Oregon Sunstone is a unique gemstone and the official state gemstone of Oregon. A member of the feldspar mineral family, it is distinguished by its optical properties and composition. The stone’s notable feature is the presence of minute, plate-like inclusions of native copper, a characteristic found only in Oregon Sunstone. These copper inclusions create a shimmering, metallic flash called “schiller” or aventurescence, which can range in color from reddish-gold to subtle green. This copper-bearing gem is found almost exclusively in the high desert region of Oregon.
Geographic Concentration of Oregon Sunstone
The natural occurrence of gem-quality Oregon Sunstone is confined to a specific, remote area within the southeastern part of the state. The primary deposits are located in Lake and Harney Counties, an expansive, high-desert landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. These sunstones formed as large feldspar crystals within molten rock deep beneath the earth’s crust millions of years ago. The crystals were carried to the surface within basaltic lava flows that cooled, freezing the crystals in place. Over immense periods, the lava decomposed due to weathering, which liberated the durable sunstone crystals into the soil and underlying rock.
Fee Digging Operations and Commercial Mines
For the casual collector or tourist, fee-digging operations at commercial mines offer the most direct and reliable method to find sunstone. These sites, such as Dust Devil Mine and Spectrum Sunstone Mine, provide paid access to areas known to contain the gem. The experience often ranges from sifting through pre-screened ore piles or mine tailings to digging directly into virgin sunstone-bearing ground. Accessing these private claims increases the likelihood of finding larger or more colorful specimens, including the highly sought-after red and green stones.
Many commercial operations provide tools for rent or use, such as shovels and screens, making the process accessible even to first-time rockhounds. The cost typically covers a full day of collecting. Some mines allow visitors to keep all the stones they find, while others may charge a percentage of the wholesale value for high-carat, colored gems. These operations often provide basic amenities like camping, water, and sometimes cabins, which is valuable given the remote nature of the area.
Rules for Collecting on Public Lands
An alternative, non-commercial method for finding sunstone is collecting on designated public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area is located in the Rabbit Basin area of Lake County, approximately 23 miles north of Plush. This specific BLM area is set aside for recreational rockhounding, allowing visitors to search for sunstone without paying a claim fee. Collectors must be aware of the public area’s boundaries, which are marked with orange posts and BLM signs, as private mining claims are located nearby.
Collection within this public area is subject to specific regulations to ensure the activity remains recreational and non-commercial. Individuals are permitted to collect a reasonable amount of sunstone for personal use, defined as a maximum of 25 pounds per person per day. The yearly limit for collection is 250 pounds per person. The use of mechanized digging equipment is prohibited, meaning only hand tools, such as shovels, screens, and picks, are allowed for excavation. All holes dug must be filled in immediately after collecting to prevent injury and maintain the integrity of the land.
The sunstones found on the public land tend to be smaller and lighter in color, often pale yellow or champagne, compared to those from commercial claims. Collecting here is free, but it must be for personal use and not for trade or commercial sale. Visitors should be prepared for the remote, high-desert environment, bringing their own water and supplies, as facilities are minimal, often limited to a pit toilet and picnic tables. Checking with the local BLM office for current road conditions and seasonal restrictions is recommended before traveling.