First off, let me mention that I have only been to this location once. I later learned that the property is actually under private claim. I am unsure who the owner is or how one would contact them, but I met other people there when I went and I remember seeing evidence of lots of activity in that area so it would seem that most people disregard this fact. (For those interested, the rumor is that ebay user Carver2 is the owner of the claim).

This location is right next door to a geothermal plant and, from what I understand, the underground geothermal activity is actually what led to the formation of this unique type of opal. It is commonly called Bacon or Candy Strip Opal, but is also referred to as Hyalite Opal.

For those who have been North of Milford, you will already know that the area is extremely windy (You’ll pass hundreds of windmills on the way down from Delta). This usually makes for a great adventure and you may want to bring a kite or a pinwheel or something for the kids.

The opal is one of those things you really have to see with your own eyes to appreciate the attractiveness of this mineral. It is layered and the colors can range quite a bit. I’ve seen some of the cabs and other jewelry people have made from this type of opal and really is quite exquisite. The recurring colors I was seeing were yellow, white, brown, pink, red, orange, and grey.

I hope to return to this location in the future, but I’m hesitant with the knowledge that it is still most likely under claim. Nevertheless, it is a good location to add to Utah’s vast database of rockhounding opportunities!

UPDATE:

The owner of the claim, Jerry, commented below and I want to include the information he provided in the post itself…

“Hello! My name is Jerry, and I was looking at your website and was very impressed with your description of the Milford Opal mine that I have leased from the State. I am offering Field Trips to the public by Scheduled Appointment.
So come and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family collecting these exquisite Opals!
One, 1 gal Bucket not to Exceed 10 lbs is only $ 40.00
One, 3 gal Bucket not to Exceed 30 lbs is only $ 80.00
One, 5 gal Bucket not to Exceed 50 lbs is only $100.00
Pricing Discounts for Large Groups and Clubs!
Just call: Jerry at (801) 503-8736 for a Date and Time.”

Directions to North of Milford:

From the intersection of 800 North and I-15 in Orem, Utah

1. Drive South on I-15 for 43.7 miles

2. Take Nephi exit 228 and keep right on Main Street (SW) for 2.7 miles

3. Turn Right (West) on W 100 North for 33.2 miles until you hit Highway 6

4. Turn left (South) on Highway 6 for 16 miles until you hit Highway 50

5. Take a right (West) into the town of Delta on Highway 50 for 5.5 miles

6. Turn left (South) on Highway 257 toward Milford for  65.0 miles and then take a left (East)

7. Drive for 7.2 miles and the destination will be on the right (South)

In the vastness between the towns of Delta and Milford lies a small knoll just East of Highway 257. This location is a must to include for any rockhounding trips near either town simply because it is just off the highway and collecting is relatively easy. So far I’ve been several times and it has always been worth the sidetrip.

To my knowledge, most sunstones usually come from the state of Oregon or from Norway, but this little spot in Utah has some really nice yellowish specimens. People you ask will provide different answers as to just where on the knoll is the best place to collect, but most of the activity I have seen is on the Southern tip where there is a little bit of a peak on the Eastern side. My greatest success hasn’t necessarily been on the peak itself where you can see people have been constantly chipping away, but instead on the steep slopes around the peak where the stones will gather amongst the brush. I’ve even found a few that were about 1-1 1/2 inches!

Due to the small nature of the stones, it is necessary to get down on your hands and knees to search (but watch out for thorns!). The majority of the ones I’ve found are about as large as a BB. If I were you, I would try to time my visit when the sun is out or otherwise bring a flashlight. That way you can get the gleam off of the stones and they are much easier to see.

I understand that this location is actually still under claim, but the owners allow for public collecting in reasonable quantities. For the amount of traffic the location receives, it is very well kept. The only thing I had a problem with was the broken glass scattered about from people who had been there before. The pieces of broken glass can easily be mistaken for pieces of sunstone.

Any kind of vehicle should be able to get to this location. The only sketchy part is when you first cross the railroad tracks that divide the highway from the knoll. You have to hit it just right or you might just end up in a pothole. After that, I would recommend parking at the base, unless you are feeling daring and want to take the road that cuts right up through the middle of the hill. Most people will go around the hill (either way) and end up at the Southeastern part I mentioned earlier.

Directions to Sunstone Knoll:

From the intersection of 800 North and I-15 in Orem, Utah

1. Drive South on I-15 for 43.7 miles

2. Take Nephi exit 228 and keep right on Main Street (SW) for 2.7 miles

3. Turn Right (West) on W 100 North for 33.2 miles until you hit Highway 6

4. Turn left (South) on Highway 6 for 16 miles until you hit Highway 50

5. Take a right (West) into the town of Delta on Highway 50 for 5.5 miles

6. Turn left (South) on Highway 257 toward Milford for 13.3 miles and your destination will be on the left (East)