Gem hunting in Oregon is about as good as it gets in the US and it offers adventure for everyone from curious beginners to experienced rockhounds. The state is filled with mountains rivers deserts and forests that hide colorful treasures just waiting to be found.

You might pick up a brilliant sunstone in the high desert or discover a banded agate on the coast. Thunder eggs the state rock of Oregon are famous for looking plain on the outside but sparkling with crystals once opened. Each trip into the outdoors can turn into an exciting hunt where you never know what will show up next.

Exploring the land with a rock hammer and a sense of wonder is part science and part treasure hunt. If you are ready to learn where to look and what to bring along then keep reading because Oregon is full of gems worth chasing.

The Gemstones Found In Oregon You Can Mine

We are truly fortunate to have access to a wide variety of gorgeous gemstones here that can be mined.

Azurite

Azurite is a beautiful blue gemstone with a deep, bright color that really stands out. The cool blue color comes from the copper that makes it up most of the time. The way azurite forms is very different from other stones.

It’s generally found where rocks high in copper have been worn down by oxygen and weather, like in copper mines or near copper deposits. It takes time for azurite to form when water meets with copper in rock.

Azurite is sometimes found with malachite, a green copper crystal. The two stones look beautiful together, as they are both blue and green.

Its name comes from the old Persian word “lazhward,” which means “blue.” It makes sense since it’s one of the bluest rocks. It has been valuable for a long time, both for its beauty and for the copper it contains.

It was ground up and used as a blue colorant in paints and dyes. Many people used it to make bright blue colors for art and home decor.

These days, azurite is mostly used for decoration and collecting. People who like minerals and people who make jewelry love its bright blue color.

Where you can find Azurite in Oregon

Azurite is found in large amounts in Oregon, especially in the following places:

• Cedar Springs Mountain
• Illinois River
• Jump-Off Joe Creek

Agate

Agate is a super cool and pretty rock that is actually a type of quartz. Amazing shapes and colors are what make it stand out. Colors like red, blue, brown, and green are common, and it often has stripes, waves, or spots.

Agates have their own special way of sticking together. They usually grow in rock cavities that aren’t being used, like bubbles in volcanic rocks or holes in other ones.

The water carries various minerals as it runs through these rocks. In these areas, these minerals build up over time, forming agates.

The name “agate” comes from a Greek word for a stone found in a Sicilian river. Ganeshas have been used and valued for a very long time. Their beautiful patterns inspired ancient people to use them to make jewelry and other home art.

They’re attractive, but they are also strong and long-lasting, which makes them great for many craft projects.

People still love agates for many of the same reasons. A lot of jewelry, like necklaces and bands, uses them. As a decoration, they’re often used to make bookends or slices that you can put next to a window to see the colors come through.

Where you can find Agate in Oregon

Here are some places in Oregon where you can find agate:

• Clear Creek 
• Crater Lake National Park
• Klamath River
• Ochoco National Forest
• Willow Creek Reservoir

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, sometimes called heliotrope, is a fascinating stone with a long past. Crystalline chalcedony is a type of quartz generally dark green with red spots.

It gets its name from the red spots on the stone, which are made of a mineral called iron oxide. They look like blood drops!

If mineral-filled liquid gets into cracks and spaces in rocks, it can turn into bloodstone. The red spots on this liquid stay the same as it forms into bloodstone over time.

The history of the name “bloodstone” is a bit dramatic. People in the past thought that the red spots were Jesus Christ’s blood that fell to the green land and turned into this stone.

It was a very holy and important gem for a long time because of this story. Bloodstone is valuable for more than just its history and interesting look.

It’s also tough and can be polished to a nice shine, which makes it great for jewelry and home decor.

Today, bloodstone is mostly used to make jewelry, seals, and hanging charms. Many people like bloodstone because of how it looks, but some also think it can heal. For example, they believe it can help calm, ground, and even clean the blood.

It’s still admired for its unique beauty and interesting past, whether it’s kept as a special stone or worn as jewelry.

Where you can find Bloodstone in Oregon

Oregon has a lot of bloodstone minerals, especially in these places:

• Big Falls
• Butte Falls
• Ocean Lake
• Table Rock

Galena

Galena is an interesting material that is mostly made up of sulfur and lead. It looks like metal and is generally gray or silver. It’s pretty heavy for its size, and it often shapes itself into cool cubes and squares.

It can be found in many places worldwide, usually deep underground, where hot fluids from volcanoes are present. These hot liquids move the sulfur and lead into cracks and holes in rocks, where they cool down and change into galena.

Latin words that mean “lead” are where the name “galena” comes from. It makes sense since galena is the main source of lead. Lead has been around for a long time and used in many ways, such as in batteries, bullets, and even to block X-rays.

Galena is also important because it often has silver in it. This silver can be used for many things, such as making coins and jewelry.

Lead isn’t used as often because it can be dangerous, but mineral fans still like galena because of its cool crystal shapes and shiny look.

It’s also used to teach geology and mining because it shows how lead and other metals can be found in the real world.

It’s a cool and important material in geology, but we need to be careful when we handle and use it because it contains lead.

Where you can find Galena in Oregon

There are several galena rocks in Oregon, especially in the following places:

• Illinois River
• Jump-Off Joe Creek

Malachite

Malachite is a beautiful and rare gemstone that makes things look interesting with its bright green color. Copper carbonate, which is copper, carbon, and oxygen, is what it’s made of.

All of these things work together to give malachite its bright green colors. It’s pretty cool how malachite appears. It generally grows at the top of copper deposits, where the copper minerals mix with oxygen and carbonated water.

This is how the swirling designs and bands of different shades of green in malachite are made.

Its color is like the leaves of the mallow plant, where the name “malachite” comes from:’molochitis,’ which means “mallow-green stone.” For a very long time, people have valued malachite, both for its beauty and because it contains copper.

People in Egypt and other places used malachite to make green paint colors and even to make their eyes look better. It’s often used for jewelry and home art because of its unique green color and patterns.

Jewelry like necklaces, bands, and earrings are mostly made from malachite. It stands out because of its bright green color and interesting designs.

It’s also used to make sculptures, vases, and other artistic items and for the inlay work on furniture.

Where you can find Malachite in Oregon

You can easily find malachite in the state, especially in these places:

• Illinois River
• Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Mesolite

Mesolite is a fascinating and not very common crystal in the zeolite group. There is water in the framework of zeolites, which are minerals. It stands out because its crystals are very small and needle-like.

The crystals are usually white or colorless. Salt, calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen make it up. It normally forms in the cracks of volcanic rocks.

Water that is hot and full of minerals flows through these rocks. As the water disappears, it leaves the minerals forming mesolite crystals behind.

“Mesolite” comes from the Greek words “mesos,” which means “middle,” and “lithos,” which means “stone.” Given this name, it’s situated in the middle of other zeolite materials chemically speaking.

Mineral owners mostly like it because of its unique and delicate crystal structures. When they grow in big, bushy groups, these needle-like crystals can be very beautiful.

It’s a very fragile mineral that isn’t often used in jewelry, but it’s still an important one for science and teaching. Geologists and mineralogists study it to learn more about how zeolites are made and their purpose.

Sometimes, zeolites like mesolite are also looked at for possible uses in things like cleaning water, since they can hold water and other molecules inside their structure.

So, mesolite is an interesting and important mineral in geology, even if it’s not as well known as some other minerals.

Where you can find Mesolite in Oregon

Mesolite can be found in the following parts of the state:

• Mount Pisgah

Oregon Sunstone

The Oregon sunstone is a beautiful and rare gem found only in Oregon, USA. There are different kinds of this material called feldspar, and it can be clear or yellow, pink, red, or green, and it sparkles and glitters.

It looks sparkly because there are tiny copper bits inside the stone. These bits catch light and make the sunstone shine. It forms where hot lava cools down and turns into rock, like near volcanoes.

The name “Oregon sunstone” is pretty clear: it comes from the state of Oregon, where it’s found, and the way it shimmers and sparkles makes it look like the sun.

There are several reasons why this sunstone is valuable. It’s pretty rare because you can only find it in a few places worldwide. Also, because copper is inside the stone, every sunstone is different and has its own design of color and sparkle.

Rings, chains, and earrings are the main things that Oregon sunstone is used for. It has become very popular for making unique, one-of-a-kind ornaments because it is pretty and different.

Sunstones are sometimes used to make jewelry, but some people also gather them as a hobby because they like the way each one is different in color and pattern.

Many people love Oregon sunstone, whether it’s set in a beautiful piece of jewelry or just looked at for its beauty.

Where you can find Oregon Sunstone in Oregon

In Oregon, you can find Oregon Sunstone at the Oregon Sunstone Collection Area.

Carnelian

Its warm, reddish-orange color makes carnelian a beautiful and well-known gem. Some kinds of chalcedony are made up of tiny quartz crystals stuck together.

Its unique color comes from iron oxides mixed in with the quartz. It can be a light orange or deep brown color that looks almost red. Usually, it can be found near volcanic rock.

This is because silica-rich water seeps through the rocks, leaving behind the minerals that makeup carnelian.

The name “carnelian” is thought to come from the Latin word “carne,” which means “flesh,” because the stone looks like skin. People have valued this stone for a long time, since ancient times.

It’s beautiful but also pretty tough, making it great for cutting and making jewelry. Carnelian is mostly used to make rings, bracelets, and earrings.

People like it because it has a deep color and shines beautifully when polished. It’s also used to make small carvings and artistic items.

Where you can find Carnelian in Oregon

It can be found in the following places in the state:

• Clear Creek
• Greensprings Mountain
• Nehalem River
• Rogue River
• South Umpqua River

Chrysoprase

The beautiful green color of chrysoprase makes it stand out as a one-of-a-kind gem. It’s a type of chalcedony, which means it is made up of very small quartz crystals that are clumped together.

Nickel is a metal that mixes with the quartz and gives chrysoprase its green color. It’s not as tough as diamond, but it’s still great for jewelry.

It forms in cracks and holes in rocks, where silica-rich water flows through and leaves behind quartz and nickel, which slowly change into chrysoprase.

Two Greek words, “chrysos” (meaning “gold”) and “prasinon” (meaning “green”), give this stone its name. This is a great name for chrysoprase because of its bright apple-green color, which can sometimes look like green gold.

If it’s a really clear, deep green color, this type of chalcedony is one of the most valuable ones. People have loved this stone for a long time because of its color and beauty.

Chrysoprase is used in many ways, but most of the time it’s made into jewelry like rings, bracelets, and earrings. Designers and gem fans love it because of its beautiful color and strength.

It’s also used to make decorations and sometimes small carvings. In many places, chrysoprase is still a very popular gemstone. People love it for its beauty and the happiness it brings.

Where you can find Chrysoprase in Oregon

Nickel Mountain is one of the best places to find chrysoprase in the state.

Jade

For thousands of years, people have loved jade because it’s a unique and beautiful stone. Nephrite and jadeite are the two types that it comes in. Both types are very tough and come in many colors, but the most well-known is a rich, creamy green.

The Earth’s base has a lot of pressure, but not much heat. This is where jade is formed. Rocks that have changed over time, like metamorphic rocks, are often where it’s found. It can also be found in riverbeds where rocks have been worn down.

There is a Spanish word that means “stone of the side” that is where the name “jade” comes from. People used to think that wearing jade could ease side pain, which is how it got its name.

For a long time, it has been an essential stone in many Asian societies. People respect it not only for how pretty it is but also for how tough it is and how hard it is to carve.

Jade is used for many things these days. A lot of people wear bracelets, earrings, and pendants with it. Beautiful carvings, statues, and other home decor items are made from jade.

In some places, like China, jade is still a sign of wealth and style. Many people value jade because it has a lot of history and meaning. It’s one of the most valuable stones in the world.

Where you can find Jade in Oregon

There are lots of jade reserves in these places:

• Applegate River
• Crow Creek Recreation Area
• Shirttail Creek
• Umpqua River

Moonstone

The moonstone is a beautiful gem that looks almost magical. The glow changes as you move it around, giving it its name. This glow is similar to how the moon looks different when clouds pass over it.

Adularescence is the name for this glow. It happens because the stone is made up of layers of feldspar rocks.

It’s found in igneous rocks, formed when lava or magma cooled down. The layers inside the moonstone spread light, giving it a dreamy, glowing look.

This gem is called a “moonstone” because it looks like the moonlight and is mysterious and beautiful. Moonstone has been valued for a long time, mostly because it looks different.

As of now, moonstone is mainly used to make ornaments. Many use it to make earrings, chains, rings, and bracelets. It’s unique and stands out because its colors glow and change.

Moonstone is still a rock that people love, whether it’s because of its gorgeous look or its mysterious aura.

Where you can find Moonstone in Oregon

You can find moonstone in the following places across the state:

• Agate Beach
• Commings Creek
• Ocean Lake

Opal

The amazing way the colors change in opal is what makes it so interesting and beautiful. Opals have a pattern made of very small water and silica particles that make this happen.

The word “opal” comes from the Greek word “opallios,” which means “to become different colors.” This is a great name for this mineral because of the way its colors change when it’s lit.

For a very long time, people have loved opals because they are beautiful and look like they have magic hiding inside them.

Most of the time, it’s used to make jewelry like earrings, rings, and bracelets. It’s loved by artists and jewelry makers because it comes in so many beautiful colors.

Gem lovers gather opals because they are beautiful and hard to find. They are also worn as jewelry. Around the world, people still value opal, whether it’s set in jewelry or just looked at for its beauty.

Where you can find Opal in Oregon

The following places in the state are where you can find opal:

• Fulton Agate Beds
• Hart Mountain
• Juniper Ridge Opal Mine
• Opal Butte
• Priday Agates Bed

Quartz

Quartz is a mineral that can be found all over the world and is very famous. Silicon and oxygen, which are found in large amounts in the Earth’s soil, make it up.

It forms in many types of rocks all over the world. As quartz grows, it can be very small or very large. Sometimes it forms big, beautiful crystals that you can see.

Quartz is made when hot water inside the Earth cools down and the silicon and oxygen in the water turn into crystals.

“Quartz” comes from the German word “quarz,” but no one knows where it originated. It’s easy to find and pretty, so people have used quartz for a long time.

Hardness is one of the coolest things about quartz. It’s very tough, which makes it great for many things. In addition, it can carry an electric charge, which is very useful in technology.

Quartz is used for many things. It’s often used to make necklaces and bands because it looks nice and lasts long. Because it helps keep time so well, it’s also used in watches and clocks.

It’s even present in glass and some kinds of countertops you use daily. Some people use quartz for spiritual purposes because they believe it has healing powers. Quartz is a cool material that is used in a lot of cool things around the house.

Where you can find Quartz in Oregon

You can find quartz in the following states:

• Bear Creek Stream
• Harney Valley
• Mount Pisgah Arboretum
• Quartzville Creek
• Table Rock

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a pretty cool gemstone that is a deep pink or rose-red. It comprises manganese, oxygen, and other things that can change its color, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Most of the time, it’s found in metamorphic rocks. These rocks have been changed by heat and pressure inside the Earth. It’s sometimes found in these rocks’ small lines or cracks.

Rhodonite often has neat black or gray lines of a different mineral called manganese oxide. These lines make pretty patterns.

It gets its name from the Greek word for rose, “rhodon.” People have loved this gemstone for a long time, both for its beauty and because it has manganese in it, which is used to make some metals.

Because it’s tough and shines up well, it’s often used to make jewelry and home art. Gem collectors and gem lovers really like it because of its unique color and designs.

This stone is the national stone of Russia and has been used in many ancient and important buildings.

Where you can find Rhodonite in Oregon

These places in the state have rhodonite minerals:

• Cave Creek
• Oregon Creek

Turquoise

People love turquoise because it’s a very pretty and unique stone in bright blue to green colors. Copper, aluminum, and phosphorus are all used to make it.

Its blue color comes mostly from the copper. Rainwater seeps through the ground in dry places and mixes with copper minerals to make turquoise. This process takes millions of years and doesn’t happen often, making it unique.

You can often find it in the gaps and cracks of rocks, where its bright blue color stands out against the dull rock.

From a French word that means “Turkish stone,” the name “turquoise” comes. This is because the stone was first brought to Europe from Turkey. For a very long time, people have valued, loved, and respected turquoise.

People in the past, like the Egyptians and Native Americans, used it to make art and jewelry. It’s costly because it’s not only pretty but also very rare and hard to find.

These days, turquoise is mostly used to make earrings, bracelets, and rings. Because of its unique color, it’s used for many different styles. Some tribes still use turquoise in ceremonies and as a sign of wealth.

Where you can find Turquoise in Oregon

You can find a lot of turquoise at Columbia River.

Thunderegg

It’s not like most rocks that you see; thundereggs are actually really cool geological forms. Although they look like normal rocks at first glance, cutting them open reveals stunning colors and patterns.

You can find thundereggs near volcanoes, where the lava moves and cools. There are gas bubbles inside the lava as it cools down.

Minerals like agate and quartz seep into these holes over time and harden, making the beautiful patterns inside thundereggs.

The name “thunderegg” comes from a funny place. It comes from a story told by Native Americans. The gods in the mountains are said to have thrown these rocks at each other during storms, which is why they can be found where the “thunder spirits” fought.

So, finding thundereggs is a lot like finding pieces of a story from a long time ago. They’re valuable because each one is different, not just because they look cool. Before you open a thunderegg, the designs and colors inside might surprise you.

People love collecting thundereggs and making things out of them for decoration. They’re the official state rock of Oregon, where they’re very famous. Rock fans cut and polish them to show off the pretty designs inside.

You can also use them to make jewelry, paperweights, and bookends. Finding thundereggs outside can be fun, and it’s always interesting to break them open and see what’s inside.

Thunder Eggs are an interesting part of rock collecting, whether you keep them as a natural treasure or use them to make something pretty.

Where you can find Thundereggs in Oregon

The following places in the state are good places to find thunderegg:

• Lucky Strike Mine
• Succor Creek State Natural Area
• Wheeler High School Fossil Beds
• White Fir Springs

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Oregon

We created a list of our favorite places for gem hunting. These are what we consider the best spots for adults to do real gem mining. We also included some recommendations that are best for kids to explore and discover the wonders of gem hunting.

Oregon Sunstone Collection Area

1301 South G Street Lakeview, OR 97630 United States

Gem mining for Oregon Sunstone has been a popular activity for over 100 years. Oregon Sunstone Collection Area, located near the town of Plush, is where you can mine for these. The area was originally inhabited by the Northern Paiute people, who first discovered Oregon Sunstone and used it to create jewelry items.

Today, you can come to the Oregon Sunstone Collection Area and experience gem hunting firsthand by purchasing buckets of ore that have been mined from nearby claims or by renting equipment and searching for your own stones on public lands. Once you find a stone, you can take it home with you as a souvenir or have it cut into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

The Types of Gems Found In The Oregon Sunstone Collection Area

This area is best known for the Oregon Sunstone, a rare gem found exclusively in the high desert of the state. It is known for its beautiful orange and red hues, which are caused by copper inclusions.

The Best Time To Visit Oregon Sunstone Collection Area

The best time to visit this place for gem hunting is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is typically warmer and drier during this time of year, making it easier to search for gems and enjoy the outdoors.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Gems you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

Quartzville Creek

1717 Fabry Rd., Salem, OR 97306

Quartzville Creek is a popular gem mining destination in the Cascade Mountains. The creek has long been known for its abundant deposits of quartz crystals and other gems and minerals, making it a popular spot for recreational gold panning and gemstone hunting.

The area was first discovered by prospectors during the mid-1800s and has been mined ever since. Today, Quartzville Creek remains a popular destination for rock hounds and nature lovers alike. You can pan for gold or search for gems while enjoying the beauty of nature in this remote corner of the state.

The Types of Gems Found In The Quartzville Creek

This area has different gemstones, but most abundant of them are the following:

• Agate
• Jasper
• Pyrite
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Quartzville Creek

The best time to visit Quartzville Creek is in the spring and summer months. This is when the water is at its lowest levels, allowing for more access to areas that may contain different kinds of gems. During this time, temperatures are also milder, making it more comfortable for gem mining.

Juniper Ridge Opal Mine

Lakeview, OR 97630 United States

Juniper Ridge Opal Mine, established in 1997, is well known for its unique and rare opal varieties, including hyalite, jelly, honeycomb, dendritic, blue-green, and crystal opals.

This place can offer you a variety of ways to experience gemstone mining from their location in Lake County. You can take part in the “bucket” program where you get to sift through dirt for gems or join an underground tour of the mine with experienced guides. The mine also offers workshops and classes that provide insight into the history and science of opal mining.

The Types of Gems Found In The Juniper Ridge Opal Mine

There are different kinds of gems in this place, but opals in different colors and shapes are the most bountiful here.

The Best Time To Visit Juniper Ridge Opal Mine

The best time to visit the Juniper Ridge Opal Mine for gem mining is during the summer months of June, July, and August. The weather is usually warm and dry during these months, which makes it easier to search for gems. Additionally, the days are longer so you can spend more time outside looking for opals.

Spectrum Mines – Great for kids

Plush, OR 97637, United States

Spectrum Mines is a family-friendly gem mining place that offers a unique and educational experience for children of all ages. You can search for gems, minerals, and fossils in the sluice boxes provided by the place.

The staff help teach children about the different types of rocks and minerals they can find, as well as provide guidance on how to identify them. After their mining adventure, kids can take home their finds and learn more about them with the educational booklets provided by the mines. There is also an on-site gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs from their trip.

The Types of Gems Found In The Spectrum Mines

This area is known for plenty different kinds of gemstones that can be found in the state. Because of this, kids get to learn about a variety of gemstones while having fun doing gem mining.

The Best Time To Visit Spectrum Mines

The best time to visit Spectrum Mines is during the summer months of June through August. This is the peak season for gem mining and the perfect time for families with kids to enjoy an outdoor adventure. The mine’s staff are also full on during these months, so you can get all the help you need when it comes to finding gems and learning about the different types of gems available.

Sand Master Park – Great for kids

4981 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439-8896

Sand Master Park is built on a sand dune near the state’s coast. This state-of-the-art facility offers visitors a unique experience in sandboarding.

But more than this, the park is an outdoor gem mining facility. It features various activities, such as gem panning, sluicing, and rockhounding. Sand Master Park also offers educational programs on geology, mineralogy, and paleontology. With its unique blend of outdoor activities and educational opportunities, it has become a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

The Types of Gems Found In The Sand Master Park

This place features different kinds of gems that can be found in the state, both rare and more common, making it a great place for kids to see, touch, and learn about different varieties of gemstones.

The Best Time To Visit Sand Master Park

The best time to visit Sand Master Park is during the summer months of June through August. The weather is usually warm and sunny during this time of year, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like gem mining. Additionally, the park is open every day during the summer months, so it’s easy to plan a visit that fits your schedule.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Oregon

Aside from the best places that we shared above, there are plenty other places here where adults can experience authentic gem mining. Below is a list of these places for those of you who want to do real gem hunting.

• Agate Lake County Park – Agate
• Bear Creek Stream – Agate, Jasper, Quartz
• Priday Agates Bed – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Opal
• Short Beach – Agate, Jasper, Calcite, Quartz
• Umpqua River – Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jade, Jasper
• Rome – Snakeskin Agate
• Graveyard Point – Agate
• South Oregon Coast – Agate, Jasper
• Fischer Canyon – Agate, Calcite, Jasper
• McDermitt – Agate, Jasper
• Succor Creek – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Santiam River – Agate, Jasper
• Biggs Village – Jasper
• Nehalem River – Agate, Carnelian, Jasper
• Eagle Rock Formation – Agate
• Shirttail Creek – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Jade
• Ochoco National Forest – Agate, Jasper
• Lincoln City Beach – Agate, Jasper
• Columbia River – Turquoise
• Mt. Pisgah – Agate, Calcite, Jasper, Malachite, Mesolite, Quartz
• Althouse Creek – Agate, Garnet, Quartz

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Oregon

For families who want to explore the wonders of gem mining with their kids, here are some of our recommended family-friendly public gem mining places in the state:

• Double Eagle Mine – Lakeview, OR 97630
• Richardson’s Rock Ranch – 6683 NE Hay Creek Rd., Madras, OR 97741
• Dust Devil Mining – Plush, OR 97637

Oregon Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

Recreational gem hunting is allowed on certain public lands within the state. All activities must be conducted in accordance with state laws and regulations under the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

A permit must be obtained from the appropriate land management agency in order to collect gems from public land. The permit must include information about the location of where gems will be collected and any applicable fees associated with the activity.

In addition to a valid license and permit, you should follow established safety guidelines when searching for gems. This includes using caution when walking on unstable or slippery surfaces, wearing protective clothing such as gloves and closed-toed shoes, avoiding areas that may contain hazardous materials or wildlife, and refraining from entering areas that are closed off due to hazardous conditions. It is also important to always respect private property boundaries while searching for gems.

You should also remember to properly dispose of any trash or debris generated during your hunt and practice Leave No Trace principles whenever possible.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries link above.

Additional Places To Mine For Gems In Nearby States

If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state you should check out our guides for neighboring states:

• Gem Mining in Washington
• Gem Mining in Idaho
• Gem Mining in Nevada
• Gem Mining in California

If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!