Gem mining played a huge role in the High Country’s history. You can just imagine how the shiny rubies, topaz, and emeralds grabbed peoples’ imaginations and started the Gold Rush. The area is honeycombed with gem mines and most are rich in gems of different kinds. Finding gems in real mines is a hard job that requires patience, equipment, and experience. At the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, the hard work has already been done for the visitors.

They can buy buckets of gems mixed with soil and rocks and sift through them in search of real, beautiful gems. It is a fun activity for kids and there’s a competition for who can find the most valuable stones. If you wish, you can use the mine shop to set your precious stones in a piece of jewelry.

4416 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607, Phone: 828-963-4367

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