Here at Miners Gem's we have exciting & informative educational programs for children and adults. We offer geode cracking and fun hands on activities such as mineral panning.

#1 Geode cracking

Geodes are wonders of nature! A round & rough mineral formed by millions of years of volcanic activity can be opened to revel a sparkling crystal interior. We offer geodes from Dugway, Utah and Central Mexico. They are sold by weight at $1.50 an ounce (weights per each range from approximately 8 ounces to 60 ounces) with the cracking included.
This  fun activity for the entire family and one they will always remember.

#2 Mineral Panning

Mineral panning is a historic and informative "hands on" activity (especially for school groups). When gold was discovered in 1848 at Sutters Mill by John Marshall, people flocked from all over the world to the unknown frontier of Alta California which was at that time a largely unpopulated territory of Mexico. With picks and pans they scoured the hills of northern California in search of gold and changed the history of the "golden state" forever.

Now it's your opportunity to become a miner 49er. The "mineral pans" are $4 per pan and are filled with"tailings" from the Stewart Tourmaline Mine in Rainbow, California and we "salt" them well! Washing out your pan will reveal pyrite (fools gold), quartz crystals, lepidolite, agate, jasper, and... whatever else we decide to throw in! This is an experience you wont want to miss and is great for kids and adults. Groups larger than 6 must reserve at least two weeks in advance, earliest reservations for groups take priority.  Except for the group that is booked, this activity is closed on the days and/or times of group bookings. Certain times of the year are subject to blackout.  Call for operating hours and RSVP.

#3 School Demonstrations

In class Gem, Mineral or Fossil demonstrations are available. We will come to your school for the demonstration. Fees are $50 per class (that's per class, not per group or school, approximately 30 students) for metro San Diego and $100 per class (again, approximately 30 students) for San Diego County. Reservations must be made at least one month in advance. Certain times of the year are subject to blackout.