Basis for focus area |
Discovered in 2006 by prospectors, general deposit details in Hunerlach (2012), detailed beryl chemistry in Pauly (2019). |
Identified resources |
Historical and current production of aquamarine (beryl) and gem-quality topaz from the Blue Mine. |
Production |
Unknown. |
Status |
Past and current production of gem-quality aquamarine and topaz. |
Estimated resources |
Unknown. |
Geologic maps |
Sadler (1982), scale, 1:24,000. |
Geophysical data |
Inadequate aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric coverage. |
Favorable rocks and structures |
Aquamarine- (blue beryl) and topaz-bearing pegmatites in Precambrian gneiss. |
Deposits |
California Blue mine. |
Evidence from mineral occurrences |
Hunerlach (2012); Pauly (2019). |
Geochemical evidence |
Gem-quality aquamarine and topaz currently mined. |
Geophysical evidence |
Unknown. |
Evidence from other sources |
None. |
Comments |
2021 California USGS STATEMAP mapping of Landers and Yucca Valley North 7.5-min quadrangles (1:24,000-scale) covers the Cal Blue Mine. |
Cover thickness and description |
Pegmatites exposed at surface, near horizontal based on description in Pauly (2019). |
Authors |
Erica Key. |
New data needs |
Updated geologic mapping, lidar, geochemistry, aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric surveys. |
Geologic mapping and modeling needs |
Updated geologic mapping. |
Geophysical survey and modeling needs |
High-resolution, Rank 1 aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric surveys. |
Digital elevation data needs |
2017 high resolution lidar (035m-spacing) coverage ends just south of focus area, needs full coverage. |