Many people know North Carolina was a big gold-producing state before the California gold rush of 1849. Did you know that the state is also the most important location in North America for mining a particular gem? Can you name that gem?
Answer: Emerald
North Carolina has the only significant emerald deposits in North America. Emerald deposits are found in quartz pockets in some western counties of the state. The largest specimen ever found in North America was unearthed at a mine in Hiddenite, North Carolina in 2003. It weighed 1,869 carats, which is just under a pound. That's one gem of a gem! In 1973, the General Assembly of North Carolina adopted the emerald as the state's Official State Precious Stone.
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