Where to Find Aquamarine in North Carolina: 13 Mapped Sites
North Carolina has 13 documented sites where aquamarine have been reported, and the best-known are Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, Burnsville, and Emerald Hollow Mine. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 12 of the 13 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Aquamarine Map: North Carolina
All 13 aquamarine sites in North Carolina. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Aquamarine Are Found in North Carolina
Aquamarine grows in granite pegmatites, usually in pockets with quartz, feldspar, and mica. Pegmatite dumps and weathered pocket zones in known beryl districts are the target.
The richest reported sites in North Carolina: Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, Burnsville, Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite (area 2), Stice Shoal Lake Dam.
Of the 13 sites, 12 are public access and 1 is a paid dig site. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Aquamarine Sites in North Carolina
- Elijah Mountain Gem Mine — Public Access
- Burnsville — Public Access
- Emerald Hollow Mine — Public Access
- Hiddenite (area 2) — Public Access
- Stice Shoal Lake Dam — Public Access
- Emerald Hollow Mine — Paid Dig Site
- Sink Hole Mine and other area mines — Public Access
- South Mountains — Public Access
- South Hardin Mica Mine — Public Access
- Earl — Public Access
- Grover — Public Access
- Sheep Knob Mountain — Public Access
- Walnut Knob Mine — Public Access
How to Identify Aquamarine
Aquamarine is blue to blue-green beryl: six-sided prismatic crystals, often with flat terminations, glassy luster, hardness 7.5–8 — it scratches quartz. Color is typically pale and even, unlike the zoned purple of amethyst or the bottle-green of common beryl. Crystals frequently sit in or beside massive white quartz and feldspar.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find aquamarine in North Carolina?
North Carolina has 13 mapped sites where aquamarine have been reported. The best-known are Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, Burnsville, and Emerald Hollow Mine. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many aquamarine sites are mapped in North Carolina?
We have 13 documented aquamarine sites in North Carolina, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect aquamarine in North Carolina?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify aquamarine?
Aquamarine is blue to blue-green beryl: six-sided prismatic crystals, often with flat terminations, glassy luster, hardness 7.5–8 — it scratches quartz. Color is typically pale and even, unlike the zoned purple of amethyst or the bottle-green of common beryl. Crystals frequently sit in or beside massive white quartz and feldspar.
What should I bring to collect aquamarine?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Aquamarine in Nearby States
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.