Top California Rockhounding Dig Sites
California is a paradise for rockhounding enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of geological features and rich deposits of various minerals and gemstones. The state's unique landscape provides numerous opportunities for both beginner and experienced rockhounds to discover stunning specimens. Here are the top three rockhounding dig sites in California that you won't want to miss.
Oceanview Mine
The Oceanview Mine, located in California's Pala mining district, offers a unique opportunity to find gems like tourmaline, kunzite, and morganite. The mine allows visitors to screen dump piles of material taken out of the mine and keep everything they find. Reservations are required, and guests receive a jeep tour of Chief Mountain, showcasing other active and historic mines in the area.
The experience at Oceanview Mine is enhanced by the provision of all necessary tools, including screens, water, buckets, and shovels. Visitors can keep all the gems they find and take home one 5-gallon bucket of rocks that they have screened and washed. This makes Oceanview Mine a fantastic destination for rockhounds of all ages.
Learn MorePala Chief Mine
The Pala Chief Mine, also located in the Pala mining district, is one of the oldest gem mines in San Diego County. Known for its deposits of tourmaline, kunzite, and morganite, the Pala Chief Mine offers a unique rockhounding experience. Unlike other fee digs, visitors must bring their own tools, making it ideal for seasoned rockhounds who enjoy a more hands-on approach.
The mine is open for digs twice a month from October to June. Participants can explore old mine dumps and pegmatite faces, where they can find a variety of minerals, including tourmalines, aquamarines, morganites, and more. Visitors can take home up to two five-gallon buckets of material, making it a rewarding adventure for gem enthusiasts.
Learn MoreBenitoite Mining Company
The Benitoite Mining Company, located in California, is renowned for its stunning blue benitoite crystals. As the state gem of California, benitoite is highly sought after by collectors. The mining company offers visitors the chance to dig through ore from the mine and keep all the benitoite, neptunite, joaquinite, and natrolite they find. The site is open by reservation on weekends and certain holidays.
Visitors receive orientation and assistance throughout the day, ensuring a successful and enjoyable rockhounding experience. The mine provides all necessary digging tools, making it accessible for beginners and experienced rockhounds alike. With a high chance of finding beautiful gems, the Benitoite Mining Company is a must-visit destination.
Learn MoreRecommended Gear and Tips for Rockhounding in California
When visiting rockhounding sites in California, it's important to come prepared. Here are some recommendations for your trip:
- Plan to stay for at least a full day to fully explore the area and increase your chances of finding valuable gems.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the area can get quite hot and there are limited facilities nearby.
- Wear sturdy shoes and protective gloves to prevent injuries from sharp rocks and tools.
- Carry tools such as rock hammers, chisels, and safety glasses to safely extract and handle the gems you find.
- Tools recommended: a shovel, pick, safety glasses, and hammer (in case you want to break your gems on the spot). Whole gems can be taken to your local rock shop to be cut in half.
- More importantly, be patient and have fun collecting!