Product Description

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. The guide covers: Gem and 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 and 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 and Tourist Information - Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #810803 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

Customer Reviews

Useless
Really thin volumes that hardly cover each state included. Big on organization and sections, but what is the use if they say "no information."

Most of the content is museums which can be found on the web or in free state tourism guides. The list of collecting sites (free, or fee) is sorely underdeveloped.

I returned my copy, even though I wont see much $ after shipping charges are deducted from the refund amount. I was just plain insulted by the book. (I got Northeast and Southeast books - sent both back!)

Do not buy!

Move along on this book...
The main problem upon receiving this book was the title is misleading. It's an old, out of date, generalized list of places to PAY people to get bags of dirt hoping there are gems inside. It's definitely NOT a "Gem and Mineral Guide"; it's nothing of the sort.

You would be better off buying other books on the subject of gem hunting / rockhounding.

Not worth your time to even read these reviews
This book's subtitle is misleading in my humble opinion.

Just to be clear, the Washington state section is five pages total. The first of these five pages is a map of Washington state on it with the state gem listed below it. Of the other four pages, it lists one for-fee service which states that it does not allow under-18-year-olds to go. This information is out of date and this one place is easy to find from other resources. The other information for Washington state is a list of four museums' information and the Washington State Tourist Agency's contact information.

If you lived in Washington, you probably have a better idea where you could go to find a gem or mineral than the book or its authors do.

I would have given a lower rating but am required to give it at least one star. Look elsewhere. You have been warned.