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How to Dig for Opals

Opals, a mineraloid gel, are found throughout the United States and are the national gemstone of Australia. Opals grow inside most types of rocks and are often found in fissures. If you are interested in digging for opals, contact a local opal mine. You'll pay around $150 to enter the opal mines and dig for the colorful stones. What you find in these mines is usually yours to keep (regardless of the size or worth).

Things You'll Need

Bucket
Knee pads
Pick
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Locate an opal mine that is open to the public. It is illegal to dig on private land. Most opal mines are commercially owned and will supply you with the tools you need to dig for opals.
- 2
  Set your small collection bucket on the ground next to you and put on your knee pads. If you cannot find knee pads, a rectangular gardening pad will do. Place the pad on the ground where you will be working.
- 3
  Tap at the clay or stone wall with the tip of your pick and pull down. The force behind the tap will depend on the type of wall. Use light force with clay walls, and more force with sandstone or other walls. Repeat tapping and pulling until a small piece of the wall is separated. Start at eye level, and work your way down. When you get low enough your knee pads will help to protect your knees.
- 4
  Examine the dirt for any areas that look fiery, smooth, white or black. If you find one, take your screwdriver and gently pry the stone from the clay. If it is an opal, throw it into your collection bucket. If it is not, simply toss the clay onto the ground.
- 5
  Repeat the digging process for the allotted time you purchased from the mine owners. With most opal mines, what you find is yours to keep.

Other Collecting