Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains
Housed inside Macon County’s historic 1850s jailhouse in downtown Franklin, North Carolina, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers. Operated by the Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin, NC, this free non-profit museum spans eight rooms across two floors, displaying thousands of mineral, fossil, and gemstone specimens from Western North Carolina and around the globe.
Walk through the original 19th-century jail facility—complete with preserved original jail cell doors—where each former cell now houses a unique geological exhibit room.
Explore a vast collection dedicated to Macon County’s famous Cowee Valley, featuring raw and cut rubies, sapphires, garnets, moonstones, and rare emeralds.
Step inside the darkened blacklight room to witness ordinary-looking rocks glow in vibrant neon colors under ultraviolet light.
Marvel at ancient fossils, meteorites, geodes, quartz formations, and rare mineral specimens gathered from all seven continents.
View historic state mineral displays alongside exceptional individual cut gems, including native sapphires weighing over 100 carats.
25 Phillips Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (just steps from Main Street in downtown Franklin)
Free (donations are gratefully accepted to support museum maintenance and educational programs).
Features affordable rocks, polished stones, mineral samples, jewelry, and educational kits for kids and collectors alike.
The main floor exhibits are wheelchair accessible; volunteers are on-site to assist and answer questions about local rockhunting.