The wide world of tourmaline at your fingertips

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Tourmaline, a semi-precious stone is one of the most fascinating of the gemstones. It’s variety of colors depend on the amount of different compounds they hold. The black to bluish-black and deep brown tourmalines are Iron-rich. In comparison, lithium-rich tourmalines are … Continued

Own a piece of the Famous 49er Pocket

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Check out our coolest new find find in Pala! Our very own 49’er pocket was first discovered in September 2007 on mine owner Jeff Swanger’s 49th birthday. This pocket is located just under the famous Kahuna II where many treasures … Continued

The Magic of Malachite

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The first few malachite deposits were located in Israel and Egypt. Malachite mines were used in the Suez and Sinai as early as 4000 B.C. Usually found as crusts or crystalline aggregates they look a lot like agates. Malachite is … Continued

For Sale: Amazonite T-shirt

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Amazonite is also called the Amazon Stone. Belonging to the feldspar group of minerals, it is a gem quality variety of green microcline. The name was taken from that the famous Amazon River. Specific green stones were obtained in the … Continued

The Cryptocrystalline Chalcedony

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This stunning black and white Chalcedony quartz agate is quite mesmerizing. This one is from Southeast Region, Brazil. The rear end is terminated quartz which makes it a crystal and agate in one specimen. This particular find can be cut … Continued

Pala Chief Opens Soon!

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It’s that time of year again….Yes, the first Pala Chief dig of the season!  This freestyle dig opens Sunday, October 4th and continues every other Sunday until summer 2016.   Diggers are always finding tourmalines, aquamarines, morganite, and multiple varieties … Continued

September 19, 2015 Pocket

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The OceanView Miners opened part of a pocket last Saturday, September 19, 2015! Located just under the famous Kahuna II many treasures were found.   The beautiful Spodumenes and Tourmalines featured here may be just the tip of the iceberg. … Continued

For Sale – Pala Chief Pendant

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Have you seen these “made in the USA” sterling silver Chief Mountain pendants ? They are uniquely set with a beautiful pink Tourmaline stone.   The vertical pendant measures 1 ¼” x  ⅝”.  Available now for just $59.00. The horizontal … Continued

Those Astonishing Agate!

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One of the first mentions of Agates existence was in 300 B.C.The “Agate” name comes from the Achates River in Sicily, where they were first discovered. Historically agate was used as healing charms or ornamentation all the way back to … Continued

Gem T-Shirts To Buy: Aquamarine

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We are proud to show off our new collection of T-shirts for all you gemheads out there! Be the envy of your prospecting group in our gem inspired gear. This Aquamarine inspired tshirt features this great photo taken by Mark … Continued