Hiddenite Gems Inc. | Jewelry & Watches
About Us
Currently in North Carolina there are only a few major mines that produce significant amounts of emerald stones. Three of the larger mines in Hiddenite, NC, include Adams Mine, NAEM, and the Emerald Hollow Mine. They are all collectively known as the Hiddenite Gem Mines. The Emerald Hollow Mine is a public gem mine located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in Alexander County, specifically in the town of Hiddenite. Throughout the entire United States, this is one of the only emerald mines that is open to the public to search for emeralds.
At the mine, more than 63 different types of gems and minerals can be found including emerald, amethyst, sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, as well as the stone Hiddenite, which is a stone only found in this local area. The ways in which gems can be uncovered in this mine are by sluicing, creeking, or digging.
Experience true nature and visit the Hiddenite Gem Mines today!
Additional Information
The first discovery of the hiddenite stone was made in 1879. The stone was revealed to Mr. W. E. Hidden. The samples were sent to Dr. J. Lawrence Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, who determined that the stone Mr. Hidden had collected was spodumene. The variety of the stone that was found was given the name Hiddenite in honor of the finder. This was a good reason for locals and others to look for the gem themselves.
Our hours of operation are 8:30am to sunset (ranging from 5:00pm in mid-winter to 7:00pm in mid-summer). We are open 362 days a year, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are RV parks with complete hookups very nearby. Our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff is always available to answer your questions, offer instructions, and help identify your finds. We also have a complete lapidary shop that will turn your rough gemstones into beautiful cut stones and jewelry.
