If you’ve ever seen a piece of onyx, you know it’s a real stunner. With its smooth, glossy surface and beautiful bands of colors, it stands out as one of the coolest rocks you could add to your collection. But have you wondered where to find them?
You’re in luck! Across the USA are some of the best spots where onyx hides. In this article, we’ll share our top picks of these places with you, so you can consider including them in your onyx-hunting itinerary soon. Let’s begin!
Best Places To Uncover Onyx
Onyx, a beautiful and unique gemstone, is primarily found in various locations across the country. Each of these places contributes to the distinct characteristics and qualities of its onyx.
Apache County, Arizona
Apache County is a dream spot in Arizona if you’re interested in finding real onyx. This area’s landscape is a mix of rugged mountains, wide open spaces, and deep, inviting canyons that are not only breathtaking but also rich in geology.
Among these natural wonders, you can discover onyx that catches the eye with its sleek, glossy look and unique bands of color.
Even more amazing is the variety of onyx you can find here — from deep black to swirls of white and brown.
Mojave Desert, California
The Mojave Desert is a vast desert in California that’s filled with sandy plains, rugged mountains, and hidden valleys. It’s a landscape that’s both challenging and rewarding to explore.
The onyx you can discover here is truly something special, with its deep, rich colors and intricate patterns that look like they’re telling a story.
You might find here pieces that range from deep blacks to earthy browns and even some with striking bands of white.
Bingham Canyon, Utah
Bingham Canyon is an amazing place in Utah that’s known for its huge open-pit mine. But it’s not just about the copper; there’s also a hidden world of beautiful rocks waiting to be discovered.
Its terrain is a mix of steep slopes and deep valleys, all part of the Rocky Mountains‘ incredible landscape. You can find a variety of colors of onyx here.
From soft pinks to deep, earthy tones, the onyx here is a reflection of Utah’s natural beauty.
Succor Creek, Oregon
Succor Creek is a place in Oregon like no other. It’s tucked away in the eastern part, where the landscape is full of rolling hills, deep canyons, and the kind of quiet that makes you feel like you’re the only person for miles.
The onyx found here is simply beautiful, with layers and bands of colors that look like they’ve been painted by nature itself.
You can find pieces that show off a mix of greens and browns, all smooth and glossy, perfect for adding to your collection.
El Paso County, Texas
El Paso County, right on the edge of Texas where it meets New Mexico and Mexico, is a mix of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and vast, open skies that seem to stretch on forever.
Its geography is as varied as the rocks you can find, with everything from flat plains to steep cliffs. And among these, you can find onyx.
The onyx here is unique because of its variety; you might stumble upon pieces with swirls of black, white, or even reddish bands.
Cave Creek, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of Arizona, Cave Creek is surrounded by the kind of wild, untamed beauty that makes you stop and look around.
With mountains that catch the last light of the day and valleys that hold onto the cool shadows, its terrain is a dream for adventurers.
You can see for yourself the value of onyx by looking at a specimen from this place. It comes in a range of colors, from deep blacks to earthy reds and everything in between.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is a massive park way down in West Texas. It boasts rugged mountains, deep canyons, and a vast desert.
One of the coolest things you can find here are different types of onyx. This isn’t your everyday rock. The onyx here comes in shades that might surprise you, from deep blacks to creamy whites and even some with stripes like a zebra.
Hunting for onyx in Big Bend is an adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery Texas has to offer.
Nye County, Nevada
Nye County is a real wonderland for folks who love rocks. This part of Nevada is like a giant, open book on the history of the land, with vast deserts, rugged mountains, and valleys.
It’s a place where every corner holds a new surprise, from ancient volcanic craters to hidden springs. And among these natural marvels, you can find some truly stunning onyx.
It comes in a variety of beautiful colors, each piece telling its own story of how it came to be.
Honeycomb Hills, Utah
Honeycomb Hills is a unique place that’s hidden away in the desert of Utah. Its landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops and deep ravines carved out by time.
It’s named for its honeycomb-like formations in the rocks, which are not only cool to look at but are also a hint that there’s something special to be found.
The onyx here is absolutely beautiful, with a range of colors (warm honey tones to deeper shades) that can dazzle anyone who sees them.
Owyhee Canyonlands, Oregon
Owyhee Canyonlands in Oregon is a mix of deep canyons, rushing rivers, and high desert landscapes. It’s like stepping into a different world.
The onyx you can find here is as unique as the terrain itself. It comes in stunning shades of red and green, making each find a special addition to any collection.
Exploring these lands, you get to see nature’s power and beauty up close, from the towering cliffs to the serene rivers that carve through the desert.
Royal Gorge, Colorado
Royal Gorge in Colorado is a place that’s as grand as its name suggests. It’s famous for its massive canyon that the Arkansas River has carved out over millions of years.
The bridge that spans the gorge is one of the highest in the country, offering views that are simply breathtaking. But more than just its stunning views, hidden within its rocks and cliffs, you can find onyx.
As beautiful as the landscape itself, the onyx here varies in color, with some pieces showcasing a mix of earthy tones.
Madison County, Montana
Madison County is nestled among the Rocky Mountains in Montana. It’s a blend of towering peaks, wide-open valleys, and crystal-clear streams that carve through the landscape.
It’s the kind of place where you can truly feel the grandeur of nature. And within this stunning backdrop, you can find onyx that’s as impressive as the scenery.
It shines with shades of green that seem to capture the essence of the Montana wilderness.
Lander County, Nevada
In Lander County, Nevada, the wild spirit of the West is still alive and kicking! With its vast, open landscapes, towering mountain ranges, and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, it’s a haven for adventurers and rockhounds.
The ground beneath your feet is just as exciting as the views, especially when you’re on the hunt for onyx.
Here, the onyx is as varied as the landscape, with colors that range from deep, mysterious blacks to earthy browns and even vibrant reds.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of California, is a little slice of paradise. Surrounded by the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean, the island is a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush hills.
This island has a rich history of onyx mining. The pieces that were found here are known for their beautiful, polished appearance and range of colors, from deep blacks to creamy whites.
While many of the old mines are no longer active, the legacy of onyx on Catalina is still alive.
Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota is full of towering pine forests, deep canyons, and wide-open grasslands. Among these natural treasures, you can find onyx.
The specimen here might not be as famous as some other gems found in the Black Hills, but it’s just as fascinating. It comes in various shades that reflect the unique geology of this area.
For many, the Black Hills offer not just the chance to find onyx but also to explore one of the most scenic and historic regions in the country.
