corundum, USA.12, North Carolina.12, gems

A historical and descriptive survey of the gemstones of North Carolina, prepared for the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey. Kunz reviews the development of gem mining in the state and gives detailed accounts of the principal gem minerals and their localities, including diamond, corundum, emerald, hiddenite, beryl, garnet, zircon, quartz and other ornamental stones. Particular attention is given to the celebrated emerald and hiddenite deposits of Alexander County, the corundum occurrences of the western counties, and the circumstances surrounding notable discoveries and specimens. The work combines mineralogical description with historical information on mining, production, collectors and localities, and is illustrated with 15 plates. It remains an important early source on the history and distribution of North Carolina gemstones and on the development of gem mining in the state.