Fantastic Rocks and Where to Find Them

Can you still find rare Nipomo Marcasite Agate in California? In this rockhounding adventure, I set out on the ultimate field trip across San Luis Obispo County to hunt for one of the most unique and sought-after metallic gem materials in the world: Nipomo Marcasite in Agate. Nipomo marcasite is famous for its intricate silver and golden metallic plumes suspended inside translucent chalcedony. We dive into the fascinating history of this historic California gem, explain the geology behind how iron sulfide minerals (marcasite and pyrite) form inside silica veins, and hit three distinct locations: Location 1: Prospecting exposed rock cuts at an active/old quarry area Location 2: Scouting private property near local winery vineyards Location 3: Trekking down a creek bed to search gravel bars for washed-down nodules After testing our luck in the field, I bring the best rough specimens back to the shop for lapidary work to see whats inside GEAR & TOOLS USED: Rock hammer & cold chisel angle grinder and tile saw blade If you enjoy rockhounding, lapidary tutorials, mineral collecting, and California geology adventures, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss a hunt! Leave a comment below: Have you ever worked with marcasite agate, and what do you think of how this cab turned out? #Rockhounding #Lapidary #NipomoMarcasite #AgateHunting #CaliforniaRockhounding #Geology #Cabbing #Minerals #Gemstones