1. At a new site, preform an reconnaissance of the site to determine the best spot to land. Look for anomalies and depressions in the terrain.
2. Once a good spot is found do not abandon it but continue to work it. Most of the best material is below the surface. Generally surface material has been picked up long ago. Dig below the frost line if possible to obtain material with fewer fractures.
3. Learn the local geology in order to know were to look for sites. Always mark specimens as to location, mineralogy and geology. Much of the value of specimens is in the documentation. This is a must and is especially true with fossils. A good ammonite from South Dakota brings a better price than a common one from Morocco. Agates from a Fairburn site is much more valuable than a common Brazilian piece. The value of a piece is what a person is willing to pay. Rarity, beauty, scientific importance add to the value.
4. Share with other rockhounds. That is how to find new sites and to make new friends. The Lost Dutchman would not have been lost if the Dutchman had a friend.
5. Always leave a site better than you found it. Carry your trash out. Fill in holes if the land was undisturbed. Thank the owner if the site is on private property. Bad manners has closed sites to rockhounds across the nation.
My Best Places to Find Cash and Treasure
1. The Black Hills of South Dakota, Colorado
2, Texas, Louisiana
3. Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma
4. Oregon, Washington
5. Alabama, Tennessee
6.Kentucky , Illinois
7. North Carolina
8. Arizona
Mining Engineer More about me...
How I first got into treasure hunting...I have collected since I was a child and I never grew up. I worked as a Chemical Engineer in the mining industry and was able to build a large collection. My collection includes gems, minerals, and fossils. I cut and polish gems and my wife is a lapidary artist. I have written for "Lapidary Journal"and have been active in different Gem and Mineral Societies.
My\ treasure hunting obsession(s): I love the agates because each one is unique and the very valuable agates are very rare, Diamonds on the other hand are common (ever women has one) and the faceted stones look pretty much the same. Some of my most valuable finds I have donated to museums and universities. I also love working with opal, emerald, sapphires, picture jasper and so many more.
My favorite places to look for treasure: The mountains. The exercise, the views, the cool air, the wild life make the mountains my choose to spend my time. I lived in Jamacia which combined the sea and the mountains.
My favorite treasure hunting techniques: Join a local Rockhound or Gold Prospecting Club. This will give you access to many sites and you can learn a hobby that can be profitable.
My treasure hunt toolkit contains... Good rock hammers, picks, shovels, 50 caliber machine gun ammunition bag (there is a front and back bag), I have saws, grinding wheels, sanding wheels,and other lapidary equipment
I'm presently hunting for... Gems and minerals in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma because I currently live in NW Arkansas. Recommended treasure hunting resources:
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