Wholesome family fun awaits at the many gem mines found in North Carolina. You can’t beat a rock hounding adventure filled with digging, sifting, sluicing, and more. When you’re nearby to Franklin, head over to Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine for hours of enjoyment looking for rubies and sapphires.
On an average day at the mine, visitors find anywhere from 10 to 60 carats worth of sapphires.
This is one family adventure you'll want to repeat over and over. Even after just one visit, you'll walk away with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Mason's Mine opened for public mining in the 1950s, after the mine first opened in 1942 as a commercial mine. Once it shifted to a dig your own native sapphire dirt mine, the general public began filtering in to score some blue rocks.
As mentioned, Mason's is a dig you own native dirt mine. So you'll want to come prepared for anything. In case it rains, bring rubber boots with tread on the soles and other rain gear.
Otherwise, any shoes with toes in them are good. And you'll probably want a change of clothes for afterward. Come prepared to get sloppy dirty looking for rubies and sapphires.
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Some big, big sapphires have been found at Mason's.
The two largest sapphires found in the last 20 years include a 129.5 carat sapphire found by someone from Indiana and a 91.5 carat sapphire found just last year by someone from Florida.
Native gem mining means all of the rubies and sapphires you find at Mason's are native to the property. This mine does not salt (or pepper) the dirt with non-native gems. The soil here is just rich... very rich.
Current pricing is super affordable. Prices are $35 per miner for those age 12 and over, $15 per miner for those aged 6-11, and free for those under the age of 6.
Coming from out of town? Bring the camping gear and spend the night.
Mason's has a campground. See the website (link below) for more information.
Have you mined for rubies and sapphires at Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine in Franklin? We’d love to hear from you in our comments!
Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire mine is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Last call to dig dirt is at 2:30 p.m. Learn more from the official website, and go here to follow on Facebook.
