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THE Oceanview Mine - The Last Real Operating Gem Mine in the World Famous Pala Gem Mining District, San Diego County, California
DIGFORGEMS.COM - your link to
The Oceanview Mine - The Last REAL Operating Gem Mine In the World Renowned Pala Gem Mining District
Chief Mountain, Pala, San Diego County, California
Your one stop source for tours, specimens, jewelry, cutting rough, faceted stones

Welcome Visitor



Click for Pala, California Forecast
Note - we also sell jewelry, faceting rough, thumbnail thru cabinet
mineral specimens, tourmaline butterfly pendants and more. Note:
The Gem and Mineral Exploration Company will be
selling mineral specimens, cut gemstones, facet rough and other items for the
Oceanview Mine. Please check often as stock will vary throughout the year.

Typical Day
at the Mine

Pictures

Reservations
(Read Page Below First)

Mine History

More Mine Info

FAQS

VIP
Download



2008 has been a pretty good year for the mine with our first huge discovery of aquamarine and morganite and a fair amount of superb gem quality kunzite. We are currently working two areas of the mine now and 2009 looks like it should shape up to be another good year as we are chasing down the clues to our next gem pockets. Hopefully we will be in it before the end of 2008 yet! Here is a fine sample raw, natural stone (kunzite) and a faceted stone of the same material from our mine. The finest pieces have been going to Tiffanys in New York. Photo courtesy GIA, Mark Mauthner.





See out latest review in the Ventura Star by clicking here.

We will be open some Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays and nearly ALL Sundays year round.

While earlier this year we were at overcapacity for mine digs/tours the best part of the year is coming up. That's right - the FALL and WINTER are the perfect time to visit since the temperatures are cooler. If you are looking to dig this weekend please check the YELLOW BOX below for our short term availability. We have increased the number of days we are OPEN!

The map and liability release form can be found at the (VIP Download) - simply look above in the lower right hand corner of the BLACK section. Click the VIP Download button for the map, liability release and other important information which are in a PDF file.

A password for the map will be sent the actual week of your visit and not before. If you dont have a map and the associated information you will not be allowed on site. YOU must now verify that your reservation is good. If you have not heard from us a few days before the week of your visit then contact us. When you make a legitimate reservation you will get our direct methods of contact.



Use the reservation link above for ALL reservations......including our
NEW 'Bring a Scout' Campaign! That's right we have a new deal for mom's or dad's and their
Boy Scout, Cub Scout, Girl Scout, Webelo, Campfire Girl or Browny! Special price of $80 - a $40
discount to help them make their achievement awards or merit badges. This is best done by troops, packs, etc...
The offer applies to groups of 10 or more.

IMPORTANT - If you have any other QUESTIONS AT ALL please check the FAQS ABOVE FIRST!
Lots of other folks have guaranteed already asked it.

Contact SIMON at 619-444-3731 for mine rough bag pricing. We will send you a bag of screening gem rough to screen at home!

Here is a very recent find, i.e. July 5th, of superb gem grade kunzite from our mine.
They are close to a medium amethyst color - very rare. Photo courtesy of Pala Intl. 2008. Most of this material went to Tiffanys.



Click HERE for CURRENT DIG STATUS for this upcoming weekend.


Note: If the weather predicts rain and we declare the DIG closed
it is because road conditions up to the mine are not safe. It is not simply a
matter of bringing a raincoat. DO NOT SHOW UP AT THE MINE!

The box below is to allow you to check for short notice openings due to cancellations.
Dont use the reservation system if this is your goal.


For Jeff's Special Short Notice Reservation Availability click here.


An ecstatic youngster from Sunday April 20th. She found a $2500 aquamarine specimen plus all the minerals in the tray!


Some finds from the mine on April 12th, 2008.



Here are a few choice, cleaned mineral specimens that were mined towards
the end of 2007. Many of these have already sold but inquire at the mine for other specimens.
Photos courtesy of Mark Mauthner of the GIA Museum.



Come join us for a day of fun and screening for gemstones. The day begins
at 10:45AM and ends at 3:00PM on SUNDAYS YEAR - ROUND. We have started
to add some Saturdays and Fridays on occasion so check back frequently.


If you are planning a visit from outside the area we
recommend staying at the Pala Casino

NOTE: Featured on the Travel Channel - We offer a premium experience for our guests - a) a mine tour and b) 3-4 hours of digging thru our mine run material. You can go through a bucket in an hour or so. Our tours are currently $60 per adult and $50 per child under 12 years of age. You are responsible for your kids and need to be considerate of the other guests.

Today we are the ONLY operating mine in the famous Pala District and equipped to take visitors underground (while we are not in operation) in the gem districts of California. We offer a well rounded experience to the public. We do this as an educational courtesy to give the public a better understanding of gem mining.

Here's the best specimen mined on November 17th, 2007. It is now known as the Prince of Pala specimen. See it exclusively in Tucson 2008 at the Pala International booth! Check out their writeup at here.


Still not a believer - read a recent review in the Pegmatite from a
San Diego Mineral and Gem Society field trip. Click here to read the review.

Copyright digforgems.com and GAMECO 2008