OREGON
State Rock: Thunderegg (1965)
Oregon is one of the very best states in America for recreational rockhounders.
An abundance of fossils, gemstones, rocks, and minerals can be found here.
The best places to rockhound in Oregon are Crook County in the central part of the state, the gravels of Pacific Ocean beaches, and many local river and stream beds. Rockhounds can collect a variety of rocks and minerals, including Oregon’s famous thundereggs, agates, and sunstone.
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
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! This is a wonderful experience that you will want to do over and over! Sunstones are a variety of feldspar, they are very gemmy. Sunstones coming out of Oregon are very unique with their size and colors! This location is open to the public.
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
HOURS
Himalaya Tourmaline Mine Open year round, Thursday – Sunday 10-3
Spectrum Mine Open May15th – Nov 1st
Trilobite Me Quarry! Open April 1st – October 10
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.