Jade Mill Site

The Jade Mill Site located about 2.5 miles from the Coalinga road entrance at about N36° 22.037; W120° 45.027. This cinnabar mill began operations around 1900 and, based on the volume of retort tailings, produced an estimated 50 flasks of mercury. The site contained two brick and one metal retorts, a two-bedroom cabin, a water well, and several outbuildings. Total retort tailings was estimated at about 500 cubic yards. The site was used for gemstone and jade production in the 1950s through 1970s. Clear Creek stream was damned and it became a popular swimming hole was here the early 1950s. Site cleanup and restoration was completed in 2001. It now the Jade Mill camping area.