Gem Mining in North Carolina

Families and groups of all sizes love going Gem Mining in NC when visiting the NC Blue Ridge Mountains. Little Switzerland NC is centrally located to all of the NC Gem Mining spots where gems like garnet, amethyst, emeralds, smoky quartz, white topaz, aquamarine, peridot, rubies, and sapphires are all waiting to be discovered on your next NC Gem Mining adventure.

Vacationers to Little Switzerland NC can go Gem Mining in NC and learn all about flume mining, a neat way to find gems of all types. Flume mining is done by placing a scoop of rough gem mountain ore onto a screen and rinsing with fresh, clean running water. The gemstones are cleaned and miners will see the gems as their vibrant colors and shapes are revealed. NC Gem Miners can identify what they have found and have their stones inspected free of charge. Many visitors to the NC Gem Mines have their stones cut and made into jewelry by the experienced gem cutters and gemologists.

All of the NC Gem Mining locations are open in the summer months and a few are open year round offering enclosed areas for the cooler months. Several of the NC Gem Mines are covered so you can enjoy flume mining rain or shine. The charming and cozy Little Switzerland Inn offers Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging near all of the NC Gem Mining spots in Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland and Foscoe. Come and stay with us on your next NC Blue Ridge Mountain Vacation.