Georgia is a great state to go gem hunting in! With a rich history and diverse landscape, it is no wonder that many people flock to the Peach State to find the perfect spot to go gem hunting. Whether you’re looking for jasper, quartz, and even gold, Georgia has it all.

Its abundance of crystal-clear rivers, hidden creeks, and mountainside mines make it the ideal state for gem mining. From the secluded mines of the Appalachian Mountains to the rocky creeks of the Piedmont plateau, you’ll be sure to find some of the finest gems Georgia has to offer. So grab your pickaxe and get ready to go gem hunting in the great state of Georgia!

The best places to mine gems in Georgia are going to be along creeks and rivers, loose along the coastal beaches, in quarries, in gravel deposits, and in pay-to-dig mines. There are some especially great options that we will cover in more depth below.

The Gemstones Found In Georgia You Can Find

Ruby

Ruby’s fiery red color captures the imagination and the hearts of people everywhere. Its formation is just as special as it looks.

It forms when aluminum and oxygen, with a sprinkle of chromium (which gives it an amazing red color), get heated and squeezed underground.

Ruby’s high price is a testament to how well-loved this gem is. First off, its color is incredible! A perfect ruby glows like a red ember, and people can’t help but fall in love with it. Rubies are also super tough— only diamonds are harder! That means a ruby can last for generations, becoming a family treasure.

This gem is also rare, especially the ones with the perfect shade of red. It’s used in all kinds of jewelry, from rings to crowns, making them a symbol of love, passion, and power.

Where you can find Ruby in Georgia

You can spot ruby in the following specific sites:

• Tallapoosa River in Carroll County
• Stonepile Church in Habersham County
• Tugaloo Overlook Mine in Stephens County

Opal

Opals are like fireworks trapped inside a rock! When you look at them, you can see a whole rainbow of colors dancing and sparkling.

They’re created when tiny spheres of silica gather together in cracks or cavities underground. Over time, water dries up, and the silica sticks together.

What makes opals so valuable? First, their beauty is breathtaking. Every specimen is unique, with its own special pattern of colors. It’s like having a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Plus, opals can be rare, especially the ones with bright, lively colors. That makes them even more special.

People love to use this gemstone in jewelry because they can match any outfit with its array of colors. They’re often seen as symbols of hope and creativity because of their lively appearance.

Where you can find Opal in Georgia

Opal is found countywide in Heard County, especially in the stream valleys of the Chattahoochee River tributaries.

Tektite

Tektite is an out-of-this-world rock! Literally, it comes from space. Imagine a huge meteorite crashing into Earth. When that happens, the heat and force are so intense that they melt the rocks around the impact site. That melted material then splashes up into the air, cools down, and forms glassy tektite!

Because of how they’re formed, tektites have a very unique and intriguing appearance. Some look like drips of black or dark green glass, while others might have a more rounded or irregular shape. Each piece tells a story of the incredible collision that created it.

People value this mineral for many reasons. Rock collectors find them fascinating because of their space origin. Some people even think they have mystical powers! Scientists study them to learn about meteorite impacts and the Earth’s past.

Where you can find Tektite in Georgia

You can find tektite if you pay a visit to the following sites:

• Surrounding fields of Dubois area in Empire County
• Jay Bird Springs area in Dodge County
• Osierfield area in Irwin County

Oolite

Oolite is a fascinating type of rock that looks like it’s made of tiny eggs. The word “oolite” actually comes from the Greek word for “egg” and “stone.” These little egg-like particles are often the size of a pinhead, and they’re what make this rock so interesting.

Its formation starts in warm, shallow seawater that’s rich in minerals like calcium. In these waters, tiny grains of sand or shell fragments become coated with layer upon layer of minerals. Over time, these layers build up around the grain, forming the “egg” shape. It’s like a pearl forming inside an oyster, but much smaller.

Interestingly, oolite can be cut and polished into beautiful tiles or decorative items. In some places, oolitic limestone is used as a building material because of its unique look and strength. Quick trivia: it was even used to build the Pentagon and Empire State Building!

Where you can find Oolite in Georgia

Explore the road leading to Spring Place in Bibb County and Fincher Bluff in Murray County to find oolite specimens.

Staurolite

Staurolite is an exciting and special mineral, often known as “fairy stone” or “fairy cross.” Its name comes from the Greek words for “cross” and “stone” because it often forms in cross-shaped crystals.

These formations are what make people love staurolite, giving it a magical and mystical feel.

It’s usually created deep underground when rocks are heated and squished together over millions of years. This heating and squeezing cause the elements in the rock to mix and form staurolite.

You might think of it like baking a cake, where ingredients combine and transform with heat.

Here, this mineral is a bit of a local celebrity. In fact, staurolite is Georgia’s official state mineral! You can find two types of crosses in the state’s staurolite: one that looks like a “T” and another that forms a perfect “X.” These shapes are rare in the rest of the world, so that makes Georgia’s staurolite extra special.

Where you can find Staurolite in Georgia

You can find staurolite countywide in Cherokee County, especially in the following places:

• Oscar Roberston farm
• Sharp Mountain Creek
• J.M. Speark Farm

Halloysite

Halloysite is a super cool type of clay mineral that often looks like tiny rolled-up tubes under a microscope. It might not seem much to the naked eye, but up close, it’s like a miniature world of scrolls!

It’s created when certain rocks, like feldspar, break down over a very long time. Rain, wind, and natural chemicals can wear away these rocks, turning them into something new and exciting. In the right conditions, halloysite forms its unique tube-like structure.

Halloysite’s shape makes it perfect for some pretty amazing uses. Scientists can use those little tubes to deliver medicine inside the human body. It’s also used in making porcelain, which makes dishes and toilets, and in beauty products like face masks.

Where you can find Halloysite in Georgia

To find halloysite, you can search through a hill located in the Rising Fawn area in Dade County.

Gold

Gold: just its name sparkles with excitement. You’ve seen it in jewelry, coins, and maybe even in movies about treasure hunters. But did you know you can find it here in Georgia?

Gold forms deep inside the Earth, in places that are super hot and packed with pressure. Volcanoes then bring it closer to the surface, where it can be found in rocks and streams.

Now, why is gold so treasured? First, its bright yellow color doesn’t tarnish, so it stays shiny forever. It’s also rare, which makes it feel special. Gold is also easy to shape into all kinds of things like rings, necklaces, and medals.

Aside from its look, gold is useful too! People use it on computers, smartphones, and even in spaceships. Its unique properties make it perfect for lots of different purposes.

Where you can find Gold in Georgia

You can uncover gold in the Little River, Columbia Mine, Hamilton Mine, McGruber Mine, Park Mine, and Seminole Mine in McDuffie County.

Chert

Chert is a hard and often glassy-looking rock that comes in many colors like white, brown, or even green. It forms in deep-sea floors where tiny creatures called diatoms live.

When they die, their shells fall to the bottom and pile up. Over a very long time, these shells get squished and heated, transforming into chert.

In ancient times, this rock was used to make tools and arrowheads because of its sharp edges when broken. Today, it’s studied by scientists to understand our planet’s past. Its unique formation helps them learn about ancient oceans and the creatures that once lived there.

In Georgia, you can find chert in various places, especially in the northern part of our state. It’s often mixed with other rocks and can be found in limestones and other formations.

Where you can find Chert in Georgia

We recommend exploring the following places, among others, to find chert in our state:

• Summerville area in Chattooga County
• Bauxite area mines of Hermitage area in Floyd County
• Shoreline of Sinclair Reservoir in Hancock County

Mica

Mica is a shiny mineral that you can often find in rocks, and it looks like tiny sheets or flakes that sparkle in the sunlight.

This mineral is created deep underground where heat and pressure work together to change other minerals into mica. Sometimes, it’s formed in volcanic rocks as well.

The cool thing about mica is that it’s made up of thin layers, and you can peel them apart like the pages of a book! It’s used in electronics, like your computer or phone, because it’s a good insulator. It’s also used in makeup to add shimmer and in paint to make it sparkle.

Where you can find Mica in Georgia

You can find mica on the following sites in our state:

• Minerals Processing Company Mine in Troup County
• Amphlett Mica Mine (Franklin Mine) in Cherokee County
• Barren Fullerton farm in Jasper County

The Gemstones Found In Georgia

Georgia is not only rich in different rocks and minerals— it’s also brimming with uniquely beautiful gems! If you’re on the quest to look for them, make sure to have our handy guide with you:

• Gem mining in Georgia
• Amethyst in Georgia

Quartz

You’ve probably seen this shiny and clear gem and admired its sparkle. Quartz is one of the most common gems on Earth, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating.

The value of quartz is because of all kinds of reasons. It’s hard and durable, so it’s great for making jewelry. Its clear and sparkly appearance makes it a favorite for decorations. Plus, some people believe that quartz has special healing powers!

Here in our state, you can find different types of quartz, like rose quartz, which is a lovely pink in hue, and smoky quartz, which has a mysterious smoky color. There’s also the clear and classic variety that looks like ice.

Where you can find Quartz in Georgia

If you’re planning on finding quartz, you can explore these sites in our state:

• Kell Mica Mine in Rabun County
• Belmont Hills in Cobb County
• Dawnsonville area mines in Dawnson County

Beryl

Beryl is created deep within the Earth’s crust in molten rock called magma. As this magma cools down, its crystals start to form. Sometimes, beryl even grows inside other rocks! Its different colors, like green and blue, come from tiny amounts of other elements mixed in with the beryl.

This gem is treasured by many for its breathtaking beauty and rarity. Jewelers turn it into stunning rings, necklaces, and other pieces. Its various colors make it even more special and desired by gem collectors.

The varieties of beryl you can find in our state are usually clear or pale-colored. Nonetheless, they’re just as fascinating as their more colorful counterparts!

Where you can find Beryl in Georgia

Beryl can be found in quite a few places in our state, including:

• Cochrane Mine in Cherokee County
• Alps Road in Clarke County
• Hartwell Dam access road in Hart County

Jasper

Jasper comes in all sorts of beautiful colors and patterns. Reds, browns, yellows, and greens— this gem just shows off nature’s creativity! It starts out as a liquid filled with tiny particles. Over time, this liquid hardens, and the particles get stuck in place, creating the stunning patterns we see in jasper.

How much jasper is worth is based on its many uses. Ancient civilizations used it to make tools, jewelry, and even sculptures. Today, it’s still popular for jewelry and decorations. Its variety of colors and designs makes each piece unique and special.

Georgia’s northern area has the right rocks and conditions for forming jasper. And while our deposits here might not be as colorful as some other types, it’s still a beautiful part of our state’s geological treasure.

Where you can find Jasper in Georgia

To find jasper, you can visit different places in our state, such as:

• State farm in Milledgeville, Baldwin County
• Saltpeter Cave in Bartow County
• Flint River in Dougherty County

Garnet

Garnet is like the fireworks of the gem world, bursting with deep reds, oranges, and even some greens! It’s made deep underground with intense heat and pressure. These conditions cause the atoms of different minerals to rearrange and form garnet crystals.

Garnet is adored for its bold and fiery appearance. It’s been used for thousands of years in jewelry and as a symbol of love and friendship. Besides looking beautiful, it’s also used in sandpaper because it’s so hard and tough. All these contribute to garnet’s overall value and worth.

You can find different types of garnets in our state, like almandine, which is deep red, and pyrope, which has a brighter red color.

Where you can find Garnet in Georgia

We recommend paying a visit to the following sites to spot garnets:

• Amphlett Mica Mine (Franklin Mine) in Cherokee County
• Ernest Strozier farm in Meriwether County
• Hiram area in Paulding County

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is like a splash of the ocean captured in a gem. Its name even comes from the Latin words for “water” and “sea.” This beautiful blue or blue-green gem is truly something to behold!

It’s a type of beryl that grows deep inside the Earth’s crust. As hot liquid rock cools, aquamarine crystals start to form. Its blue color comes from small amounts of iron that get mixed in with the beryl.

Aquamarine’s high value is primarily because of its calming and serene color. Often used in jewelry like rings and necklaces, it’s considered a symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. Some even believe that it has healing powers!

Where you can find Aquamarine in Georgia

If you’re eyeing to go on a search for aquamarine here, make sure you visit these places:

• Adair plantation in Morgan County
• Ralph Crook property in Pickens County
• Little Broad River at the Yellow Hill Mine in Elbert County

Amethyst

Amethyst is like the royal gem of the mineral world with its dazzling shades of purple! Its name comes from the Greek word for “not drunk,” because ancient people believed it could prevent intoxication.

It’s actually a type of quartz that gets its purple color from small amounts of iron and other minerals. Imagine hot liquid rock cooling down deep in the Earth. As it cools, the atoms come together to form quartz crystals, and if the right ingredients are there, they create amethyst!

Curious about amethyst’s value? Well, its stunning purple hues make it a favorite for jewelry, and it’s also considered a symbol of peace and wisdom. Some even think amethyst has special metaphysical properties that calm the mind.

Where you can find Amethyst in Georgia

To uncover amethyst, we recommend exploring some of these spots:

• Antioch Mine in Elbert County
• Upper Charlie Creek in Rabun County
• Homer Kellin Farm in Fayette County

The Crystals Found In Georgia

Aside from diverse rocks and minerals and gorgeous gems, crystals also abound in Georgia. To help you successfully uncover them, you can use the complete guide that we created to the best crystal mining places here:

• Crystal mining in Georgia

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is like a rainbow in a crystal. It can be found in almost every color imaginable— from pitch black to pretty pinks and electric blues. Sometimes, a single crystal can even show multiple colors. Talk about dazzling!

Its formation starts with magma deep in the Earth’s crust. As it cools, different minerals come together to form tourmaline crystals. Its variety of colors is due to different elements that mix with the tourmaline.

This crystal is naturally fascinating because of its incredible range of colors and unique crystal shapes. Often used in jewelry, each color of tourmaline has its own special meaning. For example, pink tourmaline is thought to represent love, while green is connected to life and growth.

Where you can find Tourmaline in Georgia

If you’re seeking tourmaline finds here, you can explore the following sites:

• Several prospects and mines in Centerville, Cherokee County
• Early Vaughn Mine in Lamar County
• T.J. Allen Prospect in Spalding County

Agate

Like a piece of abstract art, agate stuns with its swirling colors and intricate patterns. Imagine a hollow rock deep underground filled with hot liquid minerals.

As this liquid cools, layer upon layer of crystals start to grow, creating beautiful bands and patterns. It’s like making a multi-layered cake, but with minerals!

People love agate for its unique appearance and the way it seems to tell a story in its layers. Some believe that it has calming and healing properties. It’s used in jewelry, decorations, and even some everyday objects like paper knives. All these have boosted agate’s price and value in the market.

In Georgia, areas with volcanic rocks usually contain agates. Our state’s specimens have their own special colors and patterns, adding to the rich variety of this crystal.

Where you can find Agate in Georgia

Agate is widely available in our state, and some of the places where you can find them are:

• Etowah River in Bartow County
• Holton Quarry in Bibb County
• Marietta area in Cobb County

Serpentine

Serpentine is a name that sounds mysterious, and it fits this alluring crystal! It’s a group of minerals that often have a snake-like, green appearance, and it can be as fascinating to look at as it is to say.

This crystal is often created deep within the Earth’s mantle, where there’s lots of heat and pressure. When certain rocks and minerals interact with water, they transform into serpentine.

Because of its unique appearance, it has been used for thousands of years in carvings, decorations, and jewelry. Its earthy green tones and waxy feel make it stand out. Some people also believe serpentine has healing properties.

Where you can find Serpentine in Georgia

We highly recommend visiting these locations if you want to uncover serpentine:

• Summerville area in Chattooga County
• Black Marble Quarry in Gordon County
• Verd Antique Quarry in Paulding County

Muscovite

Muscovite has an interesting appearance: it often looks like thin, shiny sheets. It forms deep in the Earth’s crust, where intense heat and pressure make the magic happen.

Certain rocks and minerals come together, and voilà, muscovite is born! Its layers form in such a way that they can easily be split into thin sheets.

Muscovite’s sparkly appearance makes it great for decorations. In fact, it has even been used in creating windows. Its special properties also make it useful in electronics, like cell phones and radios.

The muscovite that you can find in our state could show off unique colors and qualities, adding to its charm.

Where you can find Muscovite in Georgia

If you want to find muscovite here, you can visit:

• Ocmulgee River in Rockdale County
• Peters Mine in Monroe County
• Dickins Mine in Oconee County

Malachite

With its vibrant green color and beautiful patterns, malachite is definitely a head-turner! It’s born when water rich with minerals like copper flows over rocks. Over time, the minerals and the rocks react, creating this incredible green crystal.

For thousands of years, malachite’s worth has been recognized for many reasons. Its bright color and mesmerizing patterns make it perfect for jewelry and decorations.

Ancient Egyptians even believed it had protective powers, and they used it in amulets. Historically, it’s also been used as a pigment for paint and is even dubbed as the oldest known green pigment in the world.

Where you can find Malachite in Georgia

You can find malachite in the Amphlett Mica Mine (Franklin Mine) in Cherokee County.

Calcite

Calcite may be super common among crystals, but that doesn’t make it any less awesome! It’s usually formed in caves or bottom of the ocean.

Whenever there’s water with dissolved calcium carbonate, calcite crystals can grow. The coolest part? It can form in so many shapes and colors.

You might be wondering how valuable calcite is. First, it’s famous for something called “double refraction.” If you put it over words, it makes them look double! It’s usually used in the construction and medicine industry, and even in the manufacturing of toothpaste.

You have the best chance of finding calcite in caves or limestone areas in our state. Our specimens here could be clear, white, or even have hints of color, making each piece unique and special.

Where you can find Calcite in Georgia

To find calcite, you can hunt on the following sites:

• Tate area quarries in Pickens County
• Ledbetter Quarry in Floyd County
• Black Marble Quarry in Gordon County

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Georgia

If we had to choose just a few places to try gem mining it would be those ones listed below. I’ve included recommendations for adults as well as young children that want to get started and have denoted which is which:

Hogg Mine

4098 Whitesville Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240

Hogg Mine is a historic gem mine located in the Appalachian Mountains. It is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been used for mining since the late 1800s. The area surrounding Hogg Mine was once home to a thriving mining and logging community, which has since been abandoned and left to nature.

Visitors can explore the old mining tunnels, view gem displays from around the world, and even hunt for their own gems. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Hogg Mine is a great place for visitors to explore and experience nature up close.

What To Expect When You Visit the Hogg Mine

When you visit the Hogg Mine in Georgia, you can expect to have a unique and exciting experience. You will be able to explore the old mining tunnels, view gem displays from around the world, and even hunt for your own gems.

The mine is open from April through October and visitors are welcome to bring their own tools for mining. Visitors should also be aware that there is no electricity or running water in the area so visitors should plan accordingly.

Finally, it is important to note that all visitors must sign a waiver before entering the mine and must follow all safety guidelines provided by the staff.

The Types of Gems Found in Hogg Mine

There are a wide variety of rocks and gems including:

• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Beryl
• Garnet
• Mica
• Quartz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time to Visit Hogg Mine

The best time to visit is during the summer months, from April through October. During this time, the mine is open and visitors can explore the tunnels and search for gems. The weather is also typically warmer during this time of year, making it a more pleasant experience for visitors.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Gems you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

Graves Mountain Mine

Hwy. 378, Lincolnton GA 30817

Graves Mountain Mine, located in Lincoln County, is an area rich in history and natural beauty. The area is home to some of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States and was once a popular site for gem mining. It even proves to be a great spot to find Georgia crystals. Today, visitors to Graves Mountain Mine can experience the thrill of mining as well as explore the surrounding area and take in its stunning views.

The mine itself was originally discovered in 1797 by Thomas Graves and includes several areas where visitors can search for gems such as quartz, garnet, amethyst, and tourmaline. There are also several hiking trails throughout the area that offer breathtaking views of nature.

What To Expect When You Visit the Graves Mountain Mine

When visiting Graves Mountain visitors should expect to get dirty! Gem mining is an outdoor activity that requires you to dig and sift through dirt and gravel in search of gems. You can purchase a bucket of material from the mine that contains a variety of different gemstones. After you have purchased the material, you will need to sift it carefully in order to find any gems hidden within it.

In addition to digging for gems, visitors should also expect to learn about the history of the area and its people. The area has been home to Native American tribes since before Europeans arrived, and there are many interesting stories about their lives and culture.

Finally, visitors should be aware that there may be some areas where it is not safe to explore due to possible dangers such as landslides or falling rocks. Be sure to stay on designated trails and follow all safety guidelines while exploring!

The Types of Gems Found in the Graves Mountain Mine

There are lots of great specimens here but it’s best known for:

• Microcrystals
• Quartz
• Rutile crystals

The Best Time to Visit Graves Mountain Mine in Georgia

The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. The mine is open year-round, but temperatures can be quite cold in the winter.

During the spring and summer months, visitors can take advantage of the mild temperatures and long days to explore the area more thoroughly. The mine also offers a variety of special events during these months such as gem mining classes and group tours.

Cedar Ridge Farm Amethyst Mine

32 Thomson Hwy, Warrenton, GA 30828

Cedar Ridge Farm Amethyst Mine is located in the Appalachian Mountains near Dahlonega. The mine offers visitors a unique experience of mining for amethyst, a beautiful purple gemstone, in an underground mine. Visitors can also explore the surrounding property to find quartz and other minerals.

The area boasts a rich history of mining and is home to some of the most beautiful quartz and amethyst crystals found in the southeastern United States. The mine offers guided tours, where visitors can learn more about the history of amethyst mining in the area as well as how to identify and collect specimens. In addition to gem mining, there is also has a gift shop offering jewelry made from locally-mined gems as well as other souvenirs from the area.

What To Expect When You Visit the Cedar Ridge Amethyst Mine

First, visitors will be given a safety briefing before they enter the mine. Next, they will be given instructions on how to identify and collect amethyst crystals. Visitors can then explore the mine and search for their own amethyst crystals. Once visitors have collected enough crystals, they can then purchase them from the gift shop.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch near the mine or take home souvenirs and jewelry made from locally-mined gems.

The Types of Gems Found At Cedar Ridge Amethyst Mine

The main gem you will find here are Amethysts but there are many other gems and minerals that you might come across.

The Best Time to Visit the Cedar Ridge Mine

The best time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this time, temperatures are more moderate and there is plenty of daylight for exploring the mine. Additionally, the summer months usually bring more visitors to the mine which can make for a fun and exciting experience.

Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines – Great For Kids

6145 Helen Hwy, Sautee, GA, 30571

Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines is located in the North Georgia Mountains, near Helen, Georgia. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and abundance of natural resources. The mine has been in operation since 1969, when it first opened as a gold panning attraction. Over the years, visitors have been able to mine for gems such as rubies and sapphires in addition to gold.

The mines are open year-round and offer a variety of options for gem mining. Visitors can choose from bucket sizes ranging from five gallons to twenty-five gallons, which contain an assortment of gemstones including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts and topaz. Some buckets also contain fossils or arrowheads that were uncovered during mining operations. Visitors can use traditional methods such as sifting through dirt or use modern equipment such as sluice boxes to search for gems.

What To Expect When You Visit the Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines

Upon arrival, you will be provided with all of the necessary equipment for your gem mining adventure. This includes a bucket, shovel, sifting screen, and panning trays. You will then be given instructions on how to properly use the equipment and how to identify different types of gems.

Once you have all of your equipment, it’s time to start mining! You will be able to search through dirt or use sluice boxes to look for gems in the creek. After finding some gems, you can take them home with you as a souvenir or have them cut and polished into jewelry pieces.

The Best Time to Visit Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines

The best time to visit is during the months of April through October. During these months, the weather is warmer, making it a more enjoyable experience for visitors.

The Lilly Pad Village – Great For Kids

24 Adelaide Dr, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513

The Lilly Pad Village in Georgia is a family-friendly gem mining destination that offers a unique experience for visitors. Visitors can pan for gemstones and fossils in the creeks and rivers of the area, creating memories that will last a lifetime. They offer guided tours of nearby mines, allowing guests to get a firsthand look at how gems are mined and collected.

With over 25 years of experience in the gem mining industry, The Lilly Pad Village has become one of the most popular attractions in north Georgia. Visitors can also find jewelry and crafts made from the gems found onsite, making it a great place to find souvenirs or gifts.

What To Expect When You Visit The Lilly Pad Village

You will be provided with all the necessary equipment and instructions to pan for gemstones in the creeks and rivers of the area. You can also join guided tours of nearby mines and learn more about how gems are mined, collected, and processed.

The Lilly Pad Village also offers a variety of gemstone jewelry and crafts made from the gems found onsite. It is sure to be a fun-filled day for everyone!

What Type of Gems Can You Mine At The Lilly Pad Village

There are several types of gems available to find including:

• Emerald
• Sapphire
• Ruby
• Garnet
• Amethyst
• Quarts
• Tiger Eye
• Moonstone

The Best Time to Visit The Lilly Pad Village

The best time to visit is during the summer months, from late May through early September. During this time, the weather is warm and the water is perfect for panning and searching for gems. The Lilly Pad Village also offers special events and activities throughout the summer, such as gemstone hunts, lectures on geology, and more.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Georgia

If you’ve already tried out our recommendations from the list above there are still a lot of great options around the state. Here are some more great options for authentic gem mining. These are targeted more toward those who want to find working mines and other less developed options.

• Athens – Beryl, Quartz
• Blue Ridge – Garnets
• Charlies Creek – Amethyst
• Chatuge Lake – Corundum, Garnet, Quartz, Rutile
• Chattahoochee River – Chalcedony, Jasper, Opal, Quartz, Selenite
• Garnet Hill – Garnets
• Jackson Crossroads Mine – Amethysts
• Towns County – Amethyst
• Turkey Hill – Garnet, Ruby, Tourmaline
• Vaugh – Beryl, Quartz, Tourmaline

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Georgia

If you’re looking for more recommendations for public gem mining that are more family friendly there are a lot more to choose from. These tend to be in areas that have a history of commercial mining and outdoor gem mining. If you have kids that aren’t yet up for the more hard-core experience try these:

• Aska Mining Company – 8346 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
• Consolidated Gold Mine – 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533
• Crisson Gold Mine – 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533
• Diamond Hill Mine – 100 Diamond Mine Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620
• Gold ‘n Gem Grubbin‘ – 2632 Town Creek Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
• Huck’s Lost Mine – 1470 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
• Outpost Gold and Gems – 7901 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545

Georgia Amethyst Mines Worth Trying

We’ve already listed a few of these but if you’re just looking for the best Amethyst mines in Georgia here is a list worth trying. Not every one of these is open to the public for mining at all times but it’s a great place to start looking:

Jackson’s Crossroads – Hollis Norman Rd Tignall, GA 30668

Hogg Mine – 4098 Whitesville Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240

Huck’s Lost Mine – 1470 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co – 7901 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545

Aksa Mining Company – 8346 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Georgia Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

In Georgia, gemstone mining is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR has established regulations and safety procedures for gemstone mining that must be followed by all individuals and businesses who wish to mine for gems. For the full regulations visit their website at the link above.

The DNR also requires all gemstone miners to follow specific safety guidelines. These include wearing protective clothing such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, long pants and shirts with long sleeves; using safety glasses when handling machinery; using proper ventilation when working with hazardous materials; maintaining safe distances from explosives; avoiding working in confined spaces.

Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states

If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state you should check out our guides for neighboring states:

• Gem mining in Alabama
• Gem mining in Florida
• Gem mining in North Carolina
• Gem Mining in South Carolina
• Gem mining in Tennessee

If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!