Nevada is a bit unique in that it has designated both a gemstone and a semi-precious gemstone for its State symbols. In an official statement, the State Legislature stated that "The precious gemstone known as the 'Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal' is hereby designated as the official state precious gemstone of the State of Nevada". This took place in 1987. At the same time, they also designated Nevada turquoise, called the 'Jewel of the Desert' as the official state semiprecious gemstone..
Nevada has become famous for it's fantastic Black Opals. The best-known Opal field in Nevada is located in northern Humboldt County at Virgin Valley. One can go to the Bonanza Opal Mine to dig your own opals amid the rugged beauty of the Virgin Valley. For a small fee one can hunt for Fire Opals and with some luck go home with a treasure. Opals have been mined at this location the early 1900's, and have always produced some of the most Beautiful Fire Opals in the world. Another great location is the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, also located in Northwest Nevada, approximately 135 miles from Winnemucca, Nevada, and approximately 100 miles from Lakeview, OR. The closest town is Denio, NV, which is 35 miles away. Denio Junction has now reopened and has food, fuel and rooms are available. All roads to the mine are blacktop, except for the last 7.5 miles, which are gravel and dirt. During wet weather, the last couple of miles is very bad, and should not be attempted. The opals from Rainbow Ridge are casts after wood, and are some of the most beautiful opals in the world. Tailings digging is offered and is where many different wood and opal combinations may be found. The tailings are up to eight feet deep, and are turned from time to time, and are constantly added to from the virgin ground loads. The virgin ground loads are materials taken from the river bank with a loader, and are then worked on a flattened area near where one can park. Everything one finds, regardless of value, is for them to keep. Although luck plays a part in finding opals, an "educated" eye is very helpful. Another area where one can look for their own opals is the Royal Peacock Mine, located off State Route 140 west of Denio.
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As mentioned, Turquoise is the state's semi-precious gemstone. Sometimes called the “jewel of the desert,” Nevada turquoise is found in many parts of the state. Long popular as jewelry among Native Americans, turquoise is also a state symbol of Arizona and New Mexico. 
Nevada is host to the most turquoise claims of any state in America. Nevada's Turquoise Deposits vary greatly from those in Arizona, rather than turquoise being the biproduct of a large copper mining operation, in Nevada most mines are owned by small "ma & pa" miners. In the past Nevada had over 400 registered claims for turquoise. These days most of these small mines have been mined out or are no longer being mined. The fate of the remaining mines rests with the political environment of the United States, unfortunately this is one turquoise fact that is sad but true. Several mines offer tours and/or allow collectors to hunt for turquoise for an entry fee.
Nevada is host to the most turquoise claims of any state in America. Nevada's Turquoise Deposits vary greatly from those in Arizona, rather than turquoise being the biproduct of a large copper mining operation, in Nevada most mines are owned by small "ma & pa" miners. In the past Nevada had over 400 registered claims for turquoise. These days most of these small mines have been mined out or are no longer being mined. The fate of the remaining mines rests with the political environment of the United States, unfortunately this is one turquoise fact that is sad but true. Several mines offer tours and/or allow collectors to hunt for turquoise for an entry fee..
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