Eureka boasts far more than agate and jasper with all the mines and surrounding locations. Here is an easy to find and abundant spot for both.

This is an easier to find digging location and you won’t necessarily need a 4wd vehicle however a few spots are tricky regarding clearance, add weather and climate and 4wd is preferred. The popular dig location is at approximately 39°58’57.0″N 112°03’45.0″W however agate and jasper can be found nearly everywhere throughout this area. The last place for services is the town of Eureka to the south on Highway 6. There is camping in several areas along the way but check before you leave.

Tools

The more tools the better but here is a list of what you will find helps the most.

  • Shovels, both small and large
  • Rock hammers
  • Cold chisels
  • Small pry bars
  • Screwdrivers
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Baggies, plastic sacks, tissue paper
  • Buckets with extra water for washing your finds

How To Find Them

Agate in this area comes from seams that run through the mountains outside Eureka. Follow the road and you will find seams on the north side of the road to work with hammer and chisel or surface collect and dig on the south side. The washes are full of loose material. There is a large pocket you can’t miss in the wall along the road that you can work.

What You Are Looking For

Look for the telltale signs of agate like fractures and smooth worn faces. Colors range from white, yellow, red and the rare green. Some of this agate has been trapped in concretions and can be removed but it is difficult even with lapidary equipment.

Cleaning & Finishing

Clean like any other find. Material from this area looks much more like jasper and is referred to as Yellow Feather Jasper although it comes it reds, blacks and yellows. This agate and jasper works well but avoid cracks and faults. The material is prone to cracking but larger pieces are workable.

Be Safe & Rock On!