Hiddenite Gem Mines

Another major mine is the North American Emerald Mine (NAEM), operated privately. Previously known as Rist Mine, this is a location mined by James K. Hill who is the founder of North American Emerald Mines Inc. At the mine more than 30,000 carats (6.0 kg) of emeralds have been found, estimated value US$9 million.^{[by whom?]} For excavating the stones, large, modern, and professional equipment is used.^[4]

In 1969, an emerald of 1,438 carats (0.2876 kg) was uncovered, the largest yet found in North America. The stone was named the Stephenson Emerald in honor of John A. D. Stephenson, a late 19th-century collector instrumental in the discovery of the first North Carolina emerald and the first world discovery of hiddenite.

In 2003, a larger emerald was uncovered at the NAEM by Jamie Hill. It was 1,869 carats (0.3738 kg) and valued at over one million dollars.^{[citation needed]}

In 2006, NAEM unearthed a yet larger emerald, said to be 10 inches in length.^[4]

Also located in the hills of Hiddenite are the Adams mine, formerly known as the Warren mine, the Emerald & Hiddenite mine, the Turner mine, and the Hiddenite mine.^[4]

In 1882, an emerald crystal of 1,276 carats (0.2552 kg) was discovered. At the time, this was largest emerald crystal ever found in North America. However, it was stolen from the American Museum of Natural History, NY, in 1950 and never recovered.

In 1971, approximately 9,400 carats (1.88 kg) of emeralds were found the area. Some of these stones are now displayed in the Smithsonian.

In 1980 over 1,500 hiddenite crystals were found in a large underground vein pocket.^[4]

35°54′49″N 81°04′59″W / 35.9137°N 81.0830°W / 35.9137; -81.0830