There’s something quietly addictive about walking the beaches of Bodega Bay, eyes scanning the sand and surf for treasures shaped by time and tide. Beyond the shells and driftwood, the real gems are the rocks, each one telling a story about California’s rugged coast and the geologic drama that shaped it.
Jasper: The Artist’s Favorite
Jasper is one of the most striking rocks you can find here. Often deep red, mustard yellow, or streaked with earthy greens and browns, it’s a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz. Over centuries, volcanic ash and sediment fused under pressure to create its rich patterns. Local collectors prize Bodega Bay jasper for its swirls and scenic “landscape” patterns that look like tiny paintings.
Agate: The Ocean’s Polished Glass…