Dust Devil News

August opening report

2007-08-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well the month of July is now behind us. It was a very busy month with the "dig-in" and lot's of additonal customers. The travel channel show on Oregon Sunstone has had mixed impacts on the mining of Oregon Sunstone. While it has drawn increased attention to this unique gemstone it has also created some false expectations as to the amount of effort required to be sucessful in mining this gemstone.

Some folks are under the impression that it is a simple matter to turn over a shovel full of dirt and find that incredible stone. Yes, that sometimes happens but truth is, it takes work and sometimes lot's of it as well as sometimes a certain degree of "luck". However,there are plenty of stones to be found as the following pictures attest. Come on out and have some fun awho knows,,,,,, that next big one may just have your name on it.
Please note that all pictures can be "supersized "by clicking on them. Simply use your back button on your browser to navigate back.

First time Sunstone digger.

2007-08-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

This was James first time out to dig Sunstone. As you can tell by his smile he had a very good time. And of course you can see by the tray of stones in front of him that he did quite well in the recovery deptmartment also.

2007-08-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

720 Grams of color!

2007-08-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Steve Ewens of Steve's Stones spent 11 days of hard digging. the result of his efforts were 720 grams of good red and bicolor stones.

2007-08-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Fun for everyone!

2007-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a seasoned digger or this is your first time out good times are waiting for those willing to put out some effort and spend some time enjoying what this unqiue place has to offer.

Reflections at the end of the day

2007-08-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Besides the great company and stones to be found. Evenings with sunsts like these are the perfect setting to review the days events and build on new and old friendships. For those wishing to stay a bit later these inceridble sunsets will give way to a show od stars unlike any you have seen for years. If at all possible come out and see us. We would love to get to know you.

ALL SMILES

2007-07-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

This was Walt's second time to mine Sunstone. Read on for the full story behind the reason for that smile on Walt's face. One thing for sure is that he will remember this trip for a long time!

Be sure to stay tuned for further details as to the final disposition of the stone. Some possibilities being considered include the Smithsonian, Tucson as well as examination by GIA and others.

DIG-IN 2007 MAJOR NEWS

2007-07-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hi, Don Buford from Dust Devil Mining here. We had a very significant find this week during the dig-in. The stone I am holding is one that one of our attending artists found during our annual "dig-in". We believe this to be THE LARGEST Oregon Sunstone EVER found! This is a single intact gem weighing in at 1,093 cts! We are very excited at this discovery and will soon be making a press release available with more details. In the meantime here are some preview pictures of this incredible event.

Note: All pictures can be supersized for a closer look by clicking on them. Use your back button to navigate back.

NEW RECORD

2007-07-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

The large stone weighs in at 1093 cts by itself. This surpasses the previous record by over 400 cts. The surrounding pieces which came off during the extraction process are another 1,000+ cts. This makes for a possible total weight of at least 2,093 cts. We know of no other stone of this size and believe this to be a world record. The stone exhibits areas of broad flash and stripe schiller as well as clear red and green areas. Truly one of a kind.

2007-07-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

THE TOTAL TAKE

2007-07-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pictured here is the result of Walt's six days of hard labor. In addtion to the record stone about 1,300 cts of color was found. This included several very nice dichroics as well as some great reds. While they may look small next to the 1,093 ct giant several were in excess of 100 cts. Not pictured here but Walt also took home about two kilo of clear material.

Won't be long now!!

2006-03-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

As they say, spring has sprung!!
In the spring, a mans thoughts turn to................... Sunstone!!!!!

Yes, with the coming months the Dust Devil will soon be open. There have been good reports from some of the die-hards of exceptional stones found this winter. It's time to start planning that spring trip.
To help you plan a new link has been added to this page. Simply click on the "WeatherForecast and Current Condtions" link for up to the minute forecasts and weather news.

Also for the early birds, think of what "Old Man Winter" exposed on the slopes of nearby Hart Mountain. Could be that all manner of the famous Hart Mountain Porcelain Jasper is just waitng to be pickcd up.

Hope to see you soon. In the meantime, consider the following:

Yeah, but he's got high hopes!!!

2006-03-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, while all of you are planning that next trip, consider the following:

Seems that one of the regulars at the Dusty was feeling the digging bug biting pretty hard this winter. Solution?? A winter mining trip!!!

After arriving and setting up camp,all the necessary tools of the trade were packed down itnto the pit. After digging through about 6" of frozen ground a large clear sunstone in excess of 500cts tumbled down the slope!! In his excitement the estatic miner pocketed the stone for later inspection.

Now,this certain individual, (Doug George) had been wanting a large clear for some time. After calming down somewhat and congratulating himself on his good fortune, he reached in his pocket to take the stone out for inspection.

To his dismay, all he pulled out were cold and wet fingers!!

Turns out the 500+ct clear was an ice ball which had melted in his pocket!!!

Sometimes.................................

Happy 2006!!

2006-01-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

WOW! Hard to believe another year has come and gone. With the passing of the old, the folks here at the Dusty would like to thank all of you who have enriched our lives this past season.
And with the coming new year we are looking forward to more great times with old friends and the new ones we make this year.
Once again, things are shaping up for a busy season. Work is progressing on the new sorting plant and we are excited at the prospect of it being operational.
The Tuscon show is rapidly approaching and final preparations are being made for this huge show. Drop in and see us if you are in the area.
Also, Dig-In 2006 is being planned which is one of the highlights of the season. An idea that is being considered is the addition of a trade/swap area for folks to show off their wares. This would be a good venue to move some rough that is unique to your home local or to market that special lap or polish that you invented.
The possibilities really are endless. Mineral specimen swaps, cabbing rough, you name it. The only restriction at this time would be that no sunstone materials be involved.
Check back here for further updates as they become available.
In the meantime, perhaps the following pictures and editorials will satisfy the urge to dig.

THANKS AGAIN and may the coming year be a great one,!!!

DUST DEVIL MINING COMPANY

Winter Time Dreams

2006-01-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Here's something we all hope to see... that telltale dark spot in the wall that signals the possibility of a large stone just beneath the surface. Well, this dream is reality.
Here's some pictures of some great stones that recently came out of the pit. And there's more where these came from. We are anticapting a great mining season and hope you can come out and join us.
Perhaps these pieces of rough will get you to dreaming about your next trip to the Dusty!!

2006-01-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Inspirations

2006-01-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Perhaps these stones will serve as motivation to dig into your rough bag and dop something up!! Or if your rough supply is somewhat depleted, now is the time to begin planning your trip for this year. The possibilities are limitless and who knows what will turn up for YOU in that next screen!! We hope you come out to see us and look forward to a great mining season.

2006-01-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is folks!!

2005-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

This will be the place for all the news. Come back often for all the current conditions. In the future look for current travel and weather conditions also.
Steve Ewens has continued to find good stones in the lower pit. Exciting reds and watermelons!!!
There is still plenty of time to come out this year and dig some good stones also.
Hope to see you soon!!

2005-09-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

A rain shower that turned to snow, but the heartiest of hearties still found stones.

2005-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Steve Ewens from Steve's Stones cleaned out the Bizak-Clayton hole this week. What will Bob O do now!

2005-09-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Doug and Willa came in just after the snow. Willa said she must find a stone! Did she ever, 193 carats!

2005-09-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Willa's stone as she found it.

2005-09-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

A stone in the hand is worth the Sunstone happy dance.

2005-09-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Kate Lilley digging sunstones.