Benitoite Mining Company - Coalinga, California

Ian C.

I had an incredible experience at the Benitoite Mining Company! This family-owned business opened on the weekends, located just outside of Coalinga, offers a truly unique and fun opportunity to dig, sift, and collect your own Benitoite and Neptunite. The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable, making the whole process enjoyable and educational. It’s a hands-on adventure where you get to unearth rare, beautiful gemstones yourself, which adds so much to the excitement. The family atmosphere made it feel special, and you can tell they truly care about providing a memorable experience for visitors. While you not able to bring pets, the owners have several friendly dogs to keep you company while you dig. The cost is absolutely worth it — you not only get the chance to discover and keep stunning gemstones, but you also enjoy a day filled with fun, learning, and a sense of accomplishment.

What makes it even better is that the Benitoite Mining Company is located just a short drive from the SF Bay Area, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Plus, it’s close to other amazing geological landmarks like Pinnacles National Park and the Clear Creek Management Area, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and more outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a rockhound or just looking for a fun weekend trip, I highly recommend visiting the Benitoite Mining Company!

Jerry F.

We had a wonderful time at this rare gem mine in central California. The Benitoite Mining Company is on the base of on the mountain in an old World War II military camp. The atmosphere on a chilly fall day was absolutely ideal. Our day started with a brief tour of the dirt mine mounds that we planned to explore between 9AM and 3PM. Public bathrooms are in the front of the camp. While they may be a considerable distance from the prospecting area, they are charming and well-maintained in a country out-house style. The team built a pleasant fire during lunch. The lunch menu included Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef sandwiches, French Bread, Cream Cheese, and water. In the mining camp store, we bought t-shirts and rare gem jewelry. It was an amazing and peaceful day searching for gems with friends, surrounded by nature and farm animals.

JH N. (.

Almost two and half hour trip from San Jose . A nice place to dig for Benitoite . But needs some luck. According to the company man,one of every twenty will find a nice Benitoite. I am not a luck guy but one of my friends got one almost 1.2 ct. It is a lot of funs and you need bring some water of course. Also there are several lovely dogs.

sean B.

Awesome crew!

The site is historical which is just a pleasure in itself. Hard work but good fun. You’ll find something guarantee.

- Sean

Jim M.

We had such a great time at the Benitoite Mining Company this past Saturday! Dave, John, and all the team there were so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful as we got started and we had so much fun looking for gemstones and other minerals 😎💎

We found some great Benitoite, a Neptunite, and a big clear natrolite crystal, too! The other folks mining with us were friendly and encouraging, and the mine dogs were friendly companions as we spent a great day there. We definitely recommend this place and we will be back! 🙂

Monica M.

Our first experience is the reason why I came back second time and brought my nieces. The staff are super helpful and friendly. Overall a great experience because both times we were there we brought home some gems.

Starr H.

my whole family went to mine for benitoite and had a lot of fun! we were provided with everything we could need, and the grounds were beautiful! we even found some decent sized pieces of benitoite!

Fistful O. C.

This is my second time at the Benitoite mine and it was just as good as the first. David and John run a great operation here and I can't help but want to come here every weekend to hunt for my most favorite gemstone.