Passion Explorer
Gemstone & Mineral Hunting
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8 destinations
Sri Lanka★ 6
Ratnapura
Known as the 'City of Gems' with the highest gem density globally. The area is famous for sapphires (blue and padparadscha), cat's eye, and moonstone through traditional pit mining methods that visitors can witness. Facilities include established gem tourism infrastructure and a National Gem Museum. Markets in Beruwala and Ratnapura are popular for certified gem purchases. Daily costs range $80-250, with mine tours costing $30-100.
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Tanzania★ 7
Merelani Hills near Arusha
Exclusive global source of Tanzanite integrated with Maasai culture. Limited official mine tours are available via TanzaniteOne. The gemstone market thrives in Arusha with certified dealers recommended. Other gems like tsavorite, ruby, and sapphire can also be found. The site is developing organized tours with daily costs around $100-300 and tour costs between $50-200.
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USA★ 6
Montana
Called the Sapphire State for its Yogo sapphires with dig sites at Philipsburg, Helena, and Rock Creek. Activities include bucket dirt digs and gravel washing with an 80% success rate in finding sapphires alongside garnets and agates. Family-friendly infrastructure rated 7/10 with daily costs $100-250. Equipment usually provided and heat treatment available on-site.
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USA★ 6
Crater of Diamonds State Park
The only public diamond mine with a finders keepers policy. An average of 1-2 diamonds are found daily with over 33,000 total diamonds discovered including the famous 40.23 carat 'Uncle Sam'. Other gems like amethyst, garnet, jasper, and quartz are also present. Facilities include a visitor center and equipment rental. The best method after rains is wet sifting. Early mornings and after rain plowing enhance success. Entry fee is around $15 with daily costs $100-200.
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Myanmar★ 9
Mogok
Known as 'Valley of Rubies' the region offers world’s finest pigeon blood rubies alongside jade from Kachin State, sapphire, and spinel. Access is restricted with permits required. Yangon Gems Emporium is the key market. Tourist infrastructure is limited (5/10), daily costs are $100-300 and permits necessary. The region faces political and ethical challenges.
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Morocco★ 7
Midelt
Mineral Specimen Capital with diverse minerals like vanadinite, azurite, and cobaltoan calcite, abundant trilobite fossils, and rich mineral markets in Midelt and Erfoud. Local guides are recommended. Daily costs $50-200. Informal mine visits available and export permits required for specimens. Beware of fakes in markets.
View details →Colombia★ 8
Muzo and Chivor
Emerald Mountains hosting the world's finest emeralds with some sanitized mine tours. Access is limited with security concerns but a strong market exists in Bogota emerald district. Daily costs range $100-300, with tours priced similarly. Certification is crucial and the area has pre-Columbian mining history.
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Australia★ 5
Coober Pedy
Known as the Opal Capital, Coober Pedy produces 70% of the world's opals. It is famous for its unique underground town with hotels, churches, homes, and museums creating a lunar landscape. Visitors engage in noodling (searching tailings), tour registered mines, and often find white, crystal, and black potch opals. Infrastructure rated 8/10 with year-round accessibility as underground locations offer escape from heat. Costs range AUD 150-350 daily with free noodling in public areas, and a 30-50% success rate finding keeper opals.
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