Have the mining rewards been changed? This test, I've gotten very few rewards of gems from mining. In the past I had gotten at least one per stone, sometimes more, but this time I've gotten maybe 1 per 4 or 5 stones mined.
The rewards (for all skills - not just mining) were adjusted a couple of tests ago. Previously, we were seeing the 'chance at a bonus' applied 100% of the time, rather than a percentage of the time as the skill was intended for. That applies to both the amount you receive for a given action (how many rocks in a single mine is now more random, as are pig nibbles and fruit harvests) AND to the 'bonus' rewards such as food, music, drinks, and gems.
It looks like you've learned through Mining 2... so your rate of return sounds about right. Learn more mining and you'll see the rewards you grew accustomed to.
That makes sense. I knew about the animals and trees but I did not apply the nerfing to the rocks for some reason. I must not have mined last test. Thanks Trav.