North Carolina State Gemstone or Gem

Emerald

Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate

Adopted in 1973.

The General Assembly of 1973 designated the emerald, Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate, as the official State Precious Stone. (Session Laws, 1973, c. 136).

More than 300 minerals have been found in North Carolina. These minerals include some of the most valuable and unique gems in the world. The largest Emerald ever found in North Carolina was 1,438 carats and was found at Hiddenite, near Statesville. The "Carolina Emerald," now owned by Tiffany & Company of New York was also found at Hiddenite in 1970. When cut to 13.14 carats, the stone was valued at the time at $100,000 and became the largest and finest cut emerald on the continent.

Emerald is a medium to dark green beryl which derives its color from chromium and vanadium. Always rich green in color, most emeralds have many "inclusions," or flaws, and are typically oiled to fill cracks and generally improve appearance. It is used in rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets.