VerdeliteLithia Dike Mine, Cahuilla Mountain, Cahuilla, Cahuilla District, Riverside Co., California, USA
Photo: 2005 SLR Latitude: 33°34'6"N
Longitude: 116°46'21"W
A lithia pegmatite occurrence located in the NE¼ Section 16, T7S, R2E, SBM, on the SE flank of Cahuilla Mountain.
History:
The deposit was first discovered in the early 1940's, and noted for the occurrence of columbite with cleavelandite. The area was rediscovered by Phil Osborn of nearby Hemet in early 1970’s, and claimed as the Lithia Dyke lode. The mine was later sold, and has been worked intermittently thereafter by various parties as recently as 1997.
The deposit primarily consists of two parallel northwest striking, northeast dipping complex pegmatites ranging from 1 to 10 feet in thickness. Development consists of shallow underground workings and surface cuts.
Mining efforts have produced several pounds of fine gem-quality elbaite including rubellite, verdelite and multi-colored crystals. Additionally, many large and lustrous schorl crystals, minor amounts of spessartine and almandine garnets; gem spodumene including kunzite and triphane; and morganite beryl crystals were recovered.
References
Fisher, D. J. (1944), Some of southern California pegmatites: unpublished manuscript, U.S. Geological Survey: 67.
Murdoch, Joseph & Webb, Robert W. (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 242.
Geffner, P. and Fisher, J. (1997), Recent Work at the Lithia Dyke Claim, Cahuilla Mountain, Riverside County, California. Rocks & Minerals, 72 (3): pp. 156-161.
Rocks & Minerals (1998), vol. 73.
Mineral List
17 entries listed. 11 valid minerals.
The above list contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please
register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to
visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders
for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.
Mineral and Locality Search
