9 places to mine your own gemstones in North Carolina
North Carolina’s rich gemstone deposits make it home to many places where you can mine your own gemstones. Here are the top spots to go digging for treasures.
The Tarheel State is home to plenty of natural wonders, from the beaches of the Outer Banks to the peaks of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. But did you know that some of the most remarkable natural treasures of North Carolina are hidden underground?
North Carolina is home to a range of gemstone deposits, including precious and semi-precious stones like opals, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
Not only is your state home to beautiful gems, but if you’re up for the task, you can visit gemstone mines in North Carolina and try your hand at digging for gemstones yourself! With a variety of sites for everyone, from seasoned rock-hounds to children and families, here are some sites where you can dig for treasure in the Tarheel State.
1. Emerald Hollow Mine
It’s not easy being green … except at Emerald Hollow Mine! A “geological freak of nature,” Emerald Hollow’s unique location makes it famous for gem enthusiasts from around the world. Located in the lush, verdant hills of Hideenite, this creekside mine offers opportunities for miners of all ages and experience levels to try their hands at “sluicing” buckets of Earth, scouring the creek for gems, and even digging for over 60 different types of gems found onsite, including aquamarine, garnet, topaz, sapphire, and of course, the famous emeralds!
2. Sugar Creek Gem Mine
New to gemstone mining? You’ll find the perfect place to get started at Banner Elk’s Sugar Creek Gem Mine. Here, children and adults alike can sift through buckets of Earth of different sizes, each of which is guaranteed to be full of authentic North Carolina gemstones. Found something sparkly? Sugar Creek has onsite lapidary staff and equipment to help you cut and facet your rough gemstone and turn it into a beautiful piece of jewelry!
3. Emerald Village
Want to turn your North Carolina mining adventure into a full day of activities? Consider Little Switzerland’s Emerald Village. Here, you can not only sift your way through gemstone-laced buckets for treasure but also visit the historic North Carolina Mining Museum, try your hand at panning for gold, and even, if you’re there on one of 12 special dates throughout the year, take a blacklight mine tour, where you can see natural rock formations light up and glow pink, green, and orange. Blacklight tours don’t offer collecting, but they’re certainly a sight to amaze!
4. Sheffield Gem Mine
From spring through autumn, Franklin’s Sheffield Gem Mine is known as the “home of the honkers” and offers visitors a chance to mine authentic North Carolina rubies and sapphires of all sizes in the heart of the Smokies. Guests can purchase buckets of local and specialty gem-laced earth and use the mine’s flumes and equipment to find something remarkable! After your mining adventure, you can enjoy a picnic on the mine’s grounds and even use their grill facilities to reward yourself with a cookout after a hard day’s mining.
5. Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine
Located in historic Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine specializes in making mining a family-friendly, educational experience. Offering field trips and birthdays, this is a great place for visitors with children. It also offers the chance to mine for fossils in addition to gems—perfect for any aspiring paleontologists. Don’t forget to check out their gift shop, which is home to the largest collection of silver jewelry in North Carolina.
6. The Greater Foscoe Mining Co.
Since 1988, the Greater Foscoe Mining Company has been offering visitors the chance to mine 24 different varieties of gemstones. The owner and founder, Kenny Pickett, trained and worked for years as a goldsmith and stone cutter, and he and the on-site staff will help you identify any gems you uncover. Afterward, you can have your gems cut and faceted onsite and check out the gemstone gallery!
7. Cherokee Ruby Mine
Located in the heart of the Cowee Valley, Cherokee Ruby Mine prides itself on authenticity. Rather than offer enriched soil, this is a place to find true native North Carolina rubies and sapphires, making it popular among experienced rock hounds. You can choose from digging or sifting (or both!) and dig for treasure. Mining at Cherokee can be physically challenging, and they recommend you dress sensibly and bring plenty of water!
8. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Family-owned and operated, Foggy Mountain Gem Mine in Boone offers the opportunity to find treasures from around the world in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country. Visitors of all ages can sift through enriched soil for a wide array of gemstones at one of two locations. While their site on Highway 105 is seasonal and winter hours can vary, their spot off Highway 321 is open year-round for an adventure whenever you like.
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