Did you know that obsidian can be colorful?
Obsidian Collection Season Starts July 1 through Labor Day
Obsidian is dense volcanic glass typically black in color. However, few locations on earth have the perfect chemistry that allows for the formation of rainbow obsidian.
Microscopic minerals in obsidian cause a variation of color. The different colors depend on the oxidation state of elements in the minerals. Black color results chiefly from Magnetite (Fe304). Sometimes the Magnetite will occur in thin layers which results in shimmer with intense color. Highly oxidized obsidian may contain the mineral hematite given the obsidian a reddish hue (mahogany). Other oxidation states of iron impart a slight greenish hue. Obsidian deposits in the Warner Mountains have an iridescence that is formed by the mineral pyroxene.
The iridescent colors can be found at all 4 sites. Middle Fork Davis Creek and the Rainbow site are known for multiple colors. Pink The colors of obsidian range from jet black, to grey, to pink. Rainbow obsidian, found at the Rainbow mine and Middle Fork Davis Creek is sought after for its colorful sheen. Pink obsidian from Pink Lady and the bundles of obsidian needles from the Needles Mine are most popular.
Modoc National Forest
The four mines, Pink Lady, Lassen Creek Rainbow, Needles and Middle Fork Davis Creek are all located within a few miles of US Hwy 395 near the Oregon border.
Rockhounding for Rainbow Obsidian
Collecting obsidian is for personal use only. Due to rampant theft and irresponsible practices, permits for commercial mining are no longer available for obsidian.
Permits are issued to adults 18 years or older and are valid for 1 day only. A permit authorizes the permittee to collect two 5-gallon buckets, or equivalent volume, of obsidian.
The
Park Rangers Limit Permits to 25 per day. So get there early on popular vacation days.
An individual can be issued a maximum of three permits per year.
Permits can be issued up to three days in advance.
Permits are issued only at the Modoc National Forest Headquarters at 225 W. 8th St. in Alturas, Calif. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Valid picture identification is required for each individual seeking permits. Collection permits for weekends and holidays must be obtained on days Forest Headquarters is open.
Free Use Authorization allows a visitor to collect obsidian for their own personal use. Collection for resale is a violation of the Free Use Authorization permit.
I scouted all of the mines and found that the best mine was the Davis Creek Obsidian Mine.
It was the easiest to get to and the road was not washed out, the parking was easier and the specimens were nicer. If you do decide to visit the other mines I would recommend a higher clearance vehicle a sedan would probably get stuck in some areas.
At the Alturas Ranger Station they have a binder with a map and directions. You are welcome to take photos of the directions when there. However, if their is a line it is hard for everyone to have access tot he binder. Here area all the pages found in that binder.
Copyright Rubi goes Rogue 2023
Disclaimer: I use Amazon Affiliate links throughout the website. Most items I have used myself or are an example of what would work. Please take these only as suggestions. I only make money per click via Amazon Affiliate program and am not sponsored by any of these companies.