Rockhounding At The Spectrum Mine in Oregon
Spectrum Sunstone Mine, located near Plush, OR, in Lake County, Oregon, is a premier destination for mining Oregon Sunstone. The mine is open to the public from May 15th through October 15th, 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Visitors can dig for sunstone gems from a designated area of fresh, unprocessed ore and keep what they find. Kids 12 years old and younger can dig for free, making it an excellent family activity. No reservations are required for digging, and rock clubs and families are welcome.
High-Grade Conveyor Belt Run: For the ultimate mining experience, pick off the commercial screen plant conveyor belt for $250 per hour. Nearly 6 tons of ore are processed during the hour, and many stones are found. Water is used to wash the dirt from the ore processed on the conveyor belt.
High-Grade Condensed Commercial Ore Piles: Screen through concentrated high-grade sunstone bearing ore piles for $175 or $225 per pile. Families and groups are welcome. Water washing is available. The All-You-Can-Eat Sunstone Buffet allows you to concentrate ore piled up for two days, with costs varying based on the number of people.
High-Grade Pit Digging: Use your digging tools to break through basalt lava rock in one of the high-grade red and green sunstone pits for $100-$200 per person, or per sectioned off area. The free dig area is available for the inexperienced, producing only yellow sunstones for one day only.
Cabin Accommodations: Stay on-site at Spectrum Mine in one of the clean, one-room cabins for $45 per night. Beds, bedding, and cooking gear are not included. Free stays for fee diggers. Tipi accommodations are also available for $40 per night. Call for reservations at 775-772-7724 or 775-225-4245.
Facilities: Showers and flushing toilets are available at Spectrum Mine. Primitive camping and RV parking are allowed on the property at no charge. The store offers faceted and rough gemstones for purchase, including Oregon Sunstone, tourmaline, turquoise, and variscite. Loaner screens are available at no extra charge, and tools can be purchased on-site. Pets are welcome, but leashes are required.
What Can Be Found At The Spectrum Mine in Oregon
At the Spectrum Mine, rockhounds can find a variety of sunstones and other gems, including:
- Oregon Sunstone: The primary attraction, known for its range of colors from yellow to green, red, and blue. These feldspar gems are highly prized for their beauty and unique aventurescence.
- Green Sunstone: A rarer variety of sunstone that displays a stunning green hue, often with a shimmering effect.
- Red Sunstone: These sunstones exhibit a vibrant red color, sometimes with copper inclusions that add a metallic sparkle.
- Yellow Sunstone: A more common variety, these yellow gems are still highly valued for their rich color and clarity.
Oregon Sunstone Sample
Green Sunstone Sample
Red Sunstone Sample
Location of The Spectrum Mine in Oregon
The Spectrum Mine is located near Plush, OR, in Lake County. The site is accessible by car, and detailed directions will be provided upon booking. The mine is open daily from May 15th through October 15th, 9 AM to 5 PM.
How to get there:
Spectrum Mine is located just east of the town of Plush, Oregon. A precise location will be given once you book your trip. This is an active mine, and so the public can only show up on specific days as detailed on their site. Upon making the reservation, a precise map will be sent to you with other important information.
Where to collect:
Upon arrival, you will experience an orientation that explains how the dig site works. It is recommended you bring your own gloves, food, and water. Other tools needed will be provided at the dig site. A "dig pile" will be created for each person to scoop dirt that is likely to contain sunstones into a bucket. Each person will then take their bucket to the sifting station to search for sunstones.
Recommended Gear and Tips for The Spectrum Mine
When visiting the Spectrum Mine, it's important to come prepared. Here are some recommendations for your trip:
- Plan to stay for at least a full day to fully explore the area and increase your chances of finding valuable sunstones.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the area can get quite hot and there are limited facilities nearby.
- Wear sturdy shoes and protective gloves to prevent injuries from sharp rocks and tools.
- Carry tools such as rock hammers, chisels, and safety glasses to safely extract and handle the sunstones you find.
- Tools recommended: a shovel, pick, safety glasses, and hammer (in case you want to break your sunstones on the spot). Whole sunstones can be taken to your local rock shop to be cut in half.
- More importantly, be patient and have fun collecting!
Rockhounding Tips For The Spectrum Mine
Sunstones can often be found by carefully breaking open larger rocks. Look for areas where the rocks have weathered and eroded, as this can make it easier to find exposed sunstones.
Using a rock hammer, carefully chip away at the rock to reveal potential sunstones. The sunstones can range in size and are typically found in small cavities or vugs within the rock.
Another effective method is to search the ground surface for loose sunstones that have been naturally weathered out of the rock. These can often be found in the sandy areas surrounding the dig site. Bring a sifter or a small hand-held screen to help separate the sunstones from the sand and dirt. This can make it easier to spot the sunstones and other minerals.
Methods for opening sunstones include the following:
- Breaking and smashing: You can place a sunstone in a cloth sack or similar and smash it on a hard surface. This may break the sunstone into many small pieces.
- Hammer and chisel or center punch: This will open your sunstone with a rough or uneven edge.
- Sawing: You can cut a sunstone with a rock or similar saw. Most tools with a carbide-tipped blade will cut a sunstone. This works well if you also want to polish it.
- Pipe cutter: You can use a tool called a soil pipe cutter which uses a chain with blades to cut the sunstone as if it were a pipe. Tools like this can sometimes be rented from home improvement stores.
Please be careful while digging, the soft material you are digging in can collapse at any time. Tunneling is unsafe and not permitted.
Recommended Gear
Other Dig Sites in Oregon
Oregon is a fantastic destination for rockhounding enthusiasts. With its diverse geological features and rich deposits of various minerals and gemstones, the state offers numerous dig sites that cater to both beginners and experienced rockhounds. From stunning sunstones to vibrant agates, Oregon's dig sites provide an exciting and rewarding experience for all.
