The Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area is the only public land 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 to collect sunstones for personal use.

Oregon Sunstones are rare feldspar crystals with copper inclusions that create a shimmering effect known as schiller or aventurescence.

These unique stones have been named Oregon’s state gemstone and are sometimes called “Plush Diamonds” because of their beauty and value.

The color of Oregon Sunstones depends largely on the amount of copper present:

• Red Sunstones: Rich in copper and among the rarest varieties.
• Green Sunstones: Contain copper and can be highly valued, especially in larger gem-quality specimens.
• Yellow and Colorless Sunstones: Contain little or no copper and are more common.

High-quality red and green gem-quality stones can be worth thousands of dollars, while yellow and colorless sunstones are more common and affordable.

Oregon Sunstone Rockhounding

Most sunstones found at the collection area are small yellow or colorless gems scattered across the surface, but with some digging, you may uncover larger or more colorful specimens.

Walking farther away from the main parking area can increase your chances of finding better material. Be sure to stay within the designated collection area, marked with orange posts and BLM signs.

Suggested Tools for Success:

• Shovel or Geology Pick: For digging.
• Quarter-inch screen or classifier:: For sifting soil and gravel to find small sunstones.
• Small scoop or hand rake: Helpful for moving loose surface material and searching areas efficiently.

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

The Oregon high desert offers a peaceful and breathtaking experience, especially at sunrise and sunset. The wide-open spaces and endless sagebrush create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

For those looking to find more colorful Oregon sunstones, nearby fee-to-dig locations such as Double Eagle, Spectrum Sunstone, and Dust Devil Mine allow visitors to search for larger stones and rare colors, including red and green.

After an exciting day of digging, head to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, located just 40 miles southeast. Keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope along the way - they are among the fastest land mammals in the world! Finally, relax and soak in the natural Hart Mountain Hot Springs.

Within the refuge, the dry bed of ancient Flook Lake is another 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. The site has picnic tables and a pit toilet, but no other facilities are available.

For more comfortable lodging options, you can stay in Plush, about 23 miles away, or Lakeview, located approximately 65 miles away.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Plush

Lodging in Lakeview