Southwest States: Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals (Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.) [Paperback]

Kathy J. Rygle (Author), Stephen F. Pedersen (Author), Antoinette Leonard Matlins (Preface)

Book Description

Series: Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A. | Publication Date: April 2008

Whether you are an experienced rockhound or "prospector", or just digging for the first time, with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ...or at the very least, have fun trying. From rubies, opals and gold, to emeralds, aquamarine and diamonds, each guide offers state-by-state details on more than 250 gems and minerals the United States has to offer, and the very affordable "fee dig" sites where they can be found. The authors offer easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of "fee dig" mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to where the nearest restrooms are.Included are resources for use in identifying finds, polishing stones and having them made into jewellery and further pursuing this exciting, and possibly profitable, hobby. Focusing on the four major regions of the U.S., each guide covers: Gem & Mineral Sites - Locations of sites with directions and maps, the gems and minerals to be found, hours, fees and equipment needed. It also includes info on guide services, additional attractions and features at each site, local camping information and more; Museums & Mine Tours - Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for); and Special Events & Tourist Information - Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state.

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Gemstone Press; 4 edition (April 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943763568
• ISBN-13: 978-0943763569
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #630,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals
  • #97 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Fossils

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A guide to Museums not Mines., October 24, 2008

By 

Wild Bill (Redlands, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Southwest States: Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals (Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.) (Paperback)

There's a small section at the front that gives infantile advice on how to collect samples. 95% of the book is nothing more than a list of museums. They do list a few pay sites that let you dig for a fee. There are no references or lists to guide you to mineral and gemstone collecting sites like: Fire Agate at Wiley's Well south of the 10 Fwy. near Blythe, Geode beds south of The Salton Sea or any of the hundred other gemstone and mineral collecting sites that abound in Southern California. This book is totally worthless as a guide to collecting anything except museums. Rating: Minus 5 Stars!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Title speaks for itself!, December 8, 2009

By 

Aaron C. Yee (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southwest States: Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals (Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.) (Paperback)

Most people I spoke to, told me that this book is very disappointing because it doesn't teach you anything about the gemstones. Most of the hear say is true, and some false.

This book does give you a a lot of insight about the places where you can dig your own gems, go to museums, and read up on some material. The Mineral Guide does not go into heavy detail about the gemstones. I rated this book three stars because I know some very close areas in Southern CA, that this book did not state it.

I highly recommend you to get this book used or second hand because the price you pay for it will make you regret it. I for one saw no difference between the older editions compared to this new one. <- This is also another reason why I gave this book 3 stars.

If you want to know more about gems, jewelry and history on these subjects I suggest reading "Jewelry and Gems the Buying guide". This book has tons of info on Gems and Jewelry.