Where to Find Jade in California: 13 Mapped Sites
California has 13 documented sites where jade have been reported, and the best-known are Trinity River, Happy Camp Jade Mines, and Leech Lake Area. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 13 of the 13 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Jade Map: California
All 13 jade sites in California. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Jade Are Found in California
Jade forms along serpentinite belts at old plate boundaries and travels far as river and beach cobbles. Water-worn cobbles with a greasy rind are the classic find; test suspect stones on the spot.
The richest reported sites in California: Trinity River, Happy Camp Jade Mines, Leech Lake Area, Big Sur area, Limekiln Creek Beaches Area.
Local reporting distinguishes Jadeite (4 sites), Nephrite (3 sites), Nephrite Jade (3 sites), Gold-Laced Jade (1 site).
Of the 13 sites, 13 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Jade Sites in California
- Trinity River — Public Access
- Happy Camp Jade Mines — Public Access
- Leech Lake Area — Public Access
- Big Sur area — Public Access
- Limekiln Creek Beaches Area — Public Access
- North Fork of Eel River — Public Access
- Eel River Gravels — Public Access
- Willow Creek area — Public Access
- Ocean beach area (Big Sur coast) — Public Access
- Ocean Beaches (Central Coast) — Public Access
- Paso Robles Area — Public Access
- Trinity River / Willow Creek — Public Access
- Unnamed Location (Jade) — Public Access
How to Identify Jade
Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find jade in California?
California has 13 mapped sites where jade have been reported. The best-known are Trinity River, Happy Camp Jade Mines, and Leech Lake Area. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many jade sites are mapped in California?
We have 13 documented jade sites in California, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect jade in California?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify jade?
Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.
What kinds of jade are found in California?
Reports from California distinguish Jadeite (4 sites), Nephrite (3 sites), Nephrite Jade (3 sites), Gold-Laced Jade (1 site), California Jade (1 site).
What should I bring to collect jade?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Jade in Nearby States
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.