Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine has offered visitors the chance to dig for their own gemstones since 1950. For a modest fee, visitors can spend a few hours finding out just how challenging it is to harvest precious gemstones. You will be instructed on the basics of gemstone mining during an orientation session before setting off with a spade and a bucket to find your own precious stones in a designated area. Once you have dug up a bucket of ore you will need to spend some time rinsing and separating the rocks from the gems. Whatever you find at the end of the session is yours to take home.

Address: 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-369-9742

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