San Diego’s Gem-Filled Past: A Journey through the Tourmaline Mines of Southern California Tourmaline is still mined in San Diego County. Nestled in the southern reaches of California, this gem field boasts a rich and fascinating history that extends far beyond its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant city life. Beneath the golden sands and rolling hills … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What is “watermelon tourmaline,” and where was it famously found in Maine?” answer-0=”tourmaline is a unique variety of the gem featuring a pink center surrounded by a green rind, mimicking the look of the fruit. While found in several locations, it is most famously associated with Mount Mica near Paris, Maine, which … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”What exactly is “Jet”?” answer-0=”Jet is an opaque, inky-black gemstone with a unique origin: it is actually fossilized wood. It forms when wood undergoes extreme compression over millions of years, resulting in a material that is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carve.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. Why is Jet associated with the color “Jet … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Where is the most famous location to find emeralds in North Carolina?” answer-0=”The Crabtree Emerald Mine, located near Little Switzerland, is one of the state’s most renowned sites. It has been a significant producer of high-quality emeralds since the late 19th century and remains a popular destination for gem enthusiasts.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Where exactly is Larimar found?” answer-0=”Larimar is a rare gemstone found exclusively in the Dominican Republic. Specifically, mining is concentrated in the southwestern province of Barahona, with the most productive deposits located in the mountains surrounding the town of Los Chupaderos.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. What gives Larimar its unique blue-green color?” answer-1=”While … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What exactly is Bixbite, and how does it relate to other gemstones?” answer-0=”Bixbite is a rare, raspberry-red variety of the beryl family. It shares a lineage with more common gemstones like emerald (green beryl) and aquamarine (blue beryl). Its distinct red color is caused by trace amounts of manganese within its crystal … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Where did the tradition of associating gemstones with specific months begin?” answer-0=”While the exact origins are mysterious, the tradition is often traced back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible (Exodus). The breastplate featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, 1st-century historians like Josephus began linking these … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. How did Philip Arnold and John Slack trick investors into believing there were diamonds at Diamond Peak?” answer-0=”The cousins used a classic deception technique called “salting.” They purchased approximately $35,000 worth of real diamonds from South African merchants and scattered them across a site in Wyoming. To add to the mystery and … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Why is Mount Antero significant for gemstone mining?” answer-0=”Mount Antero is famous for being one of the highest gemstone localities in the world, sitting at over 14,000 feet. It is the premier source of aquamarine (the state gemstone of Colorado) in the United States. The gems are found within beryllium-rich pegmatite rocks … Read more
The Sweet Home Mine: From Silver Dreams to Rhodochrosite Riches Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado lies the Sweet Home Mine, a tale of unexpected treasures and a testament to the enduring allure of geological wonders. Though initially established as a silver mine in 1873, the Sweet Home’s true claim … Read more