{"id":518980,"date":"2025-06-29T00:11:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T00:11:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=518980"},"modified":"2025-06-29T00:11:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T00:11:05","slug":"where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/","title":{"rendered":"Where is Thunder Egg agate found?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#Unearthing_Natures_Art_A_Comprehensive_Guide_to_Finding_Thunderegg_Agate\" title=\"Unearthing Nature&#8217;s Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Thunderegg Agate\">Unearthing Nature&#8217;s Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Thunderegg Agate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Thunderegg_Agate\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions About Thunderegg Agate\">Frequently Asked Questions About Thunderegg Agate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#1_What_Exactly_Is_a_Thunderegg\" title=\"1. What Exactly Is a Thunderegg?\">1. What Exactly Is a Thunderegg?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#2_Where_in_Oregon_Can_I_Find_Thundereggs\" title=\"2. Where in Oregon Can I Find Thundereggs?\">2. Where in Oregon Can I Find Thundereggs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#3_Is_All_Thunderegg_Agate_the_Same_Quality\" title=\"3. Is All Thunderegg Agate the Same Quality?\">3. Is All Thunderegg Agate the Same Quality?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#4_Can_I_Find_Thundereggs_in_Washington_State\" title=\"4. Can I Find Thundereggs in Washington State?\">4. Can I Find Thundereggs in Washington State?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#5_Are_There_Thundereggs_in_Colorado\" title=\"5. Are There Thundereggs in Colorado?\">5. Are There Thundereggs in Colorado?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#6_What_Makes_a_Thunderegg_Valuable\" title=\"6. What Makes a Thunderegg Valuable?\">6. What Makes a Thunderegg Valuable?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#7_How_Can_I_Tell_if_a_Rock_Is_a_Thunderegg_Before_Cutting_It\" title=\"7. How Can I Tell if a Rock Is a Thunderegg Before Cutting It?\">7. How Can I Tell if a Rock Is a Thunderegg Before Cutting It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#8_Are_Thundereggs_the_Same_as_Geodes\" title=\"8. Are Thundereggs the Same as Geodes?\">8. Are Thundereggs the Same as Geodes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#9_What_Gemstones_Are_Typically_Found_Inside_Thundereggs\" title=\"9. What Gemstones Are Typically Found Inside Thundereggs?\">9. What Gemstones Are Typically Found Inside Thundereggs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#10_How_Big_Can_Thundereggs_Get\" title=\"10. How Big Can Thundereggs Get?\">10. How Big Can Thundereggs Get?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#11_Why_Are_They_Called_Thundereggs\" title=\"11. Why Are They Called Thundereggs?\">11. Why Are They Called Thundereggs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#12_Can_I_Cut_Thundereggs_Myself_What_Kind_of_Saw_Do_I_Need\" title=\"12. Can I Cut Thundereggs Myself? What Kind of Saw Do I Need?\">12. Can I Cut Thundereggs Myself? What Kind of Saw Do I Need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#13_How_Do_I_Clean_My_Thundereggs_After_Digging_Them_Up\" title=\"13. How Do I Clean My Thundereggs After Digging Them Up?\">13. How Do I Clean My Thundereggs After Digging Them Up?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#14_Are_Thundereggs_Natural\" title=\"14. Are Thundereggs Natural?\">14. Are Thundereggs Natural?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/#15_What_are_Thundereggs_Used_For\" title=\"15. What are Thundereggs Used For?\">15. What are Thundereggs Used For?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unearthing_Natures_Art_A_Comprehensive_Guide_to_Finding_Thunderegg_Agate\"><\/span>Unearthing Nature&#8217;s Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Thunderegg Agate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Thunderegg agate, those unassuming rocks that hold a kaleidoscope of beauty within, are primarily found in the <strong>Western United States<\/strong>, particularly in areas with a rich history of volcanic activity. While Oregon is famously known as the &#8220;Thunderegg State,&#8221; significant deposits are also scattered across other states like <strong>Washington, Colorado, Nevada, and California<\/strong>. Central and Eastern Oregon reign supreme as the most popular region globally for thunderegg hunting, with areas like the Ochoco National Forest, the high desert near Prineville and Madras, and Succor Creek Canyon being especially productive. Now, let&#8217;s delve deeper into the fascinating world of thundereggs with some frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Thunderegg_Agate\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions About Thunderegg Agate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are 15 frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding and thunderegg hunting prowess:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Exactly_Is_a_Thunderegg\"><\/span>1. What Exactly <em>Is<\/em> a Thunderegg?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A <strong>thunderegg<\/strong> isn&#8217;t just any rock; it&#8217;s a spherical nodule, often found in <strong>rhyolitic volcanic rocks<\/strong>, that reveals stunning agate, chalcedony, or quartz crystal formations when cut open. They&#8217;re technically known as <strong>lithophysae<\/strong>, and their name comes from a Native American legend linking them to the &#8220;eggs&#8221; of thunderbirds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Where_in_Oregon_Can_I_Find_Thundereggs\"><\/span>2. Where in Oregon Can I Find Thundereggs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Oregon is thunderegg heaven! While you can find them throughout the state, the largest deposits are concentrated in <strong>Crook, Jefferson, Malheur, Wasco, and Wheeler counties<\/strong>. The area around <strong>Pony Butte in Jefferson County<\/strong> is particularly famous for exceptionally colorful and gem-quality thundereggs.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Is_All_Thunderegg_Agate_the_Same_Quality\"><\/span>3. Is All Thunderegg Agate the Same Quality?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely not! The quality of thunderegg agate varies greatly. Even in prime locations, only a fraction of the thundereggs found will yield outstanding specimens. The brilliance of color, the intricacy of patterns, and the presence of rare inclusions all contribute to a thunderegg&#8217;s value and desirability.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Can_I_Find_Thundereggs_in_Washington_State\"><\/span>4. Can I Find Thundereggs in Washington State?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, indeed! While not as abundant as in Oregon, Washington has several known thunderegg locations, including the <strong>Deer Creek Drainage (Snohomish County), First Creek, Green River, and Little Naches River (Quartz Mt. \/ Manastash)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Are_There_Thundereggs_in_Colorado\"><\/span>5. Are There Thundereggs in Colorado?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Certainly. <strong>The Del Norte thunderegg beds<\/strong> are located approximately 7.5 miles northwest of the town of Del Norte in south-central Colorado. This area is worth exploring for unique Colorado thunderegg specimens.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_What_Makes_a_Thunderegg_Valuable\"><\/span>6. What Makes a Thunderegg Valuable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The value of a cut and polished thunderegg depends on several factors, including its <strong>size, the beauty and complexity of its internal patterns, and the presence of rare or desirable inclusions<\/strong>. Specimens with moss or plume agate resembling plants or flowers are particularly prized and can fetch higher prices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_How_Can_I_Tell_if_a_Rock_Is_a_Thunderegg_Before_Cutting_It\"><\/span>7. How Can I Tell if a Rock Is a Thunderegg Before Cutting It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the million-dollar question! On the outside, thundereggs often look like ordinary, drab rocks with a knobby or bumpy surface. Experience is key. Look for <strong>spherical or near-spherical shapes, volcanic rock appearance (rhyolite), and a specific type of rind<\/strong>. Unfortunately, the only sure way to know for sure is to cut it open.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Are_Thundereggs_the_Same_as_Geodes\"><\/span>8. Are Thundereggs the Same as Geodes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While both are fascinating geological formations, they are distinct. <strong>Thundereggs are typically solid or near-solid nodules of chalcedony or agate, while geodes are more often hollow with a lining of quartz crystals<\/strong>. Think of thundereggs as filled-in geodes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_What_Gemstones_Are_Typically_Found_Inside_Thundereggs\"><\/span>9. What Gemstones Are Typically Found Inside Thundereggs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thundereggs are most commonly filled with <strong>chalcedony, agate, or quartz crystals<\/strong>. You might also find other minerals like jasper, opal, gypsum crystals, and various other interesting mineral growths and inclusions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_How_Big_Can_Thundereggs_Get\"><\/span>10. How Big Can Thundereggs Get?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thundereggs range dramatically in size, from as small as a quarter of an inch to as large as five feet in diameter! <strong>Most, however, are around the size of an orange or baseball<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Why_Are_They_Called_Thundereggs\"><\/span>11. Why Are They Called Thundereggs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The name &#8220;thunderegg&#8221; originates from a <strong>Native American legend<\/strong> that described these rocks as the eggs laid by thunderbirds that inhabited Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson in Oregon. A captivating story adds to the charm of these geological treasures!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Can_I_Cut_Thundereggs_Myself_What_Kind_of_Saw_Do_I_Need\"><\/span>12. Can I Cut Thundereggs Myself? What Kind of Saw Do I Need?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can cut thundereggs yourself, but you&#8217;ll need the right equipment. A <strong>lapidary saw<\/strong> is specifically designed for cutting rocks and minerals. While a tile saw <em>can<\/em> be used, the thicker blade will result in more material wastage and potentially more chipping. Invest in a good quality lapidary saw for the best results.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_How_Do_I_Clean_My_Thundereggs_After_Digging_Them_Up\"><\/span>13. How Do I Clean My Thundereggs After Digging Them Up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The simplest way to clean thundereggs is with <strong>soap and water<\/strong>. Use a scrub brush to remove dirt and debris from cracks and crevices. For more stubborn stains, you can try a mild acid solution (always wear appropriate safety gear).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Are_Thundereggs_Natural\"><\/span>14. Are Thundereggs Natural?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely! Thundereggs are entirely natural formations that occur in specific geological conditions within <strong>silica-rich volcanic rocks<\/strong>. They are a testament to the power and beauty of natural processes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_What_are_Thundereggs_Used_For\"><\/span>15. What are Thundereggs Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Beyond their aesthetic appeal, thundereggs are used for various purposes. <strong>They are popular for jewelry making, lapidary arts, and as collector&#8217;s items<\/strong>. Some believe thundereggs possess metaphysical properties and use them for healing and spiritual practices. As the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> knows, even something as seemingly simple as a rock can spark curiosity, learning, and connection! You can learn more about connecting through games and learning at <strong>https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Thundereggs are more than just rocks; they&#8217;re captivating stories etched in stone, waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags, grab your rock hammer, and embark on a thunderegg hunting adventure! Remember to respect private property, follow local regulations, and leave no trace behind. Happy hunting!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unearthing Nature&#8217;s Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Thunderegg Agate Thunderegg agate, those unassuming rocks that hold a kaleidoscope of beauty within, are primarily found in the Western United States, particularly in areas with a rich history of volcanic activity. While Oregon is famously known as the &#8220;Thunderegg State,&#8221; significant deposits are also scattered across &#8230; <a title=\"Where is Thunder Egg agate found?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/where-is-thunder-egg-agate-found\/\" aria-label=\"More on Where is Thunder Egg agate found?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-518980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=518980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518980\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=518980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=518980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=518980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}