This gemstone became california s official state gemstone in 1985. While i am fortunate enough to reside on the west coast i am on a lifelong mission to vacation in my backyard and then share these hidden destinations. Most of these mines are situated in the california southern region. Named after the san benito river in san benito county california where it was first discovered in 1907 the rare benitoite gemstone is blue in color. We take you on a very succesfull rouckhounding trip for agates.
Benitite was designated the official staple in 1985 by california. Anybody can find quartz of gem quality in california. Himalaya mine mesa grande district california. We beachcomb and find lots of treasure. Agates can be found in many streams and beaches.
However the quality of the jade found here is not of particularly high quality. By definition gemologists are qualified to identify and evaluate gems. The himalaya tourmaline mine is located near santa ysabel ca at lake henshaw in the beautiful mesa grande is the best place for gem hunting in california. This is a grate way to rockhound when the mountains. Jasper can be found in fields and in the desert.
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70 per person kids 12 and younger only 20. Why is benitoite a state gem in california. I pride myself on finding the hidden gems of california family vacation spots. California is the only region in the world where this stone has been found in gemstone quality. Along the rocky coastal stretch of big sur in california there are number of spots where jade stone can be found.The best quality largest and most abundant crystals come from ancient stream channels in the mokelumne hill area of calveras county. For many years cobbles and round crystals have been found in streambeds in amador and calveras counties. It s easy to get distracted by gems such as tourmaline turquoise benitoite and diamonds and overlook quartz. Locations of some of these gemstone mines. Collecting info finding the princess pat mine lighting up shadow mountain california february 28 2017 september 6 2020 rocky i enjoy seeing rocks light up under short wave ultra violet light so do millions of other people in the world.
Some of the areas where one can look for jade are willow creek gem cove san simeon jade cove and sand dollar beach. The benitoite gem mine is famous for its rare and unique gemstone benitoite. 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. Some of the areas where one can look for jade are willow creek gem cove san simeon jade cove and sand dollar beach. The best quality largest and most abundant crystals come from ancient stream channels in the mokelumne hill area of calveras county.
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. 70 per person kids 12 and younger only 20. However the quality of the jade found here is not of particularly high quality. Benitite was designated the official staple in 1985 by california. This gemstone became california s official state gemstone in 1985.
