You may also check out their retail shop for a variety of jewelry, gold and gems made from . For a listing of these mines as well as mineral museums and North Carolina mineral clubs, check the following Web site:/about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-resources/north-carolina-geological-survey/nc-geology. It doesn't get more special than that! Each year, thousands of rock-hounds, tourists and educational field trip participants flock to this popular North Carolina attraction. Come see why we say "Real Mines! Each of their buckets is guaranteed to contain stones no matter what size you choose. These trips are 4 hour trips and transportation, tools and a guide are provided. If planning to arrive after 4 p.m., please call the mine at (828)632-3394 to confirm. The standard buckets contain up to 40 different semi-precious and precious gems and the super buckets offer larger gems and geodes. For the dig-your-own mining option, there are no per-bucket prices. Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Free stone identification is provided and lapidary and jewelry making services are available. Thats because, at Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, digging for gems means you could turn up any of about 60 different gems and minerals that are native to the dirt in which youre digging. The. Come with dreams of uncovering hidden treasures while experiencing a hands on learning experience. We went to the facility off 321 and purchased the smallest bucket (there are only three of us). We cant wait to host you! Best in town by far. Join our large group events where we go out and mine the ground, searching for gems. . Take a look at our complimentary Vacation Guide for a list of things to do and see in the area! She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Of course, emeralds arent all youll find at Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, but theyre certainly the most prominent gemstone in the area and the most exciting to find! Gem materials found in North Carolina include, Address: 13780 NC-226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, Address: 484 Emerald Hollow Mine Dr, Hiddenite, NC 28636, Address: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, Address: 4416 NC HWY 105 S, Boone, NC 28607, 6 Places Where Can You Go to Dig for Gemstones in California. Bed & Breakfast Web Design and Hotel Marketing by Q4Launch. THE 10 BEST North Carolina Mines Mines in North Carolina Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Museums There are no bells and whistles. People come from all over the world to visit Emerald Village! Surrounded by nature in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, we offer a unique and educational activity for visitors of all ages. Dig For Gemstones At Emerald Hollow Mine In North Carolina Randall Glen is a lovely family vacation spot located just a few minutes outside of Asheville in the Smoky Mtns of Western North Carolina. Welcome to Emerald Village! Keep everything you find! Someone even found a $17,000 ruby here once! Dig Your Own at Crabtree Emerald Mine. According the National Park Service, "Collecting, rockhounding, and gold panning of rocks, minerals, and paleontological specimens, for either recreational or educational purposes is generally prohibited in all units of the National Park System (36 C.F.R. I still have cut rubies and garnets that haven't been set yet. Home - Cherokee Ruby Mine Located in a spectacular mountain setting, Emerald Village is home to 12 historic REAL mines and has been featured on National Geographic TV, the Travel Channel, and many other TV programs and Magazines. Emerald Hollow Mine (North Carolina): 5 Insider Tips To Make The Best I just recommended it to a friend. Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine Directions to Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine First, mine for gems. Gem mining is a popular activity for visitors to North Carolina and when it comes to emeralds, the Hiddenite area in Alexander Countyis unmatched. Love North Carolina? To check on a lapidary order, please call the lapidary. AP Photo. If you love discovering hidden treasure by way of digging it up on your own, then you may love The Epic Park In North Carolina Where You Can Take Home 23-Million-Year-Old Fossils. Going gem mining in NC can be a great educational opportunity for any age, and luckily, all of the mines we listed are within driving distance from Orchard Inn. The mine is open every day of the year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving. In the case of a severe storm, however, they may close the property temporarily. Aside from beautiful emeralds, you might find sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, and smoky and clear quartz crystals, among others. NOW WATCH: What's really going on inside an insect-munching venus flytrap, Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The best regions are situated in western, central, and eastern North Carolina. Reasonably priced and you learn a little about rocks and, There is also an amazing gem cutting place called Emmas place which will cut your. A must stop every time I'm by franklin. You can tell hes been doing this for many years and hes very knowledgeable about the, this place was absolutely amazing!!!! Go Hunting For That Diamond In The Rough - Kidding Around Greenville You will receive your first newsletter soon. Subscribe to his YouTube channel to follow him on his adventures at Emerald Hollow Mine! Tour the Discovery Mill building, with 10 levels of fascinating exhibits including a model railroad display, native wildlife, black-light minerals, antique tool collection, and the impressive Antique Music Museum. Pisgah Forest Gem Mine: Located near the entrance of the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, the mine features Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Aquamarine, Topaz and other precious or semi . Did you know there was an emerald mine in North Carolina? Emerald Hollow Mine is located in Hiddenite, where it is well known as one of the most interesting and unique locations in North America. Emerald Hollow also offers lapidary service and is a popular spot for educational field trips. Goose398 / TripAdvisor It's not every day you hear of a place that lets you dig for your own emeralds! 9236 Hwy 221 South, Suite A Fleetwood, NC, 28626 Phone 336-620-3909 Call or Email Us for more information! (+ get 1 stone cut for FREE!) OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Mines. And I wouldn't have it ANY other way. There are a few campground and several hotels in the area. For more family fun, check out 7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In North Carolina That Are 1 Mile And Under! Learn more. And it's an out-of-the-box activity the whole family can enjoy. Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. And many of the gems found here are rare, like emerald, sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, citrine, amethyst, tourmaline, and rutile. Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below wed love to hear from you! Come experience the thrill of finding rare gemstones in the rough. The people were super nice and we even stayed past closing and they were very accommodating. Home; Rates & Dates; Mines & Activities. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Gold Digs. Welcome to the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine! Improve this listing All photos (177) Our mail order gem mixes contain rough rock mined from local mines, with gems added from other mines so we can guarantee "A Gem Find Every Time!". No real reason why we selected Foggy Mountain over others in the area. I walked in with my son who was looking for a turtle. Vacation is all about trying something new, and we bet that you probably havent mined for gems before! Stay up to date with the latest news and relevant updates from us. Come prepared to get dirty. The mine is now closed for commercial mining; however, it remains open for rock hounding visitors at a nominal fee. This is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations in North America. Admission: $15 for ages 12 and up, $10 for kids 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under. Emerald Hollow Mine is open rain or shine seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Painite: One of the Rarest Gemstones in the World, Gneiss: Formation, Types, Classification, and Composition, 7 Billion-Year-Old Stardust Found on Earth, North Carolina: Places Where Can You Go to Dig for Gemstones in NC. Time to Go Gem Mining in NC! Why 543? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Then we spent the entire day digging our own pay dirt and sluicing. Browse our accommodations to start planning your stay. Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine. Emerald Village has plenty of activities and exhibits. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Someone even found a $17,000 ruby here once! We will definitely be back! Ruby mining in franklin - Sheffield Gem Mine STAKE YOUR CLAIM! We left with half a bag of gems and my seven year old was thrilled! Emerald Hollow Mine in Alexander County, N.C. | Project 543 Learn more from the official website, and go here to follow on Facebook. Explore the North Carolina Mining Museum and take an underground tour of the historic Bon Ami Mine. The Crabtree Emerald Mine situated within the Wild Mountains of North Carolina was one of the most popular and commercially operated mines for emeralds up to mid-1990s. PLEASE OBSERVE PERSONAL DISTANCING AND GROUP SIZE RULES ISSUED BY OUR STATE. Youll find fossils, minerals, jewelry, and more! Have your special finds made into beautiful jewelry for a very special souvenir. We accept all major Credit/Debit cards! Gem mining is one of many popular side tripsvisitors can experience in North Carolina. The Emerald Hollow Mine offers amateur prospectors the opportunity to roll up their sleeves (and pant legs) to hunt for over 60 types of naturally occurring gems and minerals including emeralds, sapphires, and quartz. By clicking Sign Up, you also agree to marketing emails from both Insider and Morning Brew; and you accept Insiders. My son asked Reese if the ones on display were all they had. Gold , Iron , Copper , Tin , and Lead mines located in North Carolina. We have an abundance of world class smoky and clear quartz crystals as well. If you go with children and they find something special, have it cut and set as a gift when they're older. What are some kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina? It's not every day you hear of a place that lets you dig for your own emeralds! Enriched buckets are available for those who don't want to dig their own sluicing material from the mine. Dig for jewels at the nation's only public emerald mine. (+ get 2 stones cut for FREE!) *CLOSING TIME IS DETERMINED BY WEATHER TIME OF YEAR AND GUEST ATTENDANCE. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Emerald Hollow Mine is the only Emerald Mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. The mine is open year-round to families, school groups, or individual crystal enthusiasts looking to add to their collection and it offers three main activities:sluicing (using a water flow to look for gems), creeking (sifting through dirt for gems), and/or digging. Looking for the ultimate fun, family adventure? North Carolina Gemstone Mine - Gem Mining In NC - Emerald Village Located in Brevard, North Carolina, the Crystal Mountain Gem Mine is a family favorite. For the dig-your-own mining option, there are no per-bucket prices. Browse our 2 unique gift shops featuring items from all around the world, grab a quick snack, or bring a picnic and enjoy our indoor or outdoor picnic areas. Home | Emerald Hollow Mine 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. Overall we had a good time. Experience the thrill of discovery at The Gemstone Mine, and choose from a variety of gem buckets available. Thank you! Gem Mining WNC - Discover Franklin, North Carolina Plenty of gems to mine for. This allowed for liquid magma to fill and form mineral rich veins as it . More Info , Emerald Village has a lot to see every day, and certain days and nights are something special! You can purchase your dirt by the bucket. The hills of Western North Carolina are filled with beautiful gems, incredible fossils, shells, and more. We bought a family bucket and we were all Gem valley is a hidden jewel in the friendly little town of Jefferson. Took the kids here after hiking the trails at Chimney Rock State Park. Emerald Hollow has three sluiceways where water washes over the soil as a filter. Gem mining in NC is a true family friendly adventure! Learn the history of mining in this area, see the splashing Bon Ami Waterfall, and marvel at impressive collections of old mining and historical equipment. If you live in North Carolina, you certainly already know its a gem. Right here in North Carolina you can spend the day (or just a few hours) as a real miner; first prospecting, then digging your own buckets of (hopefully rich) soil, and then sluicing it to discover rubies and sapphires from this fun dig-your-own mine in the mountains. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. First of all we had a wonderful time and we found a bunch of gems! Vacation is all about trying something new, and we bet that you probably havent mined for gems before! 2.1(a) and 2.5(a))." For a dollar extra, you can get a shade umbrella. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine - 2120 Brevard Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739. Our states mining history runs back for centuries, and now it has become a popular activity for visitors of all ages. THE 10 BEST North Carolina Mines (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Only Emeralds are found in the Emerald Only Mix and most people prefer our other mixes. Nantahala River Gem Mine in Bryson City and Primitive Outback in Otto are two local outfitters that offer river trips as well as gem mining in North Carolina. mining for rare gem stones at Emerald Hollow Mine. Her husband and co-owner, Bob, worked close by on Faceting gems for customers and Speciality & Gift Shops Speciality Museums. This is a great place to bring the entire family, and the kids will love sifting through the dirt to find gems. This is your chance to appease your inner geologist. Gem Mining in Franklin, From Stone To Jewelry Many of your gem finds can be crafted into jewelry. If its raining, they may be closed so you should call ahead if traveling long distances (828-369-9742). You can purchase your dirt by the bucket the more dirt you purchase, the better chance youll have of finding gems. It is a very impressive mine to see. Treat yourself to stunning views, homemade breakfasts, and cozy accommodations for your getaway. Gold was discovered in North Carolina in 1799. The Best Places in North Carolina to dig for Gems | Orchard Inn As you plan your trip (or staycation!) Our states mining history runs back for centuries, and now it has become a popular activity for visitors of all ages. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. You can purchase your dirt by the bucket. Really fun for the whole family! . If you want to pan for gold, you can do that, too! Gem Mountain is located on Highway 226 between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway, about an hour north of Asheville. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned miner, an amateur prospector, student, or with your family. Here are our top picks for places to go around Orchard Inn! We highly recommend it for anybody looking for a place to find gems with the family. The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine offers both indoor and outdoor options for prospecting. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Comprised of several mines, Hiddenite Gem Mines group includes Emerald Hollow Minewhich is open for public miningAdams Mine and NAEM (North American Emerald Mine). To learn more, view our full privacy policy. || the treasures I found at emerald hollow mine today! Prices for dig-your-own mining are: children under 6 - free; ages 6-11 $15/per miner; ages 12 and over $30/per miner. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. EMERALD BUCKETS! we found and what we could and should have cut into real stones. Locals Cant Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Family-Run German Bakery In North Carolina, Theres A Deadly Plant Growing In North Carolina Roadsides That Looks Like A Harmless Weed, There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding In The Middle Of The City In North Carolina, The North Carolina Trail With Forests, A Waterfall, And An Overlook You Just Cant Beat, Youll Have Loads Of Fun At This Dig-Your-Own Mine In North Carolina, Open Since The 1950s, Dig For Treasures At Masons Ruby And Sapphire Mine In North Carolina, Theres An Awesome Rock Ranch Hiding In North Carolina And Youll Want To Visit, Youll Get Hooked On Rockhounding When You Visit Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine In North Carolina. They had various sizes of buckets making it affordable for everyone, and my kids had a great time. Each of their mining buckets vary in size, and you never know what you might find inside. Youll find fossils, minerals, jewelry, and more! Love North Carolina? The ultimate gem & mineral mix! Down the sluice from us was a group of three super-fun ladies doing the native mining, and aside from awesome finds like quartz, pyrite, agate, and others, they found a BUNCH of sapphires. Admission costs just $10. We only did native mining and it was worth every penny! Contact Us. To go sluicing, visitors can purchase buckets of various sizes and sift through them in hopes of finding gems, and there are a lot of options to choose from. In North Carolina, you are not allowed to carry off any rocks or minerals from state parks or recreation areas. NEED HELP IDENTIFYING YOUR GEM STONES? We have an abundance of world class smoky and clear quartz crystals as well. DIGGING. Thank you! Digging through the dumps is available for $20 per day for ages 13 and up, $5 per day for ages 5-12, and free for 4 and under. We promise a "Gem of A Day"! However, did you know it also happens to be home to the only public access emerald mine in the world? We have a lot to see and do! Going gem mining is something you can't do just anywhere, and Franklin, NC is the gem capitol of the world! Sheffield Gem Mine is a historic native Ruby/Sapphire mine in Franklin, North Carolina that offers a thrilling gem mining experience for everyone. offers both indoor and outdoor options for prospecting. Click here for more information and photos! Travel Tips. At Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park, visitors can search a massive volcanic crater for rough diamonds with a "finders, keepers" policy and free identification and registration services. for a list of things to do and see in the area! They took the time to explain the types of rocks the kids discovered and cracked open the geodes they found. The largest and longest emeralds ever found in North America were found in the Hiddenite area, which is home to Emerald Hollow Mine, the only emerald mine in the United States open to the public for prospecting. Rock hounding just doesnt get any better than it is at this one, little-known gem mine in North Carolina. You can also get a combo deal that allows you to do both for just $20. More Info , Emerald Village is located in Western NC, midway between Asheville & Boone/Blowing Rock, NC! Awesome experience the staff was friendly and helpful amazing display of natural. Try Gold Panning at Emerald Village and experience the fun of finding a flash of gold in the pan! Hiddenite being the 4th rarest gemstone in the world, can only be found in this small town of hiddenite, North Carolina. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You can win prizes for finding the rarest or most impressive stone from our North Carolina gem mine. Someone even found a $17,000 ruby here once! My son was very happy. wants to stand out amongst the other mines, so they do not offer specialty buckets with more rare stones. Additionally they can be reached on 828-635-1126. Gems/Gold Panning | NC DEQ We are only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Famously popular, Hiddenite Gem Mines is known for the discovery of some of the largest gems in the world. It is set on a former commercial gold mine of the gold rush years thus has a lot of gemstones and gold in the flumes. You can also find collectible rocks and minerals in stream gravels all across the state, especially near the mountains and Piedmont region. Be ready to get dirty. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. If you're looking for more options check out our list of kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina that are just one mile or less. Crabtree Emerald Mine - Gem Mining In NC - Emerald Village Some good crystals of emeralds can still be found at the site. Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Wow. Gem Mining near Asheville, North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com Located in Ashe County, North Carolina! Address: 13780 NC-226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 Hiddenite Gem Mines Gem materials found in North Carolina include aquamarine, beryl, citrine, emerald, garnet, moonstone, rose quartz, ruby, sapphire, smoky quartz, staurolite, topaz, tourmaline, and many others. for the kids and LOTS of gems and stones, all shapes and sizes. You have the power to pick and choose which route to go. Digging for Gems and Minerals in North Carolina - Gold Rush Nuggets Many of these are very rare and include emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline. Emerald Hollow Mine is open rain or shine seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Prices for dig-your-own mining are: children under 6 free; ages 6-11 $15/per miner; ages 12 and over $30/per miner. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. it was very fun and I highly recommend going! The mine is advertised as the only place in the world where the public can prospect for emeralds and it's tucked away in the small town of Hiddenite, North Carolina. Perfect for all ages :) really kept my nephew engaged in the conversation when identifying rocks. Call 828-635-7548 to set up an appointment, Appointment Only Hours - 8:30am-1:00pm/6:00pm-Close. We found much more then we expected to and kids found good stuff on their own. Emerald Hollow Mine is the only Emerald Mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. My daughter begged us to go gem mining so we did. We purchased 2 native buckets and we both made some very nice finds, including cut table moon stone and a huge sapphire. These gems can be mounted as rings, pendants or earrings. . Experience the beauty of our mountainous area when you stay with us at Orchard Inn. To look for gems, visitors can go sluicing (using a water flow to look for gems), creeking (sorting through dirt to find gems), or digging. For a small fee, you can also rent trowels and sifting screens to help you search for gemstones in the creek, but be prepared to get a little muddy. Whatd you find? If planning to arrive after 4 p.m., please call the mine at (828)632-3394 to confirm. North Carolina has a number of gem and gold mines where people can hunt for rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, aquamarines, gold and more. , so the two make an excellent day trip during your stay at Orchard Inn. You'll Have Loads Of Fun At This Dig-Your-Own Mine In North Carolina 89. Some of the top recommendations include: These are all fun trips, but luckily the state has so much more to do and see. Gem Mines - Franklin Chamber of Commerce We are nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains located in Hiddenite North Carolina. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Kyle and Bobby were GREAT! A trip to Emerald Hollow Mine guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for all people of all ages! Masons Ruby and Sapphire Mine is located at 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. They were genuinely kind and helpful. The cost is $75 for adults and $35 for children 11 and under. Mineral, gemstone and rock crystals are everywhere in the state. Come with dreams of uncovering hidden treasures while experiencing a hands on learning experience. Dig For Native Sapphires And Rubies At Mason's Gem Mine In North Carolina 20 gallon barrel of fun! Our area is full of unique activities, and gem mining in NC is one of them. Lapidary: Hours have updated as of 3/23/2022. Each of their buckets is guaranteed to contain stones no matter what size you choose. A post shared by rosie carratello (@rosy.posy) on May 10, 2017 at 3:48pm PDTMay 10, 2017 at 3:48pm PDT. Each of their mining buckets vary in size, and you never know what you might find inside. Join our newsletter to learn more about specials events and reasons to stay in the area. To look for gems, visitors can go sluicing (using a water flow to look for gems), creeking (sorting through dirt to find gems), or digging. quartz and 60 other gems and minerals at its seven . The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine is located within the Vein Mountain region inside the Blue Ridge mountains in western North Carolina. There are tons of fun things to do in North Carolina! $100.00. If its raining, they may be closed so you should call ahead if traveling long distances (828-369-9742). Diggin' | Emerald Hollow Mine Hiddenite being the 4th rarest gemstone in the world, can only be found in this small town of hiddenite, North Carolina. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In order to find the gems that are mixed in with the white mine rock you will need to wash and sort them. Emerald Hollow Mine (Hiddenite) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor The largest diamond ever found in the United States came from this crater as have thousands of others, so it's perhaps worth a trip if you're feeling lucky. Finders, Keepers: Five of the Best Places to Go Gem Hunting in the U.S Emerald Village - Gem Mines North Carolina THE 5 BEST Franklin Mines (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor