Introduce, Engage, and Inspire,

Through Hands-on Investigation

  • Close-up of various colorful rocks and minerals, including green, blue, orange, white, and brown stones, with different textures and shapes.

    Unique Mixes

    Each Lil’ Prospectors kit and subscription box comes with a unique bag of screening material, introducing your Lil’ Prospector to new rocks, minerals, or fossils.

  • Child playing with a small gemstone in a clear plastic container filled with water on a sandy surface

    Grab A Container

    The only thing you need to start sifting is a container, with enough room to comfortably shake the sifter back and forth.

  • Book titled 'Introduction to Rocks and Minerals' with cartoon characters of dogs wearing helmets, and various minerals on the cover, set against a background of purple rocks and minerals.

    The Rock Hounds

    Follow Jasper and Ruby to learn all about the new specimens in each mix. Tie your new discoveries to larger concepts, such as rock formation, fossilization, and more!

Getting Started with Your First Mix:

1) Fill Your Container

After finding the perfect location, fill your container with about 3-4 inches of water.

2) Fill Your Sifter

Scoop screening material from the bag into the sifter, until it is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 full.

3) Sift the Mix

Firmly grasp the sifter and slowly lower into the container of water, until partially submerged. Gently raise, lower, and shake the sifter in and out of the water until all debris has been washed away.

4) Examine the New Specimens

Set the sifter down and remove the remaining material by hand. Use the guidebook to identify your new specimens.

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Multiple Ways to Play

Your Lil’ Prospector can explore mixes in multiple ways.

  • For sensory play, empty the mix into a dry container and discover new specimens by hand.

  • For water play, add up to 1 gallon of water to the container and screening material.

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Individual Boxes

Whether you want the full at-home mining experience or just want to grow your rock collection, Lil’ Prospectors has tons of mixes to choose from.

 

Individual Mixes

Starting at $27.95

Experience the whole world through gem mining! Each unique Lil’ Prospectors mix includes an identification card and 8+ pounds of screening material, with over 1.5 pounds of rocks, minerals, or fossils.

Deluxe Kits

Starting at $29.95

Want the full at-home mining experience? Lil’ Prospectors Deluxe Kits include a sifter, scoop, identification card, and 8+ pounds of screening material, with over 1.5 pounds of rocks, minerals, or fossils.

Shop Individual Boxes
  • A bag of dirt and gemstones labeled 'Brazil Mix', a blue sifterscreen, a green sand scooper, and assorted colorful rocks on sand.

    The Lil' Prospector Box

    12 months, 12 unique mixes. Sift through the mix to discover over 50 different types of rocks, minerals, and fossils, while learning about the processes that created them. Inspire a Lil’ Prospector today!

    The Lil' Prospector Box
  • A bag labeled February Birthstone Mix, a blue sifter, a green shovel, and various colorful gemstones placed on sand.

    The Birthstone Box

    Discover over 18 pounds of different types of rocks and minerals with the monthly Lil’ Prospectors Birthstone Box! Spend the year unearthing each birthstone of the month, from dazzling Herkimer diamonds to breathtaking lapis lazuli.

    The Birthstone Box
A white cloth bag labeled 'August Birthstone Mix' surrounded by various colorful gemstones and rocks on a bed of sand against a plain background.

Getting Started with a Subscription

The First Box Includes:

  • 1 x 8+ lb bag of screening material, with over 1.5 lbs of rocks and minerals

  • A reusable sifter and scoop

  • Identification booklets or cards to guide you through identifying new rocks and minerals

    Each Month You Will Receive a New 8+ lb Bag of Screening Material and Identification Booklet/Card

A young boy gem mining in a black tub outdoors on a sunny day.

You can sift the mix just about anywhere! But be mindful of your surroundings.

Choose a location that is stable and will not be damaged by water, dirt, or the specimens.

Child playing with gemstones in a water-filled plastic container outdoors on sandy ground, holding a red sifter.

Since you can’t sift the mix in your bathtub or sink, you’ll need a container that is at least 6 inches deep.

Plumbing + sand don’t mix!

The sifters are 10 inches wide, so you’ll want a container that is at least 15 inches long and 11 inches wide. Your container should be large enough to comfortably fit the sifter, with some room to move.

A typical 16-quart plastic storage bin works perfectly!

Free shipping in the US, including AK, HI, PR, and VI.

All subscriptions automatically renew. Cancel anytime. All prices in US Dollars.