Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine the Original
Dig-Your-Own Gem Mine!!!
We are an all native, and dig your own gem mine located in the Burningtown area of Macon County, North Carolina. The original mine dates back to 1895 and was operated by the American Prospecting and Mining Co. of New York.. It was known as the Raby Mine in those days and abrasive grade corundum was mined and occasionally gems were produced. In 1942 the Mason family bought the property and established the present day tourist gem mine. Now under the ownership of the Klatt family it's continuing to stay with the Mason's winning formula of customer service!
Hours of Operation:
We are now fully open for the season! April 1st through October 1st we open 7 days a week 8 AM to 5 PM and this includes holidays. After 2:30 PM we do not accept new miners, because we are a native gem mine and it takes trial and error to find a good spot! The digging area closes at 4 PM. We now have the bugs straightened out and we now accept CREDIT CARDS (except American Express and Discover) and of course cash. Reservations to mine are not required unless you have a group of ten or more. By the way you can get a $5 discount on the admission for each person if you can get a group of 10 people or more together!
What to Bring to the Mine
Since we are a Dig Your Own Mine you need to be prepared for outdoor conditions. If it's raining or been raining our digging area gets VERY SLOPPY. Bring rubber boots with tread and a rain coat. Also if it's rainy we do reserve the right to close the mine if we feel safety issues warrant it. Please call ahead. During thunderstorms we will close the flume till the storm passes. Regardless of weather conditions you might want to consider bringing a change of clothes and we do provide a dressing room. Also bring rubber gloves or buy them from our store to wash the dirt . The rocks can be sharp! We provide all the tools necessary for mining: shovels, buckets, screens, and we have hand truck rentals. Rock hammers, and picks aren't necessary and we discourage their use. We are located a long way from town so be prepared to bring your lunch, but we do have drinks and snacks for sale in our store to tide you over. Well behaved pets are welcome at our mine, but please scoop the poop!
Judie Johnson Update!
Judie is now back at the mine doing what she does best and that's to greet our customers! Her prognosis so far is looking good. All her therapies are done and all she need's to do now is have a check up here and there.
Judie celebrating by her putting her name tag on for the first time in nearly a year and putting away the donation poster! What a wonderful moment!
Important!
Please print, read and sign the form below for all
miners so you get right to mining when you arrive!
We accept credit cards and cash as payment.
Download PDF here!
miners so you get right to mining when you arrive!
We accept credit cards and cash as payment.
Download PDF here!
The Basics
When you get here, you will go through a short intiation showing you how to find the much-coveted Mason Sapphire. Our expert staff will help you determine what to look for, rules for the mine, and instructions for finding the right digging spot. Afterwards its off to the fields you go, with a shovel and bucket, in search of gems hidden beneath the earth's surface. You return to one of the 4 flume lines where you will be assisting in sorting the rocks from the riches. After the day is over we weigh and package your treasures for safe travels to wherever you may live. Dig your dirt. Wash it off. Keep the gems.
Here's a video to show you how Masons Mine Works
Bring lunch and prepare to get dirty
Mining is a messy business so dress accordingly as you WILL get dirty. We have snacks available on site or you can bring a bag-lunch and use one of our multiple picnic locations. The mining fee is the same whether you get there at 8am or 2:30pm, so plan your day to take advantage of this. We have a special handicap flume allowing those in wheelchairs to get in on the fun. 2 flumes are covered but sunscreen is not a bad idea.
Our amazing staff!
The experienced and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. If you aren't used to real southern hospitality, you are in for a treat! They also happen to be real good at the sapphire mining! Come down and say hey even if you don't want to mine.
"Miner" Al playing in the dirt!
Luke "Skywalker" Flume Guide Extraordinaire standing guard over the digging area!
Mya the Mason's Mine pebble pup! |
Todd "Toddy Bear" the mine boss giving directions!
"Cat" a fill in for Judie as shopkeeper running the flumes!Ben our newest flume guide!
Brandon "Dooley" Flume Guide Extraordinaire showing Luke who's boss on the flumes! |
Judie our gracious host and shopkeeper!
Amy part time shopkeeper.
Our mascot "Miner Up" the skeletal prospector! |
Gem Cutting and Mounting Services
Once you have found your gems at Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine many of our customers wonder what should they do with their finds. There are few places in the country that will cut your gems even in the larger cities. Well you're in luck! We have our partner business to help you out at http://www.rubycity.com/. Just go to their services button on their site for a list of cutting and mounting prices. Feel free to check through their other services and products they have available. When in Franklin please visit their store, because your trip to the area isn't complete until you've seen their free museum and fluorescent display!
Used Lapidary Machines Needed!!!
Todd is needing vibra-laps, cabbing machines, and sphere machines. Please call Todd and tell him what you can bring at 828-369-9742. Clean out that attic!!!
