NANTAHALA RIVER GEM MINE
AT NANTAHALA
GORGE
The Lure of Gem Mining in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina is well known as a
gem capital of the world, and is famous for its natural deposits of rubies and
sapphires. Both residents and visitors alike have followed the enticing and
adventurous pursuit of gemstones for many years.
How does the lure of gem mining capture the
imagination of so many? Maybe it's the fascination of the stories that Grandpa
told about finding the pretty red stones in the spring and collecting them in a
jar. Maybe it's the lure of finding a large and enormously valuable gem. Maybe
it's the intrique of finding a gem and having it faceted for your own unique
piece of jewelry, complete with a personal story. Maybe it's reading the media
stories of visitors who have found the "big one" while mining on their
vacation. Whatever the reason, Western North Carolina continues to attract
gemstone enthusiasts by the thousands every year. They come in search of the
precious stones, and many take home very successful finds!
THE STORY OF THE NANTAHALA RIVER GEM MINE
 A gemstone mine was first
opened to the public and operated at our site in the early 1980's. A small
wooden structure constructed with rough sawn lumber was used as a mine
building. The opportunity for gemstone mining was a big attraction to visitors
in the area. Participants continued to find a big variety of valuable gems in
great numbers, word spread, and the business grew. In 1997 the current
Nantahala River Gem Mine building was constructed on the site, replacing the
old structure, and providing a modern sales facility with the space for a
better operation that included a wide variety of unique gifts and souvenirs for
the convenience of our guests. A covered sluice area was constructed that
provides comfortable mining for guests rain or shine. The sluice is lighted and
allows summertime mining activity to extend into the hours after dark when
demand is the greatest.
At Nantahala River Gem Mine the gemstone
material comes from both the local area, and from mines all over the world.
Gems and minerals do not all run together. They come from a variety of
different mines, wherever that specific gem is found. Many of the mine sites
are in remote and not easily accessible locations. The gemstone material is
brought to our plant and packaged. It is then brought to our retail location at
Nantahala River Gem Mine in the Nantahala Gorge for your pleasure and
enjoyment. You may search for a variety of precious gemstones including rubies,
emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, moonstone,
rhodolite, aquamarine, turquoise, ametrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and a
continuing variety of both precious and semi-precious gems. Gemstone miners are
finding a treasure trove of 'cut stone quality' gem finds every season! Miners
can place orders for cut stones based on their finds.
GEMSTONE MINING PRICES
Prices normally range from $10.00 to $45.00 and all rates in
between, depending on which material you choose and from which mine.
CURRENT INTERNET DISCOUNT SPECIALS FOR GEMSTONE MINING
Reserve your gemstone mining adventure now while this
special offer is running on our website, mention this offer when reserving, and
get a free gem bag with the purchase of any gem bucket at the Nantahala River
Gem Mine!
PLACE AN ORDER FOR FINISHED GEMSTONES
 Bring your finds at the mine
to the gem mine operator for a free identification and evaluation of your
finds. The mine operator can tell you which stones are the best for cut stone
orders. Guests can placed orders for cut/finished gemstones, and provide your
specifications for the cutting style/shape etc. Look at the beautiful finished
stones on display and choose your favorite styles and shapes for your cut stone
orders. Your finished stones will then be mailed to your home in about 2 weeks,
ready to be set into fine jewelry! Check out our cut stone promo rates for this
season. Remember, AN INVESTMENT IN GEMSTONES IS AN INVESTMENT THAT YOU CAN
ENJOY!
HAPPY GEM HUNTING!
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