How to Mine Oregon Diamonds
The Oregon diamond, also known as the Oregon sunstone, has become a popular jewel to dig. This gem is found in the high-desert area of the state. Families camp while spending hours mining for the yellow, green or clear stones. Pink, red, blue and multicolors can be found, but are rare. The diamonds could fetch as mush as $2,500 a carat in 2010.
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Screen or pan
- Bucket
- Hammer
- Rock Pick
- Chisel
- Screwdriver
- Small bag or container
Instructions
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Dig into ground with your shovel, extracting small amounts and placing dirt inside your bucket. Sift through dirt inside the bucket with your screen or pan. This process is done like panning for gold.
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Pick out diamonds, placing them to the side. Wash the diamonds and place them in a small bag or container.
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Pit dig by placing the chisel against the rock. Hammer the opposite end of the chisel to loosen or break the rock (similar to mining for coal or limestone in the late 1800s.) Use rock pick to chip away your work area.
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Use a screwdriver to free tight or stuck diamonds. Lodge the screwdriver into the rock and lightly hammer the end until the diamond falls free. Wash the diamonds and place gems in a small bag or container.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a hat and light-colored clothing when digging for diamonds. You are in the desert, so bring lots of water, and sunscreen if you plan to spend the day digging.
