Raw Un-edited “live” Footage! Crystal Hunting for Ruby & Sapphire In North Carolina

Finding Ruby and Sapphire stones. This was my very first live feed. I wasn’t prepared at all for doing it, but just went with it. At one point the phone got overheated. But just stay with it, great finds if ruby and sapphire during the video! Will have fully edited version of this video out around the first weekend of July! Its gonna be epic!

[@marinebumble1]

As a Gemologist, I would like to make a suggestion for the new people sluicing for Rubies, that you take a UV light with you. Rubies will show Brite Red and are the easiest way to find them.

[@SangosEvilTwin]

Is it the chromium that causes the glow (I think that's what gives rubies their color) or is it a standard of corundum in general?

[@marinebumble1]

@@SangosEvilTwin actually it is not the Chromium...because that is also what makes an Emerald green, but Emeralds don't fluoresce.

[@tobascoheat6582]

@ Eric Peterson What a good tip! Thanks!!

[@tobascoheat6582]

@@marinebumble1 I want to go "rock hunting" with you!!

[@WavyOnMobile]

@@marinebumble1 it is the chromium, emeralds don't fluoresce because of the vanadium

[@marykay2461]

Family vacation several yrs back we ended up there. We found tons of gems!! Was so much fun getting so dirty finding little treasures!! My sister had a sapphire cab made and her husband had a ruby cab made. They made rings that are truly stunning.

[@yvonnebrumbeloe6626]

Man it has been over 45 years since I mined there!!!! Actually found out I was Pregnant a few weeks after being there!!!!! Lol She will be 44 this December ! Time to go back!!!!!!

[@timwendt5135]

A Clarifier would help large screen, medium screen and small screen.

[@michelleangers342]

I just absolutely love your videos and all the wonderful places you go and the beautiful stones you find. Thank you so much for sharing! Much love to you and yours from Windsor, ON Canada.

[@carol-annhunter4631]

Great job of your first live video, it's candid and informative. I enjoy all of your videos especially the ones with Matrix and Dylan, they bring out the fun in you

[@annetteklein4827]

Not gonna lie love the live footage! Makes me feel like I am there with you. Love watching the same ole thing as you say 🥰😍❤️

[@MamaBearDora]

You Lucky Rabbit!! Love all the pieces you find!! So need to be out there...! Keep on truckin, Rabbit!!

[@saewelodivine1665]

I loved watching this! Being part Cherokee and Creek i spent a lot of time up there in Franklin and Cherokee! Found my first ruby when i was 10 doing water flume mining. I've loved crystals ever since! Thank you for sharing this! I wish I'd caught it live but hopefully you'll do it again! Take care no more breaking your neck 😉 and p.s. the hair cut looks great!! ❤💎

[@danielhatch3740]

I hitched hiked from Camp Lejeune, N.C. to Franklin, N.C. to Ruby mine several times when I was in the Marine Corps 1982-1985. They were adventures I will never forget! Love It. :)

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Wow that’s a long ways! That’s a serious adventure! I’m really impressed by that!🙌🙏💎🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@imari2305]

Aww Brian so sorry about all the technical difficulties. Looking forward to your next video. Great find on those rubies and garnets!! Glad you're not hurt from surfing and great haircut too!!

[@katherinedoughty839]

Crikey! What an awesome place. Love to see what you do with some of these beautiful specimens. Very exciting...thanks for sharing. Hope your feeling 100% soon. Tc 👍

[@mollyhollypollydolly8760]

I really enjoyed the live footage thanks for sharing 👍🏼🤙🏻

[@ronin478]

My son and I are going later this month! Looking forward to it! Thank you for sharing this!

[@65monsterman]

Great intro hahaha, I LOVE your videos, thank you so much for taking the time to make these

[@amonaten13]

Man I love how candid you are about your sound issues. Making KZbin videos is complicated! Lol. Love your channel. Hooked me with the zelda intros. Thanks for sharing so much with all of us.

[@rebeccaharmony1438]

Oh my gosh, those are large! And how fun you can dig your own out of the pile. Josh and I will be sure to stop there next time. Thanks for the awesome video Mr. Crystal Collector. 😁

[@GalaxyGamer-ht5oc]

Rebecca Harmony That’s What She Said

[@rebeccaharmony1438]

LOL

[@jungalllife2819]

I was thinking about taking my kids their. Thank you for doing a video and I'll be making a visit soon.👍

[@milesnn]

Awesome adventure hands on finding sweet crystals fantastic thanks work gets in the way of live streams but one of theses days it won’t be safe keep the great videos coming

[@williamjones205]

Love the videos! I am originally from Tarboro, NC and watching this makes me wanna come find some rubies! Living here in Michigan now I have learned to love rock collecting and hunting. You should come to the upper peninsula of Michigan and do silver or copper video. Or an agate video or many others. Thanks again for showing us how easy it is to find good locations

[@candyontherag8248]

Loved this video so much...We had to watch it again !! WHAT !!! WHOO HOOO FROM CALIFORNIA!!! JOHNNY AND CANDY!!!!

[@sandrajones1609]

Thank You for bringing us All along, aWeSoMe❣️

[@maryjaynemay3410]

Quality is excellent. Great video Brian.

[@kathleenloverso5654]

Awesome, Brian ! ✌🏼🤩👍🏼🌺💫

[@AdamarisCraftsss]

Love the haircut! You look so different! Just want to say I absolutely love your videos!! I’ve been obsessed with collecting rocks since I was a little kid. My mom would find bags of them under my bed lol 😂

[@rebeccacoddington5220]

I really love your videos. I love that your so into crystals. So am I & I just started digging. What a rush!

[@daianmata5945]

Your so fun, and enjoy watching your video s. Thanks again ! I miss the Dog , he is a movie STAR ! HA ! HA HE MAKES ME SMILE !

[@ammiespringfield7194]

Hello

[@nancygaxiola5412]

Wow this is the first time I've seen you're first video! Great!

[@Dunite137]

I helped my family run one of the other Cowee Valley ruby and sapphire mines a ways down the road from Mason Mountain mine. Spent most of my childhood helping my Grandma and Dad run that mine and showing customers how to pick out their gemstones. If you're still in the area I would recommend checking out Cowee Valley Lapidary (which is also down the road from Mason Mountain). Bob Dennis is the owner and his store has a TON of native Cowee Valley material and also gems from all over the world. Hes been around for a long time so if you do go just be prepared for a gruff personality haha, BUT he is an absolute wealth of gemological information. I discovered your videos a few months ago and when I saw this video was in North Carolina I instantly watched!! I love your constant excitement and the educational nature of your videos :).

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Oh wow! Thanks for the message and all the information! I’ll be back there soon and I have to check his place out that’s why

[@Amapola_Lola]

*I wish I could have watched this live! love this video*

[@susansmith6680]

Great video, missed the live. Love the hair cut.

[@matthewsgoldenadventures3330]

Great episode I love watching your shows please do some more in north carolina if you take advise I go to the ray mica mine it is awesome

[@merylfeldman7124]

Everything is perfect! Video, sound, rubies and garnets so far!

[@eastonrice1009]

Great video they are getting better and better.

[@blessedone843]

Wow! I was at work when you live streamed. I wish I could have commented while you were live...Oh Brian by the way love your haircut.😊

[@michaelkane2470]

Hey love your videos,I used to live in Cashiers,Nc and Sylva,Nc.When I used to work for Franklin Nc Upos,used to pass the Gem mine in Franklin.

[@alyssatorres5897]

You trimmed your hair! Lol 😆 Looks so good! Lol now you should feel cooler in that heat! Great video!!

[@rebeccacoddington4402]

I love all your videos! I love how you love crystals! I do too. I collect them. I just started my digging journey. What a rush! It would be awesome for subscribers to get a chance to dig with you, a dream come true!

[@sandrajones1609]

I enjoyed the unedited live version with ALL the glitches... I learned much!

[@evamarie5024]

I'm excited about this venture! It's not about nothing else other than the thrill of hard work. Finding, cleaning, and enjoying the specials of the day!😍

[@TheKimworldwide]

I love your video's & such Awesome finds ❤ just amazing natural gift's that have been created & thank you for sharing the beauty! 🙏❤

[@dianeriegel839]

I want to see more of you finding Ruby's !!

[@lindahill1636]

I loved the live hunt!!!

[@therealbettyjane]

I love watching your videos. You look different with the shorter hair. It's a good look for you. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thanks so much for watching! Every two or three years I cut my hair short, then I let it grow back out long, LOL. Kind a liking it short

[@therealbettyjane]

@@TheCrystalCollector I'll bet it's much cooler....🙂

[@shaysweet6235]

You cut your hair!!!!!! Lookin good!

[@JimmyHRamone]

You are rocking that new haircut man!

[@1.4142]

Great colors.

[@jasonbullard2280]

Thanks for doing a video of this location. I have been twice already and I'm going back next week for another dig and the gem show. would like to share some pics of the rubies I've found. one of them is REALLY REALLY NICE!!! It's only 290 ct but LOOKS GREAT! I also found few over 300 ct and my friend found one 910 ct and a few more over 300ct

[@canastasiou68]

Just Awesome. Cheers

[@debbiemitchell6055]

I think I am going to go to North Carolina for a vacation, that is such a great deal! I want to go to this mine and that Amethyst mine you showed and the emerald mine! It's so exciting, thanks for this awesome video!

[@mezellenjohnson2753]

The last piece you showed us, the gorgeous purple specimen piece is absolutely beautiful Bryan. It's a shame you couldn't find a larger piece but you have one and I think its really special. Terry my husband watched with me and ended up as enthusiastic as you are. He says your voice is relaxing and your love of crystals is contagious. You did brilliantly for a first live recording and we both enjoyed watching. Take care my friend Mary-Ellen UK

[@AL_MUSWI]

Nice video and nice haircut

[@paigelee6321]

I enjoyed watching you live 😊✌🏻yep I always find garnets in stream and creeks sapphires too

[@saleemmohammed2236]

Great video

[@maryjaynemay3410]

This is so cool. We get to be with you live!!! Everything you do is simply awesome! We trust you to find what you seek.

[@audiotron1003]

I've got a fairly large collection of uncut rubies and sapphires on my channel. I always buy them if they are hexagonal and have the triangular time keepers on them. One is about 1000 carrots.

[@patriciausaf9861]

I love watching you unearth all the beautiful gems and crystals. I am homebound in a wheelchair with MS and a spinal cord injury. I have always loved to go gem hunting, but Have not been able to for 20 years now. Thank you so much for your videos. They make me happy! Patricia Huff, Kernersville, NC

[@maryjaynemay3410]

Good. Great color.

[@shahnazsulaiman9571]

Bryan you must be having a wonderful time it is a great hobby.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes it is really great, lots of work but it is fun

[@biggrex]

Most of the stuff in the Cowee Valley area is seeded now. Sheffield and Cherokee are still supposed to be unseeded. My parents ran one of the last unseeded ones, the Jacobs Mine which used to be part of the Gibson Mine. Schuler, Holbrook, and Gibson were the original mines right on Cowee Creek. They ran it for the last six years of the mine's life and closed it down I think around 2006. I'd say the heyday of those mines was the 1950's to maybe the 1980's. The rhodolites from Mason are most likely still native, they were always known for them, not many areas you could find that exact color for seeding.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes a lot of it is seeded I agree, that’s why I like Cherokee and Sheffield. I also found out Mason mountain is legit, I went up to the top of their main Mining operation and it’s the real deal.

[@cindytappe6486]

Looks good so far.

[@davehowell3209]

My wife and I will be there in July... going to be fun!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@steveprouse9634]

Great 👍 quality

[@donaldtayloe4406]

This is pretty cool

[@kiwitreasurefinds6827]

Love it...

[@NatetheKilla420]

Amazing

[@mikelouis9389]

Wow! You are bump up against the road! That ain't such a bad thing either. Some of the places I've driven the Xterra to are so far out in the boonies that even my satellite radio wasn't getting any reception. 🤣

[@richardbidinger2577]

That sounds like a place you could turn around and find Rod Serling standing there ready to start a Twilight Zone episode. That is way out there.

[@mikelouis9389]

@@richardbidinger2577 A UFO pulled up, I was fearing the probe, the little gray bug eyed rascal looked me in the eye and said "Where the hell are we?"

[@melindahawk8540]

I’m going to go there and give it a try soon

[@Auxtraii]

So cool

[@SerenaMoonstone]

I went there the day after u did, found cool stuff! Had a great time despite the rain.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

This was cool.

[@leannkennedy6568]

This place looks like a lot of fun... and some hard work. Like your hair cut. Stay safe, especially while surfing!

[@candyontherag8248]

AND AGAIN !!WHOO HOOO FROM CALIFORNIA!!! JOHHNY AND CANDY WHAT!!!!

[@Tracys_Little_Patch_of_Dirt]

That looked like fun to do.

[@Absolution55]

I missed the live stream, I remember when you did the amethyst live stream at Purple Heart mine, great video here as usual.

[@gristlevonraben]

Awesome

[@nacyluzvegalopez2570]

Hello from Puerto Rico

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

I would suggest/like if you mentioned any value you think a find has. I'm not a pro, so I don't have experience. I live in N.C., too.

[@mendi1957]

Oh snap ... I missed this live! Would of loved to caught this ... live vids draws u in and its the next best thing to being there. One can learn all around what goes on ... its a reference, so when I'm able to go there I can refer back to your vids for pointers I understand short hair in the summer but personally long hair rocks. ... just sayin' Infinite Blessings to all 💥💥💥

[@yvonnebrumbeloe6626]

Wow!!!!! It was $15 a bucket when I was there!!!!! There was someone up flue from me that missed a nice ruby and washed down and bumped into my screen!!!!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Oh wow, what great luck!!

[@JansPlayhouse]

I love watching all of your videos. I would LOVE to come and mine with you....You should have giveaways.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

I’ve done giveaways but thinking of how to do bigger types

[@alabamalisa3872]

I'm planning a road trip to NC. My son is 7 and is Dieing to "go mining". He loves watching your channel. I'm excited he's going to get to go to a mine he's watch. This location looks like the best prices for a family and will provide a large amount of time. He loves to examine and take time I don't want to rush. My question is would you agree that out of the mines with-in 2 hours of Cherokee NC (our 4th of July destination) this would be the one to hit? We can probably only do one. We have two 10year olds and my 7 year old.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes, I really like this location, Mason Mountain Mine. You can dig as much as you want for a set price and it’s legit and you find some huge pieces.

[@rebekahjoystudio]

@@TheCrystalCollector The rubies and sapphires are salted, those specimens are not native to NC. Guarantee it.

[@cindystechschulte2084]

Quality awesome

[@DigDigDig]

Goinn' Liiiiive!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Lol, we need to go live again at paradise!

[@DigDigDig]

@@TheCrystalCollector fo sho' haha....we won't have PA Joel acting like a goofball, but Chris droppin' the F-Bombs again could shock the kiddos and anger the rents lol

[@deniseferree279]

Wow, love the haircut. Love garnets, that is so cool to see them raw.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thanks, yes I can’t wait for future digs at this location!

[@pamelafox5882]

Oh I forgot to tell you earlier, go to hobby lobby or Michael's and get some fairy jars in the jewelry area to put your garnets in, makes a great necklace.

[@pamelafox5882]

I use them for all my small stones and chips, even for smaller quartz points I find😄

[@ghemperly2609]

Very clear

[@WanderingBuffalos]

We have gone to Masons Ruby and Sapphire mine in Franklin a couple of times. Such a beautiful area.

[@OK-vr8ml]

Dang it I missed the stream I got to turn on notifications for your channel so I don’t miss your next one

[@johnjohn-bh4cu]

Always wanted to get into this, how much does it cost per bucket or do you just pay one fee then dig as much as you like?

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes it’s a pretty cool spot, Mason Mountain Mine. Right now they are charging $40 for the entire day, And you can take as much as you like, it’s I’ll be having the full video out soon of that location

[@johnjohn-bh4cu]

@@TheCrystalCollector thank you for replying 👍

[@sharonleaderfam4273]

Quality is fine on the video. Love your channel. Wish I could do more than watch. I'm handicapped.

[@daltonswinney7077]

And if you do it right you can just flip the screen and all the garnets sapphires and rubies zircon spinels will be on the bottom and when you flip it it'll all be on top check also sapphire mountain great quality stuff

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

That's a beautiful star ruby, I bought one in Colombo, Sri Lanka, $75 and 130cts of lovely gemmy goodness.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Sold it to my Great Uncle.

[@sassy4u788]

do you have to pay for each bucket you do?

[@georginabuziak5110]

ANNNNNNNNNNND.........he's out..........LOL Brian! Love the new hair cut.......Love the fact you're trying out the live feed....you'll figure it out hun.....no worries! Sorry to hear about your surfing injury........had neck problems all my life but a drunk driver finished off my neck for me when I was only 24......it sucks........just baby it for a bit........and trust me on this little bit of advice.....get yourself a REALLY REALLY GOOD Omega 3 supplement........all the hard work you do with the rock hounding WILL take it's toll and having the omega 3s on board WILL help with A LOT of "stuff"!!!! MANY years of rock hounding, digging AND my mixed media art has left me tons of issues.....the omegas are great for inflammation ETC.........can't wait to see your next adventure!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

I’ll have to try that, thanks! I’ve been eating lots of curry powder in my foods lately, it’s also supposed to get rod of inflammation

[@georginabuziak5110]

@@TheCrystalCollector YW................curry, cayenne, extract of black pepper (BioPerine....this will "enhance" the good effects of the other spices) and turmeric are ALL anti-inflammatory but they have to be "good" supplements or else they simply don't have the strength to do the job.......... : ) (BTW.....almond milk is another good anti-inflammatory) good luck and feel better

[@mikelouis9389]

Ruby's and sapphires have a Mohs hardness of 9.0. When I was growing up they were the second hardest mineral known behind diamond. Now there's a mineral i had to look up called moisanite that is harder than ruby.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

I couldn’t remember right off, I knew it was atleast 8.5, I guess that’s why these have maintained there shape after being washed out of the mountain side

[@mikelouis9389]

@@TheCrystalCollector You're waaaaaaaay too young to remember always shopping for the best needle for your records. All the best used diamond, next best was ruby or sapphire. Hard and very tough. See, science class WAS important and damned if I didn't wind up using a LOT of algebra in several of my careers! Who knew? I still haven,t found a use for the date the Magna Carta was signed, but I aint dead yet 😁

[@1.4142]

It was discovered in 1893

[@mikelouis9389]

@@1.4142 But not really EVER mentioned. Well, there's one positive for the internet.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Two hours from me is South Yorkshire, bloody miles away and at least fifteen different accents and dialects!

[@birming69]

is this location seeding or prescreening stuff? or is it truly fresh from the earth?

[@TheCrystalCollector]

It’s fresh, the owner took me to the top. He just digs out the dirt and brings it down the mountain, wait till I get the full edited video , he even has a nice kyanite area

[@bethjones1116]

I wouldn't know the difference between gemstones and rocks. Do you bring your own screens?

[@TheCrystalCollector]

They supply it all 🙌🙏

[@michaelkane2470]

Ever done Crystal hunting in Cherokee ?What do you think about the Cherokee legends of Little people ?

[@TheCrystalCollector]

I’ve never heard that legend, I’m gonna have to look into that now, that sounds really cool, thanks

[@debbiecaudill9669]

What did you say the name of the mine is? I can't find it anywhere.

[@debbiecaudill9669]

I finally figured it out. I just couldn't place it at first. My late husband and I were there in 2007. We came home with some nice stones and even had a few of them cut. I love your videos.