About

This Old Rock was founded in 1998, to study minerals and share their wonderment.  We watched the show "This Old House" on PBS while repairing our old house and creating a rock garden.  We were both involved in busy careers as a Restaurant owner and Registered Nurse.  Trips to the desert for rock hounding adventures became therapeutic for us.  This rock garden grew larger during the 25 years we lived in our old house. 

 In 1999 we purchased a remote parcel of land with a small surface deposit of quartz crystals.  This deposit has developed over the years to a remarkable series of crystal caverns.  The name of this project is Jaybird Quarry.  What makes this endeavor intriguing, in addition to the giant quartz crystals, is their unusual and amazing crystallography.  

  The mine owner, John French.  John's interest in rocks began at an early age.  As our Project Manager, he is experienced in advising clients on purchases to build their mineral collections, for University study, or Charitable donations.  We have a Select Inventory of Show-stoppers guaranteed to inspire, engage, and excite your audience!   

 

 

Cathy handles private viewing appointments and online orders.   She is a certified Gemologist, and author of "California's Crystal Cavern," published in Rock & Gem Magazine, October 2015.  A lifelong rock hound keen for adventure, she enjoys gardening and playing with dogs.

 

 

 Let us know your Landscape, Design, Aesthetic or Collector needs.  We have gorgeous rocks for you!  Jaybird Quarry crystals are 100% natural presented just as Nature created them.  Beautiful, affordable quartz crystals for all Decor, from the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the California Mother Lode.   Wholesale inquiries are welcome.

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”

— John Muir