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Dig Your Own at the Crabtree Emerald Mine
 There
are some extensive dumps around the mine, and it is
clear the miners did not see or find everything!
Recent digging through the dumps has produced a
number of nice specimens. Of the minerals that have
been found the most sought after is the Emerald,
generally tightly locked into a matrix of quartz,
mica, and feldspar. Also found in these dumps are
black tourmaline, garnet, fluorite, aquamarine, and
golden beryl.In the whole United States there have been only 2 significant sources of emeralds. One of these is the Crabtree Emerald Mine! The other is near Hiddenite, NC.  The
Crabtree Emerald Mine is owned by Mineral City
Mining Company, and leased to the MAGMA rock club
(Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association).
Emerald Village is the
local representative. Digging through the dumps is
available for only $20 per day, by permit only. Only
hand tools are allowed and you can keep anything you
find. You must have in your possession at all times
a copy of a signed waiver of liability available at
Emerald Village. No reservation is necessary and you
can come by Emerald Village any time it is open to
buy a digging permit.
Bring your own tools, or rent a set from Emerald Village for $25 per day ($75 deposit, $50 refunded upon return). Remember that the mine is remote and primitive and that there no facilities of any kind. Digging rocks and breaking boulders is required, and both are very hard work! You will probably not find emeralds by strolling around, you will have to engage in some serious Gem Mining In NC. Most people are happier and better rewarded at the Emerald Village Gemstone Mine, but if you are adamant about digging your own this is as good as it gets!
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