Covering two thirds of Southern Oregon, the Basin and Range region offers excellent rock and gem specimens for the seasoned and amateur rockhound.

Apr 21, 2011 - David Katski

Have tons of rocks and minerals lying around from that last rockhounding trip? Dust them off and display them so that everyone can enjoy them.

Jul 13, 2010 - Beverly Hill

Minerals are natural crystalline substances with distinct chemical compositions. Knowledge of minerals is the foundation of geology, the study of rocks and of the Earth.

Nov 12, 2009 - Molly Markey

The annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase - better known as the Gem Show - is a top winter event in Tucson, with mostly free shows held around town.

Jan 31, 2011 - Donna Dailey

Fossil fuels and minerals are derivatives of the earth. Both provide convenience and improve living standards for the earth's 6 billion and growing inhabitants.

Jan 21, 2010 - Jeri Schott

Like digging for crystals and gems but don't have a gem mine in the backyard? Learn how to mine for gems straight from the comfort of home through mail order gem mining.

Feb 21, 2009 - Beverly Hill

When pounding surf broke out one side of a seaside volcanic crater, it left a dramatic cove with gemstones sprinkling the sand. Gather genuine peridots under sea cliffs.

Jun 28, 2007 - Barbara Rogers

If you adore emerald green, you are in luck; Mother Nature provides exquisite natural gemstones suitable for green ring, pendant, bracelet, necklace and earring jewelry.

Jan 11, 2010 - Claire Eddins

Picking out gemstone beads in person gives the jewelry maker a chance to compare quality, shape and color. Find out where and how to attend gemstone and mineral events.

Sep 18, 2009 - Maire Loughran

Franklin, North Carolina is well known throughout the Southeast as a gem mining mecca and refers to itself as "the gem mining capital of the world."

Jul 10, 2010 - Marie Bartlett

Among the most charming towns in California's Mother Lode, Nevada City is filled with reminders of its past.

Mar 2, 2010 - Connie Emerson

Discovered in the 1960's, tanzanite has been called "the gemstone of the 20th Century."

Mar 24, 2007 - Renee Brown

Turquoise jewelry is valued worldwide, but in the traditional land of Tibet it is also a sacred stone, imbued with spiritual and natural healing powers.

Jan 17, 2011 - Solange Hando

Scratch hardness testing may be used to identify gems and minerals, as well as to determine overall material durability and suitability for jewelry.

Jan 19, 2010 - Claire Eddins

The Retro Gaming Archive kicks off with its first entry - 2D platform classic, Manic Miner!

Feb 16, 2011 - Andy Hill

The Huerfano Valley in Southern Colorado is a little-known area of breathtaking beauty and rich history. Here is an overview of the area.

Aug 4, 2010 - William Graff

The world's best peridot comes from mountain top mines once used by the Taliban as a base in Pakistan, and from Indian Country in Arizona.

Feb 13, 2011 - D.A. Barber

Take a family vacation to northern Georgia and try panning for gold or digging for gemstones. It's a great family activity that could pay off big.

Mar 23, 2009 - Beverly Hill

Some of the best gem mines in the world can be found in North Carolina. Find the best locations to dig and how to collect these beautiful gemstones

Feb 9, 2009 - Beverly Hill

For a fun Eastern Oregon day trip, visit the spectacular Painted Hills, get a history lesson at a historic ranch house and view hundreds of fossils.

Jul 2, 2010 - Caitlin Sessa