Fox Cave Gem Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Classic 1950s-era roadside attraction and gift shop embedded into a cave along Highway 70 near Ruidoso Downs. Offers a gem mining experience where visitors can purchase buckets of dirt containing gemstones to pan through. More of a family-friendly tourist attraction than a natural rockhounding site. Free admission to the cave and gift shop. Also features a museum with Billy the Kid history.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Agates
Banded chalcedony prized for their colors and patterns. Lake Superior agates, Fairburn agates, and Montana moss agates are especially famous.
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Jasper
Opaque, fine-grained chalcedony prized for its rich earthy colors and patterns. Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alabama produce exceptional jasper varieties.
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Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
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Various Gemstones
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Fox Cave Gem Mine with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35