Get to Minin'
Sluicing is the most popular (and easiest) method of prospecting at the Emerald Hollow Mine. This simple process involves taking a seat at our covered sluice way and washing buckets of dirt to find precious minerals. The buckets we offer are filled with dirt taken directly from the Emerald Hollow Mine, and are enriched with authentic gemstones and minerals from all over the world. Tools are provided for you in the sluiceway.
Enriched buckets are not included in the permit price. They range from $5-$1,000, and pricing can be found HERE. You may split buckets between multiple people. Larger buckets have larger, higher quality and more of a variety of gemstones. Everyone in the sluiceway (participating or not) is required to have a corresponding permit.
Cutting through the gemstone rich ridges of the mine, there are creeks with sparkling clean, clear, mountain waters gently flowing through them. Through many years of the natural processes of erosion, the creek bed continues to fill with minerals from the mine above. This makes for ideal prospecting after a hard rain. When prospecting in the creek, you want to search in areas that would stop a gemstone in the rushing waters. You can dig a little, but serious digging is not necessary. These creeks are typically not over ankle to knee deep in most areas. Please report any unsafe conditions to staff.
Tools are included in your permit price. (sluice box and nylon trowel) No metal or buckets over a gallon are permitted in the creek.
The creek is a favorite among our guests for its beautiful and serene views which are especially refreshing during the summertime. The creek is a great place to make a big find!
We do NOT salt the creek for the public. We do salt the creek for educational programs, and what they do not find may wash down to the public side of the creek.
