Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, the town of Franklin is known as the “Gem Capital of the World”, a title earned from a rich mining history that began in the late 19th century. The area’s treasure is corundum, a mineral whose red and blue varieties are better known as rubies and sapphires. Today, visitors can experience this legacy firsthand at over a dozen local mines, where they can sift through to find gems like garnets, moonstones, and even emeralds, making Franklin a true ‘hidden gem’ for rockhounds and tourists alik