Gem Mining - Stories and Facts About Gem Mines
Read interesting stories about gem mining throughout the world. Personal accounts and facts about gem mining.
Ruby Mining in Franklin, NC
Come with me on a virtual tour of a ruby and sapphire mine in Franklin, North Carolina. I'll bet you never knew that playing in the dirt could be this much fun.
Come with me on a virtual tour of a ruby and sapphire mine in Franklin, North Carolina. I'll bet you never knew that playing in the dirt could be this much fun.
Legend of Orvil Jack Turquoise
Are you familiar with vivid green, Orvil Jack turquoise? It's one of the most stunning examples of turquoise I've seen, and I've always wanted to know more about the mine and the man who discovered it. Here's the story, straight from Grace Wintle, Orvil Jack's daughter and a current owner of the Blue Ridge Mine.
Are you familiar with vivid green, Orvil Jack turquoise? It's one of the most stunning examples of turquoise I've seen, and I've always wanted to know more about the mine and the man who discovered it. Here's the story, straight from Grace Wintle, Orvil Jack's daughter and a current owner of the Blue Ridge Mine.
Mining Operations at the Blue Ridge Turquoise Mine
Here are a few photos of turquoise mining, shared by Grace Wintle, an owner of the Blue Ridge Turquoise Mine in Lander County, Nevada, the mine that produces Orvil Jack turquoise.
Here are a few photos of turquoise mining, shared by Grace Wintle, an owner of the Blue Ridge Turquoise Mine in Lander County, Nevada, the mine that produces Orvil Jack turquoise.
A House Built on a Gem Foundation
Read about the history of gem mining in and around Franklin, North Carolina, and hear the story of Will Holbrook, who built his home's foundation out of gravel full of rubies and sapphires.
Read about the history of gem mining in and around Franklin, North Carolina, and hear the story of Will Holbrook, who built his home's foundation out of gravel full of rubies and sapphires.
Dig Your Own Opals - Okanagan Opal, Inc.
Spend a day hunting for opals in British Columbia, Canada. Open June through October.
Spend a day hunting for opals in British Columbia, Canada. Open June through October.
Emerald City, North Carolina
If production continues, James Hill's finds at his mine near Hiddenite, North Carolina, might offer us a supply of quality American emeralds.
If production continues, James Hill's finds at his mine near Hiddenite, North Carolina, might offer us a supply of quality American emeralds.
Emerald Mining
A detailed explanation of emerald mining in Colombia. Photos accompany the text and help us visualize how the process is carried out.
A detailed explanation of emerald mining in Colombia. Photos accompany the text and help us visualize how the process is carried out.
Franklin, NC
National Geographic took a trip across the Smokies, stopping at Franklin, North Carolina. Learn more about gem mining in this small mountain town.
National Geographic took a trip across the Smokies, stopping at Franklin, North Carolina. Learn more about gem mining in this small mountain town.
Gem Travels
John McLaughlin tells us the story of his experiences digging for opals in Nevada and sunstones in Oregon.
John McLaughlin tells us the story of his experiences digging for opals in Nevada and sunstones in Oregon.
The Mogok Story
Burmese rubies are one of the most desirable stones. Here's an interesting story of the people and mining operations found near the city of Mogok.
Burmese rubies are one of the most desirable stones. Here's an interesting story of the people and mining operations found near the city of Mogok.