Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region is stocked with gems, stones and minerals still waiting to be ...

PALAPALA — Treasure hunters don’t have to go far to indulge their dreams of a lavish strike. A commercial gem mine in North County opens its doors a few days a week to folks ready to pay $60 per ...

HENDERSONVILLE — Tayler Moore could barely keep her eyes off the pile of dirt, diligently digging through every granule like a girl on a mission. The 9-year-old from Charleston was hunting for gems ...

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 ...