An important and interesting part of North Carolina history is in its gem mining. The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina are the oldest in the world. They have provided the area with more types of gemstones than are found anywhere else in the United States. More than fifty pounds of sapphires were found in the area in the 1800s, and that is how the town of Sapphire received its name. In fact, North Carolina is the only state where all four of the hardest stones in the United States are found: diamond, emerald, ruby,and sapphire. Gold from North Carolina was used to mint the first gold coins, and the largest emerald, weighing over 1,600 carats, was found here as well.

Gem Mines
Jackson Hole
828-524-5850 • US 64 West
(Native and enriched stones) Located in waterfall country above the breathtaking Cullasaja Falls on Hwy. 28 & US 64 halfway between Franklin and Highlands. Closed occasionally on Tuesdays. Gem cutting available, snack bar and gem shop on site. Covered gem mine.

WhiteWater Equestrian Center
828-966-9646 • 6420 WhiteWater Road, Sapphire
(Native and enriched stones) Located in waterfall country above the breathtaking White Water Falls. Find gems and minerals. Sapphire was named for the sapphire mines in the area. Open year round.

Gold City Gem Mine
828-369-3905 • 9410 Sylva Road
Home of the 1061 carat sapphire found at Gold City, featured in PEOPLE WEEKLY, DISNEY ADVENTURES and ROCK & GEM Magazines. Native and Enriched Gemstones buckets. We also have Gold Panning. New and Improved large covered flume for Gem Mining rain or shine. New inside heated flume for cold days. Located on Highway 441, 6 miles North of Franklin. Open most of the year. Call for hours. Tour buses, group rates available. Bring your rough stones in for a free inspection and cutting from our professional team in our jewlery store.

Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine
828-369-5271 • 6771 Sylva Road
Located 4 miles north of Franklin at the foot of Cowee Mountain just off Highway 441, Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. until “The Last Person Leaves.” Two covered flumes allow you to mine rain or shine.

Rose Creek Mine
828-349-3774 • 115 Terrace Ridge Dr.
We have rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds and so much more. We also have special buckets, gem kits, lapidary supplies, jewelry, Opals and a world class collection of minerals. Last new miner accepted at 4pm. Dig your own dirt, first bucket free with admission. Help for beginners, equipment supplied, covered flume line, clean restrooms, covered picnic tables, snacks. Group rates available as is gem dirt to go. Five miles north of Franklin on Hwy 28, left on Bennett before river.

Ruby City Gems
828-524-3967 • 130 E. Main St., Franklin
“As seen on The Travel Channel.” One of the oldest and largest gem and mineral shops in the Southeast, with over 50 years collecting and experience, and approximately 5000 sq. ft. of retail and museum space. A huge variety of stones are cut and ready to be placed in the mounting of your choice, including precious diamonds, amethyst, citrine, tanzanite, sapphires, emeralds, peridot, tourmaline, aquamarine, and more.

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
828-349-2941 • 41 Cherokee Mine Road
The mine is not “salted” or “enriched” and contains only native North Carolina gemstones, including Rubies, Sapphires, Garnets, Moonstones, Rhodolite, Rutile and Sillimanite. These gems occur naturally in the Cowee Valley and are not as plentiful as in “salted” mines, but are much more valuable and many are “facet quality.”

Sheffield Mine
828-369-8383 • 385 Sheffield Farms Road
As featured on the TRAVEL CHANNEL. NATIVE Rubies & Sapphires (some will “STAR”) or Enriched Rainbow Buckets with Semi- Precious Gems from around the world. Open 10am-5pm. Admission includes 2 starter buckets. Mine rain or shine at covered flumes. Picnic tables, Snacks & Beverages. Gem Identification. Stone Cutting and Setting available. Gift Shop.

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine
828-369-9742 • Route 28 North
(Native Only) Under new management. This mine has an abundance of beautiful sapphires in all colors along with pink and red rubies. It’s one of Macon County’s oldest and most productive mines. The only mine with a guarantee that all will have success their first time. Dig your own dirt. Open 8a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the Burningtown Community off Route 28 North. Follow signs.