Dig for Tourmaline and Kunzite Crystals
You’ll be digging and collecting Tourmaline, Kunzite, and Morganite at the Oceanview Mine in Central California.
This location has been written about in rock & mineral magazine and there are multiple YouTube videos showing ordinary rockhounds collecting beautiful specimens.
The mine provides everything you need for a successful rockhound trip.
You’ll spend most of your time picking through large piles of gem-rich pay dirt directly from the mine. Don’t worry the process is fairly simple and you’re guaranteed to find some amazing specimens. The mining staff will walk you through a brief “how to” session. Once finished, you have four hours to work the pile, looking for your gems. You get to keep everything you find at no extra charge.
Once again, this is an excellent location for families and junior rockhounds but you’ll need to schedule your dig with the local owner.
Keep reading below to learn more about what to bring, clothing types, contact details, and driving directions.
Tourmaline and Kunzite Crystals
Tourmaline
Tourmaline crystals come in an array of colors and shapes and the Oceanview Mine produces quite a few of them. The most common crystal found in the pay gravel is school but rockhounds have found green, red, pink, purple, blue, and multi-colored tourmalines.
Kunzite
Kunzite is a form of spodumene and can be found in pink to purple-colored crystals. This mine is known to produce very deep purple Kunzite crystal specimens.
Morganite
Morganite is a pink to salmon-colored form of beryl that can be found at this location. Customers have reported finding opaque chunks, fully-formed crystals, and pieces of crystals at this location.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the light-medium blue to blue-green colored form of beryl. The quality of this material varies from gem quality which can be faceted to opaque chunks which make great cabochons.
Tools and Tips
The Oceanview Mine provides everything you need for a successful rockhound trip but you might want to look over the list below. Don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks in case they get thirsty or hungry. Don’t forget about the weather and make sure to dress appropriately.
Must-Have Tools and Accessories
- Screens
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Buckets
- Shovels
- Small plastic containers
- Hat or sombrero
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Long sleeve (depends on weather)
- Boots
- Towels for drying off
- Fresh clothes (you’re going to sweat)
Make sure you’re a good steward of the property. Please pick up any trash and leave the location better than when you found it.
Most importantly, have fun collecting, and feel free to email us about your trip.
Driving directions
Address
37304 Magee Rd, Pala, CA
Book your mining trip today – Booking Calendar
Type or copy the GPS coordinates below into your Google or Apple Maps.
GPS Coordinates
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