Where to Find Obsidian in California

California has 5 mapped collecting spots that report obsidian, spread across 4 counties. The largest share sits in Modoc County with 2 spots. 3 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site.

Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.

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Every obsidian spot we track in California

Best spotGem HillKern County, CaliforniaPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper +2
Best spotGlass MountainSiskiyou County, CaliforniaPublic access · Obsidian
Amboy CraterSan Bernardino County, CaliforniaPermission required · Boltwoodite, Jasper, Obsidian
Davis Creek MercantileModoc County, CaliforniaFee dig · Obsidian
Modoc ObsidianModoc County, CaliforniaPublic access · Obsidian

Standout obsidian spots in California

Hand-picked from the full list above, with the reason each one earns a trip.

Best counties for obsidian in California

Ranked by the number of mapped obsidian spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.

Before you go

Read the obsidian identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Obsidian in the encyclopedia.

Obsidian in California FAQ

Where can you find obsidian in California?+

The mapped spots concentrate in Modoc County, Kern County, and San Bernardino County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.

How many obsidian spots are mapped in California?+

5 spots across 4 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.

Is it legal to collect obsidian in California?+

Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 3 of the 5 mapped spots here sit on land marked public, and 1 is a fee-dig operation where you pay for access and keep what you find. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.

Where else to find obsidian

Nevada6 spots

More minerals to hunt in California

Hunt obsidian in California with the map in your pocket

RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.