Experienced rockhound or not, if you’re digging for the South Carolina state gemstone, the amethyst, your best bet in finding it in both large and small stones, is near Abbeville at the little-known Diamond Hill Mine.
Amethyst actually comes in a variety of purple hues ranging from soft to deep, deep purples. And most people don’t realize it’s only found in about three states in the country, South Carolina being one of them.
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
There’s a rich vein of amethyst, clear quartz, smoky quartz, skeletal quartz, quartz drusy, chrysocolla, and much more that spans about six acres at the Diamond Hill Mine, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Abbeville.
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
What’s more: Diamond Hill Mine’s soil is entirely ‘unsalted,’ meaning, everything you find here is indigenous to the location. The owners do not ‘salt’ the mine with gems or quartz that did not come from this six-acre mine.
Google/Heather Gardner
Another cool thing about Diamond Hill? Once you’ve paid your digging fee and signed your waiver, you’ll have the run of the place. Gather your gems from the surface — or, dig, dig, dig away.
Google/Libby McKenna Boosalis
Experienced rockhounds who’ve plundered the soil here will tell you just how prolific your treasure gathering will be at Diamond Hill.
Google/Thumper Crackish
It’s a very rare, we dare say, even entirely unheard of, day to leave empty handed.
Google/Lisa B
Quartz, geodes, amethyst, and oh-so much more await.
Google/Brian Ross
Diamond Hill Mine is what could be called a primitive dig site. You must bring with you all of the tools you’ll need for digging, gathering, and transporting home all of your treasures.
Google/Just Jan Daily digging fees range from $5 to $20 depending upon your age. (Kids under the age of 5 dig for free).
See the full list of rates, see the list of rules, learn what items you should have with your for the most successful dig, and see the hours by visiting the official website for Diamond Hill Mine. Have fun digging up all the treasure!
Facebook/Diamond Hill Mine
Google/Heather Gardner
Google/Libby McKenna Boosalis
Google/Thumper Crackish
Google/Lisa B
Google/Brian Ross
Google/Just Jan
Daily digging fees range from $5 to $20 depending upon your age. (Kids under the age of 5 dig for free).
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Address: Diamond Hill Mine, 100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
