California Gold & Gems Maps, Northern Edition is a comprehensive collection to assist the rockhound in locating 40 gem sites. The source of information has been taken from numberous publications. All known types of rock and gem deposits could not be included because of the numerous types and locations would be overwhelming. Some of the reported gold and gold districts are included as far back as 1850.
The first report of gold in California was published in Spain in 1510. California was believed to be an island north of Mexico where gold and precious stones were abundant. Gold was actually mined in California as early as the late 18th century but the "rush" did not begin until the discovery at Sutters Mill in 1848.
Rock and Gem collecting in California is virtually unlimited as illustrated by the key symbols on each USGS map section. A few counties that host exciting deposits are as follows: Siskiyou, Trinity, Tehama and Plumas.
The early maps included in this publication were located in various archival collections. The primary sources were the National Archives and the California State Library. The U.S. Geological Survey supplied the featured modern map. The design is planietric for clarity.
All maps in the series are in packages measuring 6.5" by 9.5". The very readable maps measure 17.5" by 23".
