Gem Mining in Macon County
May 5th, 2010
If you are a rock hound visiting Franklin (also known as both the “Gem Capital of the World” and the “Ruby City”) fluming at a local gem mine is a must. Most gem mining in the North Carolina mountains is found in Franklin and in the Cowee Valley north and west of Franklin. Most of the mines have a powered water sluice where you can sift through the dirt and rock, called fluming, as you prospect for rubies, gold, amethyst, aquamarine, sapphires, garnets and many other types of stones.
At some of these mines, visitors search for minerals from the creekbeds, while others sell buckets of stream sediment for washing and sieving at a flume. Some of the mines offer digs for native minerals only, while others offer “enriched” stream sediment, which contains minerals from other parts of the state or world. Admission fees may be charged per bucket or per the hour, depending on the mine, so call ahead for details.
The world’s largest star rubies have been found in the Cowee Valley. This entire area is a gem hunter’s heaven.
Visit these gem mines while you’re in the area . . .
Blue Ridge Gem Mines, 11197 N. US 19 Soco Gap, Maggie Valley, 828-926-8488.
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine, 41 Cherokee Mine Road off Ruby Mine Road, Franklin, 828-349-2941.
Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine, 6771 Sylva Rd. & 441 N, Franklin, 828-369-5271.
Gem Mine at Gem World, 1884 Georgia Rd., Franklin, 828-349-5411.
Gold City Gem Mine, 9410 Sylva Rd. & Highway 441, Franklin, 800-713-7767.
Jackson Hole, Hwy. 28 & US 64, Franklin, 828-524-5850.
Mason Mountain Mine & Cowee Gift Shop, 5315 Bryson City Rd., Franklin, 828-524-4570.
Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine, 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd., Franklin, 828-369-9742.
Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine, 11900 US 19/74 West, Bryson City, 828-488-3854.
Old Pressley Mine, Exit 33 off I-40, Canton, 828-648-6820.
Rose Creek Mine, Gift & Rock Shop, 115 Terrace Ridge Dr., Franklin, 828-349-3774.
Sheffield Mine, 385 Sheffield Farms Rd., Franklin, 828-369-8383.
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine, Cherokee, 828-497-6574.
