While Pennsylvania lacks rich gemstone deposits, a few attractions offer gem mining activities for families. Camp Jelly Stone has locations in Harrisville and Quarryville that offer gem mining. Additionally, Bushkill Falls offers gem mining.
Gem mining has become a popular family activity. A bag of mining rough is purchased by the miner or panner. Water is pumped through a trough, where it circulates. The bag is taken to the trough area where kids can sift through it. The water removes sand and impurities. The children then take home their findings and are given pamplets to help identify the new treasures they discovered. Gem mining activities are usually offered on a seasonal basis.
