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.

Welcome to the forums jimmyrig!

I have found many minerals on the surface including the only topaz and only amethyst that I have found. I have found several smokies on the surface but you usually will find several broken pieces before finding a whole one. Digging into the pockets can be hard work but I enjoy it and the gems and minerals are more likely to be intact and better quality.

I usually look for the white quartz first. Then follow those to look for pieces of crystal. When I find an area that shows enough signs of crystals I try to dig in and find the source. Many of the quartz veins don't produce much for crystals.

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.

A big welcome to the new digger. From my experience the new digger has the luck in his or her favor. I have found my share of surface pockets but if you really want to hit a pocket go down an dig in. I like to give myself 12 ft. In all directions from a previous dig before i concider moving on. I have been told many times that a site is dug out. From experience there is a pocket near by with in 12ft.

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.