How are Emeralds Mined?
Although there are some cases in which emerald is mined in other ways, it is usually found using sub-surface mining. This type of mining is very dangerous and it can be highly difficult. Also, the techniques used in sub-surface mining can become extremely costly and reach several million dollars a year.
To mine emeralds, this is the type of sub-surface mining which usually takes place:
To mine emeralds, this is the type of sub-surface mining which usually takes place:
- Equipment such as the crane/truck to the left (this picture was taken by me at an old emerald mine near Spruce Pine, NC) is used to drill down to the vein of mica schist in which emeralds are found. Then, equipment or miners grind up the rock, and it is brought to the surface to be sifted through.
- After an emerald has been found, it is taken to an expert gem-cutter to be made into the shape of choice (this is often a rounded shape called a cabochon) and sold to a jeweler.