Madera County chiastolite - Road 29, north & south of Ave 26.
The road cuts to the north and south of this junction are filled with small to finger size chiastolite crystals. These were tumbled by glaciers, along with attractive iron stained quartz pebbles.
Further north toward Eastman Lake, several road cuts show chiastolite in phyllite matrix.
GPS coordinates - N 37.12665° W 120.02025°
Additional zoisite can be found on the roadside to the south of Rocky Hill, along Earl Meyr Drive.
It's best to park in the pullouts, the shoulders can be narrow.
Rocky Hill Drive - Accessed from the center of Exeter, zoisite collecting starts east of the canal on Rocky Hill Drive. Be forewarned, this is a high traffic collecting area, with frequent joggers, bikers and vehicles. There's (usually) ample zoisite on the shoulder, so DON'T cross the fence lines without permission. You can fill several buckets within a few minutes time, and there's no need to alienate the land owners with trespassing.
Rocky Hill, Exeter, CA - The zoisite found here is known locally as "thulite," but is more like the anyolite of Tanzania, minus the ruby crystals. Deep to mint green, with cream to orange-pink clouds, splotches and crystals, with dolomite, horneblende and specular hematite.
Hector Road North - Gated Railroad Crossing, foot access only
Heading north from I-40, Hector Road is effectively blocked at this point. The hills to the northwest feature jasper, agate & chalcedony for those who're up to the .5 mile walk each way. A garden or lil' red wagon is recommended, expect to spend time digging if you want larger pieces. The volcanic hills several miles west show signs of quarrying. GPS coordinates - N 34.80359° W 116.45163°
Hector Chalcedony diggings
During the 1980's and 90's, this was a good spot for big chunks of angel white chalcedony, some jasper, and the occasional bit of fire agate. It was also a popular camping and party spot, with plenty of glass strewn about. Another bonus was the antique real estate sign that loomed over the draw, touting the subdivision that someone had planned for this arid location. The folly of men! Take the time to wander the hills and draws, and you may find the fire agate!
GPS coordinates - N 34.78056° W 116.45816°
Lavic Siding - The famed Lavic Siding is little more than a collection of railroad switches and signal lights, powered by a solar array. This is the center of a vast collecting area, with abundant jasper & agate to the west of the tracks, and a surprising array of stones to the east and south of the siding.
Camping is easy, just pick a place off to the roadside, or find a quiet place that suits you. Be on the lookout for broken glass in roadside areas.
2-wheel drive vehicles will serve most folks who stay to the main trail, and prudent rockhounds will travel groups, and in multiple vehicles.
Pay attention to signs, the Marine Corp has used the area south and west as a live fire area for decades. Stay clear & stay alive!
Hector Road - Exit to Hwy 66 east for Hector, Lavic & The South Cady's
If you choose to bypass Newberry Springs, Exit #33 at Hector Road is the final entry to Hwy 66 west of Ludlow. Hector has a good chalcedony location, and as you travel east on Hwy 66, you'll see swooping vistas, and the ancient cinder cone of the Pisgah Crater before turning off for Lavic.
Traveling east on the road on the north side of the high tension power lines will lead you to many deposits of agate, jasper and minerals.
Artistic types will find banks of soft, crumbling ocher (iron oxide rich jasper,) suitable for making your own pigments, and coloring glues and epoxies.
Be aware that some areas may be legal mining claims, and obey claim markers and signs.
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