306 Somonauk
Park Forest, IL 60466
Check the phone book for your nearest rock and mineral shop and talk to the owners.
Role of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The USGS reports deposits that seem likely to contain gemstones. It is not a function of the USGS to exploit such resources.
USGS geologists perform continuing research on kimberlites, the initial source of diamonds. Not all kimberlites are diamond-bearing, and some of the research is directed to learning what indications you look for during exploration to distinguish fertile from barren kimberlite. USGS geologists are compiling a U.S. map showing the locations of known kimberlites.
Selected general references
A trip to your local library is the best first step toward understanding gemstones and toward planning a trip to gem and rock shops or to places where you may be able to collect gemstones.
A list of Selected references on rocks, minerals, and gemstones is compiled and updated every two years by the USGS Geologic Inquiries Group, 907 National Center, Reston, VA 22092; (703) 648-4383. The list has three sections: selected guides for rockhounds and hobbyists, general references for all ages, elementary school to adult, and periodicals.
The guides in Section I tell about equipment needed for collecting, etiquette of collecting, map reading, organizing a collection, collecting localities by States, mineral societies, mineral show dates and locations, and rock, mineral, and fossil dealers.