| Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine Franklin, NC US Uploaded By Scott (webmaster) Uploaded on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 09:30:00 PM Viewed 4407 times |
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| You can look for some nice gemstones here. Their list includes: Rubies, Sapphires, Garnets, Moonstone, Rhodolite, Rutile and Sillimanite with some in facet quality. For more information (hours of operation, etc.) visit their website. It is 7 dollars for adults and 4 dollars for kids. Info from http://cashandtreasures.wikifoundry.com/page/North+Carolina, "General Description: A completely unsalted native mine in Franklin, N.C., where some of the best rubies in the region (in North America, for that matter) are to be found. The "Cherokee Chief," a huge 1070 ct. gem quality ruby, was found here in 1993. Sapphires, garnet, moonstone, rutile, and even the occasional Indian artifact (pottery and arrowheads) may be found here as well. Great place, with very friendly and helpful staff. http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/ Handy to bring along: 1. Gloves-- not needed, but some will find them helpful 2. Lunch/Snacks 3. Cash only, so bring it to pay. Helpful notes to newcomers: The staff are really the most wonderful people in the world, and will be able to provide newbies with any help needed, and will also look through your tailings to be sure that you do not miss anything. Drinks are available for sale, and there are umbrellas for rent, but bring your lunch." | For direction please go to their directions page The Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine 41 Cherokee Mine Road Franklin, NC 28734 Ph: (828) 349.2941 gps: Latitude: 35.2727 Longitude: -83.3504 From http://cashandtreasures.wikifoundry.com/page/North+Carolina: "From Franklin: Business Hwy 441 North, to Hwy 28-North, located near the center of town. Follow 28N until passing Cowee Baptist Church on your right. Merge right, on Cowee Creek Road just ahead. Follow Cowee Creek Rd. until it becomes Ruby Mine Road by staying right at any fork-in the road. Stay on Ruby Mind Rd to the mine entrance, on the left. Approximate drive time from Franklin is 25-30 minutes." |