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GeneralGem mining in North Carolina?

9th Apr 2011 17:51 UTCBobb

My family is going to be taking a vacation in North Carolina July 4hy week and wanted to do some rock hounding. We're novices but don't want to do the "buy a bucket of dirt" at the road side stand. We're coming form FL so will have to rent what ever tools we need... I guess what we're looking for is a place where we can rent our tools and then dig, pan or sift for our gold or gems. Does anyone have a good place to do this at?

9th Apr 2011 18:23 UTCAndrew Brodeur

Hi Bob.... check out this link http://www.mcrocks.com/ The guy that runs this is very helpful and might be able to set you up or direct you to what you want. I'm not a big fan of Hiddenite NC, its a salted, pay by the bucket tourist trap. fun for kids but that's about it. There is a place just over the border in VA where you can dig for Staurolite xls, Fairy Stone State Park. Its just off the road behind a gas station , no big dogging tools can be used but you can find them digging with a stick.

enjoy,.... Andy

10th Apr 2011 15:33 UTCPaul Turner

Bob,

Definitely check out Mcrocks. For first timers I always recommend Ray Mine. Easy to get to, rocks all over the place and you will find something to make you happy. To find beryl I suggest you go up on the slope over the creek and dig into the mtn. You are actually digging into the mine tailings which are scattered all over the side of the mtn. These tailings vary in thickness from a few feet to more. (Have heard old miners tales of 20 feet but not sure).

You will need a crack hammer (3 lb small sledge mallet), and a gad point chisel and a small garden rake( three prong hand held). If you just want to collect on the surface and not get into the mtn just carry a crack hammer, gad point and a bucket.

You can find tourmaline, apatite, tiny garnets, mica, and Beryl ( gonna have to dig for it).

12th Apr 2011 01:08 UTCAnonymous User

The Ray mine now has a specific designated digging area, per the Forest Service, as of a few months ago so make sure and check up on that. I would hate to have someone ruin it just because they didn't know. Try the Crabtree emerald mine as well. Not many times do you get to actually dig at a real emerald mine that wasn't salted. The rockhound designated area is ABOVE the creek area as can be seen on the attached map.

http://www.varockhounder.com/uploads/2011041116583631.jpg

14th Apr 2011 01:10 UTCMike Dennis

The Ray mine is a really good place to get started.Lots of minerals to choose from and a beautiful location in the mountains.Don't forget to leave a donation for parking at the bottom of the trail.

14th Apr 2011 14:09 UTCMike Dennis

check www.huntforgold.com Thermal city gold Mine outside of Marion NC is a good place to pan for gold unsalted.

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