“Tourmaline!” I bet that’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of the Himalaya Mine. This place is a rock and mineral collector’s dream. The Himalaya Mine boasts rich mineralization with gem minerals in stunning colors.
Now, let’s step back in time and uncover the story of the Himalaya Mine. Officially located in 1898, there are reports that local Indigenous Peoples knew of the gem crystals long before. The legend says that white settlers found the mine after seeing Indigenous children play with tourmaline crystals.
Gail Lewis first claimed the mine but held it for only four years. Then, in 1902, J.L. Tannenbaum acquired the property. Tannenbaum was an employee of Tiffany and Company. He got the mine by claim jumping, which led to legal battles. Tannenbaum kept the property and operated the mine with J. Goodman Braye. Braye was a very interesting figure. His position as superintendent was one of power and respect. He also happened to be African American in the early 1900s.
During the next ten years, about six tons of tourmaline were shipped for lapidary use. This came from an estimated 110 tons produced by the Himalaya Mine and nearby mines. At the time, this was worth more than $750000. By 1904, surface mining was over and work moved underground at the Himalaya Mine.
Much of the tourmaline went to the Chinese market. Pink and red gemstones were prized by the Dowager Empress. This fueled a speculative market until the Chinese aristocracy fell in 1911. The tourmaline market crashed and early production at the Himalaya Mine ended.
Small scale mining happened between 1913 and the early 1950s sporadically. In 1957, Ralph Potter tried systematic mining. He fixed old underground areas and made new tunnels. Potter ran the mine for years. But a tunnel collapse in the winter of 1968-1969 stopped underground mining at the Himalaya Mine.
In 1977, Bill Larson leased the property. He later bought it in 1988. Extensive tunneling and underground work followed. This led to a steady stream of minerals.
Today, High Desert Gems and Minerals runs the Himalaya Mine. They also run the pay dig site. Over its life, the Himalaya Mine has produced about 250000 pounds of tourmaline and mineral specimens. In its most active 15 years, it beat every other tourmaline mine in the world. It produced 5.5 tons in 1904 alone, the most ever in one year.
Tourmaline from the Himalaya Mine is mostly elbaite. Colors include black, vivid pink, and apple green. Some crystals even have multiple colors. Blue tourmaline exists but is rare. About 5% of the tourmaline is gemmy. This means it can be cut into glassy gemstones.
Other minerals found here include lepidolite, quartz, microcline, and albite. You might also find fluorapatite, beryl, topaz, hambergite, and stilbite. For those who love the ugly minerals, keep an eye out for stibiotantalite and columbite.
The Himalaya Mine dig site operates Thursdays through Sundays year round. It opens from 10 am to 3 pm. The mine is near Santa Ysabel, California. Visitors can dig and screen for tourmaline, quartz, and more. The cost for adults is $75 a day.
As you dig here at the Himalaya Mine remember you are walking on ground that has yielded a treasure trove of gems. These gems have adorned royals, collectors, and dreamers alike. Who knows what treasures you will unearth today?