Gem Trails of British Columbia

Joan Lovisek, Ph.D., is a consulting anthropologist and ethnohistorian
in British Columbia.

Agate, jade, thunder eggs, jasper, fossils, ammonite, placer gold, and
garnets are just a few of the gems discussed in this pocket guide for
rock hounds, which also includes a list of minerals and fossils in south
and central British Columbia. The book is divided into nine sections,
which correspond to the different mineral locations. Most of the 62 gem
locations are identified in the areas between Chilliwack and Hope; Hope
and Princeton; Hope and Cache Creek; Cache Creek East and Savona; North
Kamloops and Little Fort; Kamloops and Falkland; Kamloops and Chase; and
Princeton and Oliver. There is also a section on Jade Reserves, which
are gravel bars set apart by the B.C. government for public use between
Lillooet and Hope.

Bacon describes the types of fossils or minerals and the precise
locations where they may be found. He bases his information on personal
visits made by him or by members of his family. Maps for each of the
sites are provided, and the accompanying descriptions include detailed
directions to highway turnoffs, natural features, where to park, road
conditions, access difficulties, facilities, mineral museums, hints
about obtaining proper permission, nearby fishing locations,
campgrounds, the best time of the year to go (depending on water
levels), and the constant reminder to remove garbage. Photos are also
provided to assist the reader in finding the locations.

Bacon assumes that the reader knows his/her rocks and fossils;
therefore, this is more of a “where-to” book than a “how-to”
book. Those looking for a concise, well-organized guidebook to locating
B.C. minerals and fossils will find this a valuable resource.