Franklin, NC is known as the “Gem Capital of the World” for good reason. Gem mining in Franklin has a rich tradition, with native rubies and sapphires, both members of the corundum family, having been mined for years in the historic Cowee Valley.
A History of Gem Mining in Franklin
Franklin’s gem and mineral heritage can be traced back to 1870 when companies began mining corundum in Macon County. Second only to diamonds in hardness, corundum is used as an industrial abrasive. Commercial gem mining in NC stopped when synthetic corundum became a cheaper solution for industrial needs.
In 1895, New Jersey mining expert W. E. Hidden began supervising work on Cowee Valley lands and old claims that were newly purchased by the American Prospecting and Mining Company. The company intended to find the source of the rubies and sapphires by digging experimental shafts and test holes while gem mining in NC. The United States Mining Company and other mining interests performed similar testing. Despite these attempts, the source for the gemstones was never located.
Today, locals and visitors alike are still searching for the mother load of ruby and sapphire, and you’ll never have more fun getting dirty! Gem mining in Franklin NC is great fun for the entire family. A great tip is to wear old clothes when you go so you can get plenty dirty while looking for native gemstones.
Area mines offer advice and assistance in searching dirt for natural gems native to the Franklin area. Gem mining in NC is a true family friendly adventure!
Gem Mining in Franklin, From Stone To Jewelry
Many of your gem finds can be crafted into jewelry. In fact, many of the gem mines have experts on hand to recommend a cut for the stones you find. These gems can be mounted as rings, pendants or earrings.
If you’re lucky, you might find a rare star ruby or sapphire when gem mining in Franklin. These gems have a silky look to them and when cut in a dome shape or cabochon, a six-pointed star is revealed when light hits the stone.
Native & Enriched Gem Mining in Franklin
The Franklin NC area features both native (all natural mines) and enriched (gemstones added) gem mines.
» Download a Gem Mining Map (PDF Format)
Operating Season for Gem Mining in Franklin
Most gem mines operate from early Spring through late Fall. Book your family trip today for an unforgettable experience gem mining in NC.
Read Our Blog - 5 Reasons You Should Try Gem Mining
FAQs
Franklin, NC is known as the “Gem Capital of the World” for good reason. Gem mining in Franklin has a rich tradition, with native rubies and sapphires, both members of the corundum family, having been mined for years in the historic Cowee Valley.
What gemstones are found in Western North Carolina? ›
The mountains near Franklin, NC are known for rubies, sapphires, and garnets; Spruce Pine, NC is known for emeralds, aquamarines, and quartz; and the mountains of Western North Carolina have a rich history of gold mining. Along the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are numerous commercial gem mines.
Is there gold in Franklin County NC? ›
There are six distinct gold belts in North Carolina. The Eastern North Carolina Belt contains fifteen mines in Franklin, Halifax, Nash, and Warren Counties.
What raw gemstones are in North Carolina? ›
Amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, hiddenite, ruby, and sapphire are among a few of the gems that lure collectors from around the world to visit North Carolina. While some discoveries are due to industrial mining activities, many are the result of hobbyist gem and specimen mining.
What is Franklin, NC famous for? ›
Franklin, NC is rich in gems and minerals and known internationally as the “Gem Capital of the World.” The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, established in 1974 and open from May through October, is a mesmerizing study of thousands of gems and minerals from across the globe.
What region of NC would you most likely visit a gem mine? ›
In and around Franklin and other parts of western North Carolina, gem mines draw tourists and serious rock hounds alike for the chance of spotting a deep purple sapphire or rich red ruby sparkling in sifting trays full of mud.
What is the largest ruby found in North Carolina? ›
World' Largest Star Ruby: the Appalachian Ruby Star [Ref 7]
The aggregate weight of the rubies totals 342 carats. The rough ruby was found in 1990 by Wayne Messer, a fishing guide in Western North Carolina.
Have diamonds been found in NC? ›
Diamond. The hardest known mineral, found only rarely in western North Carolina. Thirteen diamonds have been reported from the region, beginning in 1843 with a 1.33 carat octahedral crystal from Brindletown Creek Ford in Burke County.
Can you find gold in NC creeks? ›
Streams such as Little Buffalo Creek in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, Dutch Buffalo Creek in Cabarrus County, Cabin Creek in Moore County, the Uwharrie River in Montgomery County and streams in the South Mountain area might be good places to try panning.
What is the rarest gem to mine? ›
In the case of Tanzanite, the colours are blue, violet, and burgundy. However, the thing that actually makes Tanzanite rare is its extreme scarcity in the world. It is mined from only one mine in the world, which is about 7 km long and 2 km wide, and is expected to be mined out in the next 30 years.
North Carolina has the distinction of producing the largest emerald crystal in North America -- 1,438 carats. The most expensive cut emerald also comes from North Carolina.
Where are emeralds found in North Carolina? ›
The Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. Nestled snugly in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains, this North Carolina Emerald mine is located in the small town of Hiddenite, North Carolina.
Are North Carolina rubies worth anything? ›
Rubies are already rarer than diamonds. But star rubies are something incredibly special. A collection of four "extraordinary" rare star rubies discovered outside of Asheville, North Carolina, nearly 30 years ago — which could be worth more than $90 million — have found their way to a New York auction house.
How do you know where to dig for gems? ›
Public lands: Many states and national parks have public lands where you can hunt for gemstones for free. Your own backyard: Believe it or not, you may be able to find gemstones right in your own backyard! Look for areas with exposed rock formations, as these are often good places to find gemstones.
Where in North Carolina can you find rubies? ›
Throughout the years, experienced ruby/sapphire miners and “rock hounds” all know that the majority of the largest and finest “gem quality” Cowee Valley, NC rubies and sapphires have all been found at the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine.
Where have diamonds been found in NC? ›
The last recorded diamond find came in 1893 near Kings Mountain in Cleveland County. Although no primary sources for the diamonds have been found, all of the old gold washings and present day stream gravels of the Piedmont offer the potential for a diamond find.
