Finding jasper in California can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you know how to find jasper and where to look. However, it can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the right spots or don’t have guidance from someone experienced.

We’re here to share our knowledge about the best places in California to hunt for jasper. The Mojave Desert, Cayucos Beach, and Morgan Hill are just a few of these fantastic locations.

We’re here to guide you and share tips. From understanding the geological formations where jasper is typically found to recognizing the telltale signs of a promising spot, our guidance can help you in your explorations.

What Is California Jasper Anyway?

Jasper is a kind of quartz, which makes it pretty tough and resistant to scratches. It comes in many colors, like red, yellow, brown, or green. It also comes in a variety of recognizable patterns.

To identify jasper, we look for its smooth surface and these unique colors and patterns.

We often find jasper in places where there are volcanic rocks or where hot water has moved through rock layers. So, we might find jasper in dry deserts, old volcanic areas, or riverbeds where the right conditions were present long ago.

You might be wondering: is jasper expensive? Well, it depends. Jasper isn’t as pricey as gems like diamonds or rubies, but some types of jasper can be more valuable, especially if they’re really unique or beautiful.

Jasper is used a lot in jewelry and for decoration, and people love it because every piece is different. So, while it might not cost a lot of money, jasper can still be valuable in a variety of ways.

The Types Of Jasper Found In California

These are the types of jasper that have been found in the state:

• Indian blanket jasper
• Lavic jasper
• Poppy jasper
• Brecciated jasper

Our guide to crystal mining in California is a great resource to dive deeper into the diverse varieties of crystals that the state has to offer.

The Best Places To Find Jasper in California

Searching for jasper requires patience and a keen eye, as it’s not always easy to spot. Having the right guidance is crucial because knowing where to look makes all the difference.

Having the right guidance is crucial because knowing where to look makes all the difference. We’ve learned through experience that patience and persistence pay off in this exciting search.

For a deeper dive into this exciting hobby, check out our tips on how and where to mine gems in California.

Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert is a vast and fascinating place, stretching across a huge area with a mix of high and low elevations.

It’s filled with mountain ranges, valleys, volcanic formations, and unique plants like the Joshua Tree, which thrives in its tough environment.

We’ve seen a variety of rock types here, from old, weathered granite to newer volcanic rocks. There’s also a lot of history in these rocks, telling stories of ancient volcanic activity and the shifting of Earth’s crust.

If you’re planning to collect rocks here, remember to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). They have specific guidelines and rules for rock collecting in the desert to make sure it’s done responsibly and sustainably.

Where we found jasper in Mojave Desert

We’ve discovered jasper tucked under the brush or nestled in small crevices among the rocks. These jasper pieces can vary in color and pattern.

The tools every crystal hunter will need

When you're out looking for crystals having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.

We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced crystal miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.

At a minimum you should have:

1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard

2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set

3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well

4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill

5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable

6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to

7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect

The crystal-finding books that we use most

There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern Quadrant 

We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.

Cayucos Beach

The geography of Cayucos Beach features a long, sandy coastline bordered by the ocean on one side and hills on the other. Walking along the beach, you’ll find areas where the sand gives way to rocky patches, revealing the diverse terrain.

The geology of this beach showcases a mixture of sedimentary formations like sandstone and shale. Erosion from the ocean waves constantly shapes the beach, uncovering new geological features.

You’ll also find pebbles and small stones smoothed by the ocean, some of which are jasper

Where we found jasper in Cayucos Beach

You can find among the pebbles and sand at the water’s edge. Sometimes, you can spot jasper pieces nestled near larger rocks or driftwood.

Stone Canyon

The landscape in Stone Canyon features rolling hills, steep canyons, and rocky outcrops. You’ll have to navigate through a mix of terrains, from soft soil to rugged, rocky areas.

The area is known for its rich deposits of California jasper, which can be found in various parts of the canyon, often hidden among other rocks.

The sedimentary layers in this area also reveal a rich history, showing the changes over millions of years. 

Where we found jasper in Stone Canyon

You can look for jasper along the dry creek beds and lower hillside areas. The jasper here varies in color, from reds to yellows. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find large, colorful pieces.

Cady Mountains

The Cady Mountains area has a varied terrain, from flat plains to steep, rocky hills. This area is known for its unique rock formations that stand out against the landscape.

Geologically, the Cady Mountains are known for their varied mineral deposits. You can come across a wide range of minerals and rocks, each telling a story about the area’s history.

The mountains are particularly known for their colorful rock layers, which show the changes over time.

Where we found jasper in Cady Mountains

You can come across jasper in various areas like Afton Canyon. Look in spots near the canyon’s wash areas, where water flow has uncovered it.

Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill is surrounded by hills and valleys, offering a variety of landscapes to explore. The terrain here includes rolling hills, open fields, and areas with dense vegetation.

You’ll find a range of rock types in the area, including sedimentary and igneous rocks, along with mineral deposits.

Where we found jasper in Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill is known for poppy jasper, a kind of orbicular jasper. This jasper is usually spotted in the outcroppings in the area , where it’s more exposed.

However, we’ve discovered that many outcroppings with poppy jasper are on private property. So, while searching for it, we always make sure to respect property boundaries and seek permission when necessary.

Other Great Places To Find California Jasper

We’ve put together a list of more areas that are known for their jasper deposits. These spots are favorites among fellow rockhounds and provide a great opportunity for discovery.

Our recommendations by county

Common Jasper-Hunting Questions

We’ve gathered the common questions that people ask about collecting jasper in California to help share our knowledge and experience.

It’s not illegal to collect jasper in California, but there are certain rules and regulations to follow.

On public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the United States Forest Service, rockhounding is generally allowed. However, there are limits on how much you can collect for personal use, usually up to a certain poundage per day.

It’s important to know that collecting for commercial purposes is not allowed without a permit. Also, some areas might be off-limits to protect sensitive environments or cultural sites. Always check the specific rules of the area you’re visiting.

On private land, you must get the landowner’s permission to collect rocks.

The Best Places To Buy Jasper In California

We’ve put together a list of these shops where enthusiasts can easily find quality jasper:

• Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop – 66 Metropolitan Rd, Fortuna, CA 95540
• The Rock Shop – 5115 Quinn Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688
• Joshua Tree Rock Shop – 61595 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
• Stories In Stones – 1249 S Main St, Angels Camp, CA 95222
• Topanga Rocks – 525 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290