Can a Metal Detector Find Diamonds?

Some people are too curious to find out if "metal detector can find diamonds or gems". The answer is "no", unless the diamond or gem has a metallic part such as rings, earrings and pendants. 

But if your intention is to use a metal detector to directly locate raw diamonds, it will not work.

Although, some prospectors makes use of metal detectors in searching raw diamonds. They actually do it by detecting the "volcanic pipe"

Some other indicators are also minerals for gold which are detectable by MDs that can lead to raw diamond deposits. 

The two common minerals which are good indicators of gold are the Garnet and Magnetite. 

Other minerals as good indicators of diamonds are the black picroilmenite, chromium garnets, glassy green olivine and magnetite.

If it happens that you found gold, there are good chances that the rocks nearby have diamond deposits. Other than diamonds, there could also be pure valuable crystals of garnet. 

These are precious gemstones that comes in different colors which can be shades of green, red, yellow and orange.

Since gold have a strong connection into the locations of diamonds, prospectors often use "gold metal detectors"

These type of equipments operate at a higher operating frequency as compared to the standard MDs. 

It's because theory states that, the higher frequency - the greater the sensitivity of the MD to detect small gold such as nuggets.

Where Can You Find Raw Diamonds?


Diamond is actually one of the most precious and expensive stone in the world. It is a type of gemstone that had undergone a natural process which involve metamorphosis of coal. 

So where can you find them?


Raw diamonds can only be found on places where there have been volcanic eruptions. And in most cases, streams, rivers or glaciers carries them away.

A raw diamond is best described as "inconspicuous rock". They are completely far different from a well-cut and polished versions of diamonds. 

Due to this reason, inexperienced diamond hunters can easily miss them on their search.

Metal Detecting Diamond Accessories


When it comes to processed diamond accessories such as rings, bracelets, earrings and other jewelries, they are attached to a metallic part. 

These metallic part of the jewelry will be the once that the metal detector can detect.

Did you know that based on statistics, for every person who lose a diamond ring, there are also other 30 individuals who lose other gemstones. 

This gives you more chances of success recovering processed diamonds and other precious gemstones as compared to hunting the raw or unprocessed form of diamonds.

Reliable but cheap metal detectors will work perfectly fine in searching for lost or missing jewelries. 

It's because the majority of jewelry accessories are made from silver, platinum and copper which are metal properties that can be easily picked up by any MD.

Overall, metal detectors may not directly able to detect a diamond but through other metallic properties having connection to it, diamond-hunters will still be able to find them.

Underwater Metal Detecting Activities

"Underwater metal detecting" offers a bit more challenging than doing it on the land but it's actually more fun. 

Although, it requires a good skill in swimming and other equipment for submerging underwater for a long period of time.

There are actually three different types of underwater metal detecting activities and they are the following:

Snorkeling

If you are not really good at swimming under deep water areas, you should consider snorkeling. 

With your diving mask and water-resistant metal detector, you will be exploring the water that usually have less than 6 ft deep. Or, the surface of the water is at the level of your chest or just above your head.

The perfect spot to determine where to detect is by going with the flow of the water currents. 

Feel the force of the current and follow the direction as it goes to the lowest spots. Best spots tends to be at the bottom of the rocks or obstacles. 

The reason is that, what usually happens is the water will pile up sands on one side of the obstacle then wash it on the other side. This explains why most items tends to be deposited next to rocks.

When it comes to danger, snorkeling for the purpose of metal detecting at night should be avoided. It's because in the tropical and subtropical ocean, you may encounter sting rays. 

While in the lakes and ponds, you may encounter dangerous snakes and other wild reptiles.

Scuba Detecting

In scuba detecting, you will be diving at a deeper depth under the water which is usually less than 20 ft deep. 

Take note that scuba detecting requires proper training. You also need to buy a complete scuba diving equipment.

What makes scuba detecting quite an interesting activity underwater is that, there are chances that you will recover lost large cache of treasures that were either intentionally or accidentally dropped in the past. 

There are also small boats that got sunk which might contain some valuable items.

Shipwreck Diving

Shipwreck Diving are for the serious treasure hunters only who are searching for valuable artifacts inside the sunken ships. Wrecked ships can be found at either shallow water or to a depth of up to 200 ft.

If you wish to engage into this kind of underwater activity, you need to consider your budget. You have to know that shipwreck diving requires a lot of expensive diving equipment. 

And not just the equipment, the divers or treasure hunters must also have considerable amount of experience in diving under water to succeed.

Underwater Metal Detecting Locations

You won't find anything if you are searching in the wrong place. The main trick in finding the perfect place for underwater metal detecting is to study the area.

If you are going to do snorkeling with your metal detector, go to the popular beaches, oceans or seas where people spend their joyful life. 

As for scuba detecting and shipwreck diving, you will need to conduct a research about Sea Navigation particularly about the old routes of large ships and boats in the past. 

It's because those routes are the best places for scuba and shipwreck hunting.

underwater treasure hunting

Moreover, some says that underwater metal detecting is a lot much more profitable than doing it on the land. Although, it has high risks. 

You may be surprised to know that a single dive of a shipwreck hunter could make him a millionaire.