Agates are known for their dazzling bands of color and unique patterns. It can be found all over Oklahoma, but it can be hard for people not used to looking for them.
Beginner agate hunters might spend hours sifting through rough terrain without finding anything. After finding one, though, the beauty of an agate makes the work well worth it.
They are often hidden under layers of regular rocks, but they can look like a kaleidoscope of colors, from deep reds and oranges to blues and greens from the earth.
We will give you useful information and tips to help you on your agate hunting trips across Oklahoma. Our guide will help you find the hidden gems that Oklahoma’s landscapes hold, no matter how much experience you have or how new you are to rockhounding.
If you know what you’re doing and are patient, you can soon be amazed by how beautiful agates are and become a good agate hunter in the Sooner State!
What is Oklahoma Agate?
Agates are known for the intricate patterns of bands and colors they have. These pretty rocks are chalcedony, which is a type of quartz.
Agates differ from other quartz crystals because they form in closer layers, giving them their unique banded look.
These layers can show many colors, from bright reds, oranges, and yellows to calm blues, greens, and even milky or clear whites.
They are formed in a very interesting way by geological processes. They usually form in cracks or holes, like volcanic rocks or sedimentary formations. As high-in-water solutions move through these holes, they deposit tiny silica particles, one on top of the other, over a long time.
The different colors and patterns in agates come from the other minerals that aren’t supposed to be there. Agates have unique and eye-catching patterns that are made up of many layers that build up over time.
Geologically, agates can be found worldwide, but they are mostly found in sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks like basalt.
Check out our article to learn more about how much agates are worth.
Moss agates
Moss agates are a special kind of agate that looks mesmerizing and different because they have intricate, moss-like inclusions inside them. Moss agates get their name from the tiny rock formations resembling ferns, trees, or mossy landscapes.
The beautiful green, brown, or black spots inside the agate are minerals like chlorite, hornblende, or manganese oxide. They stand out against the clear or almost clear background of the agate.
Many people who work with stones and make jewelry love moss agates because they have natural, organic patterns.
Moss agates can be found in many places worldwide, but Oklahoma isn’t usually considered a place where you’d find them. Although moss agates aren’t very common in the state, you must look hard and have a little luck to find one.
Fire agates
Agates that look like fire are mesmerizing and very popular because of how their colors play off each other. Fire agates have a unique optical effect called “fire” that makes them look different from other agates with bands.
This effect happens when light gets into the agate and interacts with the thin layers of chalcedony and other minerals. These layers bend light, stunningly showing iridescent colors that often look like flames flickering.
Fire agates can have many colors, usually bright reds, oranges, yellows, and sometimes green or blue flashes. Collectors, lapidary artists, and jewelry lovers love these stunning stones for their beauty.
Fire agates aren’t usually found in Oklahoma; they tend to be found in places with volcanic or geothermal activity. These areas offer the geological conditions necessary for the formation of fire agates.
Blue lace agates
A stunning type of agate known for its fine, intricate blue and white bands is called blue lace agate. Many people love these agates because they look peaceful and calm, like delicate lacework frozen in stone.
Blue lace agates get their blue color from tiny blue fibers of the mineral dumortierite inside the chalcedony bands. A soft sky-blue color against a white or gray background makes them look even more appealing.
As well as looking nice, blue lace agates are often used in jewelry and decorations. This is because people believe they relax those who possess them.
Oklahoma isn’t usually considered a place with lots of blue lace agates. These beautiful gems are more likely to be found where geology is right for their formation.
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
Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s rough terrain is a great place to find agates. There are several places to find gems in Oklahoma, but not all of them have agates. We’ll show you the best places to look for them!
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
Beaver’s Bend Mining Company
The Beaver’s Bend Mining Company is a popular place for agate lovers and amateur geologists to visit. It’s located in the beautiful Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Because it’s in the middle of the Ouachita Mountains, this site is a great place to look for agates because of the way its rocks are formed.
The area’s long history of volcanoes has created a wide range of agate types, making it a popular place for people who want to find them.
People who go to Beaver’s Bend Mining Company can go on guided tours or go on adventures by themselves to look for these beautiful stones.
There are many different kinds of agates here, with a wide range of colors and patterns. For example, fire agates are bright reds and oranges, while blue lace agates have thin blue and white bands.
Where we found agates at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company
There are many places to find agates in their natural setting in this area, such as along riverbanks, in creek beds, and on exposed rock formations.
Black Mesa
The unique geological features of Black Mesa, which is in the panhandle of Oklahoma, make it a great place to go agate hunting.
This mesa is in the High Plains area and is famous for the layers of sedimentary rock that have been worn away over millions of years, revealing many minerals, such as agates.
Because agates are often found in nodules in these sedimentary rocks, Black Mesa is a great place for gem hunters to look for them.
Black Mesa is a popular place to hunt for agates because finding them in such a beautiful natural setting is so exciting. The mesa has amazing views and a long geological history.
Where we found agates at Black Mesa
Black Mesa’s unique landscape makes finding agates in many places possible. Agate hunters can explore the area’s many creek beds, gullies, and exposed formations because the land is dry and rough, showing off layers of rocks.
Canadian River
The Canadian River, which flows through Oklahoma, is a good place to hunt for agates because it has a lot of different types of rocks.
The unique geological makeup of the Canadian River, which is made up of sedimentary and volcanic rock formations, helps explain the wide range of agates found here.
Some rocks that can be found along the river are fire agates, which have a beautiful play of colors, and moss agates, which have very detailed patterns.
The riverbanks are easy to get to and have beautiful scenery, which makes them an excellent place for both experienced collectors and people who have never been agate hunting before.
In addition to the thrill of finding these hidden gems, agate hunting along the Canadian River is also fun because of its peaceful and beautiful scenery.
Where we found agates at the Canadian River
It’s common to find agates on the banks of rivers and in the gravel bars that make up their bed.
Agates of different types have been carried downstream by the river’s steady flow over time, making it a popular place for people looking for these beautiful stones.
Carrizozo Creek
Carrizozo Creek in northeastern Oklahoma is a great place to go agate hunting because of its geological history and many agate deposits.
As this creek flows through an area formed by ancient volcanoes, it creates an ideal setting for the growth of different types of agate.
You can often find agates as nodules and geodes along the creek’s edges. Their colors and patterns are mesmerizing.
In addition to the thrill of discovering these hidden gems, Carrizozo Creek offers the peace of nature with its calm waters and stunning views.
The variety of rocks in Carrizozo Creek and the agates’ beauty make it a great place to go agate hunting in the middle of Oklahoma. Anyone on this exciting quest will have a worthwhile and enjoyable time.
Where we found agates at Carrizozo Creek
The creek’s varied landscape, with its exposed rock formations and gravel bars, gives gem hunters many chances to explore and find these beautiful stones.
Tom Steed Reservoir
In southwestern Oklahoma, Tom Steed Reservoir is a hidden gem for agate hunters looking for a different kind of experience.
The geological features of the reservoir and the surrounding landscapes make it a great place to hunt for agates. Over time, the water has worn away at the rocks exposed along the shore, revealing different agates.
The peaceful setting of Tom Steed Reservoir makes agate hunting even more appealing, giving you a chance to connect with nature while looking for these beautiful stones.
The calm waters of Tom Steed Reservoir and the thrill of finding hidden treasures make this agate-seeking trip a fulfilling and enjoyable one for everyone who goes.
Where we found agates at Tom Steed Reservoir
The reservoir’s beautiful scenery and easy access to the shore make it a great place for new and experienced collectors to find agates.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s different landscapes hide a lot of agate sites, and rockhounds can find interesting rocks in all of them. We already told you about some of the best places to go, but we’ll give you more tips to help you succeed!
Our detailed county-by-county guide will help you find the best-kept secrets in the state.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Cimarron | Tri-State Marker (OK-CO-NM) on hill |
| Cimarron | In bed and sides of Carrizozo Creek |
| Demey | Seiling, Taloga |
| Harper | Buffalo area |
| Woods | Countywide regional fields, washes, streambeds, cut banks |
Additional areas you can find agates
The places below are where you can find agates. Oklahoma is big, so we want to help you find these.
Rivers and riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are great places for agate collectors to find these beautiful stones because of how geological forces work together to expose them.
Agates form in cracks or holes in rocks, and the constant flow of water often knocks them loose. They then make their way downstream and gather along the banks of rivers.
Agates are buried under layers of sedimentary rocks, but running water wears away the rocks over time, revealing the agates.
These can be found in many geological settings along riverbanks, from rocky outcrops to gravel bars. Many types and colors of agate are found along rivers because each area has its own geological history.
Streams and creeks
To find agates, stream and creek areas are great places to go hunting because they have many chances to find these beautiful stones. Agates are formed inside holes or cavities in rocks.
The constant flow of water often pushes them out of their hiding places and reveals them in these waterways’ sand and gravel beds.
These waterways are easy to get to and have exposed rocks and gravel bars, making them very appealing to collectors of all skill levels.
Streams and creeks are great places to look for agates because they constantly change and offer new types. You can find mesmerizing fire agates with their changing colors, intricate moss agates, and many other exciting types.
Washes and ravines
People who like to collect agates will love washes and ravines because they are full of great places to find these beautiful stones.
Agates are formed inside the hollows of rocks, but the eroding action of water often pushes them out of their natural channels and into the sandy or rocky bottoms of these channels.
These washes and ravines have a lot of different types and colors of agate because the rocks around them are made of different types of rocks.
These rock formations are easy to get to because they are open and often have rough terrain. Washes and ravines make agate hunting fun for people of all skill levels because the scenery is always changing.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
Most people ask this when they go to Oklahoma to find agates.
Is it illegal to collect agate in Oklahoma?
There are no laws in Oklahoma that say you can’t collect agates, but collectors must follow specific rules to ensure they do it legally and morally.
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Oklahoma
Some people don’t like searching for agates outside in the hot weather. Sometimes you only need one book to give as a gift or add to your collection. These Oklahoma rock shops have agates that are found in the state:
- Andaluz Artisan – 1922 N Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160, United States
- Decorative Rock & Stone – 305 Tinker Diagonal St, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, United States
- Good Earth Rocks Gallery – 824 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
- Nature’s Treasures – 6223 SE 15th St, Midwest City, OK 73110, United States
- Rock Shop Vintage – 18360 OK-49, Medicine Park, OK 73557, United States
