Utah is like a big playground for rock collectors. It’s full of cool spots where you can find all sorts of shiny and colorful rocks. When it comes to opal, there’s a bunch of places where this sparkly rock likes to hang out. 

Going on an adventure to find opal in Utah is like going on a fun scavenger hunt. You just need to know where to look. Sometimes, they’re just sitting there among other rocks, waiting to be found.

For those who want to dive deeper into this adventure, we have a handy guide on how to mine gems in Utah. It’s packed with tips and tricks for finding some really cool pieces to add to your rock collection.

What Is Utah Opal Anyway?

Opal is a really neat kind of rock. It’s like the rainbow of the rock world because it can show so many different colors, especially when the sun hits it just right.

Identifying opal can be super exciting because it shines and sparkles in a special way. It’s made from water and silica, which is kind of like tiny bits of sand.

Opal is often found in areas where there used to be a lot of geothermal activity – that’s where the earth is really hot inside. Think of places like where geysers or volcanoes were once active.

Dry places like deserts can also be good spots to find opal. Sometimes, you can find it in the cracks of rocks, or even as part of fossilized wood, which is wood that has turned into stone over millions of years.

The value of opal comes from its beauty and how rare it is. Some opals are super rare and can be worth a lot of money. They’re used in all kinds of jewelry, from rings to necklaces.

The Types Of Opal Found In Utah

Opal comes in many different forms and colors, each one catching the light in its own unique way. The opals found in Utah are very distinctive and often stand out from the more well-known types of opals.

However, Utah’s opals have their own undeniable charm. These are types you can expect to come across:

• Bacon/candy stripe opal
• Wildfire bubble opal
• Hyalite
• Lace opal

The Best Places To Find Opal in Utah

Finding opal can be a real challenge, but it’s also a rewarding one. It takes patience and a bit of know-how to spot these elusive stones. The right guidance is key because it can point you to the places where you’re most likely to find success.

For those eager to learn more about where to start this journey, our guide to mining for crystals in Utah offers valuable tips that could lead to a successful outing.

Milford

Milford is nestled in a wide valley with rolling hills and stretches of flat lands that seem to go on forever. The terrain is a mix of arid desert areas and patches of green where water flows. Mountains loom in the distance, promising adventure for those who like to explore.

This place is known for its diverse geology, and its earth is rich with a variety of minerals and rocks.

The land around Milford is painted with a palette of earth tones, from the reds and browns of its soil to the greys and whites of its rocky outcrops. Here, you’ll find volcanic rocks that have cooled into incredible shapes.

If you’re lucky, you might come across Utah opal, which is hidden like a shiny secret in the rugged landscape.

To collect rocks here, it’s important to touch base with the Utah Bureau of Land Management. They’re the ones who can tell you what you need to know about the do’s and don’ts of rock collecting.

Where we found opal in Milford

In the Milford area, opals can be found on the southwest slope of Frisco Peak, which is just one of the many spots where these stones are hiding.

Wildfire opal, known for its vibrant, glowing colors, is also something you can discover around Milford. The land’s varied terrain, from high peaks to flat valleys, provides plenty of opportunities for those with a keen eye to spot these shiny gems.

Gold Hill

Gold Hill is a fascinating area packed with rolling hills and wide-open spaces that stretch under big, blue skies. The geography is a mix of rugged landscapes with rocky outcrops and scattered greenery where plants manage to thrive.

The terrain in Gold Hill is diverse, featuring everything from flat, sandy plains to jagged peaks that challenge even the most experienced hikers.

The geology is just as varied, with layers of sediment and mineral deposits that create a patchwork of color and texture across the landscape.

Where we found opal in Gold Hill

In Gold Hill, opals can be unearthed among the weathered rocks and sandy soils that make up the area’s unique terrain. The search for opals around Gold Hill can take you to old mine dumps and natural outcrops.

Fish Lake

Fish Lake is a natural gem surrounded by high mountain ranges, with the lake itself sitting like a shiny mirror held by nature. Aspen and pine forests hug the lake’s edges, and the land gently rises into peaks and valleys.

Geologically, this spot is a showcase of the power of glaciers from long ago, which carved out the lake and left behind a rich mix of soil and rock.

The terrain is a mix of dense forests, clear waters, and alpine meadows, creating a varied landscape that’s as beautiful as it is geologically diverse.

Collectors visiting this area can explore the shores, dig into the soil, or trek into the forests to find clues about how this part of the world came to be. Each rock and mineral found here is a piece of the puzzle that makes up the earth’s crust.

Where we found opal at Fish Lake

Around Fish Lake, the search for opals often leads to the lake’s shoreline and nearby riverbeds, where water has washed minerals down from the mountains.

When considering where to mine for opal, it’s a good idea to search in the gravel or larger rocks. The banks of streams feeding into the lake are also prime locations, as opals can travel with the flow of water and settle there.

Topaz Mountain

Topaz Mountain stands out in a vast, open landscape, famous for its rugged beauty and the treasure trove of minerals it houses.

This mountain is part of a larger range that features a high desert terrain, with plenty of sunshine beating down on its slopes.

The geology here is remarkable, characterized by rhyolite, a volcanic rock that’s known for containing topaz and other minerals.

The area around Topaz Mountain is a mix of flat basins and sudden, rocky outcrops, creating a dramatic contrast that’s typical of a volcanic landscape.

Additionally, the terrain is a challenge for those who love to hike and explore, with paths that wind up the mountain and overlook the valley below.

Where we found opal at Topaz Mountain

At Topaz Mountain, opals can be found within the rhyolite rock that makes up much of the mountain’s composition. These opals are often tucked away in the nooks and crevices of the mountain’s rugged terrain.

The best chances to find opals are typically on the mountain’s slopes, where erosion may have exposed previously hidden gems.

San Francisco Mountains

The San Francisco Mountains are a sight to behold, with peaks that reach boldly into the sky and valleys that dip down into quiet serenity.

The geography here is a patchwork of tall mountains and deep canyons, with an array of colors splashed across the landscape.

The terrain can be quite challenging, offering steep climbs and breathtaking views. Geologically, these mountains are a mix of volcanic rocks and sedimentary layers, telling a story of fiery origins and gradual change.

From the rocky outcrops to the sandy washes at the base of the mountains, there’s a wealth of geological diversity. For rock collectors, the area is full of potential discoveries, with each stone holding a clue to the mountain’s history.

Where we found opal in the San Francisco Mountains

The slopes and ravines of the mountains, where water may have washed down minerals over time, are good places to explore. Eroded areas, where the earth has been worn away, can reveal Utah opals that were once buried deep in the mountain.

Other Great Places To Find Utah Opal

From the wide-open valleys to the nooks and crannies of old volcanic areas, opals have made their home in the Beehive State. Here’s a list of areas to check out if you’re on the hunt for these colorful rocks.

Our recommendations by county

Common Opal-Hunting Questions

We have some handy answers about how to find opal in Utah. Getting ready to explore the wilds while hunting for opals can lead to all kinds of cool discoveries and fun stories to share.

Collecting opal in Utah isn’t illegal, but there are some rules you’ve got to follow. The land where you want to collect might be managed by different groups, like the federal government, the state, or even private owners.

Most of the time, if you’re on public land, you’re allowed to collect small amounts of rocks and minerals, including opal. These are called casual collecting rules, and they mean you can take a little for yourself without any trouble.

Now, if you’re thinking about taking a whole bunch of opals or selling them, that’s a different story. You might need a permit for that. There are some places, like national parks, where taking any rocks or minerals at all is a no-go.

It’s also a good idea to check if the area has any special rules or if you need to get permission from someone before you start collecting.

The Best Places To Buy Opal In Utah

If you’re on the lookout for opals and want to skip the dirt and digging, Utah has some great shops to check out. These shops are where you might find your next favorite piece:

• Bryson’s Rock Shop – 326 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404
• Limb Jewelers – 574 East Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047
• Simple Elegance Rock Shop – 488 W 1400 N St, Orem, UT 84057
• Jim’s Gems & Jewelry – 362 E 1090 N, Orem, UT 84057
• Utah Gem Gallery – 4850 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403