• Pay-to-dig Oregon Sunstone Collection Sites provide opportunities to discover exceptional specimens
Oregon Sunstone is a rare and captivating crystal, known for its unique copper inclusions. These reflective copper platelets create a spectrum of colors, ranging from pale yellow to vivid green and deep red. The higher the copper content, the more intense the color. Some stones even display multiple color variations within a single crystal. Found exclusively in the high desert of Southeastern Oregon, Oregon Sunstone was designated as the official State Gemstone in 1987.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) established the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area. In this area, collectors typically find small to medium-sized pale yellow sunstones.
Pay-To-Dig Sunstone Mines
For those seeking rare and colored gems, nearby mines offer pay-to-dig experiences. Currently, three mines provide public access: Dust Devil Mine, Spectrum Sunstone Mine, and Double Eagle Mine. Each offers different ways to collect, ranging from digging in pits to picking sunstones off conveyor belts.
Double Eagle Mining Company
You can lease access to a virgin ore pile for a fee per person for one day, kids under 12 are allowed free of charge. Take your shovel and screen Oregon Sunstones or you can buy one yard screened material. Ore concentrate will be placed on a screening table and you can look through material and remove sunstone crystals.
You can purchase rough, cut stones and finished jewelry in the mine store.
Primitive camping is available. Open from Memorial Day to October.
Contact the mine office to reserve your visit.
Phone: (541) 417-0158
doubleeaglemine.com
Dust Devil Mine
Dust Devil Mine offers free digging, with no charge for clear stones unless they are large enough to cut over 8 carats or display very light schiller. However, high-quality colored stones and clear stones over 8 carats are priced at 50% of the wholesale value.
For a fee, visitors can also pick sunstones directly from the conveyor belt. High-quality crystals found this way are also subject to the 50% wholesale charge.
The mine provides primitive camping and sleeping trailers. It is open year-round, though the unpaved roads can become impassable during wet conditions, even for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Phone: (503) 559-2495
dustdevilmining.com
Spectrum Sunstone Mine
Featured on the Travel Channel’s Cash and Treasures, Spectrum Sunstone Mine is located within the boundaries of the Public Collection Area. The mine offers one-day opportunity to dig from designated free area which produce only yellow stone. Also, fee-based options are available including picking gems off a commercial conveyor belt or screening through high-grade ore piles.
You can purchase rough, cut stones and finished jewelry in the mine store.
The mine also has a store where visitors can purchase rough stones, cut gems, and finished jewelry.
Amenities include free camping, hot showers, flushing toilets, and water. Cabins and teepee accommodations are free for paid diggers. The mine is open from May through November.
Phone: (775) 772-7724
doubleeaglemine.com
Pay-To-Dig Sunstone Mines Camping and Lodging
All of the listed mines offer various accommodation options, including camping, cabins, teepees, or sleeping trailers.
Additionally, camping is permitted within the boundaries of the Sunstone Public Collection Area.
For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Plush, located about 25 miles away, or in Lakeview, approximately 65 miles away.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Plush
Know Before You Go
The Rabit Basin is a remote desert destination that requires careful preparations. There are no services for over 20 miles, including gas stations, drinking water, or cell phone services.
- Extreme summer heat and lack of shade can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Bring plenty of water and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Do not rely on Google Maps for directions to the mines; use the directions provided below.
- Rough roads are common, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is highly recommended.
Check desert safety tips before heading out.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Dust Devil's, Spectrum Sunstone, and Double Eagle Mines
From the north end of Plush,
- Take County Road 3-10 or Hogback Road (the road is gravel after 5 miles) and travel 10 miles to County Road 3-11
- Turn right onto County Road 3-11 and go 0.5 miles to BLM Road 6155
- Turn left onto BLM Road 6155.
Double Eagle Mining
- Follow Road 6155 for 3.75 miles to a fork with "Double Eagle" sign"
- Turn right and go 0.8 miles to another sign
- Turn left and continue the road to the Double Eagle Mine.
Dust Devil's Mine
- Follow Road 6155 for 8.4 miles to a fork with "Sunstone Area" sign"
- Turn left and continue 5.1 miles to 'Y' intersection; Dust Devil's Mine is located on the left.
Spectrum Sunstone Mine
- After passing the Dust Devil Mine, bear right towards the Public Collection Area
- Take first left or second left before reaching the Public Collection Area and follow for about one mile to Spectrum Sunstone Mine.
GPS (Dust Devil Mine): N 42°42.778', W 119°49.252' | 42.7147, -119.8659
GPS (Dust Devil Mine): N 42°42.881', W 119°51.953' | 42.7147, -119.8659
GPS (Spectrum Sunstone Mine): N 42°43.981', W 119°52.067' | 42.733, -119.8678
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Going to the oregon sunstone dig sights is very top of my list of things to do!!!To late this year but hear I come nexed year!!!!! I am getting all the digging tools I can lay my hands on and worm clothing.If you or some one could send me information that would help me , I would be greatfull.My name is Wes Hamlin . My address is 5032 SE 128 th ave Portland Oregon 97236. I am 62 but the heart of a very excited kid!!! LOOKING forward to my vacation I have been planning for.Thankyou in advance.
Good| I’m sure that you will have a great time. Bring plenty of water. Nights can be chilly. Bring your sifting screen and something to set it up on. The evenings are lovely. You may hear the coyotes talking to each other.
I have good friends who have a claim adjoining the free dig area. The name of the claim is “Work um Hard Their name is Bill and Rita Boeh 541 471 3326. Tell them that Orley sent you.