Quartz comes in different forms— from clear, crystal-like pieces to ones tinted with other minerals. If you want to see one for yourself, you’re in luck! From the northern hills to the southern plains, you can find quartz in Alabama.

To provide reliable guidance on your quest to find this gem, we’ll share the legit sites where you can find Alabama quartz, including our favorites: Clay County, Lake Martin, Mica Hill Mine, Cedar Bluff, and Wind Creek.

As we discuss these spots, you’ll realize that our state offers everything from easy finds to exciting challenges. Keep reading as we reveal more incredible spots for your quartz adventures!

What Is Alabama Quartz Anyway?

Quartz is one of the most common minerals found on Earth. It’s made from silicon and oxygen, and it can look different depending on where it’s found and what other minerals are mixed in.

Sometimes, it’s clear and sparkly, and other times it can have different colors like pink, purple, or even black. It forms deep underground but can be brought to the surface by natural processes. This means you can find quartz in many places.

Identifying quartz is pretty easy once you know what to look for. It’s usually hard and has a glassy look. It often has a hexagonal shape with pointed ends. Quartz can scratch glass because it’s harder, which is a handy trick to identify it.

Quartz is used in making watches and clocks because it helps keep time accurately. It’s also used in electronics, like radios and computers, because it can carry electrical signals well. Plus, many people love quartz in jewelry and for decorating.

The value of quartz is influenced by its beauty and usefulness. Clear, well-formed crystals can be quite valuable, especially rare types and colors. But even clear quartz has value in the industry for things like making glass and concrete.

The Types Of Quartz Found In Alabama

When you’re exploring the different legit sites in our states, watch out for these types of quartz you might find:

• Blue quartz
• Clear quartz
• Green quartz
• Rutilated quartz
• Smoky quartz
• Star blue quartz (Alabama’s state gemstone)

You can also check our guide to finding crystals in Alabama if you’re interested in other natural wonders aside from quartz.

The Best Places To Find Quartz In Alabama

There are tons of gem mine sites in Alabama that are brimming with different rocks and minerals, but here are our favorite legit sites if you want to look for quartz:

Clay County

Nestled in the heart of our state, Clay County boasts a diverse landscape. It’s part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, so you can expect rolling hills, lush forests, and plenty of streams and rivers.

This varied terrain not only makes for a beautiful adventure but also provides ideal conditions for quartz to form.

In fact, this county is also a part of the Piedmont region, known for its ancient rocks and minerals. Over millions of years, these rocks have been shaped and transformed, leading to the creation of various types of quartz.

Since Clay County is centrally located, it’s accessible from various major cities. The closest one is Birmingham, just about a two-hour drive away. From there, you can take Highway 280 East to Alexander City, then follow Highway 22 North straight into this county.

Make sure to review Alabama’s local collecting guidelines before you start exploring here or any of the sites we will share with you.

Where we found quartz in Clay County

Clay County abounds with many legit sites where you can find clear quartz, smoky quartz, and green quartz. These include:

• Mica and gold mines in the hills of Pyriton District
• M&G Mine
• Pleasant Grove road
• Southern Graphite Company quarry
• Crooked Creek
• Fox Creek 
• Buzzard Creek and tributaries
• Smith Mica Mine
• Old Delta Mine
• Gold Creek
• Barfield Mine

The tools every crystal hunter will need

When you're out looking for crystals having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.

We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced crystal miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding equipment guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.

At a minimum you should have:

1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard

2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set

3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well

4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill

5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable

6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to

7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect

The crystal-finding books that we use most

There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America 

Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant 

We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.

Lake Martin

Lake Martin is a large, beautiful lake surrounded by over 750 miles of wooded shoreline. Located in the east-central part of our state, it’s nestled in a region known for its rich geological history.

The area around this lake is also a part of the Piedmont region. This setting creates a unique opportunity for finding various minerals, including quartz.

The terrain around it is diverse, with hills, forests, and numerous streams that have exposed different rock layers over time. It’s these conditions that make the area around Lake Martin ideal for rock hunting.

If you want to pay a visit here, it’s easy. Lake Martin is about a two-hour drive from Birmingham. From there, you can take Highway 280 East directly towards Alexander City, which sits on the lake’s northern shore.

Where we found quartz in Lake Martin

You can find gemmy Alabama quartz if you explore the east shore of Lake Martin. You can also try to check out the various access areas and outcrops on its west shores.

Mica Hill Mine

Mica Hill Mine is a historic mine located in Coosa County. It’s known for its hilly terrain and rich geological history, which makes it a great place for exploring and discovering different kinds of rocks and minerals.

It’s part of the Piedmont region and was once very active geologically, leading to the formation of a variety of minerals. The mine itself was known for mica, a mineral that splits into thin, shiny sheets, but it’s also a fantastic place to find quartz.

To go here, be aware that the closest major city is Birmingham, which is about an hour and a half drive away.

From Birmingham, take Highway 280 East towards Sylacauga, then follow the local roads towards Rockford. The mine is located in a rural area, so the last part of the journey is on smaller roads, winding through the scenic hills of central Alabama.

Where we found quartz in the Mica Hill Mine

When you’re at Mica Hill Mine, you can explore the old mine area and the surrounding hills, which are known to be rich in minerals, including smoky quartz.

Cedar Bluff

Situated in Cherokee County, Cedar Bluff is known for its stunning natural scenery, which includes the beautiful Weiss Lake. The area around it is a mix of gentle hills and flat plains.

Geologically, Cedar Bluff is part of the Appalachian region, a place with a rich history of mountain formation and erosion. It’s known for its variety of rocks and minerals, and quartz is among the treasures you can find here.

The process of mountain building and natural erosion over millions of years has brought a lot of interesting geology to the surface. This makes Cedar Bluff a prime spot for those interested in rocks and minerals.

Getting to Cedar Bluff is simple. It’s about a two-hour drive from Birmingham. You can take Interstate 59 North to Gadsden, then follow Highway 411 North straight to Cedar Bluff.

Where we found quartz in Cedar Bluff

You can find stunning specimens of doubly terminated quartz, some with manganese inclusions if you search through the fields of Cedar Bluff.

Wind Creek

Wind Creek is located at the Wind Creek State Park, one of the largest state parks in Alabama. It sits on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Martin. Its landscape is a mix of dense forests and open spaces, with the beautiful backdrop of the lake.

This area is within the Piedmont region, known for its ancient and varied rock formations. With its past volcanic activity and shifting land masses, a diverse range of rocks and minerals was created. And quartz is found here in abundance!

The water in Wind Creek helps to unearth and gather quartz pieces, making them easier to spot.

If you want to go here, it’s about an hour and a half drive from Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama. From Montgomery, you can take Highway 231 North to Wetumpka, then follow Highway 14 to Highway 63, which leads directly to the park.

Where we found quartz in Wind Creek

Explore the shore and surrounding fields in Wind Creek, especially its north and west sides to find large deposits of quartz.

Other Great Places To Find Alabama Quartz

Aside from our favorites, here are more great places to search for Alabama quartz. We’ve arranged them by county for your convenient reference:

Our recommendations by county

Common Quartz-Hunting Questions

Before you pack your bags and gear up, allow us to answer the most common question when it comes to hunting Alabama quartz:

Is it illegal to collect quartz in Alabama?

Collecting quartz in Alabama is generally legal, but there are important rules to follow. Commercial collecting, where you gather minerals to sell, usually requires a permit or may be entirely prohibited on public lands.

On private land, you must have the landowner’s permission to collect. Without this permission, taking any rocks or minerals is considered theft.

Meanwhile, on public lands, like state parks or national forests, regulations can vary. Some places may allow collecting small amounts for personal use, while others might restrict or prohibit it entirely.

It’s crucial to check the specific rules of the area you’re visiting. For more information, you may visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) website.

The Best Places To Buy Quartz In Alabama

Another great and practical way to find an amazing selection of different varieties of quartz in Alabama is to visit our trusted local rock and mineral shops. Below are some of them:

• Amethyst Sage – 1809 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, AL 35640
• Cosmic Connexion – 814 Annalue Dr, Auburn, AL 36830
• Earthforged Rock Shop – 429 Shields Rd, Huntsville, AL 35811
• Practical Magick AL – 1508 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601
• Soulmates Jewelry and Crystals – 55 Co Rd 551, Trinity, AL 35673