Turquoise & Opal rockhounding sites

Turquoise, opal, variscite, and other prized lapidary materials from the American Southwest and beyond.

65 destinations nationwide.

Turquoise mines near me — GPS filter for turquoise localities and digs.
Turquoise specimen map — Southwest turquoise collecting overview.

Turquoise & Opal rockhounding sites by state

State-specific lists with turquoise & opal destinations only.

What to pack for turquoise & opal hunting

Southwest sun and rough roads — field gear we compare for lapidary material collecting.

Field Backpacks

Carry tools, water, and specimens on remote dig days

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Hand Lenses & Loupes

Identify crystals and minerals before you haul rock home

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Outdoor Sunscreen

SPF that survives desert sun and all-day field work

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Specimen Bags & Wrap

Get your finds home without chips and scratches

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OpalLA

Aben Opal Sands

Western Louisiana gravel beds near Vernon Parish occasionally yield opalized wood and agate in Catahoula Formation sands.

Fee variesLeesville

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OpalCA

Afton Canyon

Afton Canyon is a documented mineral occurrence near CA. Reported specimens include Opalite, Jasper. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesCalifornia

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OpalID

Agatha

Agatha is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opal, Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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ChrysocollaID

Alder Creek

Alder Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalMD

Beltsville

Beltsville is a documented mineral occurrence near MD. Reported specimens include Hyalite Opal, Quartz crystals, Silicified wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesMaryland

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Black Rock Desert — opal rockhounding site near Nevada, NV

OpalNV

Black Rock Desert is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Opalized wood, Petrified wood, Agate, Fire Opal, Geodes, Gypsum, Obsidian, Tourmaline, Malachite, Epidote, Barite, Azurite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalNV

Bonanza Opal Mine (virgin Valley)

Bonanza Opal Mine (Virgin Valley) is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Opal (various colors). Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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TurquoiseNM

Burro Mountains Turquoise

The Burro Mountains near Silver City have produced turquoise for Native artisans for generations; most dig sites are on private mining claims.

Fee variesSilver City

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OpalOR

Chenowith Creek

Chenowith Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near OR. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesOregon

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OpalID

Clover Creek

Clover Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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ChrysocollaWY

Copper Prince Mine

Copper Prince Mine is a documented mineral occurrence near WY. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla, Gold, Malachite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWyoming

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OpalWY

Crazy Woman Creek

Crazy Woman Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near WY. Reported specimens include Opalized wood, Silicified wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWyoming

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TurquoiseNV

Crescent Peak

Crescent Peak is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Turquoise, Copper, Gold, Lead, Molybdenum, Silver, Vanadium. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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ChrysocollaAZ

Emerald Isle Mine

Emerald Isle Mine is a documented mineral occurrence near AZ. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla, Tenorite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesArizona

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OpalUT

Fish Lake

Fish Lake is a documented mineral occurrence near UT. Reported specimens include Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesUtah

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OpalNM

Fort Bayard

Fort Bayard is a documented mineral occurrence near NM. Reported specimens include Common Opal, Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNew Mexico

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TurquoiseNV

Fox Mine & Other Mines

Fox Mine & Other Mines is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Turquoise. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalWA

Grand Coulee

Grand Coulee is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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OpalNV

Greenfire Opal Mine

Greenfire Opal Mine is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Gem Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, Common Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalWA

Horse Heaven Hills

Horse Heaven Hills is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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OpalNM

Isleta Pueblo

Isleta Pueblo is a documented mineral occurrence near NM. Reported specimens include Opal, Opalized wood, Agatized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNew Mexico

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Lapis LazuliCO

Italian Mountain

Italian Mountain is a documented mineral occurrence near CO. Reported specimens include Lapis Lazuli, Garnet. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesColorado

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OpalLA

Leesville (opal Area)

Leesville (opal area) is a documented mineral occurrence near LA. Reported specimens include Louisiana Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesLouisiana

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OpalID

Little Squaw Creek

Little Squaw Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalWA

Mattawa

Mattawa is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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OpalID

Mesa

Mesa is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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ChrysocollaMD

Middlesburge

Middlesburge is a documented mineral occurrence near MD. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesMaryland

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OpalSD

Mission

Mission is a documented mineral occurrence near SD. Reported specimens include Opalized wood, Agatized wood, Fossils. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesSouth Dakota

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OpalSD

Mobridge

Mobridge is a documented mineral occurrence near SD. Reported specimens include Opalized wood, Agatized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesSouth Dakota

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OpalWA

Mondovi

Mondovi is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opal, Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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VarisciteNV

Monte Cristo Range

Monte Cristo Range is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Variscite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalID

Moscow

Moscow is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalWA

Moses Coulee

Moses Coulee is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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OpalNV

Nellie Spring

Nellie Spring is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Opalite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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TurquoiseNV

Nevada Turquoise

Nevada Turquoise is a documented rockhounding destination in NV. Collectors visit for turquoise, chrysocolla and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalOR

Opal Butte

Opal Butte is a documented mineral occurrence near OR. Reported specimens include Hyalite opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesOregon

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ChrysocollaNM

Oscura Mountains

Oscura Mountains is a documented mineral occurrence near NM. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla, Chalcocite, Atacamite, Azurite, Barite, Celestite, Cerussite, Dolomite crystals, Galena, Limonite, Malachite, Quartz crystals. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNew Mexico

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OpalID

Panther Creek

Panther Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalWA

Petrified Forest State Park

Petrified Forest State Park is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Opalized wood, Petrified wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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ChrysocollaMT

Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg is a documented mineral occurrence near MT. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla, Rhodochrosite, Ore minerals. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesMontana

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OpalID

Poison Creek

Poison Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Common Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalWA

Pullman

Pullman is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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OpalNV

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine

One of Virgin Valley's premier fee-dig opal mines where visitors search virgin tailings for black and crystal opal specimens.

Fee requiredDenio

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VarisciteNV

Rock Hill

Rock Hill is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Variscite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalNV

Royal Peacock Opal Mine

Royal Peacock Opal Mine is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Black Opal, Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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TurquoiseNV

Royston Turquoise District

The Royston district near Tonopah produces matrix turquoise with green and blue color bands highly valued in Southwest jewelry.

Fee requiredTonopah

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OpalWY

Saratoga

Saratoga is a documented mineral occurrence near WY. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWyoming

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OpalID

Setters

Setters is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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OpalWY

Shirley Basin

Shirley Basin is a documented mineral occurrence near WY. Reported specimens include Opalized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWyoming

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TurquoiseTX

Sierra Blanc

Sierra Blanc is a documented mineral occurrence near TX. Reported specimens include Turquoise. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesTexas

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OpalID

Snake River

Snake River is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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VarisciteUT

Snowville

Snowville is a documented mineral occurrence near UT. Reported specimens include Variscite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesUtah

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OpalID

Spencer Opal Mine

A family-operated opal mine in eastern Idaho offering fee digs in opal-bearing rhyolite tuff with visible opal seams.

Fee requiredSpencer

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OpalID

Spencer Opal Mine (paid Location)

Spencer Opal Mine (paid location) is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Fire Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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TurquoiseNV

Sugar Loaf Peak

Sugar Loaf Peak is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Turquoise. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalOR

Sylvies Canyon

Sylvies Canyon is a documented mineral occurrence near OR. Reported specimens include Wood opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesOregon

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TurquoiseAZ

Turquoise

Turquoise is a documented rockhounding destination in AZ. Collectors visit for turquoise, chrysocolla and related material. Access rules and land ownership vary — confirm current status with the managing agency or landowner before collecting.

Fee variesArizona

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OpalNV

Virgin Valley Opal District

Black fire opal in pastel host rhyolite made Virgin Valley world-famous; several private mines offer fee digging for opalized wood and precious opal.

Fee requiredDenio

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Vya — opal rockhounding site near Nevada, NV

OpalNV

Vya

Vya is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Common Opal, obsidian. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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OpalKS

Wallace

Wallace is a documented mineral occurrence near KS. Reported specimens include Moss Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesKansas

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OpalWA

Waterville

Waterville is a documented mineral occurrence near WA. Reported specimens include Common Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesWashington

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ChrysocollaNV

White Lake

White Lake is a documented mineral occurrence near NV. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla, Malachite. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNevada

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TurquoiseCO

Willow Creek West Fork Stream Bed

Willow Creek West Fork stream bed is a documented mineral occurrence near CO. Reported specimens include Turquoise. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesColorado

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ChrysocollaVA

Wreck Island Creek

Wreck Island Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near VA. Reported specimens include Chrysocolla. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesVirginia

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OpalID

Yellow Pine

Yellow Pine is a documented mineral occurrence near ID. Reported specimens include Opal. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesIdaho

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