Hiddenite, NC

  • Phone: 866-600-4367
  • Website: http://www.hiddenitegems.com/
  • Length of Vacation: Day trip
  • Cost: $5 and up, depending on what you want to do
  • Open: 362 days a year, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Type of Prospecting: Emerald, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Garnet
  • Equipment: Available for rent
  • Instruction: Staff are available for help
  • Lodging: none available
  • Meals: bring your own

From their website:

The Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world that is open to the public for prospecting. Located in the heart of one of the only emerald bearing deposits on the North American continent, finds worth thousands of dollars are not at all uncommon here. One recent find in the area is currently valued at over one million dollars! Best of all, the surface has hardly been scratched, offering mind-boggling potential for plenty more big finds. The latest finds are astounding, breaking the largest emerald crystal record of 1686 carats.

We invite all to visit the mine and try your luck at prospecting for valuable gemstones. We offer three large “state of the art” sluiceways where you may wash buckets filled with ore taken directly from the mine. Additionally, unlike most gem mines that are open to the public, we offer other prospecting options as well.

Encompassing more than seventy beautiful wooded acres with access to over a half mile of winding creeks, we also allow visitors to prospect for gemstones in the creeks and permitted digging areas.

Besides the excitement of finding valuable gemstones, the mine offers breathtaking scenic views, abundant wildlife and plenty of nature at its best. Please do not pick the wild flowers. We have wooded picnic areas and public restrooms. All set in a rustic mining town atmosphere, we also have a gift shop and lapidary shop where you may shop for fine jewelry and affordable gemstone gifts.

Travel Channel Video: http://www.travelchannel.com/video/rockhounds-find-emeralds-11502