I was wondering if you knew why the Jacobs Ruby Mine closed? I am planning my first trip to North Carolina in the hopes of doing a little gemming/treasure hunting. I was wanting to visit the ruby mine so I am a bit disappointed to hear it has closed. Is it possible to do some gemming near where the mine was? Maybe on neighboring lands with permission? Sorry if I sound unknowledgeable but I have never been treasure hunting before.
Thanks and happy trails!
Thanks!

Hello,

The mine was owned by a very nice couple who were from the western U.S. The mine went up for sale and my understanding is the land was subdivided into plots for residential housing. The bad thing is that no one wanted to purchase the mine to keep it open rather than turn it into land plots for houses. Whether or not you can still go dig dirt is a very good question. This mine shut down in the late 90's If I remember correctly and I do not know if the land is developed. There is a link to the sell of the mine, $239,000 for 23 acres. It is a realtor out of Florida. I am not sure if this is still good, but it is curious is still on the internet. So, with a little spare pocket change you could start this mine back up and I would come and visit. (Go TO Google and type jacob ruby mine for sale)

Maybe you could purchase one of the plots and turn it into a small business. We could all come and visit.

Take Care
Ed
Deep Woods Pennsylvania

Thanks for the reply! I googled but came up empty. It just seems like a real shame to sell off a precious piece of property like that to a developer. I am planning on a trip to NC as soon as our weather here in the southerntier of NY straightens up. I will keep you posted on what I dig up about this mine. Right now I am going down to the local gas/grocery and buy me a couple of MegaMillion tickets. (just in case I need to take some serious cash to NC with me)- hehehe

One thing about Jacobs Ruby Mine, you could find the deepest red rubies and beautiful fuscia to blue colored sapphires. I hope you win the mega millions so I can visit you at your new mine!!!

quote:

Reply

Check out this site. I have not been there, just found it on the web. Guess somebody bought some of the land and turned it into rental cabins.
http://www.batescabins.com/cabin1.htm

That is fantastic information. I am going to call them to see if they will allow me to mine at Jacobs. I will let you know what I find out.

If you click on the "things to do" link on the bates cabins page the first on the list is gem hunting click on that and you get a map!