Gem mining is like playing the lottery. One person may spend hours digging in the dirt and under rocks only to find a few precious gems that aren't worth much. Another person may randomly reach into a pail of dirt and pull out an emerald or sapphire worth thousands of dollars.
Each year, thousands of rockhounds, tourists and educational field trip participants flock to North Carolina to experience the thrill of finding rare gemstones in the rough. Whether a serious or amateur prospector hoping to fulfill dreams of finding hidden treasures, a student experiencing an enriching "hands on" learning experience or a family seeking quality outdoor recreation, a gem mining trip guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for people of all ages! The mining operation is simple. Gem mine operators provide all the equipment. Just clean the ore in a flume with wooden screens to find your precious gems.
Rockhounding
Searching for interesting gems and rocks can be a rewarding hobby, even if you don't find a fortune. Many casual gem miners and rockhounds enjoy spending time outdoors, learning about geology and spending a day out with family and friends. Others are more serious; they look for their own birthstones or for precious gems that they can make into jewelry. And then there are the collectors, who want to collect as many different types of gems and rocks as possible to catalog and display.
Travel 50.13 miles - 0:57 minutes from downtown Elkin, North Carolina
The Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the United States 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.
Total Visit - 482 | Visit Today - 0 | Average Visit Per Day - 0
http://www.hiddenitegems.comLast Updated on 8/6/2008
Travel 64.84 miles - 1:11 hours from downtown Elkin, North Carolina
The castle is a restored gold refinery listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1832 and restored in mid-1980, the castle is a granite structure with a drawbridge, moat and 70-foot tower. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities, including gem and gold panning, April through October.
Total Visit - 416 | Visit Today - 0 | Average Visit Per Day - 0
http://www.castlemcculloch.comLast Updated on 9/16/2008
4416 NC Hwy 105 South Boone NC 28607 Tel: 828-963-4367
Travel 66.6 miles - 1:24 hours from downtown Elkin, North Carolina
The finest in colored gems from around the world, museum quality mineral specimens and unique gifts. GIA Certified Graduate Gemologist on staff, appraisal service available. View stones being cut and enjoy indoor winter gem mining.
Total Visit - 356 | Visit Today - 0 | Average Visit Per Day - 0
http://www.foggymountaingems.comLast Updated on 9/16/2008
10767 Hwy 105 S Banner Elk NC 28604 Tel: 828-963-5098
Travel 70.51 miles - 1:29 hours from downtown Elkin, North Carolina
The mining operation is simple. We provide all the equipment. Just clean the ore in our flume with wooden screens to find your precious gems. It's fascinating and fun for the whole family. You may take your find to Grandfather Gem Shop for identification, cutting and mounting. We offer $15.00, $20.00, $30.00 and $40.00 buckets that you may share.
Total Visit - 329 | Visit Today - 0 | Average Visit Per Day - 0
http://www.grandfathertroutfarm.comLast Updated on 9/16/2008
