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E T T E M W A L L I WAMS is a nonprofit organization and an Meetings are held on the first Thursday of WAMS adheres to the The Willamette and Society, Inc. The Willamette Agate and Mineral(WAMS) Society was organized to stimulatethe interest study in and collection ofgems, , and , fossils; and supporteducation, lapidary and work, scientific study ofsciences. natural earth Corporation, founded in November 1947. WAMS is affiliated withFederation the of American Mineralogical Societies (AFMS), the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies (NFMS), the Oregon Counciland of Mineral Rock Clubs, the AmericanAssociation Lands (ALAA), Access and the SpecialRepresenting Congress Involved Bulletin Editors (SCRIBE). each month at 6:30pm atCenter, 1055 the Erixon Salem Street Senior NE,Oregon. in Executive Salem, Board meetings are held monthly and allare members invited to attend. charitable purposes within the meaning of Section #501(C)(3) IRS. For more information, comments, or suggestions email: [email protected] P.O.Box 13041 Salem, OR 97309 www.wamsi.org www.richardsonrockranch.com www.prineville-crookcounty.org Madras-Prineville Area Richardson’s Recreational Ranch Gateway Route, Box 440, Madras,541-475-2680 OR — 97741 White Fir Spring, Whistler Spring Prineville Chamber of Commerce 390 North Fairview, Prineville, OR541-447-6304 97754 — Lucky Strike Thundereggs P.O. Box 128, Mitchell, OR 97750 541-462-3176 (Summer only, fee site) Fallen Tree Mt. Hood Rock Club Claim 503-760-1825 Southeastern Oregon Area Succor Creek and McDermitt Bureau of Land Management 100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR541-473-3144 97918 Lakeview Area Crane Creek High Desert Craft Rock Shop 244 North M Street, Lakeview,541-947-3237 OR 97630 Without question, the Thunderegg is by far the They may also be found with any combination of most popular rock in Oregon. these colors. Thundereggs are one of Oregon’s How Thundereggs are Formed Many eggs have the potential to fluoresce under ultraviolet light—a “glowing” green color oldest curiosities. Whether a Although the Thunderegg is an honorary rock by suggests the presence of Uranium, which is legislative decree, it actually is not a rock. It is a collector is a novice or life-long prevalent in Central Oregon. structure—sometimes a nodule and sometimes a enthusiast, Thundereggs are geode. It occurs in , welded tuff, or perlitic Where to Find Thundereggs treasured by everyone. rocks. Thundereggs can be collected all over the State The History of Thundereggs Scientists do not agree on the process that of Oregon, however the largest concentration formed Thundereggs. Some believe the character- will be found East of the Cascade Mountain In 1965 the Oregon legislature designated the istic and unique internal pattern of the typical range. Thunderegg as the official state rock. However, Thunderegg is due to expansion and rupture of Although many of the Thunderegg has been a very important rocks by gasses. Others suggest the pattern is due the known localities treasure to Oregonians for much longer. Accord- to desiccation (drying) of a colloid or gel. Which- that are “free to dig” ing to ancient American legend, when the thunder ever theory is correct, once the cavity is formed, and are on public spirits living in the high recesses of snow-capped structural characteristics can be variable relative lands, they are Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson became angry with to the time needed to complete the egg. sometimes difficult to one another, amid violent thunder and lightening Thundereggs range in size and weight from locate and you can storms, they would hurl these spherical rocks at less than an inch and under one ounce to over a never guarantee what each other. The yard in diameter and over a ton in weight. Most you will find. hostile gods obtained eggs collected are between two and six inches in Fortunately, there are numerous private claims these weapons by diameter. Eggs can be found not only as a single that permit “fee” digging. If you go to a private stealing eggs from the formation, but doubles and triples as well. claim, you are guaranteed to get your fill of thunder birds’ nests, What’s in a Thunderegg? good quality Thundereggs. thus the source of the name “Thunderegg.” Typically an egg has a russet-colored outer shell Equipment for Collecting The mountains are that is often knobby and has a characteristic As in all hobbies, in order to make the most of it; still key landmarks in ribbed pattern. Frequently the inside of the outer you will need the proper tools, including a pick, the beautiful Cascade mountain range, and shell has a relatively thin intermediate or shovel, and bar. Using these tools will make millions of Thundereggs are on the lower lands as transitional lining. This is sometimes composed of collecting much easier. It is also wise to take a evidence of the legend—and for all to enjoy. an iron or magnesium compound. Eggs often good bucket or bag to carry your prize home. The Thunderegg has been highly prized by have a thin coating of or agate. Remember to always drink plenty of water. collectors, lapidarists, jewelry makers, and interior The center of the egg is usually filled with The “fee” sites typically have tools to loan, as decorators for nearly 100 years. In 1893, Dr. agate, opal, or . Sometimes they might form well as having the preliminary work done for George F. Kunz, Tiffany’s famed gem authority, with inclusions, pattern growth, or crystals. In you, such as over-burden removal. This is estimated that as much as $20,000 worth of some variations the egg may be hollow or have a something to keep an eye out for—many people opal-filled eggs from one Oregon deposit had thin layer of (agate) coating the have been injured when digging under a bank been sold on the market in 1892. interior. Occasionally algae-like tubes, plumes, and having the top of the overhanging cliff Since the mid-1930’s, thousands of visitors or moss—formed by manganese or iron com- collapsing on top of them. Conditions change so from every state and many overseas companies pounds—may be present in the center of the egg. collectors should contact claim owners for the have visited Oregon to hunt Thundereggs. These Thundereggs are sometimes found with current fee status as well as information on highly prized stones are made into beautiful internal bands just inside the shell that may be accessibility to the dig site. jewelry, pendants, pen stands, and bookends. colored blue, yellow, red, white, pink, or green. Happy Hunting!