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How to Mine Arizona Opals

Arizona opals are most commonly referred to as blue or fire opals. Though Arizona was once home to the leading opal industry in the United States, today opals are more often found in Nevada, California or Mexico. These areas are also where potential miners can find companies like Juniper Ridge Fire Opal Mine in Nevada that help tourists with recreational opal prospecting. Arizona tourists can find several fee-based gold prospecting companies. With opals however, the best option is to choose an abandoned mine and prepare to have an adventure.

Things You'll Need

All-Terrain Vehicle
Map
Small pick
Small garden rake
Small shovel or trowel
Spray bottle with water
Bucket (5 gallon)

Instructions

Locating Opals
- 1
  Acquire a vehicle that can handle a wide variety of terrains. As much of Arizona's mining area is unmaintained and even abandoned, the area you will be driving through will likely be wilderness. Opals are commonly found in hilly or rocky areas. This can be hard on cars. Four-wheel drive is recommended.
- 2
  Look at a map or list of Arizona mining shafts to plot your route. As Arizona is over-mined, making sure you have time to go to several different locations may help maximize efficiency.
- 3
  Identify a rocky area known for opal mining. Southern Arizona is most ideal. Blue opals have been found here in recent decades. Also, one of the most well-preserved old mines is located in southern Arizona at Martinez Canyon.
Identifying Opals
- 4
  Dig in a rock bank or in a stream using a pick, rack or trowel. Sift through dirt and rock until you see something out of the ordinary.
- 5
  Wash off the rock with a spray bottle, carefully separating it from the rest of the organic materials in your bucket. Polish the rock with a soft cloth.
- 6
  Examine the rock closer. A microscope or magnifying glass may come in handy. Fire opals are orange, red and yellow. They are known for their clarity and minimal play of color. Blue opals are a combination of deep blues and look more like solid rock. (See

Gemology