(CNN) -- Generations of rock hounds and miners have turned the earth in western North Carolina, looking to bring a special ruby, sapphire or emerald -- the "big three" of the gem world -- to the light. The passion started early for Terry Ledford, 53, who operated a gem stand on weekends when he was a kid. "I always loved rocks," said the Spruce Pine resident. For W. Renn Adams, 90, the world of spodumenes, hiddenite and beryl runs even deeper in his blood. His Alexander County family has been digging for them since the 1880s. The men's interests became intertwined early this decade when they became partners on the Adams family farm, which grows corn along with its treasures below.
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Gem is called largest cut emerald in North America
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North Carolina pair found it on farm 14 feet below ground
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Emeralds and another gem, hiddenite, are found only in that area
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Co-owners planning to sell "Carolina Emperor"
Failing eyesight has somewhat sidelined @placeholder, but he still has a penchant for the craft.