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Biggs Junction Picture Jasper, Oregon

What Is Jasper:
Jasper is an opaque variety of Chalcedony
occurring in all colors. It is sometimes impure,
containing organic material and or mineral
oxides such as iron oxide. Giving it interesting
colors and patterns. When Jasper does not
exhibit interestingcolors or patterns, it is
known as Chert.

Biggs Picture Jasper is a stunning picture jasper.
It isgenerally A dark brown Jasper containing
wonderful swirls,bands, Lines and arcs. These
bands and lines come in colorsof light brown,
yellow, tan, blue, or gray-brown.

Biggs jasper was discovered while constructing Interstate 84 through Sherman County. Near Biggs, Oregon. The find is now covered by the freeway and this material is now scarce.

Biggs Jasper is a silicated volcanic ash. This jasper was formed by a volcanic ash flow, overlying the basalt formation. This formation is currently mapped as part of the John Day Formation. It is of Miocene Age.

Biggs Jasper on the Road:
At the mouth of Fulton Canyon there is an operating picture jasper quarry. It is in the town of Biggs Junction. Owned by Isami Tsubota (Sami), a nice old Japanese-American. To get there, from Portland take I-84 east to Exit 104 at Biggs. Sami lives beside the Nu-Vu Motel. He will take you to the dig to pick jasper. Most of what you take will be rolling hills scenes in shades of brown, with a brown to slate sky. Some may have nice dendrites as well. He also has an unusual black jasper. With cloud scenes and such.

Also on I-84 east, a few miles past Biggs Junction, is the town of Rufus. Exit here There is a road to the right. (west back towards Portland) I don't remember at the moment if it is the first
or second road. It parallels the highway. Anyway there aren't too many roads in Rufus. So I'm sure you can find it in just a few minutes. Go up this road until you see a museum sign on the left. Go up the steep drive and visit with Howard Dolph and his family. They have the nice chocolate color jasper. With the tight bands and lines more like the old blue Biggs jasper or
the Dechutes variety.