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.
You will have everything you need to find moonstones, and the only thing worth adding to your toolkit is Rock Chasing’s California Rocks & Minerals Identification Field Guide. It keeps you from walking past something valuable or tossing a rare find simply because it did not look familiar at first glance.
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”
Most people don’t realize how many incredible rocks California hides in its mountains, deserts, and beaches. This guide shows exactly what you’ve been walking past.
🌈 300+ color photos of real California specimens
🪨 Raw + polished examples make identification simple
🏜️ Covers coastlines, gold country, Sierras & more
💦 Waterproof pages built for real outdoor use
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.
Tools You Will Need
Hunting for moonstones is exciting because you never know what might be hiding under the next patch of dirt or sand. You do not need fancy gear to get started, just a few simple tools that help you dig, spot, and safely carry what you find.
A Dependable Field Guide – Essential
A good day in the field gets even better when identification is quick, clear, and accurate. That is where Rock Chasing’s California Rocks & Minerals Identification Field Guide becomes an essential part of a rockhound’s pack.
It includes more than 120 California rocks, minerals, and crystals, supported by over 300 photos, so you can recognize what you are holding in just a few seconds.
The laminated, waterproof pages and solid steel binding are built for creeks, talus slopes, and dust-coated backpacks, which means you can use it hard without worrying about wear.
Straightforward visuals and quick-reference facts make life easier for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. Kids can use it confidently thanks to bright photos and simple explanations, and serious collectors benefit from accurate data and detailed images that help with labeling and cataloging.
It is practical, compact, and designed for years of fieldwork, which is why so many rockhounds across California treat it as their go-to reference on every trip.
Hand Shovel – Essential
A small hand shovel helps you scoop away loose soil and sand without using your hands. It gives you better control when you dig around a promising spot so you do not damage anything. This one tool makes searching faster and easier for beginners.
Soft Brush – Recommended
A soft brush helps you clear dust and dirt from rocks without scratching them. It is great for gently revealing the shimmer that moonstones are known for. Most collectors carry one because it keeps finds in good shape from the moment they come out of the ground.
Magnifying Loupe – Optional
A small magnifying loupe lets you get a close look at shine, texture, and color changes. It is helpful when you want to double-check if a piece has that soft glow moonstones are known for, without guessing. You can hunt without one, but it makes close inspection much more fun.
Small Container – Essential
A sturdy little container keeps your moonstones from getting chipped or lost in your bag. It also helps you stay organized so you do not mix your finds with everything else you are carrying. It is one of the best ways to protect your treasures until you get home.
- 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.
If your kids constantly ask “What’s this rock?”, this guide finally gives you an answer you don’t have to Google later. Quick photos, simple descriptions, and rugged pages make ID’ing rocks fun instead of frustrating.
🔍 Fast visual matching—no geology background needed
💦 Wipe-clean pages made for creeks, beaches & dirt
📚 Simple explanations for beginners of all ages
🌄 Great for California hikes, creek beds & camping trips
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
