Gemstone Mining & Fossil Dig at Crystal Cave, Springfield
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness needed; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Overview
At Crystal Cave near Springfield, families and adventurers can pan through specially prepared dirt to uncover authentic gemstones and fossils. This interactive activity pairs discovery with education, making it an accessible adventure for all ages.
Gemstone Mining & Fossil Dig
30 Minutes • For all ages • Guaranteed to find gemstones, fossils, and more!
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of Gemstone Panning at Crystal Cave, where families can uncover treasures in three unique pay-dirt sections. Each package includes a mix of gemstones or fossils, educational postcards, and personalized collection bags. It's an exciting adventure that combines fun, learning, and the joy of discovery for all ages!
Fun for the entire family!
Duration
30 Minutes
About
All ages will enjoy Gemstone Panning. Crystal Cave offers 3 different sections of pay-dirt: The Prospector, Emerald Strike, and The Mother Lode. Each pay dirt includes an identification card and keeper bag, allowing participants to identify and take home all the treasures they discover. Fun for everyone!
What's in each bag?
Prospector:
- 3+oz. of gemstone mix
- 2 lbs of sand
- Educational gemstone ID postcard
- Take home collection bag
- Personalized labels for collection bag and mining rough bag
Paydirt:
- 6+ oz. of gemstone mix
- 3 lbs of sand
- Educational gemstone ID postcard
Emerald Strike:
- 6+ oz. of gemstone mix
- 3+ oz. of emeralds
- 5 lbs of sand
- Educational gemstone ID postcard
- Take home collection bag
- Personalized labels for collection bag and mining rough bag
Motherlode:
- 10+ oz. of gemstone mix
- 2 Educational Gemstone/Fossil combo postcard
- 4 oz. fossil mix
- 1/2 oz. Shark teeth
- 2 arrowheads
- 1 large specimen of Amethyst druzy
- 2 take home collection bags
- Personalized labels for collection bag and mining rough bag (3 total)
Fossil Dig:
- 4+ oz. of fossil mix
- 1/2 oz. of shark teeth
- 3 lbs of sand
- Educational fossil ID postcard
- Take home collection bag
- Personalized labels for collection bag and mining rough bag
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Dress in casual clothes that can get a little dusty during gemstone panning.
Bring a Small Container
Carry an extra container or pouch for safely transporting your finds home.
Supervise Children
Keep an eye on younger kids during fossil digs to ensure safe handling of sharp items like shark teeth.
Hydrate Before You Arrive
Although the activity is low-impact, staying hydrated enhances comfort during your visit.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Eastern box turtles
History
Crystal Cave sits in the Missouri Ozarks, a region famed for its karst topography and rich mineral deposits dating back millions of years.
Conservation
The site practices sustainable mining and educational outreach to encourage respect for geological preservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Springfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect your feet from sand and gravel while moving through the pay-dirt sections.
Sun Hat
Keeps sun off your face during outdoor portions of the activity.
summer specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated enhances comfort during your visit.
Small Magnifying Glass
Aids in closely examining small gems and fossils uncovered during panning.