The search for small, beautiful Oklahoma agates is a perfect reason to explore the state’s rugged waterways. You can try searching the numerous creek beds running through the Ouachita Mountains, especially where the water slows and leaves behind heavy deposits.

The most famous local find is the Boley Agate, a striking stone known for fragments of black, red, and tan chert held together by clear, banded quartz. This unique agate can be found in the gravel roads and ditches of Seminole County.

Successfully locating the best agates in the state requires more than just walking along the water. Knowing where to look and having the right local knowledge to guide your search will help you find amazing agates in the state.

What is Oklahoma Agate?

Agates are known for the intricate patterns of bands and colors they have. These pretty rocks are chalcedony, which is a type of quartz.

Agates differ from other quartz crystals because they form in closer layers, giving them their unique banded look.

These layers can show many colors, from bright reds, oranges, and yellows to calm blues, greens, and even milky or clear whites.

They are formed in a very interesting way by geological processes. They usually form in cracks or holes, like volcanic rocks or sedimentary formations. As high-in-water solutions move through these holes, they deposit tiny silica particles, one on top of the other, over a long time.

The different colors and patterns in agates come from the other minerals that aren’t supposed to be there. Agates have unique and eye-catching patterns that are made up of many layers that build up over time.

Geologically, agates can be found worldwide, but they are mostly found in sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks like basalt.

Check out our article to learn more about 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.

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.

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The Best Spots To Find Agates in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s rough terrain is a great place to find agates. There are several places to find gems in Oklahoma, but not all of them have agates. We’ll show you the best places to look for them!

Beaver’s Bend Mining Company

The Beaver’s Bend Mining Company is a popular place for agate lovers and amateur geologists to visit. It’s located in the beautiful Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Because it’s in the middle of the Ouachita Mountains, this site is a great place to look for agates because of the way its rocks are formed.

The area’s long history of volcanoes has created a wide range of agate types, making it a popular place for people who want to find them.

People who go to Beaver’s Bend Mining Company can go on guided tours or go on adventures by themselves to look for these beautiful stones.

There are many different kinds of agates here, with a wide range of colors and patterns. For example, fire agates are bright reds and oranges, while blue lace agates have thin blue and white bands.

Where we found agates at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company

There are many places to find agates in their natural setting in this area, such as along riverbanks, in creek beds, and on exposed rock formations.

Black Mesa

The unique geological features of Black Mesa, which is in the panhandle of Oklahoma, make it a great place to go agate hunting.

This mesa is in the High Plains area and is famous for the layers of sedimentary rock that have been worn away over millions of years, revealing many minerals, such as agates.

Because agates are often found in nodules in these sedimentary rocks, Black Mesa is a great place for gem hunters to look for them.

Black Mesa is a popular place to hunt for agates because finding them in such a beautiful natural setting is so exciting. The mesa has amazing views and a long geological history.

Where we found agates at Black Mesa

Black Mesa’s unique landscape makes finding agates in many places possible. Agate hunters can explore the area’s many creek beds, gullies, and exposed formations because the land is dry and rough, showing off layers of rocks.

Canadian River

The Canadian River, which flows through Oklahoma, is a good place to hunt for agates because it has a lot of different types of rocks.

The unique geological makeup of the Canadian River, which is made up of sedimentary and volcanic rock formations, helps explain the wide range of agates found here.

Some rocks that can be found along the river are fire agates, which have a beautiful play of colors, and moss agates, which have very detailed patterns.

The riverbanks are easy to get to and have beautiful scenery, which makes them an excellent place for both experienced collectors and people who have never been agate hunting before.

In addition to the thrill of finding these hidden gems, agate hunting along the Canadian River is also fun because of its peaceful and beautiful scenery.

Where we found agates at the Canadian River

It’s common to find agates on the banks of rivers and in the gravel bars that make up their bed.

Agates of different types have been carried downstream by the river’s steady flow over time, making it a popular place for people looking for these beautiful stones.

Carrizozo Creek

Carrizozo Creek in northeastern Oklahoma is a great place to go agate hunting because of its geological history and many agate deposits.

As this creek flows through an area formed by ancient volcanoes, it creates an ideal setting for the growth of different types of agate.

You can often find agates as nodules and geodes along the creek’s edges. Their colors and patterns are mesmerizing.

In addition to the thrill of discovering these hidden gems, Carrizozo Creek offers the peace of nature with its calm waters and stunning views.

The variety of rocks in Carrizozo Creek and the agates’ beauty make it a great place to go agate hunting in the middle of Oklahoma. Anyone on this exciting quest will have a worthwhile and enjoyable time.

Where we found agates at Carrizozo Creek

The creek’s varied landscape, with its exposed rock formations and gravel bars, gives gem hunters many chances to explore and find these beautiful stones.

Tom Steed Reservoir

In southwestern Oklahoma, Tom Steed Reservoir is a hidden gem for agate hunters looking for a different kind of experience.

The geological features of the reservoir and the surrounding landscapes make it a great place to hunt for agates. Over time, the water has worn away at the rocks exposed along the shore, revealing different agates.

The peaceful setting of Tom Steed Reservoir makes agate hunting even more appealing, giving you a chance to connect with nature while looking for these beautiful stones.

The calm waters of Tom Steed Reservoir and the thrill of finding hidden treasures make this agate-seeking trip a fulfilling and enjoyable one for everyone who goes.

Where we found agates at Tom Steed Reservoir

The reservoir’s beautiful scenery and easy access to the shore make it a great place for new and experienced collectors to find agates.

Other Great Places To Find Agates in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s different landscapes hide a lot of agate sites, and rockhounds can find interesting rocks in all of them. We already told you about some of the best places to go, but we’ll give you more tips to help you succeed!

Our detailed county-by-county guide will help you find the best-kept secrets in the state.

Our recommendations by county

Additional areas you can find agates

The places below are where you can find agates. Oklahoma is big, so we want to help you find these.

Rivers and riverbanks

Rivers and riverbanks are great places for agate collectors to find these beautiful stones because of how geological forces work together to expose them.

Agates form in cracks or holes in rocks, and the constant flow of water often knocks them loose. They then make their way downstream and gather along the banks of rivers.

Agates are buried under layers of sedimentary rocks, but running water wears away the rocks over time, revealing the agates.

These can be found in many geological settings along riverbanks, from rocky outcrops to gravel bars. Many types and colors of agate are found along rivers because each area has its own geological history.

Streams and creeks

To find agates, stream and creek areas are great places to go hunting because they have many chances to find these beautiful stones. Agates are formed inside holes or cavities in rocks.

The constant flow of water often pushes them out of their hiding places and reveals them in these waterways’ sand and gravel beds.

These waterways are easy to get to and have exposed rocks and gravel bars, making them very appealing to collectors of all skill levels.

Streams and creeks are great places to look for agates because they constantly change and offer new types. You can find mesmerizing fire agates with their changing colors, intricate moss agates, and many other exciting types.

Washes and ravines

People who like to collect agates will love washes and ravines because they are full of great places to find these beautiful stones.

Agates are formed inside the hollows of rocks, but the eroding action of water often pushes them out of their natural channels and into the sandy or rocky bottoms of these channels.

These washes and ravines have a lot of different types and colors of agate because the rocks around them are made of different types of rocks.

These rock formations are easy to get to because they are open and often have rough terrain. Washes and ravines make agate hunting fun for people of all skill levels because the scenery is always changing.

Common Agate-Hunting Questions

Most people ask this when they go to Oklahoma to find agates.

Is it illegal to collect agate in Oklahoma?

There are no laws in Oklahoma that say you can’t collect agates, but collectors must follow specific rules to ensure they do it legally and morally.

The Best Places To Buy Agates In Oklahoma

Some people don’t like searching for agates outside in the hot weather. Sometimes you only need one book to give as a gift or add to your collection. These Oklahoma rock shops have agates that are found in the state:

• Andaluz Artisan – 1922 N Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160, United States
• Decorative Rock & Stone – 305 Tinker Diagonal St, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, United States
• Good Earth Rocks Gallery – 824 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
• Nature’s Treasures – 6223 SE 15th St, Midwest City, OK 73110, United States
• Rock Shop Vintage – ​​18360 OK-49, Medicine Park, OK 73557, United States