Ruck’s Pitt Crystal Clam Festival
New dig event March 19 – 21 but space is limited!
Dig your own Rucks Pit crystal clams!
Incredible! – is the most common term used when people see this unusual combination of crystals and fossils. Discovered in the 1990s in Rucks Pit, a quarry near Lake Okeechobee, Florida, these fantastic crystal-lined fossil clams and conchs quickly became famous around the world. Alas, ten years later the mining played out and the site was closed for good.
Years later Pacific GeoLab gained exclusive fossil and mineral rights to Rucks Pit. Since then, we have discovered several sites on the old quarry property where we excavate the crystalized clams that made Rucks Pit famous. The quarry will never reopen, and the property remains closed. However, we are providing a very limited opportunity for clients to visit and dig at our site once or twice a year at the Rucks Pit Crystal Clam Festival. The price is as low as $350. The next event is:
March 19 – 21, 2026
Register at our website: pacificgeolab.com
The REAL Rucks Pit – This is the real Rucks Pit – not some “crystal mine” where dirt was taken from the quarry decades ago, dumped in a field, and has been picked over for 20 years. You will work in sediments never-before explored at the original Rucks Pit quarry.
Our Guarantee:
You WILL find crystal clams!
But if you are not happy at the end of the day we will refund your money.
The Digging – The digging is not difficult – any able-bodied person can do it. The Rucks Pit staff will assist you throughout the day. You will use hand tools – mostly rakes and cultivators – to dig through the loose sediments. As you find specimens, you may wash them off with one of the several water hoses we provide. There are also matrix pieces that you will encounter – many of which contain multiple clams. You are welcome to purchase matrix pieces at the site.
We will have tables, cleaning stations, and water hoses at each dig location for your use. There will also be sun canopies, and a stock of water, Gatorade, and snacks provided free. For your convenience Porta Pottys will be on site.
What You Can Keep
You may keep whatever you find, except scientifically important specimens, which will be donated to Florida Museum of Natural History in YOUR name. But don’t worry – crystal clams are NOT considered scientifically important. Nor are crystal welks or shark teeth. Rare items include such things as crabs, lobsters, sea urchins, sponges, etc.
In terms of volume – Each ticket includes your first 5-gallon bucket of specimens. Keep in mind that you can fit a lot of clams in a bucket! But if you mine more than that you may purchase additional buckets at the site for $250 each. Matrix pieces that you find may be purchased at $5.00 per pound. If you find a large matrix piece you wish to take, we will work out a reasonable price with you.
Email questions to Jon at: sundialjon@gmail.com