A successful search for colorful agates in Tennessee begins by focusing your efforts on the parts of the state known for producing excellent finds. These fascinating stones are nestled in places that reward the dedicated collector who knows precisely where to look.

The varied landscapes in the state mean that desirable agates can be found in several different settings, presenting exciting new opportunities. Having the right information on where to begin your search will help ensure you take home an impressive haul of beautiful specimens.

We’ll help you narrow down your search so you can focus on enjoying the beauty of the state while you look for the perfect stone. Get ready for a fun journey that can result in some magnificent Tennessee agates worth adding to your collection.

What is Tennessee Agate?

Agates are so beautiful that they take your breath away. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns that are truly unique.

Each type of agate, whether banded, moss, or plume, has qualities that make it popular with collectors and fans. They are formed when hot water filled with minerals flows into holes in other rocks and then slowly hardens over time.

Their smooth surfaces can show a mesmerizing interplay of light and color, making them look like tiny works of art created by nature. Even though agates can be found in many places, it still takes a sharp eye and some rock-hunting knowledge to find one.

For more information, we wrote an article about how much agates are currently priced.

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 Tennessee

We’ve listed our suggestions for places to find agates in each state. There are a lot of exciting places to find gems in Tennessee, but not all of them have agates.

Cumberland Plateau

The Cumberland Plateau is a natural wonder that stretches across the eastern part of the state. This high area is known for its rough landscapes, which include deep gorges, vast forests, and interesting rock formations.

The plateau is mostly a flat piece of land with a few valleys and cliffs that make it exciting and give it a variety of ecological niches. It’s a popular place for rock and mineral collectors because it has many different kinds of rocks and minerals.

Make sure you know the most up-to-date rules about collecting in Tennessee before you bring back any agates you find there.

Where we found agates in the Cumberland Plateau

The area around Crossville is a well-known place to look for rocks, such as agates. Agates and other semi-precious stones can be found in the gravel beds next to creeks and streams.

Collectors have also found agates in Grassy Cove, which is also on the Cumberland Plateau. Creeks, riverbeds, and areas of bare rock near these places are usually good places to start looking.

Horse Mountain

Horse Mountain is a gem few people know about, but it’s a great place to find beautiful agates. This elevated area is in the southeast of the state. It has a unique geological landscape that is perfect for making agates.

The mountain’s soil and rock layers, mostly chert and limestone, are the perfect place for minerals to seep into cracks and form agates. This process is sped up by the many streams and creeks in the area, eroding the land and exposing possible agate finds.

Even though Horse Mountain isn’t as commercially used as other places with lots of agates, it has its quiet charm that attracts new and experienced collectors. Because the area isn’t too crowded, you can often find agates peacefully and without interruption.

Where we found agates at Horse Mountain

Creeks and streams that run through or near Horse Mountain are usually good places to start when looking for agates. As these waterways wear away the rock around them, they can reveal hidden pockets of minerals.

Another place to look is exposed bedrock or outcrops, especially those made of chert or limestone because these geological conditions suit agate formation.

LaFollette

LaFollette is in the beautiful hills of East Tennessee, making it an excellent place for agate lovers and rock hunters. This cute town is surrounded by the Cumberland Mountains, which have various geological features.

With sedimentary rock formations like limestone and shale, the area is a good place for agates to grow. Its creeks, streams, and exposed rock outcroppings are great places to look for these beautiful stones with bands.

Given its natural beauty, featuring lush forests and rolling hills, searching for agates here becomes a serene experience combined with the excitement of discovery. The waters flowing through this terrain contribute to the exposure and erosion of rocks, enhancing the chances of unearthing agates or other semi-precious gems.

Where we found agates in LaFollette

Streams, creeks, and rivers that run through or near LaFollette are good places to start. The banks and beds of these waterways often hold an assortment of rocks and minerals that have been eroded and shaped over time, making them potential sites for agate discovery.

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is known for its scientific contributions, but its geology is often overlooked, which makes it a good place for agate hunters. It’s located in the state’s east, close to the Cumberland Plateau, which has some of the same mineral-rich features.

The area comprises sedimentary rock formations like limestone and shale, good places for agate to grow. The waterways in and around Oak Ridge help bring these hidden gems to light.

It’s an excellent place for people who want to discover new things and enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time. It has wooded areas and riverbanks where you might find agates and an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Where we found agates at Oak Ridge

Generally speaking, rivers, creeks, and streams in and around Oak Ridge are good places to start your search for agates. Waterways like the Clinch River and its tributaries can have eroded banks with various agates.

Exposed rock formations or outcrops in the area, particularly those made up of sedimentary rocks like limestone, could also yield agates. Road cuts or construction sites can sometimes expose these rocks, but be sure to seek permission if these areas are on private property or have restricted access.

Richardson’s Landing

Richardson’s Landing has a unique geology that attracts rock collectors and nature lovers. The area is known for its sedimentary formations and old alluvial deposits, which make it a good place for agates to grow.

This location stands out because it’s exciting and has new things to discover. Even though the area is beautiful in and of itself, it’s also a quieter and less crowded place to look for agates than more popular spots.

Where we found agates at Richardson’s Landing

The riverbanks and sand plains nearby are good places to look because that’s where rocks and minerals carried by the river currents end up.

Additionally, the sediment layers in this region sometimes yield unusual agate formations that differ from those found in mountainous or plateau areas.

Other Great Places To Find Agates in Tennessee

We’ve already suggested where we think are the best places in Tennessee to look for agates. We want you to be successful in your search, so we’ll tell you more places in the state where you can find them. We’ve put them in order by county:

Our recommendations by county

Additional areas you can find agates

Here are a few more specific places where agates can be found. Because Tennessee has a vast area, we want to help you find these beautiful stones.

Quarries

Agate collectors often think of quarries as treasure troves, and this is for a good reason. Geological layers, usually deep below the Earth’s surface, can be seen in these excavated sites for the first time.

They make it easier to get to the agates and other minerals hidden below. Removing rock from a quarry often breaks open cavities and cracks that haven’t been touched in thousands of years, letting minerals and gemstones shine through.

Roadcuts

Streams and creeks, with their ceaseless flow and erosive power, stand as dynamic geological agents, constantly reshaping the landscapes they traverse. These waterways serve as natural conveyor belts for agate collectors, unearthing and transporting hidden gems from their origin points to more accessible locales.

As agates form within volcanic rock cavities, the surrounding softer rock gradually erodes, releasing these treasures. Streams and creeks expedite this process, washing away the eroded material and often revealing agates.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks are always a dynamic setting for agate hunters because the natural forces of water and erosion continually refresh them. These flowing waterways move rocks and minerals from where they were first found and deposit them along the banks and beds.

As water flows over the land, the rocks around it wear away. This often reveals pockets of agates and other gemstones that were hidden. This action does most of the hard work of digging for you, putting together a group of stones ready to be found.

Common Agate-Hunting Questions

When people go to Tennessee to look for agates, they ask these questions most often.

Is it illegal to collect agate in Tennessee?

You can collect agates in Tennessee if you follow the rules. When you are on private land, have permission to go in and take specimens.

The Best Places To Buy Agates In Tennessee

Some people don’t like spending a hot day outside looking for agates. Sometimes, you only need one piece to add to your collection or give as a gift. Here’s a list of Tennessee rock shops where you can easily find agates:

• Alex’s Rock Shop – 100 S Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160, United States
• The Hidden Gem – 1229 Dinah Shore Blvd, Winchester, TN 37398, United States
• Jae’s Gem Mine – 2416 Music Valley Dr #102, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
• Old Smoky Gem Mine – 968 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
• Yellow Sky Emporium – 220 W Dumplin Valley Rd, Kodak, TN 37764, United States

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