fixfireleo
starting to shine!
Member since March 2014
Posts: 30
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Post by fixfireleo on Mar 28, 2014 17:20:59 GMT -5
Hey guys, THANKS for all the info on the topics I have posted so far!! I wish I had found you guys a long time ago! I'm headed down to Franklin NC next week for some gem mining. I have been trying to research the mines but the info is kinda sketchy. It's hard to tell what's genuine and what isnt. I plan on spending one or 2 days at Cherokee Ruby Mine. I have another day to mine also which I am considering Sheffield (have read some bad) or Rose Creek Mine. Also, I will be arriving on Monday, March 31st and the only mine open that day is Cowee Mountain Mine. I read it's a ripoff, true?? I had considered Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine but it's kinda expensive and not sure my back is up to digging my own dirt right now.
What experiences have you guys had in Franklin?? Thanks in advance!!
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Post by orrum on Mar 28, 2014 21:12:29 GMT -5
Go to Rose Crerk. Tell Tom the owner the one legged cowboy, Bill sent ya. Have fun!
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Post by kap on Mar 28, 2014 21:33:38 GMT -5
Cherokee is a great place to screen all native material the owners are very nice people! Mason is good if you feel like digging.
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Mar 29, 2014 8:47:39 GMT -5
They all have genuine gem stones, just not native. I really don't care which one i go to, but I like to get my $5-10 bucket worth of rock out of it...better chance of it at a salted mine. Then again, you may have a better chance at a large ruby if you go to an unsalted mine.
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marinedad
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 813
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Post by marinedad on Mar 29, 2014 9:38:49 GMT -5
already have plans for Monday. wish I knew more in advance or I'd meet up with you. have fun. if you get over to spruce pine there is a great place over there. get one of the more expensive 30-40 lb bags and they will cut and polish 1 or 2 of your gems for "free" its included in the cost of the bag. best buy in my eyes.
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Mar 29, 2014 9:39:00 GMT -5
Go to Franklin for fun...The rough may be salted but it is still enjoyable.
I had a good experience at Rose Creek the last time through there but I had the good fortune to arrive at the same time as a local bible group. cannot count on that every time.
Charlie
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Post by kap on Mar 29, 2014 10:44:58 GMT -5
lparker the Cherokee mine is ALL native NOT salted! It is one of the few that is NOT! If that is what you want and not salted. The gravel they get is from their mine about 200 yards from the sluices. They are members of my club and are nice people!
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fixfireleo
starting to shine!
Member since March 2014
Posts: 30
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Post by fixfireleo on Mar 29, 2014 15:33:46 GMT -5
ok cool, so it sounds like cherokee (which was the reason i was going in the first place) and maybe rose creek. what about just digging along streams nearby. I'm staying in an RV park...they have "lodges" (ie basically a wooden tent) for $30 a night. there is a small stream nearby that empties into lake emory. the name is Mi Mountain campground. I thought I would try a little stream digging after the mines close. maybe pan a little too.
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fixfireleo
starting to shine!
Member since March 2014
Posts: 30
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Post by fixfireleo on Mar 29, 2014 15:34:40 GMT -5
marinedad. i will be arriving monday afternoon and mining on tues and wends and then a bit thursday morning before coming home.
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marinedad
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 813
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Post by marinedad on Mar 29, 2014 19:50:23 GMT -5
marinedad. i will be arriving monday afternoon and mining on tues and wends and then a bit thursday morning before coming home. I pm'd you my phone# try calling me sunday if you want.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Mar 30, 2014 1:36:11 GMT -5
It's been over 25 years ago since I've screened for rubies and sapphires in Franklin. Back then they were all native stones but I have heard that now most mines salt with non-native stones. Seems like I remember hearing someone say that you can check with the Franklin Chamber of Commerce to find out which mines don't salt with non-native stones. And just a tip, take a good torch light to shine from up underneath your screen before you dump it. Otherwise it's easy for some of the darker blue sapphires to get over looked, and it makes it easier to spot yellow sapphires which can easily be mistaken for stained quarts with just overhead sunlight. Larry C.
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fixfireleo
starting to shine!
Member since March 2014
Posts: 30
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Post by fixfireleo on Mar 30, 2014 10:58:07 GMT -5
cool idea quail. thanks
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