Emerald Hollow Mine

Gem 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 discovered in the Hiddenite area, which is home to Emerald Hollow Mine, the only emerald mine in the US open to the public for prospecting. Visitors can search for emeralds and more than 60 other types of gems — including aquamarine, sapphire, garnet, amethyst and the rare stone called Hiddenite — at Emerald Hollow. Most select from buckets filled at the mine and use sluicing to separate the gems. Or you can opt to prospect creek-side along the property's 70 acres in specific areas where digging is permitted. Emerald Hollow also offers lapidary services and is a popular spot for educational field trips.