Prospecting above ground, Searching upper rock formations for gems Options

[jimmyrig]

Hello all,

First post for me here. I am new to rockhounding and have been experimenting with some different techniques. One thing I was particularly curious about, is it possible to find topaz, smoky, and other gems in cracks and holes in the peg rock formations above ground? I have been successful in locating white quartz veins so far but that is about it. The areas I'm looking have been well dug so trying to get some out of the box thinking, plus not digging is always more fun :)

Thank you for any feedback or experience.

[jimmyrig]

Thank you for the reply Mike and the welcome.

I guess my question pertains more to cracks and tubes in large rock / Peg formations. I have an endoscope (about 15 feet long) that I can use to search openings. But I didn't want to waste my time if I would be more successful digging.

[MikeS]

Thank you for the reply Mike and the welcome.

I guess my question pertains more to cracks and tubes in large rock / Peg formations. I have an endoscope (about 15 feet long) that I can use to search openings. But I didn't want to waste my time if I would be more successful digging.

The endoscope may help in some cases but I recommend looking around the surface for clues first. Sometimes gems and minerals will settle in cracks and holes.