We are nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains located in Hiddenite North Carolina. Be ready to get dirty. Check the map below; we are in between West Jefferson and Highway 421/Deep Gap. Some of the top recommendations include: These are all fun trips, but luckily the state has so much more to do and see. . Prices for dig-your-own mining are: children under 6 - free; ages 6-11 $15/per miner; ages 12 and over $30/per miner. Learn more. According to the Emerald Hollow Mine website, sluicing is the easiest and most popular activity, but it can also be the most expensive one. By Fitness-Ring. Types of gems found at the site include emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet and amethyst as well as the rare stone called Hiddenite. My hubs and I are seniors and we did ok, but if you have mobility issues this is not the place for you. Located in Brevard, North Carolina, the Crystal Mountain Gem Mine is a family favorite. Speciality & Gift Shops Educational sites. EMERALD BUCKETS! Goose398 / TripAdvisor It's not every day you hear of a place that lets you dig for your own emeralds! Improve this listing All photos (177) 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. There was also a good description of various minerals, and which were mined in the immediate area. Perfect for all ages :) really kept my nephew engaged in the conversation when identifying rocks. 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. Famously popular, Hiddenite Gem Mines is known for the discovery of some of the largest gems in the world. *CLOSING TIME IS DETERMINED BY WEATHER TIME OF YEAR AND GUEST ATTENDANCE. Let's just say this Emerald Hollow Mine in North Carolina belongs on your bucket list. 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! For more family fun, check out 7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In North Carolina That Are 1 Mile And Under! In addition to mining, the mine also has its own lapidary, where the stones you find can be polished and then used to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry right on the spot. 10 gallon barrel of our best rich gemstone 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. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned miner, an amateur prospector, student, or with your family. 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. Rock hounding just doesnt get any better than it is at this one, little-known gem mine in North Carolina. For $30, you can do all three: digging, sluicing, and creeking. by far is the friendly family that own and operate the Old Cardinal Gem Mine! Some good crystals of emeralds can still be found at the site. He came back to us a few years ago and has been coming ever since. for a list of things to do and see in the area! It looks like a bombed out war zone.not the idyllic scene I had in my head. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. A young boy and his father dig for diamonds in the 37.5 acre plowed field at Crater of Diamonds State Park, which was a mining site before it became a state park in 1972. If you go with children and they find something special, have it cut and set as a gift when they're older. Opalized Wood: Gemstone, Formation, Where to Find Opalized Wood? Experience the beauty of our mountainous area when you stay with us at Orchard Inn. Treat yourself to stunning views, homemade breakfasts, and cozy accommodations for your getaway. The staff is very knowledgeable, and you might find several valuable gems on your trip! The 65-carat emerald found near Hiddenite, North Carolina a few years ago may be worth $1 million, but most prospectors who go to fee areas hunt gems for the . Lots of fun and you might find a good one! They were genuinely kind and helpful. Find out about the best place to go Gem Mining in North Carolina near Asheville NC. The digging area was not what I expected. Morgan and Isaiah are delightful. Vacation is all about trying something new, and we bet that you probably havent mined for gems before! What are some kid-friendly hiking trails in North Carolina? Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Kids (5&6) are really into reality mining shows so we planned a trip here. Our states mining history runs back for centuries, and now it has become a popular activity for visitors of all ages. For a dollar extra, you can get a shade umbrella. Mineral, gemstone and rock crystals are everywhere in the state. Gold was discovered in North Carolina in 1799. Others near us bought the pre-loaded buckets and found some amazing pieces. Whether you're an avid hiker, skier, artist, foodie, or historian, you'll find plenty of impressive outings. Our area is full of unique activities, and gem mining in NC is one of them. Try Gold Panning at Emerald Village and experience the fun of finding a flash of gold in the pan! 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!". Located in Brevard, North Carolina, the Crystal Mountain Gem Mine is a family favorite. 13780 Highway 226 South, Spruce Pine. If planning to arrive after 4 p.m., please call the mine at (828)632-3394 to confirm. Additionally they can be reached on 828-635-1126. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned miner, an amateur prospector, student, or with your family. Please visit us soon. $500.00. The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine offers both indoor and outdoor options for prospecting. Took the kids here after hiking the trails at Chimney Rock State Park. , so the two make an excellent day trip during your stay at Orchard Inn. 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. Visitors can search for emeralds and more than 60 other types of gems at the Emerald Hollow. Travel Tips. You have discovered the High Country Gem Mine! Love North Carolina? Prices range from $5 for a 2-gallon child's bucket up to $1,000 for bins designed for those who are really serious about finding precious stones. Rose Creek Mine was part of a family vacation in 2008. In North Carolina, you are not allowed to carry off any rocks or minerals from state parks or recreation areas. We took our daughters, ages 10 and 4, to the Ruby Mine and we all had fun! 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, Youll Never Forget A Trip Through This Old Gem Mine In North Carolina, 6 Caves In North Carolina That Are Like Entering Another World, The One-Of-A-Kind Park In North Carolina Where You Can See Wild Cats Up Close, Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park. Hands-on learning for sure. Surrounded by nature in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, we offer a unique and educational activity for visitors of all ages. Emerald Hollow Mine is the only Emerald Mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. See All Top Counties by Total Mines Cleveland (99 Total Mines) Gaston (87 Total Mines) Mecklenburg (72 Total Mines) Explore the Best Gem Mines in North Carolina. However, did you know it also happens to be home to the only public access emerald mine in the world? Here are our top picks for places to go around Orchard Inn! Gem mining is a popular activity for visitors to North Carolina and when it comes to emeralds, the Hiddenite area in Alexander Countyis unmatched. Open every day from April 1, 2023 through October 31st, 2023. Stay up to date with the latest news and relevant updates from us. We left with half a bag of gems and my seven year old was thrilled! Pre-filled buckets of our 100% Unsalted Gem Ore are also available. More Info , Emerald Village is located in Western NC, midway between Asheville & Boone/Blowing Rock, NC! Enriched buckets are available for those who dont want to dig their own sluicing material from the mine. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. they were so welcoming and loved telling us what. Call 828-635-7548 to set up an appointment, Appointment Only Hours - 8:30am-1:00pm/6:00pm-Close. First of all we had a wonderful time and we found a bunch of gems! 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. Our location is a geological freak of nature. Click here for more information and photos! While John does not work for the company, he does come around on a regular basis and we consider John family. A must stop every time I'm by franklin. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. My son asked Reese if the ones on display were all they had. Emerald Hollow Mine is located in Hiddenite, where it is well known as one of the most interesting and unique locations in North America. Join the discussion in the comments! You can also camp overnight (for a fee) and purchase discounted multi-day dig-your-own mining passes! Admission costs just $10. . Our area is full of unique activities, and. Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine Directions to Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine First, mine for gems. *Please call with time sensitive questions. $100.00. Free stone identification is provided and lapidary and jewelry making services are available. Because thats the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. Spend a day in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains. 5 gallon bucket super-concentrated gemstone mix! The mine covers 69 acres, with countless different spots for rock hounding and opportunities to dig for more than 60 different minerals in the local soil, including rubies, garnets, amethyst, citrines, sapphires, and . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Prices for dig-your-own mining are: children under 6 free; ages 6-11 $15/per miner; ages 12 and over $30/per miner. Emerald Hollow Mine is open rain or shine seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Emerald Hollow Mine is the only Emerald Mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. You can win prizes for finding the rarest or most impressive stone from our North Carolina gem mine. STAKE YOUR CLAIM! They took the time to explain the types of rocks the kids discovered and cracked open the geodes they found. We are a host to more than 60 different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, a treasure trove of gemstones can be found at our gem mine! Kyle and Bobby were GREAT! 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. Great deals for all budgets, and there is even a tap room! $250.00. Sheffield Gem Mine is a historic native Ruby/Sapphire mine in Franklin, North Carolina that offers a thrilling gem mining experience for everyone. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Permits for sluicing or creeking are $12 per adult, or $7 for children ages 4 to 11. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Vacation is all about trying something new, and we bet that you probably havent mined for gems before! Ages 13 & up: $25.00 per person: Ages 5-12: $5.00 per person: Ages 4 & under: No charge: Since you'll be in the area, consider making your visit into a long weekend. The gentleman helping us was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed talking to him about how the, Ladies in the shop very knowledgeable about the. It doesn't get more special than that! Only hand tools are allowed and you can keep anything you find. Only Emeralds are found in the Emerald Only Mix and most people prefer our other mixes. THE BIG DEAL! This is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations in North America. The reason for this is that there were 5 different events of tectonic plates colliding and ripping apart simultaneously creating voids and cracks. Take a look at our complimentary Vacation Guide for a list of things to do and see in the area! it was very fun and I highly recommend going! You must visit! Gold Digs. E-mail is only checked during business hours. If you want to pan for gold, you can do that, too! Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below wed love to hear from you! Dig for jewels at the nation's only public emerald mine. Each of their buckets is guaranteed to contain stones no matter what size you choose. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. be sure to making a list of all the unforgettable things to do in North Carolina. DIGGING. 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. Quick Facts 1,236 USGS records of mines in North Carolina. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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. Be a part of our groups. Each of their buckets is guaranteed to contain stones no matter what size you choose. Gem mining in NC is a true family friendly adventure! Ph: 828-286-3016 . The staff is very friendly and knowledgable. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It is a very impressive mine to see. The owners took a great deal of time educating us on the stones and rocks we were finding. Ever been gem mining? What Is Geyser Opal, and Where You Can Find It? The two guys running the place told us exactly how to mine and what to look for, answered questions, offered advice, etc. We wore old shoes, shirts and shorts, and ended up throwing the shoes away because there's no way to clean them after the red clay and dirt. Welcome to the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine! We are a host to more than 60 different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, a treasure trove of gemstones can be found at our gem mine! 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 . If its raining, they may be closed so you should call ahead if traveling long distances (828-369-9742). Subscribe to his YouTube channel to follow him on his adventures at Emerald Hollow Mine! PLEASE CALL PRIOR TO ARRIVAL IF COMING LATER IN THE DAY (AFTER 4PM) TO CONFIRM WE ARE OPEN. In fact, Emerald Hollow Mine bills itself as the only emerald mine in the world thats open to the public. I grew up in a family that collects gem so my expectations are very high when it comes to gem mining. Fair price for a fun experience. 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. Keep everything you find! If you have any questions please . 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. Gem Mining in Franklin, From Stone To Jewelry Many of your gem finds can be crafted into jewelry. And many of the gems found here are rare, like emerald, sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, citrine, amethyst, tourmaline, and rutile. 9236 Hwy 221 South, Suite A Fleetwood, NC, 28626 Phone 336-620-3909 Call or Email Us for more information! Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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. We got our hands dirty and played in clay for several hours. First, mine for gems. John is a very dedicated and talented rock hound. My daughter begged us to go gem mining so we did. There are tons of fun things to do in North Carolina! Located in Ashe County, North Carolina! State Government websites value user privacy. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. AP Photo. Come with dreams of uncovering hidden treasures while experiencing a hands on learning experience. Contact Us. These gems can be mounted as rings, pendants or earrings. Once you mine for your gems, dont forget to stop by their shop. This is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations in North America. 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. Many of these are very rare and include emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline. Many of these are very rare and include emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. "Native" buckets are filled with native dirt and may not contain any stones, whereas the "Enriched" buckets are guaranteed to contain treats like quartz, agate, obsidian, topaz, and/or emerald. Bed & Breakfast Web Design and Hotel Marketing by Q4Launch. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This facility had a good display of old mining equipment. There are more than 40 types of semi-precious and precious gem types possible in every bucket including gold, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. A trip to Emerald Hollow Mine guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for all people of all ages! Here are our top picks for places to go around Orchard Inn! We are nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains located in Hiddenite North Carolina. Join our large group events where we go out and mine the ground, searching for gems. The friend I brought with me loved the place and people. The Emerald Hollow Mines is the world's only publicly accessible emerald mine, and it's located in Hiddenite, North Carolina. An official website of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Assistance and Customer Service, Environmental Education and Public Affairs, Distance Learning - Environmental Education, /about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-resources/north-carolina-geological-survey/nc-geology. Awesome experience the staff was friendly and helpful amazing display of natural. Welcome to Emerald Village! The mine is now closed for commercial mining; however, it remains open for rock hounding visitors at a nominal fee. This is a popular pick for families with young children who might not have the patience to dig or look through a creek. We LOVED the goats, play area and gem shop. Click here to view John's YouTube channel. Youll find fossils, minerals, jewelry, and more! The. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, North Carolina, offers multiple gem hunting opportunities for visitors: digging, creeking and sluicing. 2.1(a) and 2.5(a))." For the dig-your-own mining option, there are no per-bucket prices. North Carolina has a number of gem and gold mines where people can hunt for rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, aquamarines, gold and more. Home; Rates & Dates; Mines & Activities. People come from all over the world to visit Emerald Village! If you want to pan for gold, you can do that, too! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We found mica, pyrite, quartz, garnets, and two sapphires! North Carolina has a number of gem and gold mines where people can hunt for rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, aquamarines, gold and more. Emerald Village is Pet Friendly! 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. It was absolutely awesome. Emerald Hollow has three sluiceways where water washes over the soil as a filter. Time to Go Gem Mining in NC! The standard buckets contain up to 40 different semi-precious and precious gems and the super buckets offer larger gems and geodes. Emerald Hollow Mine 4 398 reviews #1 of 3 things to do in Hiddenite Mines Closed now 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About The one and only public emerald mine in the world, covering 69 acres. I walked in with my son who was looking for a turtle. If you're looking for an affordable adventure that rewards you with precious gemstones, you're in luck. quartz and 60 other gems and minerals at its seven . The mine is open every day of the year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving. Looking for the ultimate fun, family adventure? 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. Someone even found a $17,000 ruby here once! NOTE: Private property may extend into a river, stream, lake or other body of water. 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. Are you looking for more activities to enjoy during your Western North Carolina getaway? Excellent time as always. This is a great place to bring the entire family, and the kids will love sifting through the dirt to find gems. Explore the North Carolina Mining Museum and take an underground tour of the historic Bon Ami Mine. You can purchase your dirt by the bucket the more dirt you purchase, the better chance youll have of finding gems. 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. SUPER FUN, went with my sister and nephew. 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. No real reason why we selected Foggy Mountain over others in the area. Stay up to date with what you want to know.
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