For many years, miners have known that North Carolina contains emeralds in the ground below it. Recently, a 65 carat emerald was found on a farm. The stone rivals the ones found in the crown jewels of the Russian empress Catherine the Great. The stone is being marketed as the Carolina Emperor.
The stone was found in the community of Hiddenite that has for many years been a producer of the stones. Most of the stones are not gem-quality, but sometimes excellent specimens have been found. Plans to sell the emerald are in the works and its owners hope to make a healthy profit. I say good for them!!