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.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
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.
The tools every gem hunter will need
When you're out looking for gems it's very important that you bring the right tools with you. 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 gem miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit 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 gem-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.
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
