Anderson Lake, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, CA.
Collecting: White, clear and blue agate. Jasper, orbicular jasper, 'poppy jasper'. Magnesite. Chromite. Jade.For more info on this location see Site 62 in Gem Trails of Northern California by James R. Mitchell.
following the one way road up to the dam, park at the far end of the damn (great views from the top of the dam). It cost about $2 for parking at Anderson Lake County Park. Beyond the fence there is a trail leading down to the lake, follow the trail along the lakes edge around to the rock face where you can find jasper and agate-jasper chunks, magnesite viens are seen within the serpentine and agate veins within the chert. The bluest agate seems to be more present within the darkest red chert and jasper. Some of the chalcedony even seems to be carnelian. Rangers may kick you out if they see you with hammers and chisels, though they shouldn't give you to much trouble if you are just carrying out a couple of pieces. I believe, however, collecting is not really allowed here. I wouldn't count on finding much intersting jasper or the 'poppy jasper' the area is famous for in this area of the park.
I, luckily, am able to collect on privet property on the south east side of the lake. On this private property I find large, interesting pieces of jasper, agate-jasper and orbicular jasper though nice examples of 'poppy jasper' are hard to find anywhere in the area at this point. I have also found jade here.
White, clear and blue agate veins:
Blue agate-jasper:
Jade:
Samantha, how does one contact you. I live in morgan hill near Anderson lake. Have seen some large green boulders but not sure if jade.
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