You’ll Get Hooked On Rockhounding When You Visit Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine In North Carolina
Whether you’re new to the hobby of gem mining or you’re already knee deep into this fun past time, a visit to Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine near Sylva, North Carolina, will either ignite or reignite the passion for rockhounding. That’s because not all gem mines operate the same way. At some, you’ll mine natural, unpeppered soil and whether you find anything is up to chance. But at Rockhound Ridge, you’re guaranteed to find a certain amount of gems in that bucket of soil you purchase. The experience is a shoe-in for those just starting their rockhounding journey.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Welcome to Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine, found high on a ridge above US-441 and just off of NC-23 between Sylva and Franklin, North Carolina!
The $12 bucket, for instance, has 30 different gemstones in it weighing in at one pound. The Rockhound bucket costs $25 and has 40 different gemstones weighing in at three pounds. Or, you can narrow your gems to just emeralds, just ruby and sapphires, or just opals, with special buckets for each at a cost of $50 each. There are even more expensive and more heavily laden buckets, too. See the full list here.
The specialty buckets contain gems that are large enough to cut.
Of course the friendly family that owns and operates this business is always willing to lend a hand and share their expert knowledge, but you can also refer to the giant gem identification chart at the sluice.
When you've finished mining for gems, be sure to step inside the gem store to see (and purchase) a variety of gems from around the world.
If you have yet to get into the fun activity of gem mining, then a visit to Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine is sure to kick off your new hobby in the best way possible.
Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine is open six days a week (every day except Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more from the official website for Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine, and give it a follow on Facebook here.
Address: 8430 US-441, Sylva, NC 28779, USA
North Carolina In Your Inbox
Thank you! You will receive your first newsletter soon.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: [email protected]
Love North Carolina?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
