North Carolina Emeralds

Emeralds, like all colored gemstones, are graded using four basic parameters, the four Cs of Connoisseurship; Color, Cut, Clarity and Crystal. The last C, crystal is simply used as a synonym that begins with C for transparency or what gemologists call diaphaneity. Prior to the 20th Century jewelers used the term water as in "a gem of the finest water" to express the combination of two qualities, color and crystal. Normally, in the grading of colored gemstones, color is by far the most important criterion. However, in the grading of emerald, crystal, is considered a close second. Both are necessary conditions. A fine emerald must possess not only a pure verdant green hue as described below, but also a high degree of transparency to be considered a top gem.

Hiddenite NC is the location of several Emerald Mines. This locality is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations on the North American continent.

Host to more than sixty-three different types of naturally occurring gems and minerals, a virtual treasure trove of gemstones can be found at the gem mines! Many of these are very rare, including emerald, aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutile, and tourmaline, along with an abundance of world class smoky and clear quartz crystals. Hiddenite is also famous as the only place on earth where the very rare gemstone "Hiddenite Emerald" can be found!

Each year, thousands of rockhounds, tourists and educational field trip participants flock to this popular North Carolina location to experience the thrill of finding rare Emeralds in the rough. Whether a serious or amateur prospector hoping to fulfill dreams of finding hidden treasures, a student experiencing an enriching "hands on" learning experience or a family seeking quality outdoor recreation, a trip to the Hiddenite guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for people of all ages!

The largest emerald ever found in North America was found in Hiddenite, NC. The emerald known as The Carolina Queen is a shining example of beauty and natural wonder. The emerald has been valued in excess of $1,000,000.00 by "Cap" Beesley of the American Gem Laboratory in New York.

The Queen was one of the two cut from a giant 88 carat rough emerald that was found my James K. "Jamie" Hill, Jr. in 1998. Hence the "American Royal Family" was born. Experts say that minerals of this quality are normally mined in Brazil or Columbia.

American Gemological Laboratories President C. R. "Cap" Beesley said, "The 18.8-carat Hiddenite emerald is very rare. It is by far the largest, finest and most significant emerald ever found on the American continent."