California state gem mine los gatos creek rd coalinga california here s your chance to come find the state gemstone of california benitoite a prospector james couch was grubstaked by roderick dallas and in february 1907 and on his way to investigate some intriguing outcrops found a small area littered with blue crystals which he thought might be blue sapphires. There are a huge variety of gems minerals and fossils that you can find in california. The california state gemstone benitoite. California state gem mine new idria district california the benitoite gem mine is famous for its rare and unique gemstone benitoite. The rancho la brea tar pits is one of the world s most famous ice age fossil sites.
Numerous mines over the past 100 years have also produced turquoise garnet morganite aquamarine topaz kunzite and many other gems. Other rare gems and minerals include neptunite joaquinite dijerlite and natrolite. The state also is the site of the second largest meteorite found in the united states. After 100 years the benitoite gem mine is finally open and offering field trips to the public. In addition to being one of the best states to prospect for gold rockhounds can also dig valuable mineral specimens like jade tourmaline opals jasper amethyst and a variety of different fossils.
This clickable map has information about gems minerals and fossils in the united states. And for the past 5 years california has ranked as high as second and as low as sixth in the value of natural gemstone produced in the united states. The benitoite gem mine is located on a small mining claim the dallas claim in san benito county california about halfway between los angeles and san francisco. By clicking on each state you will find detailed information. California department of conservation administers a variety of programs vital to california s public safety environment and economy.
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Southern california is one of the most important areas in the world for the production of gem quality and specimen quality tourmaline. Rock hounds gem and specimen hunters this is your chance to find one of the rarest and most desirable gemstones in the world. The state s fabulous tourmalines were discovered by the gemstone industry in the late 1870 s or early 1880 s. Even precious gems like diamonds emeralds and aquamarine can be found in the u s. There are many locations throughout the country that have very valuable sources of minerals such as opals turquoise jade tourmaline amethyst and beryl.1 map of southwestern california showing locations of principal gem deposits. 1 map of southwestern california showing locations of principal gem deposits. Southern california is one of the most important areas in the world for the production of gem quality and specimen quality tourmaline. This clickable map has information about gems minerals and fossils in the united states. Numerous mines over the past 100 years have also produced turquoise garnet morganite aquamarine topaz kunzite and many other gems.
There are many locations throughout the country that have very valuable sources of minerals such as opals turquoise jade tourmaline amethyst and beryl. California state gem mine los gatos creek rd coalinga california here s your chance to come find the state gemstone of california benitoite a prospector james couch was grubstaked by roderick dallas and in february 1907 and on his way to investigate some intriguing outcrops found a small area littered with blue crystals which he thought might be blue sapphires.
