Cooper Gem Mine — sapphire rockhounding site near Blountville, TN
SapphireTNFee required

Cooper Gem Mine

Rockhounding site in Blountville, Tennessee · Gemstones

Cooper Gem Mine is a sapphire rockhounding site near Blountville, TN. Fee required. Best season: May through September.

Typical season: May through September

Key facts

Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.

Specimen type
Sapphire
Primary specimens
Sapphire, Garnet, Rutile
Fee status
Fee required
Nearest town
Blountville
State
Tennessee
Coordinates
36.55000, -82.15000
Best season
May through September
Access difficulty
Easy gravel washing
Camping
Cherokee National Forest
Activities
Gem gravel washing
Facilities
Mine wash stations
Last updated
July 5, 2026

What to pack for Cooper Gem Mine

Gear we compare for gemstones trips like this one — tools, safety, and the hike in.

All gear categories →

Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

The experience

  • Best time to visitMay through September
  • AccessEasy gravel washing
  • FacilitiesMine wash stations
  • Camping nearbyCherokee National Forest

Things you need to take to Cooper Gem Mine

Best overallSafety Glasses

DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Safety Glasses

Buy two pairs — one lives in your pack permanently.

Check price on Amazon
Best overallRock Picks & Hammers

Estwing 22 oz Geological Pick

If you buy one hammer, make it this one.

Check price on Amazon
Best overallKnee Pads for Digging

NoCry Professional Construction Knee Pads

Buy once — your knees will notice by lunch.

Check price on Amazon
Best overallMesh Screens & Classifiers

SE 5-Pack Stackable Classifier Set

If you buy one classifying kit, buy this set.

Check price on Amazon

Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Explore related hubs

Report an access change

Field conditions change. If this site is closed, claimed, flooded, or the fee has changed, tell us — we update listings with community tips and desk verification.

Email a tip

Include the date you visited and any land-manager contact. Do not share private gate codes.

Map & location

Open in MapsGet directions36.55000, -82.15000

Sources & updates

Last reviewed

Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Use Report an access change on this page or send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.

Planning a trip to Cooper Gem Mine?

Browse more rockhounding sites in Tennessee or explore the full directory.

Safety notice: Field and weather conditions change with weather, season, and field conditions. Verify current conditions with local land managers before you go. Collect at your own risk — there are rarely rangers or land managers at these sites.