Balsam Gap Mine: Magnesite & Albite Rockhounding in Jackson County, North Carolina
- Minerals reported
- 10
- Elevation
- 3,190 ft
- Best months
- Year-round
Balsam Gap Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jackson County, North Carolina. Reported finds include magnesite, albite, allanite, green beryl, columbite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Plan your visit
Generally open to casual rockhounding
- County
- Jackson County
- State
- North Carolina
- Nearest road
- Dark Ridge Road
- Postcode
- 28799
- Coordinates
- 35.42400, -83.09848
Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.
Land & collecting status
Generally open to casual rockhounding
Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.
Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.
Best time to visit Balsam Gap Mine
Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)
Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 80°F in summer.
Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WAYNESVILLE 1 E station (9 mi away), adjusted for elevation.
Geology at Balsam Gap Mine
This spot sits on ground mapped as Migmatitic biotite gneiss that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.
- Mapped unit
- Migmatitic biotite gneiss
- Age
- 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
- Elevation
- 3,190 ft
Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.
Today's weather
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Get the appSources & verification
Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.
State guidance last verified:
- North Carolina Geological Survey
- Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
- Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Balsam Gap Mine
Each name opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Balsam Gap Mine.
- Roberson RidgeHaywood County, North Carolina · 6 mi awayAnkerite, Apatite, Biotite
- TuckasegeeJackson County, North Carolina · 10 mi awayGolden Beryl
- Shinning Rock LedgeHaywood County, North Carolina · 14 mi awayRose Quartz
- Rockhound Ridge Gem MineJackson County, North Carolina · 15 mi away
- Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire MineMacon County, North Carolina · 18 mi awayRuby, Sapphire
- Sheep Knob MountainMacon County, North Carolina · 18 mi awayAquamarine
- Pink Beds Picnic AreaTransylvania County, North Carolina · 19 mi awaySmoky Quartz
- Pressley MineHaywood County, North Carolina · 19 mi awayCorundum, Sapphire
Across the state line from Balsam Gap Mine
Balsam Gap Mine is close enough to the North Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.
- Rag MountainCocke County, Tennessee · 27 mi awayUnakite
- Mine RidgeCocke County, Tennessee · 28 mi awayCopper, Iron, Lead
- Big CreekCocke County, Tennessee · 29 mi awayGreen Quartz
- GatlinburgSevier County, Tennessee · 30 mi awayQuartz, Gemstone
- Laurel Creek MineRabun County, Georgia · 33 mi awayCorundum
- Del RioCocke County, Tennessee · 34 mi awayUnakite
Balsam Gap Mine FAQ
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More rockhounding in North Carolina
See all 207 North Carolina spots →
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