virginia (2)

FAQ

How many pay-to-dig gem mines are listed?

17 across 8 states. The states with the most are North Carolina (6), Arkansas (3), Virginia (2).

What should I know before visiting?

Pay-to-dig gem mines charge a fee to dig or to buy buckets of mine rough that you wash in a sluice. Prices, seasons and what you may keep vary by mine, so call before you go.