148 votes

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

41 Cherokee Mine Road, Franklin, North Carolina 28734 USA

Reasonable

Closed Now

Opens Thu 10a

Independent

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is Macon County's ONLY 100% Unsalted Mine, located in the heart of the Beautiful Cowee Valley of North Carolina's Smoky Mountains.Please note: Operation of the mine is weather-dependent, and the mine will close for inclement weather.Please also note: ---Admissions for Dig-Your-Own Buckets cease at 1:00 PM.---Admissions for Pre-Filled Buckets cease at 2:00 PM.This is to enable sufficient time to process the gem ore and maximize the success of your mining experience. Our mining ore is 100% virgin material, and requires between 30 and 60 minutes to properly and completely search, so the earlier a customer can possibly arrive, the greater the odds of having a successful day.In addition, Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is open from May 1st though October 31st. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is CLOSED from November 1st through April 30th.

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Reviewed by
tina.lashley

1 Review
0 Helpful

September 16, 2023

Rated 5.0

We went there on our way back from Florida. They owners are super nice and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend it’s not commercialized more rustic. Your not guaranteed anything but great memories. Although I did find a 2.5 carat ruby. And another smaller one. Will definitely go again

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Reviewed by
Matt Anspach

1 Review
0 Helpful

June 13, 2021

Rated 5.0

Awesome place! You aren't necessarily going to find the giant pieces of quartz like at a salted mine, but it is just as exciting, if not more exciting when you find a sapphire or ruby there. Matt and Lisa do a wonderful job providing a good education on what to expect, what to look for, and are extremely helpful in helping you find your litteral gems in the rough! A must visit.

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