Just so everyone knows, this is a great unsalted mine that was closed for several years. It has been purchased and re-opened (May 2007) to the public. It is located in the Cowee valley in Franklin, NC. It is best known for a 1070 carat ruby found in 1993. The cost to enter is $7 and each bucket is $1. We are heading there in August and I will give a trip report when we return.

Hello,

Is the name of the mine Cherokee Mine?

The Cherokee Ruby Mine

Today is the day I travel to the Cherokee Ruby Mine. I am leaving for the mine in 1 hour. Their hours are 9-4 daily and Saturday and Sunday 12-4.

Trip report to follow later today. Wish me luck!

This mine was closed for almost 5 years and was purchased by the Montoya's. The owners are very friendly. The flume is not covered and the sun can be very hot. My opinion is that it is much easier to see the corundum in the water with sunlight. They do offer umbrellas (beach umbrella size) for a $1.00 rental. The cost to enter is $7.00 and each bucket cost $2.50.

This is definately not a salted mine as the two of us (My father and I) went through 10 buckets and neither of us found a ruby or sapphire. This may seem as a wasted day, but there is never a guarantee. I would much rather find a North Carolina ruby or sapphire than to find a salted worthless gem.

The largest to find in 2007 is a 57 carat ruby. In 1993, a gentleman found what is called the Cherokee Chief Ruby over 1000 carats and they have a nice newspaper clipping with they guy holding the stone. The stone was gem quality and according to the article, he was offered $3 million in cash and did not take it.

If you want a sure find, don't go here. If you want the opportunity to find real gems with the potential of finding the big one, this is the last good place in the Cowee valley to find good rubies and sapphires.

I hope some of you find this helpful and good luck to anyone who travels to the Cherokee Ruby Mine.

Just to add to what rededteck said:

Cherokee is an unsalted mine, but not necessarily the last. Sheffield's does have unsalted material in Cowee, and at least one of the old mines can still be accessed if you do a vacation rental on the property (I think it was the old Jacob's mine, but can't remember for sure). In Canton, NC, there is also the pressley mine for sapphires that are native.

If you really want to go native, however, try some of the wild locations west of Franklin...I found some nice ruby rock around Chunk Gal mountain a few weeks ago.

bluesman---You must be referring to the location off Hwy. 64. I have chiseled out some great doorstopper specimens of Burma color ruby in dunite there. It is a very dense,hard green peridotic rock that required serious hammering to extract but it was free and very native. It is one of the most available and scenic places to collect in these parts. I believe it is on National Forest property and not well discovered. I suggest one goes in cooler weather with winter being the best time as the heavy underbrush is gone along wth poison ivy and timber rattlers!.

I know this is an old thread I am bumping, but wanted to throw in my $.02. I recommend Cherokee very highly; one of the only completely unsalted operations remaining in the area, and many of your best quality rubies from the region come from here. In addition, I agree completely with rededteck-- they are EXTREMELY friendly folks; just wonderful people, who have shown incredible kindness and hospitality to me and my husband.

For any curious about finds, here are a few pics-- in the top one, the top row of cut stones came from Cherokee (the others are from Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine), and the bottom is a pic of some of the finds from our latest trip a couple days ago-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/bucfanpaka/masons...kee%202/100_0763.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/bucfanpaka/masons...ee%202/cherokee3.jpg

I have more pics of the mine and finds from there in a link I posted in the other Franklin thread. Also, here is a link to Cherokee's website, for any interested-

http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/

I'm definatly gonna have to check this place out. I can't believe that the guy who found the 1000 ctw ruby didn't sell it though. 3millon, I would've sold it in a heartbeat. The biggest stone I ever found was a 1200 ctw amithyst. Not all gem quality though, it had some fractures. Anyways good hunting.

Was at Cherokee yesterday and the day before, and they are into new material-- finding some good stuff! Find of the trip for me was this 34 (or 35.5 depending on what reading I use; got two different ones, haha) ct. sapphire-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/bucfanpaka/masons...kee%202/100_0914.jpg

For any planning a trip to Franklin, a visit to Cherokee Ruby Mine is a must!

Just a correction, Cherokee is not the only unsalted mine. Mason Ruby and Sapphire Mine is also unsalted. I am not sure what the story is with Sheffield currently.

When you are in Franklin, if you don't have time to do any actual mining, visit Cowee Mt. Ruby Mine they have a wonderful covered flume! You get some wonderful stones and Sonja or Amy inside will polish it for you - SUPER nice people! Arlon is a really interesting guy to talk to now - he travels to Brazil and other countries and has GREAT stories.

I seen this old thread and wanted to ask a few questions about gem mining in Franklin, NC. I am planning a trip in June and I am would like some recommendations on campgrounds. My husband, two daughters and I will be hauling our camper down to Franklin, NC. I seen the thread about camping at the one mine, do they have camper trailer sites? Also, besides Cherokee and Mason mines, what other mines are recommended in this area? And one more question, how much time would you recommend to go mining per day? I would appreciate any suggestions or helpful hints that anyone can give me.

Dear Rosie,
Check out the following websites of operations around Franklin. They should answer all your questions. Their phone #s are listed on the sites for any questions they haven't anticipated.
Happy huntin',
-Rocky.

http://www.sheffieldmine.com/
http://www.rosecreekcamp.com/
http://www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com/
http://www.cherokeerubymine.com/
http://www.oldpressleymine.com/page2a.html

and the following link has contact info for many mines & museums in NC

http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/answers.htm#Gem%20mi...NC%20mineral%20clubs

Ladyyrose,
I should have directed you to click on question #8 on that last link. That takes you to the list of mines & museums.
I personally would allot a full day for each place that interests me, but cut out early from any I find disappointing.
When calling for more info, ask if they salt their mines. They will tell you. Some folk don't care, some are purists, but either way you should know what you're dealing with.
Enjoy,
-Rocky.