Spencer opals are of exceptional quality and are known around the world. This pay-to-dig mine was opened to the public in 1981 and still produces countless world-class opals each year. Everyone was so nice there at the mine. After spending two years discovering and taking over the abandoned claim in 1998, a father and son team, Ken and Chuck Oldham, formed a group of lapidaries and miners. This page is not managed by any of the fee dig mines and is provided as a courtesy. Information about the Royal Peacock, Rainbow Ridge and Bonanza Opal Mines Fee Digs and the Virgin Valley Opal and Mines. Tried to contact new owners but message I left was never responded too. Due to new safety rules, visitors may no longer park vehicles near the bank while digging... ALL GUESTS must check in at the Gift Shop. Miners said the one-size-fits-all approach to fees failed to consider the different circumstances of small-scale opal mining to some of Queensland's bigger mining operations, and … We can still ship or coordinate a pick up! A close-up look at one of the most beautiful opals ever. We will not have a buffet-style serving line as in the past. … It was our good fortune to find several opals, one weighing in at 96 grams. Check the mining page for current pricing as well as an explanation of the digging options, along with important tips. Though I wouldn’t hold out all that much hope – I’m pretty sure they’ll have given them a good going over before they let anyone else loose on them. Get Lucky and Find Your Own Treasures Virgin Valley Opals are the Brightest in the World. Couture and his wife Claudia. Opals were discovered here in 1905 and opal mining predates the Wildlife Refuge. You might have better luck doing that but I’m not inclined to find out. Coober Pedy's population hovers around 4000 - give or … Gold panning lessons are also available for a fee. Since then, the mine has been open to the public as a pay-to-dig mine, and produced extremely rare and beautiful opal specimens. Ever wondered what it's like, hunting for opal? It is open daily from 7:30AM to 4:30PM. This is where the large 130 lb opal log was found in the 1990's by a fee digger and the mine has also produced many large black opals! The mine claim is currently closed to the public until the claim owner can get his plan of operation appoved for the site. The mine claim is privately owned and was open to collecting for a fee. Digging is allowed May 15 through Oct. 15, WEATHER PERMITTING. These mines have produced the brightest, most  colorful opals on the planet and some of the largest opals ever found came from Virgin Valley. The Royal Peacock Opal Mine is located off Hwy 140 in Virgin Valley, approximately 35 miles from Denio, Nevada. The mine is situated in northwestern Nevada, towards the end of the Virgin Valley Road about 35 miles from Denio, Nevada. The information and services provided on this website are done so with the understanding that VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, its owner/s and agents, are not engaged in rendering any legal, accounting, or investment services. Mullock heaps (the waste excavated from opal mines) dot the landscape, opal mining machinery is silhouetted against the horizon, and dust clouds indicate active diggings. We will have a dedicated restroom attendant sanitizing restrooms, showers, porta-potties, and the laundry room continuously. Again, we have worlds of space to maintain separation. Visit Virgin Valley and dig for your own opal today! It has yielded countless world-class precious opal specimens during that time. I can't wait to return and do it all over again. , archaeologists with Ancient Journeys of Taos, NM, In 2005 we were at the mine and found a huge peacock opal, , about 232 cts. For those of you participating in our barbecue meals, we will not be grouping as we have done in the past. No reservations are needed; however, PLEASE SIGN IN at the Gift Shop before starting to mine! America's Opal Oasis! When I wandered the bush back in the 60’s’ I heard stories of the opal miners who combed this country back in the 1800’s. Very relaxing. The mine is also a popular … If someone mentions Oregon, you are likely to think of the foggy coast or weird, cool Portland, not fiery gemstones created after volcanic fire centuries ago. Joy and her husband saw it and told us how to treat it. There are many places in the United States where you can pan for gold and have a reasonable chance of finding some. Scroll down the page to see what each mine has to offer, a video of each mine, photos of their opals,  and for their info and links to their websites where you can learn more. Read more > They opened it for a form of mining called “fee dig” mining after mining … Offers for services are void where prohibited by law. All in the Family Opal Mining. Opal Hill is well known for its beautiful and rare fire agate, opal eggs and quartz crystals. Click to read the history of the Wilson family. Die meisten Menschen sind völlig mit der fasziniert “guten alten Zeiten” der Goldrausch und erforschen. Please always call or contact each mine for their most current info. Opal Hill Mine has been producing fire agate for many years. The Juniper Ridge Opal mine is the site of a major opal discovery and development that has been going on for 30 years before being abandoned. Lightning Ridge is famous for producing black opal, the darkest and most valuable form of opal. Joy and her husband saw it and told us how to treat it, MSHA now requires safety equipment as follows when mining the bank: (Click to read more...). You can return to your RV, campsite or accommodations to enjoy your meal, or you can bring your4 lawn chairs and comfortably disperse out on the lawn and/or parking lot areas. Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine is an open to the public fee dig site in Virgin Valley, Nevada. Spencer Opal Mine usually opens in spring and remains open through fall. Opal-AN] P Cristofono collection : Santa Maria Mining District (Planet Mining District; Swansea Mining District; Bill Williams Mining District) ⓘ BCC Mines (BBC Mine; BBC claims) [var. Opal mining in the Winton area Untergrund gehen bei Lightning Ridge hier. It has yielded countless world-class precious opal specimens during that time. "Fire opal" is a term used for a colorful, translucent to transparent opal with a background color that is a fire-like hue of … Website Design by Christopher Wentzell of DOMINION GEMS. More details can be seen on their website: The Bonanza Opal Mine has tailings digging only. These gorgeous gems have been found in the Beaver State. : http://bit.ly/1G97GmASHARE THIS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/HX5zF8b7XKENickipedia Live Website: http://www.NickipediaLive.comScience Team! Royston Turquoise is some of our favorite and to see it coming out of the hill, and where one vein crosses another, or the old Silver mines next to it, was all great fun. Opal-AN] The-Vug.com Collecting Minerals of La Paz County DVD: Silver Mining District ⓘ Red Cloud Mine [var. Fire opal is also found in Virgin Valley. Read more. 70 were here. All content © 2017 to present by VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL individually. Opals “Opal is the world’s most popular phenomenal gem. 208.374.5476 . The Royal Peacock Opal Mine offers guests a chance to mine their own opals. The Royal Peacock Opal Mine has both Bank (unsearched Wall) and Tailings digging and also has a pay campground, cabins, & small shop near the mine. For those of you that haven't been here, we do have a lot of space. A couple of the working mines are open to the public, and they’ll let you noodle for opals in their spoil heaps and keep anything you find. Since 1981, the Royal Peacock Opal Mine has been open to the public as a pay-to-dig mine. 1 Helpful vote. Helpful. But you never know, you might get lucky! The mine is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Please always call or contact each mine for their most current info. We are open to the public as a fee dig mine each summer from Memorial weekend until mid-September. I have done a lot of "tours" that are kind of phony, this is not, it is the real deal. Klinker Opal Property (Fee) - Dig your own opals near Vernon, B.C. The mine consists of rock outcroppings and holes where agate has been extracted. You can also see our FAQs. We will allow one group in the office at a time for signing in, shopping, etc. It's here that you'll find a variety of different types of opals, including Black Opal, Mexican Fire Opal, Precious Fire Opal, and White Opals—just to name a few. VIRGIN VALLEY, NEVADA ! As you might have … There are 3 safe MSHA registered opal mines open to the public for fee digging where you can dig for YOUR OWN OPALS! For those of you that have already been to the Royal Peacock Opal Mine, you are probably aware that we have plenty of room to maintain adequate separation. There are 3 safe MSHA registered opal mines open to the public for fee digging where you can dig for YOUR OWN OPALS! Website Design by Christopher Wentzell of, VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES DBA, CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL, Don't forget to also visit and like our Virgin Valley Opal Mines Facebook Page. There are also places where you can find ruby, sapphire, opal and many other gemstones. - Denio, Nevada . Plan your visit to Virgin Valley's famous opal mines today and try your luck! Three years ago we had it cut, and here it is: CLICK HERE FOR MORE. Come Dig for Opals This Year at Bonanza. This page is NOT owned or associated with any of the existing fee dig mines and is a collective resource of information maintained by CHRISTOPHER WENTZELL DBA VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL MINES. Many cultures have credited opal … The final day for digging will be on Sunday, September 20th. Bonanza Opal Mines, Inc. 43255 Sagebrush Creek Rd. Open May 15 - Oct 15, 2019 Since 1981, the Royal Peacock Opal Mine has been open to the public as a pay-to-dig mine. Date of experience: November 2015. All three are fee mines, open during limited times of the year for public digging. Learn more about the methods here. These mines have produced the brightest, most colorful opals on the planet and some of the largest opals ever found came from Virgin Valley. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! There you can pay a small fee, look for opal (and other gem materials) and keep whatever you find according to mine rules. 2020 Season. All you find are yours to keep! In 2005 we were at the mine and found a huge peacock opal, about 232 cts. Very very beautiful. Then you get to the town itself, and it looks, well, exactly the same. The Royal Peacock has one small cabin (sleeps 3) and one small trailer (sleeps 2). About Opals; Opal Solids; Opal Triplets; Mineralogy; ATTENTION ALL! Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine will open for the 2020 season on Friday, May 22nd. Have a nice winter, we will see you in the spring! Fee mining sites are places where you can pay a fee to dig for rocks, minerals, gold or gemstones and keep whatever you find. We found a bunch of opals... We are very happy and will definitely return. All rights reserved. Keep us in mind for next year. This is the only commercial opal mine in Idaho that is open to the public for the opportunity for folks to search for their very own opals. If legal advice or assistance is required or desired, the services of a competent licensed attorney or other appropriate professional should be sought. Spencer Opal Mines, LLC is owned by A.J. We provide a … The Royal Peacock Opal Mine has yielded such treasures as Freda's Log (pictured above), , "the Shoe", and the 130-pound Gingko Log, one of the largest opals ever found, anywhere in the world. ⓘ Heson Mine (Hesson Mine) [var. We offer several ways to experience opal mining in Virgin Valley; tailings digging and virgin ground loads. It is owned and operated by the oldest family still in the valley today, the Wilson's, who are your friendly hosts. opal jewelry, opal display domes, tool sales and rental, firewood, sunscreen, hats, T-shirts, cool drinks, ice, and more. Sad. I also wanted to mention just how quiet it is out there. If you like turquoise, or a little adventure where you get something to take home as a memento, I highly recommend it! The mine is surrounded by wildlife and beautiful outdoor attractions. Don't forget to also visit and like our Virgin Valley Opal Mines Facebook Page. ... Opal mining takes place within a Mineral Claim using multiple methods of extraction. We are closed each Wednesday and Thursday. Home; Show Dates; Opal Country and Gift Shop; You Can Dig It; Idaho Opals. The research, data collection, planning, and … Would love to know if it's ever going to be open to the public again. Rental tools and other equipment will have all been disinfected daily prior to you using them. The opal here is found in ironstone concretions. Information about the other mines including Kokopelli Opal Mine, Opal Negra Mine,  and John Church Swordfish Mining Virgin Valley Opal. For 2020 Virgin Valley COVID-19 UPDATES click HERE. This Travel Channel feature from the 1990s introduces the Royal Peacock Opal Mine. Rainbow Ridge does not offer half day rates for digging fees. Looking forward to seeing all of you and having a fun, safe, and enjoyable season!!! By visiting and/or using this website, you agree to our terms of use, privacy policy, and sales terms/return policy. Open in Google Maps. Before mining can begin, a permit must be obtained. They operate from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday through Monday during this time. The late Harry W. Wilson oversaw opal mine production site for many, many years. You will be asked to maintain separation throughout the park until you are ready to eat. The cost of opening a mine in the United States is extremely high. At present, Jake supervises the diggings, Julie runs the Gift Shop, and Harry oversaw operations until his passing in 2016. The great part was witnessing the couple next to us finding a very nice specimen quoted as being worth well over $5,000, maybe up to $15000. I cant wait to go again. The Wilsons have owned and operated the Royal Peacock Opal Mine ever since 1944. The Royal Peacock Opal mine has been a family affair since officially opening for business in 1981. Fun for the Whole Family. From Noel and Teresa Pacheco, archaeologists with Ancient Journeys of Taos, NM: Go to Mining overview. To those of you that might be wondering or concerned about grouping or separation, due to Covid-19, here's some info on how we are going to handle the situation this year. Mining is usually done in the form of open cut operations. Mining for opals. Our Gift Shop offers opals and opal jewelry, plus tools and basic essentials. Several mines are open to rockhounds for fee digging of  precious black, crystal, fire, conk, wood, limb cast, and other opal types. Our sites already provide adequate and abundant group spacing. A few days each year they actually open up the mine to the public and let you go dig out your own rocks. We found several opals, and one very nice limb cast. Scottish Gold - The gold found will have lain untouched and unseen since time began! Records are available from the Lightning Ridge Office, for inspection, free of charge, by members of the public during office hours. More details can be seen on their website: VIRGIN VALLEY OPAL NEVADA OPAL MINES, home of the world-famous Nevada Black Fire Opal and source of the world's finest opal specimens and collector opal gems. New South Wales produces the largest proportion of Australian opal in terms of value. San Dimas, Ca 96 contributions 94 … Find glittering, gorgeous emeralds in Hiddenite, only about an hour’s drive from Winston-Salem, NC. The mine consists of rock outcroppings and holes where agate has been extracted. Any copying, reproduction, storing or transmittal prohibited without prior express written permission. Mother Nature took fourteen million years to make a Virgin Valley black opal. In. There are 3 pay-to-dig (fee dig) sites open to the public in the valley where you can mine and dig for your own opals! But only at first glance! The fee to dig is $70 per person, but kids under 12 are free to dig with a paid adult. The mining. How Dangerous Is Opal Mining? Thanks for visiting! Boulder Opal is a unique type of Opal which is usually found attached to ironstone. We used to go to opal hill mine before it changed hands and absolutely loved it!!! Share. The Emerald Hollow Mine is home to the only emerald mine in the United States open for public treasure hunting. Kids Love Bonanza. Mounds of mullock everywhere, and not much else. Biella Gold Prospectors Association ... Museum of Lead Mining - The Museum is unique in Scotland as it is the only former lead mine open to the public. Celebrate Your Birthday Digging for Opals… But it's okay to use Oregon and opals in the same sentence. This is considered to be the BEST fee dig in the valley by many. The permit is required to assure that the mine will be developed and operated with minimal impact on the environment, minimal hazard to employees, and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws. After spending two years discovering and taking over the abandoned claim in 1998, a father and son team, Ken and Chuck Oldham, formed a group of lapidaries and miners. Die Geschichten von hardy Männer … There is no need to worry about issues of keeping separation between groups. We are now closed for the season! WHERE CAN I DIG FOR MY OWN OPALS AND GEMS? Italy. When one thinks of a mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come to mind. Opal Mines. Precious opal is in the crystal family, but has a dazzling display of color. Opal Gem Mines & Mining Claims for sale. Eromanga Opal Field, Eromanga, Quilpie Shire, Queensland, Australia : Located approximately 110kms west of Quilpie. The Mine is located on BLM land which is an open area for camping. Royal Peacock Opal Mine This is the best mine you can go to if you love collecting world class black opal specimens. Dinner plates will be prepared by our staff and as you arrive, your individual plates will be prepared for you. The mine is open daily from 8AM until 4PM for digging. The rock shop is open until 5 PM. Due to COVID-19, we are closed for the year. Queensland Opal Mines Queensland opal mining fields cover a large part of the state of Queensland and are the main source of the world’s supply of Boulder Opal. SUBSCRIBE! We have an 18-spot RV Park, dry-camping spots, and several furnished lodging options. Occasionally a good opal mine or claim is for sale and this website is dedicated solely to Virgin Valley Opal: the mines, the history, the opals, and everything related to Virgin Valley Opals and the Mining District. The Juniper Ridge Opal mine is the site of a major opal discovery and development that has been going on for 30 years before being abandoned. Instead, we just went to the big pile of rocks behind the cafe. You can check out findings from the mine at sluiceways or do your own prospecting, digging, and hunting for a small fee. Go to the opalmine shop here. For further information Lightning Ridge Office Phone: +61 (0)2 6820 5200 Fax: +61 (0)2 6829 … SDMRT wrote a review Nov 2012. They opened it for a form of mining called “fee dig” mining after mining … Rockhounds and mineral collectors throughout the northwest enjoy visiting the famous Spencer Opal Mine.