How Do I Mine Rubies?
Rubies are mined all over the world, yet the most prized specimens come from India where they have been mined for thousands of years. Considered the king of gems, rubies inspire love and affection with their deep red to burgundy color. Today, many rubies are lab created and not considered as prized as earth-mined gems. Locate an area that has known ruby deposits. Ruby deposits are common in India, Thailand and Vietnam. In the United States, star rubies can be mined in and around North Carolina. Prepare for a dirty job. Wear old clothes to the mine, as most of the time will be spent sifting through mound after mound of dirt. Gloves are recommended. Bring along an immersion tray. This is a simple box with low sides. Place a sufficient amount of dirt into the tray and cover the soil with water. Swirl this solution around to separate the loose dirt from the solid rocks and rubies. Scrub the dirt deposits from any of the larger rocks found. Rinse carefully in running water to wash away rema
