daddyd
starting to shine!
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Post by daddyd on Oct 15, 2021 3:56:12 GMT -5
I am planning a trip to Oregon this spring I would like to prospect for chocolate opal any help would be appreciated
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
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Post by quartz on Oct 15, 2021 22:54:53 GMT -5
I had to look it up as I had never heard of it. It is also caalled Ethiopian opal and is mined only in Ethiopia according to what I found. Assuming this is true, don't let it turn you off from coming to Oregon, we have lots of great material to find, and beautiful scenery to see while out rocking.
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Post by broseph82 on Oct 16, 2021 1:02:36 GMT -5
I had to look it up as I had never heard of it. It is also caalled Ethiopian opal and is mined only in Ethiopia according to what I found. Assuming this is true, don't let it turn you off from coming to Oregon, we have lots of great material to find, and beautiful scenery to see while out rocking. American fire opal mines produce a chocolate color as well.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
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Post by quartz on Oct 16, 2021 21:23:59 GMT -5
broseph82, then I suppose that would be Virgin Valley on OR NV border? Thanks for that, as I said, never heard of it before.
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gemfeller
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 17, 2021 2:05:23 GMT -5
daddyd The Juniper Ridge Fire Opal mine in Lakeview, OR produces brown opal along with brilliant red and orange hues. It has been open for fee digs for some years but I'm not clear on its present status. I couldn't find any specific information on that with a quick search tonight but I know they have a Facebook page where you might learn more. Opal Butte in Morrow County (southwest corner of the Blue Mountain Range) has produced some fine precious opals over the years. As far as I know it's totally under private ownership, no collecting allowed, but again its status may have changed. Considerable opal in various colors, including some with play of color, has been found in eastern Malheur County in the Owyhee Mountain area near the Idaho border. The majority of opal from that area is blue with no POC. Good luck on your trip.
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daddyd
starting to shine!
Member since October 2021
Posts: 42
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Post by daddyd on Oct 17, 2021 4:47:06 GMT -5
The last information I have from the diggings is that most of the claims are closed and under the management of the BLM but I am seriously considering the location
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daddyd
starting to shine!
Member since October 2021
Posts: 42
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Post by daddyd on Oct 17, 2021 5:08:44 GMT -5
Thank you all for replying I first learned of chocolate opal from watching videos from a group in Oregon but I would also consider near by states between Colorado and Organ
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