NORTH CAROLINA
State Rock: Granite (1979)
State Gemstone: Emerald (1973)
State Mineral: Gold (2011)
More than 300 different minerals have been found in North Carolina. The minerals include some of the most valuable and unique gems in the world.
The largest emerald ever found in North Carolina was 1,438 carats. It was found at Hiddenite near Statesville, SC.
North Carolina also was the site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States.
The best places to rockhound in North Carolina are the gemstone mines in the central and western parts of the state, like the town of Franklin. You can also find collectible rocks and minerals in stream gravels all across the state, especially near the mountains and Piedmont region.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
PROPST FARM
North Carolina
To collect at this location, you must first call the owner to set up a time and date.
Ron Lineberger 828-244-3055
INFORMATON
Find Rubies and Sapphires in this residential back yard!
To collect at this location, you must first call the owner to set up a time and date. Ron Lineberger 828-244-3055
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 bucket
- Shovel
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
MINE INFORMATON
Only paid miners are permitted to sit on the flume line, other than Li’l Miners as noted above. Other non-mining members of a group are welcome to enjoy our picnic area and lawn chairs.
Do not take Coon Creek Road, Flowers Gap Road, or Ruby Knoll Road.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
HOURS/PRICES
OPERATION OF THE CHEROKEE MINE IS “WEATHER PERMITTING”.
THE CHEROKEE MINE WILL BE CLOSED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AT THE ON-SITE MANAGER’S DISCRETION
The Cherokee mine closes at 4:00 sharp Monday through Saturday, and at 5:00 sharp on Sundays. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ARRIVING CUSTOMERS AFTER 1:00 p.m.
$25.00/Per Person – Includes One (1) Pre-Filled Bucket of our 100% Unsalted Gem Ore.
$5.00 per additional bucket of our 100% Unsalted Gem Ore.
CASH ONLY.
Age 5 and under: Free Admission with an accompanying paid miner (no mining screen or bucket of gem ore provided – Li’l Miners get to “assist” an older accompanying miner).
MINE INFORMATON
In addition to Rhodolite garnets, named for the native Rhododendron that grows across the mountains, the property has six other minerals – Corundum, which is Ruby and Sapphire, Kyanite, Moonstone, Smokey Quartz, Garnet, and Cordierite (a form of Iolite).
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
HOURS
January 2022 –
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00-3:00
February – CLOSED for the month
March – October 31, 2022
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday Noon – 5pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Noon – 5pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Gem Mine:
Open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sundays during the months of June – October 1-5 pm
Cutting Lesson $150.00 (Must make a paid reservation)
LITTLE PINE GARNET MINE
Call us at (800) 959-3513 or (828) 649-3464 to make your reservations today!
A credit card is required for all reservations. We accept all major credit cards.
Note: Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of the scheduled reservations, or you will be charged in full.
MINE INFORMATON
Horseback Riding Stables, Everyone Rides even the Disabled, No Age/Weight Limits, No Experience Necessary, OPEN-YEAR-ROUND! 1-800-959-3513 or 828-649-3464
Jackie Ball, owner /operator of Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. We cater to “first time riders, families & children”. We have “special horses” for a parent/child, children & big people! Horseback and Wagon rides, Wedding Carriage, Special Events w/catering and/or music, family friendly and have no age/weight limits, everyone rides, even the disabled, welcome large or small groups….. churches, birthday parties, family reunions, business groups, school groups, girl/boy scouts, etc., offer primitive camping, picnic shed, gift certificates, private rides, bus parking and clean facilities. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: rafting, hiking, fishing, clay shooting, biking, restaurants, shopping, and great accommodations!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
HOURS/PRICING
Ride Times: 10,11,12,1,2 & 3pm. All Day and 4hr. rides in the Summer.
We’re OPEN-YEAR-ROUND, seven days a week, weather permitting; except Thanksgiving and Christmas day, weather permitting!!!!
One Hour Horseback Ride
$55 Cash | $65 Card/Online
Two Hour Horseback Ride
$85 Cash | $95 Card/Online
Three Hour Horseback Ride
$120 Cash | $130 Card/Online
CHARLOTTE NC
Private Location
This is an exclusive dig site that is currently not open to the public. Join The Crystal Collector on FaceBook and become a supporter for opportunities to dig with him on certain exclusive digs and so much more. Only .99 a month https://www.facebook.com/Thecrystalcollector
MINE INFORMATON
Horseback Riding Stables, Everyone Rides even the Disabled, No Age/Weight Limits, No Experience Necessary, OPEN-YEAR-ROUND!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- Gallon buckets
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
HOURS
Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
By Horseback: Tools provided and you can bring a picnic lunch
By Car and short walk: Tools NOT provided. Check in is at the horseback riding office.
$50.00 (per person) Full Day
$25.00 (per person) Half day
One Gallon Limit!!!
Digging Smokey Quartz Crystals at a
PRIVATE LOCATION
in North Carolina
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.