Rose Creek Mine - Franklin, NC - Rock-Hounding on Waymarking.com

Tom & Linda Sterrett run a "gem mine" for families to enjoy the search for gems and minerals. $6 for a bucket of dirt from a dig 20' down in a river bed provides 30-45 minutes of casual screening along the recirculating sluice. The finds are usually bits and pieces of minerals, with the unusual story of large rubies suitable for cutting being found. If your expectation is to have some large pieces, then considered the "seeded" buckets for $40 and $75, which have minerals planted within the mix. Splitting one of these gave each of us a quart bag of specimens. Subsequent (unseeded) buckets are $4.

As you find your "jewels" or once done, the mine will separate, identify, and bag your "treasures" to take home. (Remember to later take them back out to dry throughly.)

The place has seating for around 60 people along the sluice. There is a friendly family dog and cat wandering around. On the hot day our scout troop visited, the Sterretts handed out a couple of rounds of ice pops to cool off the crowd.

The store has a wide offerring of minerals from around the world. A couple of wearable purchases satisfied my teen on the experience.

Website: rosecreekmine.com

Address:
115 Terrace Ridge Rd
Franklin, NC 28734

Open April 1 to October 21
9AM-5PM Monday thru Saturday
Closed Sundays

Note: The adjoining Rock Creek campground is no longer has the same owners as the mine, but a very short walk over.

Fossils: no Gems: yes Meteorites: no Minerals: yes Rock Types: Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine, Moonstone, Topaz, Smoky Quartz and Rose Quartz Admission price: 6.00 (listed in local currency) Hours of Operation: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM

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