However, the need for corundum dropped when companies started to use silicon carbide for abrasives instead. Since corundum is the hardest mineral after diamond, Pribble said it was commonly mined and crushed down with other materials to make sandpaper and grindstone before the turn of the century. Commercial companies came in droves to mine for corundum - a rock-forming mineral known for its gem varieties of ruby and sapphire.
“We don’t have the biggest or even the most valuable, but we have the most quantity and variety,” he said.Īl Pribble, a member of the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society, said the region has a deep history in ruby and sapphire mining that dates back to 1870. 441, said it’s the vast amount and variety of gems found in the region that gives Franklin the well-deserved title. So what makes Franklin the Gem Mine Capital of the World? Kurt Rhoades, owner of Gold City on U.S. The season really heats up in the summer months when rock hounds from all over the world come to Franklin to gem mine, visit the museum or attend a gem and mineral show. Located in the former jail on Phillips Street, the museum has been operated by the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society since 1974 and offers a huge inventory of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils.įranklin also boasts a number of shows and festivals focused on the popularity and history of gem mining in the area, including the Mother’s Day Gemboree that draws thousands of people and the growing New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop.
Smoky mountain gold and ruby mine plus#
Known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” Franklin lives up to the title with 10 active gem mines throughout the county, plus numerous gem cutters and jewelry makers to support the industry.ĭowntown Franklin is also home to the Gem and Mineral Museum.
“But this time he pulled out a large sapphire ring.” “He told me he had found a big rock, but he always finds gems when we’re here so I just ignored him,” Amanda said. Since he has such good luck finding gems, Amanda said she didn’t even pay attention when he pulled the ring out from the bucket of dirt. “It’s been a tradition coming up here every year with her family so it’s been an important place to us as a couple,” Troy said.Īnd it seemed fitting that her engagement ring was made of sapphire similar to some of the gems they’ve found over the years. Visiting Franklin and gem mining also has some sentimental attachment for the couple since Troy proposed to Amanda at Rose Creek Mine three years ago. He also found an emerald, which he got cut, polished and set in a piece of jewelry to give Amanda for her birthday. Troy found a 380-carat sapphire about five years ago. Troy and Amanda Morton of Pensacola have also had good luck at Rose Creek. “We’ve had really good luck here,” she said. While finding garnets and sapphires at Rose Creek is more common, Boyette once found a rare emerald during a mining trip. She also has had good luck at Rose Creek in the past. For several years, The Smoky Mountain News has partnered with the Haywood Chamber of…īoyette wasn’t at all surprised at her mother’s discovery.
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