Richardson Rock Ranch

Nestled just outside the small town of Madras, Oregon, Richardson Rock Ranch is one of the most iconic and accessible thunderegg collecting sites in the United States. For generations, it has served as a gateway into the world of agate hunting, lapidary arts, and high-desert geology. With its wide variety of digging areas, consistent quality, and family-friendly atmosphere, Richardson’s is a must-visit location for both seasoned rockhounds and curious newcomers alike. Richardson thundereggs are some of the most reliable cutting material in the country. The agate interiors polish beautifully and often reveal dramatic contrasts between matrix and fill. Whether you’re making cabochons, bookends, slabs, or full display pieces, the diversity of patterns—from banded to moss to plume—offers something for every lapidary artist.