Dig Your Own Gems in North Carolina
A Guide to Some of North Carolina's Best Gem Collecting Sites
Feb 9, 2009
North Carolina boasts a number of pay-to-dig mines throughout the state, with perhaps the largest concentration located near the city of Franklin in Macon County. Mining for Corundum, an aluminum oxide that produces such gems as Rubies and Sapphires, began here in 1870. While visiting, be sure to visit the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum which offers free admission.
The state mineral of North Carolina is Emerald, so it's only fitting that the only public Emerald mine in the world be located here in the town of Hiddenite, North Carolina. Emerald Hollow Mine allows patrons, for varying fees, their choice of either sluicing “virgin", native, or “seeded” buckets of dirt, panning for dirt in several different creeks located on the seventy acres, or digging at the actual mine site.
How Pay-to-Dig Mines Operate
Whether its by the bucket or a dig-your-own mine, almost all of the mines offer “sluicing,” which is an area where one can wash their dirt in special screens designed to separate the gems and allow the dirt to wash away. Attendants are available to assist with instruction or to help identify the various gemstones that can be found.
Not all mines are created equal. Very few of the mines allow actual digging, but instead sell patrons dirt by the bucket or bag. This dirt may be natural or “seeded” depending on which mine it comes from. This is still a fun and productive way to find fine quality gems, some of which are large and quite valuable. Costs vary by bucket size, mine site, quality of dirt, and quality of potential gems.
Mines operate from spring through fall, with only a couple operating year-round. Always be sure to call ahead to the mines. Some mines are closed on specific days of the week, and it does no good to spend hours driving only to show up to a closed mine. Most will provide their patrons equipment for digging and sluicing, but there are a few that won't.
A Partial Listing of Pay-to-Dig Mines in North Carolina
Dirt-by-the-Bucket Mines:
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine, Franklin. (Native gems.)
- Sheffield Mine, Franklin. (Native and enhanced buckets)
- Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine, Franklin
- Jackson Hole Mine, Franklin
- Rio Doce Mine, Mitchell County. (Native and Foreign gems)
- Greater Foscoe Gem Mining Co., Foscoe
- Cotton Patch Gold Mining, New London
- Spruce Pine Gemstone Mine, Spruce Pine
Mines That Allow Actual Digging:
- Rose Creek Mine, Franklin
- Mason Ruby & Sapphire Mine, Franklin (cash only, no credit cards or checks accepted; and not to be confused with Mason Mountain Mine)
- Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine, Spruce Pine (for the actual mine site: weather permitting & reservations required.)
- Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite
Tips for Digging at the Gem Mines
If visiting a mine that allows patrons to dig their own dirt, ask the staff what locations the best gems have been coming from. Happy customers are repeat customers, and they will often tell their friends, so mine staff are usually very helpful.
Bring plastic or rubber gloves for sluicing. The water is cold, and this helps protect the hands from the chill and from any nicks and cuts. It's also a good idea to bring a spare shovel, plastic bag or container (never glass) for storing rocks, and a cushion or towel to sit on. Other helpful items are sunglasses, hat, sunblock, water, and a packed lunch.
Try to spare a couple of days to try different mines. It might improve the odds of finding something really nice. Most importantly, plan to have fun and don't stress. Not everyone finds huge gems on their first trip, but they do find gems. Relax, enjoy the experience, and enjoy the local flavors. It may turn out to be the best vacation ever.
Looking for more places to dig for gems? Check out "Best Places to Dig for Gems in the United States."
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