Living in California, we’re surrounded by natural beauty, but have you ever thought about what’s hiding beneath the surface? Our state is a goldmine—literally and figuratively—for valuable rocks, minerals, and gems.

Whether you’re into collecting or want to make a little extra cash, there’s a world of treasures waiting to be discovered here.

Take gold, for example. It’s not just a part of California’s history—it’s still out there if you know where to look. And then there’s jade, especially the rare and stunning nephrite found along our coast.

Oh, and don’t forget about tourmaline. Southern California has some of the finest tourmaline crystals in the world, and the colors are absolutely breathtaking.

California is packed with opportunities to find these and so much more, from sparkling gemstones to rare minerals. Let’s dive into what you can discover and where to start your search, whether you’re combing through riverbeds, digging in mines, or exploring the mountains.

The Most Valuable Rocks, Minerals, And Gems You Can Find In California

Now let’s get into the specifics, this is what our state has to offer:

Gold

In California, you can find gold in a few different forms. Placer gold is the loose nuggets and flakes that settle in riverbeds and streambanks—this is the kind you’re most likely to find if you’re panning.

There’s also lode gold, which is gold embedded in veins of rock, often found in quartz. Mining for lode gold requires more equipment and expertise, but the payoff can be worth it.

We’ve also put together a guide on finding gold in California here if you want to learn a lot more.

Why It’s Valuable

Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world, and its value has only gone up over time. Not only is it beautiful and highly sought after for jewelry, but it’s also an excellent investment because of its ability to hold value.

For collectors, even small flakes and nuggets have a special appeal, especially when you’ve found them yourself. Plus, there’s the thrill of knowing you’ve uncovered a piece of California’s history!

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to go hunting for gold, there are plenty of places across California where you can start your search. Here are three top spots to try:

• American River: This river was a hotspot during the Gold Rush and still produces placer gold today. Try panning along the banks or in shallow pools.
• Kern River: The Kern River is another great spot for finding placer gold. Look for areas where the water slows down, as gold tends to settle there.
• Mother Lode Region: Stretching across counties like El Dorado and Tuolumne, this area is famous for its lode gold deposits. Exploring old mining sites or quartz outcrops could lead to a big discovery.

For more recommendations check out the full gold guide for California.

Diamond

California’s diamonds are mostly small, industrial-grade stones, though a few gem-quality ones have been discovered.

They’re often linked to volcanic rock deposits, especially kimberlite, which is a host rock for diamonds worldwide.

Why It’s Valuable

Diamonds are prized for their brilliance, durability, and rarity. Even small or industrial-grade diamonds have worth, especially for collectors or those interested in geology.

California diamonds hold a unique value because of their connection to the state’s rich mining history. They serve as a reminder of the California Gold Rush era when prospectors often stumbled upon diamonds while searching for gold.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to hunt for diamonds in California, there are a few spots you should know about. These locations are rich in history and might just reward you with a sparkling find if you’re lucky.

• Cherokee Flat: This historic mining area was a hotspot during the Gold Rush. Prospectors discovered diamonds here while panning for gold, and it remains a fascinating place to explore.
• Pine Valley: Known for its gem-quality stones, Pine Valley offers a chance to find small diamonds among other minerals. It’s a favorite for gem hunters in Southern California.
• Shasta County: In the northern part of the state, this region is famous for its volcanic history, which has occasionally turned up diamonds. It’s a great area for geology buffs and adventurers.

Discover more Diamond locations across California in our comprehensive guide.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz crystal that gets its gorgeous purple color from iron and other minerals in the stone. Depending on how it forms, amethyst can be pale and delicate or dark and vibrant.

In California, most of the amethyst you’ll find is in the form of small crystals or geodes—those hollow rocks lined with sparkling purple gems.

Sometimes, you might even come across chevron amethyst, which has bands of white quartz mixed with purple, creating a cool striped effect (You can explore Amethyst sites throughout California with our detailed guide.).

Why Amethyst is Valuable

Amethyst is valuable for more than just its beauty. Historically, it’s been associated with clarity, calmness, and protection, and people still believe it has spiritual and healing properties today.

Plus, it’s a February birthstone, so there’s always demand for it in jewelry. Even small pieces can have a lot of worth, especially if they’re high-quality with a rich purple hue.

Great Places to Find Amethyst in California

If you’re up for an adventure, there are a few awesome places here in California where you can search for amethyst. Here are my top recommendations:

• Himalaya Mine: This spot is famous for producing some of the finest gemstones in the state, including amethyst. You can go on a pay-to-dig adventure and keep whatever treasures you find.
• Crystal Hill: Located near Blythe, this area is known for its quartz crystals, and if you’re lucky, you might find amethyst here too. It’s a popular spot for rockhounds.
• Randsburg: This ghost town has a rich mining history, and the nearby desert areas occasionally yield amethyst crystals, especially if you explore abandoned mine tailings.

Find more Amethyst locations in California by checking our full resource guide.

Beryl

Beryl is a mineral made up of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, and it’s famous for its vibrant colors and crystal structure. Depending on the trace elements present, it can take on different hues.

Here in California, you can find a few different types of beryl including emerald, aquamarine, golden Beryl, and Heliodor. (Access our complete California guide to find these Beryl deposits).

Why It’s Valuable

Beryl is not just beautiful; it’s also valuable for a few key reasons. First, its gem-quality varieties, like emerald and aquamarine, are sought after for jewelry.

Second, the mineral is rare, especially in the larger, clear crystals that are ideal for cutting into gemstones. Finally, beryl also has industrial uses because it contains beryllium, a lightweight metal used in aerospace and other high-tech applications.

Great Places to Find It Here

California is a treasure trove for rockhounds and gem lovers, and Beryl is no exception. If you’re looking to get out there and explore, here are some great spots to start:

• Little Cahuilla Mountain: This mountain is a lesser-known gem-hunting spot where beryl, including aquamarine, has been discovered.
• Pala Chief Mine: This historic mine is another fantastic place to find aquamarine and other gem-quality beryl. It’s also a great spot to learn about the area’s mining history.
• Mount Antero Area: While more challenging to access, this area has been known to yield some aquamarine crystals. If you’re up for an adventure, it’s worth the trek.

See our complete Beryl guide for additional California hunting grounds.

Peridot

Peridot is a magnesium-rich variety of olivine and stands out for its signature green color, which comes from iron in its structure. The shades can range from light yellow-green to deep, intense greens.

In California, you’ll mostly find peridot in volcanic rock formations, especially basalt. Some of the stones here might be smaller than what you’d see in places like Arizona, but they’re no less stunning.

Why It’s Valuable

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that naturally occurs in a single color. Its vibrant green shade is believed to symbolize renewal and growth, making it a favorite for jewelry lovers and spiritual enthusiasts alike.

Plus, the fact that it’s a “gem of the earth,” formed deep in the mantle, adds to its mystique. California’s peridot, though not as famous as Arizona’s, has a unique charm thanks to its origins in our diverse geology.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re as excited as I am to see some peridot for yourself, there are a few spots in California that are worth exploring. Here are my top recommendations:

• Picacho Mining District: This historic mining area near the Colorado River is a fantastic place to hunt for peridot. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of the adventure!
• Mojave Desert: Known for its volcanic landscapes, the Mojave has several areas where you can find peridot embedded in basaltic rock. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen—it’s worth the effort.
• San Bernardino Area: This region’s geological diversity makes it a great spot for gemstone hunting, including peridot. Look around volcanic rock deposits for the best chances of spotting this green beauty.

Browse our extensive guide to uncover more Peridot locations in California.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a type of corundum, a mineral known for its incredible hardness—second only to diamond. While most people think of sapphires as blue, they actually come in a range of colors, including yellow, green, and even pink.

In California, the most common types are fancy-colored sapphires like golden-yellow and green, but you might get lucky and stumble across a rare blue one too.

Why It’s Valuable

Sapphires are prized for their beauty, durability, and rarity. The ones found in California are especially unique because of their unusual colors and the natural inclusions that give them character.

Plus, gemstones from local spots have a special value for collectors and rockhounds—there’s just something cool about finding a gem from your own backyard.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re itching to try your luck at finding a California sapphire, there are a few spots where you can start digging or even just enjoy the scenery while you hunt.

• Cascade Canyon: Tucked into the rugged wilderness, Cascade Canyon is a fantastic spot for gem hunting. The area is known for its diverse mineral deposits, including colorful sapphires.
• Butte Area: Around the Butte region, you’ll find pockets where sapphire deposits are known to exist. This area’s rich geological history makes it a gem-hunting hotspot.
• Cahuilla Mining District: Located in Southern California, this historic mining district is a lesser-known but rewarding spot for finding unique gemstones, including sapphires with rare hues.

Visit our in-depth California guide for more Sapphire gathering locations.

Silver

Silver is a naturally occurring precious metal, and in California, it comes in a few different forms. You’ll often find it as native silver, which is pure and shiny, or as silver sulfide minerals like argentite.

Sometimes, it’s also mixed in ores with other metals, like lead and gold. These variations make exploring for silver here both exciting and rewarding.

Why It’s Valuable

Silver is used in jewelry and coins, of course, but did you know it’s also essential for technology? It conducts electricity better than almost any other material, making it vital for things like solar panels, cell phones, and even medical equipment.

Plus, its reflective properties make it useful in mirrors and photography. Whether you’re interested in its practical uses or its beauty, silver is undeniably worth the hunt.

Great Places to Find Silver in California

California has some fantastic spots where you can hunt for silver. Here are a few places I’d recommend checking out:

• Calico Ghost Town: Located in the Mojave Desert, this historic silver mining town is a great spot to learn about silver mining and even try your luck at finding some yourself.
• Sierra Nevada Foothills: This region is known for its gold rush history, but it’s also a place where silver deposits were found. Look for areas near old mining claims, and you might stumble upon some silver ore.
• Panamint Valley: Nestled near Death Valley, Panamint Valley has a history of silver mining. The rugged terrain makes it an adventure, and with a little persistence, you might find some shiny treasures.

Uncover additional Silver sites with our complete California overview.

Topaz

In California, the types of topaz you’ll most likely come across are colorless or pale yellow varieties, although blue and light pink specimens have occasionally been found.

The lighter hues might not be as flashy as the vibrant stones from other regions, but they’re still stunning, especially when cut and polished.

Why It’s Valuable

Topaz isn’t just pretty; it’s durable, which makes it perfect for jewelry. Its hardness (an 8 on the Mohs scale) means it resists scratching and can hold up to daily wear.

California topaz is especially prized by collectors because it’s relatively rare compared to other gems found in the state, like quartz or tourmaline.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re up for a little treasure hunting, California has some fantastic spots where you might just stumble upon a piece of topaz. Here are a few places to check out:

• White Mountains: Some areas in the White Mountains are known for producing topaz, along with other minerals like garnets and quartz crystals.
• Gem Hill, Kern County: Located near Rosamond, Gem Hill is known for a variety of minerals, including topaz. The area has been a favorite for rockhounds for decades.
• Palos Verdes Peninsula: The cliffs and beaches of Palos Verdes have produced small pieces of topaz. Keep an eye out while exploring tide pools and rocky outcrops.

Find the 14 best Topaz spots across California in our complete guide.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in just about every color of the rainbow. What’s cool is that California is one of the best places in the world to find it, and the stones here are known for their vibrant hues.

You’ll often see green, pink, or a mix of both, known as watermelon tourmaline. In some places, you might even find black tourmaline, called schorl, which is striking in its own way.

Why It’s Valuable

Tourmaline is prized for its rarity and versatility. The pink and green varieties are especially sought after for jewelry because of their bright, eye-catching colors.

Plus, California tourmaline has historical value—it was a favorite of Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi in the early 1900s, which put our state on the map as a world-class source of the gem.

Great Places to Find It Here

California has several great spots where you can dig for Tourmaline. Here’re your top three options:

• Diablo Range: Tourmaline might not be as abundant here as in Southern California, there are pockets where you can find interesting mineral specimens.
• Emerald Bay (Lake Tahoe): While it’s more famous for its natural beauty, local enthusiasts occasionally find green tourmaline specimens.
• San Jacinto Mountains: These mountains near Palm Springs are a lesser-known hotspot for black tourmaline and other minerals.

Get the full scoop on Tourmaline locations throughout California here.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a blue-to-green mineral made of hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its unique color comes from its copper content, and you’ll often see it with veining or matrix patterns that add character to each stone.

In California, the turquoise you’ll find varies quite a bit. We have the classic bright blue turquoise, greenish-blue varieties, and stones with intricate black or brown matrix patterns.

Why It’s Valuable

Turquoise isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s valuable for many reasons. First, it’s relatively rare, especially high-quality stones with vivid colors and minimal matrix. Second, its cultural significance and history add to its worth.

Native American tribes, like the Navajo and Hopi, have long used turquoise in their art and ceremonies, and it’s still a symbol of protection, healing, and good fortune. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for jewelry, inlays, and even home decor.

Great Places to Find It Here

California has some excellent spots to hunt for turquoise, whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just curious to try. Here are a few places worth checking out:

• Himalaya Mine: This spot is famous for producing vibrant turquoise, along with other gems like tourmaline. It’s a great place to book a digging experience and try your luck.
• Turquoise Mountain: Known for its turquoise deposits, this area offers a chance to find pieces with unique patterns and shades of blue-green.
• Mojave Desert: The Mojave is home to several old mining areas where turquoise can still be found. It’s a bit of an adventure, but you’ll enjoy the desert scenery while you search.

Our comprehensive California guide reveals more Turquoise hotspots.

Agate

Agates are beautiful, colorful gemstones formed in volcanic rock over millions of years. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, which makes them a favorite for collectors, jewelry makers, and rockhounds like me.

These stones are basically nature’s way of showing off, with their intricate bands and mesmerizing designs.

California offers several types of agates, each with its own unique charm. You can learn where to find these types of Agate with our guide.

Why Agates Are Valuable

Agates are valuable for a few reasons, and it’s not just about money. For one, they’re stunning pieces of art straight from nature. Some rare types, like Laguna Agates, can fetch high prices, especially if they’re cut and polished.

But for a lot of us, the value comes from the thrill of finding one yourself, holding millions of years of history in your hand, and maybe even turning it into a piece of art or jewelry.

Great Places to Find Agates in California

If you’re ready to grab a bucket and head out, here are some fantastic spots to find agates in our beautiful state:

• Mendocino Coast: The beaches here are famous for their polished agates that wash up on shore. Take your time searching through the tide pools and gravel patches.
• Lavic Siding: This spot in the Mojave Desert is a rockhound’s dream. You’ll find colorful agates scattered across the ground, along with jasper and other treasures.
• Central Coast Beaches: From Big Sur to Cambria, these beaches are great for spotting moss and banded agates, especially after a winter storm when the waves stir up new finds.

More Agates await – view our full California location guide here.

Moonstone

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family and gets its name from its resemblance to the soft glow of the moon. It comes in several varieties, and here in California, you’ll mostly find:

• White Moonstone: Known for its classic, pearly shimmer.
• Rainbow Moonstone: This variety isn’t as common, but its multicolored flashes make it highly sought after.
• Peach or Yellow Moonstone: These warmer tones are sometimes found in California and add a different kind of charm.

Why It’s Valuable

Moonstone holds significant value for a few reasons. Firstly, its ethereal glow makes it a favorite for jewelry.

Moreover, many believe moonstone has calming and healing properties, making it popular in crystal healing practices.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to hunt for moonstone in California, there are a few fantastic spots to check out. Here are my top recommendations:

• Moonstone Beach, Cambria: This beach is aptly named for the smooth, polished moonstone pebbles you can find along its shore.
• Big Sur Coastline: The rocky beaches here sometimes hide small moonstone treasures. Exploring these areas feels like an adventure in itself.
• Eastern Sierra Nevada: If you’re up for some hiking, certain parts of the Eastern Sierra have feldspar deposits that may yield moonstone.

Explore every Moonstone location in California with our detailed guide.

Petrified wood

Petrified wood forms when trees are buried under sediment and mineral-rich water seeps through, replacing organic material with minerals over millions of years. The result is a fossil that still looks like wood but has the hardness and beauty of stone. ‘

In California, you can find different types of petrified wood, from colorful jasperized varieties to agatized wood, which has a glassy, almost gem-like appearance. Some of the petrified wood even contains rare minerals that make it shimmer or show unique patterns.

Why It’s Valuable

Petrified wood helps researchers understand ancient ecosystems and climates. For collectors and hobbyists, the vibrant colors, unique patterns, and sheer history make petrified wood a treasure.

Plus, some of the high-quality pieces can be polished into stunning jewelry or display items. Beyond that, it’s just plain fascinating to think about how these fossils were once living trees millions of years ago!

Great Places to Find It Here

California is loaded with spots where you can see or even collect petrified wood. Some areas are famous for their finds, and visiting these places feels like stepping into a prehistoric time machine.

• Calistoga Petrified Forest: This is one of the most famous sites in California. Located in Napa Valley, this forest has some of the most well-preserved petrified trees you’ll ever see.
• Red Rock Canyon State Park: Located in Kern County, you might come across smaller pieces of petrified wood scattered among the colorful cliffs and rocky terrain.
• Sonora and Tuolumne County: This area is known for its agatized petrified wood, which is prized for its vibrant colors and smooth, glassy texture.

Discover the 50 best locations where you can find Petrified Wood in California.

Fossils

Fossils are the remains or impressions of ancient plants, animals, and even microorganisms that have been preserved in rock. They can be bones, shells, teeth, leaves, or even tracks.

California is home to an amazing variety of fossils because it’s got such a diverse geological history.

Why Fossils Are Valuable

Fossils are super valuable for learning about Earth’s history. Scientists use them to figure out what the environment was like millions of years ago and how life has evolved.

Plus, they help us understand changes in climate and ecosystems over time. On a personal level, finding fossils can be like connecting with the deep past—it’s both humbling and fascinating.

Great Places to Find Fossils in California

If you’re up for some exploring, there are a ton of places in California where you can discover fossils or learn about them. Here are a few spots I recommend:

• La Brea Tar Pits: This is like a time capsule from the Ice Age. You’ll find fossils of mammoths, dire wolves, and more. It’s also a working excavation site, so you can see scientists in action.
• Fossil Falls: Despite its name, this site doesn’t have fossils of animals, but it’s a fascinating place to see ancient volcanic rock formations and some archaeological evidence of early humans.
• Sharktooth Hill: If you love marine fossils, this is the place to be. You can find fossils of ancient sharks and other sea creatures from millions of years ago.

See where else to find Fossils in California with our full guide.

Geode

Here in California, we’re lucky to have a variety of geodes. The most common types you’ll find are quartz-filled geodes, but there are also geodes with vibrant chalcedony, banded agate, or even rare minerals like amethyst.

They range in size from small enough to fit in your hand to large specimens that are true showpieces.

Why They’re Valuable

Geodes are valued for their beauty, of course, but also for their scientific significance. People collect them for everything from home décor to educational tools.

Great Places to Find Them in California

If you’re ready to hunt for your own geodes, there are some fantastic spots around the state where you can find them. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Hauser Geode Beds: You’ll find quartz and chalcedony geodes scattered throughout the area, and the dry desert landscape makes for a fun and scenic adventure.
• North Cady Mountains: This remote area is another geode hotspot. It takes some effort to get there, but it’s worth it for the beautiful geodes filled with quartz and agate.
• Pinnacles National Park: While this spot is better known for its unique rock formations, you can sometimes spot smaller geodes along the trails.

Access more Geode locations through our comprehensive California guide.

Jade

Jade isn’t just a single mineral—it’s a name for two related stones: nephrite and jadeite. In California, we mostly find nephrite jade, which comes in shades of green, black, and even creamy white.

Our state’s jade is particularly famous for its coastal varieties, smoothed by waves and polished naturally over time. What’s extra special about California jade is how it often carries subtle color variations that make each piece unique.

Why It’s Valuable

Jade has been valued for thousands of years, both as a gemstone and for its cultural significance. For one, it’s tough—like, tougher-than-steel tough—which makes it ideal for carving intricate designs. But what really sets it apart is its beauty.

The translucence and deep, vibrant greens of high-quality jade are mesmerizing. Plus, California jade has a unique reputation for being both rare and natural, so collectors and artists love it.

Great Places to Find It Here

California is a dreamland for jade hunters. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just want to explore, here are a few top spots to start your search:

• Big Sur Coastline: The beaches along Big Sur, especially near Jade Cove, are a jade hunter’s paradise. You might spot beautiful pieces right on the shoreline, shaped by the ocean over millennia.
• San Benito County: Known for its variety of minerals, this area also has deposits of jade, particularly nephrite.
• Trinity County: Up in Northern California, near the Trinity River, jade can sometimes be found among the river rocks.

Our full guide shows you where to find more Jade in California.

Jasper

Jasper is a type of silica-rich stone that’s often prized for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It’s formed over thousands of years through volcanic activity and sedimentation.

Here in California, you’ll find several varieties, including Red, Picture, and Green Jasper. Check out our complete California Jasper guide if want to learn more.

Why It’s Valuable

Jasper’s vibrant colors and patterns make it highly sought after for jewelry, decorative items, and even spiritual practices. Collectors love jasper because no two pieces are exactly alike, making each find unique.

Plus, its durability makes it ideal for polishing into cabochons or carving into intricate shapes.

Great Places to Find It Here

California is full of amazing spots where you can hunt for jasper. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, here are a few places I’d recommend:

• Cayucos Beach: This scenic spot on the Central Coast is a great place to search for jasper while enjoying ocean views. You can often find smooth, water-polished pieces along the shoreline.
• Cady Mountains: Located in the Mojave Desert, the Cady Mountains are a rockhound’s paradise. The area is well-known for red and green jasper, with some pieces featuring striking patterns.
• Morgan Hill: Famous for its rare “Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper,” this location in Santa Clara County offers a chance to find jasper with bright red and yellow spots that resemble poppies.

Find more about Jasper spots in our complete California resource.

Megalodon teeth

Megalodon teeth are the fossilized remains of the massive shark Otodus megalodon, which roamed the oceans roughly 3.6 million years ago. These teeth can vary in size and shape depending on where in the shark’s mouth they came from.

In California, you can find everything from small, sharp front teeth to the larger, triangular back teeth that these predators used to crush their prey.

Some of the most impressive ones are over 5 inches long, though smaller specimens are much more common.

Why It’s Valuable

Megalodon teeth aren’t just cool because of their size and the animal they come from—they also have historical and scientific value. These fossils give us clues about the prehistoric ocean and the creatures that lived in it.

Plus, they’re highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved tooth can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on its size, color, and condition.

Great Places to Find Megalodon Teeth in California

If you’re ready to try your luck at finding one, there are some awesome spots in California where people have discovered these prehistoric treasures.

• Sharktooth Hill, Bakersfield: This world-famous site is one of the richest fossil beds for marine life. It’s private land, but guided digs are available for a fee. It’s worth it for the chance to uncover a genuine megalodon tooth.
• Beaches in Southern California: While it’s rare, you might stumble upon smaller megalodon teeth washed up on beaches near San Diego and Los Angeles. Look carefully among the rocks and shells at low tide.
• Creeks and Rivers in the Central Valley: Some of the inland waterways around the Central Valley have yielded teeth in the past. The sediment layers in these areas can sometimes contain fossils, so bring a sieve and a lot of patience.

Discover the best Megalodon teeth locations across California in our full guide.

Opal

Opal is a stunning gemstone that forms from silica and water over thousands of years. It’s known for its incredible play of colors that can range from fiery reds and oranges to soothing blues and greens.

In California, we have several types of opal you can find, including:

• Fire Opal: Bright, fiery shades of orange and red.
• Common Opal: Solid-colored opal that doesn’t have the rainbow-like shimmer but still comes in beautiful hues like white, pink, or green.
• Precious Opal: The rarest and most prized, with that famous iridescent sparkle.

Why It’s Valuable

Opal is valuable not just because of its beauty but also its rarity. Precious opals with vibrant color play are particularly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

Even common opals can hold value because they’re great for making unique, personalized jewelry.

Great Places to Find Opal in California

If you’re ready to try your hand at hunting for opals, California has some incredible spots. Here are a few of the best:

• Opal Hill Mine: This spot is famous for fire opals and quartz crystals. It’s a great place to dig, and you can even rent tools if you don’t have your own.
• Coso Range: Known for precious opals, this area is rugged and remote, so it’s perfect if you want a true adventure.
• Pala Mining District: While better known for gems like tourmaline, this area occasionally produces opals. It’s worth a visit for its rich mining history.

View our complete California guide for more Opal locations near you.