North Carolina: Places to Dig for Gemstones in NC
North Carolina is a great place to dig for gemstones. Gem materials found in North Carolina include Amarine, beryl, citrine, emerald, garnet, moonstone, rose quartz, ruby, sapphire, smoky quartz, staurolite, topaz, tourmaline, and many others.
North Carolina designated the Emerald as the state precious stone in 1973.
The Top popular places to dig for gemstones in North Carolina
Gem Mountain
Gem Mountain is located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina in the heart of the Spruce Pine Mining District. They operate several mines in the area and offer mining at the flume line where you go through buckets of material or you can take a trip out to a mine and dig your own. They have the Brushy Creek Mine where you can dig for aquamarine, garnet, golden beryl, tourmaline, smoky quartz and clear quartz. It is a relatively new mine and has been very successful. You can also take a trip out to the legendary Hoot Owl Mine. This mine has been around for a 100+ years. It is a very impressive mine to see. These trips are 4 hour trips and transportation, tools and a guide are provided. The cost is $75 for adults and $35 for children 11 and under. Free stone identification is provided and lapidary and jewelry making services are available.
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| North Carolina: Places Where Can You Go to Dig for Gemstones in NC |
Hiddenite Gem Mines
Famously popular, Hiddenite Gem Mines is known for the discovery of some of the largest gems in the world. Comprised of several mines, Hiddenite Gem Mine’s group includes Emerald Hollow Mine—which is open for public mining—Adams Mine and NAEM (North American Emerald Mine). At this Great Smoky Mountain-area mine in Franklin, North Carolina, about 60 miles southwest of Blowing Rock, you might find rubies, sapphires, garnets, and rutile. Your admission fee gets you two buckets, a screen box, and a seat cushion, which you use at the flume line. For a dollar extra, you can get a shade umbrella. Admission: $15 for ages 12 and up, $10 for kids 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under.
Address: 484 Emerald Hollow Mine Dr, Hiddenite, NC 28636
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, in Hendersonville, NC, you become a prospector from the 1800's and mine for real gem stones that you can keep! Gems that are found daily include Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds, Quartz crystals, Citrine, Amethyst, Garnets, Adventurine, Sodalite, Opal, Fluorite, Aquamarine and many more! During colder months they have INDOOR mining too!
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine has been family owned and operated for generations. They are located in the mountain community of Boone. They have a wider variety of gems to find, including some local favorites like Crabtree Emerald and Wiseman Aquamarine. They also have a waterwheel and teepee on site, making it a fun place to spend an afternoon. They are open every day from 10am to 5pm. For an affordable, fun and educational adventure for all ages.
Asheville-Biltmore Gem Mine
At Asheville Biltmore Gem Mine is rock hounds and treasure hunters of all ages love to find the treasures of the earth. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, topaz, and many others are waiting to be discovered!, and you can view stones being cut and enjoy indoor winter gem mining.
Emerald Village
Emerald Village is a group of gem, mining, and historical attractions nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and within an hour's drive of Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock. The McKinney Mines have produced over 100 different rocks, minerals, and gems. Gems are scarce but many rare minerals can be found. You will find nice Mica specimens as well as Smoky Quartz, Feldspar, and Garnets. Aquamarine & Green and Yellow Beryl have been found along with many rare and unusual rocks & minerals, including Columbite, Samarskite, Torbernite, Uranophane, Hyalite Opal, Malachite, Tourmaline, Thulite, Amazonite, Pyrite and Dendrites. Emerald Village is Pet Friendly!
Rose Creek Mine
Operating since 1952, Rose Creek Mine is one of 3 state licensed gem mines in Macon County, North Carolina. Indian Reservation. In Doc's Rocks Gem Mine you can find Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine, Moonstone, Topaz, Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Quartz Crystals and more! All equipment is provided and they help beginners.
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine
Nestled deep in the Hickory Nut Gorge, on the banks of the Rocky Broad River in historic Chimney Rock Village. You are invited to a riverside setting unparalleled by any other mine in the area. Come experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. The basic process of Flume Mining involves a bucket of mine dirt, and lots of running water. We supply you with all the equipment you need to start your own Flume mining operation for the day.
Read also: Open Ruby & Sapphire Mines in North Carolina