Oregon's state gem is the sunstone. These stones are , when cut, some of the most beautiful gems around. They are only found in one area of Oregon that is very remote. But the adventure is worthwhile.   

Get yourself a map of Oregon and look in the southeast corner for a town called Plush. It might be easier if you look for a town called Lakeview and look around that area. Mentioning Lakeview take note that this is the only town with motels, stores, and other necessities close by. About 60 miles from Plush. Once you get to Plush you will notice the little store, there is only one commercial building in town and that is it.    

Stock up on what you need there and ask them directions. They are use to visitors coming in there asking. The people of Plush, maybe 150 total, are very friendly and helpful with advice. Then get ready for a dusty ride to the sunstone area, about 25 miles away on dirt roads.     

Once you get to the area you will notice that on one side of the road are mines. These are private, so you need to stay out of them unless you have permission. There are some Fee mines, mines that charge you for what you find, that allow you to dig there. One the other side of the road is BLM land, where you can look for sunstones free. As well as camp there. But be aware this is wilderness and there are plenty of native wildlife that live there.     

Sunstones are White, red , green ,and blue, in their order of availability. You can find many white sunstones 5 carats and higher just laying on the ground in the BLM area. To find the ones with color you have to dig. But every white one you get hold it to the sky and look for copper coloring, this is called schiller, and increase the value of the stones.        

It is best to have a jug of water with you that you can put the sunstones in to clean off and get a better look at them. Look for the clay substance when you dig, that is where you will find the colored sunstones. There are many available sunstones on BLM land and there is a vast area that you can hunt.        

These sunstones have a unique beauty to them and when cut are very valuable. If cutting these stones are out of you budget, get a tumbler and polish them up a little and you will notice the attractiveness of these stones found only in oregon that are of gem quality. Every sunstone bigger than your little fingernail is of value. I have found thousands this size and bigger.