|
Post by fantastic5 on Oct 9, 2017 9:24:35 GMT -5
Many rockhounds that are not in the south east are unfamiliar with Graves Mountain. It is a remarkable place. A huge old open pit kyanite mine that is open to the public twice a year. This past weekend was one of the open houses. In the parking lot people will put up tents and sell minerals. There is no camping at the site, so everyone leaves their material in the evening and the gates get locked. I didn't go this time, but saw this post on my clubs board. Thought I would post here. We have a much larger following here, with lots of people who shop on line. Once I have access to the complete list of specimens stolen, I will post it here. From American Rockhounds: BOLO! Graves Mountain was broken into last night after the show was over for the day, many of the vendors lost some valuable specimens. All rockhounds should be on the lookout for anyone trying to sell any high end rutile specimens especially. I will try to get a complete list of stolen items and post it. Jr. and crew put on the best dig in the southeast twice a year and it takes a real lowlife POS to do something like this. Lets catch these thieves fast!
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Oct 9, 2017 9:48:07 GMT -5
That's awful! Did anyone have a camera installed in the area?
|
|
|
Post by fantastic5 on Oct 9, 2017 10:33:59 GMT -5
That's awful! Did anyone have a camera installed in the area? I sure hope so!
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Oct 9, 2017 11:23:17 GMT -5
I'll lay odds that the scumbag(s) didn't even know what they took. Probably not even a rock hound. It's always the case where a few bad apples ruin it for everyone. Sheesh!
|
|
|
Post by accidentalrockhound on Oct 9, 2017 12:18:49 GMT -5
Sad to hear but even sadder is the fact it was probably stolen from someone that visited there,and knew that the items would be there overnight,suggest vendors pitch in for over night security if that can be arranged. hope you catch the person or people.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,666
|
Post by Fossilman on Oct 9, 2017 13:22:58 GMT -5
Seen this on facebook,reposted it to many rockhounding sites....Shameful scumbags!!
|
|
|
Post by fernwood on Oct 9, 2017 14:59:50 GMT -5
Wow. there should always be someone on site at events like this. Hoping that someone had a camera installed. REmembering past days of sleeping in animal stalls at the County fair. No overnight camping allowed near the barns, but exhibitors always took turns with sleeping bags on the bedding and hay. Hoping that whoever did this is caught.
|
|
fishnpinball
Cave Dweller
So much to learn, so little time
Member since March 2017
Posts: 1,491
|
Post by fishnpinball on Oct 10, 2017 13:10:01 GMT -5
I would guess there is video evidence, but even with that it is hard to catch the crooks some times. Look how often the news runs video to help run suspects down. Does help every once in a while. I would hope they make a mistake and try to sell something that is identifiable.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Oct 10, 2017 15:49:01 GMT -5
Alerting everyone to be on the lookout for the items/specimens taken is about the best way to catch them. Unless they already had a buyer pre-arranged, at some point, they are going to need to sell them. Putting an ad on Craigslist will trip some of them up. Or they might approach a vendor at a show, asking him if he'd be interested. Hopefully, the vendor is honest, not seeing $ in his head, and does the right thing. I hate thieves!
Received this via email last month. Guessing it may have been originally posted on either Facebook or Yahoo groups.
These are just the tourmaline specimens, other things were taken as well. While I have never been to the Tourmaline Queen mine, I have been to the Cryogenie. I know the owner personally. Some of the specimens found there were on display at the San Diego Natural History Museum, when they had their "All That Glitters" display going on several years ago. The two tall Cryogenie tourmaline specimens are approximately 22 cm high.
The 3rd (elbaite) is 17 cm tall.
Keep your eyes open, and be vigilant.
|
|
|
Post by fantastic5 on Oct 11, 2017 11:42:23 GMT -5
More info on the Graves Mountain theft. On Saturday night or early Sunday, during the Graves Mountain Open House, October 6th-8th, 2017, thieves ransacked the vendors tables at the mountain stealing approximately $50,000 worth of gems and minerals from several vendors. Several high end rutile specimens were taken as well as amethyst, opals and other valuable minerals. Please share this information with your collecting friends, gem clubs and rock shops in your area.
Below are some pictures of just a few of the specimens taken, I will try to include sizes and more photos as I get them from the owners. I will also be adding police report information when I receive it.
If you are a shop owner or you see someone trying to sell any of these pieces or any top quality rutile crystals, be aware that they may be from this theft.
If possible, try to get the names of the individuals or some other identifying information, vehicle tag number, etc. for the police.
Please call the following people immediately:
Lincoln County Sheriffs Dept. 706-359-7320
and Graves Mountain Caretaker:
Clarence Norman Jr. 706-401-3173
|
|
|
Post by fantastic5 on Nov 28, 2017 8:20:46 GMT -5
Happy ending. The stolen minerals were found at a local church with a note apologizing for the theft. Stolen minerals
|
|
fishnpinball
Cave Dweller
So much to learn, so little time
Member since March 2017
Posts: 1,491
|
Post by fishnpinball on Nov 28, 2017 8:44:57 GMT -5
Happy ending. The stolen minerals were found at a local church with a note apologizing for the theft. Stolen minerals
That moment when you realize that your stolen goods will get you arrested if you try to sell them. LOL
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Nov 28, 2017 10:46:02 GMT -5
Happy ending. The stolen minerals were found at a local church with a note apologizing for the theft. Stolen minerals
That moment when you realize that your stolen goods will get you arrested if you try to sell them. LOL Exactly what you said. Even criminals sometimes have second thoughts. Like, how much time will I do for this? Was it worth it? It's unfortunate that the thought of being caught is such an important factor, that we cannot expect criminals to have values or morals. Guess too many parents do not instill those qualities in their offspring. So glad they got the stolen goods back. The Fallbrook club has not been so lucky. Just got an email the other day saying the specimens are still missing, no leads.
|
|