Welcome

August 21, 2011 in Esmeralda Mine

Welcome, everyone!

If you’ve been following us via our bimonthly newsletter, Pala Mineralis, you know that Pala International is now the proud owner of the Esmeralda Mine and Mountain Lily Mine in the Mesa Grande District and Aguanga Mountain District (Smith Mountain District), respectively, of San Diego County. As we bring the mines back into production, we’ll be posting updates from time to time here at blog.palaminerals.com.

Morganite with tourmaline, from the Esmeralda Mine, 9.5 x 6 cm. Formerly in the T. W. Warner Jr. Collection. (Specimen: Bill Larson Collection; Photo: Mia Dixon)

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John Sinkankas at the Esmeralda Mine, Apr 1962

February 1, 2012 in Esmeralda Mine, Uncategorized

A scrapbook page from John Sinkankas.

Esmeralda Mine scrapbook page from John Sinkankas, Apr 1962. Collection of Bill Larson. Click to enlarge.

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John Sinkankas at the Benitoite Mine, Fall 1962

February 1, 2012 in Benitoite Mine, Uncategorized

Benitoite is the California state gemstone, named after the famous locality in San Benito County. In the fall of 1962, John Sinkankas visited the Benitoite Mine. Below are his scrapbook pages and photos related to the mine.

Benitoite Mine scrapbook page from John Sinkankas, Fall 1962. Collection of Bill Larson. Click to enlarge.

Mr. Dallas & Cabin Near Benitoite Mine ca. 193x

Mr. Dallas (at left) and his cabin in the creek bed just below the Benitoite Mine. The mine is behind the photograph, uphill. Photo by Ralph W. Dietz, ca. 193x, from John Sinkankas, Collection of Bill Larson. Click to enlarge.

Digging at the Benitoite Mine, Fall 1962. Photo from John Sinkankas, Collection of Bill Larson. Click to enlarge.

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H. C. Gordon at the Esmeralda Mine, ca. 1905

November 30, 2011 in Esmeralda Mine, Uncategorized

Two photographs taken by H. C. Gordon.

Esmeralda Mine, viewed from the southern end of the ledge, looking northwest. Photo by H. C. Gordon. Click to enlarge.

Esmeralda Mine, Mesa Grande - Tunnel looking east. Photo by H. C. Gordon. Click to enlarge.

The photo directly above was taken from G. F. Kunz’s “Gems, Jewelers’ Materials and Ornamental Stones of California,” issued by the California State Mining Bureau, Lewis E. Aubury, State Mineralogist, San Francisco, June 30, 1905.

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