Pay-To-Dig Gem Mines in California

The only place in the world where gem-quality benitoite — California's state gem — is mined. This brilliant blue gemstone, discovered in 1907, fluoresces a vivid blue-white under UV light. Fee-dig trips are offered periodically by appointment. Benitoite is rarer than diamond and only found in this single deposit worldwide.

Dig for stunning iridescent fire agate from volcanic host rock near Mojave. Fire agate from this site is prized by lapidaries worldwide for its rich red, orange, and green play of color. Open seasonally Oct-April.

Collect California's state gemstone — the ultra-rare blue benitoite — from the only known gem-quality deposit in the world. Also find neptunite, natrolite, joaquinite, and other rare minerals from this unique serpentinite deposit.

One of San Diego County's legendary gem pegmatites. Famous for producing stunning pink and green tourmaline, kunzite, morganite, and beryl. Periodic public digs — check calendar for availability.

Dig in a genuine tourmaline and gemstone pegmatite in San Diego County. One of the best fee-dig operations in the western US — tourmalines, kunzite, morganite, and more.

Legendary San Diego tourmaline and pegmatite mine open for fee digs. Tourmaline, topaz, morganite, quartz crystals, and lepidolite from a world-famous locality.

Collect California's rare state gemstone — benitoite — from the only commercial source in the world. Also find neptunite and natrolite.

Learn to pan for gold on a real California gold rush claim.

Multiple small pegmatite mines in the desert offering tourmaline and garnet collecting.

Famous for tourmaline, kunzite, and morganite. Screen or dig options available.

Collect fire opals from the Mojave Desert. Stunning specimens available.

Historic tourmaline and kunzite mine in California's gem-rich Pala district.