TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Near Spruce Pine NC. All the precious stones - emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds (as well as gold) are found in the NC mountains. The largest emerald (1891 carets) ever found in North America came from Hiddenite, NC, east of here.
niteman3d
Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA
Wonderful shot, scary hole!
Neat.
Visitors allowed inside?
I really like the shot. Hard rock mining for sure
Nice shot. Anyone mining there currently? Yeah, I've read about the "gold rush" in North Carolina in the early days of our country.
Interesting scene, did not know that about the gems of NC...thanks for sharing!!
Nice one, TriX.
Apparently, they removed the enjoyment of poking around inside by constructing a fence across the opening. That's sort of a bummer.
--Bob
TriX wrote:
Near Spruce Pine NC. All the precious stones - emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds (as well as gold) are found in the NC mountains. The largest emerald (1891 carets) ever found in North America came from Hiddenite, NC, east of here.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Thank you everyone for the kind words. The mine (like most) has a fast flowing stream next to the entrance and they have an area for panning by visitors using a sluice of the tailings from the mine, but I don’t believe visitors are allowed in this one. Active mines have a permit and visitors must pay (typically $10) to be added to the permit and sign a safety waiver. Depending on the mine, you may be allowed to pan after purchasing a bucket of tailings, enter the mine or prospect in the stream bed. You may bring your own tools with some limitations. Here’s the website of an active mine near where the largest Emerald in North America was found:
https://www.emeraldhollowmine.com/
Lots of tourist mining from bucket sluices in N.C. A few places allow you to dig your own bucket to wash. Search for sites online before you drive there.
You'll likely find garnet and possibly some corundum (ruby/sapphire) if you are lucky. Almost all buckets are "salted" with specimens not found locally (quartz, amethyst, garnet, etc.). Finds in the bucket depend upon the price paid for the bucket (more specimens for more money - duhhhh). Still great fun for the beginner 'rockhound' of all ages. The stones really will not be "gem quality," but still a fun day to collect.
If you want to get more involved, research where the "rhodolite" garnets are found. Go there, walk up to where they are found in N.C. and search for your own gem quality rhodolite garnets to be cabbed or faceted. (Yes, I can change rough gem stones into cabochons and faceted shapes. This has been my 'hobby' for more than 25 years.)
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Paul Diamond wrote:
Lots of tourist mining from bucket sluices in N.C. A few places allow you to dig your own bucket to wash. Search for sites online before you drive there.
You'll likely find garnet and possibly some corundum (ruby/sapphire) if you are lucky. Almost all buckets are "salted" with specimens not found locally (quartz, amethyst, garnet, etc.). Finds in the bucket depend upon the price paid for the bucket (more specimens for more money - duhhhh). Still great fun for the beginner 'rockhound' of all ages. The stones really will not be "gem quality," but still a fun day to collect.
If you want to get more involved, research where the "rhodolite" garnets are found. Go there, walk up to where they are found in N.C. and search for your own gem quality rhodolite garnets to be cabbed or faceted. (Yes, I can change rough gem stones into cabochons and faceted shapes. This has been my 'hobby' for more than 25 years.)
Lots of tourist mining from bucket sluices in N.C.... (
show quote)
Good information Paul, what type of cutting and faceting machines do you use? Clearly, most of these sites are tourist attractions, but I’d like to get a little deeper into it. Hiddenite, NC is only a couple hour drive for me, so thinking of some day trips.
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