Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region ...

Some of Western North Carolina’s “rockhounds” are mining for rubies and emeralds worth $50M or more. Others dig for something deeper.

AND ROCK SHOP" IN LA GRANGE. ALEX: "LITTLE BIG GEM MINE AND ROCK SHOP" WILL GIVE YOU A LITTLE ADVENTURE AS YOU MINE FOR DOZENS OF FOSSILS AND TREASURE. >> ONE THING THAT’S REALLY COOL IS IT’S A ...

Digging for rare crystals at a private mine—this was next-level! From sparkling finds to deep digs, we had an unforgettable day uncovering hidden gems beneath the earth. Could we have discovered ...

Rockhounding is not a hobby you hear about every day. Loosely defined as the practice of recreationally hunting for gems and semi-precious stones in their natural habitats, it's primarily seen as a ...

To mark International Women’s Day we’re digging into an often overlooked, but critical sector for the global economy, and for many millions of women: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). From gold, ...

Western North Carolina offers several locations for gem mining and exploration. Emerald Village, near Spruce Pine, allows visitors to dig for gems and go underground. Other popular spots in and around ...