The upper Kern River between Bakersfield and Bodfish was the scene of a rush soon after the discovery of gold at Greenhorn Creek in 1851. However, the deposits in the river are believed to have been worked out in a short time. Many lode-gold prospects are in the area, but the only one of any consequence is the Gem gold mine near Democrat Springs. Uranium was discovered at Miracle Hot Springs in 1954, and there was a "boom" that lasted for a few years. Practically the entire region is underlain by quartz diorite.
Bibliography
Troxel, B. W., and Morton, P. K., 1962, Kern County, Kern River Canyon district: California Div. Mines and Geology, County Rept. 1, p. 38.
Tucker, W. B., and Sampson. R. J., 1933, Kern County, Gem mine: California Div. Mines Rept. 29, p. 307.
