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Virgin Valley is an ancient lake bed in the high desert of Humbolt County, in northwestern Nevada, at about 5000' elevation. Precious opal occurred as a replacement of wood in this area. The wood was buried under rock and ash as a result of multiple volcanic eruptions between 12 to 20 million years ago. As the wood decayed, it provided a cavity which then filled with a silica solution rich in uniform spheres, that settled to form the opal.

When you buy Bonanza Opal from Nevada, you get unsurpassed natural beauty in one of the most famous and rare minerals, at very attractive prices. Where else can you find such a bright and colorful mineral shaped as a tree limb? This opal is used for both gems and specimens. More Pictures

Periodically a shareholder will decide to sell one or more of their shares. For more info on the availability and the cost of a share, which is determined by each individual shareholder, you can contact us via email or telephone.

Fee Digging:The mine opens May 21 and closes September 30th. Our operating hours are 8 AM to 4:00 PM. The fee is $50 per day. One child, 12 and under is free when accompanied by one paid adult.

The Travel Channel aired a film featuring the Bonanza Opal Mine in January and again in March. They were in error when they stated "Anyone can dig in the bank." The Bonanza is a privately owned Corporation which is controlled by the 100 shareholders. Only shareholders are allowed to dig in the bank. The tailings for fee diggers come from this same bank and is very rich in opal.

There is a free campground with showers and a soaking pond of natural heated water. More Pictures

Denio Junction is approximately 25 miles from Virgin Valley and offers gas, some groceries, tastey burgers and shakes and a comfortable motel. Call ahead for reservations: 1-775-941-0171.

Getting Here:
From Lakeview Oregon: Go east on Hwy 140 about 85 miles. When you pass a rest area on the right you are about 1/2 mile from the dirt road which turns right. From the campground to the Bonanza turnoff on the right is 4 1/2 miles. A Bonanza sign will be there. It is one mile from that point to the mine. Signs will be placed as you leave the camp ground, as you turn right and after you pass the Opal Queen. Map

From Winnemucca, Nevada: take Hwy 95 North approximately 35 miles to Hwy 140 and turn left. When you reach Denio Junction, Hwy 140 will again turn left. It is approximately 25 miles from Denio Junction on Hwy 140 to the graded dirt road that turns left to the free campground. Map

Appointments may be made to buy gorgeous Bonanza opal at our millsite (775-941-0111) in Virgin Valley, Nevada or by writing to us at PO Box 127, Denio, NV 89404. (June 1- Sept. 30). Or you can send the secretary an E-Mail at Nadine1700@aol.com.

The very structure that creates opal will sometimes lead to " crazing ", a series of interlacing circular cracks. It is caused by stresses induced when excessive or rapid loss of moisture occurs. Most of the opal from the Bonanza comes out of the dried clay and is stable. Whatever crazing might happen has already taken place. Crazing does not occur in all opal; but when it does, it can sometimes be arrested using fracture sealers. If you decide to dry it and/or cut it, the risk is yours. If, after cutting and drying, no crazing occurs; it would indeed represent an outstanding investment. If it does craze, it can be processed with fracture sealers and retain most of its natural beauty; but, will likely have a lower market value. 

Longer non-interlacing cracks may also occur and can usually be eliminated by cutting smaller stones or filling with fracture sealers.

Opal specimens in water (distilled water recommended ) will usually retain their beauty and structural integrity indefinitely; unless, the water is allowed to get too hot , too cold, or rapid changes in temperature occur. They usually may be displayed in cabinets or showcases with no problem. Dried opal should not be subjected to extreme temperatures either. Opal should not be dropped or hit with other objects, and should not be stored in bank safe deposit boxes. It should be mounted in jewelry in such a way that it is protected; prongs should not be set excessively tight and care should be taken when closing bezel mounts. Mild soap and water are best for cleaning.

Opal used in jewelry seems to fare best when worn regularly - and with pride!

Precious opal was first discovered in Virgin Valley, Nevada in 1905.  That same year the Bonanza mine was first worked.  The Bonanza group of mines were originally located by Matheson (or perhaps "Mathewson") and Dow, and location certificates were filed on the Bonanza in 1908.

In 1910, Mrs. Lockheed  (AKA Loughead) was assigned to cover a news story for the San Francisco Chronicle regarding the discovery of precious opal in Virgin Valley, Nevada.  According to Gem and Mineral magazine (8/69)  "She not only found the task to her liking, but filed mining claims and for years afterwards, she was regarded as the most celebrated opal miner of that region."  Undaunted by the extremes of climate, isolation, and primitive accommodations, Mrs. Lockheed thrived. More...

Contact Information:

  May 20 - Sept 30
Bonanza Opal Mines, Inc.
P.O. Box 127
Denio, Nevada 89404
Millsite: 775-941-0111

October 1 - May 19
Nadine Carey, Secretary
Home: 541-383-1700
If not at home, calls are automatically
forwarded to cell phone

Nadine1700@aol.com

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