Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Co.
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Gem sluice mining experience at Natural Bridge Caverns. Water runs through a sluice trough where visitors pour bags of mining 'rough' into screen trays and sift. Bags range from Pay Dirt ($9.99, 6oz gems) to Mega Strike ($69.99, 20oz gems + fossils + arrowheads + large amethyst). Commercial family-friendly attraction, not a natural dig site but included as a Texas gem mining experience. Located near San Antonio off Natural Bridge Caverns Road.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Amethyst
Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Also found at:
Rose Quartz
Also found at:
Emeralds
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Fossils
From shark teeth in Florida to dinosaurs in Montana, the US offers world-class fossil hunting for all skill levels.
Also found at:
Arrowheads
Also found at:
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Co. 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