The Pigeon Forge Gem Mine makes it easy to achieve your dreams of being a prospector and digging for buried treasure. Much more than just a Tennessee tourist trap, this gem mine allows you to strike gold and walk away with quality minerals, rough gems, and fossils. You never know what you’re going to find each time you buy your bucket of choice.
Upon arriving at the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, you get to select your preferred bucket size from all their incredible options. If you want to dig on your own, you might want a Specialty Bucket filled with over 20 different mineral and gemstone types. Or you can go with the Big Bear Treasure Hunter bucket for a chance to find fossils amongst your stones and gems.
If you’re digging with your spouse, kids, or even a few friends, you’ll want to get either the Miners Special or Super Bucket. Each one comes chockfull of minerals, gems, and fossils plus lots of extras, including free admission to other attractions in town. You also get discounts on their gem cutting and jewelry setting services with the three biggest bucket options.
As you stroll off with your buckets, you’ll want to go into the dig area to start scooping the lot into sifting boxes. Then, you need to sift your heart out to see what treasures you can find. Once you have all your finds in hand, you can take them home in their rough state or have them cut and polished. You can even get your gems made into rings, necklaces, earrings, and the like for a lasting memento of your visit.
Pigeon Forge Gem Mine’s most popular products include:
Minerals
The minerals awaiting discovery at this gem mine include beauties like amazonite, dalmatian jasper, bloodstone, crystal quartz, pyrite, and sodalite. You can even find full and partial geodes filled with crystal formations as you dig around in the dirt.
Rough Gems
The rough gems are exceptional finds that will leave you raving about your experience for weeks or years to come. As you dig, keep a close eye out for amethysts, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and so much more. Once you find a few keepers, make sure to stop by the jeweler to see what they can make of your newfound gems.
Fossils
The fossils will give you a look into the past and serve as a reminder of your trip to the gem mine. You might find ammonites, brachiopods, desert roses, and even megalodon teeth. So, be sure to move gently to avoid damaging your fossils as you scoop from the bucket to the box, and then sift around.
If you’d like to see just what minerals, gems, and fossils you might find in your buckets, be sure to zip on over to the free museum for a look around. Throughout the museum, they have the most impressive treasures on display for you to admire. After reading the tags and looking at the specimens, it’ll be easier to ID your finds as you dig through your buckets of gems and more.
Insider Tips:
-Want to have your birthday party at the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine? Just sign up in advance, so they can make room for your group of 15 or more. If you have fewer people in your party, you’re not required to reserve your space, but it’s still a good idea.
-Bring along 50 cents plus a penny for each person in your group, so everyone can get a pressed penny souvenir for their collection.