Down a formidable gravel road in the farthest corner of California lies a rare opportunity: Visitors to the national forest can legally collect obsidian, including a stunning type with vivid rainbow stripes.
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The volcanic glass is spotlighted on Obsidian Day — this year it’s Aug. 22 — but collection by free permit is allowed for several weeks each summer.
Because of its volcanic origin, the Warner mountain range in Modoc National Forest is a trove of obsidian, drawing geologists and rockhounds from around the world.
There are four designated collection locations, and the names of three indicate a specific type of obsidian found there: Rainbow Mine, Pink Lady (lavender to rose in color) and Obsidian Needles (thin spikes up to a foot long). All the sites have the more common glossy black obsidian as well.
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Details
• This year, the collection window ends on Sept. 7. Free permits can be obtained at the national forest offices in Alturas or Cedarville or at Davis Creek Mercantile. The rules include a limit of two 5-gallon buckets of rocks, weighing no more than 100 pounds.
• Limited permits are available for Obsidian Day, Aug. 22 at the Rainbow Mine; volunteers from the Reno Gem and Mineral Society will be running the event.
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• Find more information, including a , at the Modoc National Forest website.
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