Elijah Mountain Gem Mine (North Carolina): 7 Insider Tips To Make The Best Of Your Trip

If you are someone who enjoys hunting for rocks and gems, then a visit to the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is a must.

Located in North Carolina, this gem mine offers a great experience for those who want to find their own treasures.

Here are seven insider tips to make the best of your trip to this exciting and adventurous mountain gem mine.

What is the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine?

The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and is open year-round.

The mine offers a variety of services and opportunities for those interested in rocks and minerals.

You can find multiple types of stones, minerals, and gems at the gem mine, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

The gem mine is the perfect place to bring your family or friends for a day of mining and exploring.

Tip 1: Learn the Different Bucket Sizes

The first question you need to ask yourself when visiting the gem mine is what size bucket you want to buy.

The buckets come in different sizes, each one offering a different amount of materials.

The smallest size is 1 1/2 gallons of mine dirt which costs $15, and the largest is a 30-gallon bucket of mine dirt for about $300.

Each bucket will have a different number of rocks and gems.

If you want a higher chance of finding a lot of rocks and gems, then you need to buy a larger bucket.

The buckets can include quartz crystals, citrine, amethyst, and many other kinds of gems.

Tip 2: Take Time and Care Sifting

Once you have your bucket of dirt, it’s time to start sifting.

The process is simple and only requires a few supplies.

All you need is a strainer, a bowl, and running water.

Place your strainer over the bowl and scoop handfuls of dirt into the strainer.

Once the dirt is in the strainer, use your hands to break up any clumps.

The goal is to get as much dirt as possible out of the filter so that you can see the rocks and gems.

After breaking up the clumps, hold the filter under running water and let the water wash away the dirt. You will be left with a small number of rocks and gems.

Tip 3: Wear Proper Clothes and Footwear

When visiting the gem mine, it is vital to wear the proper clothing.

You will want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Wearing closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots, is also a good idea.

This will protect your feet from any debris in the mine. The mine is located in North Carolina, which has sweltering summers and cold winters. It is important to wear light clothing in the summer, and in the winter, you will want to dress in layers.

The mine is open year-round so knowing what to wear ahead of time is key to having a great experience.

Tip 4: Take Advantage of the Family Mining Super Deal

The Family Mining Super Deal is a great way to save money when visiting the mine.

The deal includes four large prospector’s dream buckets, treasure coins to spend, a gem ID chart, magnifying glasses, and little miner helmets.

If you have kids and want to find a great deal, this is the one for you.

The Family Mining Super Deal costs $99 and gives you all you need for you and your family to have an excellent time mining.

If you are looking for a great family outing that is budget-friendly, this affordable deal might be a perfect choice.

Tip 5: Learn What to do With Your Treasures

Once you have found all of your rocks and gems, what will you do with them?

Thankfully, the gem mine offers a variety of options for those who want to take their treasures home with them.

You can have your rocks and gems cut and polished, made into jewelry, or just take them home as-is.

The gem mine also has a rock shop where you can buy rocks, minerals, and jewelry.

Whether or not you want to keep the gems and stones you find, seeing all the different types and colors is half the fun.

Tip 6: Visit the On-Site Goat Farm

The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is home to a variety of animals, including goats and peacocks.

The goats can be found roaming around the property and are very friendly.

It’s completely free to visit, and you can take pictures, pet the goats and even feed them.

The peacocks are also friendly and can often be seen strutting around the property.

The farm animals on-site make Elijah Mountain Gem Mine a great place for people of all ages.

Tip 7: Don’t Forget to Stop by the Gift Shop

After you have sifted through your bucket of dirt and found all your rocks and gems, make sure to stop by the gift shop.

The gift shop has a wide variety of items, including t-shirts, souvenirs, rocks, and minerals.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse the items in the store.

There is also an on-site staff that can help you with any questions or concerns during your visit.

The gift shop is a great place to learn more about the rocks and gems you have found.

You can purchase gemstones and fossils ranging from one dollar to ten thousand dollars, giving you a great chance to take home a piece of history.

The store also features an indoor koi and goldfish, providing patrons a place to relax after a long day of mining.

The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is rated the top gem mine in North Carolina and is a great place to visit for people of all ages.

So whether you are looking for a family-friendly activity or a trip to find some unique treasures, the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is a great place to visit.