Gem Mining in Georgia – Verified Places and What You Can Find
Georgia gets a lot of visitors each year because of its multiple public mines and gems found in the area. In this guide, we will look at some of the best places for gem mining in Georgia.
Georgia, with its rich geological diversity, is a treasure trove for gemstone enthusiasts and rockhounds. From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the tranquil valleys, the state offers a variety of locations for gem mining.
Whether you are a seasoned rockhound or looking for an adventure with your family, Georgia has plenty of locations to explore for gem mining. You can find plenty of gems in Georgia such as garnets, amethyst, rubies, emeralds, and gold.
How We Picked the Top Places for Gem Mining in Georgia
In order to find the best spots in Georgia for gem mining, we had to consider a lot of things. It can be tough to find the information we need to shortlist the best places. Here are a few things we took into consideration:
- Input from local gem hunting associations and groups.
- The safety of the mining location and the potential hazards.
- The accessibility of the mining spot.
- Private and public locations.
What Kind of Gems Can You Find in Georgia
Georgia is a treasure trove for gem miners because of its interesting geology and mining history. The state boasts a variety of minerals and gems and Georgia has been long mined for minerals such as gold, garnets, beryl, and kyanite.
Some of the gems found in Georgia are:
- Quartz
- Garnets
- Beryl
- Amethyst
- Gold
- Emerald
- Ruby
- Mica
- Tourmaline
- Jasper
- Aquamarine
- Pyrite
- Selenite
- Staurolite
- Opal
You can also find geodes in Georgia. Also, check out sites for Petrified Wood in Colorado and our guide on the worth of gems and crystals.
Best Spots for Gem Mining in Georgia
Let’s explore seven verified gem mining locations in Georgia, and what you can expect to find there.
Aska Mining Company
Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge, Aska Mining Company is a site renowned for its diverse selection of gems such as amethyst, quartz crystals, and various types of garnets.
The mining experience at Aska Mining Company is family-friendly, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both educational and recreational activities.
They provide you with all the necessary equipment, including buckets, and screens. You are also given proper instructions on how to extract gems. The mine is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10 AM to 5 PM).
Graves Mountain Mine
Graves Mountain Mine is an excellent destination for those in search of a unique gem mining experience in Georgia. Located in Lincoln County, this site is famous for its rutile crystals, kyanite, lazulite, and other rare minerals such as Aquamarine.
The mine is situated on a mountain that has been actively mined for over a century, contributing to its historical significance. Graves Mountain Mine offers both surface and underground mining options.
The mine also hosts annual rock and mineral shows, attracting rockhounds and collectors from around the world.
Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines
Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mine is located in the charming town of Helen, Georgia. As the name suggests, the site is known for both gold, amethyst, and ruby deposits, along with vibrant gems such as quartz and garnets.
The site provides visitors with a unique opportunity to pan for gold in addition to searching for vibrant gemstones. The staff guides the participants through the mining process and you can find gold nuggets, along with rubies.
Hogg Mine
Hogg Mine is located in LaGrange, Georgia, and offers a unique opportunity to dig for minerals and gems in a more natural setting. The mine is known for its exquisite amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, and quartz crystals, attracting rockhounds and collectors seeking unique specimens.
Hogg Mine operates on a seasonal basis, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own tools and equipment for a more immersive mining experience.
You cannot visit the mine unless you have a permit or a scheduled private dig. The mine is not open all year round, only five to six days per month, so make sure to get all the information before visiting.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a great opportunity to dig diamonds and quartz crystals. Known for being the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, this park offers visitors the chance to find diamonds and other gemstones in their raw form.
The park provides equipment and tools for diamond hunting, and visitors get to keep whatever they find. The most common types of diamonds found in the park are yellow and brown diamonds. The park is located on a 37-acre field.
One of the most notable diamonds found in the park is Uncle Sam, a 40.23-carat diamond – the largest diamond ever found in the US.
Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon is located close to the Alabama border. It is a scenic location that offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. While not a traditional gem mining site, Little River Canyon is known for its rich deposits of agate, garnets, and other colorful minerals.
You can explore the riverbanks and rock formations around the canyon to look for gemstones. You can also take the wooded trails across the area to look for minerals. It is a great site to visit with your family.
Turkey Hill
Nestled in the beautiful town of Ellijay, Georgia, Turkey Hill is a lesser-known gem mining spot that offers a tranquil and family-friendly experience.
The site is known for its deposits of quartz crystals, providing visitors with the opportunity to unearth these sparkling gems. Some other gems found in the area are garnets, rubies, gold, tourmaline, and zircon.
There are many old mining dumps that you must visit. Turkey Hill is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful gem mining experience.
Other Gem Mining Spots in Georgia
Apart from the spots mentioned above, Georgia has other popular areas as well that you can explore for rare gems. Keep in mind that the rules and regulations for collecting in these areas keep changing, so make sure you are informed well.
- Radium Springs Gardens – Agate, Jasper, Selenite
- Pigeon Mountain Mine – Calcite, Quartz
- Jackson’s Crossroads – Opal, Amethyst
- Garnet Hill – Garnet (gem-quality)
- Chatuge Lake – Garnet, Quartz, Corundum, Kyanite, Rutile
- Chattahoochee River – Chalcedony, Opal, Jasper, Selenite
- Sharp Mountain – Staurolite
- Tallapoosa River – Ruby
- Stone Mountain – Quartz
- Arabia Mountain – Tourmaline
- Alec Mountain – Garnet, Corrundum
- Soquee River – Kyanite
- Gainesville – Gold
- Charlie’s Creek – Amethyst (gem-quality)
- White County – Gold, Topaz, Ruby, Aquamarine, Diamond
Important Tools to Have for Gem Mining in Georgia
Gem mining in Georgia requires a set of professional tools and equipment. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Shovels and Trowels: For digging into softer soil, you need a sturdy shovel or a trowel. It also helps clear away the debris on the surface.
- Picks and hammers: To split rocks, and extract gems, you need a pick with one pointed end, and the other flat that serves as a hammer.
- Buckets: As you uncover gems, you need buckets to place them. Make sure you have durable buckets for the job to make sure your gems remain undamaged.
- Magnifying glass: For a closer inspection of your specimen, you need a magnifying glass to reveal details that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Zip-lock bags: As you collect gems, you need clear plastic containers or bags to store them. It also allows you to see the gems without having to open the bag.
- First aid kit: Mining is a risky venture, so make sure to keep a first aid kit with you at all times so you can address accidents or injuries promptly.
Conclusion
These are the best spots for gem mining in Georgia. The state offers a diverse range of locations, from family-friendly mines to more rugged and adventurous creeks.
Georgia is a paradise for gem hunters because of the variety of gems found in the area such as diamonds, rubies, garnets, topaz, aquamarine, and more. So, pack your gear, and embark on a gemstone adventure in the heart of the Peach State.
