Treasure hunters cause havoc, but the rocks are worthless

Thousands of people have turned a small village in Zhejiang province upside down in a search for what they believe are precious red rubies. However, a senior official said that the so-called rubies are worthless rocks.

In recent days, many visitors carrying pickaxes, shovels and flashlights have flocked into Houzhang village in Pan'an county, about a three-hour drive from Hangzhou, Zhejiang's capital.

Qianjiang Evening News, a local newspaper, reported that the treasure-hunting fever was triggered by rumors circulating on WeChat. Some claimed rubies were dug from the village and a small one could bring 50,000 yuan ($7,600) or even 250,000 yuan.