Starting a search for opals can be an exciting venture into the diverse geology of this region. Learning how to find opal in Texas means gearing up for an adventure across various landscapes.
The hunt for opals takes patience and a keen eye, as these gems tend to hide in places shaped by natural forces, waiting to be discovered by those who know where to look.
For anyone keen on getting their hands dirty and wanting to learn more about where to mine gems in Texas, it’s helpful to check out our guide.
We’ll walk you through exactly where to find opal across the state, and the only other thing you truly need is the Texas Rocks & Minerals Identification Field Guide so you never miss something valuable or walk past an opal without realizing it.
A good field guide can mean the difference between a bucket of gravel and a once-in-a-lifetime find.
What Is Texas Opal Anyway?
Opal is a fascinating kind of rock that’s part of the mineral family. It’s known for its ability to show many colors in the light, which can range from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens.
Learning how to identify opal is quite straightforward – look for a stone that reflects a rainbow of colors when turned under a light source. This play of color is what sets opal apart from other minerals.
Opal forms in areas where ancient geothermal springs or waterways once flowed. Over time, water carrying silica (the stuff that sand is made of) trickles down into cracks and spaces in the ground, like filling a mold.
When the water evaporates, it leaves behind these hardened silica deposits, which we know as opal.
The price of opal is usually dependent on its unique colors and patterns. No two opals are exactly the same, which makes each one special. The price of opal can vary a lot, depending on the colors and how rare it is.
Some opals might be affordable for most people, while others with bright, clear colors and fascinating patterns can be worth a lot of money.
The Types Of Opal An What They Look Like
Opals are known for their shimmering play-of-color. These gems form over millions of years from silica and water, turning into the stunning stones we see today. Here are the different kinds of opal out there:
White Opal
White opal is a captivating gemstone known for its milky or creamy base color, ranging from pure white to light grey. This type of opal is famous for its play-of-color, displaying a rainbow of hues that flash and move within the stone.
The colors can include vibrant greens, blues, reds, and oranges, making each white opal unique and eye-catching. The brighter and more varied the colors, the more prized the opal is.
The surface of white opal can be polished to a smooth, glassy finish, enhancing its mystical color play. It’s often cut into rounded or oval shapes and set into various types of jewelry, from rings and earrings to pendants and bracelets.
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Common Opal
Common opal, or “potch,” is known for its simplicity and variety. Unlike the flashy precious opals, common opal doesn’t have play-of-color, but it has its own understated charm.
We find it all around the world, formed from silica-rich waters that seep into the earth, filling cracks and voids in the rock. Over time, this silica solidifies into what we know as common opal.
It comes in many colors, from pinks and blues to browns and yellows, often with a beautiful, waxy luster that makes it glow. Its solid, often opaque appearance gives it a hearty look that’s quite different from its glittering cousins.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal is an extraordinary type of opal that’s naturally attached to a host rock, typically ironstone, which often becomes part of the gem itself.
This combination creates a striking contrast between the opal’s vibrant play-of-color and the dark, earthy tones of the rock.
Boulder opals are admired for their brilliant flashes of color that can include the entire spectrum, making each piece uniquely captivating.
The opal forms in thin veins or patches within the rock, leading to a variety of shapes and sizes, often resulting in highly unique and natural pieces.
Jewelers appreciate boulder opal for its durability and natural beauty, often leaving the ironstone backing intact to enhance the stone’s stability and contrast. Its rugged look combined with the dazzling opal colors makes for distinctive jewelry pieces.
Hyalite
Hyalite is a unique and fascinating type of opal, known for its clear, glass-like appearance. Among the different types of opal, hyalite stands out because it glows with a bright green color under UV light.
It forms from silica-rich water, just like other opals, but its purity and lack of color play give it an clear, watery look.
Certain volcanic areas host hyalite, where the conditions are just right for forming this clear, beautiful gem. Hyalite is usually found in small nodules or crusts on other rocks, shining subtly in the daylight.
Chocolate Opal
Chocolate opal is a delightful variety of opal with a rich, dark brown background that reminds one of delicious chocolate. This gemstone stands out because, despite its darker color, it still displays the famous play-of-color opals are known for.
The colorful flashes can include bright greens, reds, and blues, creating a stunning contrast against the chocolatey backdrop.
Found mainly in Ethiopia, chocolate opal is a rare find and a favorite among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Its unique appearance makes it highly desirable for use in various jewelry pieces, from rings to pendants.
Black Opal
Black opal is a rare and captivating gemstone known for its dark body color, which can range from deep grey to black. This dark hue provides a stunning contrast to the vibrant play-of-color that opals are famous for.
Black opals are among the most sought after and valuable opals in the world, with their beauty and rarity commanding high prices. These gems are often set into jewelry where they can catch the light and show off their color play.
For those interested in the thrill of discovering beautiful stones like black opal, there’s a world of gem mining to explore. Check out our guide on finding gems near you, where you can uncover the secrets of gem hunting.
Hydrophane Opal
Hydrophane opal, also known as Welo opal, is a fascinating type of opal known for its ability to absorb water.
When dry, this opal might look ordinary or less vibrant, but once it soaks in water, it becomes clear and the colors become brighter and more pronounced.
This unique feature is due to its microscopic structure, which is more porous compared to other opals, allowing it to absorb water and change appearance.
However, absorbing water can make hydrophane opals more prone to damage. If a hydrophane opal gets wet, it’s important to let it dry naturally and not subject it to drastic temperature changes.
Jelly Opal
Jelly opal, also known as water opal, is a type of precious opal with a gelatinous appearance, looking almost like jelly. Its transparency and color vary, ranging from nearly clear to a soft, hazy blue or pink.
What makes jelly opal special is its translucency. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s a solid, silica-based gemstone, like all opals.
The play-of-color in jelly opals is subtle yet enchanting. Light dances through the gem, showing off soft pastel flashes or sometimes bright, fiery colors.
Fire Opal
Fire opal is a vibrant and striking gemstone, known for its warm body colors ranging from yellow to deep orange to red, much like the colors of a flame.
Unlike many other opals, fire opals are often transparent or translucent and might not always display the characteristic play-of-color.
These opals are particularly prized for their intense and vivid colors. They are often cut into faceted shapes, allowing them to catch the light and sparkle, or into smooth cabochons to showcase their color depth.
The price of opal, including fire opal, varies widely depending on the color, brightness, pattern, and size of the stone. The rarity and uniqueness of each opal also contribute to its value.
Fire opals are sought after and relatively rare, and can thus fetch a higher price.
Dendritic Opal
Dendritic opal is a unique type of opal characterized by its intriguing inclusions that resemble trees or ferns. These inclusions are called dendrites, made from manganese or iron oxide, and create fascinating, natural patterns within the stone.
Dendritic opal itself is usually a milky white or soft grey color, providing a perfect backdrop for the dark, tree-like dendrites. This contrast makes each piece one-of-a-kind, as the patterns vary from stone to stone.
Despite not displaying the play-of-color typical of other opals, its unique appearance captivates enthusiasts and collectors.
Opalized Wood
Opalized wood is a fascinating type of fossil where ancient wood has turned into opal over millions of years.
This process occurs when the wood gets buried under sediment and silica-rich water flows through, gradually replacing the organic material with opal.
The result is a beautiful, stone-like replica of the original wood, preserving the tree rings and textures that once existed.
Opalized wood primarily consists of common opal, known for its pearly luster and variety of colors, from whites and creams to blues and greens. Sometimes, opalized wood can have play-of-color, but this is much less common.
Crystal Opal
Crystal opal is a type of precious opal known for its transparency and the brilliant play-of-color within. What makes crystal opal distinct is its see-through body, which allows light to pass through, enhancing the opal’s internal colors.
This transparency showcases the opal’s color play in a way that seems to bring the gem to life. The colors can range from bright reds, greens, and blues to softer pastel shades, shifting and shimmering as the stone moves in light.
This type of opal is sought after for its unique appearance, where the clarity and depth enhance what opal looks like, creating a stunning visual effect.
Pistachio Opal
Pistachio opal is a delightful variety of opal known for its creamy green color, reminiscent of pistachio nuts. This type of opal typically displays a soft, pale green hue with a smooth, waxy luster that makes it quite appealing
Unlike some other opals, pistachio opal usually does not show the play-of-color but is instead appreciated for its tranquil and uniform green coloration. It’s also typically opaque.
Pistachio opal is often used in jewelry as cabochons or beads, or polished and used as palmstones.
The Tools You Will Need
Opal hunting in Texas is surprisingly beginner friendly. You do not need expensive gear to get started, just a few simple tools that make your search easier and more rewarding. These basics are enough to help you spot and safely collect real gems on your very first trip.
A Reliable Field Guide For Identification – Critical
A high-quality field guide is the most important tool you can bring. It helps you instantly recognize what you find instead of guessing or spending hours looking things up later. It keeps you from walking past valuable stones or tossing opal into the “junk” pile by accident.
The Texas Rocks & Minerals Identification Field Guide is especially useful because it shows real Texas specimens with clear photos and simple wording, and it is waterproof and built for the outdoors. There is a reason thousands of your fellow Texans love it so much!
Rock Hammer
A rock hammer lets you loosen packed soil and gently break open small rocks to check for opal inside.
Some of the best specimens hide just under the surface or inside small cracks, and a hammer gives you access without damaging the stone.
Bucket or Sturdy Bag
You will need something strong to carry your finds.
A simple plastic bucket or tough bag keeps your opals safe and prevents them from getting scratched or lost while you keep exploring.
Gloves
Sharp rocks, thorns, and hot surfaces are common in Texas terrain.
A basic pair of gloves protects your hands while digging, moving stones, or reaching into tight spaces.
Small Brush or Old Toothbrush
A quick brush can remove dirt and reveal a gem’s true color and shine right there in the field. This makes it easier to confirm what you found before moving on to the next spot.
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice rock enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Opal in Texas
Finding opal in Texas is a real adventure that requires patience and a bit of know-how. The landscape is vast, and while opals are there, they’re not just sitting on the surface waiting to be picked up.
It takes a sharp eye and knowledge about where to uncover these hidden gems. Having the right guidance can make all the difference between coming home empty-handed or with a sparkling find.
For those who are set on discovering the unique experience of digging for these hidden gems, we have a guide to crystal mining in Texas. It’s full of information and tips to help you get started with your search.
Alpine
Alpine is nestled in a valley at the foothills of the Davis Mountains, offering a unique mix of desert and mountain landscapes. It boasts rolling hills, wide-open skies, and an array of vibrant desert plants.
This area is a patchwork of rugged terrain, with elevations that provide a variety of different views and experiences. The geology here is diverse, featuring volcanic rocks from ancient eruptions and a variety of minerals that hint at a complex geological history.
The region’s layers of sedimentary rock tell stories of times when this area was covered by seas and lakes, leaving behind rich fossil beds.
There are igneous rocks in the higher elevations, and throughout the area, there are signs of the tectonic movements that shaped these mountains. For rock collectors, this means a chance to find a range of specimens, from colorful agates to interesting fossils.
When planning to collect rocks in this region, make sure that you know the rules. You can check with local authorities like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to get up-to-date information on what can be collected and where it’s legal to explore.
Where we found opal in Alpine
When exploring where to mine for opal in Alpine, you’ll encounter a terrain that’s a blend of rocky outcrops and desert landscapes. Opals can be unearthed at several notable spots like Ritchie Ranch and Woodward Ranch.
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Freer
Freer sits on a flat to gently rolling terrain with an arid climate that’s typical of a semi-desert. The area is known for its brush country, where mesquite and prickly pear cacti are common sights.
Geologically, it’s part of a region characterized by sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, which tell the story of an environment that was once very different – likely a shallow marine setting eons ago.
This is evidenced by the fossilized remains of ancient sea life found within these stone layers. The soil here is a mixture of sand and clay, supporting the scrubby vegetation that thrives in this dry landscape.
Where we found opal in Freer
Fire opal has been discovered in Freer, adding to the allure of the area for rock enthusiasts. This vibrant variety of opal can be found on Cedro Hill, a location that provides the right geological conditions for its formation.
Christmas Mountains
The Christmas Mountains are known for their rugged and scenic landscape. This area is a range of mountains that rise abruptly from the surrounding desert floor, creating a striking visual contrast.
The geology of these mountains is complex, with a mix of volcanic rocks, such as basalt and rhyolite, which hints at the area’s volcanic past. The hills are covered with a variety of desert shrubs, and the mountains feature steep slopes and rocky cliffs.
These geological formations provide a haven for a diverse array of plants and animals and offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and rockhounding.
Where we found opal in the Christmas Mountains
The Christmas Mountains harbor a variety of rocks and minerals, including Texas opal. This opal is typically found in areas where volcanic activity has occurred, which is evident in the mountains’ terrain of rugged lava flows and ash beds.
Edwards Plateau
The Edwards Plateau is a region of rolling hills, broad valleys, and a rocky landscape that sits above a vast limestone foundation.
This geological layer is part of a larger area known for its karst topography, characterized by numerous caves, sinkholes, and underground streams that have formed due to the dissolving rock.
Meanwhile, the plateau’s land is a mix of grasslands and wooded areas, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife.
The limestone bedrock of the region contains fossilized remains from a time when the area was covered by a shallow sea, making it a spot of interest for both geologists and paleontologists.
Where we found opal in Edwards Plateau
Opal in the Edwards Plateau area is usually found in places where water has flowed through the limestone, leaving behind silica-rich solutions that solidify into opal. These spots are often along hillsides or in the beds of dry creeks where water once ran.
Quitman Mountains
The Quitman Mountains feature a rugged and elevated landscape, with peaks that offer expansive views. They are part of a larger range that includes valleys and steep slopes, characterized by a variety of rock types.
Geologically, these mountains consist of igneous and sedimentary rocks, indicating a history of volcanic activity and layered deposits from water bodies that once existed there.
The area is dotted with a variety of shrubs and hardy desert plants, adapted to the mountainous and semi-arid climate. The diverse rock formations provide a canvas for studying the earth’s movements and changes over time.
Where we found opal in Quitman Mountains
Knowing how to find opal in Texas means looking for the right geological clues, like areas with past hydrothermal activity which is typical for opal formation.
The rocky slopes and occasional flatlands of the Quitman Mountains are the kinds of places to examine.
Other Great Places To Find Texas Opal
Texas is home to a variety of spots where opal seekers can try their luck. From the sun-baked earth of the west to the rolling hills in the east, these areas offer exciting possibilities for discovery.
Below is a list of areas known for opal hunting that provide the right conditions for these gems to form.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Baker | Swayze Creek |
| Harney | Burns area, Silvies Canyon in Myrtle Park |
| Jefferson/td> | Madras area, Fulton Agate Beds |
| Jefferson | Round Butte Cinder Pit |
| Lake | Glass Buttes |
| Lake | Plush area, Hart Mountain |
| Lane | Hobart Butte |
| Malheur | Lake Owyhee State Park |
| Malheur | Succor Creek |
| Morrow | Opal Butte |
| Wasco | The Dalles, Chenowith Creek |
Common Opal-Hunting Questions
There are certain things you need to know if you’re planning on searching for opals in Nevada. We’ll provide tips and information to make the search for Nevada’s hidden gems as rewarding as possible.
Is it illegal to collect opal in Texas?
In Texas, the laws about collecting opal – and other rocks and minerals – depend on where you are.
It’s not illegal to collect Texas opal if you’re on private land and have the landowner’s permission. This is the easiest way to go about it, as long as you respect the owner’s rules and the land.
However, if you’re on public land, the rules change. National parks, state parks, and some other public lands are off-limits for collecting.
It’s important to check the local laws before you start. For example, areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management might allow limited collecting for personal use with hand tools only.
Remember, if you plan to collect on any public lands, you must follow the specific regulations set for that area to make sure your rockhounding adventure is both fun and legal.
The Best Places To Buy Opal In Texas
Texas offers a variety of shops where enthusiasts can find beautiful opals to add to their collections. These stores are known for their quality selections, providing a range of options for anyone looking to purchase this unique gem.
The list that follows highlights some of the best places to find opals in the state:
- Silver Pyramid – 101 S Coit Rd #102, Richardson, TX 75080
- Caves Jewelry Inc – 1020 E Main St, Midlothian, TX 76065
- Crystal Works – 908 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703
- The Texas Silver Rush – 229 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Juliet’s Jewels – 315 W Sycamore St, Denton, TX 76201
