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Larry_OHF · 06-19-2011, 10:28 PM

When I was little, my dad took us to a mining attraction in the NC mountains where you can buy a bucket of dirt and rocks and proceed to sift and search. The more money you paid per bucket, the higher your chances that something good was inside. I found a few items like rose quartz and tiny little garnets. There's some other things in there that have color to them and I have no idea what they are or their value. I actually still have them and maybe someday I'll find out what I have.
I learned later on that those buckets my dad bought us were more than likely pre-sifted by somebody with a skilled eye who looked for the best stuff and left the rest. Then I learned the term "salted" which implies the owners of the establishment will place goodies in those buckets on purpose to attract rumors and attention and get repeat customers.

Now...my daughter has shown a high interest in rock collecting recently, and I like supporting my kids with their interests...but I don't want to waste money or be "duped". Have any of you that fancy mining found a way to avoid salted attractions and places that produce results worth the trip?

Another concern of mine...I don't understand how I could feel safe if I found something of real value. I mean, if I found a ruby big enough to get considered for cutting and made into jewelry, I would have the luxery of having an on-site gemologist to evaluate my gems and they charge somewhere between $40-$60 depending on the stone to cut it into whatever. How do I know they will not steal from me? How do I know somebody will not rob me if I found a real treasure?

I read about this diamond mining field in Arkansas that actually has produced some of the largest and most expensive diamonds in the world! There was a new report done on one lady that found a yellow diamond worth an incredible amount and she had it appraised by some famous NY jeweler. How did that woman get away from the park officials? How did she not get robbed? Things like that, I am worried about.

Anyway, if any of you have any mining expertise to share with me prior to the second week of July, I'd appreciate it.

06-19-2011, 10:28 PM	#1
Larry_OHF Ironworks Moderator Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Midlands, South Carolina Age: 49 Posts: 14,759	Gem Mining...Questions and Concerns When I was little, my dad took us to a mining attraction in the NC mountains where you can buy a bucket of dirt and rocks and proceed to sift and search. The more money you paid per bucket, the higher your chances that something good was inside. I found a few items like rose quartz and tiny little garnets. There's some other things in there that have color to them and I have no idea what they are or their value. I actually still have them and maybe someday I'll find out what I have. I learned later on that those buckets my dad bought us were more than likely pre-sifted by somebody with a skilled eye who looked for the best stuff and left the rest. Then I learned the term "salted" which implies the owners of the establishment will place goodies in those buckets on purpose to attract rumors and attention and get repeat customers. Now...my daughter has shown a high interest in rock collecting recently, and I like supporting my kids with their interests...but I don't want to waste money or be "duped". Have any of you that fancy mining found a way to avoid salted attractions and places that produce results worth the trip? Another concern of mine...I don't understand how I could feel safe if I found something of real value. I mean, if I found a ruby big enough to get considered for cutting and made into jewelry, I would have the luxery of having an on-site gemologist to evaluate my gems and they charge somewhere between $40-$60 depending on the stone to cut it into whatever. How do I know they will not steal from me? How do I know somebody will not rob me if I found a real treasure? I read about this diamond mining field in Arkansas that actually has produced some of the largest and most expensive diamonds in the world! There was a new report done on one lady that found a yellow diamond worth an incredible amount and she had it appraised by some famous NY jeweler. How did that woman get away from the park officials? How did she not get robbed? Things like that, I am worried about. Anyway, if any of you have any mining expertise to share with me prior to the second week of July, I'd appreciate it. __________________