Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine Franklin North Carolina
Dig for authentic rubies and sapphires in North Carolina's historic Cowee Valley. Experience 'unsalted' mining and unique night tours!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for natural light digging
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine Franklin North Carolina
Best Time
Best for natural light digging
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dig for authentic rubies and sapphires in North Carolina's historic Cowee Valley. Experience 'unsalted' mining and unique night tours!
"We had the best time today! My partner and daughter only planned to stay for an hour or two and wound up spending the entire day."
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
While shovels are provided, bringing your own tools can enhance your digging experience.
✨ Don't Miss Night Tours
The blacklight tours offer a magical way to find gems you might miss in daylight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Gem Digging
Mine Pits
Unearth your own rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones in a genuine, unsalted mining environment.
Night Tours with Blacklights
Mine Pits
Experience the thrill of finding gems under UV light after dark for a unique perspective.
Historical Significance
Mine Area
Discover Cowee Valley rubies, once sought after by Tiffany & Co.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unsalted Dig
Plan for a Full Day Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
While shovels are provided, bringing your own tools can enhance your digging experience.
✨ Don't Miss Night Tours
The blacklight tours offer a magical way to find gems you might miss in daylight.
💧 Prepare for Weather
Be ready for changing weather; some visitors enjoyed digging even in the rain! :umbrella:
💎 Identify Your Finds
Staff are knowledgeable and can help you identify your unearthed treasures. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Own Tools
While shovels are provided, bringing your own tools can enhance your digging experience.
✨ Don't Miss Night Tours
The blacklight tours offer a magical way to find gems you might miss in daylight.
💧 Prepare for Weather
Be ready for changing weather; some visitors enjoyed digging even in the rain! :umbrella:
💎 Identify Your Finds
Staff are knowledgeable and can help you identify your unearthed treasures. :gem:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating the mining area. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine for its authentic, 'unsalted' gem digging experience, making it a hit for all ages. The knowledgeable and welcoming staff, especially owners Eric and Zach, are frequently mentioned for enhancing the visit. While the experience is rustic, the thrill of discovery and the potential to find genuine gemstones make it a highly recommended destination for rockhounds and families alike. +1
"We had the best time today! My partner and daughter only planned to stay for an hour or two and wound up spending the entire day. Very rustic and authentic experience every rock hound would love. The staff were super helpful and knowledgeable and we loved every single part of our visit."
April Baxter
"Great experience for any rock hound of any age. Rustic and an authentic experience. We stayed hours and we actually found some nice stuff. Will definitely be back. We brought some tools but they had some shovels out. Plenty of buckets and space to use the flume."
Josie Berry
"We had such an awesome first time gem mining with my family at the Cherokee ruby and sapphire mine! Zach was extremely knowledgeable about the gems, gave us a tutorial on what to do and what to look for and also helped us identify our gems. Such a cool experience digging and washing our own stones and examining under the UV light. I would go again :)"
Julia Zimmerman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mine is located in Franklin, North Carolina. It's accessible by car, and many visitors combine their trip with other attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The drive from Asheville to Franklin is approximately 1 hour, making it a feasible day trip.
Parking is available on-site for visitors.
Yes, Franklin is known as the 'Gem Capital of the World,' and nearby attractions include other gem mines and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Public transportation options are limited in this area, so a personal vehicle is highly recommended for reaching the mine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary, but many visitors report paying around $65 for a full day of unlimited digging.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special tours.
Admission typically includes access to the digging areas, buckets, and use of flumes. Tools are often provided, but bringing your own is advised.
Yes, they offer daytime digging and special night tours that utilize blacklights for a unique gem-finding experience.
The mine is suitable for all ages, making it a great family activity.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
You can find genuine rubies, sapphires, quartz, feldspar, citrines, and other gemstones. The mine is known for being 'unsalted.'
Finding gems can vary; some visitors find a few in a couple of hours, while others find many throughout the day. Patience and persistence are key!
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Layers are recommended as weather can change. :athletic_shoe:
Absolutely! While basic tools are available, bringing your own can enhance your digging efficiency.
The mine has a rustic feel, and navigating the digging areas might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mine offers a rustic experience, and food options may be limited. It's advisable to pack snacks or plan to eat in Franklin. :apple:
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea to stay energized throughout your digging day. :sandwich:
Franklin has various restaurants, from casual diners to more upscale options, offering a range of cuisines.
There are no dedicated food storage facilities, so keep your items with you or in your vehicle.
While not explicitly stated, finding a designated picnic area might be difficult due to the nature of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors love capturing their gem-finding adventures. :camerawithflash:
The digging pits, the flumes, and any unique gems you find make for great photo opportunities. The night tours also offer unique visual potential.
Flash photography is usually permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and staff.
Avoid photographing private areas or staff without their permission. Focus on your experience and finds.
Visitors often share photos of their buckets of dirt, their unearthed gems (especially rubies and sapphires), and themselves enjoying the digging process.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents often highlight how much their children enjoy the experience, with many families spending the entire day at the mine.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many visitors report spending hours, making it a full-day activity that provides significant entertainment for the cost. To make it even more budget-friendly, pack your own lunch and snacks.
While they provide basic tools, if you already own digging equipment, bringing it can save on potential rental costs. The real value comes from the authentic experience and the possibility of finding beautiful gemstones to take home as unique souvenirs. 💍 Couples & Adventurous Pairs
The rustic setting and the thrill of the hunt provide a refreshing change from typical date activities. Consider booking a night tour for a particularly romantic and enchanting experience.
The glow of the blacklights and the quiet of the evening can create a magical atmosphere. It's an opportunity to connect with nature and each other while unearthing treasures from the earth. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Unsalted Mines
This unsalted approach means that the gems you find are a true reflection of the geological makeup of the Cowee Valley. While you might not find a gem in every bucket, the potential for unearthing valuable rubies and sapphires is real. The excitement lies in the hunt and the possibility of finding something truly unique, just as early prospectors did.
Night Digging: A Magical Experience
This special experience transforms the familiar digging pits into an otherworldly landscape. Under the glow of UV light, certain minerals and gems fluoresce, revealing hidden colors and patterns that are not visible in natural daylight. It's a completely different way to engage with the mining process and can lead to exciting discoveries. Visitors who have experienced the night tours often describe it as magical and highly recommended.
It's a fantastic opportunity to see your finds in a new light and potentially uncover gems that might have been overlooked during the day. The novelty of digging in the dark, illuminated by the eerie glow of blacklights, makes for a memorable adventure. This unique offering sets the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine apart and provides an unforgettable aspect to a gem-hunting trip. Gemstones of Cowee Valley
Visitors can expect to find a variety of gemstones, including the prized rubies and sapphires that give the mine its name. Beyond these, the sediment can yield other treasures like quartz, feldspar, and citrines, offering a diverse range of finds for every rockhound.
The thrill of sifting through the dirt and washing away the sediment, hoping to uncover a sparkling gem, is a core part of the appeal. +1 The knowledge that these stones have been part of the earth for millennia, and you have the chance to unearth them yourself, is a powerful draw.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit