Introduction
You’re in Asheville, and you want to find some gemstones. Lucky for you, we know just where to go!
Asheville, North Carolina is known for its stunning mountain scenery and vibrant art scene. But the city is also home to a number of gemstone mines, where visitors can hunt for their own treasures. Here are some of the best places to find gemstones in Asheville.
There are a few places in Asheville where you can find gemstones. One place is the Rock Shop on Patton Avenue. They have a wide variety of stones, including many from North Carolina. Another great place to find gems is the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. This park is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public.
You can search for diamonds and other gems or take a guided tour. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more exotic, you can go to the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Museum in Spruce Pine. This museum has one of the largest collections of minerals and gems in the Southeast United States.
In this blog we will let you know about where to Find Gemstone in Asheville, so lets get started-
The History of Gemstones in Asheville
Although the first gems were mined in North Carolina over 200 years ago, it was not until the late 19th century that Asheville became a center for gemstone mining. The city’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are rich in minerals, made it an ideal location for mining operations.
In 1881, the first commercial mine was established in Asheville, and by the early 20th century, there were nearly 200 mines in operation. Most of these mines were small-scale operations, but some of the more notable mines included the American Ruby Mine and the Diamond Hill Mine.
How to Find the Best Gems and Jewelry in Asheville?
Asheville is well-known for its many treasures, and that includes hidden gemstones! If you’re looking for the best gems and jewelry in Asheville, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are a few tips on how to find them:
- First, take the time to visit several different stores. This will give you a chance to see a wide variety of options and get a feel for each store’s unique style.
- Second, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. The staff at each store should be more than happy to help you find the perfect piece of jewelry for your needs.
- Third, remember that price isn’t everything. Many stores offer financing options, so you can find something that’s both beautiful and affordable.
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- First, get a good-quality metal detector. This will help you sift through the dirt and rock to find the treasure beneath.
- Second, research where gemstones are typically found in the area. This will help you focus your search in areas where they are more likely to be found.
- Third, be patient and persistent! Finding these hidden gems takes time and effort, but it is so worth it when you finally uncover one.
With these tips in mind, go out and explore Asheville for yourself! You never know what you might find.
The Most Popular Gemstones Found in Asheville
Asheville is home to a variety of gemstones, but there are a few that are more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular gems in Asheville and where you can find them.
- Rubies can be found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are usually small but can be up to two inches long.
- Sapphires are also found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They come in various colours, but the most common are blue and green.
- Emeralds are found in the Appalachian Mountains. They range in colour from light green to dark green.
- Amethysts are found in the Great Smoky Mountains. They range in colour from light purple to dark purple.
Where To Find Gemstones In Asheville?
1. The Blue Ridge Mountains
Asheville is well-known for its natural landscape, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are a big part of that. If you want to find some gemstones, head to these mountains and explore the creeks, rivers and forests. You’re sure to find something glittering in the sun!
2. The Emerald Hollow Mine
If you’re looking for a place to find gemstones in Asheville, the Emerald Hollow Mine is a great option. They offer hourly gemstone mining tours where you can find all sorts of beautiful gems, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
The Emerald Hollow Mine is located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina—about an hour’s drive from Asheville. They offer both day and night tours so that you can choose the best option. And if you find a stunning gemstone, they offer a buy-back policy so that you can buy it from them directly.
3. The Crabtree Emerald Mine
If you’re looking for a place to find some of the most beautiful gemstones in Asheville, you need to head to the Crabtree Emerald Mine. This privately-owned mine has been in operation since the early 1990s, and it is the only place where you can find emeralds.
The Crabtree Emerald Mine is open to the public, and you can find a wide variety of gemstones there, including rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. They also offer gem identification and cutting classes, so it’s a great place to learn more about gemstones.
4. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asheville, North Carolina. The mine offers visitors the opportunity to sift through dirt and gravel to find hidden treasures. While many people come for the fun of it, others are serious gem hunters looking for valuable stones.
The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is home to a variety of different gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Visitors can purchase bags of dirt or gravel that contain these precious stones. The mine also offers gemstone mining kits that include all the necessary supplies for a successful hunt.
5. Pisgah Forest Gem Mine
The Pisgah Forest Gem Mine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asheville, North Carolina. The mine offers visitors the opportunity to search for a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
The mine is also home to a large number of fossils, including those of ancient sharks and reptiles. In addition to the gemstones and fossils, the Pisgah Forest Gem Mine also offers a variety of other activities, such as gold panning and hiking.
6. Johnnie’s Creek Gold Panning Site
You’ll find Johnnie’s Creek Gold Panning Site just six miles from downtown Asheville. This is an excellent spot for beginner gold panners, as there is a good chance you’ll find some gold here.
There are two ways to access the creek—by foot or by car. If you choose to walk, it’s about a half-mile hike from the parking area. The hike is pretty easy, and it’s a great way to exercise while looking for gemstones.
If you opt to drive, you can park at the nearby ranger station and walk down the creek. Either way, you’ll want to bring your panning equipment.
7. Emerald Village
Emerald Village is home to the largest collection of gemstones in North Carolina. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Emerald Village offers a unique opportunity to learn about and mine for rare and valuable minerals. The village features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a mineral museum, an underground mine, and a working gold panning flume.
8. Thermal City Gold Mine
Thermal City Gold Mine is the perfect place to prospect for gemstones in Asheville, North Carolina. With its convenient location and ample parking, it is the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. The mine offers a variety of services, including gold panning, sluicing, and Gemstone mining. Gemstone mining is a great way to find hidden treasure. All you need is a shovel and a sieve.
9. Asheville’s Best Gem Mine
Deep within the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, lies a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered. At Asheville’s Best Gem Mine, visitors can experience the thrill of unearthing their very own gemstones. The mine is home to a variety of rare and valuable stones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. And with a little luck, visitors might even find a diamond!
1o. Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine.
The Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine is the only place in the world where you can find and mine your own rubies and sapphires. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the mine offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of gem hunting. Visitors to the mine can sift through dirt and gravel in search of these precious stones. Rubies and sapphires are found in a variety of colors, ranging from deep reds and blues to light pinks and greens.
11. Asheville Outdoor Center
As anyone who has ever taken a hike in the Asheville area can attest, there are an abundance of gemstones to be found. From amethysts and rubies to sapphires and emeralds, the outdoor center is a veritable treasure trove for rock hounds of all ages. In addition to being beautiful, these stones also have unique histories.
12. Franklin Gemstone Mine
The hunt for precious gemstones can take you to some incredible places—and the Franklin Gemstone Mine is one of them.
Situated in the mountains of Western North Carolina, this mine is known for its amethyst, agates, and petrified wood. And it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for an adventure since you can go inside the mine and dig for gems yourself.
The Franklin Gemstone Mine is open from March through November, so if you’re planning a trip, check the schedule in advance. You can also buy a bucket of gems to take home with you, which makes for a great souvenir.
What to Expect When You Visit a Gemstone Store in Asheville?
When you visit a gemstone store in Asheville, you can expect to see a wide variety of rocks and minerals from around the world. The store may also offer a variety of services, such as gemstone identification and appraisals.
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You can also expect to find a knowledgeable staff who can help you select the right gemstones for your needs. In addition, the store will likely have a selection of tools and accessories to help you care for your gemstones.
What to Do With the Gemstones You Find?
You might be wondering what to do with all the gemstones you find. Luckily, there are a few options. You can:
- Keep them as is and put them on display
- Polish them and make jewellery out of them
- Sell them to a jeweller or gemologist
If you decide to sell your gemstones, you’ll need to have them evaluated first. This is because different gemstones are worth different amounts of money. For example, a 1-carat diamond is worth much more than a 1-carat emerald.
Once you have evaluated your gemstones, you can take them to a jeweller or gemologist and get an idea of their worth. You can decide whether you want to sell them or keep them!
Why Asheville Is a Good Place to Find Gemstones?
There are a few reasons why Asheville is an excellent place to find gemstones. For one, many old mines in the area have been abandoned and are now open to the public. And secondly, the Appalachian Mountains are a hotbed for geologic activity, which means there are a lot of interesting rocks and minerals to be found.
So if you’re interested in trying gemstone hunting, Asheville is definitely the place to do it. Make sure you research before going, so you know where and what to look for.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your time in Asheville, be sure to check out the local gemstone mines. There is no shortage of options when it comes to finding gems in this area, so take your time and explore all of the different mines in the area. You may just find the perfect stone to take home with you.
If you’re looking for a place to find gemstones in Asheville, you’ll have plenty of options. There are a variety of stores that sell gemstones, as well as several places where you can go on a gemstone hunt. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Asheville.
If you’re interested in buying gemstones, the best places to check out are The Gem Shop, Blue Ridge Mining Company, and The Beaded Frog. These stores all carry a wide variety of gemstones, and the staff is usually very knowledgeable about the stones they sell. If you’re looking to go on a gemstone hunt, several companies in Asheville offer guided hunts.
These companies will take you to areas with a high concentration of gemstones, and you’ll be able to keep whatever you find. Guided hunts are a great option if you want to see many gems, but they can be expensive.
No matter what your budget or interests are, you’re sure to be able to find gemstones in Asheville. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to find the gems you’re looking for.
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