What:  Mineral Collecting Trip-  good sized beryl crystals, amethyst and smokey quartz.  This site has the best South Carolina beryl specimens of any site that I know how to get access to.  The crystals are well shaped hexagons with flat ends.  The color is green though most have a blue cast.  The beryl ranges from translucent to opaque.  Most crystals are specimen quality though some gem quality is present.

Where:  The Amos Cunningham Farm is between Antreville and Due West, SC.  

When:  Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9:00 AM until 3:30 PM.

Digging Conditions:  The site is flat to rolling land of South Carolina red clay.  The digging areas have been machine trenched down to white kaolite veins that have the beryl and quartz crystals.  Dirt and rock removed from the trenches and piled up, also contain beryl and are good places to search especially after a rain.

What to Bring:  Bring picks, shovels, rock hammers and scratching tools.  Large hammers will not be very useful.  Also bring plenty of drinks and a picnic lunch unless you want to drive a few miles for lunch.

Cost:  $15.00 per person.  Children 12 years old and under are free.  Children and pets must be supervised by an adult.  Everybody attending the dig must be a member of a Southeast Federation Club and must sign a Release Form.  Mr. Cunningham will also have good specimens for sale at his Cunningham Backhoe and Bushhogging Service building.

Lodging:  There are many motels in and around Anderson, SC.  There is no lodging in Antreville or Due West.