Crisson Gold Mine

While most people think of California when they think of the gold rush, people were actually heading to Georgia for riches long before gold was ever discovered out west. The Crisson Gold Mine was established in 1847 and operated as late as the early 1980's. The mine opened for public tours in 1969 and Crisson is the oldest gold mine in Northern Georgia. The mine is home to a 125-year old stamp mill that is still in operation, crushing quartz rock which contains gold. When the rock is crushed, it becomes ore. Visitors can still watch this process occur at the mine today. There are also rod mills and jaw crushers that are sometimes used during the recreational mining process. Guests love seeing the old equipment in action, as well as touring the actual mine. Ore is sold in five gallon buckets and visitors can do their panning at the mine or take the buckets home with them to sort through in their own backyards or sanitary tubs. The mine does offer access for miners with a little more expertise and they can use trammels to separate the gold from the sand at a more efficient rate of seed. Visitors can use the trammel if they purchase six or more buckets of ore. The mine also sells high-grade concentrated gold ore, creating an easier way to pan and be successful. These ore is sold in 15, 30 and 75 gallon buckets. The mine also offers Gem Stone grubbing for those in search of rubies, amethysts, emeralds, sapphires, crystals, garnets and other gems.