The hunt is on for some of the world's most spectacular gems: Opals! We head to North America's opal mines in northern Nevada's Virgin Valley. Then it's off to Oregon in search of fire opal. After finding our treasures, we have some raw stones transformed into beautiful gems.
Depending on where you choose to hunt for opals, you should be ready to use a variety of hunting techniques. Be prepared for hard-rock mining (which entails use of a pick ax, shovels, hammers), as well as tailing piles, which are bulldozed piles ready to be searched through by hand (using a hand rake). Many of these mines are in extraordinarily remote areas -- be prepared to camp and bring all necessary food, water and mining supplies.
RSS Feeds