Gem Mining

Mine fer Gems

Mine Fer Gems

Colorful gems in every bucket! Gemstone mining is fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to prospect for your own precious stones. Here at the Outpost, we offer gem‑ore buckets for both beginners and seasoned prospectors.

Children are fascinated by these stones, and our trained staff are on hand to help with identifying, classifying, and explaining each and every find. Come experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere. All of our mining tables are covered and we’re open rain or shine, 7 days a week. We even guarantee a gem find every time, so everyone can feel the thrill! Gemstone buckets are available in numerous varieties and prices.

Family gem mining

Gem Rough Buckets

At the Outpost, we offer several gem‑ore buckets to choose from. Each one varies in size and gem selection, but they’re all loaded with fun and excitement. We recommend planning at least an hour or more for any of the buckets below, especially for first‑timers. All equipment is provided at no additional charge.

Gem mining is easy: just shovel some mining “rough” into a screen tray and lower your tray into the trough of water. As you sift and shake the tray, the water washes away the dirt and slowly reveals your treasure. There’s a generous assortment of treasures in every bucket of Outpost Gem Mining Rough!

Choose from the following Gem Rough buckets:

  • Mini Gem Bucket – $7.00 / 1‑quart Gem Rough mix
  • Small Gem Bucket – $20.00 / 1‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Large Gem Bucket – $35.00 / 2‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Prospector’s Pick – $30.00 / 1‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Bucket – $25.00 / 1‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Deluxe Bucket – $45.00 / 2‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Deluxe Bucket – $75.00 / 3.5‑gallon Gem Rough mix
  • Outpost Family Bucket – $100.00 / 6‑gallon Gem Rough & Fossil mix

Here are just a few of the many gems you’ll find in our Gem Ore buckets:

Gem varieties

But that’s not all. Our Prospector, Family, and Deluxe buckets can also include: sodalite, tree agate, azurite, chrysoprase, malachite, carnelian, fluorite, bloodstone, chrysocolla, labradorite, snowflake obsidian, noble serpentine, lepidolite, pyrite, geodes, XL amethyst, turquoise, peridot, rutilated quartz, unakite, Mexican crazy lace, fossils, and much more!

Don’t forget to ask for the gemologist to evaluate your finds and see if you can turn them into cut stones. We can take your rough stone and turn it into a sparkling jewel. Many guests have had gemstones cut into beautiful pendants, earrings, and rings. We can also recommend local jewelry artists who can set your stone into a one‑of‑a‑kind piece. As an added bonus, customers who purchase a Deluxe or Family‑size gem bucket receive $10.00 off any cut stone order.

Learn more about our cut stones and custom hand‑made jewelry here.