Crystalline Quartz, Agate, Jasper, and Chert
Across the state, you can find crystalline quartz, agate, jasper, and chert in many forms and colors. These minerals often occur in volcanic and metamorphic zones, weathering out of ancient lava flows and surfacing along coastlines, riverbeds, and desert outcrops.
Chert is typically found in marine sedimentary layers along the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River, and throughout Eastern Oregon.
Thundereggs
Oregon produces an impressive variety of thundereggs, known for their wide range of colors and patterns. Central and Eastern Oregon are among the most famous regions in the world for thunderegg hunting. The most productive areas include the Ochoco National Forest, the high desert near Prineville and Madras, and Succor Creek Canyon in Eastern Oregon.
Thunderegg is the official rock of Oregon.
Obsidian
Oregon is famous for its high-quality obsidian, especially in the volcanic regions of Central and Southern Oregon. The best-known collecting areas include Glass Butte near Burns, where rockhounds can find a variety of obsidian types such as rainbow, mahogany, and midnight lace. Another great location is Mud Ridge at Hines.
Petrified Wood and Limb Cast
The state offers many excellent locations to find petrified wood and limb casts, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. The Hampton Butte area is one of the best-known sites, famous for its colorful green petrified wood. Bear Creek, Congleton Hollow, and Dendrite Butte also yield beautiful specimens. In Eastern Oregon, Negro Rock, Succor Creek, Fremont National Forest, and areas around McDermitt are known for well-preserved limb casts and petrified wood.
Oregon Sunstone
Oregon Sunstones are found exclusively in the high desert of southeastern Oregon. Known for their warm colors ranging from pale yellow to deep red and green, sunstones often display a shimmering effect called aventurescence. The most popular collecting areas include the Bureau of Land Management’s Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area near Plush and several mines including Dust Devil’s, Spectrum Sunstone, and Double Eagle that allow visitors to search for their own sparkling treasures.
Oregon Sunstone is designated as the official state gemstone.
Oregon Fossils
Fossil hunting in Oregon offers a remarkable variety—from marine shells and invertebrates along the coast to leaf impressions and ancient plants in the high desert. Marine fossils aren’t limited to the coast; Oregon’s geologic history reveals that ancient seas once covered much of the state. As a result, marine fossils such as shells, corals, and other invertebrates can be found far inland, preserved in sedimentary layers that formed millions of years ago.
Common public fossil collecting areas include the Oregon Coast, Wheeler High School Fossil Beds, Delintment Lake, and Beulah Lake.
