NEVADA
State Rock: Sandstone (1987)
State Gemstones: Nevada Turquoise [semiprecious] (1987) & Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal [precious] (1987)
State Fossil: Ichthyosaur (1977)
State Metal: Silver (1977)
Nevada has many opportunities for rockhounds searching for gemstones and crystals. Nevada is well regarded for its high-quality opal which is some of the most valued in the entire world.
The best places to rockhound in Nevada are the mines and prospects across the state which contain ores of precious metals. The most popular sites are in Virgin Valley where several opal mines operate and the are open to the public. Other rockhounding sites include Garnet Hill and Black Rock Desert.
Sandstone originated when Nevada was under a huge inland sea millions of years ago.
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum and copper. The copper gives it its blue color. Sometimes called the ‘jewel of the desert,’ Nevada turquoise is found in many parts of the state.
Nevada’s nickname, of course is the ‘Silver State.’ In 1859, in the Virginia Range of Western Nevada on the site of Virginia City, a rich mineral deposit was discovered. This ‘Comstock Lode’ was named for Henry Tomkins Paige Comstock, a California prospector who first laid claim to the land. This one lode yielded more than three hundred million dollars in silver and gold in twenty years.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
MINE INFORMATON
Come dig with us at the world famous Royal Blue Mine at Royston near Tonopah, Nevada. Dig and screen Polychrome, Blue, and Green Turquoise from our ore piles. The Turquoise from here is world renowned for having the widest variety of colors and patterns including Spiderweb, of any turquoise mine in the world.
Shovel and screen your own turquoise from the mine’s large ore pile. Each person in your family/group will be provided their own screen and dig area. Work tables and basin of water for rock washing along with the shovels and screens will be provided at no extra cost!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Bring gloves, knee pads, food, water.
HOURS:
By appointment only
PRICES:
Half Day Dig (3 hours) is $150 per person
Full Day Dig (8 hours) is $200 per person
Kids 12 and under are free! Kids 13-15 yrs old half price! (With paying adult)
Screen through your own personal turquoise bearing ore. Approximate time needed for two adults is 3 to 5 hours. Screens and water provided.
Turquoise ore pile $200/half backhoe scoop or $300/full backhoe scoop
Exclusive ore pile $400/backhoe scoop
Turquoise conveyor belt runs! Keep everything you find on the conveyor belt.
30 minute run – $300
1 hour run – $400
MINE INFORMATON
There are four picnic sites with grills and a handicap accessible restroom available. A group barbeque area is also available. There are two informal areas for tents or small campers. RVs and large trailers are not recommended. No water is available. Elevation 7000 ft.
Garnet Hill is also an excellent location to view the excavations of the massive open pit copper mines near Ruth, Nevada.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Bring a rock hammer, gloves, container, or just search the ground to locate these crystals.
MINE INFORMATON
KEEP ALL YOU FIND!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
If you’re able to bring your own picks, shovels, rakes, and buckets it is HIGHLY recommended. We now only have a VERY limited number of tools to use at the mine site. Hand picks are available for purchase in the gift shop $45/small $100/large.
MSHA Requirements
- Hard hats (try to bring your own but we do have a limited amount on hand for use)
- Hard toed shoes (boots are great to protect your toes from rocks but closed toed shoes will work just fine) no open-toed shoes allowed on the mine site, no one wants to lose a toe
- Safety glasses or goggles (if you don’t have any we do offer some for purchase in the rock shop) these are only required for bank diggers
No mechanical tools are allowed
HALLELUJAH JUNCTION MINE
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 636-2016
Check out Ryan Anderson’s Instagram page and message there for upcoming paid digs.
MINE INFORMATON
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Quartz crystals in Amethyst have been mined at this location for many years, huge scepter formations can occur! Several claims are located on this private area so keep your eyes open. You can go and pay to dig here.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.