Clear Creek Plasma Agate

Clear Creek Plasma agate is one of those very unique materials found only in San Benito County, California, between Hollister and Coalinga in the Clear Creek Recreation Area, BLM Land.

- RUSS KANIUTH

This area was closed for many years due to asbestos hazards but now open once again, although only by permit. Anyone can obtain a permit online, but each person is allowed only a certain amount each year. Clear Creek is also home to hundreds of minerals, including the California State gemstone, benitoite. Rockhounding in this area is a wonderful experience. There are two campsites at the entrance of the park, and there are miles of land open to collecting.

Clear Creek Plasma agate is unique due to all the properties incorporated within. It’s composed of chalcedony, serpentine, jade or jadeite, chromite, cinnabar, and various other minerals, which gives way to an array of colors. The bright greens and reds certainly stand out and make this material well sought after for lapidary use.