Where to Find Opal in British Columbia: 18 Mapped Sites
British Columbia has 18 documented sites where opal have been reported, and the best-known are Heart Peaks, Alpo, and Blizzard. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Opal Map: British Columbia
All 18 opal sites in British Columbia. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Opal Are Found in British Columbia
Opal precipitates from silica-rich groundwater in volcanic ash beds and weathered rhyolite, and famously replaces buried wood. Look along seams and cavities in altered volcanic ground.
The richest reported sites in British Columbia: Heart Peaks, Alpo, Blizzard, Chastot Creek, Cheryl Opal.
All Opal Sites in British Columbia
- Heart Peaks — Other
- Alpo — Other
- Blizzard — Other
- Chastot Creek — Other
- Cheryl Opal — Other
- Clutch 1-4 — Other
- Eagle Creek — Other
- Empire Valley — Other
- Goat — Other
- Gram — Other
- Kingcome Glacier — Other
- Mount Savona — Other
- Northern Lights — Other
- Wood — Other
- Black Bay Opal — Other
- Nipple Mountain Opal — Other
- Opal — Other
- Wood Grain — Other
How to Identify Opal
Opal is hardened silica gel: hardness only 5.5–6.5, waxy-to-pearly luster, conchoidal fracture, and noticeably lighter than quartz. Precious opal flashes shifting spectral color; common opal is milky, honey, or green without fire. Field-check suspect seams with a flashlight from behind — opal transmits a soft glow. Freshly dug opal can craze as it dries, so keep finds damp.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find opal in British Columbia?
British Columbia has 18 mapped sites where opal have been reported. The best-known are Heart Peaks, Alpo, and Blizzard. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many opal sites are mapped in British Columbia?
We have 18 documented opal sites in British Columbia, compiled from provincial geological survey records and community submissions, reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect opal in British Columbia?
Casual hand collecting is generally allowed on unclaimed Crown land in British Columbia. It is prohibited in parks, on active mineral claims, and on private land without permission. Always verify land status before you dig.
How do I identify opal?
Opal is hardened silica gel: hardness only 5.5–6.5, waxy-to-pearly luster, conchoidal fracture, and noticeably lighter than quartz. Precious opal flashes shifting spectral color; common opal is milky, honey, or green without fire. Field-check suspect seams with a flashlight from behind — opal transmits a soft glow. Freshly dug opal can craze as it dries, so keep finds damp.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
More to Find in British Columbia
Data: BC Geological Survey MINFILE — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.