Agates are unique rocks that many people enjoy looking for, and there are spots in Vermont where they can be found. The best way to find agate in Vermont is to visit areas known for their natural rock formations and geological activity.

The best part about looking for agates is that it’s like a nature hike with a fun goal. To spot an agate, keep an eye out for rocks that have a waxy shine and might show a banded pattern. That’s your clue!

For anyone who gets really into rocks and wants to try something a bit more hands-on, there’s also the option to mine gems in Vermont.

What is Vermont Agate?

Agate is formed when bits of minerals get stuck together inside other rocks, kind of like the layers of an onion. 

You can find agates in many places around the world, usually where there have been volcanoes or where water has moved rocks around for a long time, like rivers, beaches, and gravel pits.

People often find agates in places where there’s been some erosion – that’s when water, ice, or wind wears away the land. Agates also tend to show up in the rough areas where nature has done a lot of mixing and moving.

The value of agate isn’t just in money, even though some can be quite valuable. What agate is worth can also come down to how much people enjoy finding and collecting them.

Moss agates

Moss agate is a super neat rock that has green patterns inside it that look just like moss. These aren’t plants though; they’re minerals that have spread out in the rock to make these awesome designs.

This type of agate is clear or milky white, and the green is from minerals like chlorite or iron that got stuck inside while the rock was forming. It’s like nature’s own artwork!

Even though moss agate is really cool, you won’t find it in Vermont. This rock is more at home in places where there’s been a lot of volcanic activity.

In the United States, states like Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming are famous for having moss agate.

These spots have the right conditions for moss agate to form, like the right kind of rocks and a history of volcanic activity.

So, while Vermont has lots of other awesome rocks, for moss agate, these western states are where rock collectors go to find them.

Fire agates

Fire agate is a special kind of rock that’s all about color and sparkle. It’s like regular agate but has an extra neat feature: it catches the light and shows off fiery colors, kind of like a rainbow you can hold in your hand.

This happens because of the way the iron minerals inside the agate reflect the light, making it look like the inside of the rock is glowing with all the colors of a flame.

Now, if you’re looking for fire agate, Vermont isn’t the place to go digging. This type of rock is mostly found way out in the southwestern United States, like Arizona, California, and New Mexico.

Those places were pretty active volcanically a long time ago, and that’s just the right setting for fire agate to form. So for folks in Vermont, there are plenty of other amazing rocks to hunt for, but for fire agate, the desert Southwest is the best bet.

Blue lace agates

Blue lace agate is a pretty rock that catches the eye with its soft blue color and lace-like stripes. It’s actually a type of quartz that’s gotten its cool look from layers of mineral deposits over time.

These layers create patterns that might remind you of the sky on a clear, sunny day.

This rock is quite rare and special, and it’s not something you’d find in Vermont. Blue lace agate is most often found in places with lots of volcanic rocks.

The best spots to look for this blue beauty are countries like Namibia, Brazil, and sometimes in the United States, but more towards the central and western areas where the conditions were just right for it to form.

Even though blue lace agate isn’t found in Vermont, there are plenty of other rocks, minerals, and crystals in Vermont that are just as exciting to discover.

For those interested in finding out what cool stones they can find in the Green Mountain State, there’s a guide that talks all about the different kinds that are waiting out there for you.

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 Vermont

Finding agate in Vermont can be a bit of a challenge, but with some know-how and persistence, it’s definitely possible. Knowing where to look is key, as these rocks like to hide in places that aren’t always easy to spot.

Having the right guidance can turn a tricky search into a successful adventure. With expert tips and a little bit of patience, anyone can uncover the hiding spots of these elusive rocks.

Williamsville

Williamsville sits snugly in a landscape that’s a mix of rolling hills and green valleys, with a backdrop of impressive mountains.

The area is a patchwork of forests and clearings, with streams that have carved their paths through the land over countless seasons.

This terrain isn’t just nice to look at; it’s also a playground for those who love to study rocks and minerals.

The geology here is a storybook of the earth’s history, with layers of rock that tell tales of times long before people were around to see them.

In the layers of Williamsville’s earth, rockhounds can find a variety of stones, including the sought-after Vermont agate. These stones are often tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the landscape, waiting for a keen eye to uncover them.

The soil here, rich and often damp, can hide all sorts of geological wonders beneath its surface. Streams, in particular, can be great places to look, as the water can reveal what’s usually buried.

For anyone eager to explore and collect rocks, it’s important to remember that respect for the land goes hand in hand with the hobby. Before setting out, check with Vermont State Parks.

They have the scoop on the dos and don’ts that help keep the hobby fun and the land protected for everyone to enjoy.

Where we found agates in Williamsville

In Williamsville, agates are often hidden in plain sight within the road cuts and outcrops that line the local landscape. These spots are where the earth has been sliced open, making it easier to see the different layers of rock.

Niquette Bay State Park

Niquette Bay State Park is nestled along the shores of a large lake, flanked by a forest that creeps up to the water’s edge. The geography here is a blend of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, with trails that wind through the woods and along the water.

This area is not only a spot for hikers and swimmers but also for those who have a keen interest in geology. The terrain is diverse, with soil that varies from dense clay to loose sand, housing a variety of geological features.

The geology of Niquette Bay is rich with sedimentary and some igneous rocks, telling a story of the earth’s past environments.

Among these rocks, the agate beds in Vermont are a notable feature, offering glimpses into the geological processes that formed the region.

These beds are the layers of rock where agates have been formed and preserved, making them a point of interest for rock collectors and geologists who visit the bay.

The bay’s mix of geological formations provides a natural laboratory for learning and discovery.

Where we found agates in Niquette Bay State Park

Agates in Niquette Bay can often be spotted in the gravel that lines the shores and paths where water and ice have left behind a mix of stones. The outcrops in the area, where the bedrock is exposed, are also good places to look for agates.

Missisquoi River

The Missisquoi River flows through a landscape filled with a mix of thick forests and open farmland. The geography along the river changes from flat, wide banks to areas where the land rises steeply to form cliffs.

This variety in the terrain means that the river helps create many different kinds of environments, from calm pools to fast-moving rapids that help shape the land.

The geology along the river is just as diverse, with a combination of sedimentary rocks and harder stones shaped by the water’s flow over countless years.

The river itself plays a key role in this ongoing change, carrying sediment and sometimes revealing hidden geological treasures as it moves.

There are many quarries that dot the river’s path, showing the deeper geological layers and offering glimpses into the earth’s interior where a variety of rocks can be found.

Where we found agates along the Missisquoi River

Along the Missisquoi River, the quarries are spots where rockhounds might have a chance to find agates. It’s in these large, open pits where the rocks are broken up and agates can potentially be uncovered.

Lamoille River

The Lamoille River carves through a rich tapestry of landscapes, from dense, leafy forests to open, fertile valleys. Its geography is a series of contrasts, with serene meandering stretches suddenly giving way to lively rapids and cascades.

The terrain along the riverbanks shifts from flat, pebbly shores to rugged, tree-lined cliffs, offering a variety of vistas.

Geologically, this area is a collage of hard granite, soft slate, and various sedimentary rocks laid down by ancient seas, then sculpted by glacial and riverine forces.

The river’s journey across different rock types creates opportunities for those interested in geology to observe and collect samples.

While the riverbed and surrounding areas are rich with geological diversity, people interested in where to mine for agate in Vermont may find the Lamoille River’s surrounding areas a good starting point for their search.

The river’s constant flow and natural erosion processes can reveal hidden pockets of minerals and rocks, making it an interesting spot for rockhounds to explore.

Where we found agates along the Lamoille River

Around the Lamoille River, agates are not commonly found as the geological conditions are not as conducive to their formation as in other regions. The river mostly flows over granite and slate, which are not the typical host rocks for agates.

While agates are not guaranteed, the quarries around the Lamoille River offer a possible site for those looking to add to their collection.

Burlington

Burlington sits by a large lake, with its geography marked by a lively waterfront that transitions into a bustling cityscape. The terrain around the area ranges from flat lakeside paths to hilly, forested areas, offering a mix of urban and natural settings.

Geologically, Burlington is rich with a variety of rocks, such as durable granite and layers of slate and marble that hint at the region’s dynamic history.

The city’s outskirts are where nature takes over, displaying exposed cliffs and hidden valleys that showcase the power of natural forces through the ages.

For enthusiasts wanting to know how to find agate in Vermont, the surrounding areas might provide fruitful grounds for exploration.

While agate isn’t typically found within the city limits, the nearby rocky landscapes offer a canvas for the curious rockhound to search and potentially find this elusive mineral.

The geological diversity in and around Burlington makes it a fascinating area for those interested in the earth’s treasures.

Where we found agates in Burlington

In Burlington, agates may be hidden within the fields that stretch beyond the city, where they can sometimes be found among the stones and soil. These open areas give rockhounds the chance to scan a wide expanse for the distinctive stones.

The outcrops, where rock layers are naturally exposed, are also good places to look for agates, as erosion from weather can reveal what’s beneath. 

Other Great Places To Find Agates In Vermont

Looking for agates can be an exciting adventure, and Vermont has several spots that are known for these cool rocks.

From the riverbanks and streams that crisscross the state to the gravelly fields that stretch under wide-open skies, there are places where agates like to hide.

Many rockhounds head to the rocky outcrops too, where these stones might be tucked away, waiting to be found. Each of these areas offers a unique setting for the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery.

Our recommendations by county

Additional areas you can find agates

In Vermont, searching for agates is an adventure that takes you through varied landscapes. The terrains where these rocks are often found include areas where water has washed over land for many years, leaving behind a mix of stones.

These natural spaces offer not just a chance to find agates but also to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

Lakeshores

Lakeshores are great places to look for rocks because the water and waves work together to uncover and wash stones. On these shores, you can find a mix of different rocks, and with a sharp eye, you might find agate in Vermont.

These spots are especially good after a storm when the waves have tossed the rocks around and brought new ones to the surface. Walking along a lake shore, looking for agates can be a peaceful way to spend the day outdoors.

Quarries

Quarries are places where rock is cut from the ground, and these spots can be hotspots for finding agates. The deep digging in quarries often brings hidden rocks to the surface.

Here, the layers of earth are peeled back, revealing stones that have been buried for ages.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks are natural pathways for agates to travel, as moving water can carry these rocks from their original places and deposit them along the banks.

As water flows, it can also smooth the surface of agates, making them easier to spot by their shiny, polished look. Rockhounds enjoy searching through the gravel and sand of streambeds, where water has already done some of the digging for them.

These waterways are like nature’s conveyor belts, bringing a variety of rocks from up high down to places where we can find them.

Road cuts

Road cuts are areas along the sides of roads where the land has been dug into to make way for roads. These spots are like open books to the earth beneath, often showing layers of rock that are usually hidden.

For those looking for Vermont agate, road cuts can be unexpected places to search because they can expose rocks that have been pushed up from deep underground.

Common Agate-Hunting Questions For Vermont

Many people are curious about finding agates in Vermont and often wonder about the best spots to start their search. Let’s dive into the information you’ll need if you want to look for agates in the state.

Is it illegal to collect agate in Vermont?

Collecting agate in Vermont isn’t illegal, but there are some rules that rockhounds need to follow. If you’re on public land, like state parks or national forests, you usually can’t take rocks or minerals without permission.

It’s important to check the rules of the place you’re visiting because they can be different depending on where you are. Some areas might allow you to pick up rocks for personal use, but not for selling.

Private land is a different story. You can’t just go onto someone’s property and take rocks without asking. That would be like taking anything else that isn’t yours.

If you want to collect agates on private land, you need to ask the landowner first and get their okay. They might say yes, or they might not, but you always need to ask.

For those eager to know how to find agate in Vermont, it’s a good idea to start by looking at local rockhounding guides or talking to people who have done it before. They can give you tips on where to go and how to get permission.

The Best Places To Buy Agate In Vermont

If you’re looking to buy agates, there are several good places where you can find these cool rocks for sale. Here are our favorite shops in Vermont:

• The Crystal Cottage of Vermont – 176 Battery St, Burlington, VT 05401
• Paula’s Weaving Workshop & Rock Shop – 126 Washington Ave, Bennington, VT 05201
• Beadniks – 115 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301
• Fred Rocks Rock Shop – 1993 Pine Banks Rd, Putney, VT 05346
• Global Pathways Jewelry – 126 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401

If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!