[Rockhounds] uninformed questions

[Dennis Buffenmyer]

Now, bear in mind, I reside east of the mississippi. Perhaps that will 
give you background in order to answer my two questions.

First, are we at a point yet where we fairly well know where everything 
is geologically/mineralogically in north america?? How about all of the 
americas?? The world??

Is there such a place where the "ore" has been removed, but there is the 
potential of mineral specimens? How does one find out about such a 
place?? I realize there are two different mining claims a patented and a 
(?) , but how does one go about obtaining one??

Yea, I know, I am dreaming the dream.

Dennis Buffenmyer