Hi everyone.. again!

[silverdoe]

Just noticed that this is where all the newbies go.. So here I am! Not really new to rockhounding, just started it seriously recently. I like to research something A LOT before I get involved and am really interested in finding new places to find some interesting rocks. That said, I've been brushing up on my geology and got some books on how rocks form, how to identify what you find, co-existing minerals, and the like. As a scientist, I really can't go out without getting some hardcore knowledge in me first. :B

I'm really excited to get started, and decided to start with baby steps-- going to a site where minerals have been found and in abundance. Which would translate to going to the mines that let you search their tailings (in piles, not buckets). Then branching out from there.

I'm in san diego at the moment, but I'll be in north florida, south chicago, and stone mountain ga all in the next month, so if anyone has any info about places near those, it'd be greatly appreciated! Can't wait to get out and get dirty!

[leonardo]

Tourmaline mines in SD county.... gems anywhere in Ga. Franklin, Cherokee,and Rucks pit in Fla.

[silverdoe]

Thanks! From what I keep seeing, Ruck's pit may be closed, though I still haven't tried to contact the owner.

[leonardo]

He sold the pit but has property across the road that he opened up...