In Mississippi, finding agate deposits is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The places in the state where agate is found are spread out. They’re often hidden in remote areas or buried under layers of sediment.
Still, the rewards for finding agate in the state are truly extraordinary. Despite the challenges, there are now a lot of resources that can help agate hunters succeed.
With the right tools and advice, agate hunters can explore the state’s landscapes more confidently and increase their chances of finding hidden agate pockets!
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.
Moss agates
Moss agates are beautiful agates known for their unique patterns resembling moss or ferns. Minerals like iron or manganese come from dendritic or moss-like patterns inside the transparent or opaque body of the agate.
Collectors and jewelry makers love moss agates for their unique beauty and because they are thought to have healing and grounding properties. Moss agates are a natural wonder that can be worn as jewelry.
While moss agates can be found in various locations worldwide, they are relatively rare and not commonly associated with Mississippi.
Fire agates
Fire agates have iridescent colors that look like a flickering flame or a brilliant fireworks show. Fire agates are made when iron and other minerals are mixed into chalcedony.
The agate’s internal structure and the presence of these minerals make it bend and reflect light, making it look fiery and bright. Their unique play of colors ranges from warm oranges and red to bright greens and blues.
Even though there aren’t many chances of finding fire agates in Mississippi, one of the best things about agate hunting is the chance of surprises and the thrill of seeing beautiful gems.
Blue lace agates
Blue lace agate is a beautiful type of agate with a soft, ethereal look. As the name suggests, these gemstones have intricate patterns of pale blue or blue-gray bands that look like delicate lacework. The soft, gentle colors and see-through quality of blue lace agates make them feel peaceful and calm.
The bands and swirls inside the stone give it a unique and complex look, making each piece of blue lace agate a fantastic work of art. Because of their calming energy, these gems are highly valued.
While Mississippi is known for its agate occurrences, blue lace agates are not typically associated with the state.
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 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.
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.
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
| County | Location |
| Adams | Carthage Point Landing |
| Copiah | Bayou Pierre |
| Copiah | Creeks in Georgetown area |
| Copiah | Bahala Creek |
| Copiah | Wesson gravel pits |
| Franklin | McCall Creek |
| Franklin | Middle Fork |
| Franklin | Oldenburg area gravel pit |
| Harrison | Bell Creek |
| Lawrence | Fair River |
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!
