They are associated with the late stages of granite intrusions and the minerals formed in pegmatites literally had the time to enjoy the benefits of a slow crystallization process from a rich chemical stew produced by the cooling granite.
For an alternate hypothesis, see the link below.
Crystals of many different minerals can be found in California. California's most famous mineral would perhaps be tourmaline, found in huge pink crystals at the Himalaya Mine. Diamonds are commonly found in the placer gold mines of California, but are generally quite small.
Hornblende is a common mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The crystals form from the consolidation of elements found in the magma or parent rock.
diorite crystals are large and andesite crystals are small
the rate melted rock cools.
Some rocks may contain crystals, but not all rocks contain crystals. Crystals can be found in rocks that have volcanic origin.
Beryl can be found in alluvial deposits from erosion out of pegmatite veins. This is the easy way, sorting through sand and gravel. The hard way is to attack the granitic pegmatite with tools and see what's inside.
A pegmatite is an intrusive igneous rock comprised of coarse, interlocking mineral grains usually above three centimeters in diameter. Although very many pegmatites are granitic in composition, several hundred mineral species have been found in the most famous pegmatites worldwide, including many rare and valuable minerals. A few discovered pegmatite crystals have grown to several meters across.
large mineral crystals are most likely found or have grown in igneous or metamorphic rocks
The mineral orthoclase is found all over the world. It can also be found in Granite rock. It would be the pink or white crystals in it.
Mineral crystal faces of varying luster and geometric shapes.
Quartz crystals have been found that are over 30 meters in length. For a list of the world's largest mineral crystals, click on the link below.
inorganic chemistry
Pegmatite is a light-colored, extremely coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock. It forms near the margins of a magma chamber during the final phases of magma chamber crystallization. It often contains rare minerals that are not found in other parts of the magma chamber.
beryl is usually found in pegmatite of different kinds.
Gypsum crystals are the most common type of crystal mineral found in clay. Gypsum Crystal are known for their flexibility and is commonly used for wallboards or plaster products.
Atacamite can be an ore of copper. It can be found as flashy green crystals that are popular among mineral collectors.
Adularia is a form of orthoclase feldspar, a mineral which forms igneous rock, found in white prismatic crystals.