Spectacular 385-carat Emerald Crystal

Spectacular Emerald Crystal found in a Quartz Vein Pocket!

Jamie Hill, President of North American Emerald Mines, Inc. holds the spectacular 385-carat emerald crystal found September 16, 2005 at the NAEM mine, Hiddenite District, NC.  The crystal came from the small open cavity in the quartz vein visible directly behind Jamie.  Note the fresh non-weathered bedrock at this depth in the pit.  The crystal has not been cleaned in this photo.  NAEM photo.

Wow!  Just wow!  

Natural flat termination seen on the right.  The left end of the crystal was attached to the floor of the cavity.  Ed Speer photo.

Several hours after discovery, the 385-carat emerald was staged sitting inside the sun-lighted front of the cavity it originally came from.  However, the crystal actually came from much further back in the cavity, but was found upright as in the photo.  Calcite and muscovite crystals line the walls of the cavity, while massive cryptocrystalline white quartz occupies the top portion of the quartz vein.  Scale is 6" ruler.  Ed Speer photos.

The 385-carat emerald crystal on clear plastic exhibit stand.  NAEM photo.