Ruby City Gems Franklin North Carolina
Discover a dazzling world of gems, fossils, and minerals at this free museum and store, featuring the world's largest amethyst!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Ruby City Gems Franklin North Carolina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a dazzling world of gems, fossils, and minerals at this free museum and store, featuring the world's largest amethyst!
"Absolutely incredible time at Ruby City Gems and Minerals! The museum is a must see and you will most likely find something you want to buy!"
Don't Miss the Museum!
The museum is a highlight, featuring an enormous amethyst and fascinating family history.
Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The team is super helpful with questions about gems, fossils, and local rockhounding spots.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 262 reviews
Type
Jewelry Store
Website
rubycity.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Colossal Amethyst
Museum
Behold the awe-inspiring 800-pound amethyst, a truly massive and unforgettable centerpiece of the museum's collection.
Gemstone & Fossil Displays
Museum & Store
Explore a dazzling array of gems, fossils, tumbled stones, and unique mineral specimens from around the world.
Mining Supplies & Tumblers
Store
Find everything you need for your own rockhounding adventures, from mining supplies to rock tumblers for polishing your finds.
Family History & Artifacts
Museum
Discover the rich family history behind Ruby City Gems, with a collection spanning generations of passion for minerals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gem Hunting & Museum Marvels
Franklin's Gemstone Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Museum!
The museum is a highlight, featuring an enormous amethyst and fascinating family history.
Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The team is super helpful with questions about gems, fossils, and local rockhounding spots.
Find Your Own Treasure
Browse a huge selection of raw rocks perfect for tumbling or unique gemstones to take home.
Check for Auctions
Follow their social media for live auctions featuring unique items.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Museum!
The museum is a highlight, featuring an enormous amethyst and fascinating family history.
Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The team is super helpful with questions about gems, fossils, and local rockhounding spots.
Find Your Own Treasure
Browse a huge selection of raw rocks perfect for tumbling or unique gemstones to take home.
Check for Auctions
Follow their social media for live auctions featuring unique items.
Iconic Sign Photo Op
Snap a pic with the famous Ruby City Gems sign looking towards Nikwasi Mound.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ruby City Gems for its impressive, free museum featuring a colossal amethyst and a rich family history. The store offers a vast selection of gems, fossils, and supplies, complemented by exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a highly recommended stop for families, collectors, and road-trippers alike.
"This is amazing rock store and museum if you are in Franklin North Carolina I would highly recommend it. My brother found a bunch of ruby’s and left to be cut. The employees are extremely helpful and friendly. The museum is very cool having the biggest Amethyst I have ever seen weighing in at 800 pounds. There were lots of other cool rocks as well including arrowheads. Over all I would highly recommend."
Elliot Smith
"absolutely incredible time at Ruby City Gems and Minerals! the museum is a must see and you will most likely find something you want to buy! everything in this store is so cool and i was happy to go in and visit!"
Lexi Hodges
"Not just a gem shop you have to check out the museum for a neat history tour. The store is well laid out and has something for everyone. The staff is very attentive and knowledgeable. Next time you're in Franklin NC please check out all the downtown stores and cafes."
Jim Ferrara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ruby City Gems is located on Main Street in downtown Franklin, NC, at the top of the hill. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the downtown area.
Street parking is available in downtown Franklin, and there are also public parking lots nearby. It's recommended to check local signage for specific parking regulations.
Absolutely! It's described as a must-see and a great roadside attraction, perfect for breaking up a long drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ruby City Gems is a free museum and store! Visitors can explore the impressive collection without any entry cost.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during standard business hours, especially on weekdays and weekends. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the store offers a vast selection of gems, fossils, tumbled stones, jewelry, and mining supplies for purchase.
Yes, they do! Visitors have mentioned leaving sapphires and rubies to be cut, indicating they offer gem cutting services.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts an incredible collection, including the world's largest amethyst (800 lbs), various cool rocks, fossils, arrowheads, and artifacts showcasing the family's multi-generational history.
Yes, reviewers consistently praise the staff for being extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about their extensive collection.
Beyond standard gems and fossils, you can find unique items like laser-engraved pieces, giant geodes, and a wide selection of rough rocks for tumbling.
Absolutely! It's a fascinating place for all ages, with a museum that educates and a store full of intriguing items that kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring.
Yes, they offer a good selection of mining supplies and rock tumblers, catering to those interested in pursuing their own rockhounding adventures.
📸 📸 Photography
While there are no explicit rules mentioned, visitors often share photos of the museum and store, suggesting photography is generally permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
The iconic Ruby City Gems sign with the view of Nikwasi Mound is a popular photo spot. Inside, the massive amethyst and unique displays offer great photographic opportunities.
You're welcome to photograph items you're interested in, especially if you're considering them for custom cutting or as souvenirs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit