Experienced rockhound or not, if you’re digging for the South Carolina state gemstone, the amethyst, your best bet in finding it in both large and small stones, is near Abbeville at the little-known Diamond Hill Mine.
Amethyst actually comes in a variety of purple hues ranging from soft to deep, deep purples. And most people don't realize it's only found in about three states in the country, South Carolina being one of them.
There's a rich vein of amethyst, clear quartz, smoky quartz, skeletal quartz, quartz drusy, chrysocolla, and much more that spans about six acres at the Diamond Hill Mine, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Abbeville.
What's more: Diamond Hill Mine's soil is entirely 'unsalted,' meaning, everything you find here is indigenous to the location. The owners do not 'salt' the mine with gems or quartz that did not come from this six-acre mine.
Another cool thing about Diamond Hill? Once you've paid your digging fee and signed your waiver, you'll have the run of the place. Gather your gems from the surface — or, dig, dig, dig away.
Diamond Hill Mine is what could be called a primitive dig site. You must bring with you all of the tools you'll need for digging, gathering, and transporting home all of your treasures.
Daily digging fees range from $5 to $20 depending upon your age. (Kids under the age of 5 dig for free).
See the full list of rates, see the list of rules, learn what items you should have with your for the most successful dig, and see the hours by visiting the official website for Diamond Hill Mine. Have fun digging up all the treasure!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.