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Currently in [[North Carolina]] there are only a few major mines that produce significant amounts of [[emerald]] stones. Three of the larger mines in [[Hiddenite]], NC, include Adams Mine, NAEM, and the Emerald Hollow Mine. They are all collectively known as the '''Hiddenite Gem Mines'''.
[[Hiddenite, North Carolina|Hiddenite]], North Carolina, United States, is a centre for the mining of gemstones. Three larger mines found there are Adams Mine, NAEM and the Emerald Hollow Mine. They are collectively known as the '''Hiddenite Gem Mines'''.


[[Image:Hiddenite.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Sign upon Entering [[Hiddenite]], NC]]
[[File:Hiddenite.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Sign upon Entering [[Hiddenite, North Carolina|Hiddenite]], NC]]


==Discovery==


The first discovery of the hiddenite stone was made in 1879. The stone was revealed to Mr. W. E. Hidden. The samples were sent to Dr. J. Lawrence Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, who determined that the stone Mr. Hidden had collected was [[spodumene]]. The variety of the stone that was found was given the name [[Hiddenite]] in honor of the finder. <ref>[http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/collectors_corner/arc/hiddenite.htm American Mineralogist]</ref> This was a good reason for locals and others to look for the gem themselves.
The first discovery of the hiddenite stone was made in 1879 by W. E. Hidden. Samples were sent to Dr. J. Lawrence Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, who determined that the stone Hidden had collected was [[spodumene]]. The variety was given the name [[hiddenite]].<ref>[http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/collectors_corner/arc/hiddenite.htm American Mineralogist]</ref> Emeralds had earlier been found during ploughing in 1874.


==Emerald Hollow Mine==
==Emerald Hollow Mine==


[[Image:Hiddenite Mine Entrance.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Entrance to the Emerald Hollow Mine, located at Emerald Hollow Mine Drive, [[Hiddenite]], NC‎ ]]
[[File:Hiddenite Mine Entrance.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Entrance to the Emerald Hollow Mine, located at Emerald Hollow Mine Drive, [[Hiddenite, North Carolina|Hiddenite]], NC ]]
[[Image:Hiddenitecreek.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Open stream where tourists search for gems]]
[[File:Hiddenitecreek.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Open stream where tourists search for gems]]


One of the major mines in the county is the Emerald Hollow Mine. This a public gem mine located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in [[Alexander County]], specifically in the town of Hiddenite. Throughout the entire United States, this is one of the only emerald mines that is open to the public to search for emeralds. <ref name=mapbook/>
One of the major mines in the county is the Emerald Hollow Mine. This a public gem mine located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in [[Alexander County, North Carolina|Alexander County]], specifically in the town of Hiddenite.<ref name=mapbook/>


⚫
At the mine, more than 63 different types of gems and minerals can be found including [[emerald]]s, [[amethyst]], [[sapphire]], [[aquamarine (gemstone)|aquamarine]], [[topaz]], [[garnet]], as well as the stone Hiddenite, which is a stone only found in this local area. The ways in which gems can be uncovered in this mine are by sluicing, creeking, or digging. Sluicing is the process of taking a small amount of dirt or soil removed from the mine and sifting through it with a stream of running water known as a sluiceway. As the dirt is washed down the trough, the larger pieces of gems, minerals, and other stones are left in the sifter.


⚫
At the mine, more than 63 different types of gems and minerals can be found including emeralds, amethyst, sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, as well as the stone Hiddenite, which is a stone only found in this local area. The ways in which gems can be uncovered in this mine is by sluicing, creeking, or digging. Sluicing is the process of taking a small amount of dirt or soil removed from the mine and sifting through it with a stream of running water known as a sluiceway. As the dirt is washed down the trough, the larger pieces of gems, minerals, and other stones are left in the sifter.
Digging in permitted areas allows for visitors of the mine to dig into the earth to search for veins that may contain gemstones.
Digging in permitted areas allows for visitors of the mine to dig into the earth to search for veins that may contain gemstones.
The use of the creek is a major part of the mine. Guests are allowed to enter the mountain water creek to search for valuable stones. <ref name=mapbook> The Alexander County Mapbook, ACHS GIS, 2007.</ref>.
The use of the creek is a major part of the mine. Guests are allowed to enter the mountain creek water to search for valuable stones.<ref name=mapbook>The Alexander County Mapbook, ACHS GIS, 2007.</ref>


The mine is equipped with an on site lapidary shop where visitor’s gem stones can be cleaned, finished, and made into jewelry.
The mine has an on-site lapidary shop where visitors’ gem stones can be cleaned, finished, and made into jewelry.<ref>[http://www.hiddenitegems.com/ Hiddenite Gem Mines]</ref>
The Emerald Hollow Mine is owned and operated by Dottie Watkins. <ref>[http://www.hiddenitegems.com/ Hiddenite Gem Mines]</ref>


==North American Emerald Mine==
==Rist Mine (North American Emerald Mine) ==


Another major mine, that is not open to the public is the North American Emerald Mine (NAEM). Previously known as Rist Mine, this is a location mined by James K. Hill who is the founder of North American Emerald Mines Inc. At the mine more that 30,000 carats of emeralds have been found to date, which is estimated at a worth of over 9 million dollars.
Another major mine is the North American Emerald Mine (NAEM), operated privately. Previously known as Rist Mine, this is a location mined by James K. Hill who is the founder of North American Emerald Mines Inc. At the mine more than {{convert|30000|carat|kg}} of emeralds have been found, estimated value US$9 million.{{by whom?|date=October 2016}}

For excavating the stones, larger, modern, and more professional equipment is used to unearth the gems hidden deep within the pits of the NAEM. <ref name=nce>[http://northcarolinaemeralds.info/index.htm North Carolina Emeralds]
For excavating the stones, large, modern, and professional equipment is used to unearth the gems hidden deep within the pits of the NAEM.<ref name=nce>[http://northcarolinaemeralds.info/index.htm North Carolina Emeralds]
</ref>
</ref>


===Important Dates===
===Emeralds found===


In 1969, an emerald of 1,438 carats was uncovered. This was the largest North American emerald found to date. The stone was named the Stephenson Emerald in honor of John A. D. Stephenson, a late 19th century collector instrumental in the discovery of the first North Carolina emerald and the first world discovery of hiddenite.
In 1969, an emerald of {{convert|1438|carat|kg}} was uncovered, the largest yet found in North America. The stone was named the Stephenson Emerald in honor of John A. D. Stephenson, a late 19th-century collector instrumental in the discovery of the first North Carolina emerald and the first world discovery of hiddenite.


In 2003, the largest emerald known to date was uncovered at the NAEM by Jamie Hill. The emerald was 1,869 carats and valued at over one million dollars.
In 2003, a larger emerald was uncovered at the NAEM by Jamie Hill. It was {{convert|1869|carat|kg}} and valued at over one million dollars.{{source?|date=October 2016}}


In 2006, NAEM unearthed the longest emerald ever recorded in North America. The emerald was 10” long.
In 2006, NAEM unearthed a yet larger emerald, said to be 10 inches in length.<ref name=nce/>

<ref name=nce/>


==Adams Mine==
==Adams Mine==


Also located in the hills of [[Hiddenite]] is the Adams mine, formerly known as the Warren mine, the Emerald & Hiddenite mine, the Turner mine, and the Hiddenite mine.<ref name=nce/>
Also located in the hills of [[Hiddenite, North Carolina|Hiddenite]] are the Adams mine, formerly known as the Warren mine, the Emerald & Hiddenite mine, the Turner mine, and the Hiddenite mine.<ref name=nce/>


===Important Dates===
===Other discoveries===


⚫
In 1882, an emerald crystal of {{convert|1276|carat|kg}} was discovered.
In 1874, emeralds were first found in plowed fields in Hiddenite.

Hiddenite stones were first found in 1878.

⚫
In 1882, an emerald crystal of 1,276 carats was discovered.
At the time, this was largest emerald crystal ever found in North America. However, it was stolen from the [[American Museum of Natural History]], NY, in 1950 and never recovered.
At the time, this was largest emerald crystal ever found in North America. However, it was stolen from the [[American Museum of Natural History]], NY, in 1950 and never recovered.


In 1971, approximately 9,400 carats of emeralds were found the area. Some of these stones are now displayed in the Smithsonian.
In 1971, approximately {{convert|9400|carat|kg}} of emeralds were found the area. Some of these stones are now displayed in the Smithsonian.


A recent large discovery occurred in 1980 when over 1,500 hiddenite crystals were found in a large underground vein pocket.<ref name=nce/>
A recent large discovery occurred in 1980 when over 1,500 hiddenite crystals were found in a large underground vein pocket.<ref name=nce/>
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{coord|35.9137|-81.0830|region:US-NC_type:landmark|display=title}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Alexander County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Mines in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Gemstone mines]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Alexander County, North Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 10:31, 20 October 2021

Hiddenite, North Carolina, United States, is a centre for the mining of gemstones. Three larger mines found there are Adams Mine, NAEM and the Emerald Hollow Mine. They are collectively known as the Hiddenite Gem Mines.

Sign upon Entering Hiddenite, NC

Discovery

[edit]

The first discovery of the hiddenite stone was made in 1879 by W. E. Hidden. Samples were sent to Dr. J. Lawrence Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, who determined that the stone Hidden had collected was spodumene. The variety was given the name hiddenite.[1] Emeralds had earlier been found during ploughing in 1874.

Emerald Hollow Mine

[edit]
Entrance to the Emerald Hollow Mine, located at Emerald Hollow Mine Drive, Hiddenite, NC
Open stream where tourists search for gems

One of the major mines in the county is the Emerald Hollow Mine. This a public gem mine located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in Alexander County, specifically in the town of Hiddenite.[2]

At the mine, more than 63 different types of gems and minerals can be found including emeralds, amethyst, sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, as well as the stone Hiddenite, which is a stone only found in this local area. The ways in which gems can be uncovered in this mine are by sluicing, creeking, or digging. Sluicing is the process of taking a small amount of dirt or soil removed from the mine and sifting through it with a stream of running water known as a sluiceway. As the dirt is washed down the trough, the larger pieces of gems, minerals, and other stones are left in the sifter.

Digging in permitted areas allows for visitors of the mine to dig into the earth to search for veins that may contain gemstones. The use of the creek is a major part of the mine. Guests are allowed to enter the mountain creek water to search for valuable stones.[2]

The mine has an on-site lapidary shop where visitors’ gem stones can be cleaned, finished, and made into jewelry.[3]

Rist Mine (North American Emerald Mine)

[edit]

Another major mine is the North American Emerald Mine (NAEM), operated privately. Previously known as Rist Mine, this is a location mined by James K. Hill who is the founder of North American Emerald Mines Inc. At the mine more than 30,000 carats (6.0 kg) of emeralds have been found, estimated value US$9 million.[by whom?]

For excavating the stones, large, modern, and professional equipment is used to unearth the gems hidden deep within the pits of the NAEM.[4]

Emeralds found

[edit]

In 1969, an emerald of 1,438 carats (0.2876 kg) was uncovered, the largest yet found in North America. The stone was named the Stephenson Emerald in honor of John A. D. Stephenson, a late 19th-century collector instrumental in the discovery of the first North Carolina emerald and the first world discovery of hiddenite.

In 2003, a larger emerald was uncovered at the NAEM by Jamie Hill. It was 1,869 carats (0.3738 kg) and valued at over one million dollars.[citation needed]

In 2006, NAEM unearthed a yet larger emerald, said to be 10 inches in length.[4]

Adams Mine

[edit]

Also located in the hills of Hiddenite are the Adams mine, formerly known as the Warren mine, the Emerald & Hiddenite mine, the Turner mine, and the Hiddenite mine.[4]

Other discoveries

[edit]

In 1882, an emerald crystal of 1,276 carats (0.2552 kg) was discovered. At the time, this was largest emerald crystal ever found in North America. However, it was stolen from the American Museum of Natural History, NY, in 1950 and never recovered.

In 1971, approximately 9,400 carats (1.88 kg) of emeralds were found the area. Some of these stones are now displayed in the Smithsonian.

A recent large discovery occurred in 1980 when over 1,500 hiddenite crystals were found in a large underground vein pocket.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ American Mineralogist
  2. ^ a b The Alexander County Mapbook, ACHS GIS, 2007.
  3. ^ Hiddenite Gem Mines
  4. ^ a b c d North Carolina Emeralds

35°54′49″N 81°04′59″W / 35.9137°N 81.0830°W / 35.9137; -81.0830

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