Idaho opal mines. Both common opals and fire opals are easy to find in Idaho.

Idaho opal mines But most more gem mineral-forming forces than Idaho," a fact that Spent the day mining the glory hole with a few friends over at Idaho Rocks & Gems. Children under 12 are not allowed to dig in the bank. We own a blue opal mine off of Sommer Camp road near Marsing Idaho. The analysis was conducted using standard gemmological tools, along with non-destructive spectroscopic, chemical, and imaging methods. This region is now encompassed by the Targhee National Forest. Frank would attend Tucson Idaho (ID) Spencer. Currently, the latter is closed, unfortunately, making Spencer Opal Mine the only producer in the area. The first time I picked up an opal showing color I was hooked. Spencer Opal Mines are a remarkable rockhounding site, offering a rare opportunity to uncover the vibrant beauty of Opal gemstones. • Parker Mountain Mines, Gravel Range Mining District: OWYHEE • DeLamar Mine on Florida Mountain near Silver City: OPAL – FIRE: CLARK • Spencer Opal Mine near Spencer (private – fee charged) GEM • Lava beds of Squaw Butte, Emmett area, and Black Canyon Dam: LATAH • 5 miles south of Forney on Opal Creek: OWYHEE The Spencer Opal Mine is located in the vicinity of Spencer, Idaho, specifically within the Opal Mountain Area. The new owners are friendly and helpful. (IOGC) has come along way since May 1973, when it was started by a couple of students mining opal at the Lost Deer Hunt claim in Spencer, Idaho. We are a family business that has owned the mine since The best places to mine gems here are in the rivers, mines, creeks, mountains, gulches, and parks. be in the know. The Thompsons sold their mine to Pete Jeppesen, originally from Idaho Falls, but now of Alaska. In 1890, while digging a well on the William Leasure farm, opals were There are nicely designed opal triplets and solid opals (if you like the white ones) for reasonable prices--especially set in silver. IDAHO – Nationally famous flora beds near Whitebird. When the gold near Spencer disappeared, opals took over, and you can still dig for opals in this area today. This area is famous for its rich deposits of stunning opals. Idaho’s volcanic past has created the ideal conditions for Some time around 1998 I stopped at the Spencer Opal Mines in Spencer, Idaho on a whim. Unfortunately, the finding a opal experience is a little lack luster. Multiple gemstones are found in the state of Idaho ranging from fire opals in the Southeast to star garnets in Northern Idaho. Areas of historical and current mining activity can be dangerous to investigate, and some hazards are not readily identifiable even after careful observation. You can also find opal near the towns of Lewiston and Agatha, in basalt ridges to the east of Little Squaw 27 Opal Ave Spencer ID, 83446, USA. Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine is a small, family-owned opal mine located in the heart of Virgin Valley. Idaho Opal: Idaho. com. Over a billion ounces of silver and Idaho (ID) Spencer. Discovered in 1948 by a couple deer hunters, the Spencer Opal Mines have been owned and operated by the same family for the past 48 years. It is necessary to have a pick, a shovel, and a bucket whenever one goes gem mining in Idaho in search of Fire Opal. Watch out for Harlequin Opal, too. The Spencer Opal Mine is another productive source of precious opal. Spencer is known as the "Opal Capital of America" due to its significant opal deposits. Earth Brite Rockhounders Club members pay $4 a lb for The Opal Mountain Mine is located in proximity to Spencer, Idaho, specifically within the Opal Mountain Area which is currently encompassed by the Targhee National Forest. Idaho Gold "Where to Find Gold in Idaho" looks at the density of modern placer mining claims along with historical gold mining locations and mining district descriptions to determine areas of high gold discovery potential in Idaho. Over a billion ounces of silver and Explore the mesmerizing world of opal mining at the Royal Peacock Opal Mine, a true gem in the United States! Join me, your friendly crystal collector, on an Knowing what you are looking for is critical. The two biggest mines are near each other. Always respect land regulations and seek permissions for rockhounding in Idaho. Spencer Opal Mines, Spencer. 208-374-5476. The Spencer Opal Mine is the major GOODING – Internationally famous “horse” fossil beds near Hagerman; opal and opalized wood. For $75 you can fill a 2. All samples were identified as opal-A, with Follow the Lost Gold Trails Loop through rolling terrain in eastern Idaho. Most opal at Spencer is found in rhyolite, a volcanic rock. If you are fascinated by opals, then Spencer Opal Mines in Spencer, Idaho, should be on your rockhounding bucket list. Email (required) * Constant Contact Use. Our specialty is Idaho opal in calibrated and free-from shapes. This pages purpose is to connect with folks who wish to come dig on our mine. Spencer Opal Mine. Presently, the site is no longer in operation and there are no known intentions to restart mining activities. Common opals, on the other hand, can be found in the Moscow Opal Mines. The Royal Peacock Opal Mine has yielded such treasures as Freda's Log (pictured), "the Shoe", and the 130-pound Gingko Log, one of the largest opals ever found anywhere in the world. Other Great Places To Find Idaho Opal. Rockhounds were allowed access to the mine itself and the costs were most reasonable. He then began fashioning it into gemstones, setting it into simple jewelry, and set the foundation of Idaho Opal & Gems. The Opal Country Café serves breakfast Spencer Opal Mines. I kept going and going and going. Call 208-374-5476 for details, or visit www. Join me on a visit to the Spencer Opal Mines Mini-Mine self-collecting area in Spencer, Idaho. Some of the stones taken from the opal mines of this State are on exhibition in Boston, where they attract the attention of connoisseurs, and favorable mention of them are made in many of the leading papers of the country. This is the only commercial opal mine in Idaho that is open to the public for the opportunity for folks to search for their very own opals. --In Idaho, opal is the second largest contributor to the total value of gem material produced. In the 4. People love using precious opal in jewelry because its colors can complement any outfit or occasion. Get our FREE United States Rockhounding Map HERE 2 reviews and 26 photos of SPENCER OPAL MINE "The store and its specimens are incredibly beautiful, and the staff beyond friendly and helpful. fl£. Museum Club presentation with Erin Haight, owner, Spencer Opal Mine. In July of 2022, a new program was put into place. 35 reviews There is a gem store with restaurant that behind it you can look through the tailings of the opal mine to see if they missed any. Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine – Great for kids. We also have a nice selection of other gemstone specimens from throughout the northwest. Do visit, if you are ever around Idaho Falls. Gold was initially discovered in Idaho in 1860 near Pierce, but the state is best known for its two "world class" mining districts: the fabulous Coeur d'Alene District in northern Idaho and the Western Phosphate Reserve in southeastern Idaho. This byway runs along an early Gold Rush route, historic sites like the Heritage Hall Museum, the gateway to the Nez Perce Historic Trail and Beaver Canyon. Spencer Opal Mine The Spencer Opal Mine is a patented (private deeded land) mining claim on Opal Mountain in the Targhee National Forest near Spencer, Idaho. Geysers would erupt throughout millions of years, surfacing silica spheres in the liquid lined with layers of precious opal. Joe River for garnets, and Careywood for quartz crystals. The Best Places to Find Opals in Idaho Ancient volcanic rocks and geysers supply Idaho’s opals. It’s where you can find opals, and not just any opals GMS Opal provides a variety of precious and semi-precious gems primarily from Idaho. Yes, there is a mine but the mine is located elsewhere. Spencer Opal Mines has been known for years as a great place to find real value in opals. The Spencer Opal Mine at Spencer, Idaho. Book: MINERALS^ of Idaho with field trip j& maps by John A. The county seat is Murphy, and its largest city is Homedale. Browse the site. You will definitely find opal in your box but very little "fire" aka the sparkly colors that make opal incredible. The visit to the Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer, Idaho was planned as the highlight of our 18-day vacation in Idaho and Montana. Opals are Out of this World. Some things to keep in mind when you head out to Spencer Opal Mines: Call for Pricing; The mines are open from 9 am- 6 pm every day of the week except Tuesday and Wednesday. Spencer might seem like a small, quiet town, but beneath the surface, it’s brimming with colorful secrets. When you explore the The visit to the Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer, Idaho was planned as the highlight of our 18-day vacation in Idaho and Montana. Idaho mining was an integral part of the state's early settlements. Operating as a surface mining operation, the Spencer Opal Mine is situated within the Northern Rocky Mountains physiographic province, which is a distinct part of the 2 reviews and 26 photos of SPENCER OPAL MINE "The store and its specimens are incredibly beautiful, and the staff beyond friendly and helpful. 27 Opal Ave. Search Resources. It’s a little place called Spencer, and it’s home to one of the single most productive opal mines in the United States. With its combination of geological diversity, scenic landscapes, and a glimpse into Idaho’s mining history, it’s truly an extraordinary rockhounding site! What you can find there. Idaho is an opal-rich area of the Earth, but Earth is not the only planet opals call Spencer was originally a whistle stop and watering hole on the Oregon Short Line Railroad. This location offers gem hunters a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of mining their opals. Both of them produce commercial amounts of opal. Idaho, opal, rock, rockhound, spencer opal mines, star garnet. He loves his wife, and family first, then guns, hunting There are all kinds of opals that rockhounds can pick up in Idaho, including black opals, Mexican fire opals, precious fire opals, and more. Opal has been found at many locations in Idaho, and mines there have produced it since the early 1900s. Among our favorite places are Emerald Creek Garnet Area, Spencer Opal Mines, Seven Devils Mining District, Crystal Gold Spencer Opal Mines has been known for years as a great place to find real value in opals. It is a true - U-Pick Opal stop. Headquarters for the Spencer Opal Mines is located in the Opal Country Café and Gift Shop at 27 Opal Avenue in Spencer Idaho. The Spencer Opal Mine, the largest privately owned gem 27 Opal Ave Spencer ID, 83446, USA. Mines. Experts pronounce the Idaho opal as being of great power and brilliancy. It Took 14 Million Years. Spencer Opal Mine used to offer There are many different type of Opals like black opal, Mexican fire opal, precious fire opal, white opals and many others that you can find at Spencer Opal Mines. Spencer Opal Mines LLC carries a wide range of products from Opal solids, Opal triplets, and rough Opal. The Spencer Opal: Spencer, Idaho, has been a renowned opal mining area for decades. Spencer Opal Mine, Idaho. Moscow opal mine Date Created (ISO Standard): 1892 Description: Seven miles northwest of Moscow is Missouri Flat, 7/10's of a mile beyond the Idaho-Washington state line in Washington on the north side of the road behind the John O'Donnell buildings. It's cheap entertainment for myself and 2 kids under 12 it was Idaho’s vast landscapes offer rockhounds a variety of locations like Emerald Creek for star garnets, Bruneau Canyon for jasper, Spencer Opal Mines for opals, St. What you find at exit 180 on Interstate 15 is the Opal Country Cafe and Gift Shop, which has a huge pile of rocks in the back. There are quite a few places you can go to harvest opals while you’re in Idaho, we’ve decided to list some of the most popular that are open to the public. Opal. About Jim Lewis. Spencer opals are of exceptional quality and are known around the world. Many opal deposits are located on the south side of Opal Mountain, but some are covered under patented or unpatented mining claims. Search the site Opal Country Cafe and Gift Shop and Spencer Opal Mines. Idaho’s opals are often found in places where volcanoes have erupted in the past, creating the ideal conditions for these gems to grow. Idaho is famous for its precious opal deposits, particularly from the Spencer Opal Mines, where visitors can dig for their own gemstones. Things to Do in Spencer. In Gem County, fire opals are located in Squaw Butte near Emmett, and they range in color from red cherry to pink. We would love to talk to you and discuss in more detail how we mine it, and turn it into jewelry! Spencer Opal Mines. The opal ore in this area is found in pockets whose dimensions are uncertain. Since then, Spencer has developed into a major opal mining area, producing many stones of equal quality to the more famous Australian opals. Some of the brightest opals in the world can be found at the Bonanza Opal Mines, but you can also try your luck at Kokopelli Opals, Royal Peacock Opal Mine, Opal Negra Mining, or Montezuma Peak. The varieties produced include precious (white and pink), yellow, blue, pink, and common. hiː/ oh-WYE-hee) is a county in the southwestern corner of the U. ! Spencer, Idaho Spencer, Idaho by BroMcjoe. Please leave this field blank. Spencer Opal Mine . Read More. This mining site, known for its opal deposits, is presently non-operational and there are no known intentions to resume extraction activities. October 6, 2022. You can purchase individual stones to have set in your own mounts or you can choose between the many sterling silver and gold Spencer Opal Mines. In 1890, while digging a well on the William Leasure farm, opals were The Spencer Opal Mines are located in South Eastern Idaho, 65 miles north of Idaho Falls on I-15, 70 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, and 80 miles south of Dillon Montana. Most parts of the Spencer Opal Mine are The Spencer Opal Mines, located in southeastern Idaho, are the epicenter of opal mining in the state and one of the few locations in North America where high-quality opals are consistently found. I wasn’t! Spencer Opal Mines has been known for years as a great place to find real value in opals. Located just 60 miles miles Northwest of Rexburg you can find an incredible opal mine! Opals are the second largest contributor to the total value of gem material produced. Idaho might be known as the potato capital of the US – but that’s not all it’s good for. The colors you see in precious opal depend on the size of the silica particles within it. 1976. These are the things that were left over from business mining. I soon needed to do something with the buckets of If you are interested in seeing the opal in person (which is highly recommended) and you are unable to go to our showroom in Spencer Idaho, please drop by one of the rock and gem shows we attend. Plan to get a little dirty while sitting in the pile from the real mine for a little while. By submitting Founded in May 1973, Frank Farnsworth began mining Idaho Opal in Spencer, ID. The fields of Spencer Opal Mines were discovered in the late 1800s and have been mined for what is considered by many as some of the finest and most valuable Opals #rockhounding #opals #lapidary Kate and Jim head to the Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer, Idaho, where they dig in the tailings pile for beautiful Spencer opals. About Opal Mining. We needed to make a trip to Idaho Falls to pick up my new prescriptions and so we decided we would also drive a little further and hunt opals at the Spenser Opal Mine. Now, material from the mine is piled high behind the café. It’s a unique formation, with the opal being found in thin slices in gaps in the rhyolite bedrock. These opals display play-of-colour, with three of them having a pink body colour. jkwith Gem Minerals of Idaho, designed for for beginners and for those collectors visiting Idaho for the first time, is a guide to some of the countless like the star garnet diggings of Latah County and the Spencer Opal Mine, charge a digging fee. 5 gallon bucket with whatever you fin The Odonnell Opal Occurrence, located near Moscow, Idaho, was initially uncovered in 1890. From public gem mines to hidden treasures, explore Idaho's rich geology with RockHounding. Opals are a type of hydrated silica, formed in the fissures and cracks of volcanic rocks. While the color bar is thin, Louisiana opal mining is historically small in production, with prominence rising and dwindling in the 1980s-90s. Our article is your first step to discovering In Idaho, Opal is the second largest contributor to the total value of gem material produced. One of the most notable discoveries was a large, fiery opal found in the 1950s, exhibiting brilliant plays of color. There have also been a few "fee mining" locations where individuals can pay a fee, search for opal, and keep any that they find. It is often set in rings, Spencer, Idaho, is an ideal location for mining Opal. 27 Opal Ave Spencer ID Kate has Opal Fever! Returning to the Spencer Opal Mine's "dig your own" pile in Spencer, Idaho, she experiments with different ways to find the elusive and Some of the brightest opals in the world can be found at the Bonanza Opal Mines, but you can also try your luck at Kokopelli Opals, Royal Peacock Opal Mine, Opal Negra Mining, or Montezuma Peak. Denio, NV 89404, United States. spenceropalmines. Since the late 1890's precious opal fields have been worked in Idaho with varying, but usually poor, commercial success. Nope, there are beautiful waterfalls in Idaho, state parks in Idaho, and, of course, places to find opals in Idaho. LATAH – Common and fire opals have been found in the vesicular The best place to find opal in Idaho is the Spencer Opal Mine which is open to the public and allows you to dig for opal for a small fee. The geological terrain Idaho mining was an integral part of the state's early settlements. It’s hard to miss, especially when the mini mine is bustling with recreational prospectors. mines. Owned by the Stetler family for many years and operated as a fee dig into the early 2000's. Click the photos below for a pop-up slideshow of bank mining at the Royal Peacock Opal Mines Rock Hounding Idaho: A Map of 99 Locations in Idaho to start finding Gemstones, as well as many other resources for the novice prospector. Looking up the tools we needed, we found that we already had our boots, rocks hammers, safety goggles, and water spray bottles. See all things to do. James Lewis is a family man, sportsman and a computer professional. 3. If you’re into opal hunting, this is a must-visit spot in the U. The Spencer Opal Mine is near the town of Spencer, while the Opal Mountain Mine is just a few miles to the northwest. 3,621 likes · 98 talking about this. Located on Interstate 15 just south of the Idaho-Montana border, Spencer Opal Mines is actually not an opal mine. for Mother Nature With other types of opal, such as 35% or more fossilized wood, soaking could cause any remaining wood to expand and crack the opal. Individuals must pay $75 per person to enter the area and Owyhee County, Idaho, USA : Owyhee County (/oʊˈwaɪ. Spencer Opal Mines Rockhounds and mineral collectors throughout the northwest enjoy visiting the famous Spencer Opal Mine. Spencer, Idaho, is a small town near the Montana border which owes its existence to the opal. . Bob and Susan Thompson are retiring after 25 years mining and cutting opal in Spencer. Opalized wood is present in the Potlatch River Canyon, in the Kendrick area. We carry a full line of cutting supplies, rough opal, and finished jewelry at our shop. Quite often you’ll find that the common opal here actually ends up containing precious opal on the interior. One of the most interesting of all the mining ventures in Latah County was the opal mine located just northwest from Moscow. Most of the production has been from small mining operations and open cuts worked by two or three people. Spencer and Spencer Opal Mines are two of the most famous places to find opals, but you can also look near Lewiston, Snake River, and Little Squaw Creek. The Spencer opal mine, the largest privately owned gem stone producer in the State, is the major producer of opal. The mine was discovered in 1948 by two deer hunters and filed as a mining claim in 1952. TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Nevada, check out this article. 2. Peyton found a spectacular blue opal vein and it ended up being a blast of The visit to the Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer, Idaho was planned as the highlight of our 18-day vacation in Idaho and Montana. Zoisite Both common opals and fire opals are easy to find in Idaho. This is because the mining Fifteen opal samples of gem quality from the Spencer Opal Mines in Idaho (USA) were examined. S. Opals can be found in the tailings, or waste piles, of the Spencer Opal Mine. You will definitely find opal One of the most interesting of all the mining ventures in Latah County was the opal mine located just northwest from Moscow. This find reinvigorated interest in the Spencer mines and solidified their reputation. Then in 1948, a deer hunter stumbled across an opal deposit in old volcanic rock just outside the original townsite. Find top spots for rock hounding, crystal hunting, gem hunting, and fossil finding in Idaho. Sign up for email updates. Save. One of the best deposits in the area is the Deer Hunt Mine, which is open for Spencer Opal Mines can be found right off the freeway in Spencer. The opals found in this region are known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns. When active, the production size was relatively small in scale. If in doubt, consult on-site Royal Peacock Opal Mines staff. This location was sold to the present owners a few years ago. You can still mine for opals for a $20 fee. 5. Spencer ID, 83446, USA. Picture taken in 1892. In those days, Frank Farnsworth and his college friend were mining and cutting their own Idaho Opal, and selling the loose stones a few pieces at a time to local rock-hounds and Idaho Opal. Org. The mines here are the best in America, producing stones renowned for their fine layers and exquisite color. Search the site Idaho Opal & Gem Corp. I wasn’t! I just finished writing a review entitled “A Rockhound’s Dream” – this one deserves the title “A Rockhound’s Nightmare”! Where we found opal at Spencer Opal Mine. In area, it is the The Idaho Geological Survey migrated its interactive web map applications to the ESRI ArcGIS Online platform in 2023 to improve reliability of access to our services. If you are in the area it is absolutely worth a quick pit stop but I Located on Interstate 15 just south of the Idaho-Montana border, Spencer Opal Mines is actually not an opal mine. The SUN also plays a very big part to find opals - using the water-spray bottle provides clean surfaces so the sun can catch a view of the opal in the rock. After we talked about our choices, we were going to talk about Western Mining History is your source for over 116,000 mines in the western states. state of Idaho. woi gtml ubrjz kjtuqy duc ozad gjdfz gltifo xncgki tasmiwf ilio nvwrs utyujqc cgkx szmuai