The Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area is the only site in the world where you can collect Oregon Sunstones. It sits in the northern part of Rabbit Basin about 23 miles north of Plush, Oregon.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and open to the public since 1970, this site requires no permits, allowing rockhounds to gather as many stones as they like for personal use.

Oregon Sunstones are rare feldspar crystals with copper inclusions, creating a shimmering effect known as schiller or aventurescence. These unique stones are so prized that they’ve been named Oregon’s state gemstone and are sometimes called “Plush Diamonds” for their beauty and value. The sunstone's color depends on its copper content:

• Red Sunstones: Rich in copper and the rarest.
• Green Sunstones: Medium copper content.
• Yellow and Colorless Sunstones: Contain the least copper and are more common.

Red and green stones can fetch thousands of dollars, while the yellow and colorless stones are more accessible.

Oregon Sunstone Rockhounding

Most sunstones at the collection area are smaller yellow or colorless gems scattered on the surface, but with some digging, you may find larger or more colorful specimens.

Walking farther from the main parking area also increases your chances of uncovering unique finds. Be sure to stay within the designated area, marked with orange posts and BLM signs.

Suggested Tools for Success:

• Shovel or Geology Pick: For digging.
• Quarter-inch Screen: To sift through the soil.
• Screwdriver: Handy for prying stones from the ground.

Remember, only non-mechanized tools are allowed, and fill in any holes you dig.

The Oregon high desert offers a serene and breathtaking experience, especially at sunrise or sunset. The wide-open spaces and sagebrush make for a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

For those looking to uncover more colorful Oregon sunstones, nearby pay-to-dig sites like Double Eagle, Spectrum Sunstone, and Dust Devil Mine allow you to search for larger stones and rare colors like red and green.

After an exciting day of digging, a relaxing visit to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refugeis just 40 miles southeast. Soak in the natural Hart Mountain Hot Springs and keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope along the way—they’re among the fastest land mammals in the world!

Within the refuge, the dry bed of ancient Flook Lake is a popular rockhounding area where surface collecting can yield unique specimens, adding even more to the desert adventure.

If you want to spend the night, primitive camping is allowed within the collection area.

There are picnic tables and a pit toilet, but no other facilities.

If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, you can stay in Plush, about 23 miles away, or Lakeview, which is 65 miles away.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Plush

Lodging in Lakeview