The Hunt for Black Opals in Virgin Valley, Nevada: Royal Peacock Opal Mines

Millions of years ago, Virgin Valley (located in the northwest corner of Humboldt County, Nevada) was covered by lakes and forests.  However, after numerous volcanic eruptions, the forests were buried under hundreds of feet of ash.  Under the tons of rock and ash, common silica was transformed into Fire Opal. 

Now the area is a high, arid desert, cut by rugged mountain ranges; and the opals are beautiful.  They weren’t discovered until the 1800s, and serious Virgin Valley prospecting began in 1905.  While there are several commercial mining operations and more than 200 private claims in the area which are producing Black Opals and Fire Opals, the Royal Peacock Opal Mines allows the public to dig for opals.  All you find are yours to keep!

This is the only place in the world where jet black opals with color are found.

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