Did you know that there is a place in Georgia where you can dig for rocks, gems, and other beautiful minerals? This particular mountain opens up twice a year to visitors so that they can take a crack at digging, mining, and hunting. Not only is this unique geological formation in Georgia worth the trip, but it has a pretty fascinating history, too.
Just 130 miles east of Atlanta in the small town of Lincolnton, Georgia is the stunningly unique rock hotbed known as Graves Mountain.
Flickr J. Stephen Conn
A few times a year the caretakers at Graves Mountain open up the area to visitors who hope to score some serious buried treasure.
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But this isn’t like a scavenger hunt—instead, the treasure at Graves Mountain formed millions of years ago through the metamorphosis of sedimentary rocks.
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There was even a time when the Lincolnton, Georgia mountain was mined by Tiffany & Co. who searched for rutile, a crystal-like mineral used to polish diamonds.
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Considered one of Georgia’s premiere mineral locations, guests who find themselves curious about the rock swap and dig should give it a shot.
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Participants can head to Graves Mountain during their open house and bring their own shovels and hand tools.
Facebook Graves Mountain
Some of the treasures one can score include quartz, iridescent hematite, bluish lazulite, and other unique gems and rocks.
Flickr James St. John
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the open house, guests will need to sign a liability release and make a small contribution toward the cost of opening the mountain.
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Anyone who wants to set up a table for a daily rock swap with other guests to the mountain can do so!
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Keep track of the next open house at this spectacular rock ranch for you chance to hunt for deep geological treasures from the Earth.
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Graves Mountain is located in the small town of Lincolnton, Georgia. Make sure to keep an eye on the Facebook Page for Graves Mountain in order to verify when the open house dates will be each year. Or you can head on over to the Georgia Mineral Society webpage for more information about the mountain.
Flickr J. Stephen Conn
Facebook Graves Mountain
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Flickr James St. John
If you’re looking for other unique things to do in Georgia, make sure to check out this hike into an abandoned gold mine.
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