Pennsylvania is like a giant treasure chest. It has been shaped and reshaped for hundreds of millions of years, which has resulted in a variety of rocks and minerals. Among these treasures is the Pennsylvania agate.
Despite its presence here, finding agates in Pennsylvania can be a bit of a game. Sometimes, they hide or get mixed in with other rocks that look similar. But with the right hints and tips, you can be on your way to spotting these hidden gems.
We’ll share with you the different legit locations where you can find agates, such as Caledonia State Park, Mt. Holly Springs, Philadelphia, Alsace Township, and Cedar Hill Quarry.
It’s also important to get to know the different types of agates and whether you can find them here. You wouldn’t want to walk past one because you don’t know what it is, right? Let’s begin!
What is Pennsylvania Agate?
Agate is a type of quartz, and if you’ve ever seen one, you’ll know they’re not your everyday stone. They have beautiful bands and swirls of different colors, which makes them look like mini pieces of art.
People around the world love agates. Because they’re so pretty, folks often turn them into jewelry or use them for decoration. Agate’s value and price in the market reflect this craving for its beauty.
These gems usually form in volcanic rock or places where there has been a lot of water over time, like old riverbeds or lakes. Some famous spots where they’re found around the world include Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.
But you don’t need to go far to uncover this gem— you can even find agate right here in Pennsylvania! Before we go into the legit locations that you can explore, let’s first discuss the different types of agates:
Moss Agates
Moss agate looks like it has tiny forests or landscapes inside. It’s not actually made of moss, though. Those green patterns come from mineral inclusions that resemble mossy or fern-like shapes. The clear or milky-white background makes these green patterns pop out, giving the stone its distinct look.
If you’re wondering if this magical-looking stone can be found in Pennsylvania, the answer is yes, but it’s not very common. You’ll need a bit of luck and a keen eye to spot these wonders here.
Fire Agates
Fire agate really lives up to its name! When you look at it, it’s like holding a piece of a sunset or the heart of a volcano. It has a mix of bright, shimmering colors that seem to dance and flicker like flames when you move the stone around.
What makes fire agate super special is its iridescence, which is the way it changes colors depending on the angle of light. It’s all because of the thin layers of iron oxide inside it.
While Pennsylvania is a place filled with all sorts of geological treasures, fire agate isn’t one of the main stars here. This type is typically found in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, and parts of Mexico.
Blue Lace Agates
Blue lace agate is like a dreamy piece of the sky captured in a rock. It has soft blue colors swirled with white or lighter blue, making it look like delicate lace. These unique patterns come from the way they form in layers.
Unfortunately, blue lace agate doesn’t naturally form in Pennsylvania, despite our rich tapestry of natural wonders. The most famous spots for discovering blue lace agate are in southern Africa, especially Namibia.
Banded Agate
When you think of agate, classic bands of color are probably what comes to mind first. Banded agate has layers and layers of different colors, stacked on top of each other, which makes it look like it has stripes.
The good news is that you can find banded agates in Pennsylvania, although it’s not the most common find here. They might be hidden in our riverbeds, near lakes, or even in rocky outcrops.
If you’re curious about the other beautiful crystals our state has to offer, check out our article on the great crystal mine sites in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania
There are plenty of great gem mine sites in Pennsylvania, but if you want to focus on those that bear agates, below are our top recommendations:
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
Caledonia State Park
Sprawling across more than 1,100 acres, Caledonia State Park is nestled in the scenic South Mountain area.
This park boasts of a vibrant mix of lush forests and streams, making it a haven for nature lovers. Its terrain is diverse, with some areas being relatively flat, while other spots offer more challenging hikes with steeper inclines.
One of the standout features of the park’s geology is its rocks! The South Mountain region is known for its unique geological formations, and Caledonia State Park is no exception. Among the rocks that make up the land, you can find agates.
Caledonia State Park is conveniently located off Route 30, making it easily accessible by car. But before you visit here, make sure to review Pennsylvania’s most updated collecting guidelines.
Where we found agates in the Caledonia State Park
You can explore the outside boundaries of the Caledonia State Park to find stunning agate samples.
Mt. Holly Springs
Located in the Cumberland Valley, Mt. Holly Springs is surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills. The terrain in and around this area varies, from gentle slopes perfect for leisurely strolls to more rugged areas. Streams meander through the landscape, adding to the natural charm of the region.
For rock enthusiasts like us, the geology of Mt. Holly Springs is truly a treat! This location has a diverse range of rocks and minerals, among which is the sought-after agate.
Reaching Mt. Holly Springs is a breeze. Conveniently situated near major highways, it’s an easy drive for those coming from different parts of Pennsylvania or neighboring states.
Where we found agates in the Mt. Holly Springs
To find agates in Mt. Holly Springs, search through the south area fields, farms, ditches, banks, and along its fences.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, often called the “City of Brotherly Love”, sits in the southeastern part of our state. It’s cradled by the Delaware River on the east and the Schuylkill River to the west.
The city itself is relatively flat, with gentle hills and urban landscapes, but venture a bit outside and you’ll find more varied terrains with woodlands, wetlands, and even some hilly areas. The ground beneath it is made up of a mix of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, limestone, and shale.
Traveling to Philadelphia is super easy. Being a major city, it’s well connected by highways, making it accessible by car. The Philadelphia International Airport welcomes travelers from all over the world, and there’s also an extensive train and bus network for those coming from nearby cities or states.
Where we found agates in Philadelphia
If you want to find agates in Philadelphia, explore the creek beds, rural country fields, and cut banks of this area.
Alsace Township
Located in Berks County, Alsace Township has a geography that’s a mix of wooded areas, rolling hills, and open fields. Its terrain isn’t too challenging, with many parts being gentle slopes.
Geologically speaking, this location is fascinating as it’s endowed with a collection of sedimentary rocks, including shale and limestone. Within these rocks, you can find mesmerizing agates.
Despite its richness in natural treasures, Alsace Township is easy to reach. It’s well-connected by roads and is just a short drive from Reading, Pennsylvania’s fifth-largest city.
Where we found agates in Alsace Township
To find agates in Alsace Township, you can search through the area gravels of this location.
Cedar Hill Quarry
Cedar Hill Quarry is a remarkable spot, presenting a rugged yet enchanting terrain. Its landscape is dominated by exposed rocks, craggy formations, and, of course, the deep excavation sites typical of quarries.
The rock layers here reveal sedimentary deposits from ages gone by. Among these rocks, you’ll find limestone and dolomite, which are commonly associated with quarries in the region. Of course, agates are among the wonders of this place.
Reaching Cedar Hill Quarry is a breeze for those familiar with our local roadways. It’s situated close to Route 272, making it easily accessible by car. Once there, the quarry itself is hard to miss, with its vast excavation sites.
Where we found agates in the Cedar Hill Quarry
To find agates in Cedar Hill Quarry, head just north of the PA-MD state line and explore the general area of this place.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Pennsylvania
Aside from our top recommendations, there are other agate-bearing sites in Pennsylvania that are worth visiting, such as the ones listed below.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Berks | Old Boyertown Iron Mines |
| Bucks | Outcrops in Feasterville |
| Bucks | Gotschall Farm |
| Cumberland | Carlisle Interchange on the Pennsylvania Turnpike |
| Cumberland | Area fields and gravels of Carlisle |
| Dauphin | Weathered material at the Fairview church |
| Lancaster | Rock Springs Run and Rock Springs MD area |
| Montgomery | Area outcrops of Cambrian quartzite in Durham |
| Montgomery | Surrounding fields in Fritztown |
| York | Reesers Haven in Harrisburg |
Additional areas you can find agates
If you’ve decided to go here and start your agate hunting, remember to pay extra attention to the following areas where these gems usually hide:
Quarries
Quarries are places that expose layers and layers of rocks and minerals that have been hidden for ages. Agate forms in cavities within rocks, and when these rocks are excavated in quarries, the chances of finding this gem go up.
Pennsylvania has a number of quarries that often expose ancient sedimentary rocks, which are great hiding spots for agate. So, when you visit a quarry here, not only do you get to see cool rock formations up close, but you also stand a chance of finding some awesome agate pieces.
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are nature’s conveyor belts for gems like agate. Over time, water flows carry away bits of rock and minerals from their original spots. As water moves, it tumbles and polishes these rocks, and that’s where agate can shine!
This gem’s durability means it can withstand the tumbling action better than softer rocks. Pennsylvania is crossed by numerous streams and creeks that can carry agates from their source, depositing them downstream for you to find.
Sediment Deposits
When rocks break down over time, the tiny pieces, or sediments, gather in low spots like valleys or riverbeds. When rocks with agates in their pockets wear away, the tough agate remains.
As water moves, it carries all sorts of sediments, including agates. Over time, these agates get trapped in these deposits, waiting to be uncovered. Pennsylvania is full of these sedimentary areas because of its ancient rivers and water activity.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
In this section, we’ll answer the most commonly-asked question by those who have come here to find Pennsylvania agates:
Is it illegal to collect agate in Pennsylvania?
As in many places, the legality of collecting agates depends on where you are in Pennsylvania, so it’s essential to know the rules of the specific area you’re in.
On private property, you would need the landowner’s permission to collect. On state lands, such as state parks or forests, collecting rocks, minerals, or any other natural materials is typically prohibited unless explicitly allowed.
If you need more information on the rules of the specific land you’re planning to explore, you can visit the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Pennsylvania
If you want to find agates not just from Pennsylvania, but even those from other places in the world, you can visit our reliable rock and mineral shops here. Below are some of our best ones:
- Appalachian Rock Shop – 6 W Diamond St, Butler, PA 16001
- Back Mountain Jewelry & Rock Shop – 2800 Memorial Hwy Suite1, Dallas, PA 18612
- Bey’s Rock Shop – 615 PA-100, Bechtelsville, PA 19505
- Coolstone Rocks – 454 Plum Sock Rd, Prosperity, PA 15329
- Crystal River Gems – 100 Fifth Ave 7th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Nature’s Design of Mountain Top – 3150 St. Mary’s Road, Mountain Top, PA 18707
- Pocono Rock Shop – 254 Stadden Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
