Gemstones Found In North Carolina

Gemstones Found In North Carolina

North Carolina is well known for its mining. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are all found in North Carolina. Minerals such as gold, emerald, granite, feldspar, mica, and pyrophyllite are found in North Carolina. North Carolina leads the nation in the production of feldspar, mica and pyrophyllite. Mining alone is a half-billion dollar industry in North Carolina.

Gemstones Found In North Carolina
emerald crystals-photo by R.Weller

The emerald is one of the most expensive and rare of all gemstones; it was also named the official state stone of North Carolina by the General Assembly in 1973. The chemical elements of an emerald varies, the most common is Be2Al2SiO6. Emeralds are formed by rising magma and metamorphism. This gemstone is mined in North Carolina; the largest emerald crystal found in North America was from the state of North Carolina, at the Rist Mine in 1969. The crystal weighed 1,438 carats. The emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. According to Wilkipedia, “In some cultures the emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary.” Many ancients believed, “The emerald was a dedication to the Goddess Venus; they also believed that it was good for the eye. The emerald brings forth faithfulness between lovers, and intelligence.”

Gemstones Found In North Carolina