Address: 48242 Los Gatos Creek Rd, Coalinga, CA 93210, USA
Phone: +18334364868
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9AM–3PM
Leo Reynoso
These guys are awesome. This was our 2nd time visiting. First time was 2 years ago, and we found some nice little benitoites, stonies and neptunite. The most recent trip my digging mate found a 6+ carat benitoite and I found a huge stony, plus a ton of other really nice benitoites and a huge neptunite crystal. The father and son duo who run the mine are great. They are knowledgeable, fun and really bring life to the old benitoite mine. I wish we could actually go into the mining area itself, but that is no fault of the owners since they have no say in what the fed gov. and BLM do. I highly recommend this fee dig. I promise you will not be disappointed whether or not you're an amateur rockhound, looking for a place to take the family or a seasoned excavator. Nothing but great things and great times here.
Starr Hartnett
my whole family went to mine for benitoite and had a lot of fun! we were provided with everything we could need, and the grounds were beautiful! we even found some decent sized pieces of benitoite!
Jason Abel
Great people, great finds will keep coming back
Justin Martin
It was more value than I expected. Definately worth the price. There is a low UV wave (blacklight) room needed during the mining process so I dont reccomend bringing little babies. Bring shade, water and a strong back. I had absolutely no idea what I was looking for going in, but their tutorial was very helpful. For sure will go again.
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Currently yes but that may change depending on the season. To get the most up to date view of which days we are open for reservation, please visit our website: https://benitoitemining.com/collections/fee-dig/products/adult_admission
Near Coalinga, Ca
Not for the public
Open to the public by reservation on weekends. Benitoite is the California State gem, and this is one of 3 locations it can be found - and the only place to find gem quality (in the tailings). Also found here: natrolite, neptunite and serpentine. $70 for adults, and they supply a quart size bag to place findings. Gets very hot in summer months. EZ up helps. Take lots of drinking water and a picnic. Open 10-3 on weekends. They provide instructions...
Their web site indicates what you should bring. They have screens, shovels, safety glasses fir viewing in short wave black light room. EZ up and/or hat is helpful if you want sun protection, and pack plenty of water & lunch. They have a few chairs and water troughs. You will not be mining from the mine itself, you will be going through dirt and tailings near the troughs. You can also purchase larger buckets of less processed for a higher doller amnt. We have found a few nice gems that could be faceted - after further processing at home. They will tell you hiw to do that. Good people!
Open Saturday and Sunday. Reservations should be made in advance. You can get details on the website, www.calstategemmine.com
Evidently, they were popular after the mine first opened. Jewelry is available (still) for purchase. Anyone who knows about its rarity and value (especially collectors) would certainly be willing purchase gems - if they cannot visit the few places where they can actually look for them, or order tailings online. Cut gems to purchase for pendents, rings, etc., are available here, online, and in shops. We visited a rock and gem shop in Colorado this past weekend - and the guy had never heard of it. We hadn't either, until someone came to our Motherlode Gem and Mineral Society - and spoke about Benitoite, Neptunite - and had specimens to look at.We have considered purchasing one, but enjoy looking through the tailings at this location; and have enjoyed befriending the owners. My husband has found a gem quality piece in blue, and our last trip we both found some small clear to blue pieces along with many neptunite crystals. We bring rocks home to soak in solution, etc. Did I help?
$70 adults $20 kids
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