Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Old commercial mining site where you can pan for gold in the same stream prospectors swarmed in the early 1800s. Screen ore for garnets, amethysts, topaz, and rose quartz. Features gold panning, sluicing, high banking, dredging, and a campground.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Gold
Native gold nuggets, flakes, and dust found in streams and ancient riverbeds. Popular states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Georgia for recreational gold panning.
Also found at:
Garnets
Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.
Also found at:
Amethyst
Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Also found at:
Topaz
Blue topaz is Texas's state gem. Utah's Topaz Mountain produces clear and sherry-colored crystals.
Also found at:
Rose Quartz
Also found at:
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Lucky Strike Gold and 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