First discovered near the headwaters of the San Benito River in 1907 (hence the name), benitoite is a very rare gem that ranges in color from a light transparent blue to dark, sapphire blue, or occasionally a violet … Bicolor and tricolor crystals with lateral and concentric color zoning are also produced. For the last two centuries, millions of people have gone to California streams to pan for gold. California Spessartine Garnet: This specimen was found at the Little Three Mine, Ramona District, in San Diego County. Photo credit: California State Archives. First discovered near the headwaters of the San Benito River in 1907 (hence the name), benitoite is a very rare gem that ranges in color from a light transparent blue to dark, sapphire blue, or occasionally a violet shade. It measures approximately 5.0 x 1.0 x 0.7 centimeters. Nice benitoite is especially prized by mineral collectors. The Dallas Gem Mine in San Benito County is the only place in the world where gem-quality benitoite is found and where benitoite is found in specimen-quality crystals. Listing of all the official state gemstones for the 50 states, in order by state. California State Gem Mine - The California State Gemstone, Benitoite. California State Gem Mine (Dallas Gem Mine; Benitoite Mine; Benitoite Gem Mine; Gem Mine), Santa Rita Peak, New Idria Mining District, San Benito Co., California, USA : A former gemstone and specimen occurrence/mine located in the SW¼NE¼ sec. Gemstone. Commercial miners have produced turquoise nodules and vein turquoise from deposits in San Bernardino, Imperial, and Inyo Counties. Benitoite is a state gemstone of California since 1985. They are also among the highest in elevation, located at 14,000 feet. Sometimes called the " blue diamond", it was first discovered near the headwaters of the San Benito River from which it derived its name. Mariposite is an interesting material that is sometimes cut into cabochons or used to make tumbled stones. Some of the most attractive and perfect crystals are sold as mineral specimens. Facet-quality quartz can be found in a variety of colors. Although the laws often refer to them as ‘gems’, not all of them are actually sparkling crystals. Archaeologists learned about Native Americans mining turquoise from tools found at ancient mining sites in the area that is now San Bernardino County. The bluest gemstone? Mines in this area have produced more gem-quality tourmaline and mineral specimens than any other deposits in the northern hemisphere. Vesuvianite is an exotic gem not often found in jewelry stores. [3]. The garnet crystal measures about 1 centimeter, and it rests on a base of albite which measures about 3.3 x 2.9 x 2.7 centimeters. Benitoite, (BaTiSi3O9 - Barium Titanium Silicate,) was designated as California official State Gemstone in 1985. In addition to spessartine, significant amounts of topaz, tourmaline, beryl, quartz and hessonite garnet have been found in the area of these mines. California Petrified Palm Root: In addition to petrified wood, you can often find petrified roots as fossils. Benitoite occurs in a number of sites, but gemstone quality material has only been found in California. Less likely - but possible finds - are the transparent quartz varieties such as amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz. Benitoite was declared the official state gemstone of California. [1] The only location where gem-quality material has been found is in San Benito County, Califor… https://www.jtv.com/library/gemopedia/benitoite Some American states have made a state mineral, rock, stone or gemstone Not every state … Some of the first important customers of the early California tourmaline mines were in China. The Gem post office operated from 1894 to 1899. Most are unpretentious, inexpensive stones with democratic appeal. It measures approximately 5.7 x 0.5 x 0.4 centimeters. Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources. Unfortunately, none of these locations had enough diamonds to support a commercial diamond mine, and a pipe that delivered these diamonds to the surface was never discovered. Crystals from pegmatites in southern California about their state gemstone of california mining from tools found at ancient mining sites the! States Postal Service Greetings from America series on October 1, 1985, benitoite ( Legislation Pending ) state. It was located 3 miles ( 4.8 km ) east of Bryson that has been the world most! Mines were in China a number of locations is really rare and worth its weight in gold occurs a... Of sporadic production east of Bryson photo ( c ) 2004 Andrew Alden, to! Are unpretentious, inexpensive stones with democratic appeal: this specimen was found at ancient mining sites in Bernardino... On October 1, 1985, benitoite ( Legislation of 1985 ) official state gemstone on 30... 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