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October 2023 by Christine Lawson
We took our 3 year old daughter here yesterday and she loved it! We got the smallest bucket and it lasted her about an hour. We found a good amount of gems at a decent size and are having some made into a ring (will post an update when I receive it in 4-6 weeks). All the staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful and we never felt rushed or pressured to buy anything. We will be back!
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October 2023 by Tiffany Cumming
This was a great family experience. My 13 yo and 7 yo loved it. The staff were amazing. After we finished mining our gems the staff went over everything we found. They took time to explain all the different gems to us. If you are looking for a fun family activity stop by Foggy Mountain Gem Mine.
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October 2023 by addison
90% of the buckets are gravel, rocks you literally find in your driveway. Some of my (tiny) crystals were real but the amethyst was obviously fake. It was dyed resin or plastic. The biggest crystal I got wasn’t even the size of my palm. Majority of what you get is tiny little chips. We ended up filling up the “gravel dump” bucket almost half way and didn’t even get a full bag of crystals. And we got the cheapest bucket which was $40. Don’t waste your money here. I wish I didn’t.
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June 2023 by Brianne Corsi
My family came from out of state to visit me in Boone and this was the #1 requested activity during their visit. We had a great time and found some wonderful gems. I went back several weeks later and had some gems made into jewelry for gifts for those who mined the gems with me. Would highly recommend this!
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June 2023 by Veronica Mumm
Such a wonderful time!! My 3 kids ( 11, 11, 15) LOVED it- and walked away with some amazing finds. They split the middle sized 5lb bucket. The employees were so nice and helpful and were genuinely excited to help us. We got several semiprecious and mineral finds cut and polished, and had 2 precious stones put into a ring for my mom.
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June 2023 by Knightlyshadow1234 1.
Went as soon as they opened on a Saturday morning. Was surprised that although they had three flumes, they only had two working. Out of the approximately 60 total feet of Flume, they had three chairs toatal. Normally these types of places have long benches so everyone can sit. Here, you had to stand and sort through the gems in the waist high Flume for hours. We went to five different similar establishments in the immediate area. This one felt by far the cheapest, had the lowest gem output for the same size bucket and cost, and had the least small items in the miscellaneous gravel. It was interesting in that it was the only place that discouraged us from buying the five gallon bucket. They wanted us to buy the two gallon bucket instead. Which in hindsight would have been better as at least we wouldn't have spent as much on a cheap product.
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June 2023 by Cat Hunter
Really enjoyed our family Memorial Day Weekend trip to Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. Staff was very friendly (particularly to be working a holiday weekend!) and we found a nice mix of gems and stones. Kaleigh was super informative and knowledgeable in telling us about what we had found, indulging our (well, mostly my) many questions. Although we ended up purchasing a couple pieces of jewelry, I didn’t feel any pressure to do so. We have tried out several gem mines in western NC, and I can say I definitely recommend this one!
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May 2023 by Joyce Kenner
We had a great time and found lots of gems.The staff were very helpful and identified and sorted the gems when we were done. It was definitely a fun activity for adults and the kids. We left 2 gems there to get cut and polished and received those today. Looks beautiful!
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March 2023 by Carla Ham
Sure they’re nice (the stone info people that is). Two stars for that. Went in trying to get the “motherload” bucket and was pretty much lectured by the staff that I shouldn’t get it. I kept saying it was what I wanted and I was continuously met with excuses on why I don’t need it. After a few minutes of back and forth I just gave up and got a smaller bucket. And as expected, I got shards and wasted my time, money and any excitement I had. Which I’ve been waiting years to go mining again. But they got my money so they don’t care and didn’t really even speak to me after that. Even getting my shards looked at took me having to just stand there until someone asked-even though they had done everyone else around. Point of the story is-they’ll try to convince you to not get what you want and I know I’ll go somewhere else next time.
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March 2023 by Tamra Blevins
We did the $120 bucket and got about 8 bags of beautiful gems and a geode. The only thing that we did not enjoy was digging through all the gravel like rock they fill the buckets with as a filler. I wish they would get rid of that and use only sand or dirt.
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March 2023 by Carla H.
Sure they're nice (the stone info people that is). Two stars for that. Went in trying to get the "motherload" bucket and was pretty much lectured by the staff that I shouldn't get it. I kept saying it was what I wanted and I was continuously met with excuses on why I don't need it. After a few minutes of back and forth I just gave up and got a smaller bucket. And as expected, I got shards and wasted my time, money and any excitement I had. Which I've been waiting years to go mining again. But they got my money so they don't care and didn't really even speak to me after that. Even getting my shards looked at took me having to just stand there until someone asked-even though they had done everyone else around. Point of the story is-they'll try to convince you to not get what you want and I know I'll go somewhere else next time.
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March 2023 by Amy Rebecca Rule
Went with my 4 and 6 year old. Had step stools, very kid friendly. After you get through your bucket, they lay out what you find and teach the kids about each rock type. Friendly employees.
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February 2023 by Tina B.
Perfect for a 7yr old that walked away with a couple big rocks and thought she scored huge gems. The guy that sat down with us afterwards was very thorough and had some college courses so he was rather knowledgeable about rocks/gems etc
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February 2023 by M Greer- Training
We love going to Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. The staff is always super friendly, knowledgable, and go the extra mile to make your experience the best possible. We have had many gems cut here and a few jewelry pieces made ( with many more planned!) There is nothing better than having a custom piece of jewelry that is not only beautiful and unique, but one that has such fun memories attached.
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January 2023 by DeLito T.
A place we found on Yelp, an indoor activity for the children on a rainy day. The experience was great, the place small, yet with people who have knowledge regarding gems. The children are given buckets with rocks, then they have to search and look for gems, whatever they find, they're able to take home, with a class given by their workers, on the different gems they are taking home. Overall, an experience our whole family enjoyed and strongly recommended to anyone staying in Boone, North Carolina.