Best Gem Mining In Georgia Mountains for Kids
Gem Mining in Georgia Mountains for Kids: A Fun and Educational Adventure
Gem mining is a fun and educational activity that allows kids to learn about geology and the natural world while having a great time. The Georgia Mountains are actually one of the best places in the United States to go gem mining with your kids! This area is home to many gem mines that offer a variety of experiences for families to enjoy.
At the gem mines, kids can sift through dirt and rocks to find treasures such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The mines provide all the necessary equipment and instruction, so even if you have no experience with gem mining, you and your kids can still have a successful and enjoyable time.
By the way, if you’re looking for more fun activities in the Georgia Mountains, check out this post about the best places to go tubing with kids! This is one of our family’s favorite activities since moving to North Georgia- and there are so many places that are fun for kids of all ages!
Getting Started with Gem Mining
What Is Gem Mining?
Gem mining is a fun outdoor activity that involves searching for precious stones and minerals from the earth’s surface. It is an educational experience for both kids and adults.
In the Georgia Mountains, gem mining is a popular activity, and there are many mines where you can try your luck and find some beautiful gems.
Types of Gems Found in Georgia Mountains
The Georgia Mountains are home to many types of gemstones and minerals. Some of the most common gems found here include rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst, and black tourmaline. These precious stones are found in pegmatite minerals, which are rocks that contain large crystals.
Ruby mines are prevalent in Georgia Mountains, and they are a great place to start your gem mining adventure. Rubies are a beautiful red gemstone that is highly valued for its color and rarity. Black tourmaline is another popular gemstone found in Georgia Mountains. It is a black mineral that is believed to have healing properties.
When you go gem mining in Georgia Mountains, you will be given a bucket of dirt that contains gems. You will then sift through the dirt using a screen or sluice to find the gems. Its super fun when you find your own gems and stones!
Popular Gem Mines for Families
In the Georgia Mountains, there are several gem mines that offer a great family adventure. Many of them are histroci sites. Here are some of the most popular gem mines for families:
Aska Mining Company
Aska Mining Company is a family-owned gem mine that offers a unique experience for kids and adults. The mine is located in Blue Ridge GA, a town we highly recommend visiting with kids. The mine offers a variety of gemstones to mine, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The mine also offers a covered flume for rainy days, making it a great activity for any weather. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase fun gems- which might be our kids’ favorite part of the whole experience!
Website: https://askaminingcompany.com
Phone Number: 706-258-4854
Lilly Pad Village
Lilly Pad Village is a super family-friendly destination that offers a variety of activities for kids, including gem mining. The gem mine is located in the Aska Adventure Area, not far from Blue Ridge, and offers a covered flume for rainy days. The mine also offers a gem stones identification chart, so kids can learn about the different gemstones they find.
Website: https://www.lillypadvillage.com/gem-mining-best-experience-north-georgia/
Phone Number: 706.534.1317
Crisson Gold Mine
Crisson Gold Mine is a historic gold mine that offers gem mining for families. The mine is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, and offers a variety of gemstones to mine, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The mine also offers gold panning, making it a great activity for kids who love history.
Website: https://www.crissongoldmine.com
Phone Number: (706) 864-6363
Consolidated Gold Mines
Consolidated Gold Mines is a historic gold mine that offers gem mining for families. The mine also offers a tour of the gold mine, making it a great activity for kids who love history! The mine is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, and offers a variety of gemstones to mine, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Website: https://consolidatedgoldmine.com
Phone Number: 706-864-8473
Huck’s Lost Mine
Huck’s Lost Mine is located on the Appalachian Highway in Blue Ridge, GA, and offers mobile field trips to nearby schools. It is family owned and operated with friendly staff members. You’ll find emeralds, rubies, fossiles and more.
Website: http://huckslostmine.com
Phone Number: 706-946-MINE
Historical Sites and Educational Trips
Dukes Creek Gold Rush History
If you and your kids are interested in learning about the gold rush in Georgia, you can visit Dukes Creek Gold Rush History site. This site is located in the northern part of Georgia, and it was the site of the first major gold rush in the state. You can learn about the history of gold mining in Georgia and even try your luck at panning for gold.
The site has a museum with exhibits that showcase the tools and techniques used by miners during the gold rush. You can also take a guided tour of the site and see the remains of the old gold mines. The tour guides are knowledgeable and will provide you with interesting information about the site.
Graves Mountain Mine Tours
Another great place to visit in Georgia if you’re interested in gem mining is the Graves Mountain Mine. This mine is located in Lincoln County, and it’s one of the few places in the state where you can find a variety of gems, including emeralds, amethysts, and quartz crystals.
Graves Mountain Mine offers guided tours that take you through the mine and show you how gems are mined. You’ll also get a chance to collect your own gems and take them home with you. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about gem mining.
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/GravesMountainLC/
Overall, visiting these historical sites and educational trips is a great way to learn about the history of gem mining in Georgia and have fun at the same time. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll enjoy the experience of panning for gold and mining for gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the top spot for family-friendly gem mining in the Blue Ridge area?
In my opinion, the best spot for family-friendly gem mining in the Blue Ridge area is the Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega. They offer a variety of tours and activities that are perfect for kids, including gem mining, gold panning, and underground mine tours.
Are there any operational mines that allow the public to dig for gems in Georgia?
Yes, there are several operational mines in Georgia that allow the public to dig for gems. Some of the most popular include the Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, the Franklin Gemstone Mine in Franklin, and the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine in Franklin.
What types of gems can you typically find when mining in Georgia?
Some of the most common gems found when mining in Georgia include amethyst, garnet, topaz, and tourmaline. However, it’s always exciting to discover something new and unique while gem mining in the Georgia Mountains!
