Dr. Anne Helmenstine is About.com's Guide to Chemistry, and if I remember correctly she's also a jewelry designer. I discovered a photo gallery on her site today, all about gemstones -- how they're formed, what's in them, and how they've been used throughout history. It's a real good read for anyone who's interested in colored gems. If you like to go gemstone mining, don't miss Anne's photo tour of her trip to Hiddenite, North Carolina, where she found all sorts of gemstones, including the gem that town was named after.

More North Carolina Mining

Finding Rubies & Sapphires in Franklin