The “Gem Capital of the World” is actually right here in Franklin, NC. The hills and mountains around here are filled with all kinds of gem stones from quartz to garnets to rubies, and many more in between, all leading to the cache of gem mines in the area. We chose to visit a gem mine close to us (really just a place to pan for gems since they get their stones from pit mines in the area).
The sign outside of our campground gave us this warning of the road we’re going to take to pan for gems and go to the see-through waterfall.
The road over the mountain was one we could take to go to Highlands and Cashiers, two of favorite mountain towns. There’s no way we’d take our RV on this windy (!) road.
gem panning
Our first stop was to Jackson Hole, one of the oldest places to pan for gems in the area.
I’m keeping this picture large so you’ll be able to see the gems better that have come from local mines.
We shared a $30 bucket
Holly, the daughter of the owner, works in the store when it’s open. Once winter comes and tourists stay off the mountain roads, she takes on her other job of being a travel nurse.
Jackson (no relationship) showed us how to pan for gems.
all the spots available for panning
Here we go. I’m digging out sand to put into the tray, and Barney already has his tray in the in the water so the water pressure can send the sand through the tray’s holes.
Now I’m putting the sand (and gems) into the tray . . .
and shake the sand through the holes.
And look what I found: it’s probably a citrine crystal (also known as a Golden Amethyst and is a variety of quartz). Those who love crystals say it’s good for building confidence, overcoming challenges, and building mental toughness. It’s up to you.
Look at all we found!
Chuck, the owner, helped us understand what we panned (yes, we get to keep all of them). I chose a topaz for a necklace. When it’s heated, it turns a beautiful blue.
When we return home in November, I’ll add a picture of it to this post. Merry Christmas, Margie.
see-through waterfall
Next on today’s adventures is this waterfall that we can walk behind.
Dry Falls is a 75-foot waterfall. Let’s find the trail.
first view
closer
really close
next to it
And now we’re looking through it! What a perspective.
As we finish up our time in Franklin, the next post will show you how we spent our time when not exploring.
