Alright, so I decided to try my hand at finding some Payson Diamonds. I’d heard about this place, Payson, Arizona, where you can dig for these quartz crystals that look like diamonds. Sounded like a fun little adventure, so I packed my stuff and hit the road.
First thing I did was some research. I’m no geologist, so I needed to figure out what I was even looking for. Turns out, these “diamonds” are actually just really nice, double-terminated quartz crystals. They’re pretty unique to the area, which is what makes them special. They’re not real diamonds, of course, but they’re still pretty cool.
I geared up. Nothing fancy, just some sturdy shoes, work gloves, a small shovel, a bucket, and a sifting screen – you know, the kind you use for panning for gold, but bigger holes. I also brought plenty of water, because, Arizona desert, you know? Gotta stay hydrated.
I drove out to the area, near Diamond Point. I must looking at the map, and find an area around.
Once I got there, it was pretty straightforward. I just started digging. I picked a spot that looked like it hadn’t been disturbed too much, figuring that would increase my chances. I’d dig a bit, then dump the dirt into my bucket. Once the bucket was full, I’d pour it onto the sifting screen and shake it around, looking for anything that sparkled. It is a manual work, and did it many times.
Honestly, the first few hours were pretty uneventful. Lots of dirt, lots of rocks, but no crystals. It was kind of meditative, though, just being out there in the quiet, digging in the dirt. It’s surprisingly relaxing.
Then, finally, I saw it! A little glint of light in the sifter. I picked it out carefully, and sure enough, it was a small, perfectly formed quartz crystal. It wasn’t huge, but it was beautiful, all clear and sparkly. I was pretty stoked!
I kept digging for a while longer, and I actually found a few more. Nothing huge, most of them were pretty small, but I did find one that was maybe an inch long, which was pretty cool. I felt like a real treasure hunter!
The End Result
- The Process: Dig, bucket, sift, repeat.
- The Finds: A handful of small, clear quartz crystals, with one being a decent size.
- The Takeaway: It was a fun, low-key day trip. I got some fresh air, some exercise, and a few cool souvenirs. Would I do it again? Yeah, probably. It’s a cheap and easy way to spend a day, and who knows, maybe next time I’ll find a monster crystal!
All in all, I’d say it was a successful trip. I didn’t get rich, but I had a good time, and I got to experience something new. If you’re looking for a unique and affordable outdoor activity, I’d definitely recommend giving Payson Diamond hunting a try.