The “Jones Diamond,” also known as the “Horseshoe Diamond” (for its manner of discovery, not its shape), has been described as one of the finest blue-white diamonds ever discovered. Some experts estimated its value at more than $100,000.
What happened to the Jones diamond?
The diamond was then sent to the Smithsonian Institution for display and safekeeping until 1964 when it was returned to the Jones family, still in Virginia. The family kept the gem in a safe deposit box at the First Valley National Bank in Rich Creek until 1984.
Why are there no diamonds in West Virginia?
Diamonds don't exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928. The diamond is an uncut naturally formed dodecahedral crystal, with 12 natural facets, weighing 34.48 carats and has a white color with a bluish tinge.
Are there diamonds in West Virginia?
Diamonds don't exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928.
Has there ever been gold found in West Virginia?
There are no commercial gold mines operating in West Virginia. Despite the lack of gold found within quartz, very small quantities of gold can be found within the state. As with almost any state, very tiny specks of gold have been reported to be found in several creeks and rivers.
Where are the best places to find gold?
The REAL Top 10 Places to Pan for Gold
Where was the Jones diamond found?
Peterstown
Is there buried treasure in WV?
Not to far north of Kermit on route 52, on the east bank of the Tug Fort River, is a buried treasure of approximately $200,000 in gold coins. Dennis Atkins supposedly buried the cache near the toll bridge in the 1900's. West Virginia lost treasure may be located in ghost towns.
Where can I dig for gems in WV?
Mining for Hidden Gems in West Virginia
Where is the Confederate gold?
In the 2012 TV series Alcatraz, Confederate gold was hidden beneath Alcatraz prison by the warden in 1960 to be discovered in 2012.
What gemstones can be found in West Virginia?
Gemstone and fossil mining is a fun-filled activity for all ages, but it's more than just that. While panning you many find amethyst, rubies, emeralds, arrowheads, crystals, and much more that results in a precious keepsake to remind you of your treasure hunting experience in the Mountains of West Virginia.
Are there any volcanoes in West Virginia?
Mole Hill wasn't the only volcanic activity in the area: Trimble Knob in Highland County and Ugly Mountain in West Virginia's Pendleton County are also fragments of ancient volcanoes. Volcanic rock has also been found near dairy farms and inside caves in neighboring areas.
What minerals can you find in West Virginia?
West Virginia produces cement, common clay, construction and industrial sand and gravel, crushed stone, dimension stone, gemstones, and lime. No metals are mined in the State although some processing facilities are located there.
Are diamonds found in Virginia?
Four diamonds have been found within the current boundaries of Virginia: – at the Vaucluse Mine in Orange County (1836) A fifth diamond was found in 1928 on Rich Creek near Peterstown, West Virginia, just across the state border from Giles County. It is known as the “Punch Jones” diamond.
Is there gold in VA?
Gold in Virginia is predominantly found in the “gold-pyrite” belt, which spans about 9 to 15 miles in length and runs for 140 miles along the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is part of the Piedmont region that features high areas of gold production in both the Carolinas.
Are diamonds found in rocks?
It is the hardest of naturally occurring substances. Diamonds are usually found in igneous rock formations and alluvial deposits. Most diamonds are billions of years old.
What gems can be found in Virginia?
Virginia is noted particularly for beautiful gem quality spessartine garnet, rare facet grade microlite, amazonite, fine moonstone, and topaz. In addition Virginia is well known for staurolite, prehnite, turquoise crystals, and the popular rock una- kite.
Can you pan for gold in Virginia?
The gold prospecting laws in Virginia are not very clear, but you can pan here without issue. A small sluice box shouldn't be an issue either. Of course prospecting on private property is prohibited without consent of the land owner.
What are the 3 most common rocks in Virginia?
Rocks of Virginia
