I wouldn't go to Virgin Valley thinking your'e going to "strike it rich". However, you might get some great opal specimens and experience some of the last open spaces of the West. The area is quite remote (for the contintal U.S.A), and quite beautiful. I've been there a number of times and always enjoy myself, whether I get any opal or not. Some hints on getting opal: the more dirt you move, the more you will find. Also, dig under a "puff ball", or lighter areas in the banks of the Royal Peacock Mine.
Just be aware that most (80-90%) Virgin Valley opal is unstable; it will craze or crack if allowed to dry out. That being said, good specimens in water are worth something from a collector's point of view. Some of the opal can be successfully dried without cracking and makes nice jewelry.
You can camp out at Virgin Valley (it has a nice warm water artesian pool that you can swim in at the CCC campground), or stay at Denio Junction at the hotel (limited number of rooms), 30 miles from the Valley. The closest town with amenities is Winnamucca, about 140 miles away from Denio Junction. Always start with a full tank of gas! Some of the mines also rent out trailers. Definitely go - you will not regret it!
|
|