Where to Find Gemstones in Coromandel, New Zealand
If you’re looking for a natural beauty fix, you might want to head to the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. This lush and forested area is known for its beaches, but it’s also home to a number of gemstone mines.
Coromandel is a haven for those who love the outdoors, and there’s no better way to explore the region than by hunting for your own gems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gem hunter, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque corner of the world.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to hunt for some treasure!
Coromandel Town:
The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful place, and one of the best places to find gemstones is in the town of Coromandel. There are a few spots you can try, but the most popular place to find gemstones is on the beach.
If you walk along the beach, you’ll eventually find a spot where people have been digging for gemstones. The best time to go is during low tide, when the water recedes and reveals more of the shoreline.
Keep in mind that it’s illegal to take any gemstones from New Zealand without a permit, so be sure to get permission if you plan on hunting for them yourself!
Thames Goldmine Experience:
If you’re keen on finding gemstones in Coromandel, the Thames Goldmine Experience is a great place to start.
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This attraction is located in the small town of Thames, about an hour and a half drive from Auckland. It’s home to one of the country’s largest opencast goldmines, and visitors can take a guided tour of the site to see how gold is mined.
The attraction also offers panning for gold, and you might be lucky enough to find a few gemstones while you’re there. The staff are happy to help with identification and advice on where to find more gemstones in the area.
Coromandel Gemstone Centre:
The Coromandel Gemstone Center is the perfect place to start your search for the perfect piece of jewelry. This family-owned and operated business has been in the gemstone trade for over 30 years, and they have an extensive collection of both local and international gemstones.
You can find the Coromandel Gemstone Center on the main street of Thames, and they offer a wide variety of jewelry-making services, including:
- Cutting and polishing
- Stone setting
- Cabochon making
- Carving
- Faceting
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, the team at the Coromandel Gemstone Center will be more than happy to help you find the right gemstone for your needs.
Hot Water Beach:
Hot Water Beach is an area well-renowned for its geothermal hot pools, but did you know it’s also a haven for gemstones seekers? It’s true – the beach is a great place to find precious stones like garnets, quartz, citrine and tourmaline. You can easily find them scattered around the beach or in the sand near the cliff face in the south end of the beach.
Be sure to scout carefully and have your eyes wide open when you’re looking for gems. Try panning in shallow areas when the tide has gone out. Don’t forget to take along a sieve—it will help make your search easier. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves if you’re scouring around rocks and boulders looking for hidden gems.
Waihi:
Waihi is a great place to explore when it comes to finding gemstones in Coromandel. Located on the northern coast of Coromandel, Waihi is a popular spot for fossicking and prospecting. You can try your luck at finding precious jade, ruby and quartz here.
For those who enjoy panning for gemstones, the Waikino Stream located in Waihi is a popular spot for panning for gold and other gems. You can also dig for sapphires in the nearby hills and find some amazing specimens along the stream beds.
Finally, if you’re willing to take a little stroll outside of town, you can make your way to Te Aroha Mountain Range where you’d be able to find some beautiful topaz crystals. Be aware that this may require some hard hiking, so come prepared with proper supplies if you venture out into this part of town!
Popular Gemstones to Find in Coromandel
The Coromandel region of New Zealand is known for its unique and beautiful gemstones. Popular gems to find in this area include pounamu (or greenstone), quartz, amethyst, and garnet. Pounamu is a semi-precious jade found only in New Zealand and has been treasured by the Maori people for centuries.
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Quartz is a common mineral found all over the world, which can come in different forms, such as smoky quartz, rose quartz, and citrine. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz which can be found in the Coromandel. Last but not least, garnet is a beautiful red or green gemstone that can be found in the region. Happy gem hunting!
Conclusion
If you’re keen to explore the area for yourself and hunt for some of the area’s beautiful gemstones, we’ve put together a guide on where to find them. In conclusion, some great places to find gemstones in Coromandel, New Zealand are Hot Water Beach, Whangapoua Beach, Port Charles, Coromandel Forest Park, and the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Hot Water Beach is a great place to find jasper, jade, and agate. Whangapoua Beach is known for its quartz, garnets, and crystals. Port Charles is home to many beautiful specimens of jasper, garnet, and quartz. Coromandel Forest Park is known for its topaz, garnet, and quartz.
Lastly, the Hauraki Rail Trail is a great place to find tourmaline, aquamarine, and jade. With so many great places to find gemstones in Coromandel, New Zealand, it is sure to be a rewarding experience for any gemstone enthusiast.Happy exploring!
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