Finding agates in Mississippi can be easier than most people realize. They can show up where water has shaped the land over time, often hidden in spots that seem ordinary at first glance. Rockhounds know that patience pays off once they find the right type of ground to search.

Across the state, agates are tucked away in areas shaped by shifting soils and moving currents. Some of these sites reveal stones only after heavy rain or seasonal changes.

The challenge lies in knowing which landscapes are worth exploring and which are unlikely to yield results.

Because Mississippi is so varied, the best areas for agates aren’t always obvious. This guide can offer insights into where to begin and can mean the difference between hours of frustration and a day full of discoveries.

What is Mississippi Agate?

Each piece of agate is a natural work of art because it has unique banding and swirling patterns that make it beautiful. The intricate designs and bright colors of agates, which range from clear white and soft pink to deep blue and fiery red, are mesmerizing.

Agates are not only beautiful to look at, but they also have metaphysical properties like bringing harmony, balance, and protection. They are trendy because of their beauty and what they mean to people.

This makes agate hunters even more eager to find these fantastic gemstones.

Our article can help you figure out how much agates are worth.

Blue Lace Agate

Blue lace agate is like the soft, sky-blue waves with lines that swirl and twist like delicate lace.

Its pattern comes from slow-forming layers of quartz, which create those beautiful, lace-like bands.

The bands of this agate type are often in shades of light blue, white, and sometimes a bit of grey. It’s different from other agates, which usually have more intense colors and stronger patterns.

The value of blue lace agate lies in its soft, tranquil look and the feeling of calm it brings. It’s often used in jewelry or as a decorative stone.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

You absolutely need a good reference guide in order to understand what you're looking at!

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

Now, back to the identification specifics:

Moss Agate

Instead of having the typical banding for which the different types of agates are known, moss agate has green inclusions that look like moss or trees.

These green patterns aren’t real plant material, though. They’re minerals like chlorite or iron oxide.

In some cultures, this type of agate is known as the “gardener’s stone” because of its green, plant-like appearance. It’s believed to help plants grow.

The price of moss agate can vary. It’s often quite affordable, but the more distinct and picturesque the green patterns, the more it might cost.

Fire Agate

Fire agate is known for its incredible colors and the way it sparkles like fire. It’s got layers of silica and iron oxide that reflect light, creating a fiery effect.

When you look at fire agate, it’s like seeing flames trapped inside. Its colors can range from reds and oranges to greens and golds, all shimmering under the surface.

You might be wondering, “What is fire agate worth?” Well, its value comes from its rare beauty. The more color and sparkle, the more valuable the stone is.

Its fiery iridescence and lively play of color are used in jewelry pieces that are meant to stand out.

Dendritic Agate

Dendritic agate is known for patterns that look like tiny trees or shrubs. Like moss agate, these patterns aren’t actual plants. They’re made of minerals, mostly manganese or iron oxides.

When you look at a dendritic agate, it’s like peering into a miniature forest or a frosty winter landscape.

The base of the stone is usually translucent to opaque, and the “dendrites”— those tree-like patterns— are often black or brown.

When it comes to how much dendritic agate is worth, it can vary. The more detailed and distinct the patterns are, the more it’s usually valued.

In some cultures, dendritic agate is believed to bring fullness and richness to life.

Crazy Lace Agate

Crazy lace agate is like a party in a rock! It’s got swirls, circles, and all sorts of wild patterns dancing across it.

Its colors can be a mix of red, orange, yellow, and brown, and sometimes even a bit of gray or white.

What makes crazy lace agate stand out is its vibrant and complex patterns. No two pieces are the same. This distinctiveness is a big reason why it’s so valued.

Despite its wild and ‘crazy’ appearance, it’s sometimes called the “Laughter Stone” or “Happy Lace” because of the joy and positive vibes it’s believed to bring.

Laguna Agate

Laguna agate has incredibly sharp and fine banding. It has layers of red, orange, pink, yellow, and sometimes even purple and white all stacked in neat, tight bands.

These bands can form eye-catching patterns, like swirls, loops, and even landscapes.

The different colors of its bands come from various minerals present in the water at the time of its formation.

Laguna agate is considered one of the finest agates in the world due to its exceptional banding. This high regard among agate varieties makes it a prized possession for collectors.

Condor Agate

Condor agate is a real standout. It’s known for its bright, vivid colors and complex patterns.

It has reds, oranges, yellows, and sometimes even blues and greens all swirling together. These colors form in bands or in more random, artistic patterns.

The intensity and variety of its colors is what makes condor agate so special. It’s often used by artists and craftsmen who want to make a statement with their work.

Condor agate’s bold colors and patterns can turn a simple piece of jewelry or art into something really eye-catching.

Fortification Agate (Banded Agate)

Fortification agate gets its name because the patterns inside it look like the aerial view of a fortified city.

Imagine seeing bands of color forming shapes that look like walls, with sharp angles and curves. They are usually in different colors, making each layer stand out.

If fortification agate is valuable, it’s because of its distinct patterns and colors. Its unique look makes it sought after for jewelry and as a collector’s item.

The clearer and more defined the patterns, the more valuable the stone can be. Some people also believe it can help with relaxation and calmness.

Iris Agate

Iris agate looks like a regular agate at first, but when you hold it up to the light, something amazing happens. It shows all these rainbow colors, like light passing through a prism.

This is because it has very thin layers of silica, and when light hits these layers, it splits into all the colors of the rainbow.

The formation of iris agate is similar to other agates, but its layers are super thin, which is what creates the rainbow effect.

The value of iris agate comes from its unique ability to show these colors. In the past, people even used to think it had magical properties because of the way it showed colors. They saw it as a stone of good luck and wonder.

Plume Agate

Plume agate gets its name from its patterns that look like soft, feathery plumes. These plumes can be in all sorts of colors: red, black, green, or yellow, set against a translucent or opaque background.

The way these plumes seem to float in the stone makes it look like a frozen underwater scene or like feathers caught in a breeze.

The plumes are made of minerals like manganese or iron oxide, which get trapped in the silica during the agate’s formation and create the feathery patterns.

The price of plume agate can vary depending on how clear and intricate the patterns are. The more detailed and colorful the plumes, the more the stone is usually worth.

Picture Agate (Scenic Agate)

Picture agate is like a snapshot of nature captured in stone because it looks like it has pictures or scenes right inside it.

These “pictures” are actually natural patterns that resemble landscapes, mountains, trees, or even skies. They are usually in different shades of brown, white, and gray against a more translucent background.

The different patterns in picture agate or what’s also called scenic agate are made by various minerals in the water filled with silica that forms it.

If you’re thinking, “What is picture agate worth?“, its value comes from how distinct, clear, and detailed the natural “pictures” are.

Turritella Agate

Turritella agate is not your typical agate because it’s full of fossilized snail shells! The shells belong to a creature called Turritella, a type of sea snail.

These shells are tightly packed and create a pattern that looks like a bunch of tiny, swirling towers. The background of the agate is usually a dark, earthy color, which makes the white or cream-colored snail shells really pop.

Over millions of years, these snail shells got buried in sediment and eventually became fossilized. As time went on, silica-rich water flowed through the sediment, turning it into the agate we see today.

The value of turritella agate comes from its unique blend of geology and history. More than a pretty stone, it’s a piece of ancient life preserved in rock.

Fairburn Agate

Known for its intricate patterns and bold colors, Fairburn agate is another fascinating type of agate. It usually has bands and swirls of different colors like red, yellow, orange, brown, and sometimes even pink or purple.

What’s special about these patterns is they often look like they’re in layers, creating a 3D effect. It’s like looking at a landscape made of stone.

It’s named after a place called Fairburn in South Dakota. This gives a clue about where it was first discovered.

People value Fairburn agate for the skill it takes to cut and polish it, which makes the patterns and colors really stand out.

Sagenite Agate

Sagenite agate has needle-like inclusions that look like tiny sprays of crystals inside it. They can be gold, silver, black, or even green, and they spread out in all directions, creating an amazing pattern.

The base of the agate is usually translucent, which lets you see these intricate needle patterns clearly.

These patterns are actually other minerals, like rutile or goethite, that get trapped inside the forming agate. These minerals grow in a crystal shape, looking like needles or hair.

Sagenite agate is often used in jewelry and other decorative items, with some people thinking that its needle patterns look like fireworks or starbursts.

Tree Agate

Tree agate, as its name suggests, looks like it’s got tiny trees or branches inside it. These tree-like patterns are usually green and spread out against a white or light gray background.

The green patterns aren’t actual trees, though. They’re made of minerals like chlorite or manganese.

Each piece of tree agate is different. You won’t find two that are exactly the same. It’s valued for its looks and it’s often used in jewelry and decorations.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Agates you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

The Best Spots To Find Agates in Mississippi

Here are some places where you can find agates in the state. Even though there are many great places to find gems in Mississippi, not all can contain agates.

Bogue Chitto River

The Bogue Chitto River is a beautiful river that flows through Mississippi and Louisiana’s beautiful landscapes. It’s about 65 miles long and offers a peaceful place for people who like to be outside and those looking for agates.

The river’s gentle current and periodic flooding contribute to the erosion and transport of agate-bearing rocks, exposing them along its banks and within its bed. Water erosion and deposition over time create ideal conditions for agate hunters to find hidden treasures.

With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, the Bogue Chitto River provides a serene and enjoyable environment for outdoor activities.

Know the most up-to-date rules about collecting in Mississippi before you bring your agate crystals back home.

Where we found agates in Bogue Chitto River

Agate hunters can explore the Bogue Chitto River’s gravel bars, riverbanks, and exposed bedrock, carefully examining the diverse array of stones and sediments for agate specimens.

Copiah Creek

Stretching across approximately 78 miles, this scenic river offers a good location to search for agates due to its geological characteristics and accessible areas.

The Copiah River flows through regions with diverse geological formations, including ancient riverbeds, sedimentary deposits, and alluvial plains. These geological features have the potential to host agate deposits, as agates are often found in similar environments where erosion and sedimentary processes.

Where we found agates in the Copiah River

You can venture along the riverbanks, gravel bars, and areas of exposed bedrock, carefully inspecting the stones and sediments for agate specimens.

Mississippi River

With its robust current and extensive network of tributaries, the Mississippi River carries a diverse array of rocks and sediments from various geological formations. This natural process creates favorable conditions for the transportation and deposition of agate-bearing rocks along its shores and riverbed.

The river’s accessibility and historical significance enhance its appeal as a prime location for agate hunting. Its riverbanks provide accessible areas for enthusiasts to explore, while its rich history and cultural heritage add depth to the experience.

Where we found agates in the Mississippi River

Exploring the exposed areas along the riverbanks and gravel bars can yield agate discoveries. These locations are prone to erosion and deposition of rocks and sediments, including agates.

Thompson Creek

Thompson Creek flows through areas with many different types of geology, such as sedimentary deposits and old riverbeds. Because of these geological features, there could be rocks with agates along the creek.

This scenic waterway spans approximately 65 miles and presents favorable geological conditions. The peaceful and natural setting of Thompson Creek makes it a great place for people who want to connect with nature while looking for these beautiful gems.

Where we found agates in Thompson Creek

You can explore the creek’s banks, sandbars, and sections of exposed bedrock, carefully examining the stones and sediments for agate specimens.

Yazoo River

The Yazoo River is a well-known waterway in Mississippi. It’s a great place for people who like agates to look for these beautiful stones. The river is a good place to look for agates because it’s easy to get to and has interesting geological features.

The beautiful scenery of the Yazoo River, with its lush plants, wildlife, and calm stretches of water, makes agate hunting even more appealing. It’s important to remember that finding agates along the Yazoo River may require patience, persistence, and a sharp eye.

Where we found agates in the Yazoo River

The riverbanks and cut banks of the Yazoo River can expose layers of sediment and rocks, including potential agate deposits. Erosion processes along these areas may uncover agates that have been transported and deposited by the river.

Other Great Places To Find Agates in Mississippi

After telling you where to find the best agates in Mississippi, we’ll give you some more ideas. We sorted them by county to make things easier for you.

Our recommendations by county

Additional areas you can find agates

Because Mississippi is a vast state, we want to make sure your search works. You should look in these places where agates are often found.

Rivers and riverbanks

Rivers and riverbanks have long been regarded as excellent locations for agate collectors to find these captivating gemstones. These natural waterways offer a unique combination of geological processes and environmental factors that contribute to the deposition and exposure of agates.

The constant flow of water in rivers acts as a powerful force of erosion, gradually wearing away rocks and sediments. As the water carries these materials downstream, it can separate agates from their surrounding rocks and transport them to new locations.

Roadcuts

Roadcuts are created when roads are constructed through hills, mountains, or other elevated terrains. During the process, the rock layers are cut through, exposing a cross-section of the earth’s crust.

Roadcuts give people who like agates a chance to see and get to different geological layers in a small area. Agates are formed in holes in rocks, and you can find them in these layers. Roadcuts have a unique benefit in that they expose different kinds of rocks, some of which are known to have agates in them.

Streams and creeks

The constant flow of water in streams and creeks acts as a natural agent of erosion, gradually wearing away rocks and sediments. As the water moves over the land, it dislodges agates from their original locations and transports them downstream.

Agates, being denser and more durable than other rocks, tend to settle in areas where the water’s flow slows down or changes direction. These locations, such as gravel bars, sandbars, and the inner bends of streams, become hotspots for agate deposition.

Common Agate-Hunting Questions

People frequently ask the questions below about agates in Mississippi, and it’s very important to know the answers.

Is it illegal to collect agate in Mississippi?

Mississippi is a good place to look for agates as long as you do it the right way. It’s best to follow the rules when you’re in a public place. Before you go on private land, make sure you have permission to do so.

The Best Places To Buy Agates In Mississippi

Not everyone enjoys being outside all day looking for agates. Sometimes, you just need a display or another beautiful agate piece for you collection. Here’s a list of rock shops where you can buy agate crystals in Mississippi:

• The Crystal Cottage – 8095 Menge Ave, Pass Christian, MS 39571
• Goddess Vibes – 612 Scott St, Jackson, MS 39203
• Hands of Earth Energy – 106 Main Ave N, Magee, MS 39111
• Soul Synergy Rocks and Crystals – 3010 Lakeland Cove Suite X, Flowood, MS 39232
• Wire Wrapped by Jennabird – 105 MS-16, Carthage, MS 39051

If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!