Gem mine(s) closest to Charlotte? (Salisbury, Chimney Rock: home, buy, live in)

[jennifr1966]

Hi,
Does anybody know where to find the closest gem mines? We actually live in Rock Hill, which is in SC, but right below Charlotte. If you know where to find one, could it be made into a day trip, or is it still too far away?
Thanks!
Jen

[susan42]

Originally Posted by jennifr1966

Hi,
Does anybody know where to find the closest gem mines? We actually live in Rock Hill, which is in SC, but right below Charlotte. If you know where to find one, could it be made into a day trip, or is it still too far away?
Thanks!
Jen

this is a gold mine, not gems
Historic Gold Hill

[mm34b]

The main gem-collecting counties in the state are Alexander (emeralds and hiddenite), Macon (rubies, sapphires, and garnets), and Mitchell (emeralds and aquamarine).

http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentatio...c_counties.pdf

[Hoagie58]

You might check out this site. They were recently featured on National Geographic's "Cash and Treasures". It's an easy day trip from Rock Hill. North Carolina Gem Mines - Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine

[darling876]

There is also one at the Dan Nicholas park in Salisbury, about an hour orso from Charlotte. DanNicholasPark.org, Salisbury, NC - Your Best Entertainment Bargain!
We haven't been yet but are planning to take the baby sister (she;s 10) in the next couple of weeks. It seems like a fun day out.

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by Hoagie58

You might check out this site. They were recently featured on National Geographic's "Cash and Treasures". It's an easy day trip from Rock Hill. North Carolina Gem Mines - Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine

This is the one I would recommend as well.
If you own a suv or truck take that instead of a car the road it on is a natural adventure

And dont wear white

My next best choice a whole lot further is the ones in Little Switzerland.

[solnechko]

We've done the park in Salisbury! It's really cute. Some animal exhibits, a carousel, and I think there is a spray ground but we were there in fall. About the "gem mine." It's not a real gem mine. But my six-year-old thought it was thrilling. You buy a bucket of sand in which various rocks have been hidden. Then you wash it down and take inventory of your treasures. Fun, but not an authentic gem mine. We did another one like this near Chimney Rock.

Also up in Salisbury there is a railroad museum. Have not been there but hear it's fun.

[darling876]

Originally Posted by solnechko

We've done the park in Salisbury! It's really cute. Some animal exhibits, a carousel, and I think there is a spray ground but we were there in fall. About the "gem mine." It's not a real gem mine. But my six-year-old thought it was thrilling. You buy a bucket of sand in which various rocks have been hidden. Then you wash it down and take inventory of your treasures. Fun, but not an authentic gem mine. We did another one like this near Chimney Rock.

Also up in Salisbury there is a railroad museum. Have not been there but hear it's fun.

Thanks so much for giving feedback on Dan Nicholas Park. On their website it does give a different perception of their "gem mine". We will however still make the trip out there since we were wanting to see Salisbury itself as well.
If anyone else has any other ideas please feel free to contribute.

[bbbmom]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

This is the one I would recommend as well.
If you own a suv or truck take that instead of a car the road it on is a natural adventure

And dont wear white

I second that..went there last year and came home with a bag of gems that I don't know the names for but it was fun! The road there is definitely adventurous and parking is a nightmare. Plan on getting dirty, even if you just sit on the benches to sift.

[C_J_Cody]

Emerald Hollow Mine