A short 18-mile drive from the Pacific Ocean, the greater Fallbrook area is well known for its gently rolling hills, lush groves, ancient oak trees, equestrian and walking trails, riparian areas, nature preserves, and Mediterranean climate.
Gem and Mineral Society Museum
One of the reasons for the beauty of the area is the rich soil, which has
been ideal for mining gems and minerals—more so in the past than the present.
Billions of dollars of beautifully colored tourmaline has been shipped worldwide
from local mines that are now mostly inactive. Much of the pink and green
tourmaline—which is unique to San Diego County and was carved in the years of
the Chinese Manchu dynasty—came from our local mines, as did rubies and other
gems. This is the reason for our very active and interesting Gem and Mineral
Society, which has a museum on Alvarado Street.
The museum has established galleries featuring minerals from around the
world, with particular emphasis on the minerals of San Diego County. The
society also operates a small gift shop in the museum.
The Gem and Mineral Museum is located at 123 West Alvarado, across the
street from the Art & Cultural Center. For more information, please call
(760) 728-1130.
The Gem and Mineral Society meets the second Thursday of each month and
the third Thursday in February, at 7:30 p.m. No meetings are scheduled in July and August.
about fallbrook
One of the reasons for the beauty of the area is the rich soil, which has
been ideal for mining gems and minerals—more so in the past than the present.
Billions of dollars of beautifully colored tourmaline has been shipped worldwide
from local mines that are now mostly inactive. Much of the pink and green
tourmaline—which is unique to San Diego County and was carved in the years of
the Chinese Manchu dynasty—came from our local mines, as did rubies and other
gems. This is the reason for our very active and interesting Gem and Mineral
Society, which has a museum on Alvarado Street.