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Geologic sightseeing

Learn more about Oregon's geology


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Gems and Minerals in Oregon

Obsidian
This volcanic glass can be collected in central Oregon at Glass Butte (a rockhounding site on BLM land) on Highway 20 between Bend and Burns. An enormous flow of obsidian can also be seen at Newberry Crater, south and east of Bend, but no collecting is permitted in this national monument.

Central Oregon Rockhounding Map (BLM)

obsidian
The edge of obsidian can be flaked
to one molecule in thickness, much sharper
than any knife or razor edge.


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Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
800 NE Oregon Street #28, Suite 965
Portland, OR 97232
(971) 673-1555

email us at DOGAMI

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