Earth Treasures

Earth Treasures Original content featuring Rocks, Fossils, Minerals, and other beautiful examples from nature.

Follow along on our rockhound roadtrips and plan your next adventure!

12/31/2025

Rockhound roadtrip!
With lots of material to hunt at only $1 per pound, this place is a hoot!

Gemfield Nevada stands out thanks to its spectacular mineral diversity within a small area. Discover deposits of turquoise, obsidian, agates, jasper, crystal, lithium, borax, gold, silver, and a stunning 6 types of chalcedony all in one place.

Situated a quick 4 miles from Goldfield and about 3 hours from Las Vegas, this pay-to-dig rockhounding site lies within Esmeralda County.

Though there are so many different types of mineral types in the area, though the Gemfield gems you should be chasing are Chalcedony. At Gemfield, there are a stunning 6 different types of this smooth, fine-grained variety of native silica quartz, which has been prized for thousands of years thanks to its hardness and beauty.

The deposit found at Gemfield is thought to be the largest deposit of gemstone quality chalcedony in the U.S., exhibiting many different colors and patterns, and is perfect for polishing or rock tumbling.

Hat tip to Travel Nevada

Rockhound roadtrip! With lots of material to hunt at only $1 per pound, this place is a hoot! Gemfield Nevada stands out...
12/31/2025

Rockhound roadtrip!
With lots of material to hunt at only $1 per pound, this place is a hoot!

Gemfield Nevada stands out thanks to its spectacular mineral diversity within a small area. Discover deposits of turquoise, obsidian, agates, jasper, crystal, lithium, borax, gold, silver, and a stunning 6 types of chalcedony all in one place.

Situated a quick 4 miles from Goldfield and about 3 hours from Las Vegas, this pay-to-dig rockhounding site lies within Esmeralda County.

Though there are so many different types of mineral types in the area, though the Gemfield gems you should be chasing are Chalcedony. At Gemfield, there are a stunning 6 different types of this smooth, fine-grained variety of native silica quartz, which has been prized for thousands of years thanks to its hardness and beauty.

The deposit found at Gemfield is thought to be the largest deposit of gemstone quality chalcedony in the U.S., exhibiting many different colors and patterns, and is perfect for polishing or rock tumbling.

Hat tip to Travel Nevada

12/30/2025

Rockhound Roadtrip! Free gem collecting? Yes please!

Im partial to this one as it’s my birthstone…beautiful red garnets!

This incredible public recreation area in Eastern Nevada, dubbed Garnet Hill by the locals, draws national attention for the beautifully rich, dark red garnets that are readily found here. Buried within the hillsides on the outskirts of Ely, these garnets are found in the rhyolitic volcanic rock that so densely populates the region, and which gives way to freely found gemstones that work their way up through the earth.

Two Methods for finding garnets:
1. Visually search the surface and nearby drainages for the dark colored garnets. Their very dark color contrasts strongly with the local rock and soil.

2. Work to break open the garnet bearing rock with hammers and chisels. This is the best method for locating the finest specimens of garnet.

There is some limited camping space for tents and small RVs at the site – three tables are located around the road loop near the top of Garnet Hill.

More info here:

http://www.nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm

Rockhound Roadtrip! Free gem collecting? Yes please! Im partial to this one as it’s my birthstone…beautiful red garnets!...
12/30/2025

Rockhound Roadtrip! Free gem collecting? Yes please!

Im partial to this one as it’s my birthstone…beautiful red garnets!

This incredible public recreation area in Eastern Nevada, dubbed Garnet Hill by the locals, draws national attention for the beautifully rich, dark red garnets that are readily found here. Buried within the hillsides on the outskirts of Ely, these garnets are found in the rhyolitic volcanic rock that so densely populates the region, and which gives way to freely found gemstones that work their way up through the earth.

Two Methods for finding garnets:
1. Visually search the surface and nearby drainages for the dark colored garnets. Their very dark color contrasts strongly with the local rock and soil.

2. Work to break open the garnet bearing rock with hammers and chisels. This is the best method for locating the finest specimens of garnet.

There is some limited camping space for tents and small RVs at the site – three tables are located around the road loop near the top of Garnet Hill.

More info here:

http://www.nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm

12/29/2025

So you have a thing for blue minerals? Me too!! Road trip time!!

Dig for your own incredibly rare gem-quality Benitoite in the heart of California!

Benitoite is a rare, vibrant blue barium titanium silicate mineral, designated as California's state gemstone, known for its intense color, high dispersion (sparkle like a diamond), and bright blue fluorescence under UV light. Found almost exclusively in San Benito County, California, it forms in specific geological conditions within serpentinite and is considered a finite gemstone, with mining operations largely ceased, making gem-quality stones highly prized by collectors for their rarity and beauty.

How can you dig for your own? The Benitoite Mining Company has you covered!

In their own words…

Here at the Benitoite Mining Company, we focus on making rare gems and specimen available to the world to enjoy. As the stewards of the only high quality gem and specimen benitoite mine, the company seeks offer a great experience for collectors of all types. Purchased in 2005 by the current owners. The owners vision was to open the mine to collectors. Since it is probably the most famous gem location in the world, and is on everybody's list of "places to collect." In 2015, the mining camp was opened to make it easier on the public to enjoy hunting gems. The owners have been growing the mining camp to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for the public. The company was called the California State Gem Mine, but in 2020 the company was transitioned to the Benitoite Mining Company. The future is bright as the fire of benitoite!

If you have the opportunity, please join us.

Thank you and good collecting!

So you have a thing for blue minerals? Me too!! Road trip time!!Dig for your own incredibly rare gem-quality Benitoite ...
12/29/2025

So you have a thing for blue minerals? Me too!! Road trip time!!

Dig for your own incredibly rare gem-quality Benitoite in the heart of California!

Benitoite is a rare, vibrant blue barium titanium silicate mineral, designated as California's state gemstone, known for its intense color, high dispersion (sparkle like a diamond), and bright blue fluorescence under UV light. Found almost exclusively in San Benito County, California, it forms in specific geological conditions within serpentinite and is considered a finite gemstone, with mining operations largely ceased, making gem-quality stones highly prized by collectors for their rarity and beauty.

How can you dig for your own? The Benitoite Mining Company has you covered!

In their own words…

Here at the Benitoite Mining Company, we focus on making rare gems and specimen available to the world to enjoy. As the stewards of the only high quality gem and specimen benitoite mine, the company seeks offer a great experience for collectors of all types. Purchased in 2005 by the current owners. The owners vision was to open the mine to collectors. Since it is probably the most famous gem location in the world, and is on everybody's list of "places to collect." In 2015, the mining camp was opened to make it easier on the public to enjoy hunting gems. The owners have been growing the mining camp to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for the public. The company was called the California State Gem Mine, but in 2020 the company was transitioned to the Benitoite Mining Company. The future is bright as the fire of benitoite!

If you have the opportunity, please join us.

Thank you and good collecting!

12/29/2025

Dryhead agates! These beauties are found in Montana and are sought after as some of the most spectacular agates in North America.

Dryhead agate is a prized, colorful banded agate from Montana's Pryor Mountains, known for warm hues (yellow, orange, red, pink) and often featuring internal quartz crystals within dense layers. Named after old bison skulls found nearby and Dryhead Creek, these nodules form in sedimentary rocks and are highly valued by collectors for their unique patterns, though commercial mining has largely ceased, making them rarer finds.

Alan Meltzer collection

Dryhead agates! These beauties are found in Montana and are sought after as some of the most spectacular agates in North...
12/29/2025

Dryhead agates! These beauties are found in Montana and are sought after as some of the most spectacular agates in North America.

Dryhead agate is a prized, colorful banded agate from Montana's Pryor Mountains, known for warm hues (yellow, orange, red, pink) and often featuring internal quartz crystals within dense layers. Named after old bison skulls found nearby and Dryhead Creek, these nodules form in sedimentary rocks and are highly valued by collectors for their unique patterns, though commercial mining has largely ceased, making them rarer finds.

Alan Meltzer collection

12/29/2025

A 5.0 earthquake on the richter still moves the house around a good bit! Good ol’ California…anybody else get a good shake last night?

A 5.0 earthquake on the richter still moves the house around a good bit! Good ol’ California…anybody else get a good sha...
12/29/2025

A 5.0 earthquake on the richter still moves the house around a good bit! Good ol’ California…anybody else get a good shake last night?

12/29/2025

Admittedly the West, especially the desert gets hot…here’s a rockhound destination that will keep ya a little cooler during your summer road trip!

The Eel River, and its tributaries, in Humboldlt and Mendocino counties produce some spectacularly-colored material, often already river-tumbled and time-polished. Whether you meander around Van Duzen or wade into the waters by Covelo, you’re likely to come home happy!

Rockhounding the Eel River, California, is popular for finding unique stones like serpentine, colorful jasper, beautiful chert, and the elusive Eel River Jade (actually Nephrite), especially in the South Fork area near Miranda/Covelo, requiring caution with BLM/State laws and focusing on stream beds for tumbled material, with best times being late summer/fall.

What you'll find:

Serpentine: Beautiful greens, sometimes with blue schist inclusions, crystalline, great for slicing.

Jasper/Chert: Rich in red, green (due to iron), and even purple varieties, with fortification patterns.

Eel River Jade: Often called Covelo Jade, it's usually Nephrite, found in various green hues.

Chalcedony: Beautiful translucent finds with unique patterns.

Admittedly the West, especially the desert gets hot…here’s a rockhound destination that will keep ya a little cooler dur...
12/29/2025

Admittedly the West, especially the desert gets hot…here’s a rockhound destination that will keep ya a little cooler during your summer road trip!

The Eel River, and its tributaries, in Humboldlt and Mendocino counties produce some spectacularly-colored material, often already river-tumbled and time-polished. Whether you meander around Van Duzen or wade into the waters by Covelo, you’re likely to come home happy!

Rockhounding the Eel River, California, is popular for finding unique stones like serpentine, colorful jasper, beautiful chert, and the elusive Eel River Jade (actually Nephrite), especially in the South Fork area near Miranda/Covelo, requiring caution with BLM/State laws and focusing on stream beds for tumbled material, with best times being late summer/fall.

What you'll find:

Serpentine: Beautiful greens, sometimes with blue schist inclusions, crystalline, great for slicing.

Jasper/Chert: Rich in red, green (due to iron), and even purple varieties, with fortification patterns.

Eel River Jade: Often called Covelo Jade, it's usually Nephrite, found in various green hues.

Chalcedony: Beautiful translucent finds with unique patterns.

Address

1 Susanville Road
Susanville, CA
96130

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15309999999

Website

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