Neptunite from California State Gem Mine, California, USA - image 1
Neptunite from California State Gem Mine, California, USA - image 2

Neptunite from California State Gem Mine, California, USA

$500.00

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The top of this natrolite coated matrix is scattered nicely with lustrous black prismatic terminated crystals of neptunite measuring to 2.0 cm in length. This is in very good condition with minimal damage present as seen. Classic material for the species and locality. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.The California State Gem Mine, originally known as the Dallas Gem Mine, was discovered in 1907 by prospector James Marshall Couch and operated intermittently under various owners before commercial mining ceased in 2005, after which the property transitioned to a fee-digging and specimen-collecting site. Geologically, the deposit is situated in the New Idria district of the Diablo Range within San Benito County, where tectonic activity emplaced a large serpentinite body alongside blocks of blueschist belonging to the Franciscan Complex. The rare gem crystals formed within hydrothermal veins of white natrolite that cut through the glaucophane schist, representing a unique metamorphic environment created during ancient subduction processes.

Product details

SpeciesNeptunite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.8 x 3.8 x 1.8 cm
Listed on10/11/2026
SKU2063203
Current owner
3,388 for sale·9 sold

Learn more

Neptunite
Mineral guide
Learn about Neptunite
jet-black, high-luster prisms with natrolite and benitoite; California State Gem Mine specimens exemplify striking contrast, rarity, and display.
Neptunite
Regional guide
Neptunite from California State Gem Mine, USA
California State Gem Mine, San Benito County - famed for black neptunite with blue benitoite in natrolite, offering dramatic contrast and collector appeal.
Locality guide
California State Gem Mine
California State Gem Mine, USA — type locality for benitoite; gem-quality blue benitoite with natrolite and neptunite, highly prized by collectors.