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[Kosbare]

Anybody have experience with gem hunting outside the US? We operate mostly in Namibia at the moment but I am curious to hear about what it's like abroad. Just a general inquiry...No specific question in mind. Thanks everyone!

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[Kaljaia]

Varies country by country and maybe even border guard by border guard. I know friends who have had their beach pebbles confiscated by overactive border guards and had some friends' kids get their roadside shell fossils taken away by customs folks in Niger, but when I was there I purchased a few shell fossils and some stone jewelry and no one batted an eye. It may also be tied up in mineral rights, and some countries don't own their own mineral rights/mining claims, or have the same land use laws we have in the states. The less valuable something is, the less likely anyone is to bother with it. The more valuable it is, and you can bet someone needs to be paid for it.

There's also the cottage industry concern. Another friend started a small business for a few villages where women can collect and sell quartz found in the area which is used to make crystal elsewhere- it's a small enough operation to where they don't face competition from large-scale mining operations, but also small enough that if tourists showed up to collect for free, they'd get edged out and someone with more authority in the community would probably take over 'management' of the site.

But I am curious to hear what others have to say on the subject. My experience is limited to one country outside the US.

[rocks2dust]

I agree with that. Familiarize yourself with collecting restrictions before you start picking up rocks (fossils, shells, precious metals, some gemstones and objects of cultural or archaeological value are particularly limited or banned). Some will depend on what is available on various types of open public lands, seashores and parks, and other factors will have to do with what can be legally exported, even from material dug on private land with permission (or purchased in a bazaar). For many areas there are rockhounding and mineral websites, magazines and guidebooks which can be very useful to a traveler. Some areas also have private landowners who host fee digs, and will help with exporting/shipping your finds home. Some areas you will need a guide, or organized trip, to access most areas. In other areas with little public access allowed to sites, you will have to do your hunting in the markets and shops. Some mines allow rockhounding and mineral collector groups or individuals access (for a fee), so you may also want to see if any clubs are planning collecting trips to those (some rock and gem shows also include collecting trips as part of their annual events).

I suggest that anyone traveling mail their finds home via the post office or other shipping service: saves baggage fees, you don't end up having to carry the extra weight, and you won't have to explain your rocks at customs when traveling from country to country or when coming home.