COWEE GIFT SHOP AND MASON MOUNTAIN MINE
In the late 1800’s, a mine was discovered in northern Macon County, North Carolina that was rich in Rhodolite garnets and six other minerals. The mine was a well-known treasure to the county’s earliest inhabitants and in 1965, when Tom Johnson was just six months old, his father purchased the mine. Today, the mine is still in the family with Tom and his wife, Ginger, continuing the family’s legacy of opening the mine, now known as Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine.
Mason Mountain Mine Covered Flume
The family mining tradition has remained, making the mine a popular gathering site for families and miners from all over the world who come to Macon County still searching for gems.
In addition to Rhodolite garnets, named for the native Rhododendron that grows across the mountains, the property has six other minerals – Corundum, which is Ruby and Sapphire, Kyanite, Moonstone, Smokey Quartz, Garnet, and Cordierite (a form of Iolite).
At Mason Mountain Mine customers become friends and friends become family!
THE GEM MINE HOURS 2023
MAR. – OCT. 2023
Aug. 17 = CLOSED
Sunday – CLOSED
Monday – 9am-5pm
Tuesday – 9am-5pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – 9am-5pm
Friday – 9am-5pm
Saturday – 9am-5pm
NOV. – DEC. 2023
Nov. 1 – 7 = CLOSED
Nov. 23 = CLOSED
Dec. 23 – 31 = CLOSED
Sunday – CLOSED
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – 10am-3pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – 10am-3pm
Friday – 10am-3pm
Saturday – 10am-3pm
Jan. & Feb. 2024
Closed For The Month
OPENING DAY 2024
Mar. 1, 2024
Gift Shop
Looking for that special souvenir? When you stop by our gift shop our friendly staff will happily assist you. As you browse our shop, you will find gems and minerals from our property, surrounding areas and from all over the world. Whether you are looking for jewelry, T-shirts, hats, specimens, toys, or home decor you can find it in our gift shop.
Reviews
Gem Cutting
GEM CUTTING
Tom teaches gem cutting lessons throughout the season.
Cutting demo lesson: $150.00
All lessons are by appointment only. To schedule a lesson call (828) 421-1457
jewelry
At Mason Mountain Mine you can have your treasures turned into jewelry that will last forever. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in identifying which findings would best make into gemstone jewelry. A wide selection of mountings from rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets help customers design that unique piece of jewelry.
Pricing of cutting and mountings vary depending on the size of stones and whether mounts are silver and gold.
gem mining
Our native dirt pile where your gem mining experience begins. Native dirt from the private mine site located atop Mason Mountain is brought down to this pile for miners to sift through. Soil samples from this location indicate a wide variety of minerals including Rhodolite Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Kyanite, Moonstone, Cordierite and Smoky Quartz.
Our experienced staff will guide you in how to discover native material. We have a gemstone chart available to help you identify your findings as well. Just place the dirt in the screen and rinse thoroughly. Concentrate on material that is smooth, heavy and has color. Until you become familiar with the native material, be sure to have our staff help you in the beginning.
ALL DAY DIG From Our Native (Unsalted) Dirt Pile: $40
Super Buckets
To ensure gems are discovered, miners can purchase enhanced buckets that have gems added to the native dirt. This will guarantee a find of additional minerals.
These buckets are many of our miners’ favorites!
- $30.00 super average 4-6 pounds of gems
- $50.00 super average 10 pounds of gems
- $100 super average 20 pounds of gems
- $300 super averages 50 pounds of gems
Barrels
For our avid rockhounds, we offer barrels that range from $500.00 to $1,500.00
These barrels are said to “Rock your world” as a rockhound.
Once your mining is completed at the flume line, be sure to take your findings into the gift shop for identification by the shop staff. The staff will select any findings that could be cut and made into jewelry. We offer cutting and jewelry making for our customers. Our turn around time ranges from 3-8 weeks depending on the season.
We Ship Dirt
Can’t make it during our season? No worries, we ship dirt all over the United States.
$30.00, $50.00 and $100.00 buckets for shipping.
(S/H subject to change based on shipping location.)
Call (828) 421-1457 to have dirt delivered to your front door!
Events
Reservations are required for all Mine and Super Supper Bucket events. Please call (828) 421-1457 to reserve your spot.
Mine Event – Super Supper Bucket Event
Private Guided Mine Excursion
2 Hours
Must be 18 years old
Please call (828) 421-1457 to make a PAID reservation.
Cost $200 per person per event.
Emergency Services Night
Saturday, June 3
6 pm – 10 pm
Call for details
Night Mining
July 8
7 pm – 11 pm
All rates apply
No reservations needed
Customer Appreciation Day
October 14
9 am – 5 pm
No reservations needed
Mine Event – Super Supper Bucket Event
Private Guided Mine Excursion
2 Hours
Must be 18 years old
Please call (828) 421-1457 to make a PAID reservation.
Cost $200 per person per event.
Emergency Services Night
Saturday, June 3
6 pm – 10 pm
Call for details
Night Mining
July 8
7 pm – 11 pm
All rates apply
No reservations needed
Customer Appreciation Day
October 14
9 am – 5 pm
No reservations needed
Our Location
We are conveniently located 5.5 miles north of Franklin, NC in the Cowee Valley of Macon County.
We sit nestled against Mason Mountain along Hwy 28 North between Franklin and Bryson City.
All Rights Reseved © 2023 | Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine
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Gem Cutting
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