Hiddenite Gem Mines, Public gem mine in Hiddenite, North Carolina.
Hiddenite Gem Mines consists of three active mining sites located in the Brushy Mountains foothills that contain various gemstones and minerals. These sites allow visitors to dig and search for valuable stones directly in the ground.
Hiddenite stone was discovered in 1879 and later identified by geologist J. Lawrence Smith as a green variety of the mineral spodumene. This discovery made the region an important location for mineral collection and scientific study.
Visitors come to collect their own stones and learn about minerals hands-on. The mines serve as a place where people can experience geology directly and build a connection to the earth.
Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions since digging happens outdoors. Operating hours may vary by season and weather, so checking ahead is recommended before making a trip.
More than 60 different mineral types have been found at these mines, with some existing nowhere else in the world. The rare green stone hiddenite occurs naturally only in this region.
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