AMETHYST EXPLORATION DIG KIT

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make an Amethyst Exploration Dig Kit. These excavations are super easy to make and are a great teaching resource to include in your next lesson or discussion about rocks, minerals, geology, and more.

 

Be sure to check out our free Digital Dig virtual gem mining. Answer trivia and earn points you can redeem for free, rocks, minerals, fossils, seashells, dig kits and even real amethysts!

 

 

Materials:

Sand

Plaster of Paris

Water

Mixing Bowl

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups

Popsicle sticks – Popsicle sticks are inexpensive, readily available, and make great excavation tools.

Safety goggles or glasses – You we need to provide or borrow a set for each student.

Optional – Brushes and magnifying glasses.

Amethysts - You can find inexpensive bags of rough amethyst online. 

Any small container that will fit your amethyst and allow room for the plaster mixture will work. I love rummaging through recycle bins for fun and unique containers I can use for excavations. For this tutorial I will use a disposable round clear plastic container. This container originally contained fresh cut fruit pieces. 

 

Check out hundreds of exciting and unique dig kits! Excavating Adventures has a kit for everyone. Explore dig kits filled with rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, seashells, real amethyst and more!

 

Directions:

 

  1. Place the amethyst in the container.
  2. Mix 1 cups sand with 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris.
  3. Add 1/3 cup of water and mix until you have a pancake batter consistency.
  4. Pour the mixture over the amethyst.
  5. Optional - Sprinkle a little glitter over the surface of the excavation to give it a little extra sparkle. 
  6. Place the Amethyst Exploration Dig Kit in front of a fan overnight until it is completely dry. 
  7. Distribute the excavation, excavation tools, and safety goggles to your Excavating Adventurer and have fun watching them dig in and discover the awesome amethyst you have hidden inside.

 

Take some time to explore the Excavating Adventures website. We have monthly excavations that get delivered right to your door, Build Your Own excavations, a blog filled with amazing excavation ideas, trivia, tons of free stuff, amethyst dig kits, and much, much, more!

 

 

 

 

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