Uncover Hidden Treasures with Emerald Village’s Gem Mining Adventure in Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking and no strenuous activity required.
Overview
Dive into the underground world of Emerald Village in Spruce Pine, NC, where you can mine authentic gemstones, explore a historic mine, and craft your own jewelry. Discover why this hands-on experience is a standout adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Combination Daytime Package
Self-guided Mine Tour, Mill Tour and Gemstone Bucket (Keep what you find!)
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About This Adventure
Discover the thrill of gem mining at Emerald Village, where you can explore a historic underground mine and a fascinating museum. Enjoy a hands-on experience sifting through gem-filled buckets, keeping your finds, and even transforming them into beautiful jewelry. It's a unique adventure in a stunning mountain setting!
Experience a REAL Gem Mine!
Hours of Operation
April, May, September, & October: 10:00am-5:00pm
Memorial day weekend through Labor Day weekend: 9:00am-6:00pm
About
The combination daytime discount package includes (1) the self-guided tour of the small underground Bon Ami Mine, (2) a self-guided tour of the 10-level Discovery Mill Museum, and (3) a Gem Bucket to search for gems (1-gallon bucket for ages 5 to 12 and 2-gallon bucket for ages 13 and up). Advance tickets or reservations are not required but buying this online combination package before you come will save you $5.00 per ticket!
One of the most exciting aspects about Emerald Village is the opportunity to prospect for gems and keep what you find. The special thing that sets Emerald Village apart from all the other “gem mines” is that we do it in REAL mines that have produced a variety of gems and minerals. Our North Carolina Gemstone Mine is located in the awesome Big Deal Mine, a historic underground mine that produced a variety of gems and minerals. These mines are closed now but provide a spectacular backdrop!
The Gemstone Mine is all about having fun in a comfortable, spectacular setting. We have two long covered flumes that run with cold mountain water. Mine for gems regardless of what the weather does. Our staff will explain the various gem buckets available and how to search for gems. We’ll help you identify what you find and our trained professionals will take your order to cut and polish your special finds and make them into attractive jewelry. What a great memento of your visit!
All our buckets (except the Native Bucket) contain ore mined from local mines, along with rough gems added from other mines so we can guarantee “A Gem Find Every Time!” The mixed buckets contain up to 25 different mixed varieties of gems including Amazonite, Amethyst, Aventurine, Aquamarine, Carnelian Agate, Citrine, Emerald, Fluorite, Garnet, Kyanite, Moonstone, Opal, Red Jasper, Rose Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Smoky Quartz, Sodalite, Topaz, Tourmaline, Unakite, and others.
Wheelchair/Stroller Access Note:
Because of stairs, the underground mine tour, the Black Light Mine Tour, and the Discovery Mill Building displays are NOT wheelchair/stroller accessible. The slide show, Gemstone Mine, gift shops, restrooms & picnic areas are all partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
What to Know
- We provide the equipment.
- Wear comfortable clothes but we’ve done the dirty work by providing buckets of gem-bearing materials to search through.
Adventure Tips
Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes
Mine tours involve walking on uneven surfaces; proper footwear ensures comfort and safety.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Mornings tend to be less busy, giving you more time for mining and museum exploration.
Dress in layered clothing
Underground mines can be cool year-round, so layers help adjust to temperature changes.
Keep your finds secured
Use your mining bucket to safely transport collected gems; some pieces can be fragile.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern box turtles often inhabit the surrounding forest
- Look out for pileated woodpeckers fluttering among the trees
History
Emerald Village is located in a region famously known as the 'Mineral Capital of the World' due to its abundance of rare minerals and gemstones.
Conservation
The site practices sustainable mining techniques to preserve the natural environment while allowing visitors hands-on experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protect your feet from rocky, uneven surfaces during mining activities.
Light jacket or fleece
Stay warm in the cool underground mine environment during spring visits.
spring specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure while exploring outside the mine.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your day of adventure and exploration.