Gem Mining - Stories and Facts About Gem Mines

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.

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.

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.

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.

If production continues, James Hill's finds at his mine near Hiddenite, North Carolina, might offer us a supply of quality American emeralds.

John McLaughlin tells us the story of his experiences digging for opals in Nevada and sunstones in Oregon.

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.