Benitoite Mining Company
Fee dig: pay to search the ground on site
Native material: you search the natural ground on site.
Season: Open on set days, by reservation only. Dates and tickets are on their website.
The place to dig for benitoite, California's state gem, which in gem quality comes from essentially one mine in the world: the Benitoite Gem Mine in the New Idria district. The mine itself is closed to visitors, so the family that owns it trucks its ore to a screening field at the historic Old Road Camp on Los Gatos Creek Road. You screen and wash the real mine ore, then check your gravel in their UV room, where benitoite is easy to spot. Your ticket includes a bag for your finds; exceptional pieces can be bought through their pricing service.
The easy way in
Within 50 miles of Coalinga our maps show no open public land, so a site like this one is the simplest way to dig legally around here.
Nearest open public land on our gem and mineral map: about 54 miles away.
Clubs and places nearby
- Santa Lucia RockhoundsClub · 48 mi
- Jade CoveFree public dig · 54 mi
- Fresno Gem & Mineral SocietyClub · 59 mi
- San Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral ClubClub · 67 mi
- Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral SocietyClub · 78 mi
- Tule Gem & Mineral SocietyClub · 78 mi
Access
48242 Los Gatos Creek Rd. Their directions: from the westernmost stoplight in Coalinga go west on Polk/Jayne Avenue, which becomes Derrick Avenue; after three miles turn left onto Los Gatos Creek Road and continue west exactly fifteen miles. The pin is calculated along the road from those directions. The road is paved but narrow and very winding.
Technique
Screens, shovels and washing tables are provided. Wear clothes that can get muddy, a sun hat and long sleeves, and bring water and lunch: services in the area are limited.