Grounds
Located at the base of the Nantahala Mountain Range and the National Forest at
2420 feet above sea level, Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine is approximately 12.5
miles from downtown Franklin, N.C. The cool Burningtown Creek runs through the length
of the 23 acres with wildlife in abundance. A very peaceful setting in which you
can relax and enjoy while searching for your treasures. When you find your first
ruby or sapphire, remember that you are the first human to see that stone
since it's creation hundreds of thousands of years ago.
On the grounds is ample parking space for all, picnic tables, camping areas,
shade trees, well maintained porta-johns, and three flumes with ample running water. At this time one flume is
covered for the inclement mining days, and all of the flumes have bench seats so
you can get off of your feet if you so desire. Remember, no glass bottles are allowed
for safety reasons of the miners. The cool water may be for some too cold so a pair
of insulated latex gloves could be advised to make the search a little more comfortable.
Shovels and screens are available at no extra charge. An empty film canister for
35mm film may prove to be a great way to store your gems, once you have found them.
Once in a while we may have some spares, but it best to bring your own means of storage.
Snacks and beverages are available, and orders will be taken before lunch and periodically
to make sure you are comfortable during your stay. For those who seek a little more
ruggedness, primitive camping is available. A site, clean porta-johns, and NO electricity
if you wish to stay over night or several, just speak with the mine operator and
you will be experiencing a night of frogs, crickets, and all sorts of Mother Nature.
During a dry period ground fires may not be allowed.
A heated pavillion has been constructed so miners can get relief from the cold while mining during the colder days.
The registration table is where you will fill out a liability release and receive your name badge. Before entering the flume area there are some rules posted most of which are common sense. We want you to have a good time and find some sapphires and rubies. Come early so you get a good flume position. Snacks are available, just see the mine operators. The staff have brochures available of our mine and business cards, and also some other attractions in our area. They should be available to you in the registration area. Stone appraisals should be done by a gemologist and cutting into the final gemstone should be left to the professionals. There are several recommended cutters in our area which have worked successfully with stones from our mine. A true wonder from the dirt into a ring or other jewelry piece.
Across the Burningtown Creek is where all the digging is done. The natural inplace soils and rock contain what you are looking for. If you need help in the process of washing and sorting, the operators will be happy to assist you in finding your gemstones.
For the hiking adventurer, up at the end of the road is a trail that goes
through the Burningtown gap, and about one hour of moderate hiking skills can get
you to the Burningtown Creek falls. A pretty sight and a scenic and sometimes wet
hike. Originally, the road went all the way to the other side, but too may were lost
over the edges and it was hard to maintain so it was closed. Some maps show it still
to be there, but it is not. Countless vehicles come up to find out the dead end and
thus have to turn around.
INFORMATION audio files