Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Goat Farm

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

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

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

Quartz Crystals

Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.

Also found at:

• Crater of Diamonds State Park
• Crystal Grove Diamond Mine
• Herkimer Diamond Mines

Citrine

Also found at:

• Spruceberry Farm - Otto's Mining Sluice

Topaz

Blue topaz is Texas's state gem. Utah's Topaz Mountain produces clear and sherry-colored crystals.

Also found at:

• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Topaz Mountain
• Morefield Mine (closed)

Tourmaline

Colorful gemstone found in pegmatites. Tourmaline occurs in every color of the rainbow. Maine, California, and North Carolina are top US sources for gem-quality specimens.

Also found at:

• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Mt. Mica
• Oceanview Mine

Pyrite

Iron sulfide known as Fool's Gold for its metallic luster. Found in many US states, often in association with other minerals. Popular with beginner collectors.

Also found at:

• Pennsylvania Quartz & Amethyst
• Pennsylvania Pyrite Beds
• Cornwall Iron Mine Dumps

Peridot

Lime-green olivine gemstone. New Mexico's Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache Reservation is one of the world's largest peridot sources.

Also found at:

• Eldorado Bar Mine
• New Mexico Peridot Beds

Opals

Precious opals with brilliant play-of-color. Nevada's Virgin Valley produces spectacular fire opals worth thousands.

Also found at:

• Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
• Bonanza Opal Mine
• Spencer Opal Mine

Fluorite

Colorful halide mineral that often forms cubic crystals. The Illinois-Kentucky fluorite district was once the world's leading producer. Also found in New York and Tennessee.

Also found at:

• Hall's Gap
• Rose Hill Mine
• Tennessee Fluorite Beds

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,...