South Carolina has a variety of unusual ways to get outside and play, but digging in the dirt all day has to be one of the most extraordinary ways to enjoy a day out of doors. And this crystal and gem in the Palmetto State is fun for the entire family! While most “touristy” gem mines in neighboring North Carolina usually involve purchasing a bucket of soil that you’ll run a little at a time through a water-filled sluice, there’s a gem mine in South Carolina that takes you to the source – where you can actually dig for your treasure.

Don't expect all of your treasure to be as huge or gorgeous as this epic amethyst found at this mine, but you can expect to keep everything you find.
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
In fact, at Diamond Hill Mine, located near Abbeville, you can keep up to a TRUCK LOAD of gems each time you dig. And there are acres and acres of spots to cash in!
Google local/Tim Moon
Not all of the ground is loose dirt, per se. Some of it contains washouts that are ideal for making discoveries — as long as you know what to look for.
Google local/Michael Eldred
Take that obscure rock that's sticking out of the dirt next to the shovel in this photo...
Google local/Michael Eldred

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That's probably a geode — and inside it looks something like this and is filled with crystals.
Google local/Joshua Savage
At this do-it-yourself mine, you'll need to bring all of the necessities for gem mining. They include: gloves (thinner is better), a screwdriver, a shovel, a pick, and a rake. Since the soil can sometimes get a little hard, a sledgehammer also comes in handy.
Google local/Tasha Holden
Don't forget to bring something flat to carry your finds, and something like newspaper to wrap the more delicate pieces in to get them home safely!
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
Want to arrive the night before with your camper so you can get an early start? You can... but night digging is strictly prohibited.
Google local/Eric Easey

You’ll find answers to most all of your questions about digging at this crystal and gem mine in South Carolina at this link on the official website for Diamond Hill Mine. The cost is $20 for ages 18 and over, $10 for ages 13-17 and seniors 65+, $5 for kids 7-12. Kids 6 and under are free. You can also follow their Facebook page for the latest there, too.

For another hidden treasures adventure in South Carolina, try panning for gold at this old gold mine in McCormick!

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Featured Addresses
Diamond Hill Mine, 100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA