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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 8, 2014 17:20:19 GMT -5
I made a large detour on my way home from Bluffton, SC to the Diamond Hill Mine near Abbeville, SC. Here is their web site: dhmine.com/I spent four hours there and have to say that the disclaimer that the pictures are not typical finds is accurate. I didn't find any individual crystals (although the site advertises amethyst, smoky, skeletal, etc.), but a guy near me found half a dozen smoky crystals about 1/2" in diameter. I did find some rocks with milky, mostly clear, or lemon crystals on them up to 1/4" diameter; no amethyst, smoky, or skeletal. As far as I can tell, the only way to work a seam (as shown in the videos) is if you're there on a day when they've brought out the back hoe to dig. The "mine" seems to be just piles of dirt that have been repeatedly dug through and turned. Aside from the few smoky crystals there were no interesting finds when I was there. Some people found some amethyst clusters, but the crystals were 1/16" to 1/8". I'd have to say it wasn't worth the detour or the $20 collecting fee, but then I guess I'm not a big crystal guy, anyway. I'm much more excited by agate. Maybe others have had better experiences there and mine was the exception. I hope that's the case! Chuck
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Post by kap on Apr 8, 2014 17:50:53 GMT -5
Chuck, the mine has changed owners in the last few years and the veins and seams are buried now it is only dump pile digging. It used to be a awesome place to dig but not anymore. It is a good place for kids or people that like to just scratch around they find some nice pieces at times but the piles have been gone thru a lot.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 10, 2014 13:15:24 GMT -5
Thanks, Kap! I wish I had known that before I went. I should have checked here first! Maybe someone else will benefit from this thread.
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