FossilsFossil Bucket
$17Shark teeth, ammonites, and amber are just a few of the treasures you will find in this bucket.
Great for fossil lovers.ABSOLUTELY
Gem Buckets • Fossils • Mystery Finds • Big Hauls
Gemstone Panning
Gemstone Panning
Bucket Pricing
Pick your bucket, pan it at the sluice, and keep every gemstone, fossil, shark tooth, crystal, and treasure you uncover.
Best experience: We recommend individual small buckets per person, or sharing a larger bucket for families and groups.
Keep everything you find.
Best Seller$25Gem Bucket
Starts at$17Fossil Bucket
How It Works
Buy a Bucket, Get the Grounds
Every panning bucket includes property access, so your visit can include gemstone panning, goats, playgrounds, cave adventures, ground searching, and outdoor fun.
1
Choose Your Bucket
Start small with a fossil, mystery, or gem bucket, or go bigger with a shareable Rockhound, Jackpot, Mega, or Monster Mega.
2
Pan at the Sluice
Wash your bucket through the running water and reveal the gems, fossils, crystals, shark teeth, and surprises hidden inside.
3
Explore After
If you buy a bucket, admission is included. If you are just visiting the grounds without a bucket, property access is $8.
Bag & Bucket Pricing
Small Buckets & Starter Finds
Perfect for individual treasure hunters, kids, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants their own panning experience.
Fossils
MysteryMystery Bucket
$20A mix of mystery items ranging from gemstones to fossils and arrowheads.
Fun when you want a surprise.
Best SellerGem Bucket
$25Filled with at least a pound of jaspers, agates, quartz, and much more.
Our most popular bucket.
Adults OnlyAdult Mystery Bucket
$30A mystery bucket for adults only.
For grown-up treasure hunters.
Go Bigger
Large & Premium Buckets
These are the bigger adventures — perfect for sharing, birthdays, families, rock lovers, and anyone who wants a serious haul.
5 Gallon Bucket
Rockhound Bucket
$90A 5-gallon bucket full of precious and semi-precious gems from all over the world.
6 Gallon Bucket
Jackpot Bucket
$115Filled with semi-precious and precious gems, fossils, and sometimes even a meg tooth.
7 Gallon Bucket
Mega Bucket
$150A huge bucket full of precious gems, semi-precious gems, sometimes geodes, and sometimes a large amethyst cluster.
Pre-Order Required
Monster Mega
$500An entire wheelbarrow full of precious and semi-precious gemstones, including clusters, geodes, and a shop item.
Must be pre-ordered by calling ahead. Requires a $100 non-refundable deposit that comes off the total price.
Need Help Choosing?
Quick Recommendations
First-Time Visitors
Start with the Gem Bucket
The $25 Gem Bucket is the easiest recommendation for most families because it has a strong mix of colorful finds without jumping into the big-bucket price range.
One Bucket Per Person
Go Small & Personal
For kids and individual guests, choose the Fossil, Mystery, or Gem buckets so everyone gets their own screen and discoveries.
Families & Groups
Share a Bigger Bucket
For a group experience, share a Rockhound, Jackpot, or Mega bucket and make the reveal a full-family treasure hunt.
Special Option
Mobile Sluice Rental
Want to bring gemstone panning to your party, group event, school, or gathering? Blue Diamond offers a mobile sluice option with a bag and bucket minimum.
$300 MinimumMust purchase at least $300 worth of bags or buckets. There is no separate fee for the mobile sluice.
Call ahead to coordinate the mobile sluice rental and make sure everything is ready for your event.
Call to Plan Mobile Sluice
Good to Know
Pricing FAQ
Do I have to buy admission if I buy a bucket?
No. If you purchase a bucket, property admission is included. The $8 property access fee is only for guests who are not buying a bucket but still want to enjoy the goats, playgrounds, cave area, grounds, and outdoor play spaces.
What bucket do you recommend most?
The $25 Gem Bucket is our best-selling option and a great fit for most first-time visitors.
Should everyone get their own bucket?
We recommend an individual small bucket per person, or sharing one of the larger buckets for the best group experience.
Do I need to call ahead for Monster Mega?
Yes. The Monster Mega must be pre-ordered and requires a $100 non-refundable deposit that goes toward the total price.
How does the Mobile Sluice Rental work?
You must purchase at least $300 worth of bags or buckets. There is no separate fee for the mobile sluice. Call ahead so the rental can be coordinated for your event.
Plan Your Visit
Visit Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning in Cary, NC for gemstone panning, fossil buckets, goats, playgrounds, cave adventures, and family-friendly outdoor fun.
Special Holiday Hours
July 2, 3, 4, and 5: open 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Thank you for understanding, and we hope to see you soon!
Wednesday to Friday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday to Sunday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Large buckets are sold until 45 minutes before closing.
Plan ahead: large bucket sales end at 5:15 PM on weekdays and 6:15 PM on weekends.
Check our current hours on Facebook before visiting. Hours may vary seasonally, on holidays, or during special events.
Follow us on Facebook for current hours, updates, specials, holiday closings, and more family fun at Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning.