CALIFORNIA
State Rock: Serpentine (1965)
State Gemstone: Benitoite (1985)
State Mineral: Native Gold (1965)
State Fossil: Saber-Tooth Cat (1973)
State Prehistoric Artifact: Chipped Stone Bear (1991)
The best places to rockhound in California include the areas around San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Crescent City, and Eureka. The state contains thousands of rockhounding locations which include mines, quarries, ocean beaches, and stream beds.
A wide variety of rocks and minerals can be found in local streams and rivers including agate, jasper, gold, and jade.
All across California, amateur geologists are scouring for ancient rocks, valuable minerals and world-famous gems. We call it rockhounding.
Thanks to its incredible geologic diversity, the Golden State is one of the best places in the world to rockhound. With a sharp eye and the right knowledge, anybody can do it.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
MINE INFORMATON
Quartz, Morganite, Kunzite, Lepidolite, and the Queen of Gemstones, Tourmaline and other cool things are found at this location! What a fun spot for any age and great for family vacations!
Gems of Pala provides all necessary tools for you – screens, bins, water, tables etc. and on-site instructions.
Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
HOURS
Sat – Sun
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Try to arrive before 1:30 PM so you have time to screen your bucket before we close at 3 PM.
Gem Buckets that you dig from our pile are $30.00 each.
Pre-Dug Gem Bags are $50.00 each.
All Cash Only Please.
MINE INFORMATON
This location is open to the public and a great spot for people of all ages!
California State Gemstone Benitoite crystals in Coalinga, California!
Here is your chance to find one of the rarest gems on earth. Our experienced miners create a day of fun for your family, fellow collectors, and friends to dig for gems!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Everything is provided for you
HOURS
Open by reservation on Saturday’s 9 am – 3 pm
MINE INFORMATON
The Oceanview Mine contains tourmaline, kunzite, morganite and more.
The Oceanview Mine allows you a unique view of the only actively working underground mine in the world famous Pala Gem mining district
You are provided with screens, water, buckets and shovels, and most importantly, a big pile of gem-rich dirt and gravel taken from the mines! After a brief training session, you have four hours to work the pile, looking for your gems. You get to keep everything you find at no extra charge.
You can take home 1 5-gallon bucket of rocks that you have screened and washed.
PRICES
Adults ($75 each)
Children 5-11 years old ($60 each) [4 and under free].
We also have family plan (2 adults / 2 children 5-11 years) for $240.
Organized Groups – School/Scouts/Clubs 20 or more $45/each (Thursday’s only).
NOTE: (This is for children under 12).
All other groups contact us for pricing!
Click HERE for the Booking Calendar
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
We’ve listed several locations here but there may be many more that are not listed.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.