I found a $400.00 emerald in Cherokee, NC some years back, I made it into a ring and gave it to my mother, she still wears it proudly to this day.

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

That's so cool that you found an emerald and made it into a ring for your mom! It's awesome that she still wears it proudly. Bet she tells everyone the story behind it!

@JulianJohnston919

3 ай бұрын

@@ExploringCreationVids oh yes, she said she wouldn't take $10 grand for it, I said I would. lol

@Theart_of_my_Art

2 ай бұрын

I have a ruby, never had it sized/weighed, but it was a pretty nice size, found it in Cherokee, NC. 20+ years ago. After the Casino opened up, it nearly shut down the mining sites, & other things we used to enjoy, we usually stayed in Maggie Valley, & toured in the Cherokee area. But again since the Casino killed the area, we haven't been back.

@JulianJohnston919

2 ай бұрын

@@Theart_of_my_Art Yes sir, I feel the same way, Harrah's ruined that beautiful land.

@IsaacLocklear-tt8xp

Ай бұрын

We're did you go in Cherokee

I've been collecting minerals with special interest upon NC my home state for 45 years. There's really few other states with the diversity of NC. I actually saw one of my former emerald specimens in this video that I sold a prominent Raleigh area collector many years ago who passed away several years and donated many specimens to the museum in our state capital. North Carolina lead the nation in gold production until the California strike and it also was the start of the first significant silver discovery in the US. The King's Mine, later named the Washington Mine and ultimately the Silver Hill Mine produced lead and was one of the few mines commissioned to remain in operation during the civil war so that it could provide the much needed lead for making bullets for the south. Copper, lead, zinc, chromium, molybdenum and other metallic ores also. NC was once a top producer of Tungsten as well with mines in Vance Co., NC that operated well into the 1970's until the prices of tungsten dropped and it became cheaper to buy imported tungsten but it is estimated that millions of tons of it still exist in NC. In many of the NC ore mines, beautiful examples of ore minerals such a malachite, azurite, cerrusite, pyromorphite, etc. can be found. NC is also a leading producer of talc mainly in the form of pyrophyllite. The Glendon deposit in Moore County is well known for the biggest and best NC pyrite specimens from there, an accessory mineral at the mine. Amethyst from the Reel Mine in Lincoln Co., NC is amongst the finest in the state although amethyst occurs in at least several dozen counties. Smoky quartz from Hiddenite, NC is world class and it to is found in dozens of counties. Garnets of exceptional quality have been found in the western Piedmont and mountains and the Raleigh area. Kyanite, rutile, zircon is also found. Uranium ores have been mined mainly in the western mountain area and include uraninite, torbernite, gummite, autunite, samarskite and others. NC is a leading producer of mica and feldspar with mines primarily in Mitchell, Yancey and Cleveland Counties. Above all is NC emeralds, the best and biggest in the US. Emerald is produced in three counties: Alexander, Mitchell and Cleveland. Golden beryl and aquamarine from the Mitchell, Yancey, Alexander and Macon counties to name a few have afforded many fine gems. NC was once also one of a handful of states to produce ruby in any quality and quantity with famous mines in the Cowee Valley region of Franklin County. Corundum of non-gem quality has been found in many counties but true ruby and sapphire occur in just a handful of localities. NC is truly a mineral collectors paradise.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Amazing! Thank you for sharing that! We also did an episode about Gold and Coal in NC.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Is there still Coal and Gold In North Carolina? kzread.info/dash/bejne/jHmH1pSql5zAm7w.html

@allthingssilver7635

10 ай бұрын

I'm a single dad with a 6 year old daughter. She has really become interested in gemstones recently. We live in Rolesville, right where Raleigh and Franklin county meet. I was wondering if there was anywhere around here that I could take her to hunt for gemstones? I know years ago ppl use to chip away at a big rock on the side of the road off 98 highway by falls lake. Not sure what they were hunting for but I don't think you can mine it anymore. What kind of areas should I look for? We live near a big swamp and the ground out here is nothing but rock. Do we just chip away at big rocks in the ground? Should we hunt the giant rocks by the swamp? Any leads would be greatly appreciated. I see you said something about an area in Franklin country. I lived in Franklin county for years and never heard of that place. I'm going to look it up since we live so close to Franklin county. The swamp we live by is called Little River off 96 hwy. There's a big rock quarry back there. There's a dam back there that was built forever ago using big blocks of rock. Looks like they were hand cut. It's very old. Maybe back there would be a good place to hunt?

@zippetydodahday

4 ай бұрын

@@allthingssilver7635 Why not google search your area, and also look for a Rock Hound Clubs around your home? Perhaps your local library would know of such clubs and associations? Just a thought.

@miked-ec9jn

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info guys. I know I've picked up rocks just like you have shown here over the years (all 62 of them) but only because I thought they were a pretty color. Alas i did not keep them. At least I don't think I have. If only i knew then what I now know. I'll be sure to keep a sharper eye. 👍🇺🇸♻️

As a child growing up in Black Mountain, my friends and I often entertained ourselves by prizing little garnets from chunks of rough stone found laying about on the ground. We'd make "sunglasses" from layers of mica and get bragging rights for finding the largest, cleanest pieces. I especially liked the dark smokey color of black mica.

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

That sounds like such a fun childhood memory! It's amazing how simple things like stones and mica can bring so much joy.

@20greeneyes20

3 ай бұрын

I have a lot of Mica on Maryland Reds, Coppers, blacks and silvers. Unbelievable varieties in chunks and books of Mica Amazing stuff

@DannyBoYfutube

3 ай бұрын

​@ExploringCreationVids so why couldn't I find the same gems in the Appalachias in Pennsylvania..thats what I don't get..isn't there basically the same formations under PAs mts than there is in NCs? Thank you

FASCINATING HEARING ABOUT THE CREATION OF THESE MOUNTAINS . BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU

@ExploringCreationVids

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to me. I'm glad you found the video fascinating and I hope you continue to enjoy my content. Sending blessings your way too!

Emerald Hollow in Hiddenite is calling!

You and your friend Chris remind me of my later brother. He had a passion for geology and geography and educated himself on them. He would take me out driving in the mountains and along the coast here in Washington state and tell me about their history. We would also go rock hounding/crystal hunting together and with friends. I miss him so much and it is a treat to listen to you and be reminded of him. Thank you so much.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that!

This is amazing. These Blue Ridge Mountains are special. This is so fascinating and well done. Thank you. ❤

@ExploringCreationVids

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind comment! We are glad you enjoyed it!

It is awesome learning about all the neat minerals we have in the ground here. All over our state I have found some neat gemstones and I am sure there are some great areas full of gems still in the mountains of Wilkes and Ashe counties...

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your gemstone hunting experiences! It's always inspiring to hear about the hidden treasures in our own backyard.

You didn't mention Franklin, NC at all, which is interesting. The town holds a gem and mineral festival every October, prides itself on being the "gem capital of the world," and is the location of Cowee Valley, which has the majority of the local mines and is the only place in North America where you can find rhodolite, a variation of garnet...

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in on Franklin, NC. It's always great to learn more about the places I explore.

What a beautiful and educational show. Thank you

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind comment. We are glad you enjoyed it!

Every day I'm finding more reasons to love my home state. Thanks for the awesome video!

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I use to live in NC and it's true they have so many different minerals it's unbelievable.

@ExploringCreationVids

6 ай бұрын

Yes, North Carolina is known for its rich mineral deposits. It's fascinating how nature has gifted the state with such diversity!

Great video. Thanks for posting.

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

I appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to me that you enjoyed the video.

I remember going to a place called Blue diamond mine and found all kinds of minerals and gems. It was an amazing experience. Was a great way to spend my birthday.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

That sounds amazing!

@obiwanmaui

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploringCreationVids it was. It was a very great birthday

Look at everyone here getting all excited about gems in them thar mountains. One thing they didn't point out is that most everything you'll find will not be gem quality stones. Just look at most of those stones in this video. They have cracks running all through them. They even hinted at it in this video when they mentioned that corundum is no longer mined in NC for "abrasives." They used to mine corundum, aka sapphire, to grind up and make sandpaper because that's all it was good for. I know places up in the mountains where I can pick up garnet by the handful and none of it would be gem quality. Keep that in mind.

@sandradanforth8524

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 😊

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Appreciate the heads-up on the quality of stones. It's good to know what to expect.

@williamjarvis3473

2 ай бұрын

Not about getting rich, it's the thrill of the find. When you find corundum it's still Sapphire. I was born and raised in Madison county NC and back when I was able my brother and I collected bunches of gemstone that wasn't gem quality, we didn't care. My mom has jewelry as well as my sister all from the mountains of the state I call home

I live in Sparta in Allegheny county where we had an earthquake a couple years ago. Some geologist stayed at our Airbnb and brought me a Malachite! 😍 they knew I was a rock collector. What other rocks should I looks for in this area? I’ve found large chunks of mica and quartz .

My greatest find was a quartz clovis point I found in Randolph county

@ExploringCreationVids

11 ай бұрын

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

I've finally found the right channel 💎

@ExploringCreationVids

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your support! I'm thrilled to have you as part of the community.

There are frontiers yet to be discovered!

@ExploringCreationVids

8 ай бұрын

Yes! We agree!

Man.... just imagine wandering around the woods because you have nothing better to do and tripping over a 28lb gold nugget.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Yes! That's why we keep wandering around in the woods! lol

@Im_With_Stupid

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploringCreationVids Yeah, I just got done packing for a three day wander in the Uwharries this weekend, gold pan and all.

Wow this sheds some light on my discovery! I live just over the state line in Eastern Tennessee, I am finding small crystals fragments and on some occasions 1-3" long by 1\4" diameter. I don't know what to do with them but some are nice others are just fragments. Your video made me more queries about how they got here. Some are on top of the ground others are in the ground.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! We are glad our video helped you.

@ralphralpherson9441

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff, what kind of mineral do you suspect they are? I'd be more than happy to help you ID them. Let me know if you'd like me to have a look and Ill send my email address to you. Send over a few pics and Ill let you know what you have there.

@jeffharper7579

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I am just thinking about making pendants out of a few good ones for someone special if I can find one.

My daughter and I were just at the Hiddenite Gem Mine last week !!! We are truly rock hounds !!! We've been to Hiddenite several times and have enjoyed the fun experience of finding amazing gems 💎 ❤️

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

I worked on several dam reclamation projects along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone and Blowing Rock. There were areas where we had to remove the top soil to lay down anti-erosion mats. After a heavy rain (before the mats were placed) those sites would have beautiful crystals just sticking out of the ground like jewels!

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

How incredible to witness such natural beauty during your projects. Thanks for sharing!

I live about 20 miles west of Reed gold mine, as a kid finding quartz and such and loved seeing gold in the clear and white quartz

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your childhood memories with us. It's lovely to hear about your experiences.

@Theart_of_my_Art

2 ай бұрын

I went to the Reed gold mine back in the early 1980's in middle school, it was an interesting tour.

I have a place as well. No digging require and all are out in the open. All the stones you mentioned and so many more! The same rock shoppe also sells books.

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

That's awesome! It's great to know that there are other places where you can find a wide variety of stones and even books. Thanks for sharing!

If you want to find the amazing wonders that are still in the ground you are going to have to lighten up a bit on the restrictions and the closings of locations.

Good!

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

At 2:36 what kind of cracks?😳

Is there anyone in the McDowell, Yancey, Mitchell or avery counties that would be able to show me the ropes a little or mentor me in this area or just let me tag along to a few sites to dig?

@williambass5933

3 ай бұрын

Talk to the folks in spruce pine.

19:35~ Valuable gemstone can be found in NC.

I live in Taylorsville nc about 5 minutes from hiddenite emerald mines their is a little creek up the road i can pull 10 pound Cristal out of consistently

@ExploringCreationVids

11 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing this exciting information! It must be so rewarding to find such beautiful crystals.

I got permission on big family farm in the gold belt in NC I've found more rocks with freemill gold than alluvial gold in streams. Even though the streams are fun in the summertime. Mainly all little gold the miners left it there they had to go for the big gold being $30 an ounce now look at the price today.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

When I worked at a garage that serviced some of the hiddnite mine trucks, I found a nice deep color emerald in the mud on the bumper. It was about 12 kt. I still have it somewhere.

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing that amazing story! Finding an emerald like that must have been a memorable moment.

I stopped at one of those tourist traps where you pan for your gems in buckets of dirt. Deep in the bucket i found a 1995 copper penny. I treasure it to this day. Jerks!

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Haha, that's hilarious! Who would've thought a penny could be the highlight of a gem panning adventure?

I wanna go❤

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

The world is your oyster, go explore!

Id be interested in a response from a knowledgeable person I know a place on a wild river that runs unobstructed from the NC/TN border down the western slope. I found, while fishing over a couple of decades in the area, a large block of marble and/or quartz. It looks to have fallen from higher up the slope and is now partially in the stream. I am thinking about trying to gather some samples from the immediate downstream area. I want to see if it has weathered all the years and hope that there may be deposits of gold there. This stream is rough and tumble with steep sides. Not easy to access at all. Any thoughts or suggestions? I was a far younger man when I found it. Is this the type of area that is worth exploring?

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

It sounds like you've stumbled upon quite an interesting spot! It could be worth exploring further.

My son lives in NC and while I was planting on his property, I noted the clay had consistent glitter in it. What is this? They were fine particles but very obvious.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Without seeing it, it is hard to know exactly. It could be Metallic hematite, also called specular hematite.

@erichbrewer6403

11 ай бұрын

Mica of course! It is everywhere in the piedmont!

@vanessaschoettle3380

11 ай бұрын

@@erichbrewer6403 well thank you!👍

What are the red ruby's in the night soil? That is a Thailand Dick red ruby. It almost looks like a ruby, but it really isn't, but you can see it's red. What is it? It seems to be in the soils from seven california to central california, especially optimality freeway systems.

I know this video is old... but i have a chest full of gems. They are all from local north carolina and was passed down to me via my mentor. It consists of ruby, emerald and amethyst. I was told a man was caving and prospecting near pisgah and gathered them in said cave/cave system. The gems i have is about 9 pounds worth of mostly emeralds. The size of your thumb to a pencil eraser. Most have granite on them that are larger where smaller gets to be almost gem worthy

@ExploringCreationVids

7 ай бұрын

Wow! Thanks for sharing!

I get so emotional...we are here for a very short time on this earth..but... earth? It is here to stay

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

It's true that life is short, but let's make the most of it while we're here.

Franklin is tugging at my heartstrings! But I’ve never been to Spruce Pine so looks like a weekend trip coming up! ⛰️

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Your excitement is contagious! Thank you for sharing your plans with me. Have a fantastic trip to Spruce Pine!

I have a lot of these minerals further North on the Appalachia in Maine...Volcanic terrain..briefly mined in the 1960s...

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this information! It's always great to hear about unique geological finds and the history behind them.

Are there any gemstones in the eastern part of the state, like near Elizabeth City?

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Hi! Here is a map of some locations in the state. www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1HLJVAlyYqRZqqL9Xt0Yqx6nbEm9KtOSy&ll=35.932612976045235%2C-81.0145516608166&z=6

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Important Disclaimer: I have not been to these locations myself, and I do not know if they are currently open for collecting. Use this resource as a guide to get you started. Follow posted signage and always get permission from the landowner to collect.

Carnaúba é história

My mom used to live in Murphy and she found some kyanite on her property.

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this cool story about your mom's discovery!

Imagine finding a pound of gold on the ground...

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

It would be a life-changing moment for sure!

huge size raw blue sapphire more than 2000 gms

Another thing the small towns in the valleys that was dug out where did the dirt and rock go could it all been used 2 make mountains.

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for bringing up this point! It's fascinating to ponder where all the dirt and rock went. It's amazing how much our surroundings can change over time due to human intervention. Your comment has definitely sparked my curiosity!

@chrisskinner6291

4 ай бұрын

@@ExploringCreationVids not try 2 act as if I know crap but I have thousands of questions that hits me so had 2 ask.

I want one

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

You can do it!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

where in NC are you digging? Write me back.

@ExploringCreationVids

Жыл бұрын

Some of this was filmed near Hiddenite, NC

Just a question if a bomb was dropped wouldn't and couldn't it cause enough pressure 2 form gems.

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

It's an interesting question! While extreme pressure can sometimes create gemstones, it's unlikely that a bomb blast would have the same effect. Gem formation typically requires specific geological conditions over long periods of time. But feel free to explore more about the science behind it!

@chrisskinner6291

4 ай бұрын

@@ExploringCreationVids just wondering thanks

@chrisskinner6291

4 ай бұрын

You know when humans claimed 2 of exploded a atomic bomb part of desert was made glass that is why I ask.

@nancymcshane3501

3 ай бұрын

@@chrisskinner6291you’re right, Chris! Trinities

@RedDeckRedemption

3 ай бұрын

​@@chrisskinner6291glass came more from the heat. A vast majority of the ground is silicon (and oxygen), like sand (which is what glass is made from) and also clays. Molten silicon based rocks, when cooled quickly, form glass. The combination of extreme heat, energy, radiation, and pressure do cause some crazy affects tho.

Where is the spot for find the Rubies?

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Hi, here is some more info. geology.com/gemstones/states/north-carolina.shtml

@nancymcshane3501

3 ай бұрын

I work in Franklin at the Rose Creek Mine. We are licensed and have been active for 72 years. The owner, Sean Price takes night UV Light tours to find fluorescent rubies. The Mine is closed until April, but Sean can be reached through the number for the mine on Google Maps. The rubies shine bright stop light red, and it’s fun to find them in the dark!

My businesses and lifestyle keep me so sedentary so I envy the prospector's life of always constantly hunting that score. TRUST ME. Know that feeling ^_^

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your perspective! It's always interesting to hear how others view different lifestyles.

That land at one time belonged to the Cherokee people until white man found gold. It was greed that caused the Cherokee people to be moved off their ancestral land and put on the trail of tears to Oklahoma !!

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

It's important to remember the history and the impact on indigenous communities.

Doug must not be allergic to poison ivy

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Maybe Doug is secretly a superhero with poison ivy immunity!

@krisknowlton5935

2 ай бұрын

I was going to say, "I wonder if he is as good at identifying poison ivy as he is at identifying gems because he had his head all in it".😅

Wonder why they call Idaho the gem state😊

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Idaho is known as the gem state because it has a rich variety of gemstones like star garnets, opals, and jasper. It's a treasure trove for gem enthusiasts!

I went to Hedonite NC emerald mine. Found some amazing Gems

@ExploringCreationVids

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm glad you found some amazing gems at the mine.

Did Doug get poison ivy when he was digging?

Well time to go rock hunting student loans aren't gonna pay themselves.

@ExploringCreationVids

2 ай бұрын

Keep grinding and you'll conquer those loans in no time!

Chris must be as old as creation or the big bang.

10:15 Sooo, having slaves doing the dirtywork is a hobby?

If you don't hunt you ain't shit.

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

If you believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, Then you have to accept that the world is only right around 6000 yrs old.nYou can trace the lineage of JESUS back to Adam and creation At 4000yrs. Then Jesus till now at 2023. Do not believe me than read the KJV Bible. If you believe as the world believes then you will not make it to Heaven.

@gfxzone4050

Жыл бұрын

Yup, the world is 6000 years old 😂

@vanessaschoettle3380

Жыл бұрын

I wholeheartedly believe the Earth is young. Many don't believe this because they haven't been taught: not because they are bad ppl. I always ask ppl to 'consider this...' and then give them rationale. To me, it all makes sense.❤

@duffnugg5810

6 ай бұрын

Christians behavior is often the very thing that drives people away from Christianity

@daveb3910

5 ай бұрын

It can be older than that while still being within the confines of kjv. It only says earth was formed as inhabitable by man in a day, but it can take longer than that to get everything in place. Like if you're building something you get everything in place, prepare and then when you finally put it together it's quick but there's a ton of work prior to that quick period. It does a disservice to all people of the book when people make claims that are proveably incorrect. It makes people turn away from the Lord when the first thing they hear is a provably incorrect statement. Remember kjv is the accounts of people coveying the word of God, and had been translated multiple times, written by people that didn't have the knowledge we do now, so they explained what the Lord told them but in their own tongue, which tried to make things make sense with the knowledge they had. God bless, have an incredible life!

@kiles6105

4 ай бұрын

​@@duffnugg5810 Im a Christian and you are right

These explanations are laughable 🤣

beautiful

@ExploringCreationVids

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@irwintatyana9066

4 ай бұрын

One day I will visit@@ExploringCreationVids