Polka Dot Agate Mine: Discover the Hidden Gem of Central Oregon

• Polka Dot Agate Mine is famous agate beds that produce agates with polka-dot patterns
• Thunderegg deposit produces unique giant thundereggs

The Polka Dot Agate Mine, located in the Central Oregon desert near the ghost town of Ashwood and about 25 miles from the city of Madras, is renowned for producing stunning orbicular agates. These agates are characterized by their round, multicolored dots, which create a striking appearance. In addition to the distinctive agates, the mine is also known for yielding unique large thundereggs, further enhancing its reputation as a prime destination for rockhounding and lapidary enthusiasts.

The scenic canyon where the agate pit is located shows evidence of early quarry operations dating back to the first centuries A.D. Native Americans, one of the first miners of Polka Dot agates, used the stone to craft sharp tools such as spears, knives, and arrowheads. Remnants of mine tunnels attributed to these early inhabitants can still be partially seen on the right side of the hill.

Priday Polka Dot Agate Beds

Polka dot agate is a translucent agate and, as the name suggests, display a distinct polka-dot pattern. The dots are sharp or spherical, varying in size from barely visible to 1/4 of an inch, and come in a range of colors. The base colors of the agates typically include white, pale beige, or blue, with inclusions of red, orange, brown, or black.

"Blue Ice," also known as "Blue Ice Ocean," is a special and sought-after variety of Polka Dot agate found in the Priday Polka Dot Agate Beds. This unique light-blue translucent agate is distinguished by its brown and orange dots, which add to its striking appearance. Some specimens of Blue Ice also feature dark dendrites and bands of red to brown jasper, further enhancing their visual appeal.

Due to its exceptional quality, Blue Ice is considered a premium grade of Polka Dot agate. Its combination of vibrant colors and intricate patterns makes it a highly desirable material for collectors and lapidary artists alike. This rare and beautiful variety represents only about 5% of the total material extracted from the mine, adding to its exclusivity and value.

Canyon Rim Thunderegg Bed

Recently, a nearby thunderegg deposit was discovered, yielding large and interesting specimens. These beautiful thundereggs from the Canyon Rim Thunderegg Bed are also available for purchase, adding another dimension to the rich array of materials offered by the mine.

Visiting the Mine

Polka Dot Agate Mine is typically open from May to November, Wednesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The entrance is marked by a gate near a white trailer with multicolored dots; if the gate is closed, the mine is not open for the day. Visitors are advised to contact the mine ahead of time, especially if traveling from a distance.

Due to safety concerns, the agate bed is currently closed to public digging. However, visitors can still walk to the canyon bottom to view the multicolored agate veins in the hill. The mine offers a variety of other materials, including Polka Dot agate, picture jasper, thundereggs, and green jasper from other mines operated by West Coast Mining.

There is no camping available on the site. The nearest accommodations are available in Madras.

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