Hiddenite is a variety of green spodumene, a gemstone-quality aluminum lithium silicate. The color ranges from yellowish green to intense emerald green, and it is sometimes mistaken for emerald.
Hiddenite was first discovered in 1879 by William Earl Hidden in Hiddenite, North Carolina, and it is still found in small quantities in the area. The name Hiddenite comes from the gemstone’s initial discoverer, William Earl Hidden. It is said that when Hidden first discovered the stone, he was so excited that he ran through the fields shouting, “Eureka! Eureka!” However, the stone was not named after this exclamation; rather, it was named after Hidden himself.
Today, Hiddenite is used primarily in jewelry and ornamental objects. It is also believed to have metaphysical properties, such as promoting healing and aiding in emotional balance.