![]() The permit is required to assure that the mine will be developed and operated with minimal impact on the environment, minimal hazard to employees, and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws. Before mining can begin, a permit must be obtained. The cost of opening a mine in the United States is extremely high. Three barriers stand between an interest in mining and the successful operation of a mine: 1) the cost of opening a mine 2) the cost of labor and, 3) government regulations related to environment and labor. ![]() Gemstone production in the United States is surprisingly low considering the large geographic area of the country and the large number of people who have a strong interest in finding gemstones. ND: Value not disclosed because it would reveal proprietary information of a small number of producers. Macrocrystalline quartz includes: amethyst, aventurine, blue quartz, citrine, hawk's eye, quartz, cat's eye, rock crystal, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and tiger's-eye.Ĭryptocrystalline quartz includes: agate, carnelian, chalcedony, chrysoprase, fossilized wood, heliotrope, jasper, moss agate, onyx, and sard. For a large list of these mines, visit our There are over 100 mines in the United States where anyone can visit, pay a small fee, look for gems and minerals, and keep what they find. These are proven gemstone deposits where visitors can pay a fee, look for gemstones, and keep any that they find. Many of them do their rockhounding on public land (areas owned by the government where individuals can collect if they observe the rules). They employed between 1,200 and 1,500 people.Ī significant amount of additional gemstone mining in the United States is done by rockhounds (amateurs who search for rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils as a hobby). In 2014 about 250 gemstone mines were operating in the United States. Very few of the mines have more than a dozen employees and operate during all four seasons of the year. Most of the gemstone production in the United States comes from very small mines with just two or three employees who are often part-time or seasonal workers. The United States has greater than a 99.9 percent dependence on foreign gemstone supplies. That amount is very very small compared to the $22.6 billion in gemstones that were imported for consumption. In calendar year 2017 the total gemstone production of the United States was only $13 million. ![]() ![]() Sometimes the same person mines, cuts, and markets the stones!Īlthough the United States produces a diversity of gemstone varieties, the quantity produced is very small. ![]() Don't be afraid to ask - they usually enjoy telling you all about their operation. The United States Geological Survey reports that notable quantities of gem-quality agate, beryl, coral, diamond, garnet, feldspar, jade, jasper, opal, quartz, ruby, sapphire, shell, pearls, peridot, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, and other gem materials are currently produced in the United States.ĭid You Know? If you attend the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (held every February), you can purchase rough or cut stones from most of the important gemstone mines in the United States - and often purchase directly from the person who did the mining. Did you know that Montana is the home of world-famous sapphire localities, and that emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are all found in North Carolina? Have you ever seen an " Oregon sunstone" that flashes with a copper aventurescence, or a cultured freshwater pearl with a golden luster produced in Tennessee? These are just a few of the unique gemstones produced in the United States. A surprising diversity of gemstones are produced within the United States. ![]()
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