Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Western North Carolina is known for its hills full of hidden treasures. From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and gold, the region ...

Franklin, in Western North Carolina’s Macon County, bills itself as “Gem Capital of the World” and the “Ruby City” with good reason – much gem mining in the N.C. mountains takes place around Franklin ...

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 ...