10 Things for Your First Gemfields Visit

First-time fossicking in the Gemfields can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Here are ten things that actually matter.

1. Get a Licence: You’ll need a Fossickers’ Licence to legally dig. Inexpensive ($10-15) and available on-site at most popular fossicking areas.

2. Dress Appropriately: Long sleeves and trousers, even in heat. Sun protection matters far more than comfort. A hat is essential.

3. Bring Proper Tools: Invest in a reasonable garden trowel, small hand shovel, and a classifier (mesh sieve). Budget $50-80 for usable tools.

4. Water, Water, Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need. A 2-litre bottle for a 3-4 hour session is minimum.

5. Sunscreen: Apply thickly and reapply every couple of hours. Get a high-SPF product and use it religiously.

6. Know What You’re Looking For: Rough sapphires look nothing like finished gems. They’re dull, often grey or brown on the outside, about the size of a small pea to a grain of rice.

7. Budget Appropriately: Expect to spend $50-150 for a basic half-day experience including licence, tools if needed, and site fee.

8. Allow Enough Time: A proper fossicking session is 3-4 hours minimum. One hour is barely adequate.

9. Manage Your Expectations: Most people find nothing. Some find small fragments. The possibility of finding something is what makes it interesting, not the probability.

10. The Best Souvenir: If you find nothing, buy a small rough sapphire from a local shop ($5-20). You’ve still got something from the Gemfields and a story about the process.