Gem Mountain: Find lots of local materials such as Crabtree Emerald, Wiseman and Brushy Creek Aquamarine, as well as Moonstones, Garnets, Citrine, Amethyst, Rubies, Sapphires and others brought fresh to the mine daily. Located on the French Broad River in a park with an authentic 8' waterwheel, water tower, mining sluice, old time wagon and Teepee. Read more.Īsheville Outdoor Center: Grab a bucket and sluicing box and find some real gemstones, Rubies, Sapphires and fossils near downtown Asheville and Biltmore. South of Marion, about 43 miles east of Asheville. Pan for gold and gems, talk to a real prospector and explore the 'Old West' buildings with plenty of interesting things to see. Thermal City Gold Mine: Visit this authentic gold mine, early site of the local 1800s gold rush. Before or after panning for gems and gold, take a tour of the NC Mining Museum to an underground mine. TOP PICK! Emerald Village: This fascinating group of gem, mining and historical attractions (photo above) is located a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland - near Spruce Pine.

Also find some impressive collections of gems in several museums.

Most of the authentic mines for panning are in two areas: Spruce Pine and Franklin.

Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for years, with a history of mining that goes back centuries.

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