If you took a time machine back millions of years, you’d see oceans, tropical rainforests, and even glaciers in Illinois. All these changes have left behind an amazing mix of rocks and minerals, among which is the beautiful Illinois agate.
You might be thinking, “Awesome! Let’s go find some!” But here’s the thing: even though you can find agates in Illinois, they can be a little sneaky. It’s not like they’re hiding under every leaf or stone. Simply put, you need a bit of guidance to find them.
But don’t worry, that’s where we come in! We’ll share with you the guaranteed sites where you can find agates in Illinois, such as in the Mississippi River, Hamilton, Bishop Hill, Fayville, and Warsaw.
You’ll also learn and discover the different kinds of agates that our state has to offer in this article. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go agate hunting!
What is Illinois Agate?
Imagine a stone that looks like it has frozen ribbons of color inside— that’s what an agate looks like. It’s a type of quartz, and what makes it special is its bright, wavy lines and patterns.
So, where do these gems come from? They form in volcanic rock or ancient lava. When the lava cools down, spaces or bubbles are left behind. Over time, minerals fill these spaces, layer by layer, and voila! We get these lovely agates.
This natural wonder’s aesthetic appeal and uniqueness (did we mention that no two agates are exactly alike?) are among the many factors that affect agate’s value and price in the market.
If you’re in Illinois or planning to visit, you’re in for a treat! Our state has its own share of these colorful gems. But before we go into the details of where they are exactly, let’s first discuss the different types of agates that you might encounter:
Moss Agates
Moss agate is not like most other rocks because when you look at it, you might think there’s moss or plants trapped inside. But that’s just an illusion.
This type is clear to milky white, but it has green, brown, or reddish patterns that look like tree branches or mossy growths. These beautiful patterns come from minerals like iron and manganese.
If you’re wondering whether you can find moss agate in Illinois, the answer is yes, but it’s not super common. It’ll be like finding a special treasure among many other interesting rocks.
Fire Agates
When you shine a light on a fire agate, it dazzles with fiery colors like red, orange, gold, and green. It’s like holding a tiny sunset or a piece of a rainbow in your hand!
What makes it special is its layers of iron and silica. These layers create a 3D effect with shimmering colors that change as you move the stone around.
But while Illinois has many beautiful rocks, fire agate isn’t typically one of them. This special stone is more commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States, especially in Arizona and New Mexico.
Blue Lace Agates
Blue lace agate is a real showstopper because it looks like waves of the ocean, with gentle blue and white stripes flowing together. The delicate patterns that give this gem its lacy look are created by layers of silica.
If you’re wondering if you can uncover blue lace agate in Illinois, the answer is no since it’s not native to our state. This beautiful stone is most commonly found in parts of Africa, especially Namibia.
Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior agate is famous for its rich, vibrant colors like reds, oranges, and yellows. It got its name because it was first discovered around Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Fortunately, Lake Superior agates are one of the natural wonders that you can find in Illinois. They were spread across different states by ancient glaciers, and some of them ended up here in our state.
Banded Agates
Banded agate has layers upon layers of colors, just like the rings inside a tree trunk. These awesome stripes make it look like a tiny landscape of hills and valleys. These bands form because of the slow buildup of different minerals over time.
The good news is, yes, you can find banded agates in Illinois! The northern parts of our state, especially around riverbeds, are places where you might come across this beautiful gem.
Aside from agates, there are also other stunning crystals in our state. If you want to know more about them, especially where to find them here, check out our article on the best crystal mine sites in Illinois.
The key factors in our recommendations are:
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice agate enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The tools every agate hunter will need
When you're out looking for agates having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. 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 agate hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit 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 agate-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
Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northeastern 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.
The Best Spots To Find Agates in Illinois
It’s true that Illinois has some pretty awesome gem mine sites, but not all of them have agates. If you’re laser-focused on finding Illinois agates, below are the guaranteed sites for you to explore:
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Mississippi River
Mississippi River is one of the grandest rivers in America, and Illinois is lucky to share over 580 miles of its shoreline! Running along our western edge, the river creates a natural border between Illinois and our neighbors, Iowa and Missouri.
As the river meanders, it shapes the land, carving deep valleys, creating bluffs, and leaving behind flat floodplains. These features make the river’s edge in Illinois a mix of stunning cliffs, lush forests, and fertile farmlands.
Over the years, the river has uncovered layers of sedimentary rocks like limestone and shale. And nestled among these layers, you can find beautiful agates.
With several highways and roads leading to the Mississippi River, access is easy. Towns like Quincy, Alton, and Rock Island are gateways to the river. Each of these towns has parks, lookout points, and recreational areas. But before you visit here, it’s a great idea to review Illinois’ updated collecting guidelines.
Where we found agates in the Mississippi River
There are different specific spots within the length of the Mississippi River where you can find agates, such as:
- Banks in Cordova
- Area gravel deposits, pits, and bars in Thebes
- East bank from Whiteside County border to Savanna Army Depot
- East bank from the Henry County border upstream to the Carroll County border
Hamilton
Hamilton is a delightful town situated in west-central Illinois, right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Being so close to the river, this town enjoys picturesque views and a landscape. The terrain here is a mix: think gentle hills, stretches of flatlands, and the occasional bluff or cliff offering panoramic river views.
The geology of Hamilton and its surroundings is super intriguing! The area boasts of sedimentary rock formations like limestone and shale. Amidst these rocks, you can discover agates.
If you’re wondering about getting to Hamilton, it’s quite simple. Illinois Route 96 runs right through the town, making it easily accessible by car. The well-marked roads will lead you straight to Hamilton.
Where we found agates in Hamilton
Explore the gravels and glacial drift deposits in Hamilton if you want to find agates.
Bishop Hill
Bishop Hill is a charming village located in Henry County. Not too far from the Mississippi River, it sits amidst the vast stretches of the Illinois prairie. Its geography is a testament to the classic Midwest: wide open spaces dotted with patches of woodland, creeks, and rolling hills.
Peeking into its geology, Bishop Hill’s location on the Illinois prairie means it sits atop thick layers of sedimentary rock. These reveal fascinating tales of ancient seas, rivers, and the creatures that once inhabited them. And you can find agates here!
Getting to Bishop Hill is a cinch. It’s conveniently located off U.S. Route 34, which makes it easily accessible for travelers. The roads leading to the village are well-maintained and clearly marked.
Where we found agates in Bishop Hill
You can find agates in the general area, especially in the nooks and crannies, of Bishop Hill.
Fayville
When you think of Illinois, you often picture vast farmlands and open skies, and Fayville fits right into that imagery. It has a beautiful mix of flat plains and occasional gentle hills.
Diving deep into Fayville’s geology, beneath the surface lies layers upon layers of sedimentary rock. If you have a keen eye, there’s a treat waiting for you: agates!
If you want to head to Fayville for a day of exploration, the journey is relatively straightforward. Though it might not be as prominently marked as some of the bigger cities, a good map or GPS will guide you straight here. The roads, typical of Illinois, are well-kept and surrounded by scenic views.
Where we found agates in Fayville
The area stream gravels of Fayville provide the right conditions for agates to form, so if you want to find them, search through that area.
Warsaw
Warsaw sits proudly along the banks of the Mississippi River, which gifts it with stunning river views and landscapes shaped by the flow of this mighty waterway.
The geography here is a captivating blend: on one side, you have the vast, flowing river, and on the other, the gentle rolling hills and plains that Illinois is famed for. Below its surface are layers of sedimentary rocks, where you can find stunning agates.
If you’re gearing up for a trip to Warsaw, you’ll be happy to know it’s pretty easy to get to. It’s accessible via well-maintained roads, and its position by the river means it’s hard to miss!
Where we found agates in Warsaw
You can find water-worn pebbles of agates if you explore the local gravel pits of Warsaw.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Illinois
If you want more options where you can find agates in Illinois, below are a few more guaranteed sites that you can visit:
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Jo Daviess | East Dubuque area gravel pits |
| Kane | Road Fill Corporation Gravel pit |
| McHenry | Materials Service Sand and Gravel Dycore Corporation, Algonquin Plant |
Additional areas you can find agates
To guide you through your search, here are the specific areas that we recommend you pay close attention to when trying to find agates in Illinois. These are where other rockhounds have reported finding them:
Rivers and Riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are like nature’s conveyor belts for precious rocks and gems, including agates. When a river flows, it carries with it various rocks and minerals from its source and along its path. Over time, these rocks get tumbled and polished by the water.
Agates, being harder than many other stones, resist erosion and end up standing out among the smoother pebbles on riverbanks. In Illinois, this process is amplified because of its numerous rivers.
Quarries
Quarries are like massive scoops into our crust, revealing layers of rock and minerals that have been hidden for years. In the process of digging and blasting, they can uncover precious gems like agates that might otherwise stay buried deep below.
When quarries penetrate volcanic rock layers, they can bring agates closer to the surface. Illinois has numerous quarries that tap into these ancient layers. The combination of volcanic and sedimentary rock zones in our state makes quarries ideal agate-hunting sites.
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are nature’s winding pathways, gently moving rocks and gems from one place to another. As water flows, it picks up and carries various stones, tumbling and smoothing them along the way. This action often reveals the hidden patterns and colors of agates.
Agates, which are tougher than many rocks, shine brightly after being naturally polished by the water’s movement. In Illinois, streams and creeks are especially exciting places for agate seekers.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
Before you start your journey here, we’ll answer the most common question among the other agate hunters that have come to Illinois before you:
Is it illegal to collect agate in Illinois?
The legality of collecting agates largely depends on where you are in Illinois and who owns the land. On private property, you must obtain permission from the landowner before collecting. Without permission, it can be considered trespassing or theft.
On state-owned lands, such as state parks or natural areas, collecting rocks, minerals, or fossils is generally prohibited to preserve the natural environment.
Always check local regulations or consult with the specific land management agency before you start collecting. For more information, visit the website of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Illinois
Another guaranteed way to find agates in Illinois is by visiting our trusted local rock and mineral shops. An advantage of this is that you’ll also get to see, touch, and even bring home agates from other sides of the world.
Below are some of our recommended shops:
- Crystal Earth Rock Shop – 1125 S Main St J, Lombard, IL 60148
- Dave’s Down to Earth Rock Shop – 711 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
- High Ho Gems – 19622 Wolf Rd Unit 1, Mokena, IL 60448
- On The Rocks – 5709 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
- The Treasure Shop – 314 Franklin St, Geneva, IL 60134
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
