Learning how to find moonstones is a thrilling adventure, and it’s even more fun when you know where to look. Moonstones are often hidden in places like beaches, riverbeds, and certain rocky areas, where nature has tucked them away over time.
We’re excited to share our experiences and guide you to some of the best locations in California for moonstone hunting. Without proper guidance, finding moonstones can be challenging, but we’re here to provide helpful tips and insights.
We’ll share some top tips to make your search successful. Remember, patience and a keen eye are key. With our help, you’ll be spotting those glistening stones in no time.
What Are California Moonstones Anyway?
Moonstones are known for their unique shimmer, which changes when you move the stone in light. This shimmer is called adularescence, and it’s what makes moonstones so special.
When you’re out looking for moonstones, knowing how to identify moonstones is crucial. It typically has a milky, translucent appearance with a soft, silvery or blue sheen.
You can usually find moonstones in areas with granite and pegmatites, a type of igneous rock. Riverbeds, beaches, and other areas where water has eroded the earth are also common places to spot moonstones.
It’s also important to know what moonstones are worth. Its value depends on several factors like color, size, and how well it shows its shimmer. Generally, stones with more pronounced adularescence have a higher value.
The Types Of Moonstones Found In California
These are the types of California moonstones that you might find in the state:
- White moonstones
- Peach moonstones
- Agate “moonstones”
For those interested in a broader rock-collecting experience, don’t forget to check out our guide to crystals in California. With it, you’ll where and how to find various crystals, enhancing your rock-hounding journey in this gem-filled state.
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Moonstones in California
Finding moonstones can be a challenging adventure, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you know where to look. We’ve explored various spots and learned that the right location makes all the difference.
Having someone experienced to guide you is key, as they’ll know the subtle signs that lead to successful finds. It’s not just about luck; it’s about understanding the landscape and knowing the best techniques.
For those eager to expand their gem-hunting skills, we suggest checking out our guide on how to mine gems in California. It can help increase your chances of finding precious stones.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Funeral Mountains
The Funeral Mountains are part of a larger system of mountains and valleys, with peaks that rise dramatically from the desert floor. The diverse terrain here features steep, rocky slopes and narrow canyons.
This area is a geologist’s dream because of its complex geological history, which includes volcanic activity and the movement of tectonic plates.
The range is known for its colorful rock formations, created by different types of minerals. We’ve come across areas rich in dolomite and limestone, which tell us a lot about the past environments of this region.
If you’re planning to explore and collect rocks in these mountains, you’ll need to check with the California Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
They have specific guidelines and rules for rock collecting to ensure that it’s done in a way that respects the environment and preserves these natural treasures for future generations.
Where we found moonstones in the Funeral Mountains
We’ve discovered that moonstones can be found in areas rich in rhyolite. This volcanic rock is a good indicator of where to mine for moonstones. You can find fine samples of moonstones embedded within the rhyolite or lying loose in the soil.
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Moonstone Beach
There are two places named Moonstone Beach in the state. The first, in the city of Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, was once known for its moonstones. Storms used to wash these gems onto the shore, making it a popular spot for collectors.
However, due to changes in Redondo Beach’s waterfront, moonstones are no longer found there.
The second Moonstone Beach, located in Cambria, Obispo County, is still known for its “moonstones.” But interestingly, the “moonstones” here are actually a type of agate, not the feldspar variety typically known as moonstone.
However, the stones on the beach are called “moonstones” anyway because of their translucent white appearance. This beach’s geography, with its rocky shoreline and ocean tides, is ideal for agate to be washed ashore.
Despite not being true moonstones, these agates are still a beautiful find for rock enthusiasts visiting the beach.
Where we found moonstones on Moonstone Beach
The “moonstones” here are usually spotted along the sandy shores and amongst the pebbles. The best time to look for them is after the tide goes out, as the ocean often washes these agates onto the beach.
Common Moonstone-Hunting Questions
In our experiences exploring California for moonstones, we’ve encountered many common inquiries about these fascinating stones. We’ll be answering the most common ones here:
Is it illegal to collect moonstones in California?
Collecting moonstones in California is generally legal, but there are important rules and regulations that we must follow. The laws vary depending on where you are in the state and whose land you’re on.
For instance, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, recreational rockhounding is allowed. However, there are limits on the amount you can collect and the methods you can use.
Collecting rocks, including moonstones, in state parks is usually not allowed to protect natural resources. On private lands, you must get permission from the landowner before collecting any moonstone.
The Best Places To Buy Moonstones In California
These are our top picks for the shops where we’ve found good pieces of moonstones:
- Stories In Stones – 1249 S Main St, Angels Camp, CA 95222
- Firerose Designs Rock Shop – 169 Butte Ave, Randsburg, CA 93554
- Bali Gems – 733 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
- Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop – 66 Metropolitan Rd, Fortuna, CA 95540
- The Rock Shop – 5115 Quinn Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688
