EASY DIY EMERALD EXCAVATION

• Container. I love to use small wooden treasure chests that are really inexpensive and available at craft stores. Almost an container will work for your emerald excavation and this is just a suggestion. Rummage through your recycle bin and you are sure to find something that will work. Feel free to decorate the container for a little extra flair. 
• Sand (Colored sand works too!)
• Plaster of Paris
• Measuring cups
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Emeralds. Now you may be thinking that these are really expensive. Although they can be, with a little shopping around online, you can find reasonably prices real raw emeralds. You can also use fake plastic emeralds or costume jewelry. Another solution is to paint a few cool shaped rocks with a shiny green spray paint. 
• Excavation tools - Safety goggles, small brush, and a chisel, nail, wooden dowel or some other tool to use to excavate. 
• Optional - Gold glitter

Pro tip: Soften the emerald excavation with a little water if it is difficult for your young Excavating Adventurer to dig. 

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1. Place your emeralds in the container. 
2. Dry mix one cup of sand with 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris. Increase the recipe as needed to fill your chosen 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. Optional - sprinkle gold glitter over the top of the emerald excavation. 
5. Allow to dry overnight.  
6. Once the Emerald Excavation is completely dry, find an area that can get a little messy and be easily cleaned up. Distribute the safety goggles and excavations tools and let the fun begin!

Pro tip: This is a fun and easy little excavation activity to enjoy around St. Paddy's Day!