(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Rubies, Gold & Emeralds
Written By: Ann Self - The Village Green | Issue: 2018/09 - September
North Carolina has a rich history of mining for gold and other precious metals. Many of these mines are located here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Rubies, gold, emeralds, and turquoise are among the more than 30 different minerals prospectors and rock hounds searched for.
The Village Nature Series will explore the prospecting landscape and history of mines with a program presented by Western Carolina University Professor Trip Krenz. “Digging Rocks” will be at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 25, at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers.
Geological activity formed the wide variety of minerals that can now be found in the Southern Appalachians. As a result of a continental collision 400 million years ago, molten rock was forced into the cracks in a dark rock called gneiss. Because the rock cooled very slowly, huge deposits of minerals formed. Today, geologists find minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, and gemstones. Many of these rocks and minerals are widely apparent on a number of popular hiking trails
in the area.
The Village Nature Series is sponsored by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green. Each month, May through September, residents and visitors can attend a free presentation to learn more about the natural and cultural features of this area.
The programs are always at 5:30 P.M. the last Tuesday of each month at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road near the post office in Cashiers.
For more information on The Village Nature Series you can visit The Village Green website at www.villagegreencashiersnc.com and click on the “Events” tab.
