Sandy's Rock Shop is a proud shareholder in the Bonanza Opal Mine
in Virgin Valley Nevada. We dig opal and black fire opal. The opal
diggin' season runs from the end of May through about mid
October for some of the mines in the area. The Australians have
nothing over us as far as opal goes. The black fire opal from the
Virgin Valley is absolutely stunning.

Bonanza Opal Mine is located inside the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
You can see wild horses, burros, antelope, bobcats, mountain lions, jackrabbits , 180 species
of birds, including the golden eagle , and prairie flacon. Also reptiles and amphibians.
Yes there are rattlesnakes! We even saw a ferret and otter on our last trip, October
last year.

Virgin Valley Mining District
Virgin Valley Mining District covers 67,000 acres of refuge lands. It was established
for the mining of fire opals- a rare gem and Nevada's state gemstone. After the volcanoes
stopped, hot springs and waters seeped through layers of tuff and ash leaching out silica.
These fluids dissolved the organic matter in leaves, wood, pine cones, and animal bones,
leaving perfect mimics of the former, either petrified or opalized; and some in fire opal.
The opalized material slowly hardened over millions of years as interior water was lost.
Opals have no orderly internal structure. Light is trapped and broken into rainbows
that give off innumerable waves of colors. Today thousands of mining claims cover
the landscape.

Fishing is allowed at Dufurrena ponds 20, 21, and McGee pond. McGee pond is
only open to children 12 and under, and adults 65 and over and handicapped
individuals. Fishing licenses should be purchased before your trip, as there is
no place in the valley to buy one. Children 12 and under do not need a license.
Short-term fishing permits are about 18.00. For more info please contact
www.ndow.orgNevada Department of Wildlife
Only canoes and boats with electric motors can be used in the refuge.

Camping
Camping is free at the Virgin Valley campground, and is on a first come first serve
basis. Campground is open year-round. There you will find pit toilets, drinking water
a warm springs pool and a rustic shower house. You may camp in the refuge for 14
days. Observe quiet hours between 10pm and 6am.
PLAN TO PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN. Garbage collection and septic dumping
facilities are not provided on the refuge. There is a garbage dump or transfer
station in Denio.