| Spencer Opal Deposits - Deer Hunt Mine Spencer, ID US Uploaded By Scott (webmaster) Uploaded on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 10:07:56 AM Viewed 10634 times |
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There is a fee pay mine here near Spencer to find star opals. You can find white, blue, red, or pink opal here, although white is probably the most common. For more information visit my source: the Travel Channel Treasure Wiki: Idaho.
The office for Spencer Opal Mine is the Opal Country Cafe. I found this on http://www.rockpicks.net/states/idaho.htm Here is all the info from the travel channel website: "General description:Opal is a variety of non crystalline Si02 that contains up to 20% water. The lower water levels, 10%, are more stable. It is the water in the silica gel that gives opal is flashing colors. Spencer, population 38, holds one of the largest opal deposits in the United States and is home to rare star opals. Though white is the most common color worldwide, Spencer miners find rarer blue, pink or red gems How to get there: The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site. The Deer Hunt Mine is open to rock hounds interested in digging the opal for a set price per pound. For additional information : imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/mining/gemstns.htm Grade this location: (A to F): GPS coordinates: Handy to bring along: 1.Buckets 2.Hand tools 3.Rock hammer Helpful notes to newcomers: There are shops where the tourist can buy finished pieces and opal rough. " | According to the Travel Channel website and this website: "The Spencer opal deposit is located about 5 miles east-northeast of the town of Spencer. The best access to the deposit is by driving east from Spencer on the Spencer-Kilgore county road for approximately 5 miles, then turning left (north) on a dirt road and continuing 2 miles to the mine site." My GPS coordinates are where I thought it might be based on looking at the satellite imagery. |