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Dig For Your Own Rare Gemstones At Diamond Hill Mine In South Carolina

Diamond Hill Mine in Abbeville, South Carolina offers a unique experience of digging for real, unsalted crystals year-round.

Updated Apr 27, 2023

Written by 

E Jamar

While there are plenty of fun activities in South Carolina, this digging adventure is second to none. At Diamond Hill Mine in Abbeville, you can go digging for real crystals that are straight from the mine. Being one of the largest abandoned gem mines in the South, there are endless opportunities to find a true hidden gem! This mine is 'unsalted' meaning every crystal you find is true to the earth and not placed in the mine. Get your gloves on and get ready to dig for hidden treasure at Diamond Hill Mine, which is open 365 days a year in South Carolina. Get ready to dig for gemstones in South Carolina!

Welcome to Diamond Hill Mine!

A large, sandy excavation site with people working in the background, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Tim Moon/Google Local

This Abbeville mine is one of South Carolina's premier crystal mines, and it's home to dozens of types of crystals.

Three boxes of various rocks on the ground, with a bucket and a container nearby.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

For 365 days a year, you and the family can go digging through six acres of dirt for gems at Diamond Hill Mine, and everything you find you get to keep.

A close-up of a rocky surface with a partially buried tool and a pickaxe resting on the sand.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

This mine is not 'salted' meaning everything you find is true to the mine. Twice a year, an excavator digs up dirt and exposes new crystals for you to find.

A hand holding a rough, multicolored mineral specimen with green and reddish hues, set against a blurred background.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

You'll find many different gems here, but it's known for quartz crystals. The most popular are the skeletal quartz and amethyst. Other favorite finds are the milky and smoky quartz.

A person holds a large, purple amethyst crystal against a backdrop of trees and blue sky.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

There are a couple of things you'll need to bring to go digging. Namely, gloves, a tool (screwdrivers or shovels work well), a box to carry them, and food, drink, and sunscreen. Nothing is provided.

A hand holding a large, purple amethyst crystal with a natural, rough surface against a blurred outdoor background.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

You can sign in at the site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations aren't required, but are recommended for larger groups. Digging goes until dusk, so dig away!

There's simply no experience like digging for your very own quartz, so head over to Diamond Hill Mine and find those gems!

Excavator working on a dirt mound in a wooded area, surrounded by trees.
Diamond Hill Mine/Facebook

For more information, you can visit Diamond Hill Mine online right here.

See what it’s like to dig for crystals at Diamond Hill Mine:

youtube embeded image

Have you ever gone digging for your very own gemstones at Diamond Hill Mine in South Carolina? Was it fun? We'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments, and don't forget to then go share photos from your South Carolina adventures with us in our South Carolina Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by using the hashtag #onlyinsouthcarolina on Instagram for a chance to be featured! If you're interested in the history of mines like this, check out these photos of North Carolina's mining history.

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