In Louisiana, there aren’t as many places where you can find agate as in other areas. This makes it hard for agate hunters to find specific spots to look for them. You can spend a lot of time looking for agates without much luck if you don’t know the proper geological formations and places to look.
Fortunately, there are still many ways to get your hands on this beautiful and unique natural specimen in the state. Even though it’s pretty tricky than usual, you can still have many chances to succeed!
We’ve prepared this guide to help you find some! Through dedicated research and guidance from experienced individuals or local geology clubs, enthusiasts can discover hidden pockets of agate formations.
You can find Louisiana’s priceless treasures by taking advantage of these tools and exploring agate spots with patience and persistence. Prepare to embark on a rewarding agate-hunting trip!
What is Louisiana Agate?
Agates are beautiful gemstones with many bright colors and complex patterns. Each agate is a natural work of art, from thin bands and swirls to mesmerizing clear layers.
Their beautiful look and the mystery of their form make them very popular with collectors and people who like jewelry. Agates show how creative nature can be. They have a timeless beauty that has been formed over millions of years.
A process called deposition is what makes an agate. It starts when the lava from the volcano cools and hardens, leaving holes and cavities in the rock. Fluids that contain silica seep into these holes and leave microscopic layers of silica behind.
Agate’s colors and patterns depend on many things, such as the type and amount of impurities, temperature, pressure, and how long it takes for the agate to form.
You can use the information in this article to determine how much agates are valued.
Moss agates
Moss agate is a unique type of agate that looks like ferns, trees, or mossy landscapes because it has green moss-like inclusions. Minerals like hornblende or chlorite make these inclusions like branches inside the agate’s clear or white chalcedony base.
In Louisiana, it’s not easy to find moss agates. Even though there are some agate deposits in the state, moss agates don’t show up as often. The geology and formation of moss agates in Louisiana differ from other places where they are found.
Fire agates
Fire agate is a fascinating agate that looks like it’s on fire. It has a shimmering play of colors that reminds you of flames or the bright colors of a sunset. The mesmerizing colors come from thin layers of iron oxide or limonite in the chalcedony base of the stone.
These layers get in the way of the light, making the colors red, orange, yellow, and sometimes even green or blue. Gem and mineral collectors love fire agates because of how beautiful they are and how they look when you look at them from different angles.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find fire agates in Louisiana. Fire agates are usually found in places with certain geological conditions and formations that don’t exist in Louisiana.
Blue lace agates
Blue lace agate is a beautiful type known for its light blue color and complex banding patterns. It’s very popular because of how it looks and makes people feel good. Thin bands of white or gray stripes beautifully run through the stone’s blue chalcedony.
The stone gets its name from its delicate, lacy patterns, adding to its ethereal and peaceful look. Blue lace agates are often used to make earrings, pendants, and rings because of their soft color and intricate patterns.
Blue lace agates are usually found in certain geological formations and areas known for their agate deposits. Geological conditions in Louisiana are not suitable for making blue lace agates.
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
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.
The Best Spots To Find Agates in Louisiana
Here are our recommended locations in the state where you can find agates. Even though there are plenty of great places to find gems in Louisiana, not all are suitable for discovering agates.
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 directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Amite River
The Amite River is a large body of water in southeast Louisiana. It’s an excellent place to look for agates. The river flows for about 117 miles through many different types of rock, which makes it a possible place to find agates.
The river flows through areas that are known for their volcanic rock formations. This is the perfect place for agates to form and settle. The geology of the area around the Amite River includes old lava flows, deposits of volcanic ash, and sedimentary rocks.
The river’s natural flow and the water’s constant movement help expose and make it easy to get to agates. It helps wash away loose sediments and find agates that may have been hiding under the surface.
Ensure you know the state’s most recent rules for collecting before taking home your agate crystal from Louisiana.
Where we found agates at Amite River
You can look along the banks of the river and find different types of agates with unique patterns and colors.
Cypress Creek
Cypress Creek is a well-known waterway in Louisiana that is a great place to look for agates. This pretty creek flows through geologically diverse areas, making it a good place for people looking for agates.
The creek flows through areas with volcanic rocks, sedimentary formations, and mineral-rich deposits. This makes the area a good place for agates to form and be found.
Ancient lava flows and deposits of volcanic ash, along with erosion and weathering, have made it possible for agates to be found along the creek’s banks. As it flows, it slowly uncovers and moves rocks, minerals, and agates.
Where we found agates in Cypress Creek
Focusing on places where rocks and minerals are exposed by erosion and other natural processes is usually a good idea. Look in parts of the creek with a lot of water flow.
This helps wash away sediments, which could expose agates close to the surface. Agates can sometimes be found in gravel bars, river bends, and places where the bedrock is exposed.
Ouachita River
The Ouachita River is an excellent place to go agate hunting because it has various geological features, and there is a chance of finding agates there. The river flows for about 605 miles through areas with many volcanic rock formations, sedimentary deposits, and minerals.
Because of volcanic rocks, old lava flows, and sedimentary layers, there are agates along the river’s path. As the river flows through these rock formations, it brings to the surface agates hidden for millions of years.
Where we found agates in the Ouachita River
Often, you can find agates in gravel bars by the river. Sediment, made up of rocks and minerals, builds up to make these bars. As the river flows, it slowly wears away the gravel and reveals agates and other hidden treasures.
Check out the riverbanks, especially places where the bedrock is exposed or where erosion has happened. Agates can be found in layers of sedimentary or volcanic rocks that have been exposed by the river’s erosion.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend Reservoir is on the border between Louisiana and Texas. It’s a popular place for fishing and other outdoor activities, and there is also a chance of finding agates there.
This vast reservoir, about 185,000 acres, is a unique place for agate hunters to look for these beautiful stones. It was made when a river valley was flooded, which submerged the land around it and made a large body of water.
Before the reservoir was built, the area had various geological features, such as sedimentary rocks, old riverbeds, and places that might have agates.
Where we found agates in Toledo Bend Reservoir
It’s best to focus on riverbeds that are exposed or places where erosion has happened. Agates that were hidden below the surface can be found in these places. They can also be found in the gravel bars and sandy areas along the edges of the reservoir.
Turkey Creek
This picturesque creek flows through areas with volcanic rocks, sedimentary formations, and mineral-rich deposits. This makes for an environment where agates can form and be found.
Geological features along Turkey Creek give agate hunters great chances to find them. There are volcanic rocks, old lava flows, and sedimentary layers in the area, which could be places where agate deposits. As the creek cuts through these rock formations, it brings to the surface agates that have been hidden for a long time.
Where we found agates in the Turkey Creek
Check out the places where Turkey Creek flows into other creeks or rivers. At these places where two or more water sources meet, agates can get carried and deposited there by the water from the different sources.
Pay attention to pools or places where the creek slows down and makes eddies. In these calmer waters, agates may settle, giving people a chance to find them.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Louisiana
After telling you where to find the best agates in Louisiana, we’ll give you some more suggestions. We put them in order by county to help you find them more easily.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Bossier Parish | Tadpole Lake |
| DeSoto Parish | Bayou Grand Cane |
| DeSoto Parish | Chemard Lake |
| East Baton Roughe Parish | Sandy Creek |
| Webster Parish | Boone Creek |
| Webster Parish | Shongaloo Lookout Tower |
Additional areas you can find agates
Because Louisiana is a big state, we want to make sure your search goes well. Here are some specific places where you can often find agates.
Rivers and riverbanks
Due to the way water moves and interacts with rocks, rivers and riverbanks are great places for agate collectors to look for their treasures. Agates are usually made when silica-rich fluids settle in holes or vesicles in rocks.
Over time, the fluid in these pockets solidifies, giving agates their intricate patterns and colors. Rivers are very important to the process of collecting agates because they constantly change the landscape and reveal hidden gems.
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks often run into things in their way, like rocks, gravel bars, or turns, which create natural deposition points. These places are great places for agates to settle down and build up.
Gravel bars, in particular, are places where agates tend to gather because they are dense and don’t wear away easily. Many different kinds of agates can be found along the banks and in these sedimentary deposits.
Washes and ravines
When it rains a lot, water flows quickly through washes and ravines, scouring the rocks and moving agates from where they were. The strong flow of water acts as a natural collector, carrying agates downstream and leaving them along the path of the wash or ravine.
Washes and ravines also make it easy to see and get to places. Water erosion exposes new rock surfaces, making it easy for collectors to find agates buried in the sediment.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
It’s very important to answer the frequently asked questions about agates in Louisiana.
Is it illegal to collect agate in Louisiana?
Louisiana is a great place to look for agates if you do it right. When you’re in a public place, it’s best to follow the rules. Before you go on private land, make sure you have permission to do so.
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Louisiana
Some people don’t enjoy spending the whole day outside looking for agates. Sometimes, they just need a new piece for their collection or to display in their homes. Here’s a list of where you can buy agate crystals in Louisiana without having to look for hours:
- Bohemian Cove – 10466 Airline Hwy suite F, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
- Earth Odyssey – 306 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Heaven on Earth Rock Shop – 108 Rena Dr, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Nola Rock Co. – 906 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Spellbound LLC – 18564 Magnolia Bridge Rd Suite 106, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
