Sunstones in Sagebrush

Mining the barren countryside of Oregon is an enlightening experience and it definitely is interesting to prospect. For miles in all directions, flats of sagebrush and sand with seemingly random loose gravel roads jetting out into the landscape. When driving along the back country, Pronghorn Antelope in the area may run beside or gallop ahead on the pathway. Veering off the gravel roads are long, rough dirt side roads winding through the sagebrush on the way to areas of interest. One of these off-shoots took us to the Oregon Sunstone mining area. To get there and back safely, 4WD and patience is recommended.

For a while we had the feeling as if we're the only ones out there, and then we reached a quarry area. Not far from the public mining area were private claims with conveyors, trenchers, and mobile homes parked on the lots. In the public area, a single pit outhouse, parking area, and a small shelter. During several hours mining here, only one other visitor showed up. They didn't stick around for too long and left shortly after letting their dogs out.

By early afternoon we we're getting better at finding Sunstones and located several shallow pockets with dense concentrations near Sagebrush roots. Areas other visitors dug may be visible by looking for deeper depressions in the sand. It's also wise to keep an eye while digging for any wildlife in the area, such as snakes and lizards, which was definitely on our minds throughout the day knowing any help for injury is miles away and over some rough terrain too.


Sunstones were found scattered all over the quarry in varying sizes and shapes. Mining here has a slightly different physical toll than other locations. A telescoping sifter, or Sand Dipper, is helpful to reduce back pain. There's a lot of bending over or squatting to sift through and pluck stones out of the sands. The experience was very exciting and once we started finding decent amounts it felt like we couldn't look anywhere without seeing a Sunstone resting in the sand. For that reason, we do want to visit the Oregon Sunstone quarry again, and we'll be much better prepared for the next trip after everything learned from this one.