38.1 mi. . Most of the documented finds have been made by gold miners. Whitby beach in Yorkshire is world famous for its jet which was popular in Queen Victoria's reign. Our chefs use the freshest of ingredients to create dishes inspired by the colorful multi-cultural heritage of America, often with an Asian flair. Fake Opal: Focus on These 6 Differences, 8 Factors Why Opal is Valuable (Prices for Different Types), Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home), Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids), How to Cut & Polish Opals: Follow These 9 Simple Steps, Virgin Valley, Black Rock Desert, Fish Lake Valley, Spencer Opal Mine, Setters, Moscow, Snake River, Priday Agate Beds, White Rock, Opal Butte. Click a location below to find Opal more easily. With the collapse of the major Chinese market for tourmaline, due to the 1911 overthrow of the Imperial government, the mines soon became uneconomical. 3.7 mi. In southern Arizona are the Sky Opal mines in Santa Cruz County. Mines are usually the best places to find opals. 79 reviews. Opal Hill Mine, Mule Mountains District, Riverside Co., California. And that wraps up our tour of American opal found in the US! Idaho is a world-renowned gem state thanks to its geologic diversity, attracting rockhounds near and far to collect across the rich lands. In the late 1990s, Barnett Opal Mine was open to the public for a fee. The Royal Peacock mine in Nevada is home to some of the worlds finest opals. A local's favorite, opal restaurant and bar infuses an Eclectic California Cuisine with creative influences from around the World. Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Rather than decomposing, silica preserves the wood tissues, transforming them into opalized wood fossils. Explore a working opal mine on a guided tour at The Big Opal and then try your luck fossicking. Hello, I am John.As a little boy, I was fascinated by stones and liked to take them home. But without increased production, economics forced us to make the necessary move up the mountain. (3) The date of the location, which shall be the date of posting the notice. A local's favorite, opal restaurant and bar infuses an Eclectic California Cuisine with creative influences from around the World. Draws (re-entrant) and washes are also among the best places to find opal specimens. You will be provided with all the tools of a gem hunter as well as a demonstration. This mine has produced very valuable stones, some worth upwards of $50,000. Because Louisiana opals have a dark body tone, their color will best be seen through the stones color. In the world of treasures, few precious and desirable things can ever exceed the pink tourmaline of Pala, California it is one of best places for gem hunting in california. The black opal is one of Nevada's most iconic gems. CUSTER - Clear quartz, amethyst and citrine are found. Andamooka, Coober Pedy, White Cliffs, Lightning Ridge and Yowah all have sealed roads leading to them and good camping facilities and so are easily accessible. also, for gemstones that highlight the World jewelry industry, but especially for the fabulous blue-capped rubellite specimens that hallmark Pala as the very crest of the best in tourmaline over the whole planet. And that wraps up the western sources, but where else can we find opal in the US? 700 E Fifth Street, Carson City, NV 89701 2080 E Flamingo Road, Suite 210 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Unearthing the sources of cave-forming sulfuric acid, Obsidian handaxe-making workshop from 1.2 million years ago discovered in Ethiopia, New results reveal surprising behavior of minerals deep in the Earth, Superdeep diamond deepens our understanding of plate tectonics, Researchers discover previously unknown mineralogy of the deep Earth. Visit a world-famous attraction like Disneyland, or walk the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard. More information about Australian opals and Australian national gemstones can be found in Google Arts and Culture. The only Maison that only sells Australian opals is Opal Minded. Its also possible to find them hiding in the dirt, which you can do with a shovel or spade. When one thinks of a mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come to mind. It is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The Priday Agate Beds in northcentral Oregon is a good area, but you have to pay a small fee. Southern California's Palo Verde Mountains is a classic mineral collecting location, famed for its Hauser Geode Beds. Address: 10 Virgin Valley Rd, Denio, NV 89404. However, with the discovery of the famed lost tourmaline adit and initial production of a few fine tourmaline crystals, we overstayed these original plans. When it comes to Central Nevada, you can discover hyalite opals at Coaldale, in the area draws and washes, or in the area around Fish Lake Valley. We pride ourselves on quality pricing and superior customer service and especially for being the #1 choice in San Diego County for a true family mining adventure. A high clearance 44 vehicle is needed to navigate the last mile of rocky road to the mine. These fragile stones cannot be cut or polished. American guild award faceted. When one thinks of a mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come to mind. American opal locations are varied and diverse. For over a century the Tourmaline Queen mine near Pala, California has been known for large and beautiful crystals of tourmaline and morganite beryl, it is amazing place for gem hunting in california. So one should start digging from the rocky area if there is any in your yard. Gold Prospecting Adventures, LLC has built a solid reputation throughout Californias Gold Country as the best of the best for gem hunting in california. Columbia. The Bonanza Opal Mine is renowned for its fire opals. This tiny town near the Oregon boundary offers a great base for panning the Klamath, Trinity and Salmon rivers. Australia is the worlds largest producer of opal, with over 90% of its total supply located in the country. Counties across the state have small opal mines. Mexican fire opal is the only natural opal that is normally faceted. It forms under a wide range of low-temperature geological conditions. The Louisiana Sand Opal is a type of opal that is extremely rare in the state. Amelia, Virginia. Black is the rarest and most valuable opal color, followed by red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Look north of TorC or east past the Black Range. Because its nestled between three states producing American opals (Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho), its only fitting that Utah also has opals. Fake Opal: Focus on These 6 Differences. In order to visit opal mining areas, visitors must first obtain permission from the owner or landowner, as well as the owner of the registered mineral claim, who is also the claimholder. This means that opal costs can vary from about $10 per carat to approximately $6,000 per carat. (2) The name, current mailing address or current residence address, of the locator. It is a remote yet rich mining district where some of the best black opals were ever found. A prospector, James Couch, was grubstaked by Roderick Dallas, and in February, 1907, and on his way to investigate some intriguing outcrops, found a small area littered with blue crystals which he thought might be blue sapphires. Some beautiful white with cinnabar opals can be located at Yellow Pine, in the volcanic exposures. An attorney representing the registrant or registrant's estate. Because of the unique culture, incredible opal finds, and stunning outback views, it is no surprise that Coober Pedy and White Cliffs are among the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. In 2012, the park removed the road to the mine due to illegal activities. The best chance is to head for one of the many opal fields where opal has been found. Gems of Pala gives you the educational experience and excitement of mining for precious gems from a real mine. Most of these opals are found in western USA, with many opal mines open to the public. You will find everything about rocks, minerals, and crystals here. Quick Answer: Where To Find Opals In Oregon, Quick Answer: Where To Find Opals In Idaho, Quick Answer: Where Is The Middle Of California, Question: Where Does The California Aqueduct Start, Quick Answer: Where Is The Grapevine In California, Quick Answer: Where Is Santa Rosa California On The Map Of California. This website also participates in Google Adsense. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Beautiful Australian Opal Doublets in Gem Jar- 1.30ct- Vintage Estate Find at the best online prices at eBay! Home FAQ Quick Answer: Where To Find Opals In California. While the color bar is thin, these opals are most commonly used to make opal triplets. When it comes to Australia, the country produces about 95% of the worlds precious opal, and this is why it is designated as their national gemstone. Opals are frequently found in Western US states, with many mines open to the public. Opal Hill, located in eastern California near the border of Arizona, is known for its beautiful opal eggs, quartz crystals, and wonderful fire agates. We provide you with screens, water, buckets and shovelsand most importantly, a big pile of gem-rich dirt and gravel taken from our mines! Black opal is found in only three places in the world. A opals value can vary greatly depending on its color, and black is the rarest and most valuable. There is a lack of depth and vibrant color in Mexican opals similar to that of Australian opals. opal can also be found in the Potash Sulphur Springs in Garland County. The best places to rockhound in California include the areas around San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Crescent City, and Eureka. Dr. Louderback soon realized that they were not sapphires or spinel as some thought, but a new mineral not known to science. Opal Hill, located in eastern California near the border of Arizona, is known for its beautiful opal eggs, quartz crystals, and wonderful fire agates. Tours. Bring heavy gloves, big hammers, chisels . California is home to a plethora of beautiful gems to be discovered, and youll be glad you went. Still did not find the answer to your answers about finding opals? Queensland opal deposits occur in non-marine sedimentary rocks and opalised animal remains are very rare, however fossil wood fragments showing annual growth rings and cellular wood textures occur and sometimes these are beautifully replaced with precious opal. Generally, if you dig for opals, they are usually discovered at about 90 feet / 30 meters underground. Opals are among the most beautiful gemstones you can find in nature. Tourists can visit this opal mecca during the mining season, from May to November. Amethyst, agate, carnelian, and citrine are some gemstone varieties of quartz. Sometimes called Coon Hollow, this site is located deep in the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde, CA. O Bayonne in Natchitoches, LA Age 114 (1909 or 1908) Home address, vacation, business, rental and apartment property addresses for O. Black opal is the rarest, and opals, generally, can be found in the fissures of rocks, such as sandstone. Location: 35940 Magee Rd, Pala, CA 92059 17 miles, just past the BLM Coon Hollow Campround. Buried in Bonita, California, USA. The California angling record fish weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was taken near Los Flores Creek in Malibu in 1956. In Mexico, there are also Opals that have more water in them, are generally transparent or extremely translucent, and can be found on a regular basis. Quick Answer: Where Is San Martin California, Question: Where Is San Antonio California, Question: Where Is San Andreas California, Quick Answer: Where Is San Simeon California, Question: Where Is San Anselmo California, Quick Answer: Where Is San Dimas California, Question: Where Is San Lorenzo California, Quick Answer: Where Is San Juan Capistrano California. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you. Opal Lewis in California 23 people named Opal Lewis found in Fresno, Aptos and 23 other cities. As the palms deteriorated into underground water, silica grew and hardened into petrified palm opal. In general, opals range in length from 1 to 5 meters, depending on the terrain and natural processes. The stone was often used in mourning jewellery and carved and polished into elaborate designs. You will need a PayPal account to make payment with as this is the only form of payment they accept. In the dike near Cobalt, you can also find common opals at Poison Creek or at Panther Creek. Opal Stones and Gems: Value, Price, and Jewelry Information Hiddenite, North Carolina. Find out the key factors that determine opals value in the article below:8 Factors Why Opal is Valuable (Prices for Different Types). 6.80 ct Gem faceted Welo opal. 315 reviews. Precious opals recently found at Klinker, approximately 25 kilometres N-W of Vernon, British Columbia. The panhandle region is especially abundant in opals of various types. The state contains thousands of rockhounding locations which include mines, quarries, ocean beaches, and stream beds. There is a great area in northcentral Oregon where Priday Agate Beds can be found, but you will have to pay a small fee. Welsh Gold. The largest opal ever discovered in Australia is a testament to the beauty of opal. Visit our dig at Lake Henshaw Resort where you will dig and screen through ore from the world famous Himalaya Mine. The mines around Gold Hill are also worth exploring as they have yielded many high-quality opal specimens. The vast 68,000-acre valleys encompass the heart of the Old West and its rich prospecting history. Cost: Adults $75 each) // 5-11 years old $60 each // 4 and under are free. Any findings unearthed are yours to keep! Where can I buy crystals in Northern California? 2 Bedro. California is the only state that can claim to have discovered gem-fire opals, and the only state with a recognized opal field in the United States, according to Kern County mines. Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The Spencer Opal Mine is probably the most famous. MLS# SR16188359. Areas of land adjacent to rivers (washes) are usually flooded from time to time, which may also yield several rock specimens, some of which may have opals formed in them. It is a valuable gemstone that is found beneath the earths surface and has a distinctive color. CAMBRIDGE, MASS., U. S. A. Opal Hill Mine is located in eastern California, near the border of Arizona. Opal Hill Mine, Mule Mountains District, Riverside Co., California. If you dont have them both, then it is tough for you to find gemstones in the backyard. Mine your own at the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine. Blue opal also comes from Oregon and Idaho in the Owyhee region, as well as from Nevada around the Virgin Valley. Blue John Fluorite. Thunderegg, an opal variety native to Oregon, is one of the most widely available. The area near Waterville is home to a large number of opal specimens discovered through excavations, gravel, and diggings. The Snake River, near Lewiston, is a good place to find fire opals. Here, you can find opal specimens in the Clifton mining district in most of the mines. In addition to thundereggs, Oregon supplies a variety of fire opals as well as common opals, rainbow opals, centra luz opals, blue opals, and dendritic opals. Opal in matrix from Queensland. Guests also get a jeep tour of Chief Mountain where you can see all of the currently active mines and prospects, as well as views of the famous Pala Chief, Tourmaline Queen and other historic mines. The only way to find out for sure if a rock is a geode is to break it apart by tapping it with a hammer, or have someone cut open the rock with a powerful saw. What You Might Find: Quartz, Lepidolite, Kunzite, Morganite, Tourmaline Discounts: Senior and active military rate $60. The mine produced benitoite from an open cut in the hillside, as well as a short underground tunnel pushed into an outcrop of benitoite-bearing material called blueschist. Find valuable and rare American opal from Opal Auctions! The Royal Peacock, Bonanza, and Rainbow Ridge Mines are all locations where precious opal is currently produced. Opal Hill Mine Mule Mountains - California By Jim Bremner Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. In all of these places, if you dont find as many opals as you would like, the good news is that there are other valuable specimens you can collect right near them. Branded opal specimens can be uncovered just 3 miles west of Challis. The state contains thousands of rockhounding locations which include mines, quarries, ocean beaches, and stream beds. The most desired Louisiana opals have a dark body tone to best exhibit the stones play of color. California City Moss Opal occurrence; Stoddard, B.H. You bet! Bonanza Opal Mine is located in northwest Nevada, near the tiny town of Denio, in the storied Virgin Valley Opal Area, which is one of the most remote locations in the world and is home to the black fire opal, the official gemstone of the state of Nevada. 1.38ct Lightning Ridge Black Opal LRS1315, CANDY STRIP OPAL FROM UTAH -USA-165 CTS [VS3284 ]. You can see rare and precious gems at the Opal Bin, where raw opals are polished into shimmering gemstones. Not unexpectedly, it has a good reputation when it comes to activities related to gold mining, but not only that; it is also home to a number of gemstone mines. This interest of mine has lasted until today, so I decided to create this website. When it comes to quality and value, it can be quite obvious what happens to opals at their origin. Check out the main differences between real and fake opals in the article below:Real vs. Died on 13 Nov 2000. Opal Hill Mine, Mule Mountains District, Riverside Co., California. The canyon itself is a deep, narrow valley, with sheer walls of red and white sandstone, lined with towering pines and oaks. Refine Your Search Results All Filters 1 Opal S Lewis, 59 Resides in Gardena, CA Lived In Los Angeles CA Related To Rebekah Lewis, Willie Lewis, Sharon Lewis, Crystal Lewis It is found all over the world (Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, and the western United States), but Australia is the worlds largest exporter of opal, with 95% of the worlds precious stone. However, the most notable locale is the Opal Gemstone Mine in Milford, a rockhounding site in the Antelope-Roosevelt Hot Springs Mining District treasured by collectors eager to see one of the most unique American opal varieties in the world. Crystal Blue Vibrations. Opal doublets and opal triplets, in other words, are composite stones with a thin strip of opal on the surface and then backed by various metals or materials. Spinel-ruby comes from San Luis Obispo County, and Humboldt County furnishes a blue-spinel of good color. You'll also find a variety of tutorials on different jewelry-making techniques, as well as ideas and inspiration for your next project. Cost: Adults $70 person // 12 and younger $20, Location: Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala Mtn; Queen Mtn), Pala, Pala Mining District, San Diego County, California, USA. Sometimes, searching through discarded mullocks can yield fantastic results in finding precious opal specimens. opal, and 10Y0 contain some gem-quality opal; less than 1Yo contain opal with prominent play-of- color. Common types of rocks found in creeks are quartz crystals, chert, agate, jasper, petrified wood, amethyst, and garnet, depending on the geology of the area. You will probably have to move away from that system before you will find the right conditions to produce precious opal. Since Nevadas opal boom straddles the Oregon border, lets look at the beaver state next. Opal Hill has a long known history of quality fire agate production, having produced many wonderful gemstones over the years. We offer a fun gem and crystal dig to the public. In ancient times opal was included among the noble gems and was ranked second only to emerald by the Romans. You can also go to places where Southern California's natural beauty really shines (other than the ocean), like the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, or beautiful Malibu Creek State Park. Most of the documented finds have been made by gold miners. 38.6 mi. Opals hide in rhyolite geode mineraloids that form in low-temperature silicon dioxide cracks in the earth. Almost all (at least 95%) of the opal found by miners is common opal with no gem color. The mines opened in these places tend to have various opal specimens. If you head to Setters, you can find common opal specimens that range in color from yellow to brown in the area gravels and surfaces. Opal is found around the world ( Brazil, Mexico, Honduras and the western US) however Australia produces 95% of the world's precious opal and it is our official national gemstone. In the United States, the Virgin Valley is the best place to find opal, and Nevada is the best place to find it. Be prepared for all kinds of dirt / mud / clay a large brush (I purchased mine in the house cleaning section) , a screw driver (to pry the crystals without harming them) a small handheld shovel or a larger one. Also called Bacon Opals, or Candy Strop Opals, Utah opals exhibit a unique striping akin to a strip of bacon meat. Many minerals can be found including pink and green tourmaline, black tourmaline, quartz crystals, spessertine garnet, lepidolite, clevelandite, and a variety of others. Understanding The Care & Maintenance Of This Precious Gemstone, Explore The Mysterious And Expensive World Of Fire Opal, Explore The Fascinating History And Uses Of Fake Opal: From Ancient Civilizations To Today, Exploring The Unique Conditions Of Lightning Ridge Australia: Mining For The Rare And Precious Black Opal, Caring For Your Fire Opal: Cleaning And Preserving A Beautiful Gemstone, Revolutionizing The Car Industry: The Opal GM A Perfect Balance Of Luxury Performance And Affordability, The Devastation Of Hurricane Opal: A 1995 Category 4 Storm. It was originally claimed by Frank Salmons and Associates in March, 1903. Located in the remote Northern California Coast Ranges, it is known for its majestic rock formations, lush evergreen forests, and meandering streams. TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Utah, check out this article. Includes Address (18) Phone (4) Email (3) See Results. Pre-Dug Gem Bags are $50.00 each. Tourmaline, garnet, morganite, aquamarine, topaz, and spodumene are just a few of the tourmaline mines available. However, they wont be able to highlight their presence when it comes to gemstones, such as opals. Opalized wood is available in Washington state. The play-of-color opal most commonly oc- curs in a 0.5-2.5 cm layer near the top of a partially 230 Notes and New Techniques GEMS & GEMOLOGY Winter 1988 . In addition to the abandoned Opal mining dumps around Beatty, scavenging is encouraged. The Virgin Valley Opal Mines are especially renowned for the production of the black fire opal. If you dont have a rocky surface anywhere in your yard, go for in search of a river, lake, or creek if there is any nearby your lawn. Near the East Fork of the Salmon River is an excellent collecting locality where a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz is . Opals arent present just in the western U.S. states mentioned above. TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Nevada, check out this article. Spencer has been interested in beads and gemstones since he was a child, and has been crafting jewelry for over 10 years. For example, both common opals and fire opals can be discovered in Mondovi, in the northwestern lava outcrops. Classified as a mineraloid, opals occur in specific geological areas. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting outdoor adventure, Opal Canyon is a must-see destination. Where can I dig for Herkimer Diamonds? Opals arent found in all states of the U.S. Here, beautiful soft blue opals surface. Most people are aware of the Spencer Opal Mine. In Pullman, the lava outcrops to the northeast are also filled with common and fire opals. included among minerals, as the pearl of an oyster, the opal-silica (tabasheer) secreted by the bamboo, etc. Opal Hill, located in eastern California near the border of Arizona, is known for its beautiful opal eggs, quartz crystals, and wonderful fire agates so it is one of the best places for gem hunting in california. What gemstones are found in California? Cost: Gem Buckets that you dig from our pile are $30.00 each. Philipsburg, Montana. The rhyolite exposures near Camas Creek are also excellent for finding both fire opals and topaz specimens. There are some notable opal mines in the United States, but they are not common everywhere. Oregon has its very own variety of opals called Thunderegg. These opals are found in stunning geodes, rocks that look unassuming outside but explode with color and diversity within. The state produces a vibrant portfolio of gems, from agate to diamonds, and of course, opals!. Opal is a gemstone discovered beneath the earths surface that is both beautiful and unique. We had been mining the Stewart with mild success since 1968, when we decided that it was time to make the switch up the hill to the Tourmaline Queen. It is one of the worlds largest mines of opal, with some of the best specimens on the planet. The leading supplier of Oregon opals is the Juniper Ridge Opal mine, a fee dig site where visitors and miners can pay a fee, undergo training, and start mining! The region teems with common opal, but a few small deposits supply precious black opal, known as some of the finest opals in the world. They are beautiful to behold, and the excitement of finding them is more than worth it. Ore was brought down the mountain by tram and trucked down Last Chance Canyon to the Pacific Railroad at Saltdale. There are a few locations in California where diamonds have been found. Many of the opals found in the Imperial Valley are of the common opal variety, but some precious opals have also been found. Cairngorm Quartz. Black opal is the rarest, and opals, generally, can be found in the fissures of rocks, such as sandstone. Christopher Rose, who was the original owner of the Opal Hill Claim, took it from previous owner Nancy Hill in a somewhat dubious manner. Some of the most famous opal mines in the United States are the Royal Peacock Opal Mine in Nevada, and the Virgin Valley Opal Mines in Oregon. Home FAQ Quick Answer: Where To Find Opal In California. Are you ready to get your hands on a relic from the Old West? Louisiana Sand Opal forms when sand grains band together with clear opal. Buried in Whittier, California, USA. In addition, you can take home one 5-gallon bucket of rocks that you have screened and washed if you want to more carefully sort through them at home. Exploratory work yielded some 80 pounds of gem tourmaline. Miners Gems. TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Louisiana, check out this article. There are also places where you can find ruby, sapphire, opal and many other gemstones. Look to the Gila forks for the best and most exotic volcanics. Where are we located? Since the early 1900s, the Virgin Valley has had a reputation for producing unique, world-class precious gemstones. opal, silica mineral extensively used as a gemstone, a submicrocrystalline variety of cristobalite. Kids pay half price, which isn't bad for the experience. TIP: To make the opal affordable to a wider range of people, a lot of different fakes have been created. Orbis Publishing Ltd., London. In terms of value, Lightning Ridge is the largest opal producer, while Coober Pedy is the largest producer of mass. 38.2 mi. The land of the waves-washed coastline, high deserts, river valleys, towering volcanoes and mountain ranges are rich in mineral deposits. Gold Nuggets : What Is Gold Nugget? The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land and mineral resources. Close to the Oregon border in the remote Virgin Valley area of far northwestern Nevada, a relatively recent find in Ethiopia, and the famous deposits of Lightning Ridge in Australia. The canyon itself is a deep, narrow valley, with sheer walls of red and white sandstone, lined with towering pines and oaks. On Beadworks, you'll find information on everything from the different types of beads and gemstones available, to tips on how to create your own jewelry. The Black Rock Desert is also a great place to explore. The next most prosperous opal state in the U.S. after Nevada is Idaho. Quick Answer: Where To Find Opals In California. In the U.S., you can also find rare black opals, fire opals, and common opals. The area surfaces are filed with fire opals, and so are the regional washes, draws, and surfaces near Lander County. Where You Can Find Minerals and Gemstones in California? American opals come from several states in western USA, where volcanic rocks in remote mountains and valleys along the Western Trail from California to Washington supply varieties like black opal, fire opal, common opal, and more. I hope that helps. Opals arent found in all states of the U.S., but it is commonly found in Nevada. Also known as Opal R Trissell, Main R Opal, R Main Opal, Opal Main-Trissell, Opal R Wormington. In addition to a variety of quartz species, Arkansas also has a small source of opals. Reservations are not necessary. But there is another type of Louisiana opal thats much more abundant: Louisiana Palm Wood. The state of Washington may not be as rich in opal specimens and diversity as the states mentioned above. Heres a quick overview of where to find American opals in the USA: Before we dive into each of these states, lets go over some of the opal varieties youll encounter in the US. 40.0 mi. And the gold is here, participants have taken out over 300 ounces of gold from the one hole at our Jimtown 1849 Gold Mining Camp. Fossicking is mostly carried out by searching through the mine overburden dumps, most miners disregard or miss smaller pieces of Opal. Downieville. The best places to rockhound in California include the areas around San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Crescent City, and Eureka.