“Nestled in the Appalachian mountains, the community of Spruce Pine, population 2,194, is known for its hiking, local artists and as America’s sole source of high-purity quartz.”
Helene dropped 24.12 inches of rain on Spruce Pine, and the town lost power, water and cell service. The crucibles that make silicon wafers need that quartz, often for a single use, and synthetic substitutes cannot cover demand. Quartz equipment is a $2.12 billion industry resting on one flooded river valley. The largest and purest supply sits in a town of 2,194 people now cut off by washed-out roads.