Treasure Hunting

The Petersen Mountain range forms a natural border between eastern California and northwest Nevada just north of the Reno area.  In these mountains are a number of mineral varieties, but the area is most known for the beautiful quartz crystals that can be found here. In addition to clusters and smaller broken quartz pieces, scepter and elestial quartz can be mined in the locale that sits right next to the small highway stop of Hallelujah Junction, California right off of Highway 395.

While there are quite a few places in this area that are designated public BLM land, there are also some privately-owned claim areas here, too.  If you decide to travel out to these parts in search of your own quartz specimens, pay special attention not to trespass on any of these active claims.  The miners out here are friendly and knowledgeable, and they would probably be glad to answer questions or point you to a good area to dig.  But remember, these mining claims are how they make their living, so don’t abuse their generosity by sneaking onto their land.  

One particular claim atop a mountain in the Petersen Range belongs to Krystal Tips Mining.  Visit their website if you want to see some samples of the quartz specimens that they have uncovered over the years at this site.  In addition to the abundance of amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz in the mountain, the scenery here is breathtaking.  Make sure to have your camera with you if you’re in the area.  

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