Gem mining in Mississippi?! You might think we’ve made a mistake, but it’s true. You can actually mine for gemstones at the Mississippi Petrified Forest. And the best part is that you get to keep what you find!

Listed as a National Natural Landmark, the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora is one of the state’s most prized natural wonders.
DM/Flickr
It’s one of the only petrified forests in the eastern half of the U.S., so it’s not just beautiful. It’s unique too!
pdr555/TripAdvisor
However, there’s so much more to the forest than petrified trees. The grounds boast several other activities and attractions, including gem mining.
Jace P/TripAdvisor
At the Mississippi Petrified Forest, visitors can partake in a specific type of gem mining known as gem fluming.
Jace P/TripAdvisor
The process of mining the flumes is pretty simple. You’ll start with a bag of “mine muck,” which is the term for rocks harvested from mines.
Jennifer Stanley/Google

Related Stories

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Mississippi That Runs Along The Gulf Coast

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Mississippi That Runs Along The Gulf Coast

 The Outdoor Cafe In Mississippi That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

The Outdoor Cafe In Mississippi That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

 Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Mississippi

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Mississippi
Then, you’ll head to the flumes, wash and screen your mine muck, and keep an eye out for real gems.
Steve Saxton/Google
Any gems found are yours to keep. And if you don’t find any, don’t worry.
KipandMandy Price/Google
The on-site gift shop has got plenty of gems and minerals from around the world as well as petrified wood.
Steve Saxton/Google
There’s also a museum on site. In addition to examples of petrified wood from every state, the museum houses an array of fossils.
Steve Saxton/Google
The grounds also boast picnic tables and a campground.
Steve Saxton/Google

 

Ready to do some gem mining in Mississippi? We thought so! The Mississippi Petrified Forest is open year-round; however, the hours of operation vary throughout the year, depending on the season. Make sure to check the Mississippi Petrified Forest website prior to visiting. You can also call (601) 879-8189.

Shockingly, being home to one of the nation’s most unique forests isn’t Flora’s only distinguishing feature. It was also the site of one of the most baffling mysteries in Mississippi history.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Mississippi Petrified Forest, 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071, USA