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Post by arghvark on Oct 7, 2018 14:32:40 GMT -5
So a few days ago a friend gave me a few small pieces of rainbow obsidian. I've been planning on a couple different sites within reasonable distance of where I live, but this really got me excited.
So, my question: is anyone here willing to share specific site info for rainbow at/near Glass Buttes in central Oregon? (Either publically or via pm) I go by there several times a year, but never have more than a couple/few hours so have contented myself with collecting mahogany from the float; haven't had the time to prospect. Plus, it's almost 6 hours from where I live, so any serious prospecting would take at least a couple days' dedicated trip. Done some abortive searches online, but not finding accurate, specific info (not surprising.)
Not sure whether it's relevant, but I'm entirely non-commercial.
Thanks,
Argh
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2018 15:51:47 GMT -5
Judy Elkins used to hand out maps of the main areas. The Prineville Chamber of Commerce still has them, and you can view them online at pebblepup.com (right-click the maps, save to your computer, then print to get them at full size). Most of the Oregon rockhound guidebooks also cover Glass Buttes, tho not sure which does the best job. The road to the Rainbow area is steep and rutted, so better for 4wd rigs (though lesser vehicles can always pull off if the going looks too tough and walk up the rest of the way - never know what you'll find on the side of the track on the way uphill/downhill). There is a pound limit on how much you can collect without getting a permit, though I'm not sure what is current for non-commercial collecting. It has been 25# per person per day, up to 250# per year (no pooling with other people in a group to get a piece bigger than allowed). Find a huge piece you want, you'll need a permit (not expensive). Contacting the BLM office in Prineville would be a good idea to establish the current limits, though (they and the Prineville Chamber of Commerce also sell the Central Oregon Rockhound Map). |
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718 
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 7, 2018 17:16:11 GMT -5
The pit is easy to find... Online maps going right to it.. expect to do a lot of digging, because people bury that pit...
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 7, 2018 17:17:57 GMT -5
Judy Elkins used to hand out maps of the main areas. The Prineville Chamber of Commerce still has them, and you can view them online at pebblepup.com (right-click the maps, save to your computer, then print to get them at full size). Most of the Oregon rockhound guidebooks also cover Glass Buttes, tho not sure which does the best job. The road to the Rainbow area is steep and rutted, so better for 4wd rigs (though lesser vehicles can always pull off if the going looks too tough and walk up the rest of the way - never know what you'll find on the side of the track on the way uphill/downhill). There is a pound limit on how much you can collect without getting a permit, though I'm not sure what is current for non-commercial collecting. It has been 25# per person per day, up to 250# per year (no pooling with other people in a group to get a piece bigger than allowed). Find a huge piece you want, you'll need a permit (not expensive). Contacting the BLM office in Prineville would be a good idea to establish the current limits, though (they and the Prineville Chamber of Commerce also sell the Central Oregon Rockhound Map). There are three rainbow pits there... One on top of the hill and two below... |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2018 18:05:27 GMT -5
There are three rainbow pits there... One on top of the hill and two below... Yeah, at least. The one at the top of the ridge probably gets hit less - I never found much good at the one on the lower west side. Rainbow is also across the little valley that the road goes through that passes Little Glass Butte, as well as the Aurora over there (those get refilled, too - so you look for disturbed area and start digging again). Probably find it around the other sheen areas, too, if he has the luxury of spending days walking around. Maps only show a very few of the pits and with some 150 types that have been named over the years, it's no wonder. I'm sure you also come across varieties that are new to you every time you visit, as do I (just came across a piece in my pile that looks like it is full of tiny rings, but not sure it has a name or if there is an area where more might be found). Need to have more sun than we have today when hunting sheens, though. |
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 7, 2018 20:31:14 GMT -5
Yuppers, over 110 types of Obsidian in that area ..
That's why I like the area... Never what you will find...
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