California
"The Golden State" became the 31st state on September 9, 1850.
Gold was the original claim to fame with the “49ers”. Even though mining adds only 1% to the state’s total business activity, California is one of our leading mining states. Petroleum (oil) is the state’s most valuable mineral. Natural gas also comes from these areas. California also produces boron (used for cleaning products), gold, gypsum, magnesium, potash and pumice, salt, sand and gravel, marble, platinum, mercury, talc, tungsten and zinc.
Although many turquoise mines once operated in California and pre-historic tools have been found in turquoise mines, there is only one commercial turquoise mine left.