EASY EMERALD EXPEDITION

 

In this quick and inexpensive tutorial, we are going to show you how to make an Easy Emerald Expedition. These excavations are super easy to make and are a great teaching resource to include in your next lesson or discussion about gemstones, geology, mining 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, excavation kits and even emeralds!

 

 

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.

Small wooden treasure chest – you can get these online or at craft stores

Emeralds - You can buy a bag of rough emeralds for a reasonable price online. You can also simply spray paint a few rocks green and make your own emeralds for this excavation activity. 

 

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

 

Directions:

 

  1. Place some emeralds in the wooden treasure chest.
  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 emeralds.
  5. Place the Easy Emerald Expedition in front of a fan overnight until it is completely dry.
  6. Distribute the excavation, excavation tools, and safety goggles to your Excavating Adventurer and have fun watching them dig in and discover the awesome emeralds you have hidden inside.

 

Emerald Enchantment: The Green Gemstone of Legends and Beauty!

Fun Facts about Emerald:

  1. Emerald is a precious gemstone known for its stunning green color, often considered one of the most captivating and desired gemstones.

  2. The vibrant green hue of emerald is caused by traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium within the crystal structure.

  3. Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, and their color can range from light green to deep, rich tones.

  4. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Incas, treasured emeralds and believed they possessed protective and healing powers.

  5. The oldest emerald mines can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were mined along the banks of the Nile River.

  6. Emeralds are quite rare and can be more valuable than diamonds, depending on their color, clarity, and size.

  7. Colombia is renowned for producing some of the finest emeralds in the world, known for their exceptional color and transparency.

  8. Emeralds can have natural inclusions, often referred to as "jardin," which means "garden" in French, adding character and uniqueness to each stone.

  9. The largest cut emerald in the world is known as the "Gachala Emerald" and weighs over 858 carats.

  10. Emeralds have been associated with the goddess Venus, symbolizing love, fertility, and rebirth.

  11. Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, was said to have a deep love for emeralds and adorned herself with them.

  12. Emeralds are not only treasured as gemstones but are also used in various industries, including electronics and scientific equipment due to their exceptional optical properties.

Remember, emeralds are like drops of nature's green magic, capturing the essence of lush forests and enchanting tales of ancient civilizations!

 

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 and much, much, more!

 

Question 1: What gives emeralds their stunning green color? A) Traces of iron B) Traces of chromium and vanadium C) Traces of copper D) Traces of titanium

Correct answer: B) Traces of chromium and vanadium

Question 2: Which country is renowned for producing some of the finest emeralds in the world? A) Brazil B) Colombia C) India D) Russia

Correct answer: B) Colombia

Question 3: What is the largest cut emerald in the world known as? A) Hope Diamond B) Koh-i-Noor Diamond C) Gachala Emerald D) Cullinan Diamond

Correct answer: C) Gachala Emerald

 

 

 

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