Digging for Treasure: Discovering Gems in the South
Whether it’s diamonds, rubies or emeralds that capture your fancy, more than likely you can find them in the South. And no, I’m not talking finding them in jewelry stores or gem shops, either; that’s the easy way. This is about getting out there and digging in dirt (or in a bucket.) Here are a few places around the region to go prospecting:
Search for cluster crystals points at Arrowhead Crystal Mine in Mt. Ida, Arkansas.
It’s finders-keeper at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfrees
boro, Arkansas. This is the only diamond-producing site in the world that allows you, the public, to actively search for diamonds. There is not telling what you can find on the 37-acres, and if you don’t believe me, the last large find was in 2006, the Roden Diamond at 6.43 carats.
Dig for Star Rose quartz, along with other minerals, at Hogg Mine in LaGrange, Ga. This mine host digs on Saturdays, but you must contact them ahead of time if you are interested in visiting.
Discover gems in your bucket at Gold ‘n Gem Grubbin’ in Cleveland, Ga. Find anything from rubies to amethyst to topaz, and even gold. You have the option of getting wet and dirty through mining at the creek, or staying dry by shifting through buckets.
Perhaps the best place to go gem mining is in North Carolina. The city of Franklin is referred to as “Gem Capital of the World,” and with good reason, it is home to about 10 mines. With this many to choose from, there is no reason why can’t walk away with a gem or two.
Like sapphires? Search for them at Old Pressley Sapphire Mines, located in Canton. It happens to be one of the oldest operating mine in western North Carolina.
Search for emeralds and other gems at Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, N.C., the only emerald mine in the United States open to the public for mining.
Photo credits: (top left) Gems, courtesy of BigStock Photo, (right) Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro, Ark., courtesy of Arkansas Tourism, (bottom left) Minerals, courtesy of BigStock Photo.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Cities of the South, Gem Mining, Small Towns to Visit, Southern Byways, Things to See in Arkansas, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in North Carolina, road trip
5 opinions for Digging for Treasure: Discovering Gems in the South
Heather- The New York City Traveler
May 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I saw some of these places mentioned in a show on the Travel Channel.
Geez, the hope of finding a diamond would even make this city girl dig through dirt for hours!
Apryl
May 11, 2008 at 7:12 pm
You wouldn’t think you would find diamonds those size in an open mine. It’s incredible and very tempting.
sherry
May 13, 2008 at 8:39 am
That sounds like a lot of fun. I could really get into digging for jewels. I’m not a big fan of diamonds because I have serious issues with the whole conflict diamond problem, but if I dug it up myself then I could feel better about it!
Apryl
May 13, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Yes, this way is better.
Apryl
Lori
Jun 6, 2008 at 7:49 pm
My boyfriend and I went to Franklin NC in April. It was a very worthwhile trip. We came home with several gems ranging from silver topaz to a 158 ct ruby. I would recommend this area to anyone.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: