Squaw Butte Fire Opal Area
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Lava beds of Squaw Butte near Emmett in Gem County. Known for fire opals in salmon pink and cherry red colors, plus agates. Public land rockhounding area popular among local collectors. Opals display great brilliance. Check local land status before collecting.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Fire Opal
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Agates
Banded chalcedony prized for their colors and patterns. Lake Superior agates, Fairburn agates, and Montana moss agates are especially famous.
Also found at:
📍 Nearby Locations in Idaho
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.
Crystal Gold Mine
Kellogg, Idaho · Fee Dig
Authentic historic hard rock gold mine in Kellogg's Silver Valley. Offers guided underground mine tours (well-lit concrete walkways, no crawling), gol...
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.
Sinker Creek
Marsing, Idaho · Public Land
Southwest of Boise near Marsing. Known for fossilized wood, petrified palm root, agates, jasper, and quartz crystals. Fossils and agates found in grav...
Spencer Opal Mine
Spencer, Idaho · Fee Dig
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-c...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Squaw Butte Fire Opal Area 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