The mountains around the Blue Ridge Parkway are some of the oldest in the world, and the complex mountain-building process of squeezing, folding, faulting, and fracturing rock has left the area rich in mineral deposits. The mountains near Franklin, NC are known for rubies, sapphires, and garnets; Spruce Pine, NC is known for emeralds, aquamarines, and quartz; and the mountains of Western North Carolina have a rich history of gold mining.

Gem mining is usually done in groups and has no age limit, which makes it an excellent family-friendly activity for Parkway vacationers. Most gem mines offer buckets of “native” or “enriched” rough material that is sifted through to reveal beautiful stones. You’ll sit at the flume (a long trough of running water) and using a screen box, sift through the dirt to find your treasures. Many gem mines will make and sell keepsake items, like jewelry, out of the stones that you find.

Visit our Nature Guide for more information about Gemstones & Minerals native to the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a list of recommended gem mines, visit the Virtual Blue Ridge Travel Directory.