Once owned by Tiffany’s, the Sheffield Mine is one of the oldest Franklin mines still in operation. There are still plenty of rubies and sapphires to be found by avid gemologists who take the time to carefully separate the gems from the centuries-old clay in which they are buried. Visitors will be briefed on how to recognize a gemstone – many of which are caked with clay and granite and unremarkable to the un-trained eye. Each “prospector” gets a bucket of gem-bearing clay which has been excavated from the mine and then it is up to you to get on with the job of cleaning and sorting the stones. Everything you find in your bucket is yours to take home with you.

Address: Sheffield Mine, 385 Sheffield Farms Road, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-369-8383

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