From Throwin Stones website:
This 6.5 lb North Carolina emerald from the Crabtree Mine (Spruce Pine, NC) caught the attention of the Smithsonian for its impressive crystals – the size, color and quantity of crystals on matrix is extremely rare for this North Carolina locality, making it worthy of one of the world’s most esteemed mineral collections.
Rusty James, owner of Throwin Stones stated, “I am honored and privileged to provide this extremely rare specimen to the Smithsonian for their national collection. It is by far the best emerald I’ve ever seen from this locality and is worthy of international acclaim.”
The Smithsonian Institution mineral and gem collection is home to approximately 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gems, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. According to the Gemological Institute of America, the collection is used for scientific research, education programs, and public exhibitions. Every year hundreds of specimens are loaned to scientists around the world for research projects in geology, materials science, health, chemistry, physics, etc.
Continuing acquisitions of minerals and gems enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of the Earth’s basic building blocks, and expand a scientific research collection that will be used in perpetuity. A variety of spectacular specimens from the national collection can be seen online in the Gem and Mineral Galleries and at ThrowinStones.com.
Throwin Stones is located in Asheville, NC and has been procuring and selling rare, unique and exquisite mineral specimens internationally for over 15 years. Their collection can be found online at www.throwinstones.com and at exhibits worldwide.
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