Opal Hill Mine (Kaylee Mae Gem Mine)
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Private mining claim in the Wiley Well District near the Hauser Geode Beds. Known for fire agate, opal eggs, and quartz crystals. Fee dig with $25 per person collection fee. Kids free. Requires high clearance vehicle for the last stretch of rough dirt road. Access from I-10, Wiley Well exit, 17 miles south.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Fire Agate
Also found at:
Opals
Precious opals with brilliant play-of-color. Nevada's Virgin Valley produces spectacular fire opals worth thousands.
Also found at:
Agates
Banded chalcedony prized for their colors and patterns. Lake Superior agates, Fairburn agates, and Montana moss agates are especially famous.
Also found at:
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Opal Hill Mine (Kaylee Mae Gem Mine) with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35