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YES, there are crystals you can find in your backyard. It sounds like a fairy tale to unearth buried precious stones in your OWN backyard, doesn’t it?
But you actually can, though. Jokes apart, there might be some treasure lurking just beneath the surface.
These stones are SO common compared to other minerals; few homeowners were lucky to have them in their backyards.
So it is worth the sweat and digs to know whether your land has been blessed with them. And in this article, I will tell you where they are more likely to be —if there are any. And what to do when you find them.
But first, what are these crystals?
6 Most Precious Crystals You Can Find In Your Backyard
Beyond you jump out of your seat to grab a shovel, finding these crystals depends on the geological composition of the area where you live.
But there is a high likelihood that Western and southwestern states, such as Montana, Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma, the Dakotas, and Nevada, will likely be more fruitful —also some areas far to the South.
1. Quartz
Quartz is Earth’s most common mineral —common, but not so common.
Chances you might see one is high compared to other precious stones here. And this gemstone is abundant in many variants, such as agate, amethyst, carnelian, and citrine.
Unfortunately, there is a sad part to its availability. Quartz isn’t expensive. It is mainly used in making jewelry and shaping sculptures.
Quartz is a long hexagonal prism crystal. You will get a hexagon shape when sliced through (if you can).
A pure Auartz harvested is colorless —its impurities give off that vibrant hue. Aside from that, it is clear and cold on the hand, with a glassy appearance.
2. Opal
Opal is an amorphous mineral. It has no crystal structure but consists of numerous tiny silica spheres.
This one is a jackpot —only if you can get your hands on the prismatic ones.
This type can reflect every color in the spectrum when held against a light. And the more it glitters, the more valuable it is.
Opals of this sort are sometimes more expensive than diamonds. Regardless, they are easy to find.
They also come in different colors: ack, brown, green, pink, and purple, and are primarily used in making jewelry and carving sculptures.
3. Topaz
Topaz is quite an affordable elongated column mineral that can be shaped in numerous forms.
It is also a hard gemstone in multiple colors, but often light-hued crystals.
But the colorless variant is reminiscent of a diamond.
However, Pink topaz are the most valuable of all and are used to make expensive jewelry, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
4. Peridot
Fortunately, valuable rocks like peridot can also be mined in your backyard.
What is captivating about this stone is the bright green reflection that varies depending on the light source.
They can come in a pale or yellow-green in flakes and tiny pieces. They barely come whole, like most gemstones.
They are prominent in Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
The fact that they are so challenging due to their tiny structure makes it thrilling to find. You can gear up with a loupe for the hunt so you can notice their distinctive green sparkle.
5. Jade
Jade is another crystal worth the hunt.
They are primarily deep green and translucent lavender but can be found in purple, orangey-red, and white crystals.
But Jade is a blend of two minerals though — jadeite and nephrite.
This stone is a highly sought-after mineral for its expensive, luminous quality and luster.
It is commonly used for jewelry making; other uses include making tools and carving sculptures.
Jade can also occur naturally in metamorphic rocks.
6. Turquoise
Turquoise doesn’t take expert knowledge to identify. When you see it, you will know.
Its distinctive color and shape are what set it aside from the rest. They are highly porous and sensitive to sunlight, so you MUST keep them in the dark condition.
And do not wash with anything besides water. The stone has several uses, including jewelry, sculptures, and tools.
You should be dancing naked if it is the lander blue turquoise you found. You just got yourself a fortune.
They are the most valuable and costly since they are the rarest.
Where to Look in Your Backyard
The best places to go hunting for crystal in your backyard are:
- Rocky Terrain
- River, creek, or stream Beds
- Beneath gravel or sand (depending on the soil) and the roots of trees
- The previous occupancy was used for activities like mining
If you are fortunately enough to find any, here is what to do:
- Do not pick them up with your bare hands, as it might leave a streak that could affect the stone’s integrity. Wear a pair of cloves.
- The next step is to remove any impurities. Place the precious stone in a bowl of warm water and rinse gently with mild detergent.
- Wipe clean with a damp towel on a flat surface.
- Examine with a magnifying glass if they are genuine crystals; you could be dealing with an imitation.
- Keep them safe in a non-paper box or envelope if they are authentic. The paper absorbs ink over time, which is unsuitable for your stones.
- You can either sell or use them as decorative pieces.
Conclusion
And if you are unsure of the treasure you just found, you can consult local geology experts or mineral clubs for guidance.
And if you can’t find any, you can shrug over it or head to a pay-to-dig site.
Many who are on the venture for their own crystals often choose these attractions:
- Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
- Wegner Crystal Mines, Mount Ida, Arkansas.
- Herkimer Diamond Mines, Herkimer, New York.
- Rose Creek Mine, Franklin, North Carolina.
- Graves Mountain, Lincolnton, Georgia.
- Rainbow Ridge Opal Mines, Virgin Valley, Nevada.
Each offers tools and guidance for the hunt, with the opportunity to jewel your freshly excavated crystals on site.
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