Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™ Issue 029 August 2013 | Page 22

Dig For Jewels At The Nation’s
Only Public Emerald Mine
G

em mining is a popular activity for visitors to North Carolina
and when it comes to emeralds, the Hiddenite area in
Alexander County is unmatched. The largest and longest emeralds
ever found in North America were found in the Hiddenite area,
whi ch is home to Emerald Hollow Mine, the only emerald mine
in the United States open to the public for prospecting. Visitors
can search for emeralds and more than 60 other types of gems
at the Emerald Hollow. Most guests select from buckets filled at
the mine and use sluicing to separate the gems. Emerald Hollow
has three sluiceways where water washes over the soil as a filter.
Visitors can also opt to prospect
creek-side along the property’s
70 acres in specific areas where
digging is permitted. Emerald
Hollow also offers lapidary
Project 543 tells the story of
service and is a popular spot for unique spots across North
Carolina we hope will become
educational field trips. Types of
some of your favorite places.
gems found at the site include
Why 543? Because that’s the
emerald, aquamarine, sapphire,
number of miles from Manteo,
garnet and amethyst as well as
on the coast, to Murphy, in the
the rare stone called Hiddenite.
mountains, and is traditionally
considered to be the width of
Hiddenite is a member of the
our state. The entries in this
spodumene family of gems and
project are in no particular
can only be found in this area of
order, and we’ll add to them
North Carolina. Gem mining is
each week. Check in often to
one of many popular side trips
find inspiration for your next
trip, or start planning today at
visitors can experience in North
VisitNC.com.
Carolina.

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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™