Missouri has a huge variety of rocks and minerals, and the beautiful agate is one of them. Even though agates found here might not be the ones you expect to find, they are full of beautiful patterns and colors!
Although there are a lot of agates in the state, it can be challenging for even the most dedicated rock hunter if they don’t have the correct information. You might miss these hidden gems if you don’t know where to look.
Knowing the exact places to look, the best geological conditions, and the best time of year to search is essential. Even though streams, riverbeds, and gravel pits are good places to look, you can spend hours sifting through rocks without finding much.
That being said, for those who do find agate in Missouri, the experience is nothing short of magical. Agates are exquisite stones, and their intricate patterns and vibrant colors are a testament to the artistry of nature.
What is Missouri Agate?
Agate is a kind of microcrystalline quartz, which is a silica-based mineral. It has a fine grain and bright, complicated patterns that often look like the inside of a tree trunk, with rings and other complex shapes.
These bands can vary in color, how clear they are, and how complicated they are. This makes each agate unique. Most of the time, the stone forms in volcanic rock or old lava where gas bubbles or holes give the mineral-rich liquid a place to harden.
For more information, we wrote an article about how much agates are worth.
Moss agates
Moss agate is a unique and beautiful type of agate with mineral inclusions that look like moss, trees, or landscapes. Many agates have patterns that look like bands.
Moss agate, on the other hand, has a pattern that looks like plant matter stuck in the stone. The “moss” is not made of living things, but instead of crystallized minerals, usually iron or manganese, that look like branches.
Most of the time, these inclusions are green, black, or brown, which looks very different from the quartz’s clear or milky white background.
Fire agates
Fire agate is a beautiful and rare form of layered chalcedony, a mineral in the same family as quartz. What makes fire agate stand out is that it is iridescent, meaning it has a vivid play of colors ranging from reds and oranges to greens and blues, like the colors of flames.
This effect is caused by the stone’s unique internal structure, in which thin layers of iron or limonite crystals are trapped between the layers of chalcedony. When light goes through these microscopic layers, it scatters and makes the “fire” the stone is known for.
Fire agates are usually found in volcanic rocks or old lava flows. Most of them come from places with a lot of geological activity.
Blue lace agates
Blue lace agate is a chalcedony mineral in the same family as quartz. It’s known for its soft, sky-blue color and bands or patterns that look like lace. It’s also known for its calming look. This stone is often used to make lovely jewelry and other items.
It’s thought to have come from silica-rich solutions that dripped into holes in rocks and then hardened into a gel. Over time, the cyclical deposition of tiny quartz crystals gave blue lace agate its beautiful, banded look. This is what makes it different from other types of chalcedony.
Even though Missouri has a lot of different types of rocks and stones related to chalcedony, blue lace agate is not one of the state’s native minerals.
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 Missouri
We’ve written down our suggestions for places where you find agates in each state where you can find agates. Missouri has a lot of exciting places to find gems, but not all of them have 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.
Blackwell Mine
Mineral collectors and rock fans like going to the Blackwell Mine in Missouri, especially those looking for agates. This old lead mine is in St. Francois County and contains geological treasures.
The area has been known for its rich mineral deposits because there has been much geological activity. Because of this, the area around Blackwell Mine is now a great place to find minerals like quartz crystals, calcite, and agates.
One thing that makes Blackwell Mine a good place to look for agates is that it has a lot of different kinds of rocks, which makes it easier to find this valuable stone.
Where we found agates at the Blackwell Mine
Here, agates are often found inside pockets of other minerals, which can make them a surprise find among other rocks.
Crowley’s Ridge
Crowley’s Ridge is a unique geological formation stretching from southeastern Missouri to Arkansas. It is made up of loess soil and high landforms.
Unlike the flood plains, the ridge comprises a series of rolling hills with a unique geological setting. This makes it an excellent place for mineral collectors and agate hunters.
The ridge is thought to have been made of wind-blown dust and materials that resist erosion, like chert and sandstone. This created an environment where agates could grow.
Where we found agates at Crowley’s Ridge
The drainage areas and eroded slopes are rich in agates and semi-precious stones. Its accessibility also makes it a popular spot for amateur and experienced rockhounds.
Haunted Ridge Mine
People who like agates would want to go to the Haunted Ridge Mine in Missouri. Its mineral-rich layers, probably from ancient volcanic activity, would be a good place for agates and other semiprecious gemstones to grow.
Agate hunters find Haunted Ridge Mine appealing for several reasons. First, the site’s varied topography offers numerous niches where agates may be concealed, from stream beds to rocky outcrops.
This increases the likelihood of discovering specimens with unique banding patterns and vivid colors. Second, the mine is relatively accessible yet not so well-known as to be picked over, offering a satisfying blend of convenience and untapped potential.
Where we found agates at Haunted Ridge Mine
Agates can be found in places like stream beds, rocky outcroppings, and places where there has been volcanic or metamorphic activity. Look for places where water has worn away the soil or rock, which is how agates are often found. Gravel beds and places near old mines are also good places to look.
Ozark Uplift
The Ozark Uplift, also called the Ozark Plateau, is an essential geological area that stretches from southern Missouri into neighboring states. The site is known for its mountainous landscape comprising caves, springs, and sinkholes.
There are many minerals and rocks to explore in the area. The geology of the Ozarks, which is full of chert and dolomite, makes it possible for agates to grow, especially in hollows and riverbeds where mineral deposits have been exposed or moved by water flow.
Ozark Uplift is a good place for agate hunters because it has many different places to look for stones. From winding creeks to rough hillsides, there are many places to explore.
Where we found agates at Ozark Uplift
Because there are so many rivers and streams in the area, agates are often found near water sources, where erosion has revealed these hidden gems.
Weber Quarry
Weber Quarry is in an area with many different geological features, so it would be an excellent place for agates to form and be found. The rock formations in the quarry are perfect for crystallizing agates and other minerals.
It stands out for agate hunters because it has several easy-to-reach extraction sites. From big rock faces to small outcrops, the quarry has a lot of different geological settings where agates can form and be found.
Where we found agates at Weber Quarry
Agates usually form in holes in volcanic or sedimentary rocks; sometimes, they form with other minerals. In a quarry, the rock faces exposed by mining could have pockets or veins where agates could be found.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Missouri
We’ve already told you where we think are the best places in Missouri to look for agates. We want you to be successful in your search, so we’ll tell you more locations in the state where you can find them. We’ve put them in order by county below:
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Bollinger | Lutesville area, all Co. gravel pits, road cuts, excavations, extending through Cape Girardeau county to the Mississippi |
| Cape Girardeau | All county area excavations, road cuts, gravel operations |
| Lincoln | Old Monroe area, area glacial sand and gravel operation |
| Moniteau | Tiff Mine |
| St. Louis | Des Peres Quarry |
| Stoddard | Dexter area, south along both sides of road to Malden, and in all regional gravel pits and streams |
Additional areas you can find agates
Here are a few more specific places where agates can be found. Because Missouri is a big state, we want to help you find these.
Quarries
Agate collectors and mineral fans often think of quarries as treasure troves for several good reasons. Quarrying naturally exposes large sections of the earth, showing a cross-section of the geological formations below the surface.
This makes finding agates, other minerals, and rocks that would otherwise stay hidden possible. The exposed rock faces make it possible to find agates in place, which are often embedded in the host rock. This makes the process of collecting exciting and rewarding.
Roadcuts
Roadcuts are great places to look for agates because they give you a unique look at the area’s geology. When a road is built through a hilly or mountainous area, a lot of earth is cut away. This can reveal layers that are full of minerals and gemstones.
These natural cross-sections give a rare look at how the landscape is made from the inside. They often show agates and other exciting pieces of geology. Since the rock layers are already exposed, it is easier for collectors to find pockets or veins where agates might be hiding.
Streams and creek
Agate collectors often go to streams and creeks because they act like natural conveyor belts that move and deposit a wide range of geological treasures. The constant flow of water sorts and reveals rocks, which could lead to the discovery of agates that have broken off from their original formations.
Waterways are a natural cause of erosion, which is how these gems get moved from where they are harder to find to where they are easier to find. This makes streams and creeks good places to look for agates along the banks, in the beds, and further downstream.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
These are the most commonly asked questions when people visit Missouri to look for agates.
Is it illegal to collect agate in Missouri?
You can collect agates in Missouri if you follow the rules. When you are on private land, have permission to go in and take samples.
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Missouri
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 is a list of Missouri rock shops where you can easily find agates:
- Dirty Girls Crystals and Rocks – 1242 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Fall Creek Rock Shop – 11010 Dillon Outer Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
- Garden of the Goddess – 117 S Maple St, Eldon, MO 65026, United States
- Peggy’s Rock Shop – 3705 State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616, United States
- STL Rocks – 2003 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118, United States
