NC Mineral & Gem Festival

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kids Go On The Tour?

Is there any safety training?

Yes! Kids can go on the Mine Tours. Kids under 12 years old are $15.

Is there any safety training?

Yes! The Quartz Corporation meets with our mine tour groups 30 minutes prior to departing for the mine to provide safety training and give out hard hats and safety glasses. Hard hats will be available for purchase if you prefer a new one.

Do I need special tools?

Is there any safety training?

Do you cancel if it rains?

Some of our mine tour goers have brought small picks and hammers to help break rocks into smaller pieces but you don't have to bring any tools. You can simply walk around the mine and pick up items that you see. We will also have some items available to purchase.

Do you cancel if it rains?

We do not cancel the mine tour trip if it rains. We recommend bringing a rain jacket or poncho just in case.

How do we get to the mine?

Do you cancel if it rains?

How do we get to the mine?

You will meet at the Festival site at 6:30 PM to check in, receive safety training and equipment before loaded vans that will take you to the mine and return you to your car at the Festival site. The tour ends at approximately 9 pm.

What will we find?

Do you cancel if it rains?

How do we get to the mine?

Your Mine Tour will be at Pine Mountain Mine. Pine Mountain Mine is one of the largest operating mines in North America. Mining began in the 1950's in the Pine Mt Mine for Feldspar. The primary ore is Pegmatite and Alaskite. The minerals that can be found there in large quantities are Quartz ( Smokey and Pink), Feldspar ( potassium and calcium), Muscovite mica, garnet, and Biotite schist. The mine is currently being mined for Feldspar, Quartz, and Mica and is active and supplies both processing facilities at Minpro and Atltapass in Spruce Pine.