Okanagan Opal Inc. of Vernon operates a truly unique adventure in the North Okanagan. Along with their store in Vernon, they operate a mine that is accessible for visitors to hunt for their own jewelry grade opal. Once found Okanagan Opal can create custom jewelry of the precious stones.

This mine is Canada's first "commercial grade" precious opal deposit. Prospectors discovered the property on Thanksgiving Day in 1991. They named the opal from this site "Okanagan Opal". Tests were conducted on the property and the opal from 1994 to 1999. The quality of the opal and the response from customers was so well received that the bulk sample from the pit was used as raw material to start the gemstone cutting and retail sales business. Sorting, grading and cutting of finished gemstones continues today.

Transportation to the site is normally by private vehicle for those who show up to the store independently. GeoQwest however, provides transportation from Kelowna to Vernon for the initial overview of the opal process at the Okanagan Opal office. We then travel to the mine on the gravel access road in the comfort and safety of our four wheel drive vehicle. After a full day of prospecting, we return to the Vernon jewelry facility where you can arrange to have your opal mounted in a custom setting. Public access and prospecting is restricted to designated areas and consists of sorting through materials removed to facilitate bulk sampling. Note: Safety glasses 'must' be worn at all times to avoid possible eye injury from rock chips.

The property is located 23 kilometres west-northwest of Vernon(40 kms. by road). The Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic Nicola Group sedimentary and volcanic rocks hosts several concentrations of precious opal found in a "lahar" or volcanic debris flow. Precious opal and agate fill fractures in the rocks and permeate the lahar host. Six shallow pits expose the precious opal with the discovery pit being the largest at 2100 square metres.

The opal is transparent, translucent and opaque types in white, honey, brown, amber, orange and grey base colours, often displaying a "play of color". Agate is also present.

This tour is run in coordination with Okanagan Opal's guided tours to the mine each Friday and Saturday mornings. Booking prior to the day of departure is required. Custom group trips may be arranged for weekday visits later in the 2002 season.

Rates
Additional Mine Access charge is also required.