Directions
From Greenville:
Take 25 North towards Asheville
Take the SC-11 ramp, and turn left
Drive 2.4 miles, turn right into Pleasant Ridge Park,
follow the main road through the park to the Camp and
Retreat Center
From Asheville:
Take I-26 E toward Hendersonville/Spartanburg
Merge onto US 25 South, exit 54
Take the exit toward SC-11
Turn left onto SC-11
Drive 2.4 miles, turn right into Pleasant Ridge Park,
follow the main road through the park to the Camp and
Retreat Center
Gem Mining Educational Field
Trip
From Spartanburg:
Take 1-26 W toward Asheville
Take SC-11 exit 5 toward Chesnee/Campobello
Turn left onto SC-11
Drive 2.4 miles, turn right into Pleasant Ridge Park,
follow the main road through the park to the Camp and
Retreat Center
Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center
4232 Highway 11
Marietta, SC 29661
864-660-1065
Welcome,
Did you know?
The Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center is nestled in the
foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful facility
seamlessly integrates accessibility and inclusion into every
aspect of its design and programming. Come and experience
the excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a pleasant and
comfortable atmosphere.
Our friendly staff will be available to assist your group in
identifying, classifying and education everyone on the
different gems found. Gems include South and North
Carolina native gems. Ruby, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Unakite,
Tourmaline, Emerald and Peridot; as well as Amethyst,
Citrine, Chrystal Quartz, Agate, Green Aventurine, Pyrite,
fluorite, Topaz, Garnet, Rose Quartz, Calcite, and Sodalite.
No experience necessary, and all equipment will be provided.
The gemstone mine offers a unique and thrilling way to learn
about various native gems. Students are able to keep
everything they find. Please arrive promptly for your reserved
trip time as the tour will run a tight schedule. Most tours last
approximately 2 hours.
Gem buckets - $10 per person
Meal - $7 per person
Minimum of 10 participants per group.
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Ruby – The name Ruby was derived from the Latin
word rubens, meaning red.
Sapphire – Ruby and Sapphire are actually the same
exact mineral – corundum.
Garnet – The name Garnet comes from the Latin word
granatus meaning grain. Garnet is the traditional
birthstone for January in the USA.
That Amethyst became the official gem of the state of
South Carolina on June 24, 1969, after the discovery
of several world-class amethysts at the Ellis-Jones
Mine near Due West.
What To Look For At The Mines
The "3 c's" of gem mining are Color, Clarity and Crystals.
Gemstones come in every color from white to black. Garnets
are glassy red , pink or reddish brown. Rubies are silky red,
sapphires are every other color, and both have a crystal
formation with 6 sides. Moonstones are pearly white to gray
and peach to chocolate brown with a flat box-like shape.
Quartz comes in many forms, sometimes clear colors like
Amethyst and Citrine, sometimes opaque colors with mica
flecks like Aventurine and of course clear with sides - quartz
crystals.
encouraged to bring cameras. Tupperware or small bags to
put finds in that are labeled with child’s name.
Call 864-660-1065 to schedule your Educational Field Trip.
Educational Field Trips are scheduled Monday – Thursday,
September – May.
What to bring:
We suggest that your group dress for the weather by bringing,
gloves, shoes/boots, and jackets as needed. All guests are