About: Alison

Headshot by Robbie Augspurger

My world revolves around rocks. I am fascinated by their geological history, as well as their cultural uses, scandals, and philospophical interventions. My work is multifaceted and I survive professionally as a lapidary artist, author, and outfitter guide. My usefulness revolves around locating rocks, minerals, and fossils of all varieties, particularly material that has use in craft and sculpture.

I am the author of Beautiful Rocks & How To Find Them (Princeton Architectural Press, 2024) and A Rockhound's Guide to Oregon & Washington (Mountaineers Books, 2025). Each year I self-publish THUNDEREGG, a zine that dives into the lives we share with the mineral realm.

I am the creative founder of the Green River Rocks Festival in Green River Utah, where I collaborate with everyone's favorite rural non-profit Epicenter and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). I proudly serve on the BLM Southeastern Oregon Regional Advisory Council where I advocate for the conservation of our irreplacable high deserts.

Home is Portland, Oregon, where I am a proud member of the Mt. Hood Rock Club and the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association. 

Consider joining me on one of my guided rock collecting trips in Oregon and Nevada, or venture out to Utah for Green River Rocks! Make sure to sign up for my mailing list to receive updates about guided trips, publications, and first dibs on new jewelry. Consider following me me on instagram, as well: @alisonjeancole.  ⚒ ♡