The Nantahala River Gem Mine is near Bryson City, NC in the Nantahala River Gorge. Well known for its gems Western North Carolina is famous for its natural deposits of rubies and sapphires. Prospectors and treasure hunters have hunted for these elusive treasures ever since this area was settled. Now locals and visitors alike come to try their hand at gem mining. How does the lure of gem mining capture the imagination of so many? Maybe it’s the fascination of the stories that Grandpa told about finding the pretty red stones in the spring and collecting them in a jar. Maybe it’s the lure of finding a large and enormously valuable gem. Maybe it’s the intrigue of finding a gem and having it faceted for your own unique piece of jewelry, complete with personal story. Maybe it’s reading the media stories of visitors who have found the “big one” while mining on their vacation. Whatever the reason, Western North Carolina continues to attract gem stone enthusiasts by the thousands every year. They come in search of the precious stones, and many take home successful finds!
The Story of the Nantahala River Gem Mine
At Nantahala River Gem Mine the gemstone material comes from both the local area, and from mines all over the world. Gems and minerals do not all run together. They come from a variety of different mines, wherever that specific gem is found. Many of the mine sites are in remote and not easily accessible locations. The gemstone material is brought to our bagging plant and bagged. It is then brought to our retail location in the Nantahala River Gorge for your pleasure and enjoyment. You may search for a variety of precious gemstones including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, moonstones, rhodolite, apatite, aquamarine, turquoise, ametrine, Mexican opal, rose quartz, smoky quartz, chrysophase, and a continuing variety of both precious and semi-precious gems. Gemstone miners are finding a treasure trove of gemstone quality finds every season!
Hours of Operation:
Although the gem mine is open daily during the summer, generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the hours of operation may vary. In the off-season months, the mine may not be open at all unless you call us and make a reservation. You may call us for a reservation for gemstone mining at 828 488 6345.
For a full day of attractions visit the Nantahala River Gem Mine and go Nantahala River rafting!
For Gem Mine Reservations Call 828-488-9819
