Grant's Getaways: Oregon Adventures with the Kids. Grant McOmie

      Digging thundereggs is so easy anyone—at any age—can find a genuine treasure.

      When they are cut open, they reveal agates of various colors and exquisite designs that stand out when they’re polished. As we waited for the automated saw blade to slice open all of our prizes, Richardson showed off his most valuable thunderegg called a Priday Plume. He called it “one in a thousand” and it was easy to see what he meant for it looked fabulous with varied hues of blues, greens, and reds. He proudly noted, “It’s unique for its size and how clean each plume is. It’s a phenomenal piece.”

      Richardson’s displays inside the shop are real showstoppers too with rows of gorgeous thundereggs and other exotic-looking rocks from across the world. You’ll discover that thundereggs can be made into beautiful, varied jewelry, especially pendants, pen stands, and bookends. Family photos show off four generations of Richardsons that have kept the business moving forward.

      Meanwhile, back in the workshop, Richardson said it’s the surprise of it all that continues to excite him. Once a rock is cut open, each provides a lasting memory of time well spent in the Oregon outdoors. As another Richardson family member told me, “The really neat part is that when you dig up a thunderegg and bring it down to have us cut it open, you’re the first person to have ever seen that rock. And to think it took 60 million years to make it, plus there’s no two alike, they’re all different—and the next one is going to be the very prettiest one you’ve ever cut.”