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

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
• Lucky Lake Gem & Mineral 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
• Lucky Lake Gem & Mineral Mine

Gold

Native gold nuggets, flakes, and dust found in streams and ancient riverbeds. Popular states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Georgia for recreational gold panning.

Also found at:

• Gold Basin
• Lynn Creek
• Gold Bug 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

Fairy Stone State Park

Stuart, Virginia · State Park

Hunt for Staurolite crystals that naturally form in cross shapes, known as 'fairy stones' or 'fairy crosses.' These unique formations can often be fou...

Morefield Mine (closed)

Amelia, Virginia · Fee Dig

Historic pegmatite mine once renowned for amazonite, garnet, and beryl. Now closed and sealing underground workings. Exhibits at the Smithsonian.

Virginia Unakite & Amazonite

Gretna, Virginia · Public Land

Piedmont region of Virginia for unakite, amazonite, and kyanite. Road cuts and creek beds produce beautiful specimens.

Virginia Kyanite Beds

Dillwyn, Virginia · Public Land

Buckingham County area for kyanite crystals. Virginia is the only state that mines kyanite commercially. Found in schist exposures.

Luray Caverns - Stonyman Mining Co. Gem Sluice

Luray, Virginia · Fee Dig

Interactive gem sluice experience at the famous Luray Caverns. Buy a bag of mining rough and pan for gemstones through running water. The sluice is a ...

Shenandoah Caverns Gemstone Sluice

Quicksburg, Virginia · Fee Dig

Family-friendly gem sluice at Shenandoah Caverns. Purchase a bag of mining rough and pan for amethysts, gemstones, arrowheads, fossils and more. Seaso...