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)
March 28 , 2022
The current claim holders for this site are Mark and Pam Marriott at Rock Dreams LLC . They have held this claim for over 3 years . They are wonderful people and are more than happy to accommodate anyone that wants to do a pay dig .
I have been there several times and am always amazed at the quality and variety of opal there ! They can be contacted through Facebook, their website or their phone numbers .
(801) 448-8708 or (801) 604-0364
Their claim is very well posted , and they do have working cameras on site as well as security to watch the area . They do not tolerate trespassing. Please be respectful. Their prices are very reasonable and there should be no reason to disrespect this claim .
Hello everyone and thank you for your interest! We are Mark and Pam Marriott, we are the currant sole owners of the Bubble opal claim, Rock Dreams LLC. 801-448-8708, 801-604-0364, It is closed to public digging at this time but we will have have Field trips scheduled though out the year advertised on Facebook page: Western Rockhounding, Utah Rockhounding Community and Rockhounding Utah. Price for opal rough will be
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
Look for us on Facebook as Rock Dreams
If your interested in digging with us send us a text message or email us at [email protected]
As of October 2018, Vince Allred from Allred’s Lapidary, LLC is the owner of the claim (ML.53882). This claim is shared with Genevieve Pont (owner of Solexity Gem Rox) and Mark and Pam Marriott (owners of Rock Dreams, LLC). We will have field trips (for fees) and will post them on different sites on Face Book. For more info contact any of us through Facebook or by text only (Vince: 435-503-7926, Genevieve: 801-750-0001, Mark/Pam: 801-448- 8708).
Ironically maybe
Exactly!!!!!!
I went after obsidian this past weekend and stopped by to check status. Jerry does have two signs posted, and they look fairly recent. They read:
Sign 1:
NO TRESPASSING
FOR THE REMOVAL OF STONE
STATE LEASE ML 46957
Sign 2:
NO TRESPASSING
FOR THE REMOVEL(sp) OF ROCK AND MINERALS
WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION
AND ACCOMPINED(sp) BY:
PLEDGER PRECIOUS STONES LLC.
STAFF &/or REPRESENTATIVE
FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS
PLEASE CALL
Jerry at 801 503-8736
Thank You
State Lease #
ML 46957
That being said, I couldn’t find any reference of that lease number under https://www.onrr.gov/ReportPay/PDFDocs/ALwState.pdf (updated, April 2007), and the list of active claims using keyword “Pledger” on https://thediggings.com/search?q=Pledger only shows one claim by Jerry in Beaver County, located 2-3 miles southeast of the opal location.
The claim was previously numbered 93190 and 261941, but those two claims have been closed for over 20 years.
Hopefully either the phone gets answered, the claim information gets updated, or if it’s all expired someone removes the signs. For now, I don’t want to get fined for picking up rocks so I’ll pass. I grabbed a couple mildly interesting pieces outside the signs then went off to get obsidian.
Hi Ratwaffles!! Thanks so much for the update! I haven’t been down in that area for awhile so I’m happy you reported back!
Utah State copy and paste of this claim:
S0010044 – OPAL MINE – ML 46957
Minerals: OPAL
Status: Retired
Surface Ownership: SITLA
Mineral Ownership: SITLA
Company Name: STONE ART COMPANY
Utah State copy and paste of this claim 05-24-18:
S0010044 – OPAL MINE – ML 46957
Minerals: OPAL
Status: Retired
Surface Ownership: SITLA
Mineral Ownership: SITLA
Company Name: STONE ART COMPANY
see
http://utahdnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fc09fb46b4934a19a60714c37154667c
click on red dots
Claim is CLOSED
Claim appears to be active by Larry Wright out of Colorado. https://thediggings.com/mines/umc437056
Three of us from Payson AZ would love to fine some colorful opal around Milford this weekend
Are there areas NOT under Jerry’s lease where we might go to for some fun collectionng
We are members of the RMFRS and local Payson Rimstones Rock Club
Thank you
I want to came and mine September 17, 2016. I try the number dut it don’t work. Can you update me so I can came?
I’ll be there 9/17 too so let me know what you find out. I’m planning on camping close to Rock Corral Canyon. Had a group going with me but most have backed out. Would be nice to find some other folks to explore the area with.
How is this a public site if the area is being leased from the state? Has the lease been canceled? Or does Jerry not mind if you collect on this property? Clarification is in order here before someone gets themselves in trouble.
We went there yesterday. Jerry’s sign was still up, but went on in to talk to a couple that was there from Santaquin, Utah. They belong to a Rockhounding club that it was fine to gather there, 1/2 hr later met a man from Cedar city that belonged to club also and he confirmed that public was allowed to pick at this site. Over 4 hrs we encountered 3 more vehicles Rockhounding. Found really nice SMALL specimens good for jewelry at th top of hill facing Milford area.
Hi Virginia! Thank you for the update. This is great information to know and I’m glad you found some good pieces!
I really want to take my kids here on Thursday or Friday March 31 or April 1, but the phone number rings busy all the time. Does anyone know how I can contact jerry to get a tour??? ASAP?
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 Gropes and Clubs!
Just call: Jerry at (801) 503-8736 for a Date and Time.
Hay and Thank you, According to Me, for your time in putting this site together.
Hello Jerry! Thank you for clarifying. It is always good to get the correct information out there and I am super appreciative of anyone who can fill us all in. I have added your comment to the post so hopefully now everyone will be aware. Next time I plan on being down in the Milford area I’ll look forward to giving you a call!
Jerry I’ve got a group of 4 people that are looking to Visit. Is this still your claim? If so What is the best way to contact you?
I have been told that Pacificorp has the rights to that property.
Jerry do you have a working phone number?