Rare Blue Triangle Crystals found in California

The Crystal Collector, Bryan Major and nephew Dylan Ross set out to dig for rare California State Gemstone Benitoite crystals in Coalinga, California! This location is open to the public and a great spot for people of all ages! Be sure to check out their page on Facebook for further information on how to make reservations.
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[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thanks for watching till the end y’all! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Be sure to check out the supporters pages Facebook link, several folks showed up for this dig thru our page there ⚒💎⚒

[@TheDiplococcus]

Benitoite mine! No, Benitoite mine! (See what I did there? I'm just so darn hilarious).

[@angiephillips1708]

So Cool ❤

[@jesswold47]

Hey how often does your Ebay page get updated?:)

[@VanDownByTheRiver1]

Oh my gosh 106 degrees and your in a long sleeve? hope you drank alot of water friend.🥵

[@markzinzilieta8927]

Cool crystals !!!

[@bucketofholes]

definitely not the only locality for the mineral… two locations in arkansas including one with pink crystals, and a very similar deposit in japan which is proof of plate tectonics (japan and california were once joined).

[@jennifermoody6987]

Nice! So awesome when I come across intelligent commenters who know their stuff.. Bravo 👏 👏

[@brentonmah3258]

I was about to say the same but you beat me to it! Of course, neither of the other two localities hold a candle to the California stuff but still, setting the record straight is super duper appreciated.

[@styx62ga95]

Pangea?

[@onewiththeragingwind6730]

do people deny that?

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes there are locations for the mineral but there has never been a piece Found that had any quality at all that is worth digging or collecting. California is the only location that has gem quality material

[@gingerbreadnation246]

Glad to see you in Cali, we don’t have nearly as many cool gems and stuff as you guys down there. Hopefully you can make more and show more so us Californians can look for rocks 😀

[@ChrisR_4812]

Actually, Southern California has quite a few different gems - Tourmaline, Garnet, Turquoise, Topaz, Beryl, Quartz - just to name a few. Whether or not there is public access or not is a different story. :-)

[@ryans7146]

@@ChrisR_4812 access to the mines in the desert can be very hard to get to. You need a 4x4 or off road vehicles. I was looking for a place to mine and my internet search brought me to some mines out near blythe, CA but I'll never be able to access them myself. I'm glad this video showed me a place that wasn't on the list of mines I was looking at. I'm in LA so it looks like it's only a 2.5-3.5 hours away.

[@ChrisR_4812]

@@ryans7146 Totally understand that a 4x4 is needed for a lot of places - even here in Northern California for gold panning and rockhounding. I wish I were closer to some of these fee dig sites in Southern California. Not sure how many there actually are. I think it's great that Brian goes all over the US to find these places for us. I'm hoping my husband and I will eventually be able to visit some places. Take care and have fun rockhounding!

[@mirtagordillo3486]

I agree with you Gingerbread Nation I too live here in Cali south east of LA

[@ridgecrestwack9746]

You obviously haven't collected in the right areas

[@lydiamashcka4362]

I have been to Pebble Terrace in Palo Vrerde, Whipple Mountain, Cady Mountain in Ludlow, Lavic Jasper in Lavic, Calico Mountain in the Mojave and many, many more locations all around Southern Calif and I have had excellent luck at all of those locations and no dig or collecting fees!!!

[@ryans7146]

Is a 4x4 necessary for the mines you go to in so. Cal?

[@lydiamashcka4362]

@@ryans7146 I use the books by James R. Mitchell he goes into great detail about road conditions. His books are titled 'Gem Trails of Southern California' and also 'Gem Trails of (insert state name here) he has a lot of books, just pick a state and he or one of his gem buddies has written one with the same 'Gem Trails of' name. Many of the California sites do not need anything more than a passenger car because they are on well graded maintenance roads, while others can be more of a challenge. The books are on Amazon for only about $17 and they include mile markers and maps and some now have GPS!!! Yay!! Many locations are right along roads sides, you just pull off the road, get out and walk around. In the summers, you must have a good vehicle and PLENTY OF WATER AND DON'T GO ALONE I have encountered snakes and have seen cougar footprints and open range WILL HAVE BULLS wandering around if they see you they will approach you I have had that happen too in Arizona. But ya, check out those books, they are so helpful.

[@ryans7146]

@@lydiamashcka4362 thanks those sound like great recommendations. Exactly what I'm looking for!

[@susansmith6680]

Bryan that color of blue is so pretty. I like the natural triangle shape. As always exceptional video.

[@sandrajones1609]

Love the opening... editing...flowing story😁 absolutely aWeSoMe ❣️ Thanks B & D & Matrix

[@Boogertoez]

Man, I’ve researched this place before and it was always closed. I’m so happy that it’s open now. If it weren’t for your post, I would’ve never of known they’re operating again. Thank you for sharing!

[@thaynegunther7925]

We had so much fun at the dig Bryan! So glad we got to join in on another dig! Can’t for the next one! Keep up the great work!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

So awesome you made it out! Enjoy seeing y’all And hanging out in Digging!

[@nicolasespinoza131]

Hello friend! Benitoite mine is a great place to take your family. The staff there are very friendly and helpful. I can't wait to get back there! Shout out to John, Dave, and Sierra from the Benitoite mine!

[@jadedrealist]

I've dug there before. It was tons of fun. A friend of mine found a thumb sized piece of neptunite worth several hundred bucks. I want to do their night time black light dig one day too, if they still offer it. Great finds!

[@robbybobby6483]

I now know why you bring your dog with you. You have him trained to eat crystals. He then goes home and poops them out. That's why you named him matrix. It's in the ruff! Lol! Love you guys. What a great place.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

😂 What a great idea!

[@coreymerrill3257]

Ohhh yeaaaahhhh!!! I am so friggin excited to see this video! Benitoite and neptunite Are on my wish list! Grandidierite and serendibite are as well. ( New York has them in or near the Barton garnet mine. With public access at certain times of the year.) Brian that 8-bit song of storms is a good change in the music .

[@User-fp4gn]

The mineral gods have heard our prayers you can never get bored of benitoite thanks!!!!

[@handstandmanstan4185]

I think I found a new favorite gem to obsess over!

[@TheSimmy77]

Benitoite is one of my favorite gemstones! The blue color is so mesmerizing!!!

[@spacerangerace]

I love when Matrix says "let's git 'er dun".

[@kodasuggs9465]

Yessss another video your the best!!!!!! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!

[@juliankelly7543]

Looking so close! How fun! I wouldn't be able to leave.

[@vickeyefremidis9234]

Have couple of good sized gems still on Neptunium matrix … thank you, very much for giving an idea of their worth. ✨

[@jaclynmirren6245]

🤯 woah! The history here plus crystals?! Yessssssss!

[@kathleenk.3001]

Oh bummer... I haven't been keeping up with the channel so I had no idea you were in Cali. We live in Sonora and wanted to say HI if you ever came out. Loved this video just like all of your videos! Have fun my friend!

[@ManuelRodriguez-bf2us]

This place rocks so much. My girlfriend found a nice sized dark blue gemmy Benitoite on the matrix along with some other cool finds. I got some cool benitoites too and even a stoney. We're definitely going back when we can make it out there again. Thank you for posting this video, or we would of never even known this place existed.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thank you for the comment, it’s really cool when people can go find these things based of the videos, that’s one of the main reasons I do this! It’s so much fun I just want to spread the Rockhounding love!!

[@jamescobb9459]

GREAT video CC. The geologic info, the facilities and the sheer fun of it all shine through, just like the crystals! Killer vid Doodz. Thank you!!

[@theeT.I.F]

Benitoite is so pretty, being a Cali-girl I'd love to have a piece to wear to represent my home state!

[@tonywild1963]

Wow those crystals are amazing and such a lovely blue in the UV. Great finds Bryan

[@dustinfindsrocks]

And now I’m even more excited!!! Definitely no tourmaline here in Missouri! Killin it you guys!!! Stay safe and good luck 👍🏼🍀

[@kxrv6629]

Wow. This is obscure. I have a Benitoite crystal I bought at a Gem Show about 20 years ago. I’d love to find me some myself!

[@dancurran8977]

Welcome to California!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thanks 🙏

[@ruksrocksandadventures.5800]

Wow that's awesome, I just bought a uv torch for this type of thing. 👌

[@milesnn]

Awesome adventure wow beautiful crystals interesting history also sweet video nice score on top of it thank you

[@ArtistTree]

OMG, forget cruise ships and exotic beaches because THIS is my dream vacation!

[@mandycleezehappyhour4238]

LOVE this gorgeous stone. I used some beautiful benitoite in my wedding earrings!

[@sarahb5892]

My engagement ring is a pear cut benitoite and I love when people choose something just a bit unusual for their special jewelery

[@GermanGemcutter]

l love the shape and color, wonderful finds👍 Great Video

[@TheKimworldwide]

Looks so awesome! Would love to go and thank you Bryan! Give little Matrix my love 🙏♥️

[@madgebrennan5638]

You make me want to sell my house, get a camper and travel collecting gems. damn you Bryan! 😄😁

[@TheArcadeLink]

I need to make a wishlist of public mines I want to go to. This is definitely going on that list.

[@MochaOstrich256]

hi I love your vids, Keep up the good work man!

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

I loved watching this but started to cry when I thought I heard you say 'datolite'. I had found a nice piece on a mine tour and then another in a different rock pile in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Both pieces were stolen (along with so much more) by someone I trusted.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Oh no, sorry you had miss trust, Sure does suck to have to go through those kinds of dealings.

[@marcianorris5378]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks Bryon.

[@makelove1267]

Best thumbnails on YT

[@jenyce]

Whaaaaaaat! Love your channel Bryan! Keep up the fun great adventures!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Thanks for watching 🙌💎✨⚒

[@johngallagher9151]

Cant wait for the Tourmaline video, Tourmaline is one of my top 10 favorites. In no particular order: #1 - Gem Feldspar (all types as long as it has a gem quality to it) #2 - Corundum (especially Star Ruby and Star Sapphire) #3 - Tourmaline (especially Cat's Eye Tourmaline) #4 - Beryl #5 - Quartz (all varieties, from Agate, Jasper, and Chalcedony to Tigers eye and crystal form) #6 - Crysoprase (gem silica) #7 - Opal #8 - Garnet (especially Star Garnet) #9 - Spinel (you already know I love Star Spinel) #10 - Obsidian (Apache Tears, Rainbow Obsidian, Fire Obsidian, colored, even dull black is still beautiful.) I honestly like anything that is gemmy or pretty, so this top 10 is actually missing a few minerals. Those are just the main ones that I know for a fact I have in my possession.

[@albertnawab9211]

We are commercial cutters from Bangkok, Thailand. Brilliant cut, Calibrated sizes. If you need our Services, pls send your rough to: GPO Box 1142, Bangkok, Thailand.

[@Hurkuhntreeks]

I found watermelon and black tourmaline in Maine. That’s the place to go!!❤❤❤

[@johnricheson8465]

Beautiful pieces makes me think of little bits of cobalt blue glass!

[@theruggedrockhound]

This is definitely one of the rockhounding locations on my bucket list! Gotta get out there sometime...

[@lenderzconstable]

I’ve become obsessed with Benitoite while searching for a Christmas present for my mother. I really would love to try a hand at this gem mine.

[@saefufanwar5341]

Yes I am wait for watchiing rares gems hunting.... Thanks

[@naturegoldandgoodtimes.6499]

You have educated me on yet another beautiful crystal. Thank you

[@alenedrummond4627]

WOWZIER fabulous find!

[@mezellenjohnson2753]

Hello Bryan, you have a wonderful tan young man so has Dylan lol. That looks like fun and I was thinking at least you get your hands cool in the water as you wash the pieces in the softer, the temperature there was higher than I would be comfortable with nowadays though I would have loved it 30 times ago. They are a beautiful blue and I can imagine that they look fantastic in a piece of jewelry, I'm glad you and Dylan found some pieces to take with you. Now to wait for your next video and perhaps we will see more of Matrix bless him, I missed him talking lol. I should be asleep as it's gone 3am here but I'm happy that I was able to watch your great video. Take care please my friends God bless you all love and hugs to you Dylan and Matrix Mary-Ellen UK

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yeah it was just way too hot to bring out matrix this day, we had him in the RV with the air conditioner running so he was nice and cool. Yeah I need to use that app more often that makes matrix talk, LOL I do the same thing some night, stay up really late, always fighting sleep like a kid, LOL

[@mezellenjohnson2753]

@@TheCrystalCollector I know what you mean by fighting sleep, I don't know why but I've done that since I was young. My elder brother is only 14 months older than I but in our early teens we could talk all night and go to senior school in the day, only Mum could understand us lol. But Mum was such a light sleeper that she could repeat a conversation when we all knew she was asleep lol. Time for my dinner now so cheerio for now Bryan, love and hugs Mary-Ellen UK

[@florasastrealfaro90]

Precioso todo!!!Como siempre son vídeos muy ilustrativos y divertidos. Graciaasss!!🤗🤗

[@onewiththeragingwind6730]

I have a beautiful piece of benitoite in a wrap that has some other RIDICULOUS stones but the benitoite is the center piece under a fatty bright green and pink watermelon tourm

[@merlin-kristalle8394]

Whhhaaaaaat is that? Unbelievable. Amazing crystalls. Thanks for sharing your Video. Glück Auf Merlin-Kristalle

[@itsechobruh8887]

Here in the first 5 minutes of posting ! Let's gooooo

[@ChrisR_4812]

I wish I lived closer to Southern California just so I could go to some of the places to dig. Northern California doesn't have as much variety - gold (of course), obsidian, quartz crystals, and a few others that I'm aware of. Hopefully, you'll be able to come up north and educate us further. Thanks Brian! Love Matrix BTW!!

[@lenderzconstable]

Worth a road trip!

[@chrisrjo]

Any suggestions in Northern CA?

[@ChrisR_4812]

@@chrisrjo I've heard about Crystal Peak (Quartz Crystals) which is near Nevada, and Davis Creek (Obsidian), Yuba Pass has epidote/epidosite.

[@BlazingShackles]

Are you kidding me? I live in San Diego County. Yeh theres tourmalines 10 miles away, but its all private mines. I usually make 2 trips a year up to Norcal looking for idocrase, nephrite, jadeite and jaspers. Plus nothing beats the beauty of NorCal.

[@elise6211]

when u showed the crystals in the matrix to the crowd and everyone went “woahhh!!!” it sounded like the aliens from toy story 😂

[@TheCrystalCollector]

😆 👽

[@tameram7270]

Gorgeous! 🥰 Thanks for sharing!

[@maeve4686]

I'm still following you around California! Dug there in the early 80's when you could just stroll around. Interested to see if you went south to dig shark teeth...California has everything,if you know where to look!

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Oh wow, I’ve never heard of sharks teeth in California, but that would make sense

[@maeve4686]

@@TheCrystalCollector Just Google Sharktooth Hill in California. Out of Bakersfield. Kinda makes it easy...lol.

[@Bambi_Sapphic]

benitoite is genuinely one of the most underrated gemstones on the market. It's extremely rare both in terms of physical crystal total amounts available and in terms of its crystal structure.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes I agree, I can’t wait to get back it’s been a lot more time at this location, it’s such a blast

[@krisgreen811]

I completely agree

[@drrussdc]

The problem in part is its rarity. It is so rare that the popularity never gets that high. If it did the value would skyrocket.

[@scazmando1930]

Bryan has Huell Howsers vocal cadence--a good thing! Fine presentation!

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Wow, Benetoite is highly sought after, I didn’t know it fluoresced under UV like Ruby. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@mrhazard668]

I am a gemmologist. Although blue is not my favourite colour, Benitoite is my favourite crystal shape. The only gemstone to form Di-Trigonal By-Pyramids.

[@lenderzconstable]

Wow what does that mean?

[@komangayu1646]

Soo beautifull blue crystall. Is bentonite classified as berryl of quartz?

[@dylanross4580]

It is in another class of minerals called barium, it’s a rare breed and you don’t see it much.

[@JeffBrazeel-fe4wc]

Try the Pala Tourmaline Mine in Southern Cali. Just North of San Diego, made a trip there years ago. Got some nice Tourmaline of all different colors. Well Worth the Trip. Glad you're hitting Benitoite, and JSYK it's Pronounced Coa-linga. Cali and Az Native, Rockhound for Life!!!!

[@nanosrocks2788]

Wow amazing crystals l didn’t know you can dig them there I pass through there. Thanks now I know a new place to look for them: whaaaaat

[@jovitacatulos4373]

I really like the whaaat?🤣🤣 I am always waiting for you to say "whaaat?

[@annettewalter8159]

Simply Gorgeous I am excited to now know where to go

[@itoemi4246]

I happy to see matrix running so happy ! 🙏

[@IBRAKEFORBEDROCK]

Thats cool. I did not know there was a fee dig for Benitoite

[@amygross5396]

Beautiful blue , thank you !!!

[@markzinzilieta8927]

Fun and interesting video !!!

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

very nice intro! bravo! keep up the great editing !

[@alexparent9070]

Totally AWSOME!! I'd really like to meet you one day!!!

[@SuperChava]

if only my parents were this fun and would go places like this.

[@benitagrattan193]

WHAT.... Finally something that is like my name ☺️

[@jjsmama401]

This place is near my parents’ house. I will definitely go check it out!

[@MrHoneygrams]

I love the subtle zelda music.

[@katiebailey9180]

Fun hunt! Love Benitoite!

[@samanthawaddell2070]

Wish these places were closer to me, I live on the east coast, this place looks awesome, say hi to Matrix for me

[@Jackalski57]

Depending on where you are on the East Coast, there's a number of areas where you can find neat stuff.

[@samanthawaddell2070]

@@Jackalski57 I live in Kentucky, not quite on the coast, but maybe a good drive from my house to there

[@Experiment.626]

Gotta love the triforce gemstone it’s such a beauty

[@rachelmotsenbocker9604]

I almost spit out my drink. 😂😂CoLingua - Coalinga. 👍

[@faerieSAALE]

110 degrees in the sun would put me in the hospital within 10 minutes. I've had TWO major heat strokes that nearly killed me - any temperature about 77 - 79 degrees - and I am back inside, in the air conditioning.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yeah that he can be brutal, at least it’s dry heat nothing like the East Coast

[@dawnthemetaldetective3083]

So cool!😎😎😎😎

[@johngawlik6198]

Great intro. Whaaàat

[@dugwthree]

looks interesting. My wife and i plan a trip to California

[@ottergrotto5850]

Pretty darn sweet!! How much is the price of admission?

[@mirkatu3249]

I love that most of the places you go are kid-friendly, thanks for sharing them with us! :-)

[@Pentapus1024]

Imagine finding a BIG specimen, one that's no less than 3 inches across/high/wide! The kind you see on Mindat; a nice chunk of natrolite(?) festooned with variously sized lovely blue-violet crystals. Would that even be possible in such a dig? And if so, would they let you take it home? Cuz such specimen are extremely valuable.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes it would be possible, just very rare. They say everything you keep that you find. That would be pretty wild to find a large one like that, dreams would be coming true!

[@tuetam2432]

😚😚

[@lenderzconstable]

I heard if it is sizable they negotiate a price and I heard that they are very lenient.

[@rockguyblue2450]

My favorite gem

[@CorongGerry]

Waw beautiful gemstone

[@atomicgamers242]

Great videos keep up the good work Three gems I would love for you to search for 1. Aussie Opal 2. Labradorite 3. Any Obsidian These are just ideas and things I think would be cool but I know Aussie opal and labradorite I think will be pretty hard to get.

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes I’m hopefully going to get to some obsidian digs soon

[@brittanystumpp3080]

niceeeee

[@JustChriss06]

Hi love the vids man and the crystals

[@urmamascornhole9137]

Wow, I never imagined you would come to California! Enjoy your stay, and good luck here, lol. 😂

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Yes I love California, problem is I don’t want to leave, LOL

[@urmamascornhole9137]

@@TheCrystalCollector awe, yes this state is very beautiful, we Californians are lucky! ❤️ Have fun!

[@s.lindburg8214]

Didn’t know you guys came to this side of the country! I live a few hours from the mine

[@KuncenMlbb]

Hi guys. IM from Indonesia. I like so much this channel.. it's beautiful.. good luck man

[@annakeye]

Loving that cruisy reggae sound. Feel free to play more of it and also, let us know who it is, my crystal collecting friend. Oh, and not only Mario, we get Zelda OOT as well.

[@willyeverdie2731]

Bucket lister for sure as well as all the San Diego mines. Pay to dig can really be a drag if you don't find any stones. I prefer blm land. I enjoy the ability to explore and the freedom to roam. Great job bringing your adventures to KZbin for all to see. I should video my outings if I could just find something as clever as, whaaaat!

[@SeeTheWholeTruth]

Sorry.. what are they used for? How do they taste? Oh.. I see.. "shiny stuff" value. Interesting. Thanks!

[@Blessed_by_Yeshua]

I found a bag of benitoite dirt I had forgotten I bought back around 2008. I went through it thoroughly with a long and short wave UV light. I found several pieces that glowed both orange and blue. Does anyone know what the orange is?

[@jovitacatulos4373]

I really like the whaaat?🤣🤣 I am always waiting for you to say "whaaat? Watching from Philippines ❤❤❤

[@TheCrystalCollector]

Whaaaaaaaaaaat! 😆

[@fresiabarahona2115]

Buenos días q tengas un excelente trabajo san viernes Todos sus cristales son hermosos q tengas éxito y bendiciones 🕊️😇👼🤗😉📿💍