I like to think of myself as a treasure hunter. In my dreams.
In reality… unfortunately for me… I am about as far from a treasure hunter as one could be.
Back in the 1990s, I had heard people were finding opal in Vernon Parish, south of Toro and a bit northwest of Anacoco. Intrigued and tempted, I searched a bit in the area… a bit being about an hour or less. And with only limited knowledge of exactly where to search, I covered, say, 200 yards in my very cursory search. I thought it would be easy. Not hot, boring, tedious and extremely vague. Well, actually, it was not tedious, for I looked about the way I look for a lost this or that at my house… just glancing around.
And so, like my earlier quests for arrowheads and later for prehistoric shark teeth along the southeastern banks of Toledo Bend, I came up empty handed in my search for precious opal. Also, by the way, I never was able to find any gold bars believed to have been buried or hidden in our area by bandits in the 1800s. In all, I figure I’ve spent a good five hours of my life (seven or so if you add the drive time) searching for treasures of any sort whatsoever in our treasure-rich geographic area.
I concluded I probably would not know an opal if I found one. Nor would I know an arrowhead (I must have retrieved 30 or more things that looked like they could be arrowheads, but I was told by people supposedly more knowledgeable than me… who shall remain nameless due to their cruel buzz-kill thrills’ nature… that I was pretty far off from having actually found an arrowhead and had only collected a few “basic, pointy rocks”).
Furthermore, I’m pretty sure now that I would not have found a shark’s tooth if it was staring me straight in the eye (those things blend in perfectly with the sand, or so I thought).
I would, however, recognize gold bars if I saw them. I’m pretty sure. I think.
Basically, I am impatient and I become bored way too easily… and because of that, I have no opals, no sharks’ teeth, no arrow heads, and no gold bars to call my own. Nothing. Na da.
I’ve digressed a bit before getting to the juicy stuff… The following article was published in The Alexandria Town Talk newspaper in November 1990, written by Town Talk staff reporter Richard Ryman.
Oh, and by the way, just as a buzz kill in case any one wants to set out to go hunt for opal, I have heard that that would be a losing quest… that the land where the opal was discovered is private land (that cool theme park they speak of in this article never materialized, I guess) and is well guarded. I’m just clarifying this so that hopes don’t get unnecessarily elevated only to be cruelly dashed. As mine did once before… and twice and more.
Vernon opal mine could be tourism bonanza
ANACOCO — Deep in the hills of northwest Vernon Parish, at a place called Monks Hammock, four men and a puppy are mining what they say is this country’s best opal supply.
They are digging in a hillside along a creek bottom about a quarter of a mile from the end of a sandy road. Except for the barking of the puppy, the place is peaceful and pleasant, but it is also an economic and tourism bonanza in the making, says Keith Griffin.
Griffin, who leases about 50 acres from Boise Cascade Corp., named it the Hidden Fire Opal Mine. He plans on surrounding it with campgrounds and gem washes, turning it into a mecca for lapidary hobbyists, known to one another as rockhounds.
“There is no opal mine in the United States that can claim they dig up 100 percent cutable material. We can claim that,” he said, showing the site to state Rep. John Smith, D-Leesville, and a delegation from the Vernon Parish Tourism and Recreation Commission.
Griffin held up a penny-sized polished black opal which he said was appraised at $1,000 a carat. He said it weighed about three carats.
Australia is the only other known source of such quality material, he said. In addition to the black opal, Griffin has uncovered myriad other combinations, which he has been naming at his discre-tion.
“No one else has ever found anything like this,” he said, holding up a “Christmas” opal, “so we can call it what we want,”
Tales of mining in the area go back to early French explorations, said Martha Palmer, chairman of the Vernon Parish Tourism and Recreation Commission. She said French Catholic explorers reportedly found silver and lead in the area, and in the early part of the 20th century one man was sending “rainbow rock,” possibly opals, to New York jewelers, receiving $5 gold pieces in return.
Gary Moore mined some opal in the area in the late 1970s and 1980s before his source played out.
Griffin, who has operated emerald and other mines in North Carolina, said he was vacationing in the area, hunting fossils, when an acquaintance showed him the site. Griffin said he immediately knew he was on to something.
“The biggest question about this formation was how was it formed?” Griffin said. “If I don’t know how it was formed, I don’t know where to dig.”
He said some speculated the area was a prehistoric lake bed, but evidence indicates it is instead laced with prehistoric creek beds. It is in those former creek bottoms that he is finding his opal.
Much of his find is quartzite sandstone laced with flecks of blue, green, yellow and red fire opal. The most common is brown opal with green fire.
He said quartzite and opal is the hardest mixture of quality opal in the world. That is good, but he expects better.
“As we follow this back, we will get to the area where the water came out of the ground to form the creek. Then we will get into clay soil and should find the real precious opal,” he said.
Griffin said black rock laced with red fire is called black opal, and is the most valuable. He said rock laced with blue or green fire is called blue opal.
Four pockets have been found so far, each yielding “about a double-handful,” Griffin said.
He said he plans to open a full-service campsite with gem-wash in the spring.
“Arizona is known for its petrified wood, Arkansas for its diamonds and North Carolina for its emeralds. This will put Vernon Parish on the map,” he said.
Lapidary, the cutting, polishing and engraving of precious stones, is one of the largest hobbies in the world. Griffin said lapidary magazines are among the few that have more wanted-to-buy than for sale ads.
He said that by having control over most of the opal supply in the area, he will be able to make the project financially feasible.
“People have tried to market this material for years, but the problem was they had no control over supply,” he said.
Griffin, who lives in Lafayette, said he has been “into rocks and tourism my whole life.”
“The old adage of ‘Son, walk with your head up,’ is not for rockhounds,” he said.
My self and 3 friends spent many many weekends hunting for Louisiana Opal in the early 90s. It was some of the best years of my life. The excitement of not knowing what was in the next shovel full of dirt kept us going week after week year after year. We found lots and lots of interesting things from artifacts, fossils, crystals and yes even the ultimate prize Louisiana Opal. It’s sad that it was never developed. There is thousands of pounds left in the ground where the old mine was. I’ve always hoped the state or someone with the money would follow through with the development of it. It’s truly a remarkable natural resources.
Yes it is! I sat down with Mr Gary Moore at Mr Delmon’s barber shop in Anacoco waiting for a haircut. Real nice guy, just a talking away, then I asked him what he did for a living before he retired. Man when he told me he was mining Opal in monks Hammock, I looked at him and said you talking about the old Opal mine on the old Mike Smith road, and the narrow dim road about 200yards from the Mike Smith road. He said well yes, then he said are you familiar with the place. I told him my hunting lease is right across the road from the opal mine. Now we have the opal mine section of the timber company on our hunting lease. Do you know how I can get in touch with Mr Gary Moore. I told him at the time that we were trying to lease part of Monk Hammock for hunting. Now I have the area leased and he asked me if I would take him back there if I ever leased the property, and I told him I promise I will take you up there. Man the stories he told me about all the arrow heads and pottery and different things he found in there was real awesome to listen to!!!
I found the original mine (I think) and I found the 2 waterways that would yield hi-banking for new material and have started the process of getting permissions. It’s confusing because the roads are mislabeled on most of the maps. But I have samples of the opal sandstone I’m am treating now to see if I can bring out the color…until I have the rest of the permission I will be working on it.
I talked to him about i think 4-5 years ago. And I never asked me Delmon’s if Mr Gary s been here lately.
My dad found quite a bit of the opal before the area was ‘closed’. I actually have a sterling silver belt, crafted by California artist Don Lucas, with 8 – 20×30 cabachons made from some of the most beautiful, fiery stone! I also took samples to China to have them ‘tested’. If you would like a piece (in the raw) feel free to contact me.
Teaching four grandkids about gem hunting. Would love to have samples. Thank you
Hi there, I am interested in finding some Vernon parish opal. Rough or polished. I’m a hobbyist jeweler and I would enjoy having some in my collection. I live in Lake Charles and haven’t had any luck finding a dealer. Thank you for your time, Jennifer 337-794-3813
HI Renita,
Interesting to find a recent article on Louisiana Opal. Most I’ve seen are decades old. Disappointing with such a beautiful stone. A bit difficult to work with but still fun. I’ve had a couple pieces to work over the years but haven’t seen much available in also many. Could you contact me with details of rough. My email is jim_kzoo at yahoo.
Thank you!
Jim
Would LOVE to have a piece of Louisiana Opal; much of my family is from Leesville, and my son’s birthstone is Opal. He is just 5 now, and is a rockhound in the making. Please let me know how I can obtain a piece.
Thank you!
Hi Renita,
I would love some Louisiana opal specimen samples if possible. Have no quarrels with paying for them too. Please let me know.
Thank you!
contact me i might have what u looking for i have a tote of rocks fron vernon opel mine and they have rocks ive never before maybe u can tell me what they r my number is 3376546376 my name is keith
Hi there! Is there any place near the mine where I could possible kayak to find the opal?
I can get opal which is from the fire opal mine.
I would be very interested in getting some rough from that mine.
Hi. Still can get opal?
From where?? Email me @ contentedlove@gmail.com i personally knew mr Keith he was a great man!!
My name is John fuselier I have some Louisiana opal but you can call me at 337-580-8563 I would be willing to sell some of it
I email address is Johnfuselier7169@gmail.com
Sent message thank you
My name is John I have Louisiana opal if you are looking to buy some you can contact me 337 580 85063
I’m very interested in some for my girlfriend. I call her my little fire opal, and she has absolutely fallen in love with Louisiana opal since she’s seen it. I would love to get something for her for Christmas
My name is John I have Louisiana opal Australian opal and other type of walls you can contact me at 337-580-8563
Do you still have pieces of raw stone?
I do my name is John phone number is 337-580-8563
If you still have some of the opal I would love some. Please let me know if you know of any other sources.
Thank you so much
I have 1810 carets in 5 peices. From leesvlle la I dug few years ago I want to sell
Is there anywhere in LA you can go and dig for opal still?
Call or text 6824725016
I am seriously interested
Do you still have any of the rocks you mentioned? I am always looking for opal, I am a vendor and do not have any new sources for it.
Mr dane what is your phone number or email address
A few years ago? Please tell me where i can go to dig a little. Been wanted to hunt for a while. Thanks
Did you get that from the Monk Hammock?
hello I would be interested in buying a sample of Louisiana opal for my collection if you have any please let me know thanks corky downer
Hello, I just found out about this and have been into collecting stones since I was a child. I’m native to Louisiana and would love to know how to attain a piece of our Louisiana opal please & Thankyou. 9858708443
I have Louisiana opal for sale my name is John fuselier are you can call me at 337- 580 8563 I also have Louisiana Palm
I Would LOVE A piece in the raw!
I am reading an article regarding the Louisiana opal. If you still have raw pieces, I would love to have one. Please tell me more.
Thank you,
Janet
I have a lot of Louisiana opal uncut raw some of it is cut you can contact me at 337-580-8563 my email is johnfuselier7169@gmail.com
i was a native of the area and wish i had a sample to donate to my local nature and science museum
I am a vendor and have Louisiana Opal cabochons for sale. I will be at the (Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society) show in August. Just check out our clubs facebook page for information. There will also be other vendors there. For ruff, it’s a little harder to get your hands on.
I am teaching kids and grandkids about gemstones. I would like to have some. How much are you asking?
Yes my name is tina 1(828)7880883. I would love a piece of raw Louisiana opal. Thank you
I would love to get a piece
I born and raised and still live in Louisiana
Do you still have this rough opal?
I would love a piece
how much do you want for a piece of it?
Hi i read your post about the opal and was wondering if you still had any left? Also where exactly is this place they call the opal mine? I am a ex new Orleans fireman who got hurt and became a jeweler and i love the look of raw stones. My name is Alan btw.Thanks
Renita
This is Tony, Robert Westfall’s son. I spent too many weekend help Roy and Daddy pack those heavy ass rocks up the hill to the truck. I got paid with ROCKS! I still have a 1000 to 1500 pounds of that stuff out back of the shed that I never done anything with. I think daddy was the first guy to find that place and ran home and got your dad and went back. Then they came and got me and Andy to do the packing up the hill to the truck. GOOD TIMES! I wish I could go back in time and relive them. I didn’t appreciate them so much back then.
I’d love to see some pictures of that material if you’re interested in selling any!
oplan at hotmail.com
or find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/tanner.singleton.9
Anywhere to go and search not on private land?
Yes but not in Vernon Parish .There is even a free campsite nearby.
Awesome. Do you know driving (and hiking dir?
Can you give me driving directions to the campsite? I am trying to put something together for my Gem and Mineral Society to have a Rockhound Roundup.
If i might ask where besides Vernon can one find the opal. Thanks in advance
I have Louisiana opal for sale along with Louisiana Palm my name is John fuselier my phone number is 337-580-8563
Hey Everyone, I see a lot of posts about wanting some Louisiana Opal.
I’ve got a medium sized tub of rough, and a half dozen cabochons I’ve polished up. I get my LA opal from a local jeweler who I cut and polish it for him, in exchange for some rough that I keep.
If interested let me know.
Tim
My Facebook page is O’Bryan’s Minerals
https://www.facebook.com/obryansminerals/
PLEASE CONTACT ME I AM INTERESTED
Heyyyy tim, yes, I would like some more.
Hi Tim I would love some Louisiana opal. I checked out your Facebook. What a cool life you lead. Tina. 1(828)7880883
Do you still have pieces of raw stone?
I am interested if there’s any left 😃. I’m just getting started with the Opal hobby, I am from South Louisiana .
“He said he plans to open a full-service campsite with gem-wash in the spring.”
Are they planing on opening the mine again? What’s going on now? I’m dying of boredom here & this would be right up my ally! What’s the word on this campsite & gem wash?!
I think you misread. The latter half of the page is a 1990 article about the site. It never got developed and is no longer a functioning mine. It’s been almost 30 years since the campsite was planned to open it seems.
Does anyone have any information of rareties of flash color or ways to grade Louisiana opal specifically? I’m searching and unable to locate anything aside from this article.
Hey guys I can actually get Louisiana fire opal. You guys just hit me up. My phone number is 337-207-9215
Joseph Scarce do you have a facebook page or other way to see your Opal?
My family and I love rockhounding. I just found out about the Louisiana fire opal. Is there a place to go digging or “mining” for our own, or even looking through old tailings possibly? We live north of Alexandria and want to find places to look around the state instead of always going to Arkansas and quartz digging, which we still enjoy but just want something different.
Is there anywhere in Louisiana to dig for opals still? I live about 45 minutes south of Alexandria and looking to take my little family exploring.
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