Obsidian Butte
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Holocene-age rhyolitic volcanic dome near the Salton Sea. Black obsidian with occasional silvery or golden sheen caused by aligned nano-scale inclusions. Surface collecting around the butte. Mixed land status (BLM, state, private) — stick to BLM-administered parcels. Some portions within wildlife refuge where collecting is prohibited.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Obsidian
Natural volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Utah produce black, rainbow, mahogany, and snowflake obsidian prized by collectors and knappers.
Also found at:
📍 Nearby Locations in California
Benitoite Gem Mine
Coalinga, California · Fee Dig
The only place in the world where benitoite (California's state gem) is found. This rare blue barium titanium silicate is exceptionally valuable.
Coso Range Volcanic Specimens
Ridgecrest, California · BLM Land
Coso Volcanic Range near Ridgecrest — a major source of high-silica obsidian (77% SiO2) for Native American toolmaking over 10,000 years, traded as fa...
Himalaya Mine
Pala, California · Fee Dig
World-famous gem mine known for spectacular watermelon tourmaline and kunzite crystals. One of the most famous tourmaline mines in the world.
Joshua Tree National Park Geology (VIEWING)
Twentynine Palms, California · National Park
Spectacular geological formations in Joshua Tree National Park. Collecting prohibited but the unique monzogranite formations and mining history are wo...
Oceanview Mine
Pala, California · Fee Dig
Famous pegmatite mine in San Diego County known for gem-quality tourmaline, kunzite, and morganite. Guided digging tours available.
Pala Chief Mine
Pala, California · Fee Dig
Historic gem mine in the Pala district producing colorful tourmaline and garnet specimens. Part of California's rich pegmatite mining heritage.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Obsidian Butte with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35