The hardest garnet in the world is only found on Gore Mountain, making the garnet extremely rare. The Barton garnet has an unusual and beautiful ruby red color that flashes in the sun. In 1969, the Governor of New York, Nelson Rockefeller, made the Barton garnet the New York State Gem Stone. We start the tour at the Gore Mountain Mineral Shop. In your own car you follow a tour guide to the site of the Garnet Mines. You’ll learn from your tour guide the history and geology of the Garnet Mine and how to find your own Garnet Gemstones. Hunting for your own treasures as you explore around the #1 pit is GREAT FUN!