Where to Dig for Crystals in Southern California

September 04, 2018

Where to Dig for Gemstones and Crystals in Southern California

Did you know that you can hunt for your own crystals?! Yes, it's true!!!

How rewarding would it be to come across your own pink tourmaline piece out in the wild? Well, you can make that a reality. 

I've collected a list of the top gemstone mines across Southern California that are open to the public. 

Happy Hunting!

Oceanview Mine

Location: 37304 Magee Rd, Pala, CA 92059
What You Might Find: Tourmaline (black, watermelon, and green), Kunzite, Aquamarine, Morganite, Lepidolite, Quartz, & more!
Cost: Adults - $75 each) // 5-11 years old - $60 each // 4 and under are free
Website: OceanviewMine.com
Additional Note: They also own the Pala Chief Mine next door!

 

Crystal Mining

photo via @themilkandhoneymoon

Variety of crystals in hand

photo via @sweet_bby_jaymes

Himalaya Tourmaline Mine Gem Dig

Location: Lake Henshaw Resort, 26439 Hwy 76, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
What You Might Find:
Pink and Green Tourmaline, Black Tourmaline, Quartz Crystals, Spessartine Garnet, Lepidolite, Cleavelandite, and a variety of others!
Cost: Adults - $75 each // 13-15 year olds - $37.50 each // 12 and under are free with paying adult
Website: highdesertgemsandminerals.com

 

Crystals found at Himalaya Tourmaline dig

photo via Himalaya Tourmaline Mine Facebook

Crystal miners at Himalaya Tourmaline Mine

photo via Himalaya Tourmaline Mine Facebook

 

Gems of Pala

Location: 35940 Magee Rd, Pala, CA 92059
What You Might Find: 
Quartz, Lepidolite, Kunzite, Morganite, Tourmaline
Cost: Gem Buckets that you dig from our pile are $30.00 each. Pre-Dug Gem Bags are $50.00 each. All Cash Only.
Website: GemsofPala.com

 

Gems of Pala

Gems of Pala

photos via the Gems of Pala website

California State Gem Mine

Location: The Historic Old Road Camp - 48242 Los Gatos Rd. Coalinga, CA 93210
What You Might Find: 
Benitoite (the state gemstone)
Cost: Adults - $70 person // 12 and younger - $20
Website: CalStateGemMine.com

 

Miners at Cal State Gem Mine

photo via Cal State Gem website 





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