Panning for Gems, a Great Family Activity in the North Carolina Mountains

Most mines sell gem dirt in a bucket or bag. You are provided with a screen for washing and there is a flume – a trough of running water. You pour some dirt in the screen, dunk the screen in the water and the water washes the mud away. It is an inexpensive activity that young children especially will enjoy. See what gems and quartz you can find!

  • Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine

    Address: 97 Tsali Boulevard
    Cherokee
    NC
    28719

    Call: 828-497-6574

    Choose from a wide variety of bags and buckets; all equipment is furnished for free. All gem mining and gold panning troughs are covered and offer seating. Bring your gems to the assay office for identification and then utilize the lapidary and jeweler for polishing and setting. And don't forget to visit the gem, gift, and rock shop before you go. Open year round.

    • The History of WNC Gem Mining

    Mining for ruby and sapphire began in the Western North Carolina mountains in the late 1800s. Called corundum, the minerals were mined commercially to use as abrasives on everything from sandpaper to large machines used in machining metals, plastics and wood. Corundum and other minerals, mica and kaolin were shipped out of the mountains in large quantities. Mining companies had an interest in the area, hoping to find the source of the rubies found in the corundum mines. Their search ended in the early part of the 20th century leaving the area open to rock hounds and gem enthusiasts.

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce
    210 Main Street
    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Email

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

    877-472-1681

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