Last chance opal mine oregon 9K 󰤦 43 Last viewed on: Sep 26, 2025 Last Chance Mine The Last Chance Mine is a copper, vanadium, gold, and silver mine located in Skamania county, Washington at an elevation of 1,601 feet. Oregon Mining Photos A Collection of Oregon Mining Photos Check out this collection of some of Oregon's best historic mining scenes at A Collection of Oregon Mining Photos. Operating underground, the mine extracts both gold and silver. Whether the walls of the vein are of schist, granodiorite or aplite, they are bleached and sericitized, such as is ordinarily found next to any vein made by ascending hot waters. This mine utilizes surface mining techniques to extract opal gemstones. Sep 27, 2018 · Jamie Lant, fire opal claim owner on Juniper Mountain, in Lake County, Oregon had posted an open invite on Facebook for anyone and everyone to come out and dig the gemmy red-orange opal found on his claim. Fire Opal Opal Butte, Morrow County, Oregon, USA Opal, etc. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine – North Carolina Image Credit: DepositPhotos Precious Opal, etc. US-Mining provides information on mines, operators, and minerals mined in Mitchell, OR The most famous Iocations of precious opal in the US include Virgin Valley (Humboldt Co. Originally published in the Herald and News paper, of Klammath Falls, Ore. Imagine the thrill of discovering a Oregon Historical Mining Information Mining Records - Jackson County The digital records available here are scans of the literature originally found in DOGAMI published and unpublished hardcopy holdings. This is a collection of noteworthy mining photos from the state. org is the world's leading website about minerals and where they come from. 125 miles from my lookout tower - at about 12:45 today. MESSENGER Send a message to learn more 󱤄 SEND MESSAGE Tom Sargis and 39 The Last Chance Mine is a gold mine located in Jackson county, Oregon at an elevation of 3,501 feet. I’m Jack Morris, owner of Last Chance Mine in Creede, Colorado. Oct 12, 2025 · 1891 Silver Mine Last Chance Mine Rocks, Minerals, Tours, and Museum Closing Day - October 12, 2025 We have 6 tours with 1 additional coming 2024. 66-acre active mining claim in Lake, Oregon owned by Jamie Lant and Ian Cummings. All you find are yours to keep! Feb 10, 2021 · Troy Newman and Michelle Shepherd of Outlaw Rocks in Lakeview, Oregon, have generated renewed attention and appreciation for material from the once abandoned Opal Queen Mine. Learn about top spots, best times to visit, and more. Jun 6, 2025 · Mindat. The last action for this claim occurred on August 31, 2020. Read on for more information. I used to take Cub Scouts up there every year and collect. Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Precious Opal Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Feb 15, 2025 · Discover the hidden treasures of Nevada's Rainbow Ridge Opal Mines. May through November. Ore was brought down the mountain by tram and trucked down Last Chance Canyon to the Pacific Railroad at Saltdale. Mineral Information Layer for Oregon, release 3 (MILO-3) is a geospatial database that stores and manages information regarding Oregon's mineral occurrences, prospects, and mines. This fee-digging mine offers visitors the chance to experience the thrill of opal mining firsthand, making it a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts. The final day for digging will be on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025. S Although there are mines scattered throughout other parts of the state, the only major outlier is the Bohemia district southeast of Cottage Grove. Unearth secrets and explore the beauty of these unique gemstones. US-Mining provides information on mines, operators, and minerals mined in Mitchell, OR Jun 17, 2024 · From there, the rush was on. On Last Chance Creek on Green Mountain 18 miles north of Weimer, The Barnes Butte Mine is located near Prineville, Oregon, within the boundaries of the Ochoco National Forest. Opal Butte, Morrow County, Oregon, USA Jelly Opal Opal Butte, Morrow County, Oregon, USA Opal Owyhee Dam, Lake Owyhee State Park, Malheur County, Oregon, USA Mar 1, 2018 · Central Oregon just east of the Cascade Mountains is known to be a popular rock and mineral collecting area. It’s a unique experience where you might just find one of nature’s most beautiful gems. , Oregon; and the Last Chance Opal Mine, Kern Co. , OR), and the Last Chance Opal Mine (Kern Co. A pilot project funded by a Library Services and Technology Act grant allowed DOGAMI digitize mining claim records held by the Baker County Recorder?s Office. This opal is all natural and mined by Outlaw Rocks. It is NOT for sale. com Outlaw Rocks is offering you the chance to mine online and hand select each piece of Oregon fire opal to create your own custom parcel for $1 per gram. I found an incredible Fire Opal while visiting the Red October 2 mine! What a great place to rockhound. The Last Chance is a mercury mine located in Josephine county, Oregon. In 2012, the park removed the road to the mine due to illegal activities. Geologically, this site falls within the Howard Creek Mining District, which has historical significance and is now part of the Ochoco National Forest. 5. Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA We are a 5th generation mining family that owns and operates Outlaw Rocks, LLC in Southern Oregon. Sep 30, 2025 · 2025 digging Season May 2nd through September 30th, 2025 Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine will open for the 2025 season on Friday, May 2nd. Jul 23, 2021 · There are prominent American opal deposits across the United States, most centralized in the western states. ons a,,. We mine Lake County fire opal, Oregon pink opal, Oregon wh Last Chance Mine, Cable Cove Mining District, Grant Co. About the MRDS Data: All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. The U. U I rm mg 1 ~ . 6 million. Mine Info Name: Last RED OCTOBER 2 is a 20. ; Washington claim; Nashville [Baldwin] claim; Last Chance claim; Nome claim; Oregon claim; Columbia claim; Portland claim; Willametter claim) Sep 5, 2025 · You can be successful at gem mining if you have the right knowledge and a bit of luck. has some of the most outstanding Opal occurrences. , California. On their days off, collectors would travel to bars in Cedarville and other Surprise Valley communities, where Mine Overview The Last Chance Placer is located in close proximity to Leland, Oregon, within the Galice Mining District. Do we need to set up a dig time? Can we show up whenever? I would love some information on it if anyone has experience going. Here's a look at what they are and how you can get out and find your own opals! Aug 8, 2019 · outlawrocksllc. McGhee originally owned the claim that would become the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, but with many other opal hunters in the region, all three of these modern, pay-to-dig opal mines would form right around the same time: the Rainbow Ridge, Royal Peacock, and Bonanza black fire opal mines. If you want to learn about what you can find and where to look read on! Oct 18, 2023 · In contrast, opal from Mexico and Oregon forms in gas bubbles in ancient lava flows. Gold is Oregon’s primary mined commodity, and the gold mining industry thrived in the state for many decades. Cochise Mining District, Cochise County, Arizona, USA Opal Saint David area, Cochise County, Arizona, USA Opal Last Chance Mine, Casey Hill, Courtland Jan 2, 2025 · We're going to share our full guide to diverse rocks, gems, and minerals in Oregon. The Owyhee River 's gravel deposits and quartz vein outcroppings are also promising spots for opal enthusiasts. It was first discovered in 1940 by the current owners, although mining operations were only active for a brief period from 1940 to 1942. When owner Barnett died, the mine became part of the park in 2005. Monarch Consolidated Mine (Monarch Cons. Opals are spectacular gemstones that come in a variety of colors that can rival diamonds, rubies, and emeralds in intensity. GEOLOGY: INFORMANT: DATED: Last Chance Mine and Last Chance number 1, 2, and 3; Jackson Countt• Arthur Waggner and absociate~ of Grants Pass. "One of the best sources of fire opal in Oregon is at the Juniper Ridge Opal mine in the southeastern area of the state. . Opals are the lowest level gemstone. Jun 22, 2018 · Explore how opals form, and where to find opals in Oregon. Terrapin Rocks Jul 15, 2024󰞋󱟠 󰟝 This year will be your last chance to dig fire opal at our claim. 0 x o. Common opal in Basalt Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Opal in Basalt outcropping Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Latitude & Longitude (WGS84): 35° 23' 60'' North , 117° 55' 23'' West Places to find opal in Idaho? I’m an amateur rockhounder but I had been living in Oregon for the better part of the last decade and had a few spots across the state where I could go for agate, quartz, etc. We will be mining it privately. You will be treated to a narrated tour of the Last Chance Mine’s historic past and learn about its geology and see firsthand, the only mine, in Creede, Colorado, where you can actually see the the Amethyst Vein containing amethyst, sowbelly agate, and silver. Check It Out Tour around the Last Chance Opal Mine By Kevin Lane Smith Recent mining at Opal Butte in northeastern Oregon Snowy winters make mining possible only from has produced a wide variety of large flawless opals. If you are situated in any of these states, you have a high chance of finding opals. Primarily functioning as a placer mining operation, the Last Chance Placer operates in an area marked by the geological features of the Klamath Mountains Ore was brought down the mountain by tram and trucked down Last Chance Canyon to the Pacific Railroad at Saltdale. On their days off, collectors would travel to bars in Cedarville and other Surprise Valley communities, where Fire at the Last Chance Opal Mine today (PICS) I spotted the smoke on the lower eastern aspect of Sixteen Butte - 6. Shipping is always only Opal-AN, etc. , CA) The Last Chance Mine is a gold mine located in Grant county, Oregon at an elevation of 7,500 feet. 0 cm long. The mine is located on privately owned land in Morrow County, 35 miles (56 km) south of the town of Heppner. There are so many wonderful gemstones waiting to be found here! Jan 2, 2025 · Having such a vast area, California is a crystal hunter's dream place! You can start finding crystals here with the appropriate guidance and knowledge. Oct 1, 2023 · Explore the mesmerizing world of opal mining at the Royal Peacock Opal Mine, a true gem in the United States! Join me, your friendly crystal collector, on an unforgettable journey suitable for all A Diversity of Gems Oregon is one of the nation's leading states for the production of gemstones. One of the fee sites is the Royal Peacock Opal mine, located eight miles from the Virgin Valley Hot Springs. Mine Info Mar 5, 2023 · The Last Chance Mine operates near La Pine in the Bend/Fort Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest, and a few others have mining claims in the area. Chris Schneider arrived at Cornucopia as a boy of 12 in Looking for a place to hunt or dig for Oregon Sunstones? Here's a list of some of the best places in Oregon to find sunstones open to the public. eating the old workings which are hundreds of feet above the Coulter tunnel. I purchased the Last Chance Mine in 1998 from the Granger family. Mikail Günay and 3. Scans have been combined into single PDFs that may include maps, letters, news clippings, photographs, and reports. Oregon's famous sunstone is produced from basalt flows, thundereggs are formed in rhyolite, and the silica that produced much of Oregon's opal, agate, and jasper was dissolved from volcanic rocks by hot groundwater. Oregon Gold Fun for inspiring miners of all ages! You will experience what it is truly like to be deep underground, inside a silver mine. Also worthy of mention are the Spencer area Opal mines in Clark County, Idaho; Opal Butte, Morrow County, Oregon; and the Last Chance Opal Mine, Kern County, California. Reprinted with permission. Background As part of an ongoing project to preserve and make accessible Oregon's historical mineral and mining information, DOGAMI is digitizing mining claim records. This mining district has historic significance and is currently incorporated into the expansive Siskiyou National Forest. The current miner, Troy Newman, operates the mine under the business name, Outlaw Rocks and they mine several different opal mines in Southern Oregon. , ID), Opal Butte (Morrow Co. The mine is situated within the Sonoran Desert, which is known for its distinctive geomorphological features due to its location within the Intermontane Plateaus. 9K others 󰍸 3. Rainbow Ridge does not offer half day rates for digging fees. Tucked away in the rugged landscapes, these mines offer a glimpse into the past and a chance to uncover stunning opals. Juniper Ridge Opal Mine, Oregon The Juniper Ridge Opal Mine is one of the few places in the United States that regularly turns out high-quality fire opal. My family and I got interested at looking for opal in Oregon and found the Last Chance Opal Mine. This Lode Claim falls under U. • The vein is developed for 400 to 500 feet by a drift upo:o, it. The Barnett Mine after Dick Barnett passed away and his boys didn't keep the mine reverted to State hands and closed. Mar 8, 2025 · Have you ever wondered where to find California's lost opal mines? These hidden gems hold a treasure trove of history and beauty. Virgin Valley, Humboldt Co. For this reason, Opal is one of the most fascinating and fabled of gemstones. Aug 19, 2024 · Juniper Ridge Opal Mine (Lake County): Located in Oregon’s high desert, Juniper Ridge is renowned for its rich deposits of fire opals. Free printable topographic map of Last Chance Mine in Grant County, OR including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates. So where to rockhound in Oregon, and what can you find? Oregon hosts numerous unique locations for rockhounds such as Bear Creek, Eagle Rock Ore bucket on the Last Chance mine tram All photos on this page were sourced from the Baker County Library digital archives. The Last Chance is a nickel, chromium, and platinum mine located in Grant county, Oregon at an elevation of 5,699 feet. They had owned the mine since it was founded in 1891. This mining site was initially discovered in 1899 and has a rich historical background in the mining industry. After about a year, Theodore was down to his last $5. This site was previously the only fee-digging opal mine in Oregon. Feb 26, 2025 · Discover the hidden treasures of Oregon's Juniper Ridge Opal Mines. NOTE: Geographic coordinates presented are approximate based on maps and descriptions of Massive Fire Opal Found in Oregon. Chromium mines are the next most common type, with 85 mines in the database with chromium as a primary commodity. Geologically, the surrounding rock formation in this area is primarily composed of gabbro, which was formed during the Lower Triassic epoch Oregon fire opal is mined by Outlaw Rocks at the Opal Queen Mine. We mine Oregon fire opal, Oregon chocolate opal, Oregon caramel opal, Oregon pink opal and Oregon white opal. The Last Chance mine is located upon a probable nort eas ern extension of one of the veins of the Imperial mine. The state boasts several other mining sites, each with its unique characteristics. We’ve put together a complete list of where to find opals in the USA. Oct 25, 2025 · Check out our list of the top spots to go gem mining in California. There are several veins on the Last Chance ground, but the one to which atten­ tion is at present directed is on the Last Chance claim. Jul 7, 2025 · The discussion is about opal mining in Southern Oregon, specifically at Royal Peacock Opal Mines and Rainbow Ridge Opal Mines, with comments sharing personal experiences and tips for finding opals The Last Chance Gold Occurrence is situated in the vicinity of Mitchell, Oregon. Opal is found at Opal Butte in Morrow County but this area is closed to public diggings. Information on the claim was last updated on August 7, 2022. Oct 13, 2025 · The Opal mines (Nowak and Barnett) were open for a time and I believe the Nowak is still a patented mine but privately owned by a group of about 15 people. S. Here is a great list of the best places for gem mining in Oregon. Free printable topographic map of Last Chance Mine in Baker County, OR including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates. It has plenty of s Opal Butte is a mountain summit that is near the town of Hepner in Morrow County, Oregon. In the late 1990s, Barnett Opal Mine was open to the public for a fee. Ownership and use of this claim is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management's Lakeview District Office under the serial number ORMC172800. tiff format. The richest states in opals are Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. Whether you're an experienced rockhound or just curious, exploring these sites can be an exciting adventure. Forms of The Last Chance Mine is located in close proximity to the town of Williams in Oregon. Scale at bottom of image is an inch with a rule at one cm. Although opal occurs frequently in volcanic areas, finding opal with precious play of color takes some luck. The rich play of color in some Opals gives them unsurpassed splendor and mystique. The Last Chance Mine is located in close proximity to Granite, Oregon. f'll G · d" 5 T has been marked in two prop . One of the scientifically accepted standards defining a mineral is that a mineral must have a crystal structure, which opal lacks. Tiffs were then converted to PDFs. 9 cm; the opal nodule is 1. Oregon is probably the best rockhounding state in all of the United States. There has a working mine that has been in operation since 1988, but known about since the 1800’s, when opals were not considered to be that valuable. They can be cut from uncut opals with a chisel, yielding 15 experience. ellties in recent months. In the A red, brown-red to brown-orange, transparent to translucent variety of opal. These gemstones are mostly a result of the state's long volcanic history. This gift encompassed Shiny Rock’s entire 151 acres of mineral claims, including 15 acres of Jawbone Flats and important stands of old-growth forest. Sumpter, OR mines, mine companies, mine owners and mine information. " "Two of the productive sunstone deposits in Oregon can be found in Jan 1, 2020 · Opals in Oregon, Where are opals found in Oregon? in this article you will find more than 20 Places in Oregon containing opal mines. Get your pass now because as of November 1st, 2024, Red October 2 will be closed to the The Royal Peacock Opal Mines offers guests a chance to mine their own opals. Productive sites of Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties offer a variety of gem-quality minerals including famous thundereggs, petrified wood, limb cast, agate, jasper, and opal. , Nevada is rich in Opal mines producing all types of Precious Opal. A fee site, the Royal Peacock Opal mine is located eight miles from the Virgin Valley Hot Springs. The northeastern Oregon deposit of precious opal at Opal Butte has been known to collectors since at least 1892. The wispy white smoke billowed up quickly as the fire grew in size, creeping through light fuels. Jackson County, Oregon Mines Jackson County has 981 mine records in the USGS MRDS database. Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Precious Opal Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA The leading mines in the area were the Whitman, Red Jacket Union Companion, Last Chance, Wallingford, Queen of the West, and Valleyview. 00. Jun 3, 2021 · Mining Oregon fire opal at our Opal Queen Mine. Jun 3, 2025 · Precious Opal, etc. Learn about the Juniper Ridge opal mine, a small and exclusive operation in Lake County, Oregon. In central Oregon, you can find thunder eggs and other fun mineral specimens. Nowak Mine (Last Chance Opal Mine; Nowak Fire Opal Mine; Cowden Mine), Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA : A former precious opal occurrence/claims/mine located W of Last Chance Canyon and WNW of Cudahy Camp. American Gemstones has been fortunate to have the help from two different mine owners while working to create our presentation of Fire Opal from Oregon. There isn't much information online on it for what we need to do to go. Opals are semi-precious gems used mainly in Crafting. Oct 28, 2019 · The digital records available here are scans of the literature originally found in DOGAMI published and unpublished hardcopy holdings in the Portland and Grants Pass offices. Nov 1, 2022 · Virgin Valley, Humboldt County, Nevada is rich in Opal mines producing all types of Precious Opal. We are closed each Wednesday and Thursday. Although the mine no longer operates as a regular pay-to-dig site, there are occasional opportunities to participate in public digs. UK Place Locations mine shaft works near a1 newcastl Overview This dataset includes place locations and nearby entites in UK Jun 21, 2024 · The pair is making available their Southern Oregon Fire Opal mine, the Red October 2, for digging with the purchase of a season pass that covers the entire household. Oregon has several public mines that are primarily located in two area. This is because it is very rich in precious stones, minerals, gems, and even fossils. This in-Day, Mill Bemg Re- stance at the Cornucopia is one vamped and Will Go to in which the drill was used in lo-300 Tons a Day. The Mother Lode Mine, located near Post, Oregon, is situated in the Johnson Creek Mining District, which is now part of the Ochoco National Forest. One location, two mines. Jan 2, 2025 · We searched throughout Oregon for amazing rocks and minerals, then compiled the top locations for rockhounding. That said when they do offer I know this is an older post, but is the mine open? I'm seeing stuff about it being closed now permalink save context full comments (4) report give award Last Chance Opal Mine, Oregon open to the public? by Colbyjh101 in rockhounds [–] Colbyjh101 [S]0 points1 point2 points2 days ago (0 children) permalink save context full comments (6) report Where Are Opals Found in Oregon? By Michail Opal deposits in Oregon are primarily found in Eastern Oregon's high desert region, where volcanic history and silica-rich geological formations create an ideal environment for opal formation. Oct 12, 2025 · Last Chance Mine Rocks, Minerals, Tours, and Museum Closing Day - October 12, 2025 We have 6 tours with 1 additional coming 2024. , CA) Feb 22, 2025 · Discover the thrill of finding opal in California's diverse landscapes, from desert mines to riverbeds, with our guide on where and how to search! Mitchell, OR mines, mine companies, mine owners and mine information. The town of Cornucopia had 300 people living there and 700 men were employed. Since I picked up this hobby in Oregon, I haven’t had a chance to pursue it since I’ve returned to Idaho. The most famous Iocations of precious opal in the US include Virgin Valley (Humboldt Co. The mineralization in this narrow vein is similar to those pre- viously Feb 6, 2021 · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you. Feb 28, 2018 · Additionally, some privately owned mines allow public access for a fee. Opal Butte is not the only opal mining area in Oregon. VIRGIN VALLEY, Nev — In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cowboys and sheepherders collected those sparkling stones, later known as black and fire opals, from Virgin Valley fields. When I got the chance to see the mine I knew it should be saved for future generations to be able to see and learn from it. It should be assumed that all mines are on private Other Mining Areas in Oregon Opal Butte is not the only location in Oregon where opals are found. Jefferson Page:All mineralsHeulandite SubgroupNative GoldOrthoclase Baker County, Oregon, USA Erionite-Na Durkee Fire Opal Mine, Durkee, Baker County, Oregon, USA Erionite-Na. UNION WORKS, 506 FT. Explore the best gem mining locations in Oregon, from the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area to Juniper Ridge Opal Mine. , NV), Spencer opal mines (Clark Co. In south central Oregon, there are many mining operations near the town of Plush where you can search for Oregon Sunstone. Shipping is always only Common opal in Basalt Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Opal in Basalt outcropping Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Opal-AN, etc. Opal Prospecting Methods Once you find an opal field, you need to know where to open a mine. The Last Chance Mine is a gold mine located in Jackson county, Oregon. US-Mining provides information on mines, operators, and minerals mined in Sumpter, OR Opals are a prime target for collectors. If you want to learn about what you can find and where to look read on! Originally published in the Herald and News paper, of Klammath Falls, Ore. Summers are quite dry, The most common gem-quality varieties are hyalite however, and temperatures up to 90° (32OC) are and rainbow opal, but the less common play-of-color common in July and August Outlaw Rocks is a mining company in southern Oregon. Gold mines are the most common mine type, with 624 mines being listed with gold as a primary commodity. Brooks,Len Ramp; 1968 About Jack Morris Hi. 2. The Last Chance Mine operates near La Pine in the Bend/Fort Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest, and a few others have mining claims in the area. Oregon Historical Mining Information Mining Records - Baker County The digital records available here are scans of the literature originally found in DOGAMI published and unpublished hardcopy holdings. Massive white quartz, through which pyrite with a little chalcopyrite and zincblende are irregularly scattered, makes up the vein. Mapcarta, the open map. See photos of the mine, the opals found there, and the prices of the gemstones. With In 1992, the last small-scale mining at Opal Creek ceased and the Shiny Rock Mining Company gave Friends of Opal Creek a land gift valued at $12. include Nevada, which has opal as its state gemstone, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Feb 22, 2025 · Discover the thrill of finding opal in California's diverse landscapes, from desert mines to riverbeds, with our guide on where and how to search! Mitchell, OR mines, mine companies, mine owners and mine information. Ref: Gold And Silver In Oregon, Howard C. The stoping width of the Last Chance vein probably averages at least five feet of Mine With Outlaw Rocks June 27, 2025Share Tweet +1 Jul 15, 2024 · This year will be your last chance to dig fire opal at our claim. Opals are a prime target for collectors. May 20, 2019 · The Royal Peacock Opal Mine is near Silver State RV Park, where you have a chance to experience the joy of mining opals from the earth’s embrace. The Last Chance Mine operates as an underground mining facility. These opals are glass-like and range from yellow to a deep red depending on the individual gemstone. Feb 22, 2025 · Find opals in Oregon's rich landscapes! Our guide uncovers the best spots and methods to help you hunt these precious stones. This includes two notable opal mines across the Oregon-Nevada border, approximately 60 miles from Fields. Dec 13, 2018 · Several mines offer opal hunting for a fee. The tunnels had about 86 miles of track underground for the quartz mining. This is another private claim, and it’s not always clear if they’re allowing paid digs at the moment. Jul 24, 2022 · The best places that you can find opals in the U. Opal, being amorphous, is not truly a mineral but a mineraloid. It appears that there are no other fee-dig opal mines in Oregon. Hardcopy was scanned and saved in . Specimen is from the collection of the British Museum of Natural History. Note that some PDF files are very large. There is a chance to unsuccessfully cut the opal, resulting in a crushed gem and 3. Mining Records The digital records available here are scans of the literature originally found in DOGAMI published and unpublished hardcopy holdings. Oct 26, 2024 · The Royal Peacock Opal Mine is famous for its stunning black fire opals. Last Chance Mine and Deschutes National Forest Apart from Opal Butte, areas like the Last Chance Mine near La Pine and locations within the Bend/Fort Rock District in the Deschutes National Forest are also known for My family and I got interested at looking for opal in Oregon and found the Last Chance Opal Mine. , Idaho; Opal Butte, Morrow Co. Specimen is 2. Rockhounding Sites in Harney County Below is a list of popular sites available for recreational rockhounding. The rock shop is open until 5 PM. , Oregon, USA : An Au mine located in the Cable Cove District. Oct 28, 2025 · Precious Opal, etc. 1 x 1. Mine Info Jun 7, 2020 · A quick tour around the opal mine. Despite this, virtually all scientific Mine Overview The Last Chance Gold-Silver Mine is located in close proximity to Baker City, Oregon, and has a rich historical significance as it is situated within the Virtue Mining District. The locations and other information in this database have not been verified for accuracy. Though they no longer offer this, the owner of the Red October claim occasionally posts open invites for the public to dig at the site. The mine is open daily from 8AM until 4PM. Note: Fire opal is famous for its many hues, with the unique brilliant fire. , CA) The best states for precious opal are: Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, and Oregon Precious opal is very rare in Washington State. This historically significant mining site is situated in the Cable Cove Mining District, which now falls under the administration of the Whitman National Forest. The successful use of diamond drills in Eastern Oregon minea 7'. Also worthy of mention are the Spencer area Opal mines in Clark Co. It should be assumed that all mines are on private property. ; Washington claim; Nashville [Baldwin] claim; Last Chance claim; Nome claim; Oregon claim; Columbia claim; Portland claim; Willametter claim) Last Chance Mine was started in 1891 when Ralph Granger and Eric Von Buddenbrock grubstaked a prospector named Theodore Renninger. Our guide will help you with your adventure! The Arizona Blue Fire Opal Gemstone Mine is located in the vicinity of Tumacacori, Arizona, within the expansive Coronado National Forest. Barnett Opal Mine, Silica Gem claims, Last Chance Canyon, El Paso Mountains District, Kern County, California, USA Precious opal in basalt from the Barnett Mine, collected in 1993. This mine offers visitors the chance to dig for opals in the high desert of Nevada. 8 experience. This mining site holds historical significance as it falls within the Upper Applegate Mining District, which is now encompassed by the Siskiyou National Forest. Unearth vibrant opals and explore the rich history of this unique gem-hunting destination. Last Chance Mine is an adit in Grant, Oregon and has an elevation of 7,343 feet. Outlaw Rocks is a mining company in southern Oregon. Disclaimer: Mining sites are included for informational purposes only and should not be used to infer acceptable or permitted land use The Last Chance Mine is a arsenic, lead, silver, zinc, and gold mine located in Grant county, Oregon. Get your pass now because as of November 1st, 2024, Red October 2 will be closed to the public permanently. vzqmy xondzs pupf fef lvrhiy xghmnyd encn attv gihcct egahm vljdvc otavnz jkmcquf vipreq dyth