DIY DIAMOND MINE DIG

This super quick and easy tutorial will show you how to make a DIY Diamond Mine Dig.  
  
 
Materials:
 
  • Sand (Colored sand works too!)
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Measuring cups
  • Water
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon
  • Container. Pretty much any container will do as long as it will hold the plaster mixture long enough to dry. Plastic takeout containers are a great option. 
  • Diamonds. There are many great options for purchasing fake diamonds online. Some even come in pink and other colors. They even come in all kinds of different sizes. You may also be able to pull some fake diamonds from old costume jewelry. Just make sure you don't remove a real diamond from old jewelry!
  • Excavation tools - Safety goggles, small brush, magnifying glass, and a chisel, nail, wooden dowel or some other tool to use to excavate. 
  • Optional - Silver or gold glitter to sprinkle on the surface of the excavation once it has been poured. 

 

Pro tip: Soften the DIY Diamond Mine Dig with a little water if it is difficult for your young Excavating Adventurer to dig. 

 

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Instructions:
 
  1. Place your diamonds in your container.
  2. Dry mix one cup of sand with 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris. Increase the recipe as needed to fill your container at a three parts sand to one part Plaster of Paris ratio. 
  3. Add 1/3 cup of water and mix until you have a pancake like consistency. 
  4. Pour the mixture over the diamonds.
  5. Optional - Sprinkle some glitter on the surface of your excavation to give it a little sparkle. 
  6. Allow to dry overnight.  
  7. Once the excavation is completely dry, find an area that can get a little messy and be easily cleaned up. Distribute the safety goggles and excavation tools and let your Excavating Adventurer dive into the DIY Diamond Mine Dig!

 

Pro tip: This is a fun and easy little excavation activity that is very inexpensive. You can even make several of these and use them as activities for birthday parties! 

 

I hope you enjoyed this super quick tutorial and had fun creating your own DIY Diamond Mine Dig to investigate and explore. These excavations are very easy to make and a lot of fun!

Title: Dazzling Diamonds: Fun Facts for Kids

Fun Facts about Diamonds:

  1. Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth, where intense heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to crystallize over millions of years.

  2. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to humans. In fact, the word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means "invincible" or "unbreakable."

  3. Diamonds are typically clear or colorless, but they can also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, blue, and even rare colors like red and green.

  4. The value of a diamond is determined by the "Four Cs": carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. These factors determine a diamond's size, shape, color intensity, and internal flaws.

  5. Diamonds have been used in jewelry for centuries and are often associated with luxury, wealth, and romance.

  6. Diamonds have exceptional optical properties. They refract light and create a brilliant sparkle, which is known as "diamond fire."

  7. Some of the most famous diamonds in the world include the Hope Diamond, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, and the Cullinan Diamond.

  8. Diamonds have industrial uses too. Their hardness and thermal conductivity make them valuable in cutting and grinding tools, as well as in electronic components.

  9. The largest diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan Diamond, weighing 3,106 carats. It was cut into several smaller diamonds, some of which are part of the British Crown Jewels.

  10. Diamonds are often used as a symbol of enduring love and commitment, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.

So, let's embark on a sparkling journey to uncover the captivating world of diamonds and their remarkable qualities!

 
 
Pro tip: Use this activity to create some excitement around discussions or lessons about diamonds, gemstones, geology, and more!
 
 
If you love rocks, geology, and excavating as much as we do, be sure to check out our Excavating Adventures monthly subscription by clicking the link below and get an awesome new excavation delivered each month loaded with rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and more!
 
 
  

Question 1: What is the hardest natural substance known to humans? A) Gold B) Diamond C) Ruby D) Sapphire

Correct answer: B) Diamond

Question 2: What are the "Four Cs" used to determine the value of a diamond? A) Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity B) Carat, Clarity, Crystal, Carving C) Carat, Color, Carving, Cut D) Cut, Color, Clarity, Crystal

Correct answer: A) Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity

Question 3: What is the largest diamond ever discovered? A) Hope Diamond B) Koh-i-Noor Diamond C) Cullinan Diamond D) Pink Star Diamond

Correct answer: C) Cullinan Diamond

 
 
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