North American Emerald Mine (Rist Mine), Hiddenite, Alexander Co., North Carolina, USA
14 cm tall x 12.5 cm wide
1,869 carats
Houston Museum of Natural Science Collection
“Unearthed in December 2003, this rich green emerald crystal from North Carolina weighs approximately 1,869 carats making it the largest emerald crystal ever recovered in North America. While the size of the crystal is notable, even more remarkable is the fact that it is, by several orders of magnitude, the finest quality emerald crystal ever recovered in North America, and, by virtue of its overall aesthetic beauty, considered by many connoisseurs as the finest emerald specimen ever found anywhere in the world.” - Joel Bartsch, 2004
Bartsch, Joel et al. Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Harry N. Abrams, 2004.