Little Pine Garnet Mine
Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina, USA
Key Information
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The Little Pine Garnet Mine is in Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina, USA, within the Appalachian Mountains.
It is known for large red almandine garnets, up to 6 inches, found in green chlorite schist, with quartz and chlorite also present.
The mine’s geology includes chlorite schist and gneisses, with an adit extending 150 feet, shaped by past hydrothermal activity.
Mining began in 1904 for abrasives, continued by the Ball family from 1913 to the 1950s, and is now a tourist attraction since 1998.
The mine has a family-run history, with ties to Tiffany in the 1940s, and is popular for rockhounds near Marshall and Mars Hill.
The area has a moderate climate, with warm summers (mid-80s°F) and mild winters (low 30s to mid-50s°F), receiving 42 inches of rain and 16 inches of snow annually.
Geographic Location
The Little Pine Garnet Mine is nestled in the rugged, heavily forested Appalachian Mountains, specifically in Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina, USA, about 5.3 km from Marshall. Nearby towns include Weaverville (16.5 km), Mars Hill (17.3 km), Hot Springs (17.4 km), and Woodfin (19.3 km), offering a scenic backdrop for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
This mine is renowned for its striking red almandine garnets, which can reach up to 6 inches in diameter and are embedded in green chlorite schist. Quartz, clear to white and often massive, and the chlorite group, which hosts the garnets, are also found here, making it a collector’s paradise.
Geological Structure
The mine’s geology features a mix of chlorite schist, phyllite, and various schists and gneisses, with an adit extending 150 feet into the hillside. It lies between the Mars Hill and Grenville basement terranes, with evidence suggesting past hydrothermal activity on an ancient seafloor, adding depth to its geological story.
Mining History
Mining started in 1904 for abrasives, and in 1913, Logan Ball purchased the site, mining it with his son Jack until the early 1950s. Since 1961, Jackie Ball, Logan’s grandson, allowed digging in spoil piles, and in 1998, it became a tourist attraction with Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. A cave-in closed off part of the mine, but it remains accessible for visitors.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Run by the Ball family for over a century, the mine has a rich cultural legacy, highlighted by a 1940s contract with Tiffany for garnets. It’s now a popular spot for rockhounds and tourists, near towns like Marshall and Mars Hill, with local gem clubs fostering a community of enthusiasts.
Climate and Ecology
Madison County enjoys a moderate climate, ideal for year-round visits, with summers reaching the mid-80s°F and winters ranging from the low 30s to mid-50s°F. It receives 42 inches of rain and 16 inches of snow annually, at an elevation of 2659 feet, supporting lush forests and diverse ecosystems.