Rose Creek Mine

Useful Information

Location:	115 Terrace Ridge Drive, Franklin NC, 28734. Franlin, Macon County. (35.239009, -83.404499)
Open:	APR to OCT Mon-Sat 9-17. [2011]
Fee:	Adults USD 6, Children (0-8) USD 4, Additional Bucket USD 4. [2011]
Classification:	Gem Mine Fee Mining
Light:	n/a.
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Rose Creek Mine, Tom and Linda Sterret, 115 Terrace Ridge Drive, Franklin NC, 28734, Tel: +1-828-349-3774. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1952	opened to the public.

Geology

Description

Rose Creek Mine is one of several gem mines in this area. The local rock contains numerous minerals, mostly varieties of quartz which may be considered semi-precious gems. The minerals found here are ruby, sapphire, garnet, amethyst, citrine, moonstone, topaz, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and quartz crystals. The mining is actually washing dirt. The mine consists of a short tunnel into the hillside with mineral bearing mud inside. What is mined is actually a placer deposit, mud and sand which is the result of the erosion of the rock, which contains the much harder minerals.