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Post by Zoe on Apr 16, 2004 16:46:00 GMT -5
Hello all, I hope this is an open forum, cause I joined. I'm brand new to this and seeking information on the mines near Franklin NC. My husband and I went a few weeks back and found so many gemstones, that were so big, that we felt something had to be wrong... The people offered to cut them and put them in jewelry, but we wanted to check it out first and see what was up... anyone know more about this?
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zoe
Junior Member
Posts: 4
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Post by zoe on Apr 16, 2004 16:46:56 GMT -5
I have no idea why it shows me as "guest". Oops, guess I wasn't logged in or something.
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Post by Doug on Apr 16, 2004 21:02:47 GMT -5
I hope you enjoyed the experience of finding the material! I assume that you went ot one of the "bucket" mines along the highway, instead of going to an actual mine site to dig. Most of the material at the bucket mines is shipped in from Brazil in 55 gal. drums. It CAN be cut, but it is usually not very good quality. One mine in Spruce Pine actually does cut stones, but most have a tray full of stones cut somewhere in he third world that they pull one out of. If you make it to one of the meeting someone can advise you if it is actually cutting grade.
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zoe
Junior Member
Posts: 4
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Post by zoe on Apr 17, 2004 17:41:18 GMT -5
I had an absolute blast finding them -- I think I may be addicted to this. I am starting at the point of knowing nothing. Where should I start with my reading and meetings? where etc.? Thanks guys for answering!
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Post by Doug on Apr 17, 2004 18:58:00 GMT -5
Depending on where you live one of the best ideas to getting started is to join a local gem & mineral club. Get a good collecting site book like NC Mineralman's. There are a lot of good clubs and prospecting sites in the western 1/2 ot N.C. if that is where you are located. Give us a general location and someone can help you from there. I live just outside Charlotte, but lots of people here are from further west.
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zoe
Junior Member
Posts: 4
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Post by zoe on Apr 19, 2004 10:22:29 GMT -5
I live just outside of Knoxville TN.
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