Southern California Geology | Massive crystals within a Pegmatite!

Join me as I explore a pegmatite consisting of quartz, perthite (feldspars), biotite mica and black tourmaline (aka schorl) among other things!

[@goldengatephoto]

I can't tell you how tickled I am about discovering this video. I know this pit well, as I discovered it back around 1983 when I was an undergrad geology student at UC Riverside. I found out about it from a mine resources map with the County Geologist when I had an internship there and even led field trips for minerology class to the site. I'm glad to see it's still accessible, though a little disheartened by the graffiti (which there was none back then). My classmates and I were most impressed by the mega-zoning of the deposit with the massive quartz and feldspar dominating the core, followed by the shorl zone and the stellated mica exterior (I thought the mica was more phlogopite than biotite, but that's splitting hairs). I vaguely recall researching on the So. Pacific silica mine and there being an article of a second pit, a little further west of this, where they were pulling out shorl crystals the size of "telephone poles" but I never was able to verify it. Anyways, thank you for bringing back not only some great memories, but providing the excellent visuals of a place that I've only seen in my mind's eye for 40 years.

[@zack_120]

Every inch of mountains/rages is treasure. Every dot, line, color contains a story of million, billions of years.

[@stevengeorge5605]

Thanks for bringing us along, otherwise most of us would have never known about this! 😀👍

[@gailbracy3813]

Are you OK?

[@lindenblack2172]

Thank you for the video! I have lived in the area since 1970. We always called that place "The Quarry." It is a great place to hike to.

[@drbobinski1]

Thank you so much for your work here in OC. These were the rocks which first drew my interest in geology. Next of course was Owens valley, Mohave, Death Valley blah blah blah. Your channel should have 1M viewers. I tell all my patients to follow you.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks for the kind words BodyDoc and the encouragement!

[@drbobinski1]

@@geologicallyspeaking Going to Catalina Island next month to do the trans-Catalina trail. Gonna get me some BlueSchist. Another incredible story of the offshore low temperature/high pressure zone which created this island, never connected geologically to the mainland. Unlike the Channel Islands. Future video?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

@@drbobinski1 Oh that's awesome! I'm planning to do that hike as well early next year! Amazing and very interesting geology out there. The only connection to the mainland that I've read about is the San Onofre Breccia at the Dana Point Headlands and in Laguna Beach. Many of the clasts in that formation are green and blue schist facies just like Catalina, however geologists do not think Catalina Island was the source of these submarine landslide deposits. I'm working up a new video for that story. It's intriguing.

[@AndrewJ951]

This spot has been on my list for a minute. Access seems to be the biggest hurdle because of all the surrounding private land. Looking through a rock hound's eyes, talk about some serious hard rock mining. Looks like most of the crevices have been heavily worked, along with many vugs/pockets that have been exposed over the years. Someone even used a saw 10:17. This place along with the mines in Hemet and East Menifee/Sun City were originally worked during WWII for radio transistor quality quartz. Two things about the quartz in this region, first I found a specimen at the Hemet mine that has what I would call a tabular/rectangular structure, similar to what you see at 5:49. Maybe something relating to Macro vs Cryptocrystalline formation? Something I haven't seen in the Perris range or anywhere. Secondly, note the smokey colors. This region has some low radioactive minerals that I haven't been able to identify quite yet. But even down here in the Paloma Valley Ring Complex, I've been able to come across a fair amount of smokey/citrine specimens from the older pegmatites of the outer rings. BTW painting on rocks, trees, nature, etc. is typically looked down upon in the graffiti art culture. Something only "toys" and civilians do, it's whack. Thanks for the continuing insights into my local region and Merry Christmas!

[@chrismack5908]

I confess. I love rocks, I have a addiction when I go places I always bring rocks home with me. Can't help it. They remind me of being overwhelmed and surprised! Thank you for sharing your passion! There with ya!

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Haha! I've definitely been there and may relapse at times. My front, back and side yards are strewn with such collections.

[@autotek7930]

Yup I do gold prospecting but bring home more cool rocks than anything lol

[@Idrinklight44]

U can't imagine, went west from Missouri bumper was about dragging ground, had to be several thousand pounds worth!

[@Idrinklight44]

Can't ever ever have enough rocks!!! Don't they talk to everyone???

[@williamfrazier1322]

I used to live very close to this location in Nuevo. And even the yard that I lived in I found very impressive pegmatites I used to find a massive amount of garnets and tourmaline.

[@loriazevedo5994]

I think I recognize that area. I will have to go check it out again. That was beautiful. Thank you.

[@beachbum200009]

Wow That is stunning!!! Never seen anything like that. The west coast has interesting geology. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks! I love the geology here in SoCal! The diversity is amazing; lots of stories to tell.

[@Colleen858]

Thank you for sharing this. I grew up in San Marcos, now 71 and recently discovered rock and mineral gem collecting. Hello from Northern Nevada. Have to have my Son take me on an adventure in July! PS - Love the music ❤

[@quipurite]

Your videos open up new worlds for us neophyte geologist too. Much besides that, your presentations are exceptionally focused, friendly and humorous, Indeed! We look forward to your next video always. Have missed you of late, but are very glad that you are back. Outstanding videos, geologically speaking that is. Larry and Shirley in Chico, California

[@gwolfeman]

I love your geology lessons, I prospect in Bautista canyon and I’ve seen some of those large black tourmaline crystals…amazing!

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks! Gotta love black tourmaline!

[@pakistanmineralsgems1919]

@@geologicallyspeaking i need your whatsapp number i want to share something with You Mam.

[@karlbarros2849]

Love the graphic quartz in this area, combined crystals of quartz and feldspar. I would like to make cabs from this.

[@patrickkillilea5225]

That's crazy! I live in Hemet. I have to go find this area.

[@Rachel.4644]

Wow, just wow the whole way through. So most definitely cool! 😉 Can't thank you enough, you always bring it Todd. (and music! 👌🏼)

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks Rachel, appreciate that.

[@Rachel.4644]

Watching multiple times, I see more. Yes, radiating patterns are everywhere! Feldspar feels nice to handle. Quartz like piles of jewels. Mica in clumpy books and sheets. Almost delicious. 😂

[@markkusler3604]

I love and share your love for geology. Great videos! I look forward to them, keep them coming!

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thank you kindly Mark.

[@denotsironlion67]

100% lightspeed portal on the schorl ! awesome

[@johnlord8337]

Awesome geological site. Don't let anyone know where that is - otherwise they will tear it apart for all those goodies. (ahem - send me an email where this location is). Another massive 10* vid and geological explanation of these huge geo forces that happened long long time ago.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Haha! Thanks John!

[@msclairesstuff3179]

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but it's been getting torn apart by local RockHounds for some time now. Maybe for over a century now! But I have to admit, that I keep scouring these hills 4 new pegmatites & schorl deposits just like this 1 bc rarely does the schorl stay just black in color.... If you catch my drift. Most excellent video and the way you put everything into a geological perspective is beyond awesome, you're a walking talking rock god! Btw, did you find the smoky quartz that smatters the fractured feldspars & biotite off of that road yet? Local mineral groups have been hitting it 4 years, but I can't stay I blame them. Good pegs are hard to find anymore...esp on public lands! 💎

[@lindasilva1256]

I'm really not one that usually comments on these little videos I see but I have to say that I really do enjoy all these ones that you do on geology in Southern California because my family and I used to make jewelry and go hunt for rocks ourselves and I grew up in Garden Grove in Orange County so I think I really enjoy it because I know the area so well and it just feels familiar so I just wanted to thank you for your videos and I think you're doing a great job and making it fun and enjoyable plus I do like the music too thank you so much

[@hunterfrith9325]

Excellent video. As a geology student, I very much appreciate the geologic maps and explanation of compositional changes inland in relation to the tectonic motion of the Farallon plate. Absolutely stunning pegmatite textures.

[@Joel-McConnell]

The Southern Pacific Silica Quarry, been there many times.....but not for about 15 years or so. Thanks for the recent tour. BTW, the piece you show where you say the quartz and feldspar are battling it out is referred to as "graphic granite" by pegmatite miners and is a very good indicator that you are near a pocket or better area of possible gemstones in the pegmatite. There is also a lot of garnets at that location that you did not mention......

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Oh wow! Thanks for your "mining" insights! I'll have to catalog that expression for future reference: graphic granite. I did miss the garnet! The paper I was reading was only focusing on the the perthite, quartz, tourmaline and biotite. Good excuse to go back!

[@Joel-McConnell]

@@geologicallyspeaking the garnets are smallish and if you screen or hand pick through the waste pile on the west/northwest side of the pit they are or were plentiful there. I imagine they are in all of the finer waste rock piles if you screen it. Many will be multiple garnets connected together which make for nice display specimens. I could see a few larger broken garnets in the wall/face in some of your video also. What is your email? I will send you photos of a nice local garnet specimen I have collected in San Diego County. I no longer have any from the Nuevo location as I either sold them all many years ago when I was a rock dealer and or if I still do, I am not sure where I would have them stored currently, moved several times since last collecting there. Have 20 tons of rocks I have collected over the years so hard to remember where things are in my piles! lol!

[@residentpotato6023]

That spot looks a lot different from the last time I was there. Someone is moving a lot of rock in there and they actually unblocked the lower adit that used to dead end under the main quarry.

[@SandhillCrane42]

​@@residentpotato6023Good for them. 🤫

[@ExoticTerrain]

That is super cool! Thanks for showing us!

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks for watching!

[@mathewvanhorn2433]

Nice Job, great mineralogy - beautiful hexagonal prismatic Tourmaline crystals

[@Geo_Marius]

Pegmatite outcrops are pretty insane, but these one is beyond that. 😍

[@geologicallyspeaking]

It's a special one for sure.

[@amariebeaubien]

I have some cool rocks (feldspars) from the Pala Chief mine that this reminds me of..

[@merky6004]

Finds like this are exciting. Like the “ruby mine in San Antonio Canyon. Took my son n his friend years ago.

[@janketza0206]

I absolutely loved this video! The sprays reminded me of sagenite moss agate from the Mojave Desert. Then some of your close ups reminded me of Jackson Pollock paintings. I enjoy your channel so much. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thank you so much Jan. Appreciate that.

[@PatricesProjects]

Wow. Thank you for bringing me along on this outing. Amazing! I just found your channel. Looks like you haven't been posting in a while. I like your excitement and teaching style. I hope you haven't given up on KZbin.

[@Trientaliseuropaea-fc6vw]

Thanks, that is defenetly amazing!

[@morganprimrose9205]

That is way too cool and amazing!!

[@Helix-ge1ld]

Beautiful

[@chettdavidson1812]

Thanks for your dedication...

[@runtaoyang1244]

I was recently at the Pala chief mine and there was a huge section of a hill that was blasted by miners that looked just like that outcrop! I think there were also a ton of what looked like spodumene and mica veins

[@stevenschoeffler8036]

I think so too

[@huntermcclovio4517]

you were just 3-5 miles away from my home!! why didn't you stop to visit?? eh?? 😀

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Hahaha! *knock, knock*

[@huntermcclovio4517]

@@geologicallyspeaking who's there? 😄

[@galatura]

Fantastic Geology, I was astonished !

[@sdmike1141]

AMAZING! Thanks!

[@davendana07]

Outstanding video!

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Excellent site! Thanks for sharing.

[@dangerouspoems4707]

Thank you for information

[@tonidougsmith-congratulati1522]

Unbelievable! Thanks for sharing!

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks Mama!

[@janicemartin1580]

Unbelievable amazing site. So glad you walked & talked us through it.

[@RiskyVentureMinerals]

It kills me that I worked for the USFS in Hemet and was surrounded by this geology but didn’t know about it yet…

[@mariachernoff774]

This rock formation left me speechless.

[@majornature7878]

Nice, from a distance it looks like granite with huge crystals. Nuevo Mine

[@geologicallyspeaking]

In a way, that's almost what it is! Almost the same composition of surrounding biotite-hornblende tonalite and the mineral grain sizes are HUGE!

[@ThirteenPercentHxC]

Nice video dude. I live in nearby Menifee and I have found some very interesting specimens of diamondiferous kimberlite. Have u done videos about the diamonds of Southern California?

[@SunshineSkys]

Thank u for sharing this extraordinary place with us, n the evolution/processes. I have loved rocks since I started walking, can't explain it. I spend hours just looking at rocks. I'm handicap now use a walker n don't get out much anymore, so I watch video's like this instead. Rock on! I also watch the Channel Destination Adventure n thats his saying "Only take pictures, and leave footprints" Again Thank You

[@brianparks440]

I love your videos. And your Instagram feed. Keep it rolling!

[@Sudique1]

I really enjoyed your video. I recently retired and, as a result of starting my nature journalling journey, I've become interested in geology. What fascinated me the most was the way some of the black tourmaline was in long shapes but, in other cases, appeared to be spatters. When I see formations like this, I'm amazed at all the different types of rocks that exist in one location and I wonder how that happened. I would love to get out to this location with my magnifying loupe. Thanks so much for this video. Hope you make some more.

[@royhornaday390]

Great job! I have visited a few times. My hypothesis is that the origin pluton was compressed after it had cooled enough for the heavier minerals to solidify. The still liquid lighter minerals were squeezed out and formed a blister near the top of the pluton. The pluton and the more concentrated bubble cooled slowly, allowing these fantastic crystals to form. If you study the cliff face, you can determine the sequence with which the minerals solidified. Awsome!

[@GEMSDIGANDCOLECTORINDO99]

So beautiful geology dramatic happen there ... I wish you find beryl crystal there

[@lorrainewaters6189]

feldspar is my favorite mineral too! Albite being the first one I ever learned.

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

Ha! Been here a handful of times. Left with some big ol pieces of black tourmaline / schorl. A few too large to wrap my hand around, all sides still in tact. Also a few gameboy-sized pieces of quartz with some cool rainbow inclusions inside.

[@SandhillCrane42]

Cool. Good explanations. I like the analogy of a hot attic room for the hydrothermal fractures the volatiles escape into: when the house cools the room within the attic retains heat the longest. Heard somebody mention vesiculating gasses in the chamber loosed by earthquakes being one cause of over pressure inducing hydrothermal fractures the other day. Feldspars of course expand as they cool and over pressure that way-I find it hard to get concise explanations so I'm trying reiterate. IDK much about it, but it's cool and I like the video. Schorl. Them rocks are a dime a dozen in SoCal! Jk, it's impressive.

[@ecks_marks_the_spot]

That's amazing. Thx. I'm new to Rock Hounding & learning a lot from you. That collection of giant crystals is spectacular. If you ever plan to do a video on one of the beaches in San Diego, I would gladly volunteer to be your cameraman just so I can follow you around for an hour.

[@user-hj2ee9hk8g]

Thanks

[@Kompressor989]

It's always a good day when you post a new video and this one did not disappoint! Incredible site. The size of the crystals are beyond imagination. Are minerals from within the original magma, or pluton, or are they coming from the introduced water? To make that size of crystal there must be a massive amount of minerals available right?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Most of the minerals in the pegmatite are the same composition as the pluton. Does the water allow different minerals to form? That's a good question and I'll have to research that, I'm not sure, but I do remember reading that water molecules can be included within crystalline structures at times. Great question.

[@johncooper4637]

How did you like today's Baja BC talk? I'm going to have to go back over many of them.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Same. Totally loved it, but there are many layers especially with all the experts he brings on.

[@michaelnettles-kf2bl]

Grew up in Perris and have hunted many a rock in the Lakeview Mountains...or Juniper Flats as it's locally known. Biggest garnets you've ever seen can be found there, but the quality isn't so good.

[@jonatanestin3693]

Amazing video 👍👍👍. What is that location. I love the rocks. ❤😊

[@johnhubbard6262]

Looks like someone found a pocket or two there, would like to see what they pulled out.

[@dvog]

I have been there many times over the last 8-10 years and have the proof in my back yard. I have hiked over almost the whole mountain, and found many other interesting places. My favorite finds are shiny almandine garnets and terminated schorl crystals. Some other finds are epidote, clear quartz crystals, feldspar crystals, muscovite mica, biotite. I have thoroughly read the Morton paper. It used to be online, but I think it is behind a paywall now. The last visit to the mountain, about a week ago, I found the wild oats were thick, in my socks and dogs fur. No fun! LOL. I enjoyed your video, and discovered that I have seen some of your other videos as well. Carry on!

[@Joel-McConnell]

Been about 15 years since I have been to this area, would you be willing to share where is the best legal access to get in there today? Thanks! :)

[@dvog]

@@Joel-McConnell The best access is probably Gunther Rd and Briggs St. Sun City. Looks like a driveway to a church compound, but stay to the left and follow the dirt road. Recomend high clearance vehicle. Road can be washed out.

[@Am_Paludariums]

I founds some Gastropoda, mollusks and ammonite on my Malibu property. I’m the only house on the mountain and if you would like to come and check something’s out I’d be more then happy to have you here. The mountain is huge with a bunch of sand stone layers protruding here and there.

[@jasonscamara2787]

I visit this area often. There are small pockets of garnet crystals here as well. Have you been to the Cahuilla mountain/ Juan Diego flats area? There are an abundance of pegmatite deposits there.

[@Joel-McConnell]

Been about 15 years since I have been here, would you mind sharing the best current legal access to get into this area. Can you still drive up near it or do you have to hike the hole way? Thanks! :)

[@bongbongtravels6108]

Professor im wondering if you can cover Painted and Ladder Canyon on Mecca Hills. This is my favorite hiking trail.

[@FAMILYFUN-un1zm]

Please do a video on Arizona,!

[@virgo714]

Gorgeous place to study.. in your words, can you tell us what happened there

[@jeffallen9245]

Good video (Absolutely stunning) and thank you for sharing ….Would you be able to provide the title of the book you referenced in the beginning of the video. Would truly enjoy reading it and studying the maps. Also any GPS coordinates would be appreciated for a field trip.

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks Jeff. The paper I was referencing is entitled: Lakeview Mountains plutons: A dynamically emplaced pluton, northern Peninsular Ranges batholith, southern California, by D.M. Morton, et al. GPS: 33.82236° N, 117.10774° W - however, I must add that it is posted as "Private Property".

[@jeffallen9245]

@@geologicallyspeaking Thank you for the publication title and authors name along with GPS. Have a great respect for “private property” and you video provides some great photos. Truly a rare nice view of a Pegmatite formation. Again, many thanks👍🏼

[@mmercier0921]

a most beautiful mess.

[@LanceHall]

Amazing locality. Is it legal to dig out samples?

[@oscarmedina1303]

Amazing outcrop. Thank you for sharing this with us. Question: What is the title of the reference book you show in the video?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks Oscar! The paper I was referencing is entitled: Lakeview Mountains plutons: A dynamically emplaced pluton, northern Peninsular Ranges batholith, southern California, by D.M. Morton, et al.

[@oscarmedina1303]

@@geologicallyspeaking Thank you!

[@jennifermorgan1837]

How would you get a sample of the tourmaline out of the host rock without doing tons of unnecessary damage to the site? Ideas?

[@amariebeaubien]

thank you so much! i've been waiting for one of these. Also, which book is that?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks! The paper I was referencing is entitled: Lakeview Mountains plutons: A dynamically emplaced pluton, northern Peninsular Ranges batholith, southern California, by D.M. Morton, et al.

[@risonaviation8632]

What publication were you using at the beginning to show the geology of that area?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

Thanks Jeff. The paper I was referencing is entitled: Lakeview Mountains plutons: A dynamically emplaced pluton, northern Peninsular Ranges batholith, southern California, by D.M. Morton, et al.

[@sbkarajan]

Did you see the opening up of the olive grove farn in Turkish Earthquake? It looks like the Grand Canyon.... Can the Grand Canyon be made through single, or series of such earthquakes, in a much bigger scale, not water erosion as we are taught at school?

[@rogercotman1314]

Smokey quartz ..............

[@RuggedBrotha]

GELOGY AND MARIJUANA

[@bobbylineberry146]

Ive ask this same question on similar videos. When you say magma that cools slowly allows large crystal growth can you define slowly ? You talking a week, month , year , thousands or millions of years ?

[@Vision9911]

Does tourmaline indicate the presence of gold?

[@katherinereed5334]

Great video! I live in the Menifee area and I’ve been finding a lot of cool stuff in my backyard. I’m having trouble identifying what I’ve found and I was wondering if I could possibly email either you or someone you might know that could help me?

[@residentpotato6023]

I’ve found clinozoisite and smoky quartz crystals by you. Up where the mountain bike trails are.

[@Aspenluver51]

Omfg, I was just living in Temecula for months and I thought I recognized the first rock formation you showed!! I'm so happy to aee someone from the area doing this. Love your enthusiasm and your content! If you want some neat finds, found some cool stuff at Lake Hemet (as well as all around the Palomar mountains), and further south in Palos Verdes the tide pools/beaches are very rocky and secluded.

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

What did you find at Lake Hemet?

[@autotek7930]

Where's the gold?!

[@BlazingShackles]

You sound kinda native P-spar, but I can hear a bit of K-spar in your accent.

[@gailbracy3813]

Are you OK?

[@geologicallyspeaking]

😀 Thanks for inquiring! I’m doing well, just really busy with family and work. I’m more active on Instagram if you’re looking for more regular content. 👍🏼

[@user-np1pm7qn6g]

ما هذه البقع السوداء. اريد ان افهم ذلك من خلال الترجمة. انا لا افهم لغتك

[@geologicallyspeaking]

البلورات السوداء هي التورمالين، وتسمى أيضًا الشورل الأسود. ويسمى هذا التكوين البغماتيت. بلورات كبيرة جدًا من الكوارتز الرمادي والفلسبار الكريمي اللون والتورمالين الأسود.

[@user-np1pm7qn6g]

معلومة رائعة

[@geologicallyspeaking]

شكرا لك يا صديق.@@user-np1pm7qn6g

[@pumpkinhold]

I know this is over a year old now, but if you see this, I am curious if the pink streaking we see at the 8:28/8:29 mark is graffiti traces, or in the actual face? I ask because right at 9:00, near the lower-center of all that gravel, there is what looks like a dull pink crystal, maybe? It's just to the top left of the smaller grass clump, and also to the left of a fist-size gray rock. Maybe it's pink feldspar, or merely some litter. Thanks for the great video. What a wild place to explore. I would probably be climbing (or trying to!) up to those horizontal fissures we can see from your drone, and digging my hands in to find some nice gemmy....... scorpions.