How Gemstones Were Traditionally Mined in My Hometown

In my hometown, gemstones once appeared along entire mountain ranges. There was a time when, in places where gemstones were found, people could simply step into their backyard, dig a little, and find treasures worth real money. In some areas, the deposits were so abundant that one might think everyone would rush to get rich. But the truth is, many locals lived a very chill lifestyle—they valued simplicity over wealth and never hurried to exploit what they had.

The traditional way of mining was both simple and labor-intensive. First, people would pump up soil and sand from the ground using basic machines. Once the muddy mixture was brought up, they would spray it with water to break it apart and wash away the lighter materials. What remained was carefully sifted by hand, patiently separating each small stone in search of gemstones hidden in the soil.

Of course, things are very different now. Gemstone mining is strictly prohibited, which makes natural gemstones rarer and more precious than ever before. But for those of us who grew up here, the old days of finding gems in the earth remain an unforgettable memory—and a reminder of how deeply gemstones are connected to the land and people of our region.