Spencer Opal Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
The only opal mine in the US open for public digging. Dig through volcanic rhyolite to find fire opals with brilliant red, orange, and green play-of-color.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Opals
Precious opals with brilliant play-of-color. Nevada's Virgin Valley produces spectacular fire opals worth thousands.
Also found at:
📍 Nearby Locations in Idaho
Emerald Creek Garnet Area
Clarkia, Idaho · USFS
The only place in the world (outside India) where star garnets are found. USFS-designated garnet collecting area. Stunning four-ray star garnets.
Homedale / Owyhee Jasper
Homedale, Idaho · BLM Land
The Owyhee region produces some of the world's finest jasper including Morrisonite, Willow Creek, and Bruneau jasper. World-class lapidary material.
Bruneau River Canyon
Bruneau, Idaho · BLM Land
Famous for Bruneau jasper — one of the most beautiful and sought-after jaspers in the world. Deep canyon country requiring 4WD.
Woodward Reservoir Agates
Council, Idaho · BLM Land
BLM land known for beautiful agate and jasper. Part of the prolific rockhounding region of west-central Idaho.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Spencer Opal 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