The Clear Creek area is among the most highly mineralized areas in California offering mineral enthusiasts over 150 semi-precious minerals and gemstones including the extremely rare benitoite. Historically, Clear Creek area was an industrious mining region because of its diverse mineral collection. Commercial mining operation included benitoite, cinnabar, chromite, chrysotile, coal, jadite, and magnesite. The unique geology of this region also attracts geology students and researchers from local and national universities.
We recommend mineral collectors and hobbyist adhere to the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Code of Ethics.
Alpine Mine is a cinnabar mine located at 704327mE; 4026709mN at 3560 feet. The Alpine Mine was reclaimated in 2001, there is little evidence of the mine remaining.
Artinite Pit
Aurora Mine 708675mE; 4030068mN at 3830 feet. The Aurora Mine reclamation began in 2000 and very little evidence remains of this mine.
Benitoite Gem Mine, see Gem Mine.
Clear Creek Mine. An inactive Cinnabar mine located at 703088mE; 4028851mN at 3650 feet.
Dallas Gem Mine, see Gem Mine.
Fourth of July Mine. An inactive Cinnabar mine located at 707087mE; 4025768mN at 4265 feet
Garnet Prospect 710331mE; 4030057mN 4270 feet. On the ridge .3 miles north of San Carlos Peak; about 1 to 1.3 miles west of Aurora mine.
Gem Mine. An active benitoite and gem mine located at 714889mE; 4023697mN at 4540 feet.
Green Fire Mine north of Sawmill Creek
Gypsy Mine N36° 24' ...; W120° 40' ...
Junnila Mine, also known as Junnila Benitoite and Fresnoite Mine An active gem mine located at 715818mE; 4022823mN at 4550 feet. 0.77 miles southeast (119°) of the Gem mine, 1.2 miles west (247°) of Spanish Lake
KCAC Mine, also known as Union Carbide Asbestos mine A closed asbestos mine located at 714129mE; 4023976mN at 4420 feet. 0.5 miles west of the Gem Mine
Mina Numero Uno near San Benito Mountain
Molina Mine An inactive Cinnabar mine located at 709404mE; 4030495mN at 3990 feet.
New Idria Mine A closed cinnabar mine located at 708012mE; 4031578mN at 3650 feet.
Perovskite Peak, also known as Perovskite Knob, Schist Knob or Chlorite Knob 714505mE; 4022603mN at 4660 feet, about 1.5 miles south of Santa Rita Peak
Picacho Mine An inactive Cinnabar mine located at 706932mE; 4024658mN at 4350 feet, about 3 miles west-southwest of San Benito Mountain
Plasma Agate Mine
Rozzum Ridge 712682mE; 4031376mN.
San Carlos Mine An inactive Cinnabar mine located at 710063mE; 4029860mN at 4660 feet.
Victor Mine 2.5 miles west of San Benito Mountain
Windy Mountain Claim 716648mE; 4023700mN at 4660 feet, 1 mile SSE of Santa Rita Peak