GMS Field Trip

The weather did not look like it was going to cooperate but the rain did hold off and it was turned out to be a good day. GMS had a total of six members to make the trip: Charles and Lori Carter, George and Elizabeth Lamb, & Tom and Linda Batcha [plus at least 8 others representing GMS -- webmaster]. With help from the mine staff members Ben and Luke everyone was able to find a few sapphires to call their own. Thanks to Charles for another fun field trip.

GMS Member
Tom Batcha

GMS Field Trip
Mason's Mine, Franklin, NC
Saturday, May 18, 2013

When GMS Member Al Klatt invited GMS to his family's sapphire and ruby mine for a special club price, Charles immediately scheduled a trip.

The scenic drive to the mine was a bit soggy, but soon after we arrived the rain cleared and the conditions were surprisingly comfortable for screening for sapphires!

Judie welcomed us warmly, then Ben and Luke got us all set up with screens and buckets. A short trip across a rustic bridge to load up on native dirt and we were ready to go. It didn't take long before Ben and Luke helped us locate the sapphires in our screens.

We dropped our little gems into some GMS collecting tins and kept working. Several buckets later and we couldn't believe how many sapphires everyone found!

Charles and I had so much fun we ran out of time to visit the Ruby City Rock Shop & Museum and the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum! Guess we'll have to see them next time.

Overall it was a great trip and everyone had fun!

Lori Carter, on behalf of
Charles Carter, GMS Field Trip Chair
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