How To Find Emeralds In North Carolina

North Carolina is known for its abundance of minerals and gemstones. Emeralds are among the many naturally occurring treasures in North Carolina. There are currently two emerald mines in North Carolina open to the public: the Crabtree Emerald Mine near Emerald Village, and Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite.

1. Schedule Your Visit

Contact the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association to schedule a visit to the Crabtree Emerald Mine. After being granted permission you must print two copies of a release form from the website.

2. Release and Fees

Sign and mail in one copy to the M.A.G.M.A. Club along with your check or money order for the total of your fees. As of 2018, the Crabtree Emerald Mine charges $20 per adult per day.

3. Carry the Release

Sign and retain the second copy of the release form. You will need to carry this copy with you during your visit to the mine. According to the Crabtree Emerald Mine, if you do not have the release form with you at the mine you will be asked to leave the property.

4. Rules and Digging

Follow the rules of the mine. Use only hand tools and do not tunnel or dig into the walls of the mine. Basic items like a shovel, pick, hammer and chisel are all that you will need. A bucket can be used for hauling specimens out of the mine for further inspection. Any gems or minerals that you find are yours to keep.

1. Planning to Visit

Visit the Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine. This is the only emerald mine in North America truly open to public prospectors.

2. Prospecting Choices

Choose your prospecting method. The Emerald Hollow Mine offers visitors three different ways to search for emeralds. According to the Emerald Hollow Mine website, staff is available to help you identify any specimens you may find.

3. Sluicing for Minerals

Choose the sluicing method if you prefer to sit in relative comfort while searching for emeralds. For a $5 admission fee, prospectors can sit at the covered sluiceway and rinse buckets of ore to find minerals and other valuable gemstones. One bucket of ore is provided free with your sluicing permit. Additional buckets range from $2 to $100.

4. "Creeking" for Minerals

Go "creeking." For an additional $3, you can use the sluiceway and mine the mineral-rich creek bed for emeralds. You can rent a creek screen and shovel for $1 plus a $5 refundable deposit.

5. Combination Permit

Purchase a $15 combination permit to enjoy the full experience of gem mining in NC. With this permit you can sluice, creek and even dig in the designated areas of the mine. You can rent digging tools for $2 plus a $10 refundable deposit. All gems and minerals that you find are yours to keep.