Photo of My South Dakota Pearl

by Rich E.
(Spearfish, SD, USA)

South Dakota Pearl

South Dakota Pearl

As I described in an earlier post, I recently found a very nice pearl, virtually flawless, white, and round, here in South Dakota while hunting for fossils and interesting rocks on the shore of a dam. From what I can tell, I'm the first person to do so (in this state).


The dam has places where shells of recently dead molluscs wash up and litter the shores, as well as plenty of nice jasper and other pretty minerals. Small fossils such as shark teeth aren't uncommon.

Ever since I was a kid, I always watch for treasures on the ground. To me though, many kinds of rocks are treasures that other people would think weren't worth bending over to pick up. My parents are both rock hounds too. When I was growing up, we often collected fossils, Indian artifacts, and plain old neat rocks on our farm (we walked all over it at times doing chores).

It is quite a feeling to find something so unique and rare, especially of such good quality, too. I guess I'll never sell it, since I can always earn more money, but I'm doubtful I'll ever find another treasure like this.

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Aug 19, 2008
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A reward
by: Kari

Hello Rich,

Thanks for the photo...what a gorgeous find. Your years of searching have paid off. I'd love to see this pearl. A local jeweler could perhaps measure it in mm and weigh it in carats for you.

Lucky you to find fossils and Indian artifacts too....I love those things. I was thrilled when my father gave me one of our family's treasures...an Indian tomahawk. See a photo of it on this page.

I'm always picking up rocks too and bringing them home from everywhere, even one from my recent trip to Romania.

I think you are wise to keep your pearl. It will only increase in value.

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