Doc's Rocks Gem Mine

Ruby

Red corundum, one of the world's most precious gemstones. North Carolina's Cowee Valley and Franklin area are known US sources for rubies found in public mining operations.

Also found at:

• Gem Mountain
• Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
• Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine

Sapphires

Montana is the only significant sapphire source in the US. Yogo Gulch and Missouri River sapphires are world-renowned.

Also found at:

• Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
• Hiddenite Gem Mines
• Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine

Emeralds

North Carolina's Hiddenite region is the only place in North America where emeralds are found naturally.

Also found at:

• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Hiddenite Gem Mines
• Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine

Garnets

Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.

Also found at:

• Crater of Diamonds State Park
• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

Fossils

From shark teeth in Florida to dinosaurs in Montana, the US offers world-class fossil hunting for all skill levels.

Also found at:

• Fairy Stone State Park
• Calvert Cliffs State Park
• Flag Ponds Nature Park

Amethyst

Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

Also found at:

• Crater of Diamonds State Park
• Gem Mountain
• Hogg Mine

Emerald Hollow Mine

Hiddenite, North Carolina · Fee Dig

America's only public emerald mine. 70-acre site with sluiceways, prospecting, and digging areas. The only place in North America where emeralds are f...

Gem Mountain

Spruce Pine, North Carolina · Fee Dig

Popular gem mining destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Professional gemologists authenticate your finds. Lapidaries can cut your stones before yo...

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

Franklin, North Carolina · Fee Dig

Accessible sluicing operation for all ages. Screen through dirt to find rubies, sapphires, garnets, and rutile. Affordable family activity in the Blue...

Hiddenite Gem Mines

Hiddenite, North Carolina · Fee Dig

Historic gem mining area where hiddenite (a rare spodumene variety) was first discovered in 1881. Multiple fee-dig operations in the area.

Reed Gold Mine

Midland, North Carolina · state-historic-site

Site of the first documented gold find in the US (1799). State historic site with visitor center, restored ore-crushing stamp mill, and gold panning. ...

Emerald Village (Crabtree Emerald Mine)

Little Switzerland, North Carolina · Fee Dig

Discover hidden gems within 12 historic mines located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tour Bon Ami Mine (home of the NC Mining Museum), pan for gold,...