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Without a doubt, Oregon is one of the very best places for rockhounds to visit in the U.S. Explore the rocks, minerals, and gems of the Beaver State with this article and find out where to find them.
During your travels in Oregon, some common rocks and minerals you may find are:
- agate,
- obsidian,
- jasper,
- thundereggs,
- petrified wood,
- soapstone,
- Oregon sunstone,
- opal,
- bloodstone,
- moonstone,
- jade,
- gold,
- amethyst,
- carnelian,
- and quartz.
Oregon has so much to offer rockhounds, but without information, rockhounds would never know how many treasures this state has for them. Enjoy your Oregon rockhounding adventures to the fullest using this guide.
If you are interested in checking out the best rockhounding tools you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Rocks Are Found in Oregon
Oregon is an excellent state to visit for a wide variety of rocks, including:
Agate
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Agate Beach | 44.665859, -124.059076 |
| Clear Creek | 45.805824, -123.279861 |
| Moolack Beach | 44.699288, -124.063420 |
| Sheep Creek | 44.410385, -122.214237 |
| Bear Creek | 42.432187, -122.970666 |
| Eagle Point | 42.469168, -122.800229 |
| Green Springs Mountain | 42.142936, -122.507377 |
Oregon’s beaches are some of the best places for rockhounds to find all types of agates. Banded, moss, and plume agates all wash up on the shores of the Beaver State, and you can also find these rocks in gorgeous colors, such as blue or purple.
All of Oregon’s beaches, creeks, and waterways are overflowing with agates. Some popular areas for rockhounding are Agate Beach, Clear Creek, and Moolack Beach.
Obsidian
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Glass Butte | 43.556812, -120.074481 |
| Lake County | 42.595773, -120.317944 |
| East Lake | 43.730272, -121.223608 |
| Paulina Lake | 43.712190, -121.262840 |
| Willamete Valley | 44.826849, -122.965457 |
| Lakeview | 42.187724, -120.343412 |
Obsidians are not only extremely abundant throughout Oregon, but you can also find many different types during your rockhounding trips. One popular type that many rockhounds seek out in the Beaver State is iridescent obsidian, which displays a rainbow shine when exposed to sunlight.
Glass Butte is a must-see site for obsidian in Oregon, especially since you’ll be able to collect iridescent obsidian from this area.
TIP: Obsidian fakes are hardly spotted with the unaided eye. Time, patience, and additional equipment are needed to differentiate between natural and fake obsidian. Find out more in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Obsidian Stone: Check These 8 Key Differences
Jasper
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Sherman County | 45.450826, -120.692005 |
| Deschutes River | 44.700034, -121.238630 |
| Malheur County | 43.446239, -117.337158 |
| Willamette Valley | 44.916387, -122.927005 |
| Biggs | 45.668098, -120.835260 |
| Lincoln City Beach | 44.974840, -124.016681 |
There are some unique types of jasper that rockhounds can collect from Oregon, known as Biggs Jasper and Owyhee Jasper. Biggs Jasper is popular due to its dark coloring and picture pattern, which resembles an intricate shell.
Another type of jasper that’s similar and often confused with Biggs Jasper is Deschutes Jasper, which appears in the same areas of Oregon as Biggs Jasper.
The other type of jasper that’s well-known in Oregon is Owyhee Jasper, famous for its desert scenery pattern that’s displayed after it’s cut and polished.
You can find jasper all over Oregon, especially in Sherman County, the Deschutes River, and Malheur County.
Thunderegg
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Flats | 44.153662, -119.647045 |
| Whistler Spring | 44.496090, -120.484738 |
| Desolation Canyon | 44.475319, -120.506963 |
| Crane Mountain | 42.062281, -120.241046 |
| Hart Mountain | 42.459368, -119.741424 |
| Steens Mountain | 42.636072, -118.576838 |
Did you know that Oregon is one of the few U.S. states that has world-class thundereggs? Oregon’s state rock has been the thunderegg since 1965, and they are abundant throughout the state, especially in the central region.
Inside Oregon’s thundereggs, you might find agate, jasper, opal, and other rocks and minerals that are common in the Beaver State.
Keep an eye out for geodes in Sunflower Flats, Whistler Spring, and Desolation Canyon. Crane Mountain and Hart Mountain are also great sites for geodes.
TIP: To find thunder egg specimens in the wild, you must know precisely what you are looking for. Check out the complete guide on finding thunder eggs in the article below:
Finding Thunder Eggs: Best Environments & Locations (USA)
Petrified Wood
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Umpqua River | 43.638757, -123.860433 |
| Crater Lake National Park (surrounding area) | 42.910086, -122.129395 |
| Oregon Caves (surrounding area) | 42.098917, -123.406918 |
| Owyhee Reservoir Dam | 43.457494, -117.339277 |
| Warner Canyon | 42.249500, -120.369576 |
| Willamette River | 44.805439, -123.093932 |
Over 65 species of petrified wood have been discovered on the Hollywood Ranch in Oregon, which is near Holly. And that’s just from a single area in the state! Both opalized and agatized wood, unique types of petrified wood, exist in the state and are sought-out by collectors.
Rockhounds often find petrified wood along the rivers and canyons of Oregon, such as the Umpqua River, Warner Canyon, and Willamette River
Soapstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Elliot Creek Ridge | 42.014561, -123.047779 |
| Squaw Lakes Campground | 42.035696, -123.023650 |
| Applegate Dam | 42.054728, -123.114534 |
| Jackson County | 42.028253, -123.033335 |
| Squaw Creek | 42.037539, -123.029110 |
You can collect high-quality soapstone from multiple areas in Oregon, and it’s often found alongside garnets. If you visit Applegate dam, you can collect both soapstone and garnet with a single trip.
Elliot Creek Ridge, Squaw Lakes Campground, and other areas near Jackson County have the best soapstone in the state.
Recommendation box: All tools and equipment you need for rockhounding and rock identification* (Amazon links):
1. Estwing Rock Hammer – Light, comfortable, and extremely durable hammer.
2. Estwing Geologist Pick – Classic and the most trusted paleo pick in the world.
3. Finder 12-inch Chisels – Heavy-duty chisels set with hand protection.
4. Mini Handle Shovel – This is a great tool for digging deep in the dirt.
5 Ironclad Utility Work Gloves – Breathable, but they also protect the areas requiring them most.
6. 3M Safety Glasses – Comfortable and efficient goggles for rockhounding.
7. Convoy 8+ UV Light – 365nm UV LED flashlight with a patented glass filter.
8. Wesley’s Jewelers Loupe – High magnification options (30X and 60X) with carrying case.
9. Mohs Hardness Kit – A specially designed kit for rockhounds
*All recommended products are personally tested and regularly used by experts from this website.
What Minerals Are Found in Oregon
In addition to these cool rocks, you can also find some one-of-a-kind minerals in Oregon, such as:
Oregon Sunstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Lakeview | 42.184926, -120.362810 |
| Plush | 35.275708, -99.586974 |
| Lake County | 42.474342, -120.164136 |
| Hart Mountain | 42.454810, -119.744988 |
| Hart Lake | 42.397209, -119.877952 |
In Oregon, you can collect a gem that you can’t find anywhere else in the world: the Oregon Sunstone. Oregon Sunstones are typically almost clear, which allows viewers to see specks of hematite that are encased within the mineral.
Occasionally, rockhounds find colored Oregon Sunstones, which can appear yellow, pink, red, blue, or green, but the latter two are extremely rare.
In 1987, Oregon designated the Oregon Sunstone as its state gemstone, and these rare rocks have contributed greatly to Oregon’s mining and tourist industry.
While rockhounds do find Oregon Sunstones quite frequently, they have only appeared in one part of the state in Lake County. Plush and Hart Mountain are known to produce some gorgeous Oregon Sunstones, but it’s worth checking out any area you visit within Lake County.
Opal
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Morrow County | 45.375196, -119.306933 |
| Opal Butte | 45.043388, -119.613643 |
| White Rock | 44.424408, -120.546631 |
| Hart Mountain | 42.459336, -119.741510 |
| Opal Butte | 45.043448, -119.613257 |
| Heppner | 45.386771, -119.537646 |
If you want to collect a wide variety of opals, then Oregon is a great place to be! In the Beaver State, you can pick up precious, fire, hyalite, crystal, dendritic, and even some breathtaking blue opals.
Occasionally, blue opal is discovered inside of a thunderegg, and these mainly occur in eastern areas of the state. Because of their rarity, these thundereggs are highly valued by collectors and the rockhounding community.
Morrow County, Opal Butte, and White Rock are known for their many different types of gem-quality opals.
TIP: Opal and opalite are fundamentally different substances with almost identical appearances. Check out differences between opal and opalite in the article below:
Opal vs. Opalite: 6 Crucial Differences (Are They Same?)
Bloodstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Butte Falls | 42.541565, -122.564478 |
| Eagle Point | 42.471321, -122.794736 |
| Willamette River | 44.806067, -123.092894 |
| Bob Straub State Park | 45.182434, -123.964551 |
| Astoria | 46.188399, -123.843756 |
| Sunset Beach | 45.693855, -123.939052 |
Oregon bloodstones are often discovered alongside moonstone, jasper, and agate. These stones usually pop up in northwestern regions of the state, and many of them are of high quality.
Explore the northwestern areas of Oregon to bring home some stunning bloodstones. Some specific areas to look near are Butte Falls and the Willamette River.
Moonstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Sunset Beach | 45.693855, -123.939052 |
| Bay Ocean Peninsula Park (surrounding area) | 45.520553, -123.959007 |
| Rockaway Beach | 45.613333, -123.948330 |
| Manhattan Beach Recreation Site | 45.639352, -123.942851 |
| Nehalem River (near the mouth of the river) | 45.655117, -123.940956 |
| Nehalam Beach | 45.666773, -123.941111 |
Moonstones are on the rarer side in Oregon, unless you look near the beaches. Without a doubt, the beaches of Oregon are the best places to find moonstones, as well as other minerals.
Nehalam Beach, Sunset Beach, Rockaway Beach, and the other beach shores in Tillamook County are sure to have moonstones and other collectible minerals.
TIP: Putting a value on a moonstone is different from many other colored gems. Check out the complete guide on moonstone value in the article below:
Are Moonstones Valuable Rocks? The Real Worth of Moonstones
Jade
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Antelope | 44.913476, -120.725380 |
| Brookings | 42.071431, -124.315685 |
| Polka Dot Mine | 44.760288, -120.829402 |
| Lucky Strike Mine | 44.517050, -120.497542 |
| Lakeview | 42.187724, -120.341352 |
| Unique Fork Rock Ghost Town | 43.368769, -121.065946 |
Would you be surprised to find high-quality jade in Oregon? While its not as abundant here as other U.S. states, rockhounds can gather jade, mainly nephrite jade, in this state. However, rockhounds sometimes find jadeite in Oregon, which is much more valuable than common nephrite jade.
Look in Antelope and Brookings for jade, and if you are on the hunt for jadeite, the Polka Dot Mine and Lucky Strike Mine are the places to go.
Gold
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Rogue River | 42.435904, -123.182231 |
| Althouse Creek | 42.064615, -123.521537 |
| Orofino Mine | 42.549619, -123.270999 |
| Klamath Mountains | 42.000056, -123.335273 |
| Quartzville Creek | 44.476112, -122.501967 |
| Smith River | 43.772799, -123.823105 |
California, Alaska, and other states receive more attention, but there were gold rushes that occurred in Oregon.
Back in the 1850s, travelers discovered that the rivers were filled with gold, and the rush took off from there. One of the largest gold-producing places in the state was the Althouse Creek, and legend has it that it was prospected by over 10,000 men during the first decade of the rush.
Rogue River, Althouse Creek, and the Klamath Mountains are some of the top places to pan for Oregon gold. If you want to search for diamonds along with gold, check out the Smith River, which has been known to produce a few quality diamonds!
TIP: Gold prospecting in Oregon is an exciting and potentially rewarding pastime. Check out the complete guide on gold prospecting in Oregon in the article below:
Gold Prospecting in Oregon: 7 Best Locations & Laws
Amethyst
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Crook County | 44.215489, -120.414979 |
| Shellrock Mountain | 45.687153, -121.741738 |
| Tillamook County | 45.411866, -123.901041 |
| Hood River County | 45.556910, -121.603201 |
| Columbus River | 45.705015, -121.603977 |
Many of the areas in Oregon that are plentiful in gold also have amethyst crystals. While they are not as sought-after as gold, some Oregon varieties are paler than normal and have a unique appearance, which makes them interesting!
Crook County, Tillamook County, and Hood River County are some areas where you can collect amethyst. Of these three, Crook County has been known to have the most amethysts.
Carnelian
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Columbia County | 45.956541, -123.065209 |
| Calapooia River | 44.326917, -122.741111 |
| Nehalem River | 45.844905, -123.563173 |
| Clear Creek | 45.805645, -123.279518 |
| Chandler Mountain | 44.340004, -122.697884 |
| Umpqua River | 43.638757, -123.860433 |
Carnelians are fairly common throughout Oregon, and you’ll often discover them on the riverbanks or creeks. You’ll often see them with jasper, petrified wood, and agate.
On the shores of the Calapooia River, Nehalem River, and Umpqua River, keep an eye out for these colorful stones!
Quartz
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Steen Mountains | 42.636072, -118.576624 |
| Powder River | 44.744255, -117.050973 |
| Bear Creek | 42.431997, -122.970409 |
| Althouse Creek | 42.064615, -123.521537 |
| Rogue River | 42.435904, -123.182231 |
| Mount Pisgah | 44.005031, -122.964637 |
In addition to amethyst, rockhounds can bring home other types of quartz from Oregon, such as smoky quartz and drusy quartz. Of course, rockhounds can also pick up plenty of clear quartz crystals.
Anywhere there’s gold in Oregon, there is sure to be some type of quartz nearby. Check out the rivers and mountains of this state that are known for their gold to collect all types of quartz crystals.
TIP: The term “geology” is derived from two Greek words: “γεω” meaning “Earth” and “λογοζ” meaning “to describe, to study. Find out why geology is not boring but fun in the article below:
4 Reasons Why Geology is Not Boring (Explained by Geologist)
FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in Oregon
Let’s go over the rare rocks and minerals of Oregon in these FAQs:
What Rare Rocks Can You Find in Oregon
Oregon is one of the best places in the U.S. for all types of rare rocks, including agates, jaspers, petrified wood, obsidian, and thundereggs. Surprisingly, you can find multiple rare varieties of each one of these rocks in the Beaver State.
For example, you can find iridescent obsidian, opalized wood, wonderstone jasper, and blue or purple agates. Additionally, the state is known for its gorgeous thundereggs, which can contain all sorts of rocks or minerals, including agates, opals, gold, and more.
There are plenty of places to go rockhounding for rare rocks in Oregon, but almost all the beaches and main rivers are great areas to start.
What Rare Minerals Can You Find in Oregon
The list of rare minerals in Oregon is a long one, so let’s dive right in: Oregon Sunstone, opal, bloodstone, moonstone, jade, gold, amethyst, carnelian, diamond, azurite, and malachite.
From this list, the Oregon Sunstone, various types of opals, and gold are the most popular treasures among rockhounds. Additionally, Oregon is the only place in the world where you can collect Oregon Sunstones, so this state is definitely worth a visit!
What is the Most Famous Rock or Mineral Found in Oregon
The Beaver State has all sorts of unique and interesting rocks and minerals, but the Oregon Sunstone usually holds the spotlight. Oregon Sunstones have a stunning glisten in sunlight, and it’s called schiller, or “wink.”
This described the twinkling appearance of Oregon Sunstones, which can come in multiple colors, such as pink, yellow, and blue. Usually, these sunstones appear clear with flecks of hematite, which are visible due to the clarity of the stone.
Lakeview and Plush are the main areas where rockhounds go to collect this mineral. Sadly, while these minerals are abundant, they are not widespread, so it’s best to stay near these areas if you want to collect these stones.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
Conclusion
Who would have expected Oregon to have so many unique rocks and minerals! Clearly, Oregon is a state that should not be ignored, especially by rockhounds who enjoy collecting one-of-a-kind finds.
During your next trip to the Beaver State, bring home some Oregon Sunstones, unique agates, or one of the other treasures that await you!
TIP: Oregon is probably the best rockhounding state in all of the United States. Find out the complete guide on rockhounding in Oregon in the article below:
All About Rockhounding in Oregon: Where to Go & What to Find