Pala is the name of the town nearest to the gem-bearing pegmatite mines which are located in the nearby mountains to the north and east. The town of Pala is not itself a specific mineral producing locality, except for a small-scale granite quarry which has operated for several decades on the west side of town. The mine produces gabbro and granodiorite riprap which is used locally along the roads for erosion control purposes.
The best known historical landmark in the town of Pala is the famous Mission San Antonio de Pala Asistencia campanile. Completed in 1818, the bell tower was rebuilt after collapsing during the floods of 1916. During the reconstruction of the original mission complex after the floods, several large pieces of deep purple Lepidolite from the nearby Stewart mine were used in the surrounding courtyard walls as ornamental stone. The decorative Lepidolite was donated by local gem miner and mineral dealer Frank A. Salmons, president and principal owner of the Pala Chief Mining Company.
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Map Reference: 33°21'55"N , 117°4'27"W
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