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Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in California. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in California is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
California is another great state to go digging for rocks and crystals in. Most of the mines and dig locations will be off of I-15. The north has plenty of great locations and the southern part of the state is not far behind. You’ll be able to dig and collect precious and semi-precious gemstones without leaving the state.
There are quite a few locations to dig for crystals, agate, and jade in California which makes listing all of them fairly difficult. With that being said, I’ve compiled a list of sites for you to visit and provide feedback.
If you know of a location and are willing to share with us then contact me directly and I’ll add it to the list. I’d be happy to add your contact details as well if you’d like to lead a group.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Near Diamond Creek | 41.955801, -123.935230 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified wood |
| Agate Beach | 41.150147, -124.139801 | Agate, Jasper |
| Agate Flat | 42.000890, -122.401752 | Agate, Bloodstone, Jasper, Petrified wood |
| Jenny Creek | 41.976920, -122.397776 | Agate, Carnelian, Petrified wood |
| Deep Creek | 41.517272, -120.248953 | Agate, Opalized wood |
| Fandango Pass | 41.802066, -120.206778 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Goose Lake | 41.950774, -120.425357 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Lead Pipe Spring | 35.466547, -117.166542 | Blue Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| SW of Acton | 34.436688, -118.222931 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Escondido Canyon | 34.498994, -118.258235 | Green Moss Agate, Jasper |
| Tick Canyon | 34.426665, -118.391581 | Chalcedony, Banded Agate, Bloodstone |
| Jacolitos Canyon | 36.096183, -120.320390 | Jasper, Petrified Wood |
| Guadeloupe Creek | 37.208062, -121.901284 | Dendritic Agate |
The Sierra Nevada area is home to many rocks and minerals. This makes it a great place to rockhound. The kinds of gems you can find in this location are:
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Tree Canyon | 35.230894, -118.086643 | Barite crystals |
| Little Acorn Mine | 35.716667, -118.500000 | Epidote, Quartz crystals, Smoky Quartz |
| Bristol Dry Lake | 34.462187, -115.673888 | Celestite |
| Rouse Hill | 33.672586, -116.772378 | Amazonite, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline |
| Ware Mine | 33.332872, -116.767546 | Beryl, Lepidolite, Topaz, Tourmaline |
| Horse Mountain | 40.873474, -123.743245 | Epidote on Calcite |
| Hungry Creek | 41.974582, -122.754194 | Cassiterite crystals, Native copper |
| Golden Jubilee Mine | 41.100556, -122.783611 | Pyrite |
| North Clark Valley | 36.772880, -119.347067 | Epidote |
| Alabama Mine | 38.844593, -121.157462 | Galena |
Wiley’s Well is a historical site rich in interesting rocks and minerals. This makes it a great location for rockhounds. You’ll be able to collect and dig for:
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Big Sur | 35.893758, -121.452329 | Jade, Nephrite, Serpentine |
| Eel River | 39.713953, -123.352619 | Jadeite, Nephrite |
| Trinity River | 40.879117, -123.527094 | Jade |
Turtle Mountain Wilderness area is known for its abundance of quartz. So, if you’re looking for that particular mineral, Turtle Mountain is a great place to look.
Here are just a few rocks and minerals you can dig for:
Lake Havasu is a great region to dig for crystals and minerals. The lake lies on the border between Arizona and Southern California and is well known among tourists.
If you’re in for the hike, expect to find:
Anderson Lake is located in southern Santa Clara County and rockhounds have dug for and collected chrysotile and serpentine.
The lake can be pretty hot during the summer months. However, the spring and fall are usually milder and more comfortable for rockhounding.
Thirty miles north of Eureka lies Patrick’s Point Beach. This is another great place to rockhound. If you’re lucky, you can find all sorts of interesting rocks and minerals on the beach. Here are some:
The best time to rockhounding in Patrick’s Point Beach is during the low tide when more rocks are exposed. Be sure to bring a shovel and bucket to collect your treasures!
Active Rock and Mineral Dig Sites
Benitoite Crystals – Coalinga, CA
Amethyst Crystals – Halleluja Junction
The Calico Mountains provide quite a few locations to dig for crystals and gemstones.
Here are a few things you should know when visiting this place:
Rock and mineral societies can help you learn about necessary permits and rock-hounding laws. They’ll help you get started, set up field trips each month, and educate you on rocks and minerals found in California.
List of Rock and Mineral Societies
Joining rocks and minerals societies in California is one way to meet like-minded people. Some of these societies include:
Each of these organizations has its website where you can find more information about their events and activities.
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