Top 5 US States for Rockhounding
The best destinations for your next rockhounding road trip. Where the pros go.
1. Arizona
The copper state is a mineral paradise. From the world-famous turquoise of Kingman and Bisbee to the peridot of San Carlos and the petrified wood of Holbrook, Arizona offers diverse collecting, especially in the winter months.
2. Oregon
Oregon is the thunderegg capital of the world. The high desert is littered with sunstones (the state gem), obsidians, and incredible jaspers (like Owyhee and Morrisonite). Public digging areas are abundant.
3. Nevada
With vast tracts of public BLM land, Nevada is a treasure hunter's dream. It's famous for precious opals in Virgin Valley, turquoise, and garnets near Ely. Just be prepared for remote, rugged conditions.
4. North Carolina
Hiddenite, emeralds, and rubies put North Carolina on the map. The Hiddenite area allows you to sluice for emeralds, and the mountain streams are known for corundum (ruby/sapphire) and gold.
5. Arkansas
Home to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where the public can dig for diamonds and keep what they find. The Ouachita Mountains are also world-renowned for their high-quality quartz crystals.