By :
David Cowley
The Amethyst gemstones range in color from pale lilac to deep purple. Gemstones with the deepest colors are the most valuable and some of these fine gemstones are featured in the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst is a transparent quartz crystal and is used in many pieces of striking jewelry today.
Amethysts, Gold and other Gemstones can be mined by the public at the Gold’n Gem Grubbing mine in Georgia. For a fee of $15 for a half day or $25 for the full day the treasure hunter can mine just like the ole timers did. All tools needed for treasure hunting is provided by the mine operators. You can dig the ore from the commercial mining pit which has been piled at the edge of the creek by dump trucks. Fill up a couple of buckets and take your finds to the creek for panning and screening.
Amethyst, Emeralds, Sapphires, Topaz and Gold have been found by rock hounds at the Gold’n Gem Grubbing mine. You never know what you may find so having a good gemology reference book handy can pay for itself very quickly. Especially one that will show you what the rough gemstones look like right out of the ground. I recommend bring a hat, gloves, sun screen, proper clothing, wading boots and a fold up stool. Kneeling in a stream panning all day can be a killer on the knees.
Kneeling in a stream all day is not your idea of a fun time? You can purchase buckets of ore and screen them at the convenient sluices. Trained staff is always nearby to help you identify your treasures. Buckets of ore can be purchased for $10.00 for a 1 gallon, $30.00 for a 2.5 gallon, $60.00 for a 5 gallon, and $100.00 for the Mother lode 5 gallon bucket. Buckets of ore come with a $15.00, $30.00, and $50.00 credit towards having jewelry made with the gemstones you find. The mine operators even have a Master Jeweler on hand to turn your treasure into a striking piece of jewelry.
Myth And February
If you were born in February, then you will have a special reason to go Amethysts treasure hunting, because it is your birthstone. It is also the stone to give as presents on your 33 Th wedding anniversary. Legend has it that wearing or keeping an Amethysts on your person not only protects its wearer against seduction but is also a symbol of trust and piety.
Moses said that the amethysts gemstone is a symbol of the Spirit of God and the gemstone was often used in the official robes of the High Priest of the Jews. The Greek word for Amethysts means not intoxicated and the popular belief is that the gemstone offers protection against drunkenness. It is also said to protect crops against tempest and locusts, bring good fortune in war, inspire the intellect and if worn around the neck on a cord made from dogs hair it would protect against snakebite.
Amethyst will change color when it is heated. This gemstone should not be worn while sunbathing or anywhere there is black lighting. Sudden changes in temperatures can be harmful. Smoky colored stones can become yellow to brownish red with temperatures as little as 250 degrees. Stones with a high degree of transparency become yellow or colorless when exposed to temperatures of 400 degrees.
Happy Treasure Hunting.
Author Resource:-
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit http://www.treasure-hunting-team.com
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