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 FALLBROOK,
CALIFORNIA—
Joining a
field trip sponsored by the Gem & Mineral Council of the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County, RoadTrip America journeyed to the mother
lode of North American tourmaline deposits. Exploration of the Himalaya
Mine began in 1898. The Himalaya has produced more gem tourmaline than
any other mine in North America.
Our adventure
started with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Collectors' Shop in Fallbrook,
home of the internationally famous gem and mineral collection of mine
owner Bill Larson. While we were there, Edward Boehm, gemologist/geologist
with Pala International, Inc., told us how he locates new tourmaline deposits.
After an
hour's drive into the mountains, John McLean, who has been the superintendent
of the Himalaya Mine for seventeen years, led us 700 feet into the main
tunnel. We felt privileged to get anywhere near the Himalaya, because
it's closed to the public. The Gem and Mineral Council has been allowed
to take a small group annually for a number of years.
At the base
of an enormous pegmatite rich in tourmaline crystals, Tony Kampf, Museum
curator, told us how gem-producing pegmatites are formed. Yesterday, when
we were out rock-hounding on our own on the slopes of Mt. Tule, we were
thrilled to find two-inch schorl cyrstals. Today we were looking at crystals
nearly a foot long.
Before heading
back to civilization, we spent a couple of hours sifting through a mountain
of mine tailings. Some of our tripmates found some beautiful specimens,
but we were among those who came away with photos and memories. Maybe
if we come back next year, we'll have better luck!
As we were
leaving, Dorothy Ettensohn, Museum collections manager, told us about
other trips sponsored by the Gem and Mineral Council. "The Council
offers trips to tour mines and see collections all over the world that
are closed to the public," she said. "We're going to Brazil
next month."
Brazil's
not on our itinerary at the moment, but we were glad to have the chance
to visit the Himalaya with the experts.
For more
information about the Gem & Mineral Council of the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County, visit
the Council online by clicking here.
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