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This mountainous region is on the richest areas of mineral and gem deposits in the country. The Museum of North Carolina Minerals, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, features interactive exhibits about the varieties of minerals an gems found here (around 300) as well as the impact of the mining industry.

Museum of North Carolina Minerals

Museum of North Carolina Minerals

View inside the museum

View inside the museum
Interestingly, the museum is located at the Gillespie Gap, a path in the mountains which Revolutionary War soldiers passed through on their way to meet British forces at the Battle of King's Mountain where the Americans gained a decisive victory. 
http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/museum-of-north-carolina-minerals