If you get to San Diego County, there are still mines that (for a fee) allow you to sift through their tailings--and some 'finds' are noteworthy--like over an inch in width and length. The Pala mine comes to mind first.
Don......
Burnt, did you collect those out there in the Appalachia's? It's so much more rewarding when it's self collected. Cleaning the clay mud and dirt off to reveal the gem. It's like opening a christmas present. I'll post some of my finds from last weekend at the Himalaya later today.
Here are some Nov finds. Have more on my shop. You'll notice the Benitoite and Neptunite specimens I'm etching in the background. Also have some currently on eBay.
Burnt, you guys should come out here sometime and do some collecting.