Gem Mining is an amazing and educational activity.
Some of us have had the amazing experience of gem mining near blue ridge Georgia – well, not necessarily the real deal, just at a gem-mining flume offered by so many businesses throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Although they might offer different versions of this gem-grabbing activity, the principle is really the same: one sifts through dirt already “salted†with gemstones and walks away with their findings.
So what can you find when participating in such an activity? The most common find is of course, Quartz in various qualities and varieties. Others that may fill your purse are pyrite, garnet, ruby, sapphire, and emerald, but here I would like to concentrate on quartz, its origin, varieties, and meaning.
Firstly, what is quartz? Quartz is SiO2 – silicon dioxide, better known as glass, containing the two most common elements in the Earth’s crust, silicon and oxygen. The commonest for being the crystal quartz, which is silicon dioxide in its purest form, giving a clear, see-through material, which can be sometimes confused with a broken bottle. That is almost true, as it is glass, except Mother Nature makes it instead of factory production. It has been recognized for its energy-enhancing qualities and is used to ward off bad dreams and heal ailments. It is not uncommon to have people carry small pieces of this beautiful material in their pockets or purses. Crystal of course has its commercial uses also because it’s thermal and chemical stability.
A more attractive quartz that is recognized by most of us is amethyst. A beautiful substance known for its purple, vibrant, and deep color, so well known in jewelry making. The beautiful color of the stone is attributed to the presence of manganese and iron impurities. Amethyst is the birthstone of February, and it is known to prevent intoxication. The name derives from the Greek amethistos meaning not drunken, offering an antidote against drunkenness. Many wine goblets were carved out of amethyst, offering protection against intoxication. It is also known as the wisdom stone, symbolizing humility, piety, and spiritual wisdom hence it is a favored gemstone of Bishops of the Catholic Church. This stone is also known to correct blood ailments, especially if set in silver and worn constantly.
My second favorite quartz is Citrine. On the same lines of Amethyst, Citrine, the stone of the mind, is glass with an amazing amber or yellowish see-through appearance. Citrine, also known as the Merchants Stone, promotes clarity, self-esteem, and positive energy. Its color is derived from irradiation and aluminum built into its crystal structure. Citrine is a November birthstone that stimulates digestion and assists in spleen and pancreas problems. It is also known to affect constipation positively and helps to detoxify the blood.
What gem mining experience would be complete without finding smoky quartz? It might sometimes be confused with a broken brownish or grayish-looking glass, smoky quartz might not be as attractive as Amethysts and Citrine, but is also exhibits healing and mystic properties. Irradiation and built-in aluminum, just like in Citrine, gives this stone its color. It is very common; hence, it is less valuable than Amethyst and Citrine. Smoky Quartz is the birthstone for November, and it is said to have metaphysical and healing properties against negative energy. Smoky Quartz is really a “grounding†gemstone, thought of as a stone of serenity and deep thought. It assists in treating fertility issues and health issues of the lower torso.
Therefore, whenever you can take Gem Mining Vacations or drive by Gem Mining Sites, do yourself a favor and stop in. The experience alone is worth the minimal expense. The gemstones you walk away with will top it all, providing you with not only some very pretty and colorful decorations for your home but might even make a believer out of you and help you with physical and metaphysical shortcomings. They also make wonderful presents, and the larger gems will create great conversation pieces around your house. You might even get lucky and find that ever-so-rare piece that will make beautiful and valuable jewelry.
Looking for a place for gemstone mining in Georgia or fun things to do in blue ridge, GA – give the Lilly Pad Village a chance!