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Greater Foscoe Mining Company

The Greater Foscoe Mining Company gem mine was started in 1988 here in Foscoe, NC, by owner Kenneth Pickett with “three troughs and a garden hose.” It was originally started as a fun business for Kenny’s children and over the years has grown into the largest gem mine in the area and just keeps getting better and better!

Owner Kenny Pickett

Mr. Pickett, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, is a master goldsmith and stone cutter of over thirty-five years. He was trained in faceting in the 70s, 80s and 90s by Marvin Buchanan who was a premier stone cutter from Mitchell County. They also had several mining ventures together which was the inspiration for the Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

Here at the Greater Foscoe Mining Company, your experience is not only loads of fun, but educational as well. With indoor and outdoor flumes, your visit will be enjoyable rain or shine. When you’ve finished mining, our friendly staff will identify your gemstones and place them on a keepsake gemstone calendar to take with you. If you’re interested in having any of your stones cut, you can visit the jewelry store and gallery, Facets, where our experienced gem cutters can cut and polish your stones. Here, we can set your stones in gold or silver or create one of a kind jewelry to your liking. If you can imagine it, we can create it!