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Mines, Miners, and Minerals of Western North Carolina Parkway Publishers Mining in Western North Carolina played an important economic role in the lives of its people and the state’s history, but little has been recorded about the industry, especially the day-to-day trials and triumphs of the individual miner. Hear the tales of old-timers as they talk about discovering huge books of mica, outrunning muck cars, and finding out in the nick of time that a mine has bad air. Marvel at Conrad Reed who found an interesting-looking rock (a 17-pound gold nugget) or Dr. George Kunz, vice president of Tiffany’s, who searched for hiddenite but had to settle for gem-quality emeralds instead. Learn about the famous commercial and private mines that supplied this country with the raw materials needed for defense and technology. Minerals mined in Western North Carolina include alum, asbestos, clay, corundum, copper, chromium, feldspar, granite, gold, graphite, gravel, iron, kyanite, lead, limestone, mica, marble, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, quartz, sand, silver, tin, tungsten, talc, uranium, vermiculite, zinc, and many varieties of gemstones such as diamonds, garnets, emeralds, rubies, and aquamarine. Also included for the benefit of rock hound and the mineralogist are maps of the area’s mines. Helpful hints by the author make locating the mines much easier.
Reviews “Lowell Presnell excavates a wealth of information in this historical narrative. The reader is taken back in history to learn of the ancient and historical nature of Western North Carolina and surrounding areas of natural wealth. A must-read for those who are interested in searching out gems and minerals of this state.” |
